Upcoming Book Review: How to Thrive in Changing Times

by Head Health Nutter on August 5, 2010

Would you like to learn how to heal yourself, others and the planet with the power of your thoughts? In her new book, Sandra Ingerman gives us practical guidance to do just that.

If you’re feeling the weight of the impending 2012 prophesies, then How to Thrive in Changing Times might be the right book for you. I’m in the middle of reading this small spiritual guidebook but here’s the press release to whet your appetite:

In a time when people feel overwhelmed by global problems, Sandra Ingerman shares in How to Thrive in Changing Times (Weiser Books, January 2010) spiritual practices we can all engage in that have the power to create positive change.

Imagine…

“Imagine. Before you were born you were just a little spark of light connected to the creative force of the universe. You looked down on this great earth. What a beautiful planet filled with wondrous life forms. Your started to ponder the possibilities of life on earth.

Reader, do you remember the preciousness of life and that all life was created to experience love, light, joy, harmony, peace, equality, and abundance for all? If you can feel this in your bones, then you know it is true. If you cannot, do not despair for I will help you to remember.

We are a community of people who can gather our spiritual light and energies together to remember and to create a wondrous life for all living beings. We must remember our vision and then focus on it and hold the vision together. This is how we thrive together in changing times.”

In How to Thrive in Changing Times readers will be guided toward living a conscious life; they will learn how their thoughts and words impact the world they live in and how their core beliefs influence what they believe is possible.

They will learn different ways to release and dissolve limiting beliefs and to utilize ancient principles of creation and manifestation to usher in healing the planet. Readers will be encouraged throughout to perceive themselves as members of a growing global community of conscious change agents, because that, Ingerman believes, is how we will survive changing times and how the earth will be healed.

About the Author

Sandra Ingerman, MA, is a licensed therapist and the author of numerous books including How to Heal Toxic Thoughts, Soul Retrieval, and Medicine for the Earth: How to Transform Personal and Environmental Toxins. She is also the author of several lecture programs produced by Sounds True. Sandra lives in New Mexico and can be found at www.sandraingerman.com.

Have you read any of Ms. Ingerman’s books or experienced one of her workshops?

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What is CrossFit?

by Head Health Nutter on August 3, 2010

Fitting fitness in is always more fun when you’re trying new workouts. Guest blogger, Jamie DeSanto, tells us about CrossFit, a fitness routine that’s gaining in popularity because of it’s holistic attributes.

Simply put, CrossFit is everything! It’s strength, endurance, cardio, you name it. It’s about being so in shape that you can handle any physical obstacle that comes your way.

This type of training regimen is used by elite military and police units, mixed martial artists and professional athletes.  What might surprise you, though, is it’s also the type of training regimen used by grandfathers battling heart disease!

The key to CrossFit is a holistic approach to fitness. As much as bodybuilders with a gross amount of muscle mass are avoided, so are the marathon runners with zero muscle mass who are only fit to run long distances.

It stresses not only cardiovascular endurance but also strength, speed, balance, stamina, power, coordination, flexibility, agility and accuracy in repeating movements and processes. This form of complete fitness is not only prized in elite athletics and military operations, but in everyday life as well.

Think about it, how often does anyone need to run 26.2 miles? Only when they run a marathon, of course. Now think about the fitness required to carry your three-year-old for an extended period of time at the fair when she’s decided she’s had enough.

CrossFit achieves this complete level of fitness through interval training. What this means is there’s a focus on variance instead of repetition in each session.

Rather than just running or weight training, there’s an emphasis on activities that grow the 10 general physical skills listed above (flexibility, agility, etc.). This means activities such as gymnastics, throwing medicine balls in addition to lifting weights, and mixing in sprinting with distance running. This works to develop both aerobic and anaerobic fitness levels, when in past training programs, the two were considered mutually exclusive.

In addition, CrossFit dispels the myths of fad diets as a path to fitness. It prescribes well-rounded nutritional practices, including fat, proteins and carbohydrates. Without the proper fuel in your system, you won’t be able to keep up with even a lower level training regimen, and are only doing yourself harm.

The key here is that a good diet and a good fitness level are much better to overall wellness than a fad diet that might cause someone to lose weight, but not in a sustainable or healthy manner.

Finally, CrossFit is as right for grandfathers with heart disease as it is for champion martial artists. That’s because CrossFit’s lack of specialization, focusing on all areas of fitness, means that it’s just a matter of adjusting the level of intensity for the appropriate party. The grandfather and the martial artist have the same core needs, just like everyone else, it’s simply a matter of degree.

