Natural Fitabulous Lifestyle Art Corner: Interview with local artist and painter Lynne Mayer

Hi and welcome to Natural Fitabulous world!
I have not blogged in a long while, but I have certainly been very active, living the many healthy tips that I share around here. 
I have not been blogging but I have instead been writing books. I have two published books available on amazon and two coming up soon. My first book is a delightful healthy story that's a must read.


To see more of the fun healthy things I have been up to check my books on Amazon.




A few months ago I had the pleasure of visiting a show at an art gallery in Dalton Georgia where I immediately fell in love with the works of the artist.
Having spent a portion of my childhood in France, I immediately noticed the French flair in some of her works and it added to my interested to know more about her!




I could not interview her for my sole enjoyment and figured that you and others might be inspired by her. I strongly believe in the therapeutic virtues of art, I believe that you don't have to be a professional to appreciate how art can calm, heal, energize, uplift, de-stress, and benefit us mentally and physically!




I pray you will enjoy my conversation with Lynne and be inspired to create more often...


In bold are my questions to Lynne, in red are my additional thoughts on our beautiful time together...


















Painter Lynne Mayer and Author N'nako Goodhealthdiva

How long have you been painting?

I have always liked drawing and painting since I was 8 years old.

I have been creating paintings and selling in galleries for 22 years.

Where do you find the inspiration for your work?

I love finding compositions in Nature for my work and Native American studies.


I certainly share with Lynne a love for nature and I naturally gravitated toward her paintings of leaves, butterflies and her stunning painting of a fish that had all my favorite colors!

What made you decide to become a painter?

There is so much beauty around me that I want to feel a part of it through the process of painting my interpretation of what I am seeing.

What would you say are some health benefits of painting?

It seems the older we get, the more our minds seem to ramble on with thoughts about everything even when we don’t care about thinking. For me painting is a way of stilling the mind by immersing myself into a dream creation of the painting I am foreseeing and focusing on a brush stroke that becomes part of it.

When I sit and paint, it’s like I am in my own little happy world with no other thoughts or cares.


Below is a fun collage of our time at Lynne's Art Show.
She paused by my favorite painting and the gallery owner sneaked behind her and photo bombed our picture.
When she asked to take a picture of my book I assumed she was only taking a picture of a book, so I continue to talk and laugh with our friends around totally oblivious that Lynne was photographing!


Lynne's painting are not just beautiful, they allowed us to create some fun beautiful moments!


How has painting changed the quality of your life?

The process of painting has helped me be in the present more rather than dwelling on the past or fearing the future.

I noticed on some of your painting that you traveled to France before? Why France? What other location have inspired you?

France is the heart of Impressionism. The two trips I took to France were with other painters who wanted to paint the beautiful countryside just like the Impressionists did years ago.
As I mentioned before, I lived a portion of my childhood in France and in Ivory Coast, a French speaking African country.  You will enjoy some beautiful photographs of both places in my book Little Corey and Cousin Nia

I have also enjoyed plein air painting from Tennessee to Maine on trips with fellow artists.

Do you have a favorite painting technique? If yes which one (s)?

In recent years I have come to love many techniques in Encaustic painting.

This is painting with 200 degree colored beeswax much like the Egyptians , Greeks, and Romans did for the artwork in pyramids and bath houses.

What advise would you give anyone interested in pursuing their interest/passion for painting?

Every one should find out what gives them passion for life. Do you find yourself desiring to create in art, enjoying the challenge, and feeling happy from the process?  Then this is your passion and this is what will balance you in everything you do and think.

Even if you choose a career that is very mind analytical, be sure to keep your passion for creating in painting going on a routine basis.

There are many opportunities today to learn techniques in painting and all forms of art without going to college for the instruction.

Sign up for one of the many professional artists with instructional workshops all over the USA and Europe. This will really let you know how you react and feel about your art process.

What are some of your other passions/interests?

I love being outside seeing how things grow in a garden and listening to the wild ducks on our ponds quack remarks to each other.

I love playing with my two dogs and looking into their dreamy faces of love and loyalty. My two cats teach me how to relax and don’t worry so much.

I have returned to bowling in my older age and love being with my team every Wednesday morning.

When I first saw Lynne I could tell that there was more than Art that kept her healthy and sharp.
Like I share a lot throughout this blog and my books, physical and mental health are important to our total well being and we might not love the exact same things and attain our goals the same way, but either it's music, dancing, playing an instrument, drawing or painting, there are simple ways to enjoy life and add beauty to the lives of those around us.





















Thanks for stopping by, sharing your comments, Following , Liking the FB page, following mw on Instagram, subscribing by email, sharing with your friends and all those good stuffs...(smiles) Until next time have a better and healthier life... N'na

Health & Fitness: Weight Loss Success story Aruba Style!

Health & Fitness: Get swimsuit ready and your beachbody! A weight loss success story Aruba 'style! by Goodhealthdiva.

Hello you all,

I hope all is well with you. Just days ago I shared with you the story of a beautiful woman on her health and fitness journey. Today I am bringing a new story to you with some tropical vibes.

 My friend Jenn from Aruba had been kind to share her weight loss success with us.She's a very fun and energetic person who is all about healthy living and has lost a lot of weight as a result of embracing a healthy lifestyle.

Aruba is a beautiful Dutch island in the caribbeans,a great tropical and exotic destination for many and certainly the kind of place on the planet where one would love to show off a beach body! Jenn is a local and knows very well how important it is on the island to be swimsuit ready at all times. She offers some great advices and prove that no matter where we are we deal with the same thing(s).So enjoy her story as I take you to Aruba.

Oh one last note... My friend actually speaks Papiamento.English and Spanish are widely spoken by most Arubans but Dutch is the official language of the 77 square miles island.

What motivated you to want to lose weight?

Clothes were not fitting right! Plain and simple. If your clothes don't fit right, you don't feel right. It's hard to be in a great mood when you're not comfortable in your own skin and clothes. 

How do you feel about yourself now?

FABULOUS!!! I am happier and able to concentrate on what's important in my life instead of being paranoid thinking people are looking at me and judging me. Maybe they are but the difference now is I am way more confident.


When did your weight lost journey start?

Last year July 2011. I started working out again and I lost a lot of weight.However, I didn't stick with it so I gained some of it back.This year, in February,I decided that this time around not only would I lose weight but I will also live a healthy lifestyle.

Last year's journey was all about weight loss and what the scale said. I used silly diets like the Special K (you know the one...have 2 bowls of special K a day). I am not knocking it completely as their marketing plan says you will lose 2 dress sizes in 2 weeks which of course is true. However, who can possibly do that for the rest of their lives???!!! NO ONE!
I do not want my weight to fluctuate as my mood would also fluctuates.
Healthy Body, Healthy Mind!



What was your starting weight and how much have you lost so far?

In December 2011 I was about 167 lbs to 170 lbs and so far I have lost about 30 lbs.

How did you lose the weight?

• Healthy eating -  4 to 5 small meals a day
• Focus – Kept motivational quotes and pictures as my wall paper on my phone
• Planning / Organizing – Every night I would write down what I am eating the next day and what workouts I will be doing
• Exercise – Daily home workout for about 45 mins to an hour.

What's your ultimate weight goal? Fitness goal?

I am at my desired weight of 140 lbs but my fitness goals is to have 15 % body fat. Right now I am at 19% . My end goal is to master a healthy lifestyle forever. My lifestyle should be automatic as in I should automatically grab greek yogurt instead of cheesecake for example.

How did you stay motivated during your weight loss process?

There were weeks that I didn't feel any progress and realized that if my mind isn't right I won't be able to get my body right. I opened another facebook page just for fitness. Now I could add all things to do with health and fitness to that page. That helped me remain focus as I had to a chance to read what others are going thru which was very similar to what I was going thru.

The next thing I did was really ask myself what I wanted from this process. The answer was to get my mind and confidence right. I started looking in the mirror and instead of finding the parts I wanted to change, I decided to find the parts that I love the way they were and those parts that I didn't love I decided to admire them for their ability to change if I wanted them too.

