Live Long Naturally ©2012

Did you know your word is your reputation? Are you keeping your word with yourself, your dreams, and others? What does YOUR word stand for?

Have you mastered yourself or do you continue to make excuses for why you don’t look or feel the way you want? Is your job less than what you want? Why settle for looking and feeling less than your best? Why not work on purpose instead of a mere paycheck?

Do you do what you say you are going to do? If not, you are wreaking havoc on yourself (body, mind, AND spirit). Take a stand to know yourself, love yourself and help others in doing the same. Each of us has a specific purpose to fulfill, knowing it can help us all age less. Breaking your word with yourself causes your self-esteem to suffer, which in turn leads to detrimental habits and/or addictions. A vicious cycle of self-induced stress leads to unhappiness and premature aging.

Be your own hero in the game called LIFE!

There are many “Top 10″ lists out there, and like most things… there is no one-size-fits-all. I compiled this list for a project I worked on earlier this year. One thing is certain… Our Food Can Be Our Pharmacy!

Choosing only ten foods was not an easy task. However, I narrowed it down and grouped one or more together for the purpose of this article. I did not include water on this list, simply because, I could only hope this is a “no brainer,” so a verbal reminder may be all that’s needed to help others eat healthier.

I weighed the pros and cons after looking at over a dozen expert lists. My decision is based on the following:

• Colors – I tried to include a variety of color, more color, more vitamins.
• Cost – not everyone can afford organic or specialty items.
• Most common – easy to find in any neighborhood.
• Seasonal – what’s in season.
• Disease specific – selected my list based on the leading causes of death in America.
• “Worth Knowing” – avoided any that may cause adverse side effects on certain health conditions or allergic reactions. I also omitted those most contaminated with pesticides since many (think they) cannot afford organic.

My list of “Top 10 Healthiest Foods” (listed in alphabetical order) are:

Avocado: Aside from these making a great cheese replacement, they are a good source of fiber… something cheese is far from. They can be used a variety of ways, and they help protect the eyes, skin, and heart. They are cholesterol friendly because of their healthy fat. Avocados a great source antioxidant, mineral, folate, and Vitamin A.

Blueberries: These seem to come up on most everyone’s list of healthy foods, for good reason. They are considered anti-cancer/inflammatory/oxidant, much  of what’s missing in this day and age of fast everything (food and technology). They are beneficial for the brain, heart, and eyes.

Broccoli: Even non-vegetable eaters tend to eat these. They are an antioxidant and great for cancer. They are loaded with fiber, protein, minerals, calcium, Vitamin A & C, and folate. They are considered a detoxifier because they help your body rid itself of toxins. Broccoli is also good for hormonal health for women.

The last 7 will appear in the following 2 posts…

As we age, it is crucial we supply our body with the needed, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, etc. The easiest and best way to do this is by eating 7 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. One serving equals 1/2 to 1 cup, depending on the food. Example… lettuce/salad would be 1 cup versus, an apple, which is more dense would be 1/2 cup.

Whether at home or on-the-go, the time to prevent any and all illness and disease is now WITH WHAT IS AT THE END OF YOUR FORK! An added benefit to eating more healthily… weight loss will no longer be an issue!

Vitality and beauty are gifts of nature for those who live according to its laws. Leonardo da Vinci

Often tired, never thin? Sick and tired of looking and feeling sick and tired? Baffled why losing weight doesn’t come easy and seems to get harder with age? It could be what’s at the end of your fork, the size of your spoon and how well you chew your food.

Today’s over consumption of fast and processed food has left many malnourished, overweight, sick, tired, and walking around looking and feeling far from their best. Many are dying a slow suicide by feeding their taste buds and not their body. Aging less AND weighing less is no secret when you take care of yourself.

Prolonging life for me includes:

• eating healthy (most days of the week and hours of the day)
• regular exercise (and bowel movements)
• seasonal cleansing – just like our vehicle every few months…

These are what keep me jowl-less, my eyelids visible, and my belly smaller than my bottom. These three parts of my body always let me know when I am overdoing it – thank God for built in gauges!

Savor the taste to lessen thy waist…

Women AND men… having flawless skin doesn’t have to cost a fortune or be health hazardous.  Here are 5 simple tips for your health AND naturally good looks.

1. Drink more water – flavor it with lemon, apple cider vinegar, ginger, chlorophyll, etc.
2. Women – remove eye make-up with olive oil… rub in and tissue off. A small bottle of cold pressed organic is plenty.
3. Wash your face with apple cider vinegar (ACV), diluted with water – see below
4. Use white sugar to help exfoliate dead skin and reduce fine lines… just don’t eat it!
5. Clean your kidneys – when your kidneys are sluggish, your skin (the 3rd kidney) tries to poop out what your kidneys can’t… thus breakouts!

#3… working for Dr. Schulze, I quickly learned how he helped his model and actress clients have flawless skin. He put them on his Hollywood Makeover Cleanse of flushing the kidneys, drinking more water, washing with ACV, and moisturizing with jojoba and tea tree.  Not sure where to begin? For dozens of detailed ways to look and feel your very best, click here. You’ll also be saving money, the planet and look younger!

Raisins and prunes are all dried up, YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE!