Staying Young.

What's Christie Brinkley's secret for staying so young looking at 55? She says it has a lot to do with staying active and being a vegetarian. She enjoys sports and working out.

Here are a few tips to help us stay young and healthy:

1.) Don't over eat: Scientists at St. Louis University found that, while both exercising and eating less led to weight loss in the study’s volunteers, cutting calories also lowered production of T3, a thyroid hormone that slows metabolism. The researchers believe that lower T3 levels may also slow the aging process.

2.) Make love: Doubling your amount of satisfying sex can add up to three years to your life, says Mehmet Oz, MD, professor and vice chairman of surgery at New York Presbyterian–Columbia University and co-author of YOU: Being Beautiful.. “Sex gives you the Zen moment you can’t find throughout the day otherwise.”

3.) Use your brain: Studies on 80-year-olds who perform at the same level as people in their 50s on neuro­psychological tests, has found that the superaged have fewer brain tangles—deposits of protein linked to Alzheimer’s—suggesting that their brains have some sort of protection that normal brains don’t. So learn a new language or instrument—even driving a new route to work can wake up sleepy brain cells.

4.) Pour yourself a Merlot: You’ve probably heard a lot about resveratrol, a compound in red wine and grape juice that seems to slow aging. One recent study found that resveratrol-fed mice had stronger bones and better motor coordination, and showed fewer “old age” problems like heart disease, inflammation, and cataracts. The jury is still out on whether resveratrol has the same effect on humans, but nutritionists say drinking red wine in moderation does have heart-healthy benefits.

5.) Lose the jelly roll: In one large study published last year, researchers who tracked 6,583 people for more than 30 years found that having significant belly fat in midlife can nearly triple your risk of dementia.

6.) Eat more plants: Researchers found the longest-living people tend to eat less meat and more beans, soy, and nuts.

We can all look as young and fresh as Christie if we take care of ourselves daily!

image found - timeinc.net, ref health.com

serenity.

I wanted to share this serene, breathtaking picture I found.

Just looking at it helps me find my inner calm. Hope it helps you find yours too!

image found - flickr.com

zen environment.

In creating a Zen environment there are three words: less is more.

Take a critical look at your living space. Which pieces of furniture do you really need and use? Which decorative items can you do without? It's about living clutter free, clean, simple and functional. This decor can also make you feel safe, secure and nurtured.

Tip: Have a yard sale and get rid of everything you don't need and use what is left to decorate.

To achieve a naturally balanced room using Zen principles, you should use the five elements of nature: water, earth, fire, wood and metal.

For example:

• Buy an indoor fountain or a nice, framed poster of a waterfall.
• Decorate your room with a plant or two (Remember, less is more), a ceramic figurine or glass object.
• Create a cozy fireplace, or if your room doesn't have one, get yourself an interesting collection of candles.
• Get a piece or two of wooden furniture. Bamboo is a current trend that looks great.
• Use metal lamps for lighting, and look around locally for artisans that do metal art.

Every little bit helps to live a calm, balanced, peaceful life.

images found - decoratorinside.com, myhomeideas.com, i.ehow.com, ideas modern-interior-decorating.com

proper breathing.

Do you ever notice after exercising and breathing properly that we feel more de-stressed, relaxed and re-energized? In our everyday lives we forget to breath, we spend half of the day holding our breath and then later feel tired and tense. It's very important we take the time to learn to breath deeply, slowly and correctly and in time it will be a natural way of breathing.

Proper breathing relaxes the nervous system and our entire body. It can also increases energy levels and helps turn off racing thoughts.

Here are a few steps on breathing properly:

1. Make sure your nasal passages are clear. Breathing properly requires you to inhale through your nose, so blow your nose, if necessary.

2. Relax your shoulders. Inhale through your nose at a natural volume, then inhale just a bit more.

3. Now exhale through the mouth with the same approach. Push out just a bit more air than what feels natural. Exhaling more than you inhale actually allows your lungs to expel more carbon dioxide and strengthens your diaphragm.

4. Repeat this technique for 1 minute. That will seem like a long time, but you will noticeably become more relaxed.

Optimizing your breathing = healthy mind, body & spirit.

images/ref found - i.ehow.com, healingkinetics.com

america's healthiest desserts.

1.) Candy bar: Hershey’s Reese’s Peanut Butter 100 Calorie Wafer Bars.
2.) Frozen Yogurt: Häagen-Dazs, Vanilla Honey & Granola Frozen Yogurt.


3.) Cookie: Dancing Deer Baking Co. Triple Chocolate Shortbread Cookies.


It’s 3 p.m., and your energy level and enthusiasm have taken a nosedive. You’re craving something chocolaty and yummy like Reese's and Dancing Deer , or maybe a fro-yo that tastes decadent like Häagen-Dazs, with chunks of granola and swirls of sweet honey. Totally delicious and fulfilling, but won't wreck your diet. These snacks to the rescue!

Say "YES" to dessert with these smart choices!

images found - viewpoints.com, sugarsavvy.net, koshergourmetmart.com, ref living.health.com

tis the season.

Ninety-five percent of all pears grown in the U.S. come from Northern California, Washington, Oregon, where warm, dry summer days, cool nights, and wet winters combine to produce excellent fruit.

