Inner Peace Concepts

Are you struggling to lose weight...

2015-02-26T18:12:00.000-08:00

Are you struggling to lose weight...or have you put on some extra pounds lately?

Most people don't know that one of the most common causes of fat gain and slowed fat loss comes not JUST from our food, but also our environment.

The problem is a build-up of toxic substances. Unfortunately, in this day and age we are surrounded by harmful toxins. They come to us through food in the form of artificial colors, chemical preservatives, pesticides, insecticides, and more. They get to us through some of the plastic containers and coated cans that our food is sometimes packaged in. But we also absorb them through our lungs and skin from the air and the water around us. Even the body wash or shampoo you use could be a source of toxins entering your body.

Gluten

2015-02-26T18:03:00.000-08:00

You may not realize this, but the dangers of gluten are secretly hiding in sauces, salad dressings, soups, seasoning blends, and the vast majority of packaged foods (even if you think they're gluten-free)... not to mention all your favorites like bread, pasta, cereals, and desserts. Even worse, gluten is virtually impossible to escape when dining out, even when ordering from gluten-free menus as cross-contamination runs rampant in most restaurant kitchens.

So why is gluten such a problem that you MUST avoid? You see, gluten is extremely difficult for most people to properly digest, leading to digestive issues like gas, bloating and overall discomfort. And even if you don't "feel" the side effects of gluten, rest assured it's still causing "silent damage" to your gut and immune system. When ingested, gluten acts like shards of glass cutting into the intestinal wall, causing inflammation and compromising your immune system, overall health, and can even be the cause of slowed or completely stalled fatloss.

Belly Fat

2015-02-26T17:56:00.000-08:00

This one hormone has a lot to do with your bellyfat.

"Ugh, I think my hormones are all messed up!" That's the statement I heard from my sister not too long ago.

After I asked her a few questions about what was going on, I proceeded to explain to her that there are no "bad" hormones. They are all there for a good reason.

Problems arise when your hormones get unbalanced, and bad things happen in your body.

There's one particular hormone that's directly responsible for adding unwanted fat around your middle. It's called cortisol and this was my sister's biggest problem.

Your body releases cortisol when you're under stress. It's part of the whole "fight or flight" response. It worked great for our caveman ancestors when they were being chased by a lion. But it isn't so great for us now...

You see, many of us are walking around with high cortisol levels all the time.

It happens thanks to everyday stressors, like a fight with your spouse or a rough day at work.

Even strenuous exercise like jogging can raise your cortisol to sky-high levels.

And these increased cortisol levels could be making you fat.

The kind of fat you're most likely to store from elevated cortisol is called visceral fat - the dangerous bellyfat that's linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels.

4 High Fiber Healthy Foods that Pack on the Pounds.

2015-02-26T06:01:00.000-08:00

Did you know that one of the major contributors to a SLOW metabolism is the overconsumption of whole grains, even foods praised as being "high in fiber" such as:

1. 100% Whole Wheat Bread
2. Whole Grain Pasta
3. Bran flakes and other Wheat-based “Fiber” Cereals, and…
4. Whole Wheat Tortillas and Wraps

Despite having more fiber than their “white” counterparts, these 4 high-fiber foods destroy your blood sugar and give rapid rise to the fat-storing hormone insulin. In fact, believe it or not, two slices of whole wheat bread raise blood sugar far higher than a can of sugar-sweetened soda or even a sugary candy bar. This is because the wheat of today is nothing like the wheat of generations ago, having been genetically modified by the food industry, mutated, and exposed to the likes of industrial toxins and radiation to force an unnatural higher yield at the expense of your health.

These harmful wheat products, although praised by food manufacturers as healthy for their fiber and “whole grain” content, are a major cause of the raging obesity epidemic in western society today. Even more, because they are so rapidly digested, these foods provide virtually no metabolic benefit during digestion, resulting in less than optimal metabolic rates, and ever-expanding bellies world-wide.

On the other hand, protein is much more metabolically complex, boosting metabolism and burning up to 30% of the calories you eat just during the digestion process, not to mention the fat-burning hormonal benefits of eating less wheat and more protein. Simply put, by swapping out toxic wheat for fat-burning protein starting today, you’ll do wonders for your metabolism and your waistline to boot… highly recommended.

5 Essential Supplements You Should Be Taking Daily

2015-02-24T13:21:00.000-08:00

5 Essential Supplements You Should Be Taking Daily

We all want it: more energy and better health. And we know how to get it: a balanced diet.

But let’s face it. Most of us don’t eat right every day.

Even when we’re not eating all that “bad,” balanced nutrients are often in short supply. Experts agree that when we compare recommended nutrient intakes to what actually gets consumed, there’s a huge gap. Most adults are falling short on their vitamins and minerals. Over time, even small discrepancies can compound into bigger problems, so the right daily intake is important.

There’s a way to bridge that gap. Get these five essential nutrients, and you’re on the right path to feeling your best.

1. Vitamins

A reliable component of good health, multivitamins help fill in the gaps you might not be getting with nutrition alone. Choose one that includes these: vitamin A for eye health, a healthy immune system, and cell growth; vitamin C to help tissue and bone growth and repair; vitamin D3 for bone health; and vitamin E for strong immunity and healthy skin and eyes. B vitamins should be in there, too, to support the health of red blood cells nerves, the heart, and the brain.

2. Minerals

Minerals help your body perform essential functions, like building strong bones and teeth, supporting the blood and glucose levels, cellular energy — the list goes on. A good multi will include minerals for you. Look for things like iron, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, calcium and manganese.

