You Don't Have to Starve Yourself to Feel, Be Healthy & Beautiful

Tweet

This post has been inspired - sadly - by the French model and actress Isabelle Caro. She was only 28-years-old with all life and aspirations ahead for her. But she passed away from the silent and very disturbing disease - anorexia-nervosa.

On the eve of a new year, when all kinds of resolutions and promises people make to themselves, please know that a healthy, beautiful, sexy look and feel can be gained by loving great, yummy, living foods.

In the society of plenty, we need and have to learn and be taught how to make our daily diets a thoughtful and graceful choice. For we feed our body that is a sacred temple for all our dreams, and aspirations, and achievements, and a meaningful life. A life we share with a lot of people, making meaningful connections that feed our minds and our souls.

Take good care of your Temple to make 2011 a truly New Year in all of your senses, connections, dreams.

Celebrate Your Beautiful Body and Mind Today!


Disclosure: I only write about products I believe in and use personally and the companies who truly advance forward the best traits of the humankind. I am not compensated for my opinions.
Founder, CelebrateLifeNutrition.com
Curb Your Appetite – Stop Your Cravings
VP Programs Development, ScaleDown for Life
VP Education, GoZonkers Inc.
©2010 Laura Gontchar. All Rights Reserved.

An Update on Vitamin D Supplementation

Tweet

It is amazing what's going on in the world of recommendations for supplements. One year, Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends one dosage of vitamins. The next year, they change it to some other level. Well, may be not that fast.

What I am saying is that to a regular person who is not involved into daily tracking and researching of vitamin, etc. dosage, it is hard to know the reality of what things should be and how to determine that dosage of all supplements is correct.

For your information, IOM issued new guidelines on the Vitamin D supplementation. They increased the daily dosage recommendation from 400 IU to 6oo IU.

Vitamin D is crucial in preventing many diseases: cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, cognitive decline, depression, diabetes, pregnancy complications, autoimmune diseases, and many more.

Please keep in mind that every person's needs in Vitamin D are different and depend on many factors, to mention a few:

• Skin color
• Geographical location
• Sunscreen usage
• Time spent outside
• Age

Only blood test can truly determine where you are on your Vitamin D level. Keep in mind that healthy diet full of fresh vegetables and fruit, time spent outside during the day light could be just sufficient for your healthy functioning.

Here's a good article, a very detailed one, on Vitamin D and its dosage recommendations from various boards and councils in this country. Check it out, if you have time.

Vitamin D Recommendations by Joel Fuhrman, M.D.




Disclosure: I only write about products I believe in and use personally and the companies who truly advance forward the best traits of the humankind. I am not compensated for my opinions.
Founder, CelebrateLifeNutrition.com
Curb Your Appetite – Stop Your Cravings
VP Programs Development, ScaleDown for Life
VP Education, GoZonkers Inc.
©2010 Laura Gontchar. All Rights Reserved.

New Guidelines For Exercise With Type 2 Diabetes

Tweet

Yes, they, i.e., the American Diabetes Association and the American College of Sports Medicine,  - jointly issued a statement with the new guidelines for the exercise for the people with Type 2 Diabetes.

What are they, those guidelines you'd ask?

Well, the guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise for the people with Type 2 Diabetes. Plus, such bouts of aerobic activity should not be apart from each other for more than 2 days!

My dear women, please keep in mind that studies recommending such manner of exercises have been known for more than a decade! Do you hear that last word "DECADE"?

It just shown how slow all these lifestyle recommendations make into a real life stream.

On a happy note, it's great to hear this piece of news just before the beginning of the New Year resolutions madness.

Actually, it is a must for anyone - diabetes or not - to get vigorous aerobic exercising Every day of the week, at least 5-6 times a week. Yes, that's when you will make a huge difference and an honorable progress in your heart, brain, overall physical resilience to many chronic and preventable diseases.

Celebrate Your Opportunity For A Healthy Living Today!


Disclosure: I only write about products I believe in and use personally and the companies who truly advance forward the best traits of the humankind. I am not compensated for my opinions.
Founder, CelebrateLifeNutrition.com
Curb Your Appetite – Stop Your Cravings
VP Programs Development, ScaleDown for Life
VP Education, GoZonkers Inc.
©2010 Laura Gontchar. All Rights Reserved.

Top 5 Cleaning Solutions For Your Home

Tweet

This year, I truly changed a lot of things around my house. And I did it by using very simple solutions for healthier, happier life.

Here are my Top 5 Solutions that assisted me in my overall upgrade for greener, cleaner, eco-friendly house and home.

