Time for a Turn Around!

Well, I am finally motivated to start losing what started as extra baby weight after three kiddos and has become too comfortable in the five years since I last birthed a child.  I am 25 pounds heavier than when I started having babies nine years ago.

In the New Year, like many other people, I want to make a change.  Over the last ten years, we have slowly started eating better as a family.  I know those changes have helped me not put on even more pounds.  I also know it is not enough to help me get back to a better shape.  It is not necessarily about the number on the scale for me, it more about how I feel.  I want to have more energy.  I don't want to buy bigger clothes.

Here is my plan -- Shaklee 180.

It starts with a Turn Around Kit to help you lose the weight in 90 days and changes to a Maintenance Kit to help you learn to keep it off for 90 days.

I will be posting my results here over the next few months.  I can't wait to see what happens.

Informed/Proactive Parents are the Solution

It is time to evaluate my parenting.  Not blaming, just thinking.  I know I have gotten too loose on what/how much my kiddos are watching, computing, and over-all plugged into technology.  Some of it is for schooling purposes (we home school), but some of it isn't.

Also, how am I helping them make smart food choices.  I love this site, Nutrition For Healthy Kids, that offers free material to help teach our kiddos about nutrition and health.  My kids do just about anything for a treat.  I need to remember that "treats" don't have to be food related. Also the candy season is starting:  Halloween, Christmas,  Valentine's, and Easter.  From October to April they will be bombarded with candy from church, family, friends, school, etc.

What is your plan for controlling it all?  I don't want to forbid, but do want to teach them about moderation, self-control and abstaining for a greater purpose (like their health). Time to start searching the web for some ideas.  

The last part of the infograph suggests solutions.  I do not agree with it entirely.  I believe it is our responsibility as parents, teachers, mentors, and adults to teach and educate our children.  How are you we modeling healthy diets and exercise, media intact, and self-control for them?  I do not abdicate my responsibility to the government.  They throw money are education, teen pregnancy, war of drugs, etc. and we see that we are no better off, actually worse than when they start the effort.

Parents, you are the difference!!!

Click the picture to see the enlarged version.  The original size was too wide for my blog.  :-)

DIY Hand Sanitizer

I don't like hand sanitizer.  It leaves a weird film sometimes, it dries my skin, and I really don't want my body absorbing tons of chemicals.  I prefer good ole non-antibacterial soap under warm water for about thirty seconds.  I know, I know, not the typical mom.  In a pinch I will succumb if I am desperate-- think porta potty.  EEKKK!

Aloe Vera Plants

Here is a recipe for a homemade sanitizer that I do love. Just four simple ingredients.

• Aloe Vera Gel
• Witch Hazel
• Vitamin E Capsule
• Lavender Essential Oil  (I use lemon or peppermint essential oil because the hubs is very sensitive to smells and lavender is a no-no in our house. )

 How do you like keeping your family healthy and clean?

Flu Vaccine- What's Your Stance?

Are you For, Against or on the Fence?  Here is an article with many details backed by real research.  You decide.

Click the picture to see what comes up in Google Images related to the search flu vaccine.

So what do you do if you don't get the shot?  Is it just left to chance?  Absolutely not.  The end of the article lists 8 steps you can take to protect you and your family.

Check out my past post "Preventing Swine Flu (H1N1) and Other Viruses."  I would also recommend adding Garlic Complex to your preventative arsenal.  If you don't want to use supplements, you can also increase the garlic, onions, and peppers in your home cooked meals.  Yum, Yum! In fact, just preparing your own meals at home will contribute to your health if you tend to eat out or on the go.

Hummus Video Recipe
Tweak this easy recipe with by adding roasted red peppers, tahini, artichoke: whatever you like.


Tzatziki Sauce - great dressing or use on gyros

Baked Garlic Chicken