3. Omega 3s

Your body needs a balance of essential fatty acids, essential meaning that you have to ingest it because you don’t just manufacture it on your own. The problem is, most of us get plenty of omega 6 fatty acids from meat and dairy, but it’s the omega 3s — the primary components of cell membranes — that are most commonly lacking. So get at least a weekly serving of cold-water fish, and supplement with a good omega-3 or something like Krill Oil as well. This will do good things for your bones, your skin, your brain, your heart, your joints, and even your moods.

4. Antioxidants

Antioxidants are the body’s natural defense against harmful free radicals. They scavenge them and get rid of them before they can damage your cells. There are great natural sources of antioxidants — most fresh fruits, vegetables and teas have them — and you can always supplement them as well. Find sources like green tea, mangosteen, curcumin, or acai berry.

5. Co-Q10

Cellular energy, cardiovascular health, and longevity have all been linked to taking co-enzyme Q10. This vitamin-like substance, present in every cell in the body, is required for energy production in the mitochondria of the cells. It is literally the fuel for most metabolic processes. Co-Q10 especially contributes to the health of the heart, kidneys, liver, and pancreas. It also supports already-normal-range blood pressure levels.

Can your body function without all of these fab five every day? Of course it can. But here’s the thing. By the time you feel like something’s out of whack, you’ve been at a deficit at the cellular level for a while. So why risk it? Eat the best you can, and supplement to make sure you’re not leaving any gaps.

Orange Creamsicle Smoothie Meal Replacement Shake

2015-02-24T13:17:00.000-08:00

Orange Creamsicle Smoothie Meal Replacement Shake

2 scoops vanilla SmartMeal

2 heaping T plain or vanilla yogurt

8 oz. orange juice

1 cup ice

Crash dieting?

2015-02-21T18:36:00.001-08:00

Something you may have done a lot of: Dieting. Particularly in the form of "crash dieting" where calories are restricted for extended perdiods of time.

Both crash dieting and chronic dieting can and will wreak havoc on your metabolic rate, as is clearly demonstrated in numerous studies published in the prestigious research journal Metaoblism.

For example, in a study conducted at Rockefeller University by world-renowned obesity researcher Dr. Rudolph Leibel, the metabolisms of individuals who had lost weight via long-term chronic dieting and/or various "crash dieting" techniques were compared to those of individuals who have typically maintained a normal weight.

As expected, the metabolisms of those in the the "dieter" group were 25% lower than those who had not gained or lost significant weight in the past. Even more, the dieter group had accrued so much damage to their metabolism over the years that their now battered metabolic rates were slower than those of normal-weight indidividuals two-thirds their size!

Other studies show significantly decreased levels of important metabolic, fat-burning hormones with crash dieting, such as theMetabolism study performed by Dr. Campbell at the University of Vienna in which thyroid levels dropped by a whopping 38% after just 2 weeks of consuming a very low calorie diet.

And yet another Metabolism study conducted by Dr. Gloria Dubuc and the nutrition research team at the University of California - Davis, showed a 50% reduction in the body's #1 metabolic hormone after just 7 days of following a severely reduced calorie diet.

Crave another cookie???

2015-02-21T18:34:00.000-08:00

You swore it would be just one cookie.

And it was …

For all of about 5 minutes.

But your craving for just one more got the better of you.

You know how the rest of the story goes.

“Just one more” all too quickly & easily becomes 3 more, 4 more (I swear this is the last one …), or 5 more until you're seriously worried about finishing the entire box in a single sitting.

Sound familiar?

I'm guessing it does.

If you often struggle with overeating, if you ever feel powerless to control your food cravings, you need to understand two things:

[1] It's not your fault, and

[2] No amount of willpower is going to help you keep your cravings in check

You see, if you often:

[+] Crave food between meals (and especially around bedtime)

[+] Have trouble sticking to a diet

[+] Have a “spare tire” around your midsection that no amount of diet or exercise can seem to budge

… Then the problem is that some very specific hormonal “switches” have been flipped off in your body, and you'll remain at the mercy of your food cravings until they're flipped back on.

The good news:

As soon as you correct this hormonal imbalance you'll no longer struggle with uncontrollable food cravings.

Plus, you'll find it so much easier to achieve noticeable, sustainable weight loss.

The even better news:

Bringing these hormones back into balance is easier than you probably think.

Go HERE and get your hormone balancer.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

2015-02-21T12:50:00.005-08:00

A local news channel covered a story just recently about Walmart Ice cream sandwiches.

Yep. Random, and who really cares?

Well, what they found out was interesting, But what they did next made me want to throw my remote at the TV screen.

The story goes like this:

A woman gave her 8 yr old son an ice cream sandwich. It was 90 degrees outside and he wanted something cold to snack on.

As all 8 yr olds do, he took a bite, got distracted and set his ice cream sandwich down on the porch.

Mother came out the next morning and found the ice cream sandwich. The strange thing is, it didn’t melt.

Well, the news channel caught wind of this and did a test. They took 4 leading brands of ice cream and put them out in the heat.

The results? The ice cream that was made with the least ingredients melted in 10 minutes (Like ice cream should melt in 90 degree weather. ) Wal-mart’s brand of ice cream? Didn’t fully melt.

Of course, the news anchor, trying to please her advertisers, went on to say that there was nothing wrong with Wal-mart’s ice cream and that it was completely healthy. (This was repeated and emphasized 3 times)

WOW. Talk about mis-information and MONEY controlling the media.

