Who hasn't had a problem with insomnia? Raise your hand. Exactly. EVERYONE at some point has battled with the ugly monster called insomnia. We've tried everything from counting sheep, to a warm bath AND milk, lavender, rigorous exercise four hours beforehand, developing the same pattern to ready the body for bed,and the list goes on. The rituals we've all tried to catch those elusive zzzzzz's are at times hilarious and emotionally as well as physically draining but still not enough to get us "calling the hogs."
I have to say, my latest discovery makes me feel like I've been keeping a dirty little secret by not sharing with you and I'm here to tell you, this is a GOOD one!
Everyone knows that lavender is one of those essential oils that is good for a multitude of things, including relaxing the senses, thus allowing the body to welcome sleep with open arms. Everyone also knows that massaging the body stimulates circulation as well as relaxing the muscles. Why not put the two together?
I know, I'm brilliant right?
Well, here it is. The Lavender Mint Tea line. Sure, the line was designed for the feet, but I've personally found the benefits travel above, beyond and around the feet. It's genius!
I sprinkle the foot soak crystals (they work for the entire body too)into my bath while it's running so they have time to dissolve. Once I sink into my bath, my body is already primed for relaxation because that delicious fragrance of lavender mixed with refreshing mint lightly tickles the air.
Once I've given my body a bit of time to enjoy the warmth of the water, I use the scrub to gently exfoliate the dead skin while stimulating my blood and relaxing my muscles at the same time. What could be better?
I'll tell you what could be better. Once I emerge from my bath, the fragrance and the scrub have already begun to do their job. I massage the organic, moisturizing cream into my skin from neck to toes-further relaxing my tired and sometimes achy muscles. The refreshing finishing spray is the last step in the process for me. The gentle mist in the air with the scent of lavender is the last step in the process that signals...it's a wrap!
This has truly worked for me every single time I feel anxious or not relaxed enough for a good night's sleep to be within reach for me.
Whether I take a quick shower before bed or a long, luxurious bath, my senses are exposed to the lavender well before my head hits the pillow. The
luscious scent begins to work its magic on my senses and before long, it's off to beddy bye!
I don't know about you but if I read this kind of endorsement from someone else and I was experiencing the same problem, I'd be inclined to give it a shot. What have you got to lose except for some skin that's dead anyway?
Here's the link to investigate further if you're so inclined. http://www.thagoodlyfe.com Until then, I wish you peace and good sleep! Makes a great mother's day gift too!
Discussion of various topics relating to improving your life; whether it is nutrition needs that need to be altered to accomplish the dream of better living or tips that will improve your appreciation of life, I'm just amazed at what can be accomplished when people put their egos aside and come together to help one another. Possibilities are so exciting! So is hope!
Showing posts with label luxury lifestyle living. Show all posts
Showing posts with label luxury lifestyle living. Show all posts
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Wanna lose weight? You gotta up that water intake!
Water...yes, it does a body good!
Incredible as it may seem, water is quite possibly the single most important catalyst in losing weight AND keeping it off for good!
Although most of us take it for granted, water may be the only true 'magic potion' for permanent weight loss! Here's why:
Water suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolize stored fat! Isn't that amazing? There is an additional way to get to that stored fat after all! Woohoo! So, you know what that means right? It means that the opposite is also true. If you decrease your water intake, this could cause fat deposits to increase while an increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits! You know why? Well, let me tell you...the kidneys can't function properly without enough water. When they don't work to capacity, some of their load is dumped onto the liver.
One of the liver's primary functions is to metabolize stored fat into usable energy for the body but, if the liver has to do some of the kidney's work, it can't operate the way it's supposed to. As a result, the liver metabolizes less fat and more fat remains stored in the body and weight loss stops...bummer, right?
So, get that water in people! Especially if you're trying to lose weight and just because you need water in your life period. Can't drink water straight up? Try it with a twist of fresh lemon and lime. Still not doing it for you? Add one of those drinks to go from crystal light into a 16 ounce bottle filled with water. Add that fresh lemon and lime to the mixture and you'll soon be slurping that water by the gallon. By the way...the daily minimum goal is 64 ounces but, you can do better than that...try to work your way towards doubling it! 128 ounces. If you're trying to lose weight, that 128 ounces will have you looking slim and svelte in no time! Remember, there are only 13 weeks until Memorial Day weekend! Get ready, get set, Drink!!!
Incredible as it may seem, water is quite possibly the single most important catalyst in losing weight AND keeping it off for good!
Although most of us take it for granted, water may be the only true 'magic potion' for permanent weight loss! Here's why:
Water suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolize stored fat! Isn't that amazing? There is an additional way to get to that stored fat after all! Woohoo! So, you know what that means right? It means that the opposite is also true. If you decrease your water intake, this could cause fat deposits to increase while an increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits! You know why? Well, let me tell you...the kidneys can't function properly without enough water. When they don't work to capacity, some of their load is dumped onto the liver.
One of the liver's primary functions is to metabolize stored fat into usable energy for the body but, if the liver has to do some of the kidney's work, it can't operate the way it's supposed to. As a result, the liver metabolizes less fat and more fat remains stored in the body and weight loss stops...bummer, right?
So, get that water in people! Especially if you're trying to lose weight and just because you need water in your life period. Can't drink water straight up? Try it with a twist of fresh lemon and lime. Still not doing it for you? Add one of those drinks to go from crystal light into a 16 ounce bottle filled with water. Add that fresh lemon and lime to the mixture and you'll soon be slurping that water by the gallon. By the way...the daily minimum goal is 64 ounces but, you can do better than that...try to work your way towards doubling it! 128 ounces. If you're trying to lose weight, that 128 ounces will have you looking slim and svelte in no time! Remember, there are only 13 weeks until Memorial Day weekend! Get ready, get set, Drink!!!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Potato Potahto!