About the Author

Jamie DeSanto is a writer for Online Nursing Programs where you can browse the best online nursing programs in the country.

Have you tried CrossFit? How was it for you and can you add anything to this post?

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How to Reduce EMF Radiation

by Head Health Nutter on August 1, 2010

Are you concerned with low-level radiation damage caused by living in the Age of Technology? Apparently, there’s a `grounding’ technology out there that not only reduces your radiation exposure but gives you the healing power of the earth!

We’re exposed to electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation on a daily basis through television and computer screens, microwaves, cell phones and other electrical devices that emit energy waves with frequencies below 300 hertz. (Source: www.energpolarit.com)

During our 2010 TV Detox earlier this year, we discussed whether or not TV is killing us. The findings are debatable but many health experts believe the accumulation of EMF exposure in our bodies is contributing to health issues.

So what a relief to hear from one of America’s leading Natural Health experts, David Wolfe, about this crazy grounding technology that mimics the healing effects of natural earth energy!

In this 7 minute video, Mr. Wolfe uses a volt meter to show us the typical EMF exposure we get from an office setting and neutralizes it before our eyes with a Carbon Electron Carrying Pad:

For those of you who missed it, David tells us that the carbon electron carrying pad carries an electrical charge that mimics earth energy. What it does is `grounds’ the electrical charges flowing through our bodies from the immediate vicinity.

He claims this natural earth energy also has healing effects and produces antioxidants that squash inflammation and pain.

What have you heard about this grounding technology? Have you tried it? If yes, have you felt different or has your health improved?

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Fitting Fitness & Healthy Eating In

by Head Health Nutter on July 29, 2010

We’re more overweight and less fit than 25 years ago, according to Statistics Canada. It could be from the rise of technology and convenience but whatever the reason, we need to move more and eat more healthy foods. Here are a few ideas for the busy person.

A few recent Live Lighter guest posts have revolved around fitness, like fun workouts you never heard of and can proper athletic gear improve performance? but after reading some startling statistics, I wondered if these posts were actually useful.

Did you know, again according to Statistics Canada, that active leisure time has been steadily dropping since the ’80s? For instance, in 2005, just 49% of women were active during their down time. This year, that number dropped to just over 30%.

So instead of just saying, we need to be more active in our leisure time, here’s a few practical ideas in how to fit fitness into your busy day:

  1. Commit to being more active! By simply setting the intention that no matter what, you’ll be more active in your day, then you’re already 50% there.
  2. Set realistic goals. Look at your available time in a week and schedule some workouts in. Try for 1 hour slots, three times a week for full strength-training and cardio workouts. If this just isn’t possible, then read on!
  3. Step up your game. Are you completely inactive? Then try walking for 15 minutes a day and eventually increase it up to 30 minutes or walk up hills. Are you already walking half an hour a day? Then increase it up to 1 hour or if you lack the time, try doing lunges while you walk – hey, you may look funny but when I do it walking with my friend, we get a good giggle out of it (by the way, laughing hard strengthens your abs and burns calories!). If you’re already jogging 30 minutes, try interval training by sprinting for one minute and walking fast for three minutes.
  4. Crank up the tunes. [click to continue…]

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Can Proper Athletic Gear Improve Your Performance?

by Head Health Nutter on July 27, 2010

Editor’s Note: Ever wonder if sports clothes and accessories are worth the expense? Before you invest, read today’s guest post with Tony Benson as he shares a few thoughts and tips on the subject.

Can proper athletic gear improve your performance? Yes, it can. Will it? That is another question.

The ability to perform in situations that stress your mind and body (such as athletic endeavors) requires several factors that come into play and work together:

  • You must be prepared (as in trained, well-versed, etc.) in the activity you are attempting to execute.
  • Your body must be injury-free and in good shape.
  • You must have the mental capacity to move beyond feelings of fear, uncertainty and frustration in order to compete at a higher level.
  • And you must have the proper gear.

Now, dressing for the part is not necessarily a requirement for amateur athletes (unlike pros, who almost always have some sort of restrictions concerning their garments and accoutrements), but it really can make a difference in your performance, both physically and mentally.

Before you invest in athletic gear

If you are just trying a sport on for size, you may want to borrow some equipment until you decide if it’s an activity you will continue with in the long-term. For any sport that requires balls, pads, and so forth, just get a friend to loan you some of the items you’ll need to get started. Then, if you decide it’s something you want to pursue, you can lay out the cash to purchase the paraphernalia necessary to proceed.

