Oh No, a Lump in my Breast Comments

Feb 01, 2010 | Who is Jo Anne Fogarty

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Heard something from my doctor that I never wanted to hear.  “I feel a lump here, think we better look into it further.”  There is no history in my family of breast cancer, and I have never felt healthier — even though I just turned 65.

I truly wasn’t too worried about it and I figured it was just a cyst or perhaps a different type of fibroid. My doctor is also a teacher at UCLA Med School, and she told me a year or two ago that the medical field was no longer suggesting self-examination for those of us with fibrous breasts, because we have too many ‘false’ scares.

I also was confident because I had been taking Xango, a product with Xanthones that work wonders on antioxidants and inflammation.  There is testimony after testimony by people who’s cancer has miraculously vanished after taking Xango.

My son-in-law had major cancer surgery, and unfortunately didn’t learn about Xango until four months after.  But he credits Xango with helping him get through heavy chemo and radiation treatments.  Praise be to God, he is three years cancer free.  His surgeon says he is a walking miracle, for the team of doctors were not able to get all the cancer out of his body during surgery because it was too close to vital areas.  The surgeon really thought my son-in-law would die.  You can read his full story on my blog.

So off I go to get my mammogram — with special ultrasound for the “mass” on my left breast.

I could feel the tiny little lump in my left breast.  It was near the same place that I had a cyst aspirated about 20 years ago.  I believed it was just another cyst.  At that time I learned cysts sometimes never come back, sometimes they come back often, and sometimes they come back years and years later.

The technician that took my mammogram asked where the lump was, and put a sticker on it for the mammogram.  After the films were taken, I was ushered into a second room where I was asked to lie down on the bed.  Another technician came in and put gel on my breast and on the ultrasound tool — and began searching for the mass.  She searched and searched and searched.  She asked me again where it was — I pointed it out.  She searched again.  Nothing was showing up!!  this baffled her – so she excused herself and went for a doctor.  The doctor came in – and she searched and searched.

I told her about the cyst I had many years ago.  She responded, “A cyst would show up also.”  But reported she too couldn’t find anything.  I told the doctor that was what I expected, and that it was very good news.  I told her I had been praying and drinking Xango.  She concurred that we don’t know why, but miracles do happen.

The following week I went to my internist.  I told him about the mammogram and Xango.  He said “There are many miracles the medical profession cannot explain.”  I received more good news from my internist.  My cholesterol went from 230 to 202!!!

I’ve been at a loss as to how to control my cholesterol.  Each year my doctor says exercise more and eat less.  Well, I go to Curves often (I have my 400 visit shirt)!  I am a Life Member of Weight Watchers, having achieved my goal weight three years ago — and still maintaining that weight.  I eat a very healthy diet today — and have for the past four years.  But my cholesterol had been up and I was unable to figure out why.

After a few months of drinking Xango — my cholesterol is down almost 30 points.   And I’m not the only person with reduced cholesterol readings from Xango.  There are many testimonials attributing the lowering of cholesterol to drinking Xango.  As a matter of fact, there are several books with testimonials about the Xango miracles.  It’s incredible the different types of problems — from chronic ailments to severe burns — all under control after taking Xango juice.

Why does Xango have a healing effect on so many different problems of the body?  Because most problems have the same root cause — inflammation.  In a separate article I’ll explain more about inflammation, why it’s deadly, and how you can control the inflammation in your body, and thus your chronic ailments.