When eating ice cream, remember this:

1. If you are going to eat ice cream, make sure that your body has a line of defense such as a good probiotic . Probiotics have been shown in hundreds of studies to help you digest dairy, keep you from bloating, and improving overall digestion/stomach issues.
2. Ice cream is never healthy. It is a delicious treat, but don’t eat it and think it is good for you.

3. Ice cream that doesn’t melt is SCARY. If the heat and the sun have problems breaking food down, think about what it is doing to your body. (Artificial chemicals prevent the ice cream from melting)

Diet or not to Diet! Losing Weight for good... HOW???

2015-02-21T12:09:00.000-08:00

Something you may have done a lot of: Dieting. Particularly in the form of "crash dieting" where calories are restricted for extended periods of time.

Both crash dieting and chronic dieting can and will wreak havoc on your metabolic rate, as is clearly demonstrated in numerous studies published in the prestigious research journalMetabolism.

For example, in a study conducted at Rockefeller University by world-renowned obesity researcher Dr. Rudolph Libel, the metabolisms of individuals who had lost weight via long-term chronic dieting and/or various "crash dieting" techniques were compared to those of individuals who have typically maintained a normal weight.

As expected, the metabolisms of those in the the "dieter" group were 25% lower than those who had not gained or lost significant weight in the past. Even more, the dieter group had accrued so much damage to their metabolism over the years that their now battered metabolic rates were slower than those of normal-weight individuals two-thirds their size!

Other studies show significantly decreased levels of important metabolic, fat-burning hormones with crash dieting, such as the Metabolism study performed by Dr. Campbell at the University of Vienna in which thyroid levels dropped by a whopping 38% after just 2 weeks of consuming a very low calorie diet.

And yet another Metabolism study conducted by Dr. Gloria Dubuc and the nutrition research team at the University of California - Davis, showed a 50% reduction in the body's #1 metabolic hormone after just 7 days of following a severely reduced calorie diet.

Clearly both crash dieting and chronic dieting can do a number on your metabolism, but what can you do to begin burning fat again if your metabolism has been negatively impacted as a result of your past dieting efforts?

So as you can see crash dieting doesn't work. Please visit HERE look up the INFORM WEIGHT LOSS PRODUCTS AND GET STARTED!
If your looking too loose weight permanently. this will help!

Instantly AGELESS jeunesse global

2015-02-18T15:50:00.002-08:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czg6TMC6e6c

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12 Habits of Heart Healthy People

2015-02-13T22:39:00.001-08:00

12 Habits of Heart Healthy People

There might not be anything more important than taking care of your heart. And doing so can be simple.

At least simple in theory.

It takes dedication and consistent habits to keep your heart healthy throughout your life. Here are some of the habits of those living a heart healthy life:

For heart supplements, go here.

Manage your health

It may seem like a broken record but maintaining all of those pesky statistics measured at your annual health fair and checkup will help maintain a happy and healthy heart. Proper management of items such as blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar and BMI are paramount in lowering your risk of heart issues. Knowing these numbers for yourself will allow you to establish a baseline to know if you are at risk; from there you can work to establish a plan to bring any risk factor into alignment.

Make smart, nutrient-dense food choices

Making smart choices at the grocery store will help ensure success in maintaining optimal heart health. If you have the tendency to be a little more carnivorous, try steering yourself towards leaner and alternative protein sources. Opt for fish first, then skinless poultry, choosing red meat sparingly. And there are plenty of vegetarian sources of protein packed with heart-healthy fats, like avocado, nuts and seeds. When deciding which fruits and vegetables make the most sense bulk up on colorful plant foods. Those that are rich in color are also rich in vital heart-healthy nutrients. Making smart carbohydrate choices are also key to maintaining a healthy ticker.

Eliminate unhealthy foods and ingredients

“Anything with more than two grams of saturated fat per serving will do the heart more harm than good. You should also avoid any foods that have more than 1 gram of trans fat per 100 calories”, according to Health.com. Minimizing your intake of other ingredients like sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure, will also help. The Department of Agriculture recommends that healthy adults have no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day, (equivalent to about a teaspoon).

Watch your stress level

When you feel stress do you find yourself eating and speaking quickly? Do you tend to work too much or do you put off doing things that need to be done? It’s important to know what triggers those palpitations and prepare your response. Learn to manage your stress through relaxation techniques and take a little time for yourself. Even if it’s only 20 minutes, sit quietly without an agenda and take a few deep breaths.

Exercise regularly (30 minutes/day)

Inactivity is one of the major risk factors for heart disease. The key to making sure you are keeping your heart healthy is consistency. Your heart is a muscle so it’s easy to reason that a muscle needs to be worked regularly to stay fit. Strive to get a minimum of 150 minutes of heart-pumping exercise in each week.

Get enough sleep

The American Heart Association recommends that adults get 6-8 hours of sleep per night. As with exercise, consistency is the key to making this habit work. Several recent studies show links between shortened sleep duration, defined as less than six hours of sleep, and increased risk of heart disease.

Stress less and don’t take on too much

Being predisposed to being over committed and over scheduled is no longer the exception, it’s the rule. In order to promote a heart-healthy lifestyle, it is recommended you make it a habit to focus on one thing at a time. Try dividing your day into buckets such as; sleep time, family time, exercise time, work and mediation time. Do only one thing during the time allotted for each of these activities and move on.