What makes athletic gear proper?

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Pineapple & Cherry Crunch Smoothie

by Head Health Nutter on July 25, 2010

It’s mid-summer and hotter than a tin roof in South America at noon. Thanks to Bindu’s guest post on Tuesday, we know how to eat to beat the heat with cooling food and drink. Here’s another smoothie recipe to keep you in the blending mood.

If you haven’t already, check out Live Lighter’s smoothie recipes for tons of summer meal ideas. As a special treat (and excellent healthy substitute), why not make your smoothies even more summer-like by freezing them and making smoothie popsicles?

Whether you freeze it or leave it in a glass, this smoothie will fill you up, quench your thirst and help you get all your necessary daily vitamins! Pineapple is great for increasing the power of your immune system (and reducing inflammation) while cherries just as healthy and in season right now so it’s the best time to eat ‘em.

Pineapple & Cherry Crunch Smoothie

Makes 1.5 servings (approx. 20 oz)

Ingredients

  • 1/4 raw almonds
  • 3/4 cup frozen pineapple
  • 1/2 cup cherries, pitted
  • 1/4 plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp. granola
  • 1/2 cup almond milk (or to desired thickness)

Preparation

  1. Blend almonds until ground.
  2. Add remaining ingredients and blend.
  3. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information

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Death By Medicine – Book Review

by Head Health Nutter on July 23, 2010

Most Live Lighter readers know there’s something fishy with conventional medicine and so they’ve turned to natural health alternatives. Now with Gary Null’s newest book, Death By Medicine, we have solid proof that today’s medical world needs drastic change.

The title of the book says it all. It instantly activated my gut feelings towards today’s healthcare system, and considering I loved Dr. Null’s Ultimate Anti-Aging Program, I jumped at the chance to provide an honest review in exchange for a copy.

For those of you who don’t know Dr. Gary Null, PhD, he’s been “one of the foremost advocates of alternative medicine and natural healing for over three decades. An award-winning journalist and New York Times best-selling author, Dr. Null has written over 70 books on nutrition, self-empowerment, and public health issues. His syndicated public radio show, “Natural Living with Gary Null,” is the longest-running, continuously aired health program in America.”

Death By Medicine boldly claims that conventional medicine is America’s number one killer. It is both frighteningly fascinating and incredibly dry. Although it’s a short book (238 pages), it took me awhile to read because it backs up this claim with a massive amount of scientific evidence from healthcare research studies (47 pages make up the reference section).

“Never before have complete statistics on the multiple causes of iatrogenesis [definition: inadvertent and preventable introduction of disease or complications by the medical treatment or procedures by a physician or surgeon] been combined in one book… every count in this indictment of US medicine is validated by published, peer-reviewed scientific studies. The startling findings from this meticulous study indicate that conventional medicine is the leading cause of death in the United States.”

The authors (Dr. Gary Null, Dr. Martin Feldman, Dr. Debora Rasio and DR. Carolyn Dean) state in the introduction that they wrote this book as a wake-up call for medical practitioners. It provides real numbers for just how many deaths are occurring within the medical industry and a call for courageous doctors to take action for reform. It also asks them to take natural medicine a little more seriously.

For the average reader (like me), you may find you’ll need to be in a certain mood to read Death By Medicine. Nevertheless, I also feel it’s a necessary read for those who care about their health and who use mainstream healthcare.

Did you know…

…the number of people who die each day because of medical errors – physician mistakes, hospital-related illness, and reactions to FDA-approved medications – is the equivalent of six jumbo jets falling out of the sky?

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How to Eat to Beat the Heat

by Head Health Nutter on July 20, 2010

Editor’s note: “It’s summertime and the livin’s easy…” Ah, one of my favourite songs for my favourite season. Here’s a post to go with it from my favourite guest blogger (who just happens to be a cookbook author) about staying cool in the summer with healthy food and drink!

During summer afternoons, staying cool takes top priority whether it’s in the comfort of air conditioning or taking a dip in the pool. But you can also indulge in food and drink that keeps you cool!

Since heat can be dehydrating, opt for foods with high water content (like watermelon and cucumber) and easy to digest. Here are a few summer meal ideas and variations to keep you cool when it’s hot outside.

Salads

Hearty vegetables and fruits are a staple in my diet, especially in the heat of summer.

