2010 Goals!

Everyone is talking about their New Year resolutions. But, I am talking about goals. There isn't a huge difference. But I think there is more room for dreaming and hope with goals.

So, take a moment to think of your goals...goals for your health, for your family, for your personal growth...

What do you think about a goal board? Imagine if we put our goals and things that inspire us on a board where we could look at them each day. What do you feel inspired to do? What can you accomplish?

I personally have a list of 50 goals for my life that I really need to get on a board. I have them listed on a piece of paper, and I have a notebook of pictures, sayings and other things that inspire me to achieve my goals, but I have yet to put all this together on a board. A new goal of mine is to get it all on a board!

It is just too easy to lose sight of what we really want when life gets tedious or gets us down. Who hasn't found themselves saying, "I just want to get through this day." We have a lot on our plates, and we have a lot on our minds. A goal board is a great reminder of who we are and what we don't ever want to lose sight of - hope for our future and goals we want to accomplish in our lifetimes!

There is an amazing feeling that comes with accomplishing a goal, whether it be to keep a plant alive, get your blood pressure under control, or climb a mountain! So, get dreaming, make your own goal board, and never lose sight of what you can do!

We would love to hear your goals. Sharing with others may inspire someone else to achieve their dreams!

Music Improves Workouts??

Yes, yes it is true! The simple task of listening to music while you work out has been shown to improve your workout. Now, that is good news.

Christopher Capuano, Ph.D., director of the school of psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, N.J., reports that the research has found that overweight to moderately obese women with a mean BMI of 33, who participated in a walking program three times a week for six months, gradually traveled longer, recorderd faster times for distance covered, and burned more fat when they listened to music while walking. We tend to show greater endurance and have better a better performance when we use music to help motivate us.

Want more good news? Get this: the subjects who listened to music were much more likely to stick to the program, and lost twice as much weight - an average of 16 pounds versus eight pounds in the no-music group. Many were also inspired to add an extra two or three days to their walking schedule.

I have always believed that music has a powerful effect on our brains. When I am in a bad mood, switching on my favorite song has done worlds of good to distract me and bump up those feel good hormones in my brain. When you work out, I assume music helps distract you from boredom or a little pain.

Now, please don't crank up your music so loud that in a couple years you have early hearing loss. Keep it below the half walk mark so you can still hear pieces of what is going on around you.

Happy Exercising and keep those tunes coming!

Defend and Resist

Alright, who is sniffling out there? Anyone suffering a sore throat? Or is it worse?

Now that Christmas is over, our bodies may be starting to crash. All the stress, sugar, junk food and abuse our bodies took over the last couple of days or weeks is going to catch up with us. Not to mention, it is flu season. This is a bad combination.

Don't worry too much. It is never too late to take care of yourself. Take a break, rest up a little, drink some herbal tea, and daydream about all the wonderful memories you just made with family and friends this holiday season.

If you are starting to feel that first tickle in your throat or are catching yourself looking for kleenex, then it is time for a little health boost. In our family, this is the time for Shaklee's Defend and Resist - a wonderful immune system booster. It features four clinically proven immune-supporting ingredients: echinacea, black elderberry, larch tree, and zinc. The Echinacea purpurea stimulates the body's natural resistance. Black elderberry and zinc help maintain a healthy immune response. Larch tree enhances immune support.

We love it, because it tastes great and you can swallow, chew it or crush it into a tea. Personally, I love making it into a tea. My 18 month old son loves chewing up what we call "purple delight." When you first start to feel a little cold coming on, this is what would be my first pick!

For overall immune support and to help keep you from even getting sick, my favorite supplement is Nutriferon. It is so cool, because world-renowned immunologist, Dr. Yasuhiko Kojima, who discovered interferon in 1954, has developed a unique blend of four plant extracts that boosts the body's natural production of interferon.

Interferon is critical to healthy immune function, and it has been proven by four human clinical studies. You know me, I have to do my research and have proof of a supplement before I use it. The studies have shown that Nutriferon's blend of four plant extracts has extraordinary health and immune protection benefits. My family has been using this product since last flu season, when I got fed up of taking care of a sick family. Winter is much more enjoyable when you are all healthy.

I have chatted long enough about healthy immune systems. You get back to resting and I will too!

You can find both of these products exclusively from Shaklee: http://caranitz.myshaklee.com/us/en/category.php?main_cat=Nutrition&sub_cat=ImmuneSupport

A Few Yoga Pointers

Now, that you have seen how great yoga is for you and how great it makes you feel, I have a few pointers to share with you to bring it to another great level.

1. Breathing is super important!! Take long, deep breaths throughout the whole workout. Try to take them in through your nose and out through your nose. Feel your stomach rise as you inhale and let those breaths coming in energize you. As you exhale, let all the air and bad stuff out of your body.