Who’s On First – 2009 Style Comments

Oct 19, 2009 | Too Funny to Not Share

If Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were alive today, their infamous sketch, “Who’s on First?” might have turned out something like this:

COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?
COSTELLO: Yes. I’m setting up an office in my den & I’m thinking about buying a computer.
ABBOTT: Mac?
COSTELLO: No, the name’s Lou.
ABBOTT: Your computer?
COSTELLO: I don’t own a computer. I want to buy one.
ABBOTT: Mac?
COSTELLO: I told you, my name’s Lou.
ABBOTT: What about Windows?
COSTELLO: Why? Will it get stuffy in here?
ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows?
COSTELLO: I don’t know. What will I see when I look at the windows?
ABBOTT: Wallpaper.
COSTELLO: Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software.
ABBOTT: Software for Windows?
COSTELLO: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business. What do you have?
ABBOTT: Office.
COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything?
ABBOTT: I just did.
COSTELLO: You just did what?
ABBOTT: Recommend something.
COSTELLO: You recommended something?
ABBOTT: Yes.
COSTELLO: For my office?
ABBOTT: Yes.
COSTELLO : OK, what did you recommend for my office?
ABBOTT: Office.
COSTELLO: Yes, for my office!
ABBOTT: I recommend Office with Windows.
COSTELLO: I already have an office with windows! OK, let’s just say I’m sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need?
ABBOTT: Word.
COSTELLO: What word?
ABBOTT: Word in Office.
COSTELLO: The only word in office is office.
ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows.
COSTELLO: Which word in office for windows?
ABBOTT: The Word you get when you click the blue “W”.
COSTELLO: I’m going to click your blue “w” if you don’t start with some straight answers.
ABBOTT: What about financial bookkeeping?
COSTELLO: You have anything I can track my money with?
ABBOTT: Money.
COSTELLO: That’s right. What do you have?
ABBOTT: Money.
COSTELLO: I need money to track my money?
ABBOTT: It comes bundled with your computer.
COSTELLO: What’s bundled with my computer?
ABBOTT: Money.
COSTELLO: Money comes with my computer?
ABBOTT: Yes. No extra charge.
COSTELLO: I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?
ABBOTT: One copy.
COSTELLO: Isn’t it illegal to copy money?
ABBOTT: Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money.
COSTELLO: They can give you a license to copy money?
ABBOTT: Why not? THEY OWN IT!
(A few days later)
ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?
COSTELLO: How do I turn my computer off?
ABBOTT: Click on “START”…………

What are Treatments for the Flu? Comments

Oct 19, 2009 | Health Tips

How to Treat the Flu.

If you believe you have the flu – regular seasonal flu or the swine flu, you must take care of yourself.  If you are wondering if you have the flu or a cold, see my prior blog post, or view the whole article.

1.    Stay HOME and rest.  Bed rest is the best.  You don’t want to weaken your body by expending energy needed just to get dressed for work.  This is a time when your body needs its strength to fight the virus.

2.    Drink plenty of fluids to keep from getting dehydrated.

3.    Don’t drink alcohol because this can increase dehydration and weaken your immune system’s response.

4.    Don’t smoke – it is not good for your respiratory system.

5.    Do take over the counter pain relievers (but don’t give to children or teens) for your head ache or muscle aches.

6.    Avoid infecting others.  Stay in a separate room and try to use a separate bathroom.  Your wearing a mask may help not spread the illness to those around you.  But from what I’ve read, a mask for the healthy people does not protect them and may actually give a false sense of security.

7.    Some doctors are prescribing an antiviral such as Tamiflu or Relenza, which may shorten the course of the illness by a day or two if the medication is given within the first 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

8.    Without the antiviral medication, expect to recover in about five days.  Yes, this means you should be in bed for five days.  Always stay home if you have a fever or think you may be coming down with the flu.  Adults can spread the flu to others up to five days after getting sick.  A general rule of thumb is to stay home for 24 hours after the fever is gone (without taking fever-lowering medications).  That gives your body one more day to recover.  However, if your cough or congestion hasn’t diminished much from its peak, you could still be infectious.

9.    Be sure to talk with your doctor if you are a high risk patient with a history of pneumonia, sepsis or severe asthma attacks.  And of course, people ages 65 and older, those with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women and young children.

Normally you should not need to go to the hospital with H1N1.  But the virus can lead to other illnesses – bronchitis, pneumonia, sepsis and asthma flare-ups.

