Category / General Health & Well Being

by tessbrennan

Quick Tip–Move More to Boost Energy

I’ve suffered from the lack of energy spiral.  I feel a bit tired today, so I choose NOT to exercise or exert any effort and sit on the couch, or at the computer working and surfing what’s new on “faceplace.”  Smile  Before you know it, its been a couple of months since you’ve worked out, your energy levels have plummeted and you feel as if you can’t drag yourself off the couch!

The antidote is simply the polar opposite.  Get up and move!  Even if it’s just to the end of your driveway, down the stairs and back up a time or two…  Just start moving and those energy levels will begin to move more in the positive direction.

I dealt with depression for years, one of the things I found was that my energy levels went up and my depression levels began going down as I would move more!

Check out more of my quick tips to boost energy levels here. You are also welcome to visit my Facebook page for daily tips, inspiration and motivation!

by tessbrennan

Quick Tip–How to get Prolonged Energy Throughout the Day

How we begin our day, every day, sets us up for prolonged energy or a lack there of. 

Breakfast is the first meal you eat each day. No matter what time you eat, it is still your “break fast.”  What you eat is just as important as when you eat.

If you begin your day with nothing but carbohydrates (breakfast cereals, bagels, donuts, etc.) you are setting your body up for a blood sugar rush and then a plummet.  PLUMMET = ENERGY DROP

Glycemic_blood_sugar_chart

When you begin your day with a high quality protein and some fiber it then allows your body to work efficiently and avoids that drop in energy and also avoids the spike in cravings.

Begin your day with a quality, plant based protein and you will find that you don’t get as hungry, early in the day, and that your energy levels are more stable, all day long! When you are a busy mom, like me, a fast smoothee is an amazing way to begin the day, giving me all day energy and it also gets me through to lunch without all the nasty cravings.

For more information on healthy eating, quick tips, coaching or health promoting products, contact me. I’m happy to be of service.

by tessbrennan

Obesity and Preventable Death

Really?  You can do that? Don’t we all die?

YES, we do, ALL, die, however, our time here on earth doesn’t have to be riddled with pain and suffering.  Simple changes, made over time, can significantly decrease our chances of suffering from obesity (which can be crippling) which in turn decreases our chances of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

I recently received an email from Public Health Corps with some very valuable information, so I thought I would share it with you in regard to this important topic.

Nowhere is immune to this epidemic:

We already know the health risks associated with obesity, don’t we?

  • High Blood pressure
  • Stroke
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Abnormal triglycerides and cholesterols
  • Metabolic syndrom
  • Cancer
  • Sleep Apnea
  • Reproductive problems…
  • See more at this link.

The list is surprisingly long, however, there is something that can be done. I know, I’ve done it, I have friends who have done it, and with work, commitment, and teamwork, you can do it too!

What is this epidemic costing us? How much of our tax dollars are going toward obesity related issues?

Obesity Epidemic Costs World $2 Trillion a Year, Study Says

Obesity Epidemic Costs World $2 Trillion a Year, Study Says

Here are the Resources I promised you in the title and photo!

YOU ARE CAPABLE of making the change for the better. Whether you do it alone, with a coach, or with a group of friends, YOU CAN DO THIS!

I am here to be a resource. Simply contact me via email or on Facebook at The Healthy Grease Monkey. I have many resources and tools for all budgets and needs.

May your 2015 be the healthiest year for you yet! One Change Counts! Make it today!

by tessbrennan

Preparing for the Unexpected–Reaching Goals

It’s the New year! We have grand plans and ambitions for all that we will do in the new year… and then “it” happens.  Something pops up that distracts us from goal ahead. 

My dad has told me numerous times, “Will it matter in 5 years?”  Today, that resonates with me but in a different aspect.  Typically, he says that to me when I’m all bent out of shape about something that really doesn’t matter. When I’m flipping out and need pulled back to planet earth.

IF… we thought this simple phrase, “WILL IT MATTER IN 5 YEARS?” every time we made a choice we asked… How could that impact our goals and lives in the future.?

It is common, when we begin working on a new habit or goal, that at days 3, 7, 14, 21, something (anything) will happen to deter us from or planned destination. 