1. Eat Cleaner Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Wash
This liquid is an amazing natural, harmless sanitizer of my fresh produce. It kills even and E. coli! I also use it to spray my kitchen surfaces to get rid of all nasty stuff that may be breeding there.

2. Grab Green All Purpose Degreaser Cleaner
This is yet another amazing natural and safe cleaner I use in the kitchen to get rid of tough, greasy stains. Great stuff!

3. Grab Green Laundry Detergent
Ready to be used, premeasured pods filled with natural detergent that does not harm environment and human beings. Cleans my laundry fabulously well, leaving it soft and fresh smelling.

4. Xtreme Earth Towels and Kitchen Rags
XtremeEarth company creates fibers that are used in natural sustainable products. The towels and small kitchen rags I got have ionic silver in the fibers that remain there for a long life of a product: be it a towel or a socks or kitchen rags. These silver ions kill any pathogens on the surface of a towel! I use these products in the kitchen and in the bathroom.

5. Baking Soda and Vinegar, and Eco-Me Carpet Cleaning Solution
Yes, I use more of baking soda and vinegar to wash my floors, windows, etc. With the Eco-Me Carpet cleaner, which is natural and harmless to pets and people, I get the toughest spots out of existence and make that carpet look like new! Ha!

That's my list that I would recommend to anybody, any time!

Celebrate Your Environment Today!


Disclosure: I only write about products I believe in and use personally and the companies who truly advance forward the best traits of the humankind. I am not compensated for my opinions.
Founder, CelebrateLifeNutrition.com
Curb Your Appetite – Stop Your Cravings
VP Programs Development, ScaleDown for Life
VP Education, GoZonkers Inc.
©2010 Laura Gontchar. All Rights Reserved.

Resolutions for All Organic Eating

Tweet

Oh, how many times we heard that magic word "Organic!"

All organic foods, clothes, household items are sold at the premium.

Organic is supposed to be good for you. Is it true?

You bet, it is.

It is all about the level of toxicity that many non-organic vegetables and fruit accumulate during their growth cycle. The most of pesticide residue accumulates on the outer layer of fruit and vegetables – on their skin. Coincidentally, the most antioxidant power resides in the skin of fruit and veggies we consume.

What is your way out? Buy organic!

If you cannot buy ALL produce items in the organic section of the store – buy at least those that have the highest levels of pesticide residue. These items listed below are worth buying organic!

1. Celery
2. Peaches
3. Strawberries
4. Apples
5. Blueberries
6. Nectarines
7. Bell peppers
8. Spinach
9. Kale
10. Cherries
11. Potatoes
12. Imported grapes

If you make any New Year's resolutions that involve weight loss, healthy eating, active lifestyle – you may want to take into account organic eating as part of your overall, big picture resolution.

As you reduce the intake of pesticides, you shall for sure improve your physical, emotional, psychological state of being and living.

So, if anybody asked me if it is worth to spend more money on all-things organic – my answer is "Yes."

Celebrate Authentic Taste Today!


Disclosure: I only write about products I believe in and use personally and the companies who truly advance forward the best traits of the humankind. I am not compensated for my opinions.
Founder, CelebrateLifeNutrition.com
Curb Your Appetite – Stop Your Cravings
VP Programs Development, ScaleDown for Life
VP Education, GoZonkers Inc.
©2010 Laura Gontchar. All Rights Reserved.

True Value of Giving and Living

Tweet

This holiday season my almost-three-year-old was already making his wishes for Mr. Santa Clause to bring certain presents. Mostly, they were cars: blue, red, green.

I was watching with fascination how this little person was talking to Santa under the Christmas tree reminding him to bring those precious gifts. The reminder came many, many times during the day. And Santa was patient.

As the Christmas was nearing, and a bundle of joy was ready to burst on a Christmas morning, my little boy came up to me with his box of self-made bracelets and necklaces (he's such a great beader at his age!) and asked me if Santa would like to have some of his treasures.

Of course Santa would appreciate your offering to him, my little one!

What we did that very day will stay in our memories forever.

We took my son's beaded treasures, grabbed some of his books and toys and headed to the teenage shelter in downtown. I let him hand out and give away his treasures to the teens in the shelter. His fascination and pleasure with the process were the high point of everybody inside that big room which the homeless teens call home.

I told my almost-three-year-old son that day that the biggest gift we ever get is a connection from one human soul to another. To grow these connections, we are to give, and give with joy, and happiness, and willingness.

Have you Talked to your little one about the greatest gift of giving this season?

Celebrate Your Relationships and Connections Today!

If you didn't know, the iVillage #HaveTheTalk campaign is super important especially during the holidays.
 Right now if you have ‘the TALK’ and share it via the iVillage Facebook App:
iVillage will donate $1 to Junior Achievement for every Facebook Share! With the goal of raising $5,000!