Vegetable salads. Whether you’re home or out-and-about, don’t just stick with romaine or iceberg lettuce, change it up with arugula, watercress or mesclun (a mix of young greens). Make sure to get your protein by adding cheese, fish, chicken or legumes like chickpeas.

Fruit salads are easy to make, colorful and simply refreshing especially when you complement it with tangy dressings like citrus or ginger-mint.

Chilled Soup

Another way to stay cool at noon is with a bowl of chilled soup. It’s a great way of meeting your vegetable quota and is most palette-pleasing when seasoned with flavorful herbs and spices. Some of my favorites include tomato soup, cucumber soup, red lentil soup and gazpacho.

Liquid Meals

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Which Diet is Best For You? (Free Online Tool!)

by Head Health Nutter on July 18, 2010

Everyone of us has a unique biological make-up that differentiates us from one another. In today post, Dr. Mercola shares with us a free online tool designed to help us find which body type we are so we can find what fuels optimize our health towards wellness and away from disease.

A couple of weeks ago I posted a video interview with Dr. Gabriel Cousens where he spoke about determining the best diet for you via the 3 Ayurvedic body types. You could go to a health practitioner to find out your body type or stay at home and complete the comprehensive questionnaire in Dr. Deepak Chopra’s book, Perfect Health.

If Ayurvedic medicine isn’t up your alley or you don’t want to invest any money (at least not yet) into determining the right diet for you, there’s a free online health tool that will do the same thing!

Look for the link below but before you do, please watch this video as Dr. Mercola reveals one of the universal health principals we should all be aiming for, introduces the online tool and tell us about the 3 nutrition types (basically the same typing found Ayurvedic medicine but with an easy-to-understand western spin):

As Doc Mercola mentions in the video, this nutritional typing tool used to go for 30-bucks-a-pop. But since he feels this information is so valuable to the health of society, he’s offering it (as well as practical recipes and e-guides for each nutrition type) to the general public FOR FREE!

In case you missed it, here’s the link to the short (about 5 minute) online questionnaire which helps determine your nutrition type: http://products.mercola.com/nutritional-typing/.

Head’s Up

Now, the last thing I want to do is burst your bubble but filling out this questionnaire won’t necessarily tell you which diet is right for you – at least not without some work on your end.

For instance, the first question is about your typical breakfast. The next one asks whether this alone will energize you or if you need caffeine to last until lunch.

Do you see how circumstances might affect your answer? What if you’re addicted to caffeine? This would make it impossible (at this point) to provide a reliable answer.

Dr. Mercola is aware of this caveat and stresses at the end of the video about listening to your body. This online nutritional typing tool seems to be an excellent place to begin becoming more aware of what foods add to your energy and which deplete it.

I’m a “Mixed Type” (so far) and plan on reading through the e-materials that came with my nutritional typing results. I’ll be watching what I eat, attempting to control factors that may affect my energy and observing how my body reacts to different foods. Then I’ll take the test again.

What nutritional type are YOU?

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Turmeric: The King of Spices

by Head Health Nutter on July 15, 2010

Editor’s Note: Just as we learned mango is king of the fruit, in this post we hear which spice rules the world! A terrific follow up to our last post, Natural Healing Tips, Cathryn Johnson enlightens us about the benefits of consuming turmeric.

When eating out, we face a lot of choices. And often when we think of healthy food, we think of bland, tasteless “delights.” But, recently I discovered that some of the most flavorful food in the world can actually have health benefits.

East Indian food is famous for its color, aroma and generous use of flavorful spices. Most people are well aware of the exotic taste these spices offer, but few are familiar their health benefits.

One of the most commonly used spices in Indian cooking, often referred to as the “King of Spices,” is turmeric.  Turmeric, which is also known as Indian Saffron, haldi or curcuma, has the same powdery consistency of ground red pepper. It is a slightly bitter, saffron-colored spice that is generally responsible for the color of Indian curries.

Turmeric is a flowering plant that is found in various parts of tropical Asia. Historically, Indian merchants used turmeric as a dye. It was not until much later that the health benefits of turmeric were discovered.

One of the first discovered healing benefits of turmeric was by the people of India who used it as a natural antiseptic or antibacterial agent. Even today, in India, turmeric is often applied to disinfect open wounds, much as we apply rubbing alcohol in the West. Turmeric is thought to help the healing of skin. Some research even shows that turmeric can prevent, or even heal, melanoma.

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