2. Always try to stand firm in the pose you are in. Plant the soles of your feet firmly into the ground. Make sure you feel all the four corners of your feet (big toe, inner heel, little toe, and outer heel) pressed gently down. This will help you feel grounded and balanced.

3. Try to be aware of your body. Feel the muscles that are supporting you and being strengthened and lengthened with each move. Appreciate the ways your body can move and celebrate your body as it get stronger and more flexible.

4. Relax. Even during difficult poses, try to keep your facial features soft and relaxed. Try to keep your neck relaxed. This will help you stay peaceful and calm, to help you really relax and reap the stress-reducing benefits of yoga.

What Can Yoga Do For You?

I don't know if you are anything like me, but when I first heard about yoga years ago, I tried it once and thought, "This is too slow for me, and I didn't sweat, so I shouldn't waste my time doing it." Needless to say, I didn't give it much of a chance. Now, I have realized the benefits, can work up a sweat, and am, in fact, a yoga instructor myself.

Some of the women and men in my classes tell me that they no longer wake up with stiff joints and muscles. Some tell me that their body feels a bit like when they were younger, and some tell me that they just can't do without the relaxing benefits. Those are just some of the reasons to give yoga a shot.

I have found that you really become more aware of your body as you learn yoga. You have to listen to how your body feels with each pose. You have to learn how to take really deep cleansing breaths, which most of us are not used to. That deep breathing helps reduce stress and calm anxieties. I also feel that yoga teaches you to appreciate your body as you grow and realize all the things you are capable of.

Of course, yoga is known for building flexibility, but did you know yoga also builds strength? Try holding the lunge pose or chair pose for a minute. You will know what I mean!

As I discussed in a previous blog about detox, yoga can be very helpful with getting rid of toxins out of the body. Twisting poses are especially helpful with this, as well as bridge pose, which stimulates your digestive system. With all the toxins in our modern lives, any way that we can help our bodies detox is important!

So, grab a yoga mat or just use bare feet on a carpet, and breathe and relax away your stress while taking in all the benefits of yoga!

Dry Skin, Be Gone!

In the winter, most of us suffer with dry skin. Whether it is just a little dry, or it is really irritated, red and itchy. My son's cheeks started getting a little dry after being out in the cold wind during a sledding trip. So, I started with putting a little cream on them. Now, I mean actual cream. We still get our milk right from an Amish farm and it separates into milk on the bottom and cream on top. So, I just dab some of that cream on. Initially, it did help. So, that is one thought for helping heal dry skin naturally. But I noticed the next day his skin was still a little rough, so I tried dabbing on some organic oil. That also seemed to help for a day or so. But, after being out in the cold, his skin still looked a little red and rough.

I hadn't tried actual lotion yet, because of all the dangerous chemicals they put in lotions these days. I remember the day I looked at the ingredients on the bottles of Johnson's Baby lotion and Jergens that we had been given for baby shower gifts. I was horrified with the ingredients like parabens, artificial colors, synthetic fragrances, etc. I knew about dangerous ingredients in adult lotions, but I had hoped since it was baby lotion and shampoo, they would be more careful. Children aren't able to get rid of toxins as efficiently as adults, so it is really important to keep them safe. Needless to say, I threw those out or gave them to the needy.

So, what did I do about my son's dry skin that actually worked? Well, I had bought some Shakleebaby organic baby lotion when he was born. It is filled with wonderful ingredients like organic coconut and sunflower oil, organic shea butter, organic rosemary leaf extract, and organic lavendar and chamomile oils. I just hadn't needed it until now. So, I decided to give it a shot. I rubbed a little bit on his cheeks and his legs. The next morning when I got him out of bed, his cheeks and legs were still so soft and smooth. After a day running around outside, his skin was still moisturized. I was kind of shocked, to tell you the truth, because normally the cream or canola oil do the trick. I thought if they don't work, what will? I guess, this time, it just took the Shakleebaby lotion to help.

If you have other tips for keeping skin soft and smooth without harsh ingredients, please share with us!

My First Organic Restaurant!

I have got to tell you, I am super excited to share the experience I had last night with you! After dreaming of getting to eat at an organic restaurant, I found one: the Electric Cheetah in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Let me tell you, I enjoyed every single minute of it.

After searching on the internet for quite awhile, I found a couple of organic restaurants within an hour and a half of our rural home. Since we had to travel down that way to take my mom to the airport, we decided to give one a shot.

As we stepped inside the Electric Cheetah, I knew I would love it. They had herbs growing inside the windows of the restaurant, fresh homemade pies and desserts sitting near the hostess stand, and the decor was hand painted landscapes and contemporary design. That was just the beginning of a great experience.