Disclosure: I only write about products I believe in and use personally and the companies who truly advance forward the best traits of the humankind. I am not compensated for my opinions.
Founder, CelebrateLifeNutrition.com
Curb Your Appetite – Stop Your Cravings
VP Programs Development, ScaleDown for Life
VP Education, GoZonkers Inc.
©2010 Laura Gontchar. All Rights Reserved.

Take It Seriously – Your Diet

Tweet

As the holidays are are in full swing, and a lot of people are getting together to celebrate and then leave for a Christmas vacation elsewhere, here's a nice reminder of mindful eating at all times of our lives (not just during a holiday!)

Keep in mind that certain types of carbohydrates will and shall produce weight gain in the majority of the population. Plus not all fats are created equally either.

Here's a link to a great newly published article on carbohydrates and what they do to our bodies.

A Reversal On Carbs by Marni Jameson

Again, please enjoy your holidays with great desserts and fun recipes. All this information is for your knowledge base that will guide you along your path during a non-holiday season.

Celebrate! At full swing!


Disclosure: I only write about products I believe in and use personally and the companies who truly advance forward the best traits of the humankind. I am not compensated for my opinions.
Founder, CelebrateLifeNutrition.com
Curb Your Appetite – Stop Your Cravings
VP Programs Development, ScaleDown for Life
VP Education, GoZonkers Inc.
©2010 Laura Gontchar. All Rights Reserved.

Research That Proves

Tweet

How are your days going these days? Busy, I hear from all the corners of the Internet! Yes, it is a very pre-Christmas and pre-New Year's season when all of us rush to the store to pick the big gifts and stocking stuffers. It's fun because I always have that very important person on my mind when I am making a decision about a gift.

When you have a minute of quiet time for yourself, take a look a the links below. The research reinforces the importance of acknowledging of who we are and respecting our natural ability to transfer the wealth in health, knowledge, and success through very simple but vital deeds like you'll read about below.

Happy Holidays my Beautiful Women!

1. This study is awesome due to the discoveries they made. One of them is that boys benefit multiple times more than girls from being breastfed the first six months. These boys crank math problems like nobody in the class who were not breastfed when they could have! Very exciting news for future moms and some-food-for-reflection for those who can't turn this time machine back. Pass this article on!

Breast-feeding Benefits – Academic Performance 10 Years Later

2. This second article truly inspired me to do more of reading to my baby. Every word, every sentence exudes the truth that resonates inside with what we know and fee. Great examples and explanations how to make this reading routing an exciting behavior modality in your life with a child.

Fascinating how doable it is. Just-Do-It slogan needs to be implemented!

Story Time – 10 Questions and Answers That Can Unlock the Secrets to Successful Storytelling

3.We all want our cute and  beautiful children to achieve great heights in life. That does include child's evolution and maturation of emotional, cognitive, social skills, physical health, her independence and cooperation with others in life, and so much more.

What we forget, or simply do not know, that independent play by a child develops all that and more. Dr. Jim Taylor speaks volumes about the vital importance of play in your and my child's life.

An excellent article to help anybody to take it into consideration immediately, without waiting for a new 2011 year.

Parenting: The Lost Art of Play

If you would like to share your findings that would help us to learn and know more about what we are sometime clueless about – make a brave comment under this article or shoot me an email!

Celebrate Your Inside Greatness!


Disclosure: I only write about products I believe in and use personally and the companies who truly advance forward the best traits of the humankind. I am not compensated for my opinions.
Founder, CelebrateLifeNutrition.com
Curb Your Appetite – Stop Your Cravings
VP Programs Development, ScaleDown for Life
VP Education, GoZonkers Inc.
©2010 Laura Gontchar. All Rights Reserved.

If You Are Nuts About Looks – This Post Is For You

Tweet

Holiday season is moving at its full speed, getting us near the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Lots of parties, get-togethers, meetings at cafes and restaurants  - you name it! Everybody has a good time during these happy times when we congregate together and share more of ourselves with our friends and family.

In the past week I received about a dozen emails from my women-friends who are asking almost the same old question: How Do I Look Great for the Holidays and Feel Great at the Same Time?

Naturally, you and I would like to look and feel great for any occasion. Is there a way to fulfill this desire?

You bet there is!

You know what celebrities do when they are planning their engagements and appearances on different shows? A lot of things that big money can buy.

But do you know what they do that anybody could do in the comfort of their current life? – Cut All sweets out of their daily diet!

Does this trick works? Yes, it does.

Not consuming simple sugars does many positive changes to your appearance, your mood, your energy levels, and your waist line.

