What’s in a serving?

I keep hearing how we should be eating four to five servings of fruit & vegetables daily BUT I honestly haven’t known exactly what constitutes a “serving.” Do you know what I mean?

A new friend who is a RD (Registered Dietician) helped clear this up and I’d like to pass it on to you!

One serving = 1 cup and, generally speaking 1 piece of fruit = one serving i.e. 1 apple * 1 pear * 1 banana

When it comes to veggies and smaller fruit …

½ cup grapes = about 16 grapes
1 cup strawberries = about 12 berries
1 cup of salad greens = a baseball size portion
1 cup of carrots = about 12 baby carrots
1 cup cooked veggies = a baseball size portion
Glass of natural juice = 1 serving


For more information about servings and portion size recommendations, click here: http://www.webmd.com/diet/printable/wallet-portion-control-size-guide and here for a version you can stick on your fridge: http://www.webmd.com/diet/printable/portion-control-size-guide

Dr. Andrew Weil says ...

"The body has an incredible capacity to regulate and heal itself, and good medicine should begin with the assumption that the body can and wants to be healthy. To that end, we should always consider natural, less expensive treatments first."

- Dr. Andrew Weil

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Right on. May I suggest you take a look at the Fatigue Be Gone Jumpstart Guide? I wrote this during and since my own recovery from fatigue. This easy-does- it 8 Step Process to healing and re-energizing the mind, body and spirit is only $9.99. The results are priceless. Click here to learn more and order a copy for yourself (or your spouse, friend, sibling ...)

To read a recent review by The Succulent Wife, click here. " ... had I known what to look for myself as this easy to use guide suggests, I would have saved myself months of frustration." Anne-Marie Kovacs

Why Chi?

Why Chi?

What’s all the fuss about Chi and what does it have to do with the way I feel?

Chi, also known as life-force, prana, ki, qi, essence, spirit or life energy, is the basic energy of the universe, existing in all things.

Chi is breath. It is the energy and vitality that sustains and nourishes you and activates your spirit. It is obtained from the food you eat, the water you drink and the air you breathe. Everything you see, touch, think or experience is made up of Chi. Your whole existence is determined by Chi.

All parts of your life, your physical health, mental alertness and emotional stability are all dependent on the flow of Chi in and around your body. The free flow of this vital energy is seen as imperative to your health and well-being. Summoning, conserving and using Chi is an important factor in maintaining a healthy and happy life.

The quality of your Chi is reflected in the way you feel, think and behave.

* Excited about doing something? Your Chi is probably strong.
* Unmotivated? It’s probably weak.
* Angry, frustrated or depressed? It’s probably stuck.

For the rest of this article, and to meet Rosanno your ChiYo Instructor, click here!

Free Energy Boost Resources --- Your Friends & Your Breath

Talk it out with your friends …

There is nothing like the soothing, healing and re-energizing touch of a best friend’s sage advice.

Yesterday Coleen chided me for not saying “No” more often. She recommended that before I make anymore “Yes” decisions that I pause and think about “What would Coleen want me to do?” She said she cared more about me than I was caring for myself.

Gulp.

Well that slowed me down – in a good way.

Then she reminded me about a fantastic energy boosting breathing technique that we had learned together! Ahhhhhhhh. Here, you try this today and see how good – how peaceful, centered and safe it can make you feel too.

Energy Boosting Healing 1-2-3

1. Inhale to a count of four. 1-2-3-4
2. Hold that breath for a count of seven. 1-2-3-4-5-6-7
3. Exhale that breath to a count of eight. 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8
   
   

Do this four times in a row. That is considered a “series.” Be sitting down and comfortable when you do this exercise. Then, do this series two times a day.

Voila! Join me in saying “No” and boosting your energy for FREE this week. If you have a moment, drop a comment and let us know how GREAT you feel.

Cheers!

Viveca

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Is your super woman role taking a toll on you? You're not alone. Experts suggest more than 80 percent of American women (and men) suffer from adrenal fatigue. Learn how to wrap your super woman cape around fatigue and cast it out of your life forever in the Fatigue Be Gone Jumpstart! e-Guide. Available at www.FatigueBeGone.com

Misery Poker and the energy--boosting power of the whine. Is there?

I suppose there is a health benefit to whining and complaining, in moderation. Isn't that funny? It needs to be moderated just like eating, drinking, exercising, thinking ...



Today I set out to determine what occurs physically when we complain. I wondered what hormones are triggered and what effect that has on our adrenals. Didn't come up with anything that specific but I know how dis-eased and fatigued I feel when I am focused on the faults instead of the pearls. Don't you?

This topic is inspired by a new column in the Wall Street Journal called "Bonds." Today's topic was Misery Poker: It's One Game Worth Losing. Big thanks go out to its author, Elizabeth Bernstein for bringing this bad habit to my attention. Once there is awareness, action - change is possible.
My husband will be thrilled.

By the by I did come across some good quotes on the topic!

I personally believe we developed language because of our deep inner need to complain.
~Jane Wagner



In trying to get our own way, we should remember that kisses are sweeter than whine. ~Author Unknown



People that pay for things never complain. It's the guy you give something to that you can't please. ~Will Rogers

Getting Ready for Fruit & Veggie Day!

Monday is Fruit and Veggie Day? Are you ready?

I am. Went shopping yesterday and loaded up on the good stuff. This week I am letting Blooms handle everything. Brought home a carrot juice by "Odwalla" and a Green Machine by "Naked." Both are good brands and super fresh (checked the "sell by" dates.) Then I'll throw in some apples and blueberries. Voila!

Tomorrow I'll be on the road all day. I've been adopted by a senior boxer who I have already named Lana Love. This is total, what-am-I-doing inspiration that has me driving 8 hours to add another heart on paws to my pack of 2 pups, 3 purrs and a bird.

So, what will I do with all the extra energy and time I gain tomorrow? Enjoy a long drive, rescue a pup and visit with my best friend from high-school. Cool beans! I'll post photos when I get back!

Cheers! Viveca

What special flavor will you splash into your Fruit and Veggie Day? Do tell ...

What will you do today? (instead of worry)

"Do you remember the things you were worrying about a year ago? How did they work out? Didn't you waste a lot of fruitless energy on account of most of them? Didn't most of them turn out all right after all?" - Dale Carnegie

Worry is exhausting. It is that rocking chair that goes back & forth and back & forth and straight to our adrenal glands. Worry is exhausting and sickening, literally.

Today do something to eliminate a worry and bring on a smiley.

Yes, get rid of nagging doubt, undone or resentment. Forgive someone. Help out your shelter and adopt a dog or cat. Call that friend you’ve been avoiding and treat her to a cup of coffee and a spoonful of compassion, optimism and good-humor. Apologize to your mother, start writing a love-note to your father to give to him on Father's Day, mail the gift to your niece even though her birthday was in April! Admit you messed up and ask how you can make it up.

What will you do today to make you feel good about yourself? Tell me. Then tell me how good you feel!

Viveca

P.S. Thanks to David Essel, author, Slow Down The Fastest Way To Get Everything You Want for inspiring this topic! You can hear his interview here: http://www.getreadyforlove.com/dessel.htm

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