Emergency signs for children with flu – whether it be H1N1 or seasonal flu:

1.    Fast or labored breathing.

2.    Bluish skin color – indicates not getting enough oxygen.

3.    Not drinking enough fluids – at risk for dehydration

4.    Not waking up or interacting – very severe case.

5.    Being so irritable that the child doesn’t want to be held – also indication of more severe illness.

6.    The return of flu symptoms after appearing to recover.  This may indicate a secondary illness or that it wasn’t the flu.

7.    Fever with a rash – which may indicate an illness other than the flu.

Danger signs for adults with flu:

1.    Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath (an indication of pneumonia or sepsis).

2.    Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, indicating a more serious case of that it’s not the flu.

3.    Sudden dizziness – an indication of not getting enough oxygen.

4.    Confusion – also indicating may not get enough oxygen.

5.    Severe or persistent vomiting – which can lead to dehydration.

How to protect  from flu – either H1N1 or the seasonal flu:

1.    Get a flu shot!!  No get two flu shots.  One for the seasonal flu – and one for the H1N1 virus.  Protect you and those around you. (Check with your doctor about the H1N1 if you are over 49 years old)

2.    Wash your hands!!  With soap and warm water – for at least 20 seconds.  If soap and water are not available, the alcohol gels will help.  Wash often.

3.    Don’t get over tired.  Try to get your normal amount of sleep.  And if you feel tired – take a rest.  Your body does it’s repair work when you are sleeping.

4.    Stay away from those you know are ill.  If you’re co-workers come in sick – find a way to force them to go home.  It’s better for them – as well as for you.

5.    If you are really susceptible, try to stay in safe environments – like your home, with friends and family you know are not ill.
Stay healthy – eat healthy foods – get plenty of sleep.  To further boost your immune system, you should look into this health juice.   Hopefully you will not get the flu or a cold this season.  But if you do, PLEASE stay home.

First published:  http://ezinearticles.com/?Whats-the-Difference-Between-Cold-and-Flu?&id=2929189

Difference between Cold and Flu Comments

Oct 19, 2009 | Health Tips

What are the flu symptoms vs a cold?  What are symptoms of H1N1 or Swine Flu?

Wondering if you have a cold, the seasonal flu or H1N1 flu often called the Swine flu.  The symptoms for the common cold and the flu are definitely different.

Flu symptoms:

1.    The flu comes on suddenly.  You get up feeling fine but sometime during the day you start to get aching and shivering.

2.    A fever usually accompanies the aches when you have the flu.

3.    You might also have a headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat and/or nasal congestion.

4.    Sometimes vomiting or diarrhea accompany the flu, but usually in children.

Cold Symptoms:

1.    Usually develops over a few days.

2.    May or may not have a sore throat and cough.

3.    Nasal congestion that may be accompanied by a headache if the sinus are inflamed.

4.    Usually there is no fever or aches with a cold.

How do you know if you have H1N1 Flu Strain?

You won’t.  Unless your doctor tests you with a swab of nasal secretions.  But remember, far more people die from the usual flu strain than are reported dying from the H1N1 strain.   And the treatment is the same for H1N1 as for the seasonal flu.  Nevertheless, it does seem to be quite contagious.   So protect yourself and those around you.

New research suggests the H1N1 virus can spread many days after the fever ends.  Swine flu appears to be contagious longer than the seasonal flu.  You’re probably contagious for about a week.  So if you care about your family, friends, and co-workers – take the week off.  Get your laptop and work from home.  And, as mentioned above, take particular care as long as you are coughing.  When the coughing stops, that is probably a better sign of when a H1N1 patient is no longer contagious.

On way to help stave off both a cold and the flu is by getting rid of the inflammation in your body with this health product.

First Published at:  http://ezinearticles.com/?Whats-the-Difference-Between-Cold-and-Flu?&id=2929189

Xango 21 Day Challenge Comments

Sep 30, 2009 | Health Tips

The Xango 21 Day Challenge has been used by ever so many people to clean the toxins from their bodies.   I personally learned about the challenge from my sponsor who’s cousin took the challenge and her doctors were mystified that the tumors disappeared.   I also saw the difference Xango made on my son-in-law’s recovery when he had Cancer surgery.  Too bad we didn’t hear about Xango months earlier.  I found this explanation at Mangosteen Healthy Option.