Do you feel like other things have changed in your life beside the weight? How has your weight lost impacted other areas of your life/personality?

Jenn after 500 burpees and a crazy workout!

Not really as I was not really overweight so not much changed other than people asking me if I am an athlete or a personal trainer. My confidence probably had the most impact and of course I love the way my clothes fit.

Living in Aruba do you think people are more fit or more healthy there than on the continental U.S.A? (Aruba is a Dutch island it's not part of the USA)

Yes but not by a lot. This island is more concerned with looking sexy than looking healthy so people are not obese but that does not mean they are healthy either. Don't get me wrong we have a lot of really healthy and fit people also but the majority only want to look good which means they will follow the latest diet in a quick minute. However, when it comes to making healthy choices they probably don't care.



Are there any health/fitness challenges when you live in Aruba?(like are there enough gyms, are the gyms affordables)





One of her picture. Jenn actually calls the stairmaster her "lover" and the Pull up bar her "crush"


There are plenty of gyms and the gyms here are not expensive. The challenge is finding truly healthy foods. As for organic....none existing.Most products are imported and as a supplier you tend to choose the product with the least amount of import cost.

 What benefits does Aruba offer to health and fitness enthusiasts?

This week is the beginning of the Hi-Winds competition. Basically a lot of water sports (kite surfing, bodyboard, parasailing). We also have organized around Aruba runs and walks.
One bank (Aruba Bank) offers a once a month 5k walk for all its members.
There a lot of swim clubs for all age groups (even babies)

 If someone was to move to Aruba what would you suggest to them?

 

Don't get lazy :)

Its' very easy to fall into the island life and become passive with your health.I would also advise them not to forget who they are.

What advice would you offer to people who want to lose weight?

Research! Lots and lots of research. Don't just listen to someone promote a certain diet or food item and go with it. It's best to do some research on the topic first.Preparation and Focus is the key to most if not everything in life.
Take the journey seriously and one day at a time. Get up Get dress and GO!!! The hardest part if getting up. If you miss a workout today, make sure there is time tomorrow whether you in the mood for it or not.

* In case you wonder about her before pictures, I will add some as soon as she send them to me. This girl is so busy getting fit and with her healthy lifestyle she has no time for looking back and sending me old pictures of herself! I will post them as soon as I receive them!!!
The motivational posters I shared above are just a few of  Jenn's collection.  I hope she has inspired you some!
Did you like this story? What resonates the most with you? What are you weight loss tips?

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Thanks for stopping by, sharing your comments, Following , Liking the FB page " Healthy can be done", subscribing by email, sharing with your friends and all those good stuffs...(smiles)


Until next time have a better and healthier life...


N'na

Health & Fitness: Get swimsuit ready! Weight loss success story & How to workout on a budget.

Health & Fitness: A Weight loss story & how to workout on a budget! By Goodhealthdiva


It's summertime, most people want to have their beach body tight and be swimsuit ready. Are you swimsuit ready? Do you need some motivation? Do you know you can get swimsuit ready without a gym membership?

There's nothing like someones success to motivate and remind us that we too can succeed at a particular endeavor.

Today I wanted to share the story of a beautiful, focused and inspiring woman:Miss M or Missy,a high school math teacher from Lansing Michigan. She's a 35 years old mom of two gorgeous girls (ages 7 and 11)  who is well determined to live a healthy lifestyle. One of her way to do that is to work out from home. If you are new here please read my recent article

on How to workout on a budget.

Some basic facts about Missy, in her own words:

Started my fitness journey in 2009

Starting weight: 140 lbs

Current weight: 137 lbs
Height: 5’ 5”
My journey has never been about weight loss, just toning and overall cardio-vascular fitness.


Since I wrote my article about the importance or benefits of working out from home,I asked Missy to kindly share her experience and motivate others to workout from home and stop making excuses for not taking control of their health.

Why was it important to you to have a home gym?   

