October | 2015 | Well Consulting

Oct 28

How to Stay on the Healthy Path for HALLOWEEN

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Sugar causes Cancer. That is now proven. It’s responsible for our obesity and diabetes epidemic and a host of other health disorders. But this stuff is addictive. It’s hard to break up with. Many of my wellness warriors and clients tell me it’s impossible to avoid sugar around Halloween. It’s everywhere—at the office, in the grocery store, in your kids’ candy buckets. When the pull of sugar feels too strong, fight back! Use these simple tricks to help you enjoy Halloween without the toxic sugar overload. An eye opening fact for you: Did you know that sugar is only a few chemical molecules different than the makeup of cocaine. In fact in a recent study using mice, which were given a plethora of either cocaine or sugar to feast upon, the mice undoubtedly and undeniable chose the sugar to consume over the cocaine! Are we ourselves addicted to this “legal drug” that is in EVERYTHING? Why are we giving this DRUG to our children?

Let’s get to some sugar education and demystification:
Is there a connection between cocaine, heroin and sugar addiction? Many will be surprised to know that there is. The fact that a bag of Sour Patch Kids or gummy worms is related to cocaine, heroin, or other drugs might seem far fetched, but they’re similar in how they can affect the brain. Sugar, like drugs and alcohol, activates the reward cycle of the brain by stimulating dopamine (the reward-seeking chemical that is also responsible for addictive behaviors). “A sugar binge alters brain function and fuels the desire for more sweet stuff,” says Princeton University psychology professor Bart Hoebel. There is a sugar high caused by a surge of dopamine, similar to the “feel-good” rush of drugs or alcohol. This can be followed by the psychological and physical symptoms of withdrawal when sugar is then denied. (Medheadlines.com) As with drugs and alcohol, chronic use can cause down-regulation or even damage to neurotransmitter receptor sites, disrupting the brain’s natural chemistry. This leads to withdrawal symptoms, feeling of loss of control, bingeing, anxiety, stress, depression, cravings, and deeper levels of addiction (just think of how our little ones feel now after they crack open their Halloween goodies- it gives a new meaning to “little monsters!”) Sugar causes neurochemical changes in the brain that are similar to drugs and alcohol addiction. As a result, sugar could act as a gateway drug for other drugs (Princeton University). Maintaining a healthy diet that is personalized for you can be crucial in keeping neurotransmitters and the reward pathway of the brain in balance, as well as the sugar cravings at bay.With the Halloween Madness just a few days away I compiled some of my tricks to help you start the path towards sugar elimination:

Start Your Day With Protein: The typical breakfast of carbs and sugary food sets you up to crave this food all day long. Instead, begin your day with a healthy smoothie that’s loaded with pea protein powder, healthy fats (like coconut oil), and phytonutrients; maybe add a little pumpkin and espresso and voila you now have a “Pumpkin Spice Smoothie!”

Move Your Body: Exercising, dancing, yoga, even going for a walk can reduce tension, boost your energy and mood, and decrease your need for a sugar lift.

Get Enough Sleep: When we are tired, we often turn to sugar and caffeine to counteract exhaustion. Don’t put yourself in this predicament—go to bed at the same time each night and give your body the rest it needs.

OIL Pull when you are CRAVING: Are you familiar with this method? If not search the past blogs at WELL Consulting or contact Meg and she can email you the step by step instructions. I promise you do this and you will reap so many benefits!

Take L-Glutamine: When all else fails or when you decide to make that commitment to get rid of the sugar for you and the whole family- this will be the GAME CHANGER! For acute sugar cravings, try this amino acid. It helps stabilize blood sugar levels and diminishes sugar cravings. Glutamine is an amino acid that helps diminish sugar cravings, plays a vital role in gastrointestinal health, supports a strong immune system, promotes muscle tone and enhances mood and mental clarity. This “super” amino acid is concentrated in the brain, skeletal muscles, gut lining, lungs, heart, kidneys and liver and provides a dynamic source of fuel for the whole body. It supports overall health with its huge range of benefits.

What it does

Helps stabilize blood sugar levels which is especially helpful if you are looking to kick your sugar habit and reduce your cravings for high-glycemic carbohydrates.

Nourishes the cells that line the gut and is essential to maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal tract – a key factor for a healthy immune system.

Helps to synthesize the neurotransmitters in the brain which can help relieve depression and fatigue, elevate mood and enhance relaxation.

Helps improve brain agility, focus, concentration, memory and alertness.

Helps build protein for strong muscles, making it a favorite for those who work out regularly.

How to take it

Take 2 capsules twice a day between meals or when the craving creeps up on you! You can even sprinkle the powder option under your tongue!

It’s your secret weapon for when all else fails!

Here is where to purchase and brand recommendations: http://www.npscript.com/wellconsulting/l-glutamine-1000mg-1-gram-/PU0140PAR and here is a powdered option for our children or those who have a hard time swallowing capsules: http://www.npscript.com/wellconsulting/l-glutamine-powder/PU0142PAR

As you know I am a firm believer that if you give the body what it needs, it has the innate ability to HEAL itself! Use these tools to begin the path towards wellness and join the Wellness Revolution with Meg at Whole Energy Lifestyle Living / WELL Consulting. www.wellconsulting.org

Oct 27

An ESSENTIAL Tip + How to Join the Wellness Revolution

By wellconsulting | Uncategorized | No Comments

Wellness Your Way, A Tip for Today:

Rosemary has been called the herb of remembrance, even Shakespeare referred to in Hamlet. Traditionally, rosemary has been used to improve memory and nervous disorders, as well as to reduce mental fatigue. Scientific studies has found that rosemary may enhance the production of proteins essential for nerve growth and function. One interesting feature of rosemary is that its essential oil positively affects short and long term memory when the scent is inhaled. In a clinical study published in Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, blood levels of rosemary oil’s active compound 1,8-cineole after inhalation corresponded to improvements in speed and accuracy of cognitive tasks. You can bet this is something I am diffusing as I write this tip, as well as have my children inhale during homework time! Inhaling deeply now! A special note to teachers: I have seen many studies finding that this aids significantly when diffusing in the classroom. A win for you and a win for your students! Rosemary also has been associated with enhanced levels of contentment.

Do you have Rosemary oil and utilize it? Leave comments on tips that other Wellness Warriors can take advantage of. If you are looking for the most HEALING Rosemary Oil, ask Meg or go to her link at: www.wellconsulting.org

In addition to the above by diffusing Rosemary oil in my office and during “homework hour”, I am also adding it to my turkey dinner this evening. No fresh herbs needed, just therapeutic oil from Doterra and voila dinner that is rich in nutrients and flavor!

In addition if you have not yet gotten you INVITE: There’s a wellness revolution going on right now and there is so much we can do to grow it — join us and be a part of the change. Get informed, get involved and spread the word to your friends by joining my Facebook community at Whole Energy Lifestyle Living: https://www.facebook.com/wholeenergy?fref=ts&ref=br_tf and following me at my blog at: www.wellconsulting.org Just sign up and commit to the wellness path, and know that you have the support of a wellness tribe that is surrounding you and here for YOU!