We took a look at the menu full of grass fed, free range meats and tons of organic veggie options - all homemade and at reasonable prices. It was as if I was in heaven. I ordered hummus with green beans, red peppers, and pita bread. It was fabulous and as I tried everyone else's meals, they were equally delicious. Next time, I am getting the mac and cheese, for sure!

I so appreciated being able to go out and enjoy a meal, without having to sacrifice quality or food safety. I enjoyed spending my money, not on some over-priced, cheap food that has been frozen and reheated, but on homemade, organic, local food that energized and really fed my body.

How can you find an organic restaurant near you? Well, try the phone book, ask at a local health food store, or search online. Now, the online search can be tricky. Try different search engines and try different words in your searches. It took me awhile to find this one, but it was so worth it!

A Few of My Favorite Organic Foods!

For some reason, around this time of year, I can't stop thinking about food. Maybe it is because it so cold outside and my body wants a little more insulation, so I eat all...the...time! Since food is always on my mind, I thought I would write about it and share my favorite healthy organic foods with you!!

Garden of Eatin' Blue Tortilla Chips- Now who doesn't love tortilla chips? These are great because they are made of great quality organic ingredients so you don't have to feel guilty as you enjoy them. I also like that you can get a non salt version too that still tastes great!

Muir Glen Organic Soups- Soup is so nice during this time of year to keep you warm and help you load up on your veggies and fiber! These soups are chock full of tasty veggies, and they have tons of varieties.

Spectrum Organic Oils- I love to bake!! I always substitute half canola oil and half applesauce for butter. It helps you cut some fat and calories, add a little fruit, and give you some heart healthy omegas that are found in Spectrum's Canola Oil.

Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Whole Grain Bread- I love, love, love this bread. It is so hearty, healthy, and it is actually living food! It is made from freshly sprouted live grains that increase vitamins and allows proteins and carbohydrates to be absorbed better! Read more here: http://www.foodforlife.com/sprouted-grain-difference/ezekiel-4-9.html

Shaklee Energizing Soy Protein or Cinch Shakes- You know I love Shaklee's purity and extremely high quality nutrition products. Well this is one of my absolute fav's! Actually, drinking this soy protein shake is the best part of my 18month old son's whole day. They have all the amino acids you need each day to help all your cells work the way they should, and they have tons of good protein to keep you fuller longer and help fuel strong muscles. My favorite is the Chocolate Soy Protein or the Strawberry Cinch Shake.(Cinch shakes have extra Leucine to help your body keep its muscle while burning the fat) You can find them here: http://www.caranitz.myshaklee.com

King Arthur Whole Wheat Flour- I always use this flour when baking, because it is healthier than white flour and tastes so good. It is never bleached, never bromated, just 100% organic hard spring wheat.

Sunspire Organic Chocolate Chips- Not only do these chocolate chips not have any bad chemicals, antibiotics or steroids in them, they are also certified as fair trade, so every bag you buy, you are helping out farmers! Don't worry about taste, they are delicious! Find them here: www.sunspire.com

I hope you enjoy trying some of these healthy organic alternatives! Let me know what some of your favorites are.

A Simple Detox

It is easy to overload on goodies and indulgences during the holidays. There are so many parties and cookie trays, and I am not sure about you, but I get the urge to make sweet treats every time I sit down in front of the Christmas tree. It is ok to enjoy a few treats here and there, but you may want to try a gentle detox to help ward off sickness and energy loss.

Have you heard of detox yoga? Using a lot of the yoga poses and adding deep twists to them is really great at helping your body start the detoxing process. Try sitting nice and straight on the floor with your left leg straight and right leg crossed over the left one with the knee up. Bring your left elbow across that right knee and turn your torso to the right side as you exhale. Hold this pose as you breathe deeply for a couple breaths. Then, do it on the other side.

You can also use food to help support your body's natural detoxification. Sulfur-rich vegetables(such as broccoli and onion) support your liver's detox enzymes. Food rich with fiber (such as beans and fruit) help eliminate toxins from the body. Lean protein (such as organic chicken, wild Pacific salmon, and soy protein shakes) is full of amino acids that prepare toxins for elimination.

There are some great supplements to help keep your body eliminating toxins, as well. Taking a pre and probiotic helps keep your digestive system working correctly. A detox supplement I love is Liver DTX. Not many of us, especially healthy people, realize what kind of damage there is to our liver. It does a lot of work, especially with the way food is processed today. Liver DTX helps your liver to work efficiently so that you can absorb all the nutrients your body needs. I also love alfalfa. I know, most people think of cows when they hear the word alfalfa. Alfalfa is actually a storehouse of nutrients and is great at helping rid your body of toxins. Shaklee's alfalfa supplement is sourced from 20 ft below the ground to search out nutrients and minerals that are in the soil. You can find more information about these supplements at www.caranitz.myshaklee.com

Another way to help your body detox and reenergize is to drink, drink, drink! Lots of water, that is, and add in a bit of apple cider vinegar (1-2 tbsp.) to help rid your body of toxins.

