Tag / health tips

by tessbrennan

No Time for a Cold – Busy Professionals Series

What is a busy professional to do when they feel a cold coming on?

2015-09-02 13.46.46

I woke up Friday with a scratchy, tickley, irritated feeling in the back of my throat. That tell tale sign that a cold is sneaking up on you.  A few times during the day I got that swimmy feeling in my head, I needed to sit down and regroup. I was CERTAIN I was catching whatever it is that’s been going around.  and I developed a runny nose as the day progressed…

Here is what I did.

Feed the body what it needs.
Friday night, (I should have started Friday at noon.) I mixed up a batch of “vitamin water” mix.  I will share the recipe at the end of this post. I began feeding my body what it needs to boost my immune system and kick this stuff to the curb.

Don’t add stress.
I followed the instructions I was given for the drink mix (see below) and I rested on Saturday. I held off on a 10 mile training walk to prevent that stress from combining with the stress of fighting off a cold.

My grandmother always said that the sun is good for a cold. (Research says so too, here, here, and here.)  So when my husband wanted to go out on the boat I agreed to go. I didn’t do any of the work to prepare and I simply sat in the sun and enjoyed the beauty around me. I watch as they skied and fished.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
It is easy to forget to hydrate while sitting miserably with a swimmy head, stuffy nose, etc. However, hydration is what helps wash things out of our bodies that we don’t want there. When we become dehydrated it can cause a myriad of issues, and if you are feeling thirsty – you are already in the beginning stages of dehydration.

I fight dehydration by consuming room temperature water, warm performance hydration beverage, and hot herbal teas, as well as the hot vitamin water I mentioned above.2015-09-21 15.49.49

REST.
The body is already working overtime to fight the bug. Your body is creating white blood cells to fight off the infection and heal your body. (That is how it is designed to work.) When we allow the body to rest it can use that extra energy to fight off the invaders that are causing your symptoms.

I opted to stay home when my husband went out to visit with friends Friday and Saturday night. I relaxed at home, watched a movie, and SLEPT both nights to allow my body to use that energy fighting off the cold.

Gargle with hot/warm salt water
This is such an easy way to kill off any germs in your throat, as well as using a Neti-pot or a Sinu-rinse.  Super easy and VERY effective.

These are the exact tools I employ when I begin to feel a cold coming on. They have worked time and again for us.

Please note, I am NOT saying that any of these supplements cured my cold, I AM saying this is the protocol I followed, personally, and have for years to keep a cold from lasting more than a day or so.

Recipe
The amounts and supplements I mention here are all a brand I specifically trust for purity, potency, and safety.

Get Well Tea
4 Defend & Resist                   6 Alfalfa
6 Chewable C                         2 Zinc
3 Sustained Release Vita-C    4 Garlic
6 Nutriferon                             4 Herb lax
3 Tbsp Performance Mix         4 Stomach Soothing Complex

Add all to a grinder/blender cup and grind to a powder. Then add 1 rounded tsp. to 1 cup of hot water & a little honey to taste. Stir to dissolve.

Drink another within one 1/2 hour, and then one every hour for as long as it takes to begin feeling better.

This is how I supported my immune system and body. I ALSO sucked on a zinc and about 5 chewable C’s on Saturday morning to help my sore throat go away, and added some Vitalized Immunity in hot water a couple of times as well.

FDA_Statement

by tessbrennan

Quick Tip – Rollerskating

There are many activities we do with our children, that with a bit of effort can increase the effectiveness, calories burned, and muscle strength.

Today, I went rollerskating with my daughter, a favorite activity of ours.  My goal is to get my heart rate elevated for a prolonged period of time, sweat a bit, burn some of those calories and even build some muscle.

If you hold your arms out to the side, up in the air, for a second, its easy, same thing when you squat down. BUT, if you keep your arms there for an extended period of time, you will begin to feel the burn as gravity does its work and the muscles begin to work as you are holding them there.  Same thing, with the squat.  So what I do is keep my feet moving and work my thighs by squatting down into the moves and using my thigh muscles to push my feet out and pull them back in, all while maintaining that squat.

Keep moving until you feel the burn, then hold it a bit longer to make it worth it.  I use the burst mentality to make the most of my time.