1. Drink 1 whole bottle of Xango juice (about 25 oz.) per day for 21 days
2. PLUS about a gallon of distilled or purified water.

The “21-Day Challenge” proposes that individuals who have critical health problems — just about any form of cancer — issue a challenge to their health condition by committing themselves to drink an entire 25 oz. bottle of Xango juice each day for a period of 21 days, **PLUS** drinking at least one gallon (eight 16 oz. glasses) of pure water—such as spring or distilled water—along with the juice. The 4 to 6 hour half-life of Xango juice in the body would suggest that the consumption of both juice and water be spread out somewhat evenly throughout the 24 hours.  This is important in order to flush the toxins from the body. The only probable uncomfortable thing about it is the need to go to a toilet many times.
NOTE: It is essential that the recommended amount of water be consumed along with the juice. As the Xango juice is consumed, the cells begin to function normally to clear and release toxins into the blood stream—and these toxins must be eliminated from the body. The rule of thumb for water consumption is 1/2 ounce for every pound of body weight for those who are sedentary, or 2/3 ounce for every pound of body weight for those who are active. For example, if you weight 100 pounds and are not active you would drink 50 ounces of water.
To make sure you are drinking all the water you need, find a large pitcher and fill it in the morning, making sure to consume all of the water before evening (refilled as necessary). Otherwise, you will think you’ve had enough water, but in fact, that is seldom the case.  (If you are unable to drink the required water, it is better to use less Xango juice)

To Get Your Xango“  Get Xango Here

Additional Information:
August 24, 2004
From John and Gina Jurewicz
Hi Everyone,
We were on the healthcare professional call tonight and got the specifics on the 21 day cancer challenge. Dr. Engles said to gradually increase to 8 ounces a day before you start the 21 day cancer challenge.

Xango 21 Day Diet Menu

Recommended intake per day:

BREAKFAST
20 min before breakfast:
drink 1/3 bottle Xango juice
NO distilled water consumed until right before lunch
Enjoy Breakfast

LUNCH
30 min before lunch:
drink 1/3 gallon distilled water
10 min later
drink 1/3 bottle of Xango juice
20 min later
Enjoy Lunch

DINNER
30 min before dinner:
drink 1/3 gallon distilled water
10 min later
drink 1/3 bottle of Xango juice
20 min later
Enjoy Dinner

Drink the remaining 1/3 gallon distilled water
spread out over the rest of the day.

NOTE: Information herein is NOT intended to be taken as medical advice. No therapeutic or medical claims are either implied or made. DO NOT ALTER ANY MEDICAL TREATMENT, OR THE USE OF MEDICATIONS, WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF YOUR MEDICAL CARE PROVIDER. FDA regulations prohibit the use of therapeutic or medical claims in conjunction with the sale of any product not approved by the FDA.

4 Tips on How To Live Longer Comments

Sep 19, 2009 | Health Tips

A new study just released clearly points to four tips on how to live longer. People who followed all four healthy programs were at far lower risk compared with people who followed none: 93% lower risk for diabetes, 81% for a heart attack, 50% for a stroke and 36% for cancer.

Here are the four tips on how to live longer:

1. Regular physical exercise, essential to optimal health. The study recommends at least 3 ½ hours per week. There’s no excuse for not doing this one. It can be Free. Walking is Free. Running or Jogging is Free. After you get a bicycle, biking is Free. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator is Free. There are some walking groups for Seniors, and in the malls that are also Free.

Looking for a little more fun as you’re living a healthy life. How about swimming or group exercise classes at your local Y. There are also dance classes, yoga or tai chi. You just have to search them out. The internet is a great place to start.