Take an Omega 3 supplement

According to Active.com, most Americans are deficient in essential omega-3 fatty acids. If you aren’t eating oily fish at least once a week you should consider supplementing your diet with high-quality fish oil. Omega-3 fatty acids are one of four basic fats that the body derives from foods. While many of the other fats are harmful, omega-3s benefit the body and are especially good for the heart. Super Omega-3 EPA is a source of two fatty acids, EPA and DHA. Supportive but not conclusive research shows that the consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. The body uses omega-3 fatty acids as one of the primary components of cell membranes. Omega-3s are also beneficial to the structural system and to the skin.

Drink responsibly

Evidence suggests that one drink a day for women and two for men can raise HDL (good) cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and possibly reduce inflammation and help ward off diabetes. However, be warned that even a little too much alcohol can undermine the heart.

Stop Smoking

This is probably old, worn-out news. But any smoking at all significantly increases chance of heart disease and stroke – as much as 2-4 times that of nonsmokers. And according to the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Campaign, women show smoke are 25% more likely to develop heart disease than male smokers.

Cutdown on sugar and simple carbs

A sugar-laden diet may raise your risk of dying of heart disease even if you aren’t overweight, says a major study published online in JAMA Internal Medicine. According to Harvard Health Publications, added sugars make up at least 10% of the calories the average American eats in a day. But about one in 10 people get a whopping one-quarter or more of their calories from added sugar.

Over the course of the 15-year study, participants who took in 25% or more of their daily calories as sugar were more than twice as likely to die from heart disease as those whose diets included less than 10% added sugar. Overall, the odds of dying from heart disease rose in tandem with the percentage of sugar in the diet—and that was true regardless of a person’s age, sex, physical activity level, and body-mass index (a measure of weight).

You’ve heard it time and again, cut back on the sweets!

Enjoy life now!

It’s a hectic and stressful world constantly focused on what’s coming next, or the goals to reach in the future. That pressure causes us to live in the past and future, but rarely in the present. Try one of these activities to enjoy the ‘now and help take pressure off your heart.

Laugh! Laughing can support blood pressure levels already in the normal range
Start a project you are excited to work on
Take up a hobby such as knitting, sewing or crochet
Read a book or listen to music
Watch a movie
Spend time with friends having dinner, playing games, etc.
Play a sport
Take a nature walk
Take a class (but not a stressful class)
Be grateful for what you have

Strawberry Banana Meal Replacement Shake Recipe

2015-02-13T22:36:00.002-08:00

Strawberry Banana Meal Replacement Shake Recipe

2 scoops vanilla SmartMeal or Love and Peas

1/2 cup strawberry Greek yogurt

4-5 frozen strawberries

1 cup skim milk

1/2 cup ice

1 banana

Lower your blood sugar...

2015-02-12T08:05:00.000-08:00

Fact is, due to years of consuming a diet full of processed carbs and sugars, most people have grown quite insensitive to one of the most important hormones in our body—a hormone that can either be a huge asset to your body transformation goals, or a total fat-loss and health-derailing nightmare.

The name of this hormone is insulin.

And insulin's function is to help your body keep blood sugar at bay, clear it quickly from your bloodstream after a carbohydrate meal, and (hopefully) shuttle that blood sugar to muscle tissue for energy instead of into fat cells (driving up your weight).

I say "hopefully" because that's actually the exact opposite of what occurs when most people eat carbs. Going back to insulin sensitivity and carbohydrate tolerance, due to a diet full of processed, insulin- and blood-sugar-spiking carbohydrates, most folks are suffering from some level of insulin resistance, a condition in which insulin is no longer able to efficiently remove blood sugar from the blood stream.

The result? Dramatically reduced fat burning, increased blood sugar levels and increased fat storage.

Even worse, insulin resistance can and often does lead to type II diabetes and an array of other health problems over time, such as an increased risk for Alzheimer's and other cognitive disorders, premature aging, heart disease, and even stroke…and it all leads back to insulin sensitivity.

Ideally, when you consume carbohydrates, here is what you want to happen:

1. Minimum insulin release. This occurs when your body is highly sensitive to insulin. When it is, only a small amount of insulin is necessary to effectively and efficiently clear glucose from your blood to its storage sites. This is great news because your body has an incrediblydifficult time burning fat in the presence of insulin. The less insulin you have floating around, the better.

2. Quick and efficient blood sugar clearance. Again, this will occur when your body is highly sensitive to insulin.

3. Maximum glycogen uptake. Glycogen is the term used for stored carbohydrate in muscle tissue and the liver. When these tissues are highly sensitive to insulin, the vast majority of blood glucose will be stored within them as an energy reserve, instead of being converted to fat.

4. Minimum fat storage.When you increase insulin sensitivity, your body will choose to store your carbohydrate intake as energy, again in lean muscle tissue and the liver, instead of body fat.

Simply put, your body's ability to process the carbohydrates you eat all comes down to your insulin sensitivity and your body's ability to quickly and efficiently clear sugar from your blood.

Knowing that, and also knowing that you yourself are very likely suffering from too much blood sugar and some degree of insulin resistance due to the previously mentioned dietary and lifestyle factors, you’re probably wondering what you can do to improve your insulin sensitivity and make your body responsive once again to this critically important hormone.

What about carbs?? Whats Good??

2015-02-12T07:59:00.000-08:00

I had carbs for dinner last night, too. I even had a late night snack (that had some carbs) and I'm planning on eating some more carbs in just a little bit :). Fact is, while there are plenty of BAD carbs out there, you don't have to completely eliminate carbs from your diet in order to burn fat fast, especially when you choose the RIGHT sources.

