Holiday Season and Health

Holidays can be a difficult time if you are trying to eat healthy, nutritious foods. Many holiday dishes have lots of sugar, fat or both. Holidays can also be stressful; old family conflicts may surface along with the stuffing, gravy and green bean casserole. With all of the deliciousness aside, we will be tempted to indulge in an array of unhealthy food choices. Manage holiday dining with some basic strategies--while also leaving a little room for those scrumptious desserts!

The appetizer table is a place where a nutritious diet can be sabotaged. Look over all the offerings before you start to fill your plate. A shrimp bowl with cocktail sauce will give you some protein with a tangy edge, while raw vegetables – skip the dip – provide fiber and vitamins. A couple of whole grain crackers are a better choice than fat-laden potato chips or similar snack foods.


There are a number of seasonal foods that can provide you with health benefits. Citrus fruit and cranberries are high in vitamin C, which helps to support the immune system. Sugar, on the other hand, decreases your immune function because it competes for the same cellular receptors that vitamin C uses. Consider serving a fruit salad with seasonal citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit and tangerines. Add some sliced bananas for a little extra sweetness and homemade cranberry sauce for color and extra vitamin C. Making your own cranberry sauce allows you to control the amount of sugar.

Offer to bring a colorful green salad with your special homemade dressing or bake whole grain dinner rolls. Don’t forget the children during the holidays; if you don’t want them to load up on exotic and sugary fare, you need to provide them with acceptable substitutes. Many children will choose your macaroni and cheese casserole with whole grain pasta because it’s familiar, so make sure to provide them with healthy options they eat every day. Many special foods are served only during the holidays and you can avoid extra calories if you choose a small serving of something like oyster stuffing and forgo the mashed potatoes, which you can have at any time. Eat adequate protein during the holidays. Protein helps prevent the carbohydrate overdose so common to holiday meals; too many carbs can leave you feeling lethargic.

Desserts can be the downfall of a healthy diet, so choose carefully. By keeping the above in mind, a sliver of chocolate pie could balance out a diet! If the dessert offerings all lean to high sugar and fat, you might consider having a small serving of a favorite dish. Eat it in small bites to make it last, and savor every bite--a sliver can seem like a whole cake when eating slow! No matter what you’re eating, eat slowly. This promotes secretion of saliva, the first step in the digestive process, and helps assure you get maximum nutrition from your holiday meals.I f you choose to indulge in other areas of dinner, then as a dessert, fresh fruit and cheese are are great substitutes.

Enjoy the holidays and make some great New Years resolutions that help guide you deeper into your path to wellness!

Milady

Food for Thought: Inspire, inspiration...it's inspiring

What drives us? What makes us think the way that we do. Don't be afraid to write down your thoughts, goals, fears and a successes. Let it inspire you and lead you to where you want to be! Don't allow your mind to coast on auto-pilot--take charge of your destiny. 

Seek Out These Initiatives!

Don't forget your pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness!! 

 

 A dollar per follower for @CancerAlliance to the cancer organization with the most votes.  They are currently holding an online poll which can be found at http://can.cr/vote.  

Livestrong.org 

Control Your Diabetes. For Life. Campaign

Increasing awareness about the importance and benefits of diabetes control is the key objective of the "Control Your Diabetes. For Life." campaign. The campaign includes tailored materials and messages for the general audience and high-risk populations. Check them out!!

Think Positive. Be Positive. Become Healthy.

 

It has been estimated that 90% of physical issues have their roots in emotional issues. The most common negative emotional results related to cancer are unresolved anger, resentment and the refusal to forgive or accept. Negative emotional charge ironically does far damage to the mind and the body. The feeling of anger produces a clenching sensation in the body and a constrictive energy at a cellular level. Cells can only be in either contraction or growth, and emotional negativity shuts down the cell's ability to grow and thrive. This constricted posture causes the body to be much more vulnerable to disharmony and disease.