I am a busy, working, divorced mom of two.After losing family and friends to preventable health related issues, I was convinced that it was important to live a fit and healthy life.Going to the gym can be an hour to two hour long ordeal and I just don’t have that type of extra time.A home gym was the best option for my lifestyle. 

What would you recommend to anyone who wants to have one? Any tips in shopping for equipments, any equipment more valuable than others?


Start small! Look for equipment at second hand stores and look for bargains.  You don’t have to have everything at once.My first “home gym” was in my living room with basic equipment.I had a yoga mat, some 2 lb, 3 lb, and 5 lb weights, a water bottle, and some workout DVDs.As time progressed, I added other things like 8 lb and 10 lb weights, resistance bands, and a pull-up bar.A mirror is also important so that you can check your form.I had a decorative mirror on the living room wall that I used, but eventually, I purchased four of those mirrors intended for the back of a closet door and mounted them really close together to give the effect of a larger mirror.They cost about $5 each. 

Because nutrition is also a vital part of a healthy lifestyle, I also purchased a Ninja Master Prep Pro system for about $40 for juicing and smoothies.    Eventually, I saved enough for a nice, but used treadmill to complete my

For people who have a very small space to spare what equipment would you recommend as a “must have”?


Must Haves:  yoga mat, dumb bells or resistance bands, water bottle, and something to view videos on.  This could be a television with DVDs or a computer with internet access to get workouts from YouTube.

For those with neither space nor money what small equipments do you think are totally necessary?

When I initially began this journey, I was in this situation.  Again, I just moved furniture aside and spread out my yoga mat in the living room.I had a few small weights and WILL POWER! 

What’s your fitness regimen? What activities do you do? How often?

I currently use Jillian Michael's Body Revolution to guide my workouts.  I am on stage 3…WHOOHOO and I love the length of the DVDs and the incremental increase in challenge.  I have not lost much weight, but that wasn’t my goal.  I just wanted something that would benefit my cardio-vascular system and help me to tone.  I do think, however, that this system would be wonderful for those trying to lose weight as well. 

Following each DVD, I’ve added an additional Cardio strength challenge that will last for 30 days.

 

Are there any video program or Youtube videos you would recommend?

I like Jillian Michael's Body Revolution, but have little to compare it to.The other DVDs that I purchased were hit or miss. 

How long have you been working out? What made you decide to take control of your health in that way?

I have been working out since 2009, which was initially prompted by my divorce.  During this period of my life, I was emotionally, spiritually, and physically drained and needed to turn things around.Couple this with the lose of family and friends due to preventable health related issues and I was doubly convinced that I needed to make a lifestyle change for myself and as a role model for my two daughters. 

What’s the most rewarding thing about exercising and striving for a better and healthy lifestyle?

The most rewarding aspect of this journey was completely unexpected.It has been in the connections and friendships that I’ve made in fitness communities on the Internet.I’ve met so many positive, supportive women that help me when I’m less motivated and I’ve built some wonderfully genuine relationships; true friends for life.Of course, I am loving the way that I look and feel.  I love to shop, but avoided it for some time because I didn’t like the way that clothes fit on me.That’s a moot point now.  

I love it when my daughters come and workout with me.It’s so much easier when you start young and make it a habit/lifestyle. 
I feel so much better, have more energy for work and family, and just enjoy life much more than I had.It doesn’t hurt that swimsuit shopping is much more fun now.

How do you stay motivated to live a healthier life and exercise?

The online fitness communities that I’ve joined have been key.They keep me motivated and give me helpful tips.Also, the smartphone app, My Fitness Pal,has helped keep me on track. 

What advices would you offer to people interested in being fit and healthy but are getting discouraged?

Start small.Use YouTube or something else to help develop a short 10-minute a day workout regimen and build from there.Go for walks, park further away from the door when going to stores or shopping malls,walk during your lunch period,increase your water and fruits and vegetable intake.All of these things will help and put you well on your way to creating a healthier you. 

What advices would you give to some who have absolutely no clue where to start?

