Health Helpers!!

Hey guys!! In case you didn't know already, I LOOOVE Dr. Oz and The Doctors!! They offer super duper health advice. Here are some tips to help you and your loved ones live longer...all jam packed in ONE place!!! Add more if you have em, I WILL!! XOXO...




Supplements:

Chromium Polynicotinate (200 MCG/day): helps prevent diabetes

Magnesium: lowers risk of colon cancer in women

IP-6 (Inositol Hexaphosphate): May help prevent colon, liver, and lung cancer. Take 500mg twice daily

Black Raspberry: May help prevent esophageal and cervical cancer. Take 300MG twice daily

Vitamin D: May help prvent cervical, breast and colorectal cancer. 1000 IU per day


Foods:

Beets: rich in iron; allows blood to flow, dilates blood vessels; contain betanins starve tumors and keep cancer cells from diving. 1/4 cup per day can help prevent kidney cancer.

Juiced super drink: Beets, carrots, parsley, apple

Papaya: contains lycopene, ruten, and cryptozanthen. One per week can lower your risk of cervical cancer.

Jumbo Shrimp: contains omega 3 fatty acids cancer fighter that starves tumor cells. Eating 8 or 9 per day can reduce your risk of breast cancer.

Unsalted Cashews: contains proanthocyanidins that also starve tumor cells; prevent cancer cells from dividing. Eating 12 per day can lower your risk of colon cancer.

Caffeinated coffee: caffeine allegedly stimulates the 'suicide' of cancer cells; helps prevent breast,colon, uterine, neck, head, brain and prostate cancer.

Filtered water (that you filter from your tap): helps prevent colon and bladder cancer.

Beer: protects against certain bacteria that may lead to ulcers. ONLY One drink per day helps prevent cancer.

Sauerkraut: protects against cancer. The fermentation process of the cabbage helps increase stronger anti-carcinogenic elements.


Guys, please do your own research, I am not a doctor or health practitioner. ALWAYS check with your physician before you change your eating habits or add any supplements to your diet!!

Stay healthy!!

Weight loss tips

Hey guys!!! Need some tips?? I SURE DO!!! I've been slaaackin!!! Til I saw a picture of myself on a boat ride. I was wondering if I was still pregnant or not...Anyhoo, here are some helpers in our quest! I've gathered these from television, magazines...etc, but in the end, always do YOUR OWN RESEARCH!!

1. Cayenne Pepper - metabolism booster - sprinkle on at least two meals a day, or take the suppliment tablets, two per day will do.

2. Green tea - metabolism booster

3. Vitamin B complex - metabolism & energy booster

4. Cinnamon - 1 tsp per day - metabolism booster (makes your liver more sensetive to insulin, so your body is less resistant; lowering your blood sugar)

5. Safflower Oil - possible belly fat buster - use it in cooking or on salads, you can also opt for sunflower seeds 3 teaspoons per day.

6. Raspberry Keynotes - supplement that will help trick your body into thinking it's skinny, therefore burning more calories!

7. Keto-7 - drops that help boost your metabolism. Take 100 mg in the morning and 100 mg at night.

8. Forskolin- Helps break down stored fat (who doesn't want THAT?!?). Take 125 mg in the morning. Be sure to get the right dosing by looking at the label. It must read that it is standardized to 20% forskolin.

9. Relora - Helps you lose stubborn belly fat!! OOOOOWWWW!! Take 250mg of Relora three times a day – or one dose with every meal.

10. Alpha Lipolic Acid - Help reduce the inflimation of fat cells so that they will release one another... Take 200mg with each meal.


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Now, don't think you can drink green tea and eat sunflower seeds and the fat will melt away. The absolute bottom line is that...

1: the input has to be less than the output. Meaning, if you eat 2000 calories per day, you want to try to burn at least 2500 if you're trying to lose weight. Don't be afraid, you burn calories by breathing...lol, like 10, but seriously, you've got to MOVE...Excercise helps everything. Plus, it helps keep your body tight...no use in losing weight and looking like a prune...

and...

2: you MUST modify your diet IF you are trying to lose weight. Once you reach your goal, you can have a cheat day...not a go crazy day, but one day per week that you can have that cheesecake slice, that fried chicken dinner, or that ice cream sunday. You HAVE to enjoy life if you are going to be successful in reaching your goals.

I'm with you, we can do it...

Please feel free to post any tips that you might have for weightloss and getting on course.

Shed those extra pounds!!

Hey guys...