3-5 minutes of warm up.
3 minutes of stretching muscles.
20 second bursts of movement in the squatted stance with 10 second intervals of relaxed gliding between. (3 minutes 30 seconds total at a time)
3 minutes of cool down.

Today, we were only at the rink for a couple of hours. (1 hour of it that I could skate) So, I did several reps of the above workout.

by tessbrennan

New Year’s Time Saver – Chili & Refried Beans

As a busy mom, I frequently look for ways to accomplish more in less time.  Cooking is an area where I can easily do this.  I like to make the most of my time in the kitchen, so last night, I prepped some beans for the crock pot today.

It doesn’t take any additional time soak twice as many beans, so I soak enough to make more than one bulk dish.  Last night, I soaked 1 pound of small reds, 1 pound of black, 1 pound of light red kidney beans in my larger crock pot.

This morning, I’ve got both Chili and Refried beans in dueling crock pots.  You don’t have 4 crock pots in your possession? (Yes, I may have an issue with crock pots.) Not a problem.  Make chili today and cook those refried beans tomorrow. Just put that helping of soaked beans in the fridge and cook ’em tomorrow. 🙂

(Looking to kick the nutrition of your refried beans up a notch?  Grab some Moringa leaves from a tree and throw them in right before you put in the fresh beans.)

Looking for a tasty veggie chili?

Dueling Crock Pots

My crock pot fetish. The crock on the left was my grandmothers, then my aunts, and now mine. It is an original crock pot and still works wonderfully. The crock on the right is my trusty favorite. Its frequently on my counter. I use it as a prepper – in most cases we don’t like our veggies cooked to mush (pulls out and destroys the nutrition) but is wonderful at cooking down stocks from left over carcasses (chicken bones) and cooking tomato dishes and beans.) We eat lots of beans here. 🙂

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! 🙂 

by tessbrennan

My Confession – and commitment!

Join me… Stretch and get up and move!!!

50 squats done!!! (A magical exercise that can be done anywhere!)

Hip stretches done!!!

How to find time to workout.

Everyday movement DOES count!

6 tips to make time for health.

Even a brisk walk counts!

by tessbrennan

###-FREE does NOT == HEALTHY!

SUGAR-FREE, FAT-FREE, GLUTEN-FREE, BANANA-FREE…

Banana-Free HealthyGreaseMonkey

Marketing experts have figured out that the typical American will purchase anything with the word “FREE” on it. And as consumers, most of us have proven them right.

Besides the fact that we are already programmed to pick up any package that says “NATURAL” on it and assume it is and it will be healthy… the marketers have turned other word combinations against us as well!

Sugar-Free

This leads us to believe a sweet utopian experience is on the horizon. Yet, our body is about to be assaulted if we consume such toxic poisons!

It is VERY well known, in many circles, that Aspartame, Saccharine, & Splenda can cause serious side effects. They are chemicals with side effects.

In fact, studies are showing that people who consume Diet Soda’s actually WEIGH MORE than those who drink regular sodas. (do NOT imply that I am condoning soda pop!) Smile 

Splenda-Side-Effects-Healthy-Grease-Monkey.jpg

 

In my book it is raw, organic sugar, honey, or fruit to sweeten whatever it is!

Fat-Free

“The problem is that sometimes “fat free” is also, well, taste free. And to make up for that lack of taste, food manufacturers tend to pour other ingredients — especially sugar, flour, thickeners and salt — into the products. That may boost the calorie content.

“Plus, if the foods aren’t that appealing, they may lead to overeating to make up for the lack of satisfaction.”  (WebMD)

INSTEAD: Think GOOD FATS and NOT fat free! Our brains actually NEED good fats to function properly…

Gluten-Free

Manufacturers have figured out that “Gluten-FREE” is the latest buzz word!  Heck, they are even labeling things that NEVER HAD GLUTEN… as gluten free!  Many people are jumping on the gluten free band wagon.  Many people DO have a gluten intolerance and eliminating it can eliminate symptoms and pain. 

Nowhere else in the world is there such a large percentage of people who are gluten intolerant.  Many other places in the world have outlawed the use of it. A study released this past month looks at the question of “Is it gluten or glyphosate?”

My main gripe about the whole gluten-free issue is that so many manufacturers are using the term “gluten-free” as a synonym to “healthy” and people are buying it. Sad smile 

Highly processed food is Highly processed food!  My rule of thumb is whole foods made in the home.  Ideally, foods that come from sources/people I know and use farming practices that match my desires.   We buy local and organic and I make all of our bread.

Banana-Free

Yeah, I just thought it sounded funny and would grab your attention!  Smile  Did it work?

Take it easy, have a GREAT week! Enjoy your life, your family, your food, and take time to INVEST in your health.

 

For more information or to schedule a personal coaching session, contact me!

by tessbrennan

8 Tips to Keep the Turkey off your Hips!

Thanksgiving is a week away.  Many will spend hours in the car traveling to or between family gatherings, only to arrive at their destination and have mounds of food placed in front of them.

What is one to do? Working diligently to maintain healthy choices, avoid junk foods, and keep moving on a regular basis could be all for not after this one day??? NOT!  RELAX…

Our health and well being is the culmination of what we do on a daily, weekly, monthly, and annual basis.  Its really about the choices we make every day, so each day we make good choices, contributes to better health.  This is 1 day, (or maybe a week depending on how much you actually cook) and not the whole year.

So, with that, and all the Holiday parties to follow in the next month and a half… Here are some tips to keep that turkey off your hips!

  • If you are on vacation, this is the perfect time to practice that routine you would like to institute when you go back.  Take the time to walk or do a few squats between commercials.
  • Eat a healthy snack before you go, so you aren’t ravished and ready to eat a whole cow (or garden for our vegetarian friends) when you arrive.
  • Drink a BIG glass of water 20 minutes before you eat. (or 10 minutes or 5 minutes or right before you eat… just drink it!)
  • TAKE. YOUR. TIME. eating.  Allow your body to register what is in the belly and to tell you when it is full.
  • Remember the difference between “I don’t” (preferred) vs. “I can’t.” (to be avoided at all costs)  The difference between these two phrases can be success or failure!
  • Moderation is key – you can have a sliver of pie, just not the WHOLE pie.  Smile Pick a small piece of the desert that “completes” the meal for you.
  • Don’t forget the veggies.  At least half of your plate should be veggies. (NOT just green bean casserole – fresh veggies, whole veggies, even plain veggies)
  • Opt for whole foods you recognize as the source and just try a taste of things you know are refined, if you must.
  • BONUS: At half-time take everyone outside to play a game of pick-up football, a family 5K, or just wrestle with the young-ins… movement is what it is about!

Tis the season to remember all the things we are thankful for.  (I like to do this on a daily basis, but its nice to have a reminder day for it…)

Here are a few photos of our past Holiday gatherings. Smile

IMG-20111124-00413IMG-20111124-00415IMG-20111124-00417IMG-20111123-00406IMG-20111123-00408Bonita Springs-20111124-00427

First 3 photos are of the 5,000 meals campaign at Lamb of God church.  We delivered meals for the church to people out in the Buckingham area who needed meals to help celebrate the holiday.  Then my daughter and I work on a holiday treat for our friends who hosted us for Thanksgiving, the Ballo’s.  

 

by tessbrennan

The ONE thing that made me gain weight!

It is amazing all the articles written about what it is that is making our fellow humans overweight and obese.  I have compiled a list of articles listing out what is making us fat. I will post some links at the end of this article.

I’ve heard such a list of “the one thing” that make us fat, but I don’t believe 1 thing makes us gain weight.  It is a list of things, combinations; the perfect storm.

What makes me Fat

So, what ONE thing on this list has made me fat?  How about you?

There are so many myths about what is making our friends, neighbors, family AND enemies fat that it is getting difficult to recognize the actual culprit.   We KNOW what to do, we KNOW what to eat, we KNOW we are gaining weight.

ALL OF THESE MADE ME FAT… and ATTENTION TO ALL OF THESE made me thin again.  Each one of us has the ability to change our personal future.  Each one of us has free will.  It is a matter of being mindful and choosing the healthier alternative.