When I had no equipment and no clue, I did what I knew how to do.I put on some shorts, a t-shirt, some tennis shoes and went for a walk/run.No equipment necessary.  Just  you and the world.It was therapeutic and did wonders for my stress level.I couldn’t cover much distance at first, but I did what I could.As time progressed and I was able to get some equipment,I lessened the amount of time that I walked/ran and now I do very little of it, but it was all I knew to do in the beginning and it put me well on my way to where I am today. 

I appreciate Missy for sharing her story. She reveals that living healthy is not a solo thing, we have to create a support system to fuel us to keep going but as you see she had to want it for herself, and she did. She is proving many of the point made here!


Missy is the perfect example of how important it is to start small, use what you got, maximize your chances for success by having basic workout equipments and make no excuses for what you are going through or what you can't afford.

Please take the time to check this site for more inspiring articles on Health & Fitness and weight loss.


What about you? What are your health and fitness goals? What home equipment are you currently using?



Thanks for stopping by,sharing your comments,joining the site, liking the FB page, subscribing by email,sharing with your friends and all these good stuffs...(smiles)

Until next time have a better and healthier life...

Health and fitness tips: How to work out on a budget.

How to work out on a budget and turn your home into a gym by Goodhealthdiva.

We tend to create many excuses for not working out. The most common ones are: not having time to go to the gym or not having money for a membership, the weather is..."too hot"..."too cold"..."it's pouring down rain"..., "I don't have a lot of time", "I have to take care of".... "the kids, the errands",...

Well, we know what we like to come up with, and I know, I've been there done that! But seriously, we need to stop making them, get moving and learn to take care of ourselves. We need to work out to take care of ourselves. See your workouts and your health as a gift from you to you and from you to your loved ones. Working out is not a shore, it's a well deserved activity. True it's challenging but so what? We can handle it and deep inside we know we can!

The truth of the matter is, unlike all the common excuses we heard or made before...

It doesn't take a trip to the gym or even a gym membership to get an effective workout. 

Truly, rain or shine, summer or winter, there's no excuses for not working out AT HOME.

10-30 minutes every day is manageable. Ask me, I have 4 kids and one of the four is a newborn.

My suggestion for today: Turn an area in your home into your mini fitness studio.

I do have a room upstairs with a treadmill and other home equipments but I need to keep an eye on my kids when they are active or when the baby is sleeping in my room. The living room is my best spot. I can glance outside when they are playing with the neighbors and I can hear the baby when she wakes up.

So here is my mini fitness studio minutes ago

                

and one of my YTB trainer of the day was Jillian Michaels. I did a 30 minutes workout, then 3 small 10 minutes classes with FitSugar also on YTB.


This is ideal but most people don't have the space, the budget nor the motivation for that...


                    HOW TO WORK OUT ON A BUDGET...

• Get your stretch/yoga mat if you have one.
• Get your dumbbells ready if you have some.
• Get some bottles of water ( you need to drink during and after your workout)
• Keep your phone near by in case your spouse or immediate family need to reach you but ignore temporally phone calls if you know they can wait.
• Get your small towel to clean your sweat! You plan on sweating right?
• Pick some good videos on YouTube that you like. 10-30 mns if you are short on time,45 minutes and up if you have more time to spare. There are some short videos that are very effective.

I like to do a 30 minutes video first and 3 small 10-15 minutes videos. I figure that if I get interrupted while doing a 10 minutes video I can easily redo it or be satisfied that I have at least accomplished something!


For more ideas check...
Tips to keep and exercise routine

Please share your "home studio" pictures with us on facebook@ "Healthy can be done!"

 A short list of great workout videos available online
(My hubby just showed me these videos I haven't tried them yet but you go ahead...)

• "Your Body is Your Gym: How to do a full body workout with no equipment" uploaded by MoTalks Sep 24, 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFX5Ju-mvvE&feature=related

• "No excuse workout" uploaded by GMuscleFitness Apr 13,2008

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4WAeS0fUVE&feature=related

• "The Best Home Workout"  uploaded by DeStorm Jun 12, 2009 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9ucbo_fx64&feature=related

Do you have any favorite online workouts? Share the link with us on facebook @ "Healthy Can be done!"