If you're like me you've got an extra 5...10...15...OKAY!!!! 40 pounds to shed. If you're even more like me, you hate dieting, and you hate working out even more. If you're my twin, then you're over 35 and you need to face reality!!! LOL...we have GOT to work out. There is no way that you are going to be able to:

a. lose weight, or
b. get toned

without working out. So, I've purchased several videos that I plan to use at home and give you some updates on. I have Tony Horton's 10 minute trainer which is kick-a** on a dvd. It is killer!!! But that lets you know it will work; I've got Core Rhythms which is cool, and starts off slow, but you totally feel it the next day...again, it works; and lastly, I've been taking advantage of my Comcast/Xfinity on Demand feature which also offers a work out channel on my terms. So look for that in the future.

So, right now, let's talk about eating healthy...NOT dieting. When you think of dieting, you automatically thing uuuuuhhh....nothing that I can enjoy, lettuce three times a day, and water. It doesn't have to be that ,way. There are lots of alternatives. Hungry Girl, Lisa Lillien,(looove heeerr!!) offers great alternatives to those high fat, yummy goodies that we love like burgers and fries, and sundaes!!! Her philosophy is keeping all meals under 300 calories. She's got a show on the Cooking channel now too!!! Also, the 17 day diet is awesome for me at least. I've been doing it off and on for several weeks. Not as diligently as I should have, but enough that I've lost 25lbs.

The bottom line to getting those pounds off is focus, determination, keeping yourself full, and not doing a lot of mindless eating. Everything should be conscious. Eventually, it will become second nature. Again though, if you're like me, you have to STAY focused at least until you reach your goal weight. Once I eat something naughty, I have a hard time refocusing.

So, for you my loves, I offer a couple of Lisa's Hungry Girl alternative recipes, and a list of 17 day diet "authorized" foods.



Hungry Girl recipes (from the June 17th Woman's World Mag):

Buffalo Chicken Wing Macaroni & Cheese

4.5 oz uncooked elbow macaroni with at least 2g of fiber per 2 oz serving
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
1 small onion, chopped, 8oz cooked skinless chicken breast, shredded
1 tsp chopped garlic
1/4 C Frank's RedHot sauce
1/2 C fat free sour cream
2 wedges The Laughing Cow light creamy swiss cheese
2 tsp yellow mustard
1.5 Tbs reduced fat Parmesan style grated topping
1 Tbs chopped fresh parsley


-Preheat oven to 350F. Cook pasta to al dente, drain; reserve
-Mist nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Over medium-high heat add celery, carrots and onion; stir occasionally until veggies soften, 5 minutes. Add chicken, garlic and 3 Tbs. hot sauce. Mix well.
-In microwave-safe bowl, mix sour cream, cheese wedges, mustard and 1 Tbs hot sauce. Microwave 30 seconds.
-Mist 8"x8" baking pan with nonstick spray' add half of pasta. Top with layers of chicken mixture, remaining pasta and sour cream mixture. Sprinkle with grated topping and parsley. Bake until bubbly, 30 minutes

SERVES 4
______________________________________

Strawberry Cheesecake Minis

CHEESE-CAKES
8 low fat honey graham crackers (2 sheets)
1 3/4 tsp unflavored gelatin
16 oz fat free cream cheese softened
1/4 cup fat free egg substitute
1/4 cup lite vanilla soy milk
1/2 cup Splenda
2 tsp Coffee-mate fat free french vanilla powder creamer, dissolved in 1 Tbs warm water
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
TOPPING
1/2 C sugar free strawberry preserves
1/4 tsp unflavored gelatin

-Preheat oven to 350F
-Crush graham crackers into crumbs. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with baking cups; distribute crumbs. Shake pan so crumbs settle. Bake 5 minutes, then remove.
-Dissolve gelatin in 1/4 cup boiling water. Stir vigorously until smooth, Reserve.
-Place cream cheese in mixing bowl. In separate bowl, combine all other ingredients, including gelatin. With mixer on low, blend into cream cheese. With mixer on medium-high, beat until free of lumps. Spoon into baking cups; bake 15 minutes (until tops begin to crack).
-Combine topping ingredients; stir well. Once cheesecakes are done, remove from oven. Distribute topping among cheesecakes. Return pan to oven, 5 minutes.
-Allow pan to cool, 20 minutes; refrigerate until chilled (at least 3 hours). Keep refrigerated until ready to serve
Servings: 4
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17 Day Diet:



The overall concept is for the first 17 days to eat veggies, some fresh fruits, lean meats, drink lots of water and green tea. Stay away from sugars, starches, etc. Hard, yes, but it's only for 17 days. The next 17 days, you will incorporate some starches slowly back into your diet, and alternate those days with the original 17 days. There is a third set of 17 days, but your girl hasn't made it that far...LOL...check out the info on The Doctor's page (loooove them!!!).

Start with the first 17 days...the Accelerate step.