A pear purchased at the farmer’s market or grocery store will almost always be unripe. Because pears bruise easily, they are picked and shipped in an unripened state. But don’t dismay – they’ll actually ripen better on your counter than in the store or even on the tree, where they tend to become mushy and grainy. Just remember to select pears a couple of days before you want to cook or eat them.

Pears should be fully ripe for eating out of hand. For cooking and salads, they are best when firm-ripe.

Although pears are available at the supermarket year-round, they’ll be most delicious in season, harvested in July and August, the season is brief.

So, if you want a fresh, juicy, sweet pear, don't delay---August is almost over.

image found - k.b5z.net

find your balance.

"We all perform better when our thoughts, feelings, emotions, goals and values are in balance."

What can you do today to start creating a balanced more efficient life for yourself?

"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep balance you must keep moving".

~Albert Einstein~

image found - lifehack.org

fresh spices and herbs.

Herbs and spices have been used by our ancestors for many centuries for their medicinal qualities as well as for their culinary enhancements. Researchers continue to study the healing properties that can be offered by these natural remedies.
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Here are some benefits of several spices and herbs:

* rosemary and basil for their anti-inflammatory power

* cumin and sage for their dementia-fighting power

* cayenne and cinnamon for their obesity-fighting power

* coriander and cinnamon for their sugar regulating powers

* lemon grass, nutmeg, bay leaves and saffron for their calming effects on your mood

* turmeric for its cancer fighting power

* oregano for its fungus-beating power

* garlic, mustard seed and chicory for their heart-pumping power

* basil and thyme for their skin-saving power

* turmeric, basil, cinnamon, thyme, saffron, and ginger for their immune-boosting power

* coriander, rosemary, cayenne, allspice and black pepper for their depression-busting power

Add a little spice to your life!

image found - wordress.com, ref alternet.org

vision board.

A very powerful way to use visualization is by creating a “Vision Board”, also known as a “Dream Board”. A Vision Board is a collage of pictures of the goals and dreams you want to attract in your life. It is important to use the exact images of what you want to attract, because whatever you show on your Vision Board will then become part of your reality. So, if you want a certain kind of car, job, or a relationship, be very specific on your board to include what color your car will be, what type of job you want, or what your partner will look and be like.

A basic and fun way of creating a Vision Board is by taking a big piece of carton, scissors, glue and tons of different types of magazines. Go through the magazines and search for images of your dreams, or search for the perfect images on the internet. Cut out the images and glue them on your cardboard or pin to your cork board. You can also write out what you want to manifest and make your own drawings (see 3rd image from top above).

Hang your board on a spot where you will see it on a very regular basis, such as at your desk or in the kitchen. Look at it daily, and really FEEL as if you have already achieved the things on your Vision Board. Look at your board as often as possible with focused intent. You will be surprised to see the things on your Vision Board show up in your life –sooner or later- providing you keep putting your intention on them and stay positive.

I'm going to start working on mine this weekend... :)

Manifest the life you truly desire and deserve!

images found - i.ehow.com, wordpress.com, saddlebackfamily.com, majorinyou.com, ref ezinearticles.com

stop and smell the flowers.

Feeling stressed?

Yes? Then try savoring the scent of lemon, mango, lavender, or other fragrant plants. Scientists in Japan are reporting the first scientific evidence that inhaling certain fragrances alter gene activity and blood chemistry in ways that can reduce stress levels. This study appears in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Smell is definitely one of my favorite senses! What's yours?

image found - i.ehow.com

reflections.

The best six doctors anywhere
And no one can deny it
Are sunshine, water, rest, and air
Exercise and diet.
These six will gladly you attend
If only you are willing
Your mind they'll ease
Your will they'll mend
And charge you not a shilling.

~Nursery rhyme quoted by Wayne Fields, What the River Knows, 1990

image found - pixdaus.com

Baked Chicken Fingers.

Serves: 6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

~Nutritional Score per serving
223 calories, 7 g fat, 16 g carbs, 24 g protein, .3 g fiber, 491 mg sodium

~Ingredients
Cooking spray
1 cup plain bread crumbs
1 cup corn flakes or toasted rice cereal, crushed
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
½: teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon curry powder (optional)
2 tablespoons olive or canola oil
½ cup all–purpose flour
3 eggs, beaten
1 to 2 pounds chicken breast tenders or boneless breasts, cut into 1–inch strips

~Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray and set aside. Mix bread crumbs, cereal, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and curry (if using) in a large mixing bowl or casserole dish. Drizzle oil evenly over the breading, then mix in. Arrange three shallow containers, one with the flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the bread crumb mixture. Individually dip chicken tenders into flour, then eggs (letting excess run off), then breading mixture. Arrange breaded chicken pieces on the cookie sheet. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, or until crisp and brown all over. Serve with mango ketchup (recipe below).

~Mango Ketchup (for dipping)
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
1 tablespoon olive or canola oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 pounds ripe mango, peeled and diced into ¼–inch pieces
¼ cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon agave nectar or honey
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon seasoned rice wine vinegar
1/3 cup fresh lime juice (2 to 3 limes, squeezed)

Heat oil over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Add onion and cook, stirring, about 7 minutes, or until translucent but not browning. Add mango, orange juice, and nectar or honey to pan. Season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes more, or until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vinegar and lime juice, adding more to taste, if desired. Serve alongside chicken fingers warm or at room temperature.

Oh, it's so good!
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image/recipe found - shape.com