How do you work out on a budget? Any tips?

Thanks for stopping by, sharing your comments, Following , Liking the FB page, "Healthy can be done", subscribing by email, sharing with your friends and spreading the word.(smiles)

Until next time, have a better and healthier life...

10 Health and Fitness Tips to Keep an Exercise Routine

10 Tips to Keep and Exercise Routine by N'na
 
1) Work out in the morning.
Morning workouts are easier to schedule. Completing your workout in the morning is ideal if you have some weight loss goals and it allows you to start your day fresh and energized. Get your clothes ready the night before and get dressed as soon as you get up. Doing this will motivate you to exercise before you change your mind (smiles). But if you can't work out in the morning...

2) Turn your Lunch break into an Exercise break. Many companies offer their employees the opportunity to work out on site, attend a gym that's in partnership with them, and allocate to their employees a couple of hours a day to use toward wellness goals. More people should take advantage of the resources available in their companies. If your company does not have a program make your own plans to turn your lunch break into a time to walk for 30minutes-1hr or work at a nearby gym.
If you really can't workout during your lunch break...
3) Go straight to the gym from work, do not go home first.
One smart idea is to drop you gym bag with your home keys in it to the gym on the way to work. Keep your bag in a locker, secured with a lock and key.
Having your home keys at the gym will force you to go back to the gym and work out before heading home.


4) Get a workout partner.
Having a partner can make you more accountable and if you are the kind of person who need/love having someone to motivate you each time you work out. I would suggest getting more than one work out partner for different days of the week. In having more than one work out partner you do not depend on one particular partner when that one is not available (or so that you don't get bored with each other).

5) Join a team or start one.
Group activities can stir your competitive spirit if you have one or make it more fun for you to achieve your goals.

6)Hang out with active people. Some studies show that we tend to adopt the habits of our friends. We are more likely to be healthy and make healthy choices when we have healthy friends. I find this to be true. Having all my closest friends being so active and health conscious make it easier to stay disciplined, focused and motivated.

7) Invest in Home Work Out equipment.
I love Home Work out equipments and the versatility they offer. Even though I have a gym membership to a great gym that provides daycare 
I love that I can reach for a video, get on the treadmill, or use any one of my equipment every time I feel like it.

Here's my new toy (smiles)

 My exercise tote. I keep all my small items in that tote. It's like a toy box for me. I keep bandannas, socks, baseball caps, DVD player, DVDs, books, magazines, resistance cords, stretch belt, workout gloves etc...

 

 

A DVD collection can uses some seasonal upgrading as it can get pretty monotonous to repeatedly use the same ones for an extended period of time.


8) Choose Low cost or no cost Exercise!
Many people get a gym membership and do not take advantage of it as they should while others just can't afford one. Exercising doesn't have to cost.
There are many ways to work out at home or out. Dancing, walking and running outdoors are the most pleasant and even effective ways to work out.
I love walking outdoors. There's nothing like being rejuvenated by the restful sight of nature, being entertained by birds, squirrels, geese etc and meeting some cheerful people who are just as happy to be outdoors.



9) Take advantages of any ressources available in your community, in your company etc.

If you live in Atlanta Georgia you could enjoy Woodruff Park for example.


Located in downtown Atlanta, Woodruff Park offers a way to work out while enjoying the outdoors.





10)Diversify & Be creative. Even though you want to keep a routine and make working out a habit try to diversify a little so that you don't get bored.
I love walking at our gorgeous Riverpark parking and starting at a different spot by the river make it less predictable.
Other things you can try:
When running or walking try a different path
Rotate or upgrade your DVDs
If you work out with music change your playlist often
Do some cross training
Try tip #4 above
Try something new.