Examples of the Saboteur:

  • It rains and you’ve faithfully been out to run every day up to today.  Your choices: give up and do nothing OR do a 15-30 minute intensive indoor workout in the living room OR go roller-skating.
  • You’ve been religiously doing your morning smoothee every day for a week and your blender breaks…  Your choices: give up and eat a donut OR get out a sports drink bottle and shake that mix vigorously.
  • You’re building your business and have been making calls to your clients and prospects daily and you drop your phone.  Your choices: Give up and do nothing OR pick up the home phone, borrow your spouses phone, message people on Facebook individually, or even get it fixed immediately so you can continue your work.
  • You’ve done an excellent job at cutting out the carbs for a whole week and your co-worker brings in a giant chocolate cake to share with you.  Your Choices: Give up and eat a piece OR thank the co-worker and grab a handful of berries instead, or even try just one bite, exclaim how amazing it is, then discretely chuck it in the trash can.

By acknowledging that stuff happens and being prepared, we can overcome those obstacles on days 3-7-14-21 and stay on track to achieve those goals!

So, when the saboteur shows up and you are tempted to give in… remember… “How will this effect me in 5 years, if I don’t stick to my goals and desires today?”

PLAN B

 

What are some of your Plan B activities?

by tessbrennan

Quick Tips–7 to 9 Daily

veggies

The CDC reports that eating plenty of Fruits and Veggies could:

"Eat your fruits and vegetables." You’ve likely heard this statement since childhood. Research shows why it is good advice:

  • Healthy diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.
  • Fruits and vegetables also provide essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, and other substances that are important for good health.
  • Most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories and are filling.
Find ways to fit them in!!

Here are some ways I fit more of these colorful gems into my daily life.

  • Start be blending 1/2 a banana and some berries in a smoothee.
  • Mix a 1/2 cup of veggies in with your eggs in the AM.
  • Keep an apple, orange, or grapefruit with you for on the go snacks.
  • Keep Veggies and Fruits washed and prepped ready to eat. – When they are all ready to go.  When they are prepped and ready, it is so much easier to reach for them when the mood strikes. (Helps us to avoid grabbing cookies or chips instead.)
  • Fix an extra veggie with dinner.  It doesn’t’ take that long to heat up an extra serving of veggies when prepping the rest of dinner.
  • For a dessert or snack – opt for fresh fruit instead of ice cream!
  • Salads are good for any time of the day and aren’t all just leafy greens (even though they are tasty and do count!)  Try a tasty broccoli salad or a mixed fruit salad.  Keep away from the polluted HV ranch dressing – even try making some of your own.  Smile

Zero_Fruits

What are some of the ways you like to fit your 7 to 9 in each day? 

by tessbrennan

Quick Tip–Avoiding Sitting Disease

It’s a new year and may have pledged to get into better health! According to JustStand.org sitting for long periods of time can be compared to smoking.

  • Sedentary lifestyles increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. “For people who sit most of the day, their risk of heart attack is about the same as smoking.”~ Martha Grogan, Cardiologist, Mayo Clinic

Here is a quick video with some tips to combat that “Sitting Disease.”

Here is a few of the statistics provided on JustStand.org!

About_Sitting_-_JustStand_Org

by tessbrennan

Tomorrow is 2015 – What is in YOUR Fridge?

In May of last year a reporter came to my home to report “What’s in My Fridge.”  She wanted to know what she would find in a health coach’s refrigerator.  It was an excellent opportunity to evaluate if I was actually LIVING what I teach/coach/preach.

Today, as you are preparing for the NEW YEAR, think about what is in YOUR fridge?

Is your resolution, or goal, for 2015 to become healthier, to lose weight, to improve your health statistics?  If you are setting realistic goals, You NEED to set yourself up for success. If it isn’t in your refrigerator or pantry, you are less likely to eat it.

Tips:

  1. Eliminate Soda and sweet drinks. Ramp down slowly, if you are used to drinking multiple sodas (or the gallon jug per day from the gas station) to keep from having caffeine withdrawal. You can reduce your caffeinated beverage by a cup a day until you have weened yourself off.  I switched to a natural soda for a while until I was ready to cut it out almost entirely.  (Izze)
  2. Switch to whole foods. Eliminate low fat/no fat.  Eliminate artificial sweeteners.  Look to fresh whole foods for high fiber, nutritive choices… apples, strawberries, grapes are sweet…  carrots, celery, and cherry tomatoes are crunchy… a sprinkle of Himalayan sea salt and they are great!
    Stock your Fridge 1 Health Grease Monkey Stock your Fridge 2 Healthy Grease Monkey
  3. Throw out the processed foods. Our media and advertisers have done an exceptional job of making us believe that we can’t do it all and eat too unless they do it for us!  LIE!  Bald faced LIE!  It is just a matter of learning new habits.  I have done it, it is possible, and you will LOVE the difference!  I enjoy showing people ways to create tasty treats and to make sure you have healthy foods, even when time is short!  When you stock up on the Whole Foods, you should immediately eliminate all the processed to make room for the healthier options.
  4. Gluten FREE does NOT equal HEALTHY. Many companies have jumped on the “Gluten Free” band wagon.  I have news for you… Processed food is Processed food whether it has Gluten or NOT.  😉  (Also, Fat free, sugar free, or any other “FREE” does not equal healthy.)
  5. ASK FOR HELP. Not sure where to begin. Ask for help.  JUST ASK.  I enjoy helping others and assisting them in learning to live healthier lives.

You don’t need to make the change all at once!  Even One Change Counts! I have videos to help you learn, blog articles, coaching, classes, and many friends who all work to share the good news. That healthier can be done.

Happy New Year!  Make 2015 HAPPY, HEALTHY, AND PROSPEROUS!

New Year Wishes

by tessbrennan

STOP! Wait before you start that Cleanse!

I’m not denying that providing your body with high quality nutrients and fiber can’t have profound effects and allow you system to begin working more efficiently. I’m not saying that your liver couldn’t use a break from all the abuse it gets on a daily basis.

I AM saying, perhaps an additional day or two of good prep work could assist you in avoiding many of the “side effects” that many seem to get when they “cleanse” their systems.

As I watch all the social media and see everyone talking about “making a change for a healthier new year” I get excited that so many are ready to commit, and then, a bit sad in that so many will give up, feeling as if they have failed.  My goal in this article is to set you up to WIN! 

Why wait?

Some people, occasionally, will experience some side effects.  These are typically:

  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Headache
  • Weakness
  • Nausea
  • Flu-like symptoms

Day 2 is typically the day you will notice most, if any, of these symptoms, especially, if you have over-indulged prior to your cleanse.  This is the REASON – I suggest waiting a few days to begin – past New Years Day.

Almost always, these symptoms are from dehydration, starvation or withdrawal from caffeine, sugar or alcohol.

Why do people “cleanse”?

Why_Cleanse

Cleanse_benefits

What do I eat on a Cleanse?

Cleanse_-_What_do_I_eat

I don’t believe in starving myself, or my clients.  I believe in providing high quality nutrition to my body to allow it to do its job!  Here is a link to an 18 minute video that explains how to “cleanse” without the starvation portion so many think is necessary. I will also provide links to the 4 products mentioned in this presentation.  (NOTE: special parameters for those with Diabetes or Low Blood Sugar is at 10:00 Minute mark.)

Fresh Start supplements

Alfalfa Complex  *  Liver DTX Complex   *   Herb-Lax   *   Optiflora

If you would like additional information on how to set up your cleanse or to discuss what might be a match for your personal needs, please feel free to contact me at Tess@HealthyGreaseMonkey.com

by tessbrennan

7 Tips to Cleaning when the Family is Sick

Its Christmas time, we are hustling and bustling and I keep seeing where more and more families are dealing with the flu and other illnesses. Why is that Christmas time is when people get sick? It’s just not fair!

I feel very lucky that our household has managed to avoid all the “creeping crud” so far this year.  We continue to take our supplements and eat with the purpose of boosting our immunity, knowing that occasionally we will still fight an illness.

When we do get sick with colds, stomach viruses, etc., I have a routine that I put into action to help decrease the chances of anyone else getting the bug.