Having said that, below are my top 4 choices for belly-blasting carbs that'll leave you full and satisfied, while helping you toward your fat loss goals to boot!

#4 - Berries & Cherries

Berries like blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and cherries (although not technically a berry) are some of the BEST carbs you can eat. They are high in fiber, packed with antioxidants, and score extremely low on the glycemic index, especially cherries which come with a GI of just 22.

I enjoy fresh berries for dessert several times a week and it's an awesome, nutritious way to finish off any meal. Great as a snack, too! Try them on top of Greek yogurt... Mmm :)

#3 - Sprouted Grain Bread

Sprouted grain breads, like Ezekiel 4:9 bread (one of the most popular brands of sprouted grain bread) is a great way to include bread in your diet on occassion without all the issues associated with white breads and even 100% whole wheat breads.

Instead, Ezekiel bread is organic, sprouted, 100% whole grain flour less bread. A 2-slice serving even contains 8 grams of complete protein and 6 grams of fiber, so don't give up the bread, just choose the right kind!

#2 - Quinoa

While brown rice is thought to be the healthy grain, there’s one even better, and that’s quinoa.

Quinoa is a gluten free grain that contains double the protein of brown rice along with greater fiber content and a lower glycemic load.

Not only that, but quinoa is the ONLY grain to contain complete protein and the full spectrum of amino acids. It comes in several varieties, including “oatmeal-like” flakes and it’s wholegrain rice-like form.

Enjoy it as an oatmeal substitute for breakfast, in salads or casseroles, or as a wholesome whole-grain, high protein side item to any lunch or dinner meal.

#1 - Beans, Lentils, and other Legumes

Beans and Lentils, part of the "legume" family, just may be my #1 choice for a healthy carb. Packed with loads of fiber and protein, these guys come in so many different varieties that you'll never get bored: lentils, chickpeas, black eyed peas, black beans, red beans, kidney beans, navy beans, butter beans, lima beans, pinto beans...and the list goes on.

Because of their fiber & protein content, along with their versatility, I eat something from the legume family in at least one of my meals daily. I'd highly recommend you'd do the same!

Something New in the World of Weight Loss

2015-02-10T22:05:00.002-08:00

Something New in the World of Weight Loss

This is a Virtual Group and can be done from anywhere get information HERE

Have you tried so many weight loss programs that you are way too familiar with the terms like body fat and calories? Does the quote “I went on a 2 week diet and all I lost was 14 days!” apply to you? Have you gained back the weight that you once lost? Maybe you are looking for a weight loss solution that will work for you? Something that becomes a way of life?

Some people have luck. The rest of us need a plan. You can’t just hope your way to health. Nothing worthwhile comes easily or haphazardly. You may have not had the success that you wanted with other weight loss programs.

Your plan may start with something small. Do you have a worst meal of the day? Maybe it’s the breakfast that you don’t eat? Maybe it’s the quick bite to eat at a local fast-food restaurant because the lunch you brought from home doesn’t look very appetizing? Replace your worst meal each day with a meal replacement drink. These mixes offer protein, fiber and amazing nutrition in a variety of tastes.

Eating right is only part of the weight loss journey. It’s also important to increase your physical activity. This may mean walking up a flight of stairs at work to use the restroom or lifting weights while you watch your favorite show.

When you are trying to go from fat to firm, it is important to have a weight loss support group. You need someone to celebrate with – someone who is reaching for the same goal you are reaching for. The American Psychological Association states “Psychological research has found that a group approach [to weight loss] helps, at least in the short-term. It’s easier to stick with a weight loss plan when you have support, can share tips on diet and exercise and have an exercise buddy.”

In March 2014, Nature’s Sunshine launched IN.FORM. It is truly a different kind of weight-loss program. The IN.FORM program looks at all of the aspects of losing weight and keeping it off, including eating right and exercise, but it also includes the social support that is missing in so many programs. It’s a holistic, 13-week, program that brings together group support, accountability and health education into a series of fun, highly-informative, weekly classes that include biotracker analysis and delicious protein shakes. With IN.FORM, you become part of a community that is there is support you, not hinder your progress. You’ll be recognized when you make progress and meet your goals!

NSP’s IN.FORM is a thirteen week program that will change your life. Here’s what you’ll learn about week by week:

Week 1: Program Overview

Week 2: Let’s Get to the Point: What’s Your Reason for Burning Fat and Being Fit?

Week 3: Lose Weight by Losing Toxicity

Week 4: The Good, Bad & Ugly of Weight Loss

Week 5: Mastering Your Food Environment

Week 6: What do my Cravings say About Me?

Week 7: Are Your Thoughts Making You Fat?

Week 8: Dealing With Stress

Week 9: Glandular Health, Wealth and Wisdom

Week 10: Let’s Get a Move On

Week 11: The Importance of Social Networks

Week 12: Mindfulness Eating

Week 13: Keeping Your Change Alive

Nature’s Sunshine Products has been in the health industry since the 1970s. Gene and Kristine Hughes became herbal pioneers, planting the seeds that became Nature’s Sunshine. Plagued with a nagging stomach condition, Gene started taking cayenne pepper at the suggestion of a friend. While the herb provided relief, it was difficult to ingest cayenne pepper by the spoonful. His wife, Kristine, suggested putting the powder into capsules. It was a revolutionary idea—delivering the benefits of herbs through encapsulation. Since becoming the first company to encapsulate herbs in 1972, Nature’s Sunshine has grown from a small, family-owned business to one of the leading health and wellness companies in the world.