And of course, there are the gyms. I personally go to Curves and enjoy getting through the twelve or fifteen resistance machines in about 30 minutes. Sometimes not a word is said, but usually the women begin chatting about one thing or another and that makes the time go even faster. My husband prefers a regular gym with weights and resistance machines and treadmills and stationary bicycles for his cardio work out.

2. Eat healthy foods is elementary to living a healthy life. We all learn the basics in school. The four food groups. I grew up with meat, starch, vegetables and dairy. But actually that is not the way to eat healthy. What one really needs to do is focus on fruits and vegetables, add a minimum amount of red meat, and cut down on sugar and refined flowers (anything white). In case you haven’t heard, eggs are good for you again. Dairy too is important, but watch out for the calories here. And don’t forget the value of water. Did you know that often when you think you are hungry, you are really just dehydrated and need some water. So next time you feel hungry, try drinking some water and see if that satisfies you.

The study underscores that shifting to a healthier diet helps the heart – even if a person remains overweight. And as a side benefit, people who alter their diets often find they lose weight as well.

3. Don’t smoke seems to be key to optimum health. If you have never smoked, your life expectancy is already higher than those that have smoked – even if they have stopped. In the study, people who had never smoked and who maintained a BMI under 30 had a 72% reduction of chronic disease People who never smoked reduced heart attack risk the most of all four factors.

4. Avoid becoming obese is important to living a healthy life. A BMI under 30 lowered overall disease risk the most – particularly for diabetes. They study goes into the BMI index of the participants. Well I say forget the BMI. You know when the pants you wore last year don’t fit. You know when you have to buy new clothes because you can’t button last season’s clothes. Come on, get mad at yourself. And make yourself get fit. Did you hear that guy on the biggest looser show saying he would stop and eat 3 hamburgers on the way home to dinner. Yikes! How about only getting one hamburger before dinner – just for starters. Well, you get the picture. It’s time to cut down – not out.

These four tips on how to live longer should not surprise you. You have been hearing about them for years. But with this study we see that each of the four healthy factors reduce chronic disease risk.

Want to live a healthy life? The cardiologists are stressing to their patients more and more that cardiovascular disease is in the hands of each individual patient. You have the power to change. The power to put healthy programs in your daily routine. Even within a few years time you will see changes in chronic diseases associated with these health factors. So start now. And watch your LDL cholesterol and blood pressure go down.

The study was conducted by Researchers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Germany. They examined the habits of 23,153 German men and women between the ages of 35 and 65. At the start of the study the scientists measured participants heights and weights and asked them about their diseases, lifestyle habits and diets.

Researchers reviewed the participants’ medical records about eight years later, looking for diabetes, heart attacks, strokes or cancer. The study’s findings should apply to people living in the United States as well as those in Germany.

The conclusion on how to live longer – do these four things. But the surprising thing is that only 9% of the people in the study practiced all four healthy lifestyle choices that would help them live longer and have optimal health. Four percent practiced none. 35% followed two of the healthy practices.

So how about you? Are you living a healthy life? Are these healthy programs routine for you? Do you want to live longer? Here’s hoping you’re on your way to optimum health.

First published: EzineArticles.com

4 Steps to Strong Nails Comments

Aug 24, 2009 | Health Tips

How to Turn Split Nails and Brittle Nails into Hard Nails.

When I owned my flower shop, my nails went from Strong Nails to Brittle Nails in a matter of weeks. It’s the water. When you work with flowers, you hands are constantly wet. After I sold my shop, I went to my dermatologist and this formula for strong nails really worked for me.

Briefly, the four steps to strong nails are:

1. Remove the Nail Polish;
2. Take Biotin for no more than 30 days;
3. Wear gloves;
4. Get some hoof dressing.

Sounds crazy, but it works.

Click for the full article on “How To Get Strong Nails”.

Myths About Weight Loss Comments

Jun 20, 2009 | Weight Loss

We have to begin this discussion … with some myths about weight loss.  Many of these weight loss myths actually produce weight gain.  Here again, I will be relating to information from Dr. Mark Hyman’s “UltraMetabolism” and “The Ultra Simple 7-Day Diet”.