Enjoy a few indulgences, but remember to take care of yourself so you can live your best life!

Take a Deep Breath...and Energize!

I don't know about you, but this time of year is jam-packed with tons of activities, traveling, and sadly, stress. Don't let it get you down! I have often wondered why we allow such a joyful time of year to wear us down and stress us out. I want to share some easy suggestions to help keep you energized, joyful and stress-free.

The other day we put up our Christmas tree, and I will not forget the amazement and joy that was on my one and a half year old son's face as we plugged in the Christmas tree! It makes me smile every time I think about it. My point is that children get joy out of so many little things, and I think too often we miss those moments ourselves because we are flying too fast through life. Slow down a bit and enjoy the little beauties of each day.

Count your blessings and act accordingly. You can't be in a bad mood after thinking for five minutes about all the things you have and are. You also can't help but feel great when you have given some of those blessings to people who need it or to a cause or organization who you want to support. Giving doesn't only help the person(s) receiving the gift, but gives joy to the giver also!

Now, what about specific things we can do for our bodies to help us energize and combat stress?

Drinking plenty of water helps keep you hydrated, and a lot of people who feel tired are actually dehydrated. So, carry your water bottle around with you wherever you go and take a sip here and there all day long. I love eco-friendly, nontoxic bottles by Sigg: http://mysigg.com

The majority of people today are missing key nutrients or lacking in the correct amounts. When your body is not getting the nutrients it needs, it cannot function the way it should. Pop a multivitamin in every morning with breakfast. Try some extra B complex and Vitamin D. The B vitamins are very important for energy. Unfortunately, they are depleted by stress and processed food we eat. Vitamin D protects against osteoporosis, cancer, depression, heart disease and fatigue. If you cannot get outside in the sunshine for 10-20 minutes every day, try a good quality supplement. The company I trust the most for supplements is Shaklee. You can find them here: http://www.caranitz.myshaklee.com

Try to sneak in at least 30 minutes of exercise throughout the day to keep energized and release stress.

Not too often do people tell you to eat more, but I am going to. Please add snacks to your day to keep your blood sugar from spiking and dropping too low. It is a good idea to have high protein snacks or try a protein shake.

Also, please give your body the rest it deserves and needs. Adults need 7-8 hours of sleep every night. A little 15 minute nap during the day can be very helpful for re-energizing, also.

I hope you will be able to enjoy each day of this busy time, treasure those special moments, and take care of your hard-working body!

What Are Toxic Cleaners Doing to Our Families?

Over 90% of poison exposures are at home.

Organic pollutants, found in many common cleaners and air fresheners, have levels 2 to 5 times higher inside your home than out.

Common cleaners give off fumes that can potentially increase the risk of kids developing asthma, the most common chronic childhood disease.

1 in 13 school-aged children has asthma. Rates in children under five have increased more than 160% from 1980-1994.

If your home is anything like the average U.S. home, you generate more than 20 lbs of household hazardous waste each year. (the EPA designates toilet cleaners, tub and tile cleaners, oven cleaners, and bleach as hazardous waste)

Women who work at home have a 54% higher death rate from cancer than women who work outside the home.

Those are some scary statistics! They sure have a way of opening our eyes to some of the dangerous chemicals that are lurking in our bathrooms, kitchens and in the air we breathe in our homes.

No one wants their son getting asthma from breathing in these dangerous toxins. No one wants their daughter to have rashes on her skin because of harsh laundry detergents. No one wants to suffer with allergies for years because their immune system has been compromised from an overload of toxins. Unfortunately, it happens to millions of people every day.

I want to give you four simple steps to take to make your home the safest, cleanest, healthiest place it can be.

1. Get the information about what is in your cleaners and lurking in your home. Go to www.householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/products.htm to find out more about the chemicals in the products you use.

2. Get rid of the icky stuff. Put on gloves and get rid of the nasty cleaners. Now, you have to be responsible with this, because these things are actually hazardous waste products. So check your local waste collection service for guidelines on how to dispose of it.

3. Welcome safe, natural cleaners into your home. My favorite cleaners are nontoxic, natural, biodegradable, concentrated to save you money, and hypoallergenic. I use Get Clean products for all my cleaning needs.

4. Consider other sources of toxic chemicals. Replace air fresheners with essential oils. Open your windows to reduce indoor air pollution. Get some beautiful plants that will help clean the air.

Have fun getting the icky stuff out and bringing in safe healthy alternatives! If you know of anyone who is still using toxic cleaners, please beg them to at least wear gloves and a face mask every time they use them!