Another emotional contributor to cancer is prolonged exposure to conditions of stress and anxiety. From an article on the Alternative Cancer Care website: "Prolonged inner stress causes a chain reaction process within the body's cells that leads to the breaking of the cell's oxygen krebs cycle leading to cancer cell mutations. And it is the continued holding onto stress within the body that keeps the cancer cells alive. If you can remove the internal stress from the body, stress hormone cortisol levels and adrenaline levels will return to normal. This will restore the cell's oxygen krebs cycle, meaning normal cells will no longer mutate into cancer cells within the body.”

Look towards alternative treatments to rid yourself of negative emotions and focus on the positives in life. Some things can be overlooked in a medical diagnosis—so the more things you can do for yourself, body and mind, the better off you will be as a whole!

Something to keep in mind

Milady 

Healthy Reminder

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help prevent Type II Diabetes. If you already have diabetes, the proper nutrition and exercise can help manage the symptoms. Some cases can be controlled by these changes alone, without need for medication.

Experts estimate that between 90 and 95 percent of Type II Diabetes could be averted simply by taking better care of our selves. Being overweight is the highest risk factor in developing this disease.

Diabetes affects the way our insulin production works. When not enough insulin is produced, the amount of glucose in the blood rises to unsafe levels. If a lot of simple carbohydrates — like sugary foods and things made with white flour — are eaten, then lots of sugar floods the bloodstream very quickly. Insulin production that is already inadequate simply can’t keep up, and blood sugar levels skyrocket. In diabetics, this can lead to unconsciousness and even seizures.

Avoiding foods high in sugar is an important first step. It’s also vital to eat more fiber, which slows down the absorption process of sugars into the blood. Eating tons of vegetables, which are naturally high in fiber and low in sugar, should be step two. Avoid or eat only in moderation those that are starchy, such as potatoes or corn, as these are higher in carbohydrates.

Keeping active is also important. Regular exercise, even something as simple as walking around the block, can lower blood sugar levels dramatically and keep them low for hours. Aerobic exercise, which increases heart rate, helps strengthen the heart muscles and improve lung efficiency. And any kind of exercise is good for reducing stress that can contribute to overall poor health.

Networks

Get on twitter. Get on Facebook. Make a blog. Be heard.

Happiness

Illness does not just affect a person physically; it also takes a tremendous toll on a patient’s mental health. Many cancer patients are confused, afraid, depressed, and under an immense amount of stress. Even leading a healthy life, we all know how stressful unexpected situations can be. When a person is stressed a lot of things gets affected; their health, their functionality, their way of thinking and yes even their relationship to people around him. We cannot actually eliminate stress completely but let’s not make it as a daily part of our lives. When one gets too stressed their well-being and happiness suffers. You don’t necessarily have bottle their negative emotions, Individuals can choose to express themselves through alternative forms of health and outstanding nutrition. 

Milady

Free Your Mind and the Rest Will Follow

"People who look through keyholes are apt to get the idea that most things are keyhole shaped"

Spirituality may mean different things to different people but it is usually the belief or awareness that there is something or a being that is greater than the individual. Being able to cope and gaining a sense of optimism can take us a long way. We live our lives seeing our glasses as half empty or half full when our glasses are simply half way! We can turn those glasses into pitchers, and those pitchers into fountains with the right mind set and outlook on life.

Free your mind and the rest will follow

Meditation in its simplest form is reflection--don't be afraid to reflect. We don't have to necessarily reflect on the the past--meditate into the present and the future. 

Free your mind and the rest will follow 

Holistic healing modalities like massage therapy and therapeutic touch also relieve tension and promote well being--lets us live stress free lives! The focus of therapy is on the expression of inner experiences, including images, feelings, thoughts, and ideas. The ultimate goal of therapy varies depending on the exact person's needs but it is the road to recovery that is important.

Free your mind and the rest will follow  

Milady 

Downward Dog

 

You may be wondering how simple things like yoga, meditation or even controlled breathing helps fight illnesses. While there are many technical aspects to the details, it can also be explained in a general manner.

Simply put, yoga and meditation helps patients reduce their stress and improve their sense of well-being. Of course, you may know that stress is detrimental to the immune system, disallowing it to effectively perform its natural functions. Stress is primarily a direct result of anxiety and pain; therefore, because anxiety is a neurological condition, patients must learn to control their mental behaviors. When stress and anxiety are eliminated, your body's immune system can effectively fight cancer cells, though it may not completely cure them without the help from orthodox treatments.