Which one of those tips do you apply more frequently? Which one would you consider applying? How do you keep an exercise regimen? What works best for you? Where do you live and what does your city offer to exercise and enjoy the outdoors?

other related you might enjoy http://goodhealthdiva.blogspot.com/2011/11/psychology-of-weight-loss.html

http://goodhealthdiva.blogspot.com/2012/01/health-and-fitness-tips-for-2012.html
N'na

Benefits of detoxing: How and why to detox

                              Detox 101 : How and why to detox

Hi there,

I have a few friends who have asked about detoxing recently so I figured it would be great to share some basic tips with you as well.

Spring is around the corner and it's a great time to consider doing a detox and do a " Spring cleanse". Detoxing can ideally be done every 3 months, but doing one early Fall/Winter and one early Spring are good times as well.

So below I am  offering some general tips on detoxing that I hope will benefit and inspire you to detox.

There are different kinds of cleanses you can do and if you have never detoxed before a candida cleanse, a colon, liver and kidney cleanse are generally most recommended to free your body from toxins that have affected your health. Some cleanses can be done in 7 days, 14 days, 21 or 30 days. Embracing a healthier lifestyle and eating habits are crucial to further benefit from your detox.

                                                DETOX 101

Written by N'na. All rights reserved 2012.

Disclaimers: The suggestions below are not to replace doctors' advices. If you have certain medical conditions you should consult your doctor before starting a detox program or eliminating some things from your diet or adding to it.

Why should you detox?

We live a very toxic lifestyle and in spite of our best efforts to make healthy choices our surroundings,foods and cosmetics are loaded with toxins.

What are some benefits of detoxing?

• Cleanse your body from toxins
• Give your organs a chance to rest and work better
• Give you more energy
• Naturally heals your body from certain ailments : you get less  headaches, less diseases and sicknesses throughout the year.

• Better skin and complexion
• Give you a clearer sense of thinking and feeling
• More willpower and more positive outlook on life
• Weight loss (detoxing assits with weight loss because your organs working better once you give your body a chance to release toxins, bacteria, fecal matter etc).

                         
Which organs can mostly benefit from a detox?
Your whole body can benefit from a detox but some organs play a major role in the quality of our health such as:

• the kidneys
• the liver
• the colon

There is actually various kind of cleanses:
Candida cleanses, parasite cleanses, kidneys & liver cleanses, colon cleanses, colonics, lung cleanses, total body cleanses etc.  Each one is beneficial to your health and for optimal health it's recommended to do them all especially if you have never detoxed before.

When to detox? At least twice a year such  as Spring and Fall.

Please consider Fasting. Fasting is probably the best way to detox your body and your mind. It’s important to fast often. Fitting a one day fast weekly/biweekly or a 3 days fast in your monthly schedule are all reasonable endeavor. ( Please consult with your physician before embarking in any fast)

Keep in mind that while you are detoxing you might experience some headaches, you will have to take more frequent trips to the bathroom as your body must flush out many toxins, bacteria, fecal matter etc. Do not stop the detox on account of these as it's actually a proof that the detox was much needed but PLEASE if you suffer from any particular health condition consult with your physician before, during and after your detox.

To Jumpstart your detox.

Gradually eliminate or cut down certain foods from your daily diet.

Gradually add more healthy food and drink more water.

Drink every morning a glass of water with apple cider vinegar, freshly squeeze lemon juice and a spoon of honey.

Eat daily one or more grapefruits and/or apple.

Select a detox program and time frame as you can detox for 3 days, 14, 21, 30 days or longer.

Drink plenty of water to allow your body to flush the toxins.

Drink detox or herbal teas.

Foods to avoid when detoxing

Sugar

Dairy products

Wheat

Gluten: rye, wheat, bran, barley,baked goods...

Caffeine: Coffee, Black tea, sodas...

Other foods: yeast, alcohol, food additive and preservatives, chocolate, high fat foods.

Foods to eat when detoxing

Fresh fruits.

Fresh vegetables. Great detox vegetables includes broccoli, cauliflower, garluc, beets red and green vegetables.

Rice: Brown or basmati rice. Rice cakes, rice crackers, rice pasta.

Other grains:  quinoa, flaxseed, millet can be used instead of rice.