Yum! Yum!
Some people love bread, some love cake, some love candy but me? Oh no, bread, especially warm crispy bread that is served as appetizers in Leona's, for example, with some nice garlic butter is quite delicious that's for sure. But, if it wasn't there, I wouldn't miss it, unlike some of us who are practically crack fiends for some freshly baked, warm buttered bread. Then there are those that don't feel as though their meal is complete unless they have a piece of cake at the end. I can understand wanting, needing dessert but again, if I don't have something sweet at the end of my meal, I'm alright with that.
But baby, I have to tell you, I am a 'crack fiend' when it comes to potatoes. Oh how I love my potatoes! I have to say, if ever there was a food that I'm a slave to, it's the mighty spud!
Potatoes have gotten a bad rap because they are a carbohydrate but; did you know that the potato actually has 0 (zero) grams of fat. Carbohydrates in general have gotten a bad rap but the fact is, we need carbohydrates for energy. The problem occurs when people overuse carbohydrates. While it's true that carbs have the ability to become fat if they're not used properly, that only happens if you eat carbs and then go park yourself on the couch like a bump on a log.
Potatoes actually re-energize your body, especially after a grueling workout. Potatoes may be your best friend because not only do they give you the good kind of carbs, potatoes have been known to soothe ruffled nerves and elevate your mood. Isn't that great? A get happy spud! I'll take one of those any day of the week vs all of the unhealthy alternatives.
Ever wonder why those french fries make you feel as if all is right with the world? Even though that isn't the ideal way to get your potatoes for the optimal benefits they provide, there is a method to the madness. Potatoes are packed with Vitamin B6, which is needed to boost serotonin which is actually the natural brain chemical that makes you feel so happy. Get this, potatoes are also a great source of potassium. Better even than the banana! That's something I was elated to find since I really don't like bananas. If you have the right amount of potassium, that will help you beat high blood pressure too.
Alright, even though I've given up my beloved potatoes for lent, there's no reason you should suffer. Try this recipe I've been indulging in far too often and you'll soon be getting your potassium, Vitamin C and B6 in all at the same time! It's for Garlic Crisp Potatoes and it's sooo much better for you than those fast food french fries you're addicted to.
Garlic Crisp Potatoes
1 large baking potato (scrub it really good but don't peel it)
2 teaspoons of olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried dillweed
1/8 teaspoon of fine and freshly ground white and black pepper
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Farenheit. Thinly slice the potato crosswise, using a knife. Brush the slices with the oil. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with the garlic, dillweed, and pepper. Bake for about 10 minutes or until crispy. Using a thin spatula, transfer them immediately to dinner plate. This should be enough for at least TWO people. Happy Eating people! Let me know how you like it! :)
Some people love bread, some love cake, some love candy but me? Oh no, bread, especially warm crispy bread that is served as appetizers in Leona's, for example, with some nice garlic butter is quite delicious that's for sure. But, if it wasn't there, I wouldn't miss it, unlike some of us who are practically crack fiends for some freshly baked, warm buttered bread. Then there are those that don't feel as though their meal is complete unless they have a piece of cake at the end. I can understand wanting, needing dessert but again, if I don't have something sweet at the end of my meal, I'm alright with that.
But baby, I have to tell you, I am a 'crack fiend' when it comes to potatoes. Oh how I love my potatoes! I have to say, if ever there was a food that I'm a slave to, it's the mighty spud!
Potatoes have gotten a bad rap because they are a carbohydrate but; did you know that the potato actually has 0 (zero) grams of fat. Carbohydrates in general have gotten a bad rap but the fact is, we need carbohydrates for energy. The problem occurs when people overuse carbohydrates. While it's true that carbs have the ability to become fat if they're not used properly, that only happens if you eat carbs and then go park yourself on the couch like a bump on a log.
Potatoes actually re-energize your body, especially after a grueling workout. Potatoes may be your best friend because not only do they give you the good kind of carbs, potatoes have been known to soothe ruffled nerves and elevate your mood. Isn't that great? A get happy spud! I'll take one of those any day of the week vs all of the unhealthy alternatives.
Ever wonder why those french fries make you feel as if all is right with the world? Even though that isn't the ideal way to get your potatoes for the optimal benefits they provide, there is a method to the madness. Potatoes are packed with Vitamin B6, which is needed to boost serotonin which is actually the natural brain chemical that makes you feel so happy. Get this, potatoes are also a great source of potassium. Better even than the banana! That's something I was elated to find since I really don't like bananas. If you have the right amount of potassium, that will help you beat high blood pressure too.
Alright, even though I've given up my beloved potatoes for lent, there's no reason you should suffer. Try this recipe I've been indulging in far too often and you'll soon be getting your potassium, Vitamin C and B6 in all at the same time! It's for Garlic Crisp Potatoes and it's sooo much better for you than those fast food french fries you're addicted to.
Garlic Crisp Potatoes
1 large baking potato (scrub it really good but don't peel it)
2 teaspoons of olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried dillweed
1/8 teaspoon of fine and freshly ground white and black pepper
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Farenheit. Thinly slice the potato crosswise, using a knife. Brush the slices with the oil. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with the garlic, dillweed, and pepper. Bake for about 10 minutes or until crispy. Using a thin spatula, transfer them immediately to dinner plate. This should be enough for at least TWO people. Happy Eating people! Let me know how you like it! :)
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