New York Attorney General Targets Supplements at Major Retailers

2015-02-09T15:26:00.000-08:00

This is why you should only use quality herbs and supplements just because it in a bottle and sold in a store doesn't mean its top quality!! Natures Sunshine only uses the active part of the plant no stems, no leaves. Only the active part of the plant and is tested over 600 times before it is sold to the public.

New York Attorney General Targets Supplements at Major Retailers

By ANAHAD O'CONNOR

FEBRUARY 3, 2015 12:00 AM

The New York State attorney general’s office accused four major retailers on Monday of selling fraudulent and potentially dangerous herbal supplements and demanded that they remove the products from their shelves.

The authorities said they had conducted tests on top-selling store brands of herbal supplements at four national retailers — GNC, Target, Walgreens and Walmart — and found that four out of five of the products did not contain any of the herbs on their labels. The tests showed that pills labeled medicinal herbs often contained little more than cheap fillers like powdered rice, asparagus and houseplants, and in some cases substances that could be dangerous to those with allergies.

The investigation came as a welcome surprise to health experts who have long complained about the quality and safety of dietary supplements, which are exempt from the strict regulatory oversight applied to prescription drugs.

The Food and Drug Administration has targeted individual supplements found to contain dangerous ingredients. But the announcement Monday was the first time that a law enforcement agency had threatened the biggest retail and drugstore chains with legal action for selling what it said were deliberately misleading herbal products.

Among the attorney general’s findings was a popular store brand of ginseng pills at Walgreens, promoted for “physical endurance and vitality,” that contained only powdered garlic and rice. At Walmart, the authorities found that its ginkgo biloba, a Chinese plant promoted as a memory enhancer, contained little more than powdered radish, houseplants and wheat — despite a claim on the label that the product was wheat- and gluten-free.

Three out of six herbal products at Target — ginkgo biloba, St. John’s wort and valerian root, a sleep aid — tested negative for the herbs on their labels. But they did contain powdered rice, beans, peas and wild carrots. And at GNC, the agency said, it found pills with unlisted ingredients used as fillers, like powdered legumes, the class of plants that includes peanuts and soybeans, a hazard for people with allergies.

The attorney general sent the four retailers cease-and-desist letters on Monday and demanded that they explain what procedures they use to verify the ingredients in their supplements.

Nature’s Sunshine Products Stands Behind its 42-Year Commitment to Quality

2015-02-09T08:19:00.000-08:00

Nature’s Sunshine Products Stands Behind its 42-Year Commitment to Quality

For more information on quality herbs visit: http://tracy.mynsp.com

Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. (“NSP”), one of the world’s foremost manufacturers and distributors of premium quality health supplements in the natural health and wellness markets, proudly stands behind its 42-year legacy of quality manufacturing and product excellence.

A plethora of health supplement vendors sell products in today’s marketplace, but how do consumers really know what they are getting? Even in the regulated natural supplement industry, consumers can still find a vast spectrum of product quality. Fortunately, a few companies still thrive on being and providing the very best.

NSP invests millions of dollars annually into Quality Assurance and Quality Control, which covers domestic and international vendor audits, cutting-edge equipment, qualified personnel, testing methods and lab materials, documentation review and more. “It’s a great deal of money,” says Gregory L. Probert, NSP Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “But our reputation is worth every dollar we spend and every minute we take to make sure we offer our members the highest quality health supplements available.”

Nature’s Sunshine has built a reputation for having the highest quality in the industry by consistently investing the time and resources to ensure that what’s on the label is what’s in the bottle. This starts with sourcing raw materials from trusted and verified vendors. Prior to using a vendor’s materials, NSP scientists visit their facilities and conduct lengthy audits to ensure they are harvesting and processing plant material to Nature’s Sunshine’s high standards. This can include observing an actual harvest to ensure sustainability where necessary, touring offices and production space, viewing pertinent internal documents and even taking the time to inspect the facilities’ sanitation procedures. No stone goes unturned in Nature’s Sunshine’s pursuit of quality.

Superior quality also includes the manufacturing of Nature’s Sunshine’s own products in its state-of-the-art, climate controlled, 200,000 square-foot facility in Spanish Fork, Utah. NSP scientists use High Performance Liquid Chromatography, infra-red analysis, Thin Layer Chromatography, Gas Chromatography, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and other scientific methods and equipment to test raw materials—and finished products—to verify correct plant species and parts are present.

NSP quality experts conduct a battery of tests to check for possible contaminants, including heavy metals, dirt or other impurities, yeast, mold, bacteria, pesticides, herbicides, 2 radiation, etc. Analytical assays are used to verify vitamin and mineral content claims. All told, NSP has at its disposal over 600 different quality and purity tests it can use for materials and finished products in addition to the advanced analytical equipment and science experts to perform the job well.

“Going to these great lengths as we manufacture and warehouse our own products sets us apart from most other companies,” said Lynda Hammons, NSP Vice President of Global Quality and Regulatory Affairs. “I can’t speak for companies that out-source their manufacturing, but I feel very confident about our products because we are right here observing and testing them EVERY step of the way.”

Throughout product development, manufacturing and finished product testing, NSP adheres to stringent quality standards known throughout the industry as Good Manufacturing Practices or GMPs. Additionally, in the Methods Lab, NSP boasts four PhDs who have developed some of their own methods for testing active constituents in natural materials. Many of these have been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Of course, NSP shares these new, accurate testing methods with vendors on these occasions, in the hope that everyone working together can continue to improve quality throughout the industry.