The First Myth:  The Starvation Myth
This myth says that if you eat less, exercise more … you will lose weight.  While it is partially true, it really depends on WHAT you eat.  I had a friend that liked to just have a piece of apple pie for lunch when she was ‘dieting’.  Apples are good for you she would say.  And there can’t be many calories in just one little piece of pie!!

If you have a diet high in trans fats or high-fructose corn syrup, yet keep your calories down, you’re weight loss will be minimal.  You will feel hungry and tired and get discouraged.  You’ve got to watch out for the ‘empty calories’ (refined carbohydrates and toxic fats with little nutritional value.  They send all the wrong messages to your genes, turning on the messages that promote weight gain, changes in hormones, increases to molecules that trigger more hunger, inflammation, and more.

Instead, throw away your calorie counter and begin choosing whole foods that contain no toxic or hydrogenated fats or high-fructose corn syrup.  And above all, stay away from convenience foods.

I thought I was being so good to eat just one small Yoplait yogurt for lunch.  Till I realized it had high-fructose corn syrup – and it was contributing to my ‘starvation’.  You’ll understand what I mean when you read below.

What are ‘whole foods’?
*    High-fiber foods:     beans, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds.
*    Quality Proteins:    beans, nuts and seeds, eggs, fish, lean poultry, lamb, pork or beef
*    Healthy Fats:    fish oil, extra virgin olive oil, cold-expeller-pressed plant oils, such as grapeseed, walnut and sesame, avocado, olives, coconut, nuts, seeds.
*    Healthy Carbohydrates:
Vegetables, whole grains, beans, fruit, nuts, seeds.

So you see, not all calories are created equal.  The food you eat contains information for your genes that controls your metabolism.  The information changes your metabolism and can increase OR decrease your weight.  A whole-food diet is the best way to help food communicate to your genes in a language it understands.

And for heavens sakes – don’t skip meals.  Have several smaller meals.  Ideal is breakfast, morning snack, light lunch, afternoon snack, and dinner.  Then NOTHING until morning.  Pounds can drop if you don’t eat 3 hours prior to going to bed.

The main problem with skipping meals and starving yourself is it sets of chemical response inside your body – that actually encourages you to eat more!!  So by not eating – you go on binges when you do have the opportunity.

And to add insult to injury.  When your body feels it is deprived of food – it starts storing your fat (so you can’t lose weight).  I think of it as the little squirrels that stuff all the acorns in the trees during the summer, so they have food for the winter.  So by eating many smaller meals – your body is content and doesn’t have to go the extra measure of storing your fat – it can actually help you get rid of the fat.

Next Myth: The Calorie Myth.

Lose Weight with a Gluten-Free Smoothie Comments

Jun 03, 2009 | My Recipe Favorites, Weight Loss

Since I have Hyper-Thyroid, I try not to eat gluten. It’s hard because I love cookies – and I’m not too fond of most gluten free varieties. But I find that if I start my day without gluten, not only do I feel better with more energy, but I believe I am on the road to losing some ounces that day. It’s a good way to start the morning.

There are two key ingredients to my smoothies or shakes. The first is ground flax seeds. Flax seeds are one way to get some omega-3 fat in your system. If you’re like me, the fishy tasting capsules are not acceptable. So I get some of my omega-3 and fiber from a daily dose of flax seeds. Do not use flax in more than 2 shakes a day!

The other key ingredient for someone with hyper-thyroid is rice protein powder. When I first went to the health food store, I couldn’t find it. There are so many other types of protein powders – mostly soy. But I don’t do soy. I also have Rosacea and my doctor tells me that soy is a no no for Rosacea. My favorite rice protein powder is NutriBiotic Vegan 80% Rice Protein. It comes in Chocolate and Vanilla. I prefer Chocolate. You only need one heaping tablespoon of it – and you get 12 grams of protein!! One Tablespoon is just 1 point for Weight Watchers.

