Tag / Attention to Prevention

by tessbrennan

Quick, clean produce for 2 cents

Healthy Grease Monkey | Choices Matter

We keep being told we should eat more fresh produce to improve our health. More nutrient dense, colorful, tasty fresh produce.  We also hear, regularly about all the chemicals that are used on the fruits and veggies that we love.  I have a 2 cent option to clean all that produce as you bring it home from the market.

This is a really important step! Even organic produce can be sprayed with chemicals/pesticides, so it is important to ALWAYS wash before you eat!

Tractor spray fertilize with insecticide herbicide chemicals in agriculture field and evening sunlight

Tractor spray fertilize with insecticide herbicide chemicals in agriculture field and evening sunlight Source: kchanews.com

This is another place where my Basic H2, again, saves me money and keeps my family safe.  Years ago I read that you should soak your produce for 6 minutes for optimum cleansing, so that is what I do today. (Probably need to research that more)

basic-h-useage-chart

I’ve been using this product for over 8 years. I use it on my produce, pets, counters, floors, cars, grill, laundry (pre-treat), as insect repellent, as sting relief from bees and wasps, window cleaner, degreaser, and many more things.

by tessbrennan

Supplements – You get what you pay for… Or do you?

Many times I’ve had people ask me why I am so picky about what supplements I take and offer to my family and clients.  I’ve gone the gamut over the years and determined that I will only purchase these from sources that I trust, COMPLETELY.  Shaklee is just that. This amazing company completes more than 100,000 quality tests on products each year to be sure they are what they say they are.

 Always_Safe

This company was founded on the principals to leave things better than you found them. Protect our clients, their neighbors, our environments, and our children!

Always_Green

Finally, our products are guaranteed to work!  100% No questions asked.  Granted, if you leave the bottle of supplements on the counter and never open them, then you cannot expect to see any difference.  But just like the thousands of people I know who have noticed a difference, you will too!Always_Works

Finally, we don’t just “say” something works, we do the clinical research, complete with third party reviews and many journal postings from our evidence based research and results!

Clinical_Research

Its sad when we hear reports of other companies not being true to their word, only true to their own bottom dollar. 😦  This was evidenced in today’s news reports. I have linked the article to the title below.

MAJOR RETAILERS ACCUSED OF SELLING
ADULTERATED HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS

(Date Posted: 2/3/2015)

On February 3, 2015, the New York State Attorney General announced that his office sent letters to four major retailers, GNC, Target, Walmart, and Walgreens, for allegedly selling store brand herbal supplement products in New York that either could not be verified to contain the labeled substance, or which were found to contain ingredients not listed on the labels. The letters, sent Monday, call for the retailers to immediately stop the sale of certain popular products, including Echinacea, Ginseng, St. John’s Wort, Saw Palmetto, Valerian, and Ginkgo.

The letters come as DNA testing, performed as part of an ongoing investigation by the Attorney General’s Office, allegedly shows that, overall, just 21% of the test results from store brand herbal supplements verified DNA from the plants listed on the products’ labels — with 79% coming up empty for DNA related to the labeled content or verifying contamination with other plant material.

The letters to retailers have been posted by The New York Times and are searchable by retailer and type of product.

If you would like more information on OUR AMAZING supplements or how you could build your own steady stream of income from partnering with us, contact me.

by tessbrennan

Scrumptious Saute’d Brussels Sprouts

I had the munchies this AM so I fixed myself one of my favorite treats! Saute’d Brussel Sprouts and mixed veggies. This amazingly flavorful treat is full of nutrient dense bites and fiber.  Only 122 calories per serving and so much goodness!

This is SO easy and has so much flavor! (Makes 2 servings)

Begin by chopping your veggies:

4-5 fresh brussel sprouts, sliced in half
1/2 bell pepper, chopped
1    small onion, sliced or chopped
1    carrot chopped
3    cloves of garlic, peeled and chopped or halved.

Pour 1 TBSP grape seed oil (it has a higher flash point and is safer for saute’ing than is EVOO) into a skillet or pan. (We use iron skillets) and heat over medium heat.

Add sprouts, cut side down and all other veggies to hot oil. Cover the pan and let them cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

When you notice the color of your produce begins to really POP and your onions and sprouts have begun to caramelize, Move them to a bowl and enjoy.

* Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of Bragg’s Liquid Aminos for a different pop of flavor.

by tessbrennan

Jawbone – Tips to help us all Lose & Maintain our Weight

Jawbone recently released data they have accumulated from what their users are reporting and this gives us some really good insight into what works and what doesn’t!

Here are a few of the key points Jawbone found from the data:

  • Those who lost weight logged 75% more meals per week than those who didn’t lose weight. There has been debate about whether eating more well-balanced, small meals actually helps your metabolism. Some experts say yes and others say no, but Jawbone’s data supports the former.

  • UP users who lost weight logged 60% more workouts per week.

  • Jawbone wearers who lost weight also had 11% more teammates than those who didn’t.

    Those who lost weight got 8% more sleep, too.

  • UP users who lost weight also logged foods that had 25% more fiber, 13% less fat, 13% fewer calories, and 12% less sugar per meal.