Temptation has always been there and it will continue to be there, we just need to learn to brush it away and grab an apple instead. (Pun intended)

Genesis 3:3

3 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”  – BibleGateway.com NIV

My personal story:

I realized my health was declining, my weight was increasing, my pain levels were increasing, and I was sick all the time.  Hence, attention to prevention (or in my case repair). 

Through attention to what I eat, how much I move, what toxins I surround and slather upon myself, and disproving the time and money myths, I have been able to lose the weight, gain TONS of energy, lose the pharmaceuticals, and cut back to one cold per year.  My asthma is all but eliminated, my depression is controlled without Rx, I don’t need pain meds all the time, and I can walk 60 miles at a time.

If you would like more information, or to discuss what a plan for you might look like, contact me.

MAKE IT A GREAT WEEK!!!

(HERE’S YOUR PROMISED LIST OF LINKS)

http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/5-surprising-reasons-you-are-gaining-weight

  1. Lack of Sleep
  2. Stress
  3. Medications
  4. Medical condition
  5. Menopause

http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/for-women/11-causes-for-weight-gain-in-women.html#b

  1. Pregnancy
  2. Menopause
  3. Not eating enough
  4. Eating “low fat” foods
  5. Lack of Fiber
  6. Too Much stress
  7. Lack of Sleep
  8. Depression
  9. Lack of fatty acids
  10. Diseases & Illness
  11. Birth control

http://www.latimes.com/news/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-sugar-drink-preschoolers-20130805,0,4412618.story

Among the randomly selected children in this study, 31.4% of 2-year-olds were already classified as obese, and 32.7% of 4- and 5- year olds.

"Overall, children drinking sugar-sweetened beverages on a regular basis have 17% to 20% increase in total calorie consumption," the researchers write in the paper.

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/11/25/7-surprise-reasons-for-weight-gain/

  1. Depression
  2. Rx
  3. Gut is slow
  4. Body doesn’t have enough of certain nutrients
  5. Getting older
  6. Plantar Fasciitis or other aching joints
  7. Cushing’s syndrom

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/loseweight/Pages/Puttingonweight.aspx

  1. Foods labeled “low fat”
  2. Stres
  3. TV
  4. Rx
  5. Late Nights
  6. Good Manners
  7. Portion sizes
by tessbrennan

The exercise you ARE getting–without the credit.

A friend, and client, recently stated, “I would love to hear some non-workout- exercise ideas that don’t require massive sweating or leaving kids to be watched by daddy.”

This got me to thinking…  Many of us get exercise weekly or even daily that we don’t give ourselves credit for.  There was a study done on those working in housekeeping. Perhaps, we need to look at the things we are already doing and give ourselves the credit for what we are doing.

30 minutes of our daily activities can burn some calories for us. Here are some examples and the calories burned in a 30 minute session.

Active Gardening 37 Calories
Carrying a Heavy object 49 Calories
Carrying Groceries 72 Calories
Dance 225 Calories
House Cleaning 34 Calories
Roll in the Hay 17 Calories
Mopping 23 Calories
Mowing the Lawn 51 Calories
Actively playing with your Kids 28 Calories
Scrubbing Floors 34 Calories
Shopping for Groceries 23 Calories
Take the Stairs 43 Calories
Walking 34 Calories (depends on Pace)

 

This is a GREAT way to begin thinking about the things you do on a daily basis and the calories that it burns.  Things add up and your activity level does too.

20130625_162137

Playing at the park, we chase her around on all the apparatus and play too!

tim bowling

Occasionally we go bowling with friends.

Some other ideas for some “non-traditional” exercise might be…

Park farther from the store.
Take the stairs when you have <5 floors to cover.
Walk around the block while your kids scooter.
Walk to the neighbors, the store, the playground.
Do crunches in your home.
Sign up for B.U.R.S.T.club.com workouts (11 minutes)
Do squats while watching a favorite TV program.
Have a “Dance Party” with your kids
Play Football with your Kids (or soccer/volleyball/etc.)
Swim/Tread water  152-167 Calories in 30 minutes
Challenge your kids to workout with you
Walk the dog
Wash the cars

 

IMG-20120113-00114

Daddy & CLB having scooter races in the driveway.