Additionally, because yoga can help reduce stress, it allows doctors to have more time to apply their own treatment methods. The reduced stress and greater sense of well-being will help your body to accept effective treatments. 

People who practice yoga report a deeper sense of spirituality, which is important to remain positive. Therefore, yoga can help patients feel comfortable with their condition without worry for the future. This sense of peace helps lower blood pressure, heart rate and even headaches.

One thing worth mentioning is that there are different types of yoga practices. Each style of yoga concentrates on a different aspect of life: Wisdom, meditation, service and devotion. For example, hatha yoga is the yoga of meditation. It is the most commonly practice yoga style in America and it is the style that helps patients relax and remain positive.


A lot of positivity never hurt anybody!


Milady

Allopathic Medicine and Alternative Therapies

  Conventional medical treatments are often being  criticized. Alternative medicine is any healing practice that is not in the realm of conventional medicine, while complementary medicine or integrative medicine is in general a conjunction of mainstream techniques and alternative medicine. 
  
   Alternative medicine varies in origin and structure and is rooted in wholly natural folk treatments that have endured for centuries. Alternative treatments typically follow a strongly advocated regimen consisting of hydration, vitamins, minerals and herbal remedies, mind and body centering, and self-realization.

   Studies show that reiki, EFT, yoga, acupuncture, and meditation all help and aid medical patients in their quest for a treatment equilibrium. While many alternative therapies have drawn fire from practitioners of conventional medicine and the USA, it is not unsound to consider that what is dismissed as implausible is that which is natural—find what works. Why hold on to pain, stress and anxiety?
 

   

   There are now alternative methods that one can adapt in order to improve the quality of life. And alternative practitioners are finding out that one can win in this battle against cancer. If you’re interested in learning more about complementary organic treatments, it is highly recommended that you talk to your doctor first.

Milady

Food Snippet

Within the last century, cancer rates have escalated. It is important to realize there is also something else that has changed in the last 100 years—our diet. Before, we had obtained and nourished our bodies only with naturally derived foods. A wholesome, nutritious diet has been replaced with widely accepted processed, preserved and artificial foods. 

Herbal therapies may be one of the oldest treatments against disease, and are used to help the body eliminate cancer cells. A healthy lifestyle can prevent different forms of disease. Hopefully in the future, a cure will be found that is gentle on the body but also will provide a safe, effectual elimination of cancer cells.

Stay stong

Milady  

Blog for Thought

Your illness is merely a fist in an ocean. Empty force inside a whole lot of give. Be inspired. Be Healthy.

xoxo

Milady 

Yours in Health

Holistic living has become more than a popular trend; it is a way of life for many people. Holistic treatments focus on more than just the physical aspect of a condition. Holistic treatments focus on the physical, spiritual and mental aspects that cause certain diseases and conditions. While these holistic approaches have yet to be widely accepted by the medical community, many established writers, scientists, and advocates are now spreading the good news of their value in comprehensive cancer care.

Certainly there are those who believe that holistic care alone can cure the disease, including many scientists of stature. This is what two-time Nobel Peace Prize winner, Linus Pauling, PhD. thinks about many cancer treatments. "Everyone should know that the 'war on cancer' is largely a fraud." Do not be fooled by the media and orthodox medical community; they only tell you what will benefit them. The media won't tell you the truth about natural treatments and holistic methods because the pharmaceutical companies pay the media billions of dollars every year for advertisements.

Did you know that the vitamin D in sunlight can boost your defenses against skin cancer if exposed properly and safely?  However, true healing comes from the herbs and foods that are already in nature. One study shows that purple grapes have 12 molecules that fight cancer cells. The foods you eat will play a large role in your recovery. It is a known fact that the added hormones and chemicals in processed foods can actually cause cancer. Therefore, it is important for those at risk of cancer to consider eating healtheir foods.....better yet, organic food!

Yours in Health

Milady

To think is to talk. To meditate is to listen.