You’ll also notice a combination flax and borage oil. I only add this during the two weeks or so I am on a detox. It is expensive, and it is an optional ingredient for every day.

SMOOTHIE WITH RICE PROTEIN AND FLAX

6-8 ounces of filtered water
½ to 1 cup fresh or frozen fruit*
2 scoops of rice protein powder (check directions on product for serving size)
1 TB organic combination flax and borage oil (optional)
2 TB ground flax seeds
Ice (optional)
(NOTE: For Weight Watchers, count one smoothie as 2 points.)

*I try to always have some fresh strawberries on hand. I have found that Dole frozen cherries seem to be especially sweet – so I always include about 5 cherries. And, of course, blueberries do you so much good that I include about 10 in each of my shakes.

Some tips on fresh fruit. When I purchase my blueberries fresh, I wash them, pat dry, place in plastic bag, and freeze immediately. For Weight Watchers, you can measure the exact quantity for counting your points. They never spoil on my, and are very refreshing during the day.

Being a Weight Watcher, I seldom use bananas because they just do add weight (but at least it’s not permanent). But frozen bananas really add to the smoothie, especially when it’s hot. Peal the banana, break it in two, place it on a “Press n Seal” was paper and cover it taking out as much air as possible. Place in a baggie and freeze. Now you can cut or tear the portion of the banana you want to use.

In the summer, fresh fruit is a real treat – and makes a definite difference.   Freeaing fruit is a terrific way to help your “fresh fruit” stay fresh.  Because our systems and our diets are so full of acid, it’s a good idea to avoid citrus for your morning shakes.

SOME VARIATIONS

* Change out some ½ cup water for ½ cup plain, unsweetened, gluten-free almond or hazelnut milk

* Add for flavor (and calories, of course) 1-2 TB nutbutter (almond, macadamia, pecan)

* Add yogurt or tofu.

Hope you enjoy your smoothies.

First Published:  http://www.Squidoo.com/glutenfreesmoothie

Metabolism slowed down in middle age? Helen Phillips showed America that losing weight — Can Be Done!!! Comments

May 24, 2009 | Weight Loss

Congratulations Helen Phillips!! This 48 year old beat out contestants half her age on NBC’s weight-loss competition, “America’s Biggest Loser” for couples. Helen is living proof that even when your metabolism slows down, you can lose weight.

Helen said “No matter how old you are, you CAN make the change IF you have the dedication and the drive. Helen lost 140 pounds since the competition began in September, 2008 – to win $250,000 grand prize. She overcame a sluggish metabolism by proper diet and exercise.

She praised her husband, Russell, a Chrysler auto worker, for his support. And credited celebrity fitness coach Jillian Michaels for helping her lose the weight during the 18 weeks of the show. Wow!! That’s darn near 10 pounds a week!

I assume NBC provides doctor supervision. For I wouldn’t recommend you try to lose 10 pounds a week – unless you are extremely obese.

I’d also like to praise Helen Phillips for continuing to lose weight after she got home. An additional 32 pounds. She did have a personal trainer in Sterling Heights, Michigan named Shauhen Tahrebandi. Helen said “I couldn’t have done it without him at home.”

Phillips went from 257 pounds to 117 pounds!!

The reason she could lose so much weight – and most of us can’t. Dedication. Total dedication. She worked out six hours a day!! That was two hours in the morning, two hours in the afternoon and two hours in the evening. (I don’t think any of our sport jocks work out that much). Helen is showing us that exercise AND diet are important. Of course, the $250,000 incentive was a huge factor also.

Some weight loss tips for the all of us from Helen Phillips:

Be prepared. Pack your food so you don’t fall into bad habits like stopping for fast food.

Never make Excuses. “It’s a priority now to go to the gym or do some kind of physical exercise every day,” she said.

Believe you CAN do it. “I was tired of doubting myself, she said. “Stop saying you can’t and start saying you can.”

First Published: http://www.squidoo.com/weightlossHelenPhillips