You will look fresher

You will feel Renewed

You will have more energy during the day

And you may lose some weight

Why? Cutting the sweets or simple carbohydrates out of your diet will normalize your blood sugar levels that won't take you through the ups and downs – both in mood and energy – during the day. Normal blood sugar levels will ensure your cravings are at bay and you eat those foods that actually are good for you. The simple sugar by-products make your skin look dull and cause lines of aging.

Just this simple step alone would make you look and feel like A Million Dollars Babe, without a huge effort! Most importantly, it is Free and totally under your control! What are you waiting for? Go for it! Today!

Celebrate Your Effort Today!

Take Smoothie – Get Greater Cancer Protection

Tweet

If you want to have a great looking skin, a radiant skin, the skin that "holds" well to your bones (especially on your face) for a long, long time – eat well.

It's that simple. Plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit contribute all the necessary polyphenols, anti-oxidatants, vitamins and minerals that your whole body needs. Not once in a while, but on the daily basis!

The easiest way to consume all your 7- or 10-A-Day servings of fruit and veggies is by preparing a green salad for yourself and taking yummy smoothies.

The study just came out that confirms that smoothies may offer higher bioavailability of antioxidants and better  cancer protection (see Reference 1).

As a side benefit of such addition to your daily diet, you shall experience a gradual and natural weight loss. And eventually, weight maintenance.

What are you waiting for? Get up and make a smoothie for yourself!

Celebrate Delicious Fresh Smoothie Today!

References:

1. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research
Published online ahead of print, doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201000252
“Colonic availability of polyphenols and D-(−)-quinic acid after apple smoothie consumption”
Authors: S. Hagl, H. Deusser, B. Soyalan, C. Janzowski, F. Will, H. Dietrich, et al.

Healthy Weight – More Active Years to Your Life

Tweet

Just a reminder during this holiday season to focus on your personal needs. It does not mean you need to be the center of the Universe from the egotistical point of view. Please, no.

What it truly means that you need to keep balances and peace inside of you to make this life and people around you joyful and happy.

Those of us who put their emphasis on a healthy weight, great fresh food choices win big: Today and Tomorrow.

One of the recent studies confirmed that being overweight reduces the life span and poses a huge risk for chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity.

Without being too instructive, I would like you to continue, day after day, to inspire yourself, your buddy, your family by being the best you are. By infusing your daily life with new energy from great foods, active physical activities, good humor, sharing your time with each other.

Celebrate Your Self Today!

Christmas Season And Thoughts of Gifts

Tweet

As we are already in the Christmas shopping mode, one more way of getting gifts is to take part in giveaways at different blogs.

As I am coming across some great giveaways for great natural, organic, eco-friendly products - I'll let you know here, so you could take a chance of getting familiarized with what out there in the Healthy Products market.

And may be you see the perfect gift for your family, friends, and yourself.

Without any further delay, here's the first one.

Udderly Smooth Creams and Lotions

Udderly Smooth Giveaway at the Let's Just Give It AWAY blog.

The Udderly Smooth brand of lotions, creams are a good moisturizing friend for your skin: facial, on your hands, and on the whole body. Even diabetics with severe damages can use the products by Udderly Smooth.

See for yourself as you learn about Udderly Smooth creams and lotions.

Good luck on winning, if you entered this giveaway!

Celebrate Great Skin Care Today!


Disclosure: I only write about products I believe in and use personally and the companies who truly advance forward the best traits of the humankind. I am not compensated for my opinions.
Founder, CelebrateLifeNutrition.com
Curb Your Appetite – Stop Your Cravings
VP Programs Development, ScaleDown for Life
VP Education, GoZonkers Inc.
©2010 Laura Gontchar. All Rights Reserved.

Diabetics Can Improve Their Blood Sugar Control With... Exercise Combos

Tweet

As if it's totally new information, ah? Of course exercise produces great benefits to anybody who engages in it actively and regularly. It is a known fact that an active lifestyle benefits many areas of our lives: emotional, physical, psychological.

What made me to write this short post is that this new clinical study proved that HbA1c – which is a blood marker for Type II diabetes – has improved significantly when people with Type II diabetes used exercise combos like weightlifting and aerobic activities.

Those who just did only weightlifting or aerobic activity did get great improvements. However, those improvements were shadowed by the combo exercises.

What a great piece of information! It gives more stimulus and results to those living in a diabetic world. It is not easy to live with this condition. However, each person can and should take on board this study's outcomes as a new driving force in their daily lives.

Celebrate Discoveries Today! What is Yours?

References:
Timothy S. Church, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D., director of preventive medicine research, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University System, Baton Rouge, La.; Ronald Sigal, M.D., professor of medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Nov. 24, 2010, Journal of the American Medical Association