We frequently have dance party in our home, do bike/scooter rides as a family, walk places, and just move about playing tag.  We have friends who get together and ski most weekends in the summer. (Pretty sure that counts as exercise) Just make ways to be more active, change your habits – even dance while you cook dinner – kill two birds with one stone and eat it for dinner!

Erick Flinn

Erick, barefooting. 

What things do your families do to stay active?

by tessbrennan

Surviving the Summer Picnic Season – healthier choices

10 tips to survive the Summer Picnic season and NOT wreck your new healthier patterns and habits.

So, here was the question posted: 

“Okay, I will need help getting through the summer! Cookouts (burgers, brats, hot dogs [yucky]), birthday parties, ice cream, chips, potato/pasta salads (mayo)…oh my! What are your best healthy, alternative food choices while dealing with summer events? Especially those you are invited to and cannot control what you are served?”

Here are my thoughts:

  1. Bring your own salad to add to the spread.  This gives you some control of what is offered and a healthy alternative no matter what is offered. Many times the host is happy to have another salad to add or some fresh fruit.
    Pico de Gallo
  2. Pack a cooler full of water. We always pack a cooler with bottles filled with filtered water, so I know I have something to drink that isn’t “pop”!  Its really easy to drop in some lemon or strawberry slices to dress it up for the occasion.  Take your own glass or use what they provide and just keep filling it with your own beverage.
    Get_Clean_Water  Fruit_infused_water
  3. Eat healthy before leaving or bring what you need to eat.
    This is becoming more common place. With all the food allergies and special diets, it only makes sense to bring what you need.  Amusement parks allow us to bring in everything we need for the day (corn allergy).  We have found that host/hostesses are relieved to find we have brought what our darling daughter needs to eat. No need for him/her to fuss about her special needs (or yours) be proactive.
    Cooler_bag
  4. Skip the more refined foods. Skip the mac n cheese, the salads LOADED IN MAYO, and the white buns.  Choose a vinegar slaw over loaded baked potato salad, or limit yourself to just a taste.
  5. Know your Condiments. Mustard has hardly any calories and kicks it up a notch, pepper and other herbs and spices.  Read labels on the bottles, if they are on the table, or choose to forgo them as a whole.. and LOAD UP ON THE VEGGIES TO STACK. We also frequently take our own HFCS free catsup since Lil bit is allergic.
    ketchup
  6. Garnish the heck out of it. A lot of times garnish is made up of beautiful veggies, leafy greens, & fruit.  Don’t be afraid to load your plate up with the healthy garnish, especially if others aren’t eating it – why let it go to waste. Choose extra lettuce and tomatoes or pickles.
    veggies
  7. Choose your words wisely.  If friends (or strangers) ask you why you aren’t eating something, remember that it isn’t that you “CAN’T” eat something, it is that you “DON’T” or you “CHOOSE NOT TO” eat something.  If you really want a taste, then take a taste – you don’t have to eat the whole birthday cake or pie. I frequently find I prefer just a nibble and I am satisfied or reminded why I don’t eat “that”. 
  8. Avoid dips. Not the guys with the stupid jokes, the creamy, calorie laden dips.  Opt for a pico de gallo on a SPOON. Perhaps this is the dish you prefer to bring… Or maybe a bean salad of some sort. 
  9. Wrap that meat up in some lettuce or eat it with a fork, like I do. Avoid the buns, they aren’t good for you and really aren’t needed.  Grab a big piece of lettuce, a fork or a skewer and pretend you’ve just gotten a meat on a stick at the fair. Also, choose grilled over fried!
    Lettuce_wrapped_burger
  10. It isn’t what we do once in a while that causes our problems, it’s those things we do on a daily basis that create who we are, how we feel, and in the end – how we look.  Don’t beat yourself up  if you choose unhealthy choices at one event in a month. DON’T BEAT YOURSELF UP PERIOD! Remember, the shortest distance is a straight line, if we stray, just gently redirect yourself back to that line.

These are the ways I have found to personally survive when we are surrounded with foods and options that don’t meet my desired path.  I almost always have a snack bar in my purse or truck to grab in dire need and I always have healthy alternatives on me for my daughter as well.  (Ask her- she has to have a protein before a carb… she’ll tell you that.)

Happy, healthy picnicking!

For more information on making healthy choices, feel free to contact me!