Yoga or meditation is known for thousands of years now as an effective way to cast away negative thoughts thus bringing peace of mind and a more positive view of life. It is not as easy as you may think but keep trying, learn the art of it and you will be surprised at how it’ll affect your whole being.
 
To think is to talk to yourself, but to meditate is to listen to yourself 

Yes, life is precious! Be happy and let go of stress, depression and frustration.

To think is to talk to yourself, but to meditate is to listen to yourself 

The mind and the body has a lot of fascinating ways on how they both work together in the attainmen of well being and happiness.  For example: learn how to forgive. This is not the easiest thing for one to do but a lot of researches have proven that forgiving leads to a happy and healthy life. Being resentful is not good for the mind and the heart and only causes emotional pains. So forgive those who have erred and just think that we all commit mistakes in our lives.  

To think is to talk to yourself, but to meditate is to listen to yourself

Discover and enjoy all the things that life has to offer!
 

To think is to talk to yourself, but to meditate is to listen to yourself

Milady

About Me

My name is Melanie (but my friends call me Milady)

Welcome to my new blog! I am an advocate for natural health and cancer patients, so you will often find me highlighting the great benefits of different nutritional, emotional, and physical treatments that can significantly help those going through a time of illness.
 
I love to write and sharing new perspectives
I enjoy running
I'm a coffee enthusiast
I love to sing
Enjoy yoga

I'm sure you'll find out a lot more about me from reading my blog!

Milady

Get Involved

Dont forget your pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness!! 

 

The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance is giving a dollar per follower of @CancerAlliance to a cancer organization with the most votes.  They are currently holding an online poll which can be found at http://can.cr/vote.  

Livestrong.org 

Control Your Diabetes. For Life. Campaign

Increasing awareness about the importance and benefits of diabetes control is the key objective of the "Control Your Diabetes. For Life." campaign. The campaign includes tailored materials and messages for the general audience and high-risk populations.Check them out

Organically Healthy

When suffering from a chronic illness, opting for organic foods and products is one simple way to ensure you are as healthy as possible. Organic foods, clothing, beauty supplies and household items are ideal for minimizing health risks linked to the environment. When choosing to go organic, making small changes in your buying habits can make a big difference in your health and the impact of pesticides on or in your body.

Getting Started

Opting for a vegan lifestyle can eliminate many toxins from the body, and reduce the amount of synthetic additives that you are exposed to on a daily basis. For instance, by eliminating chicken and beef you can also reduce the amounts of steroids and antibiotics that you are exposed to, since these animals are often treated with hormones to enhance their growth and maintain health in crowded conditions. Organic, vegan foods are also among the healthiest options, but you may need to research your nutritional needs to be sure you are getting the vitamins and minerals you need from food when choosing a vegan lifestyle.

The vegan food pyramid is one simple solution to determining what types of foods you need to include on a daily basics—it is here you can also find a lot of information about living a vegan lifestyle. Vegan diets are often much higher in antioxidants and other nutrients that have the potential to increase disease life expectancies such as mesothelioma, breast cancer, diabetes, as well as offering other benefits.

The Benefits of Vegan Diets

A vegan lifestyle can be beneficial in many ways. Perhaps the most important aspect of a vegan diet is that you may experience lower risk of heart attacks, a lower weight than non-vegans, and increased overall health and well-being. For optimum health benefits, you will also want to opt for vegan and organic cleaning supplies, clothing, and beauty products.

Organically healthy, vegan cleaning supplies, for instance, are made from all natural sources, such as coconut, parsley and tea tree essential oil. Vegan recipes for cleaning solutions that you can use at home often include basic ingredients that you already have in the kitchen, such as vinegar and baking soda. Some people switching to a vegan lifestyle may fear living a life of eating tasteless tofu and drinking water, but the reality is that you still have access to most of the flavors available from Mother Nature.

Vegan Tastes

When choosing a vegan diet, you will begin to use more flavors than you may have in the past. Fresh, organic herbs like garlic and rosemary can transform something as simple as organic chickpeas into a delicious meal. Your diet definitely won't be bland when you experiment with new flavors, allowing you the best dishes without sacrificing health.