Beans:  Lentils are a great option.

Nuts and seeds:  such as walnuts, almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds. Avoid peanuts.

Oils:  Extra Virgin Olive oil, flaxseed oil, coconut oil.

Condiments: fresh herbs, sea salt, limited amount of honey, 100 % natural fruits and vegetables drinks, rice milk, almond milk.

Beverages: water, lemon water, herbal teas, freshly squeezed fruits or vegetables juices, smoothies .
                         

Herbs you can use daily to help with your detox: Ginger, oregano, cayenne, fennel, turmeric.

 Garlic: Fresh garlic is great to not only strengthen your immunity but it also cleanses your blood.

                                          Detox products on the market


There are many great products on the markets.

Please do your research before selecting a product. When selecting a product take time to ask questions, explain your goals, research the ingredients included and their roles and be aware of the fact that a detox program will not necessarily feel good at first!

A great website to check is http://www.drnatura.com/

                                  

Detox hygiene

Avoid beauty products that are harmful and loaded with toxins because your skin is your largest organ. Use organic, green or homemade beauty & cosmetics products.

During the time when you are detoxing avoid if you can and if it's not your workplace places such as Nail shop and Beauty Salon or any environment that would expose you to toxins.

Consider dry skin brushing before taking a shower.

Consider oil cleansing to cleanse your face.

Detoxing is about more than food & the body.

Detoxing is not just about food. There are emotional triggers to the food that we eat and habits strongly influenced or influencing our food choices.

Other things to consider when detoxing:

Rest your mind and body more.

Cut down or temporarily eliminate on TV time especially news and TV shows that cause the body stress. Cut down on activities or interactions that are unpleasant and unnecessary.

Train your mind each morning to expect the best.

Refrain from complaining unnecessarily focusing on negative things create more stress on your body.

Take time to start your day with a stretch as stretching allows trapped energy to be released.

Stretch often throughout the day.
see the benefits of stretching http://goodhealthdiva.blogspot.com/2011/05/benefits-of-exercising-stretching.html
the benefits of exercising http://goodhealthdiva.blogspot.com/2011/05/benefits-of-exercising-introduction.html

Walk more during the day.

Spread more love and do good more good deeds.

Smile and laugh more. ( Being scornful, sarcastic and laughing at the expenses of others is NOT what I recommend).

Keep a journal. Record your emotions, your goals…

Keep a gratitude journal. Make time each day to write things you are grateful for and start and finish each day by expressing verbally or in writing something you are grateful for.

DETOX  your environment.

Make time to go through your home, bathroom, closet, kitchen cabinets, home office and remove everything old, expired, useless etc.

In your closet get rid of everything stained, with holes, old and that no longer fit.

Declutter and cleam your space totally. A messy and dirty environment can also trigger stress and expose you to toxins.

Add some green plants in your home to purify your indoor air.

For more ideas please consider reading the following articles:
"The psychology of weight loss"

http://goodhealthdiva.blogspot.com/2011/11/psychology-of-weight-loss.html

"Pampering yourself is good for your health"

http://goodhealthdiva.blogspot.com/2011/01/pampering-yourself-is-good-for-your.html

If you consider fasting:

Disclaimer: Please consult with your physician before starting a fast.

Days before your fast drink plenty of water and eat more fruits and vegetables that are rich in water such as watermelon and cucumbers.

Determine the length of your fast. A meal, a whole day, a few days. Any  longer fast should be supervised.

The way you break your fast is very important. Eat foods that are light such as a fruit, a bowl of soup, a salad and eat slowly.
                       


There's a lot more to detoxing than the information I just provided. This article is meant to be an introduction and offer you some direction.

Detoxing is essential to your health and organs' cleanses such as the Colon  cleanses can improve your health and even assist with weight loss.

Detoxing has the power to heal, alleviate or prevent some conditions, so do it often and enjoy its many benefits.

I wish you a happy detoxing, a great health journey and if you are new here you are welcome to become a Follower, Like the FB page, subscribe for email updates and let us know about your detoxing experience!!!



N'na