Nature’s Sunshine is proud to have received certification from various independent organizations that revere quality. These include prestigious approval from the Australia Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which is needed before a company may sell herbal products in Australia. NSP also holds certifications from the National Sanitation Foundation International (NSF), the International Aloe Science Council and Brunswick Laboratories of Southborough, Mass. In 2013,Nature’s Sunshine was also selected as one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies by Forbes magazine, and was one of just four companies in the entire “pharmaceuticals” category to be so singled out.

Its 42-year legacy of quality, service and integrity has made Nature’s Sunshine a veritable benchmark in the health supplement industry. The Company remains completely committed to excellence in development, manufacturing, quality control and customer satisfaction as it offers safe, efficacious and innovative choices to people seeking wellness.

About Nature’s Sunshine Products

Nature’s Sunshine Products (NASDAQ:NATR), a leading natural health and wellness company, markets and distributes nutritional and personal care products through a global direct sales force of over 670,000 Independent Managers, Distributors and customers in more than 40 countries. NSP manufactures most of its products through its own state-ofthe-art facility to ensure its products continue to set the standard for the highest quality, safety and efficacy on the market today. The Company has three reportable business segments that are divided based on the characteristics of their Distributor base, similarities in compensation plans, as well as the internal organization of NSP’s officers and their responsibilities (NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe; NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe; and Synergy WorldWide). The Company also supports health and wellness for children around the world through its partnership with the Sunshine Heroes Foundation. 3 Additional information about the Company can be obtained at its website

Looking for a WORK FROM HOME job???

2015-02-08T22:05:00.000-08:00

WORK FROM HOME...

Are you tired all the time?

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If you are having issues you didn't have years ago. Please visit my site. We offer over 600 quality herbs at 40% off retail prices. When you purchase $40 it's a free membership for a year and all your friends and family can order under you so weather your wanting to earn money or not, you will automatically be receiving a check.:-)

Visit my site at http://Tracy.mynsp.com to take you FREE Health Assessment today!

NSP offers tons of online training you can do from your home and you do not have to be a health specialist because anyone interested in their own health can do the Free Health Assessment and the products they need will be shown to them.
Contact me with any questions.
email is: tracywight5@gmail.com

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http://youtu.be/eBwEYH9oskI

PRINCESS CRUISES 50TH ANNIVERSARY SALE

2015-02-06T13:14:00.000-08:00

PRINCESS CRUISES 50TH ANNIVERSARY SALE

For more details on these great offers go HERE
Princess Cruises 50th Anniversary Sale!

Dec. 3 – Feb. 26
Save Up To $500 per person! Plus, FREE Specialty Dining For 2 + Up To $200 FREE Anniversary Spending Money!

All Destinations On Sale!

ALASKA CRUISES
7-day | May - September 2015
Between Vancouver and Anchorage.
Roundtrip Seattle and 10-day roundtrip San Francisco also available.
Interior: From only $599
Balcony: From only $1,299

ALASKA LAND & SEA VACATIONS
10-night | May - September 2015
Between Vancouver and Anchorage.
7-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise
PLUS 2 nights at our Denali area lodges AND 1 night Fairbanks
WITH Princess Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail service.
Interior: From only $1,323
Balcony: From only $2,023

MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES
12-day | May - October 2015
Between Barcelona, Venice & Rome
Interior: From only $1,899
Balcony: From only $2,499

SCANDINAVIA & RUSSIA CRUISES
11-day | May - August 2015
Roundtrip Copenhagen
Interior: From only $1,799
Balcony: From only $2,199

ASIA CRUISES
17-day | October - November 2015
Between Shanghai, Beijing & Singapore
Interior: From only $1,999
Balcony: From only $2,999

CARIBBEAN CRUISES
7-day | October - December 2015
Roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale or Houston
Interior: From only $549
Balcony: From only $799

MEXICO CRUISES
7- & 10-day | September – December 2015
Roundtrip Los Angeles or San Francisco
Interior: From only $549
Balcony: From only $799

PANAMA CANAL CRUISES
10-day | October - December 2015
Roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale
Interior: From only $1,099
Balcony: From only $1,599

Click Here for the online PDF flyer with more information.

Liver Cleansing Basics

2015-02-06T11:36:00.000-08:00

Liver Cleansing Basics

Liver functions relate to digestion, metabolism, immunity, and the storage of nutrients. It detoxifies the body and helps with digestion, so the liver is working hard, and it sometimes gets overburdened.

For digestion it produces bile, which makes fats easier for the body to digest. For metabolism it supports the cells of the body by helping with metabolic processing of things like fats, amino acids, and glucose. The liver stores many essential nutrients and vitamins the body needs in order to provide a constant supply to body tissues.

Basically the liver is key to many aspects of our health, so you need to ask yourself, “Does it need a cleanse?”

If you experience the following signs, you may need to think about doing a liver cleanse:

Occasional bloating
Occasional abdominal discomfort
If your gallbladder has been removed
If you occasionally perspire excessively or overheat easily
If you have itchy or blotchy skin
Occasional fatigue
Consume a high carbohydrate diet
Consume a high percentage of processed or high-sugar foods
Frequently use chemical products on your skin
Exposure to high levels of toxins

So how do you support your body’s detoxification process?

Start by cutting out things like processed and sugary foods, alcohol, carbohydrates, and chemicals.