  • They also ate breakfast 30% more often and drank 33% more water than those who didn’t lose weight.

via Weight-Loss Habits, According To Jawbone – Business Insider.

These are tips I frequently use in coaching, it is nice to see them confirmed, once again!

by tessbrennan

Quick Tip – Be ABNORMAL – for a Successful & Healthy Life

As I search the internet looking for information on the “average” “normal” person I am amazed.  I NEVER want to be normal again. I don’t want to look normal, feel normal or even act normal.  If you are ready to be abnormal…

The normal child under 2 is expected to have 8-10 sick visits to the doctor a year.
The normal adult is expected to have 4 sick visits to the doctor per year.
The normal person hates Mondays, lives for Fridays, and wishes their lives away.
70% of Americans take at least 1 prescription drug daily
50% of Americans take at least 2 prescription drugs daily
Individuals 65-69 years old take nearly 14 prescriptions.
80-84 take an average of 18 prescriptions.
70% of Americans hate their stupid job.
More than 1/3 of US adults are obese.
The average American over-consumes 300 calories per day from empty calorie beverages.

STOP BEING NORMAL!Normal_is_Not_Healthy

  • Begin by making simple measurable changes to your daily life!
  • Determine what your life will be like in 5 years if you continue on the same path.
  • Employ a coach to keep you on track.  (Our Olympic and Professional athletes understand this tip.)
  • Add a multi-vitamin EVERY DAY.
  • Join a group for accountability.Potential Commitments

For more information, contact me.

by tessbrennan

A 7 day cleanse ruined my life!

I decided I had consumed way too much trash over the Thanksgiving-Christmas holidays. I felt sluggish, had no energy, and was bloated, not to mention I’d gained 9 pounds. I heard about this awesome all you can eat cleanse and that sounded like something I could do. I stocked up on healthy, fresh produce and embarked on this great challenge. No starvation, no crazy concoctions, no drugs, just tasty, pretty, raw veggies and fruit.

Day 1: I want to eat a wheel of cheese and a whole tuna. (Don’t forget the protein.) I did very well on this day. Not many cravings, but the knowledge that I should avoid it for 7 days made me want it.IMG_20150109_192701

Day 2: <Head hits desk> When my body doesn’t get protein it doesn’t function. I had misunderstood the instructions and omitted any protein on day 1. Unable to function, a half serving of a plant based protein brought me back to life and I commenced to shoving large quantities of food in my mouth.IMG_20150107_184019
Day 3: I began feeling clearer in the head, my energy picked up a bit, I wasn’t wanting to eat forbidden foods (as much) I was very thankful for the 2 avocados that had fallen off my tree. I ate half of each of those beasts each day.IMG_20150104_133659
Day 4: This was a Thursday for me. When I walked into Rotary, the meat entre’ smelled divine. This day was very difficult to get enough food past my lips…to which my hubby found very entertaining. I felt that I could not possibly force anymore raw veggies past my teeth. Yet, I continued on.IMG_20150106_191831
Day 5: Must I really continue to eat this stuff? I had lots of energy, felt very clear headed, yet fixing chicken and such for the rest of my family caused me to be jealous. For dinner, I told my husband, “I give up, I want a pizza. I’ll just eat a veggie pizza so it won’t be that bad.” He said NO, so I had slightly steamed tomatoes with avocado and some homemade Italian dressing.IMG_20150105_130904
Day 6: I’ve made it this far… could I eat a whole cow? Nope…one more day to go. Tomato juice warmed with right protein tastes just like cream of tomato soup! I packed an apple and orange in my purse for snacks at the hockey game and ate my salad when we returned home at 10 pm.

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Day 7: Easy, this is it. I am finished at dinner time. I shoved fruits and veggiez and plant based protein past my teeth with the knowledge of a small, grilled chicken breast for dinner, and maybe even a bite of ice cream.

IMG_20150118_200311

Free dinner -its over!  Hubby grilled the chicken perfect, but when I bit into it, it didn’t meet my expectations.  When darling daughter finished her dinner and got ice cream, I had a single bite of the fowl tasting frozen concoction..

The cleanse ruined my taste buds! I lost 7 pounds in the 7 days, several inches around my waist, increased my energy levels, and wrecked my taste buds for the crap that infiltrates our daily lives.

Chicken is better now, fresh caught grouper is amazing, ice cream still doesn’t cut it and I am craving more veggies.

Things I learned.
*I am thankful for my supportive husband, even if he  makes fun of me in the process.
*Fruits and veggies make me feel good.
*Iron can eliminate cheese cravings.
*Fresh and lightly steamed veggies make gorgeous meals.
*I can do anything for 7 days.
*If I can do it for 7, I can commit to healthier choices on a daily basis for life.
*Keep drinking water-it keeps things moving.
*Protein is an integral part of my daily diet.
*If I have “side effects” it is due to my errors in following proper protocol.

Cleanse-Why_Raw_Food-Side_Effects

I was devastated that the things I once coveted as delicious, no longer strike my fancy, however it is amazing how delicious these whole foods can taste when there isn’t anything skewed by hyper-palatable foods.  My “junk food life” was ruined! Now I focus on whole foods for my sweets and such!

For more information on this amazing All You Can Eat Cleanse, contact me.

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 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