Natural Health and Wellness

Still doing great!  Yesterday, I made some cookies using xylitol for my children-they loved them!  They came out soft instead of crispy but I think it is because of the xylitol.  Sugar would crystalize and make the cookies crispy whereas xylitol doesn't.  Oh well, the goal was to satisfy there sugar cravings and I think I accomplished this, so each week I shall bake a new batch....

Day 7 and feeling fabulous!  I am definitely going to do these cleansers more often.  In fact, starting this week, I am getting ready to make all kinds of healthy sweet treats for my kids with carob and xylitol.  I will be sharing those recipes on my blog.  I feel like I am over the worst now and can keep going for my 30 days as planned, just in time for the holidays....don't know if anybody is even reading this, but it keeps me going anyway.....

Ever wonder why cheese is so addictive? Even those going on a primarily plant-based diet tend to continue craving and eating cheese. Did you know that cheese has trace amounts of morphine? Really. Cow and human milk have trace amounts of this opiate drug to ensure that babies will bond to their mothers and the vital milk they need to grow. Here are a few informative articles about dairy and cheese. Addicted to Cheese? Here's Why " In 1981, Eli Hazum and his colleagues at Wellcome Research Laboratories reported traces of the chemical morphine, a highly addictive opiate. It turns out that morphine is found in cow milk and human, purportedly to ensure offspring will bond very strongly with their mothers and get all the nutrients they need to grow. Researchers also discovered the protein casein, which breaks into casomorphins when it is digested and also produces opiate effects. In cheese, casein is concentrated, and so is the level of casomorphins, so the pleasurable effect is ...

Day 5 and feeling great!  I truly feel more wide-eyed and less irritable.....Funny, I thought that the caffeine would make one feel wide eyed!  Tonight will be a hard one to resist a glass of nice red wine, as we are having pizza -let's see.....

I hope you are all well and enjoying the beauty of the snow!!! I just wanted to send you some tips I received from my trainer Patricia Crane as they are very useful especially at this time. In our already busy lives, the holidays are often a time of more stress rather than more joy and fun. Buying presents can stretch the family budget, demands on time increase, and family gatherings can be a challenge. This year simplify your life with these tips and enjoy the season more! 1. Begin with affirmations that this season is a fun and enjoyable time for you and your family. When you become aware of any negative thoughts about the holidays, tell yourself, 'stop!' Affirm that everything will get done easily. 2. Practice stress management! Remember to breathe deeply and easily, letting your shoulders, neck, and back relax and let go. 3. During the holidays the average person gains 5 pounds and then has to do a New Year's Resolution to lose them! Set an intention to maintain your we...

Day 4 and doing great!  The headache has subsided and I must say I just feel so much better drinking more water.  I even resisted a cup of afternoon tea with my son's 5 year birthday cake yesterday.  I am really enjoying drinking South African Rooibos tea, which is delicious and really good for you...

I absolutely love good red wine and good coffee!  However, I have decided to cut these out of my daily consumption for the next 30 days.  Eeek, what will I do without my morning cup of coffee and my so looked forward to glass of red wine as the sun is setting over the ocean whilst I am cooking?  Well, I started yesterday and so far so good.  I have a massive headache right now from the caffeine withdrawal.  I have also cut out tea containing caffeine and again this will be huge for me, as I very much enjoy a cup of tea in the afternoons.  I am replacing my fluids with lots of water (which I seriously am bad about drinking in general) and fruit juices that do not contain sugar. SO LET'S SEE HOW I GO AND HOW I FEEL AT THE END.  I have never been able to stick to one of these cleansers, but I am hoping that if I record it in my blog, it will give me the vuma to keep going.