Consult with a physician, and try a natural detox of consuming whole foods, or try a supplemental detox. According tohttp://nourishholisticnutrition.com/ten-signals-your-liver-is-telling-you-you-need-to-detox/, when detoxifying, 30-40% of your daily consumption should be raw fruits and vegetables, as they can help digestion with their live enzymes and the vitamins and nutrients they contain. You can also eat naturally fermented foods like sauerkraut, cultured vegetables, yogurt, and kefir.

Your goal should be to help your body naturally detoxify by fueling it with the proper foods. But if you need additional support, a cleanse can be very effective.

After cleansing, support liver health through herbs and nutrients such as Vitamins B, C, and E, beta carotene, and amino acids. A healthy liver supports proper digestion and it can help with overall health.

Beach Palace and Cozumel Palace

2015-02-06T11:31:00.000-08:00

FUNJET INSIDER CIRCLE

New Funjet Insider Circle

For more information please visit HERE
Palace is rewarding savvy Funjetters with exclusive extras! Just book the Insider Circle room category when booking Palace Resorts* to get these Insider perks at no extra cost! The Funjet Insider Circle is valid at Moon Palace Golf Resort & Spa, Sun Palace, Beach Palace and Cozumel Palace.

Funjet Insider Circle Perks:

•Designated Check-In Area - Your clients will experience special attention & avoid waiting in line!

•VIP Wristbands - Benefits vary from property to property, but mostly include access to private beach areas with wait staff.

•Welcome Amenity - Your clients will receive a fruit basket, a small plate of petit fours, cheese plate, chocolate covered strawberries or a bottle of wine.

•MORE!

Click Here for more information

Distinctive Voyages with Royal Caribbean

2015-02-06T11:26:00.001-08:00

DISTINCTIVE VOYAGES WITH ROYAL CARIBBEAN Distinctive for all the right reasons with Royal Caribbean International

For more information visit the website HERE

The Most Rewarding Way to Travel

These dream-fulfilling cruise vacations offered within the Distinctive Voyages program are exceptional because they place your onboard premium ships, enjoying extraordinary services sailing on award-winning itineraries.

What makes these sailings truly stand out are the extra amenities you will receive at no additional cost to you!

These include:
•The services of a Distinctive Voyages Host to assist you throughout their journey
•An invitation to a Private Cocktail Reception to meet like-minded VIPs
•An Exclusive Shore Event to truly connect to the local culture

These rewarding touches create a cruise experience that is pleasurably distinctive from all the rest.

Serenade of the Seas
March 28, 2015
7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
Exclusive Shore Event: Ruins & Chankanaab Eco Park

Navigator of the Seas
March 29, 2015
7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
Exclusive Shore Event: Ruins & Chankanaab Eco Park

Rhapsody of the Seas
April 6, 2015
11-Night Queensland Cruise
Exclusive Shore Event: Calms, Tjapukai and the Botanical Gardens

Grandeur of the Seas
April 28, 2015
10-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise
Exclusive Shore Event: Island Tour with Historical Home Visit

Jewel of the Seas
May 2, 2015
14-Night Westbound Panama Canal
Exclusive Shore Event: Natural Treasures of Costa Rica: Scarlet Macaw Sanctuary and Puntarenas with Refreshments

Brilliance of the Seas
May 30, 2015
12-Night Scandinavia and Russia
Exclusive Shore Event: Introduction to Helsinki with Refreshments

For more information please visit the website

Save up to 30% this spring at AULANI in HAWAII

2015-02-06T10:58:00.001-08:00

SAVE UP TO 30 % THIS SPRING AT AULANI

Save up to 30 % this spring at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa!

A whole new world of “Hello, more Hawaii!”

Welcome to a whole new world of family fun in Hawaii. Welcome to Aulani, winner of Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2014 for Top Family Hotel in the U.S.

Now, make the most of your time at Aulani. Because the longer you stay, the more you save – with up to 30% off your stay*.

Book now for stays most nights April 6 through June 15, 2015. Book early and get more – an extra $50 Resort credit for every night of your stay – when you reserve by January 8, 2015*.

Put it all together and Aulani is a whole new world indeed.

Click Here for more information.

We visited this resort last year and had the best time ever. The characters walk all around the property and you have the Disney breakfast where the kids get up and have fun while they wait for their food. Its a buffet breakfast or menu order to you can sit or get up and have fun anytime!

The last river was lots of fun and the beach is right off the back side of the resort so everything is near by. Shopping dinning is in the hotel but there is a lot more right down the street, walking distance from the hotel. so not every meal has to be at the hotel. Service on everything was fabulous.

Oceania's New Year Sale... Cruise destinations for half price (2 for 1)

2015-02-06T10:53:00.000-08:00

OCEANIA'S NEW YEAR SALE

New Year Sale with Oceania Cruises! 2 For 1 Cruise Fares PLUS Free Airfare!

Miami to Miami
Feb 3, 2015
10 Days
Riviera
$200 Shipboard Credit

Miami to Miami
Feb 23, 2015
10 Days
Riviera
$200 Shipboard Credit

Auckland to Papeete
Feb 28, 2015
16 Days
Marina
1-night deluxe hotel stay
$300 Shipboard Credit

Miami to Miami
Mar 5, 2015
10 Days
Riviera
$200 Shipboard Credit

Miami to Miami
Mar 22, 2015
10 Days
Riviera
$200 Shipboard Credit

Miami to Miami
Mar 28, 2015
14 Days
Riviera
$200 Shipboard Credit
Click Here for more information!