  1. WASH YOUR HANDS – a lot! My 7 year old thinks its torture, but we constantly remind her to wash her hands.
  2. Hands AWAY from Your Face – CLB is a finger sucker. We work diligently to break this habit, and I can see the orthodontist in our future.  We must keep reminding her over and over until she gets it.  (Or doesn’t get it – in regard to the illness) (update: she has ceased the finger sucking!)
  3. Wash Bedding Daily – Its an extra hassle, but makes such a difference.  Don’t allow those bugs to multiply.  We ALSO wash her “blankie” daily as well.
  4. Change out Towels – I don’t always visit her bathroom, I have my own.  I am always amazed at the “colors” that have transferred to the towels in her bathroom.  When she is sick – we Wash them DAILY until she is better. Kitchen towels too – you never know who has wiped what with those babies. LOL
  5. WIPE it ALL DOWN – We use Basic G as our only germicide and disinfectant. No need to stress the body with additional neuro-toxic fumes, the body needs to focus energies on healing and not on eliminating toxins from the body. A microfiber cloth and a spritz of diluted G will tak care of it all! (doorknobs, light switches, sink handles, refrigerator handle, and toilet handles. Other items can be wiped down with a towel that has been spritzed with G: phones, remote controls, and gaming controls)  You can find the COMPLETE list of pathogens Basic G kills here on the bottom of the page. (We’ve found that Lysol and other “commercial” germicide products multiply our illnesses in the house by compromising our human immune system, so we steer clear and head for the more natural options, AND Basic G is much less expensive.)
  6. Receptacles for Gooey Tissues – We move a trash can to the ill patient’s “nesting area” or an empty protein canister (re-purposed) The last thing I want to handle is my hubby’s pile of slimy tissues!  A protein canister, a trash can, a grocery bag – something to “contain the cooties”!
  7. Once the sickness is gone, it is best to Replace tooth-brushes! During the ordeal, you can soak them in hydrogen peroxide or run ’em through the dishwasher.  I do know some folks who rinse them in a very dilute mixture of the Basic G then rinse them very, very well. (It is not labeled for this and I don’t, but I do know some who do.)

For some additional ideas and tips to stay healthy – here is an article I wrote this fall – “5 Tips for Avoiding the New Respiratory Virus +”

Couch-is-Satan.jpg

I also like to spray down the leather sofas with the Basic G whenever they get up off of it!  We spray down the cushions and the arm rests and wipe it down with a microfiber towel.  This is where most of the family “nests” during a “battle”.  🙂

Make it a GREAT day!

by tessbrennan

8 Tips to Avoid a Blue, Blue Christmas

As the holidays rapidly approach and the hustle and bustle that is the Christmas season rock into full speed craziness it is easy to become overwhelmed.

Things don’t always go the way we intend, people aren’t there to spend it with us, money may get tight, things seem out of control and our moods drop and sadness can take over. 

Here are a few tips to fight those blues and keep your mood more golden and happy.

Add Vitamin D: Go out and get some sun!  Vitamin D levels have been shown to affect our moods.  Mayo Clinic & Vitamin D Get out and absorb some D from the sun or look for a quality supplement to assist you in this task.

Get Moving: Harvard Health tells us in its compilation of previous studies that moving. It is easy to get trapped in that spiral of depression and sluggishness.  I fight this on a regular basis.  Feeling a bit low, so you lay on the couch, then after a while you begin hurting from a lack of exercise so you don’t want to move, then you feel even more bad about yourself because you’ve been a slug and haven’t moved.  Just get up and go for a walk.  (I continue to struggle with this one issue. It is a daily choice to find ways to move and stay active.)

Add Vitamin B Complex: The B Complex vitamins are ESSENTIAL for our mental well being.  When the levels get low (which is easy since we don’t store it or make it) our moods can follow.  Studies show that low levels of these essential vitamins can have a marked effect on our well being.

Don’t Over-Imbibe: When we drink alcohol it uses up the B Complex in our system as well as any Vitamin C.  So A) don’t drink so much and B) replace the vitamins you know are being depleted by your actions.

Be Conscious of your Sugar Intake: I KNOW you don’t want to hear this during the holiday season, BUT…  According to World of Psychology, “People who suffer from depression are especially vulnerable to sugar’s evil power.” Eat 7-9 servings of fruits and veggies a day, the fiber will help to counteract some of the damage being done by those sugars. Whole foods, minimally processed are the antidote to the damages being done by sugar consumption. See: Sugar, The Bitter Truth

Follow General Nutritional Suggestions: When your body is getting the fuel it needs to be keep running strong and healthy, it is better able to deal with stressors and set backs!

Drink Water: Stay Hydrated! PsychCentral and other sources tell us that dehydration is also related to depression, so keep drinking water and remember that “flavored” drinks, sodas, and coffee don’t count as your water intake.

Meditate: Whether you clear your mind of all thoughts, focus on a scripture, visualize yourself by a babbling brook or journal your thoughts – meditation is shown time and again to provide relief from depression and the blues. A local source to teach Mindful Based Stress Reduction is Madeline Ebilini.

Thank you, Kara Shufflebarger for the image that I turned blue! 🙂