Eat unlimited amounts of green veggies (spinach, lettuce, broccoli, etc) along with other veggies...onions, mushrooms, etc. No starches like potatoes!!
Two servings of fruits (low sugar fruits like red grapes, grapefruit, berries, and apples) can be eaten daily prior to 2pm as the body does not metabolize the sugars well after that time (since we are normally mostly at rest then).
Two servings of probiotics should be eaten daily. My choice is fat free or low fat probiotic yogurt, preferably Greek (Chobani is the BOMB!!!)
Again, unlimited amounts of lean meats including egg whites, ground turkey, fish and chicken breast.

Happy healthfulness!!!
XOXOX - Dyna

Hair remedies...

Remember back in the day when your grandmother had a fix for anything that 'ailed' you? At times, like myself, you probably thought that old-timers (Alzheimer's) was setting it, and didn't think much of her 'cure'. Well, as it turns, she was probably right. Check out some of these remedies that really work on your overworked hair!!

Dry strands?
Try a mixture of egg, olive oil, avocado, mayo, and honey!!



WAIT!!! DON'T EAT IT!! LOL...

The egg's power is in the yolk...all that nasty cholesterol will help strengthen and thicken your locs.
The olive oil is great for moisture and shine, not just a base for all of Rachael Ray's dishes...well, she uses EVOO!!
The yummy avocado is awesome for deep conditioning, not only adding some texture to your salad...
The mayonnaise is also great for strengthening your hair, not only cream-ifyin' your potato salad.
Last but not least, the honey is great for shining up and smoothing out your tresses!!

If you can sit under a dryer for 15 minutes great, if not, just put a plastic bag on your head and do your toes for about half an hour. You'll love you for it!!




Are you a beach bunny?? Love the water? Salt or chlorine? Well, I am willing to bet the farm that your hair is not a fan of either. Before going onto the beach or jumping into the pool, coat your hair an oil, olive, avocado, whatever...or a nice leave in conditioner...



...to shield it from absorbing the toxins and losing moisture. Be sure to rinse your hair immediately once you are out of the water...



Hope this helps a little...and don't forget the sunscreen for your skin, no matter what your complexion!! African Americans can burn too!!



XOXO
-Dyna

Extreme Couponing

Ok, so I know I'm late, but I had to come and chat about this new hot topic...

As for the show, I love it...totally entertaining and over the top. Everything I look for in 'reality' tv.

Is it really possible? Absolutely, if you can figure out how to get 100 coupons for $.75 off of gatorade...have a store in your area that not only doubles your coupon, but is offering gatorade for $1.50. Therefore, you can start your own stockpile with 100 free bottles of gatorade.



A little much? Completely. LOL...

I live in the north east. Bargains are few and far between here. But let's call it 'Super Couponing', as opposed to extreme. How's that?

As of late, Pathmark (though another few and far between luxury in my area) has been offering double and TRIPLE coupons over the weekends up to and including $1 AND $2!!! That is pretty amazing considering the number of things you can get for $3...so I ended up with quite the amount of 'free' items.



Couponing is all about organization, diligence, and preparation. You can do it. Even if you are not getting 25 cases of soup, you can probably feed your family for the month on just $50.

Make sure you check out your local Sunday paper and online coupon spots (coupon mom, common sense with money etc.), match up your local grocery store with the coupons, and you're on your way. You may not find everything that you want every time, but you should be able to get some pretty good deals.



I've been thinking about starting a coupon club.




We would get online, and trade coupons across the country, let me know what you think and if you would be interested..

A little help for new moms on a budget...

Hey guys, real quick on this one. You can get a free baby sling (for babies and toddlers up to 35lbs) at Seven Slings!! You're only paying the shipping. The slings are adorable, and will truly come in handy. Use promo code FAMILY2011.



Also, if you're a nursing mom and in need of a nursing cover, go to Udder Covers again, you're only paying for the shipping!! Use promo code SEVEN



These would make a great gift as well...share with a friend. There's no limit to the number of times you can use the codes.

Enjoy!!
XOXO

My Hair Regimen

Hey guys!!

I get tons and tons of questions from my You Tube subscribers on how to get healthy hair. I find myself writing the same things over and over and over again. So I've decided to put all of my findings here.

I'm not a professional...not by a long shot. What I am about to share with you is what I've learned over the years. These tips are from trial and error, pro-tips, and chatting with friends.

My hair has always been thick. But It's always been no longer than just below my ears. I've always had some level of breakage, shedding, something. I've always been very aware of my hair. I would absolutely NOT leave my house without curling my hair. It was a no no. That lasted throughout my teen years, and most of my 20s.

By my 30s, I realized that something had to change. My hair was strong, why wouldn't it grow past my shoulders? I started to experiment with different brands. I've used Creme of Nature, Motions, Nexxus, Nioxin, Suave, Biolage, Pantene, you name it!! I've used shampoos, conditioners, conditioning shampoos, serums, anti-frizz creams, blow dry lotions, leave-in conditioners, protein packs, deep conditioners, mousse, hairspray, gel, grease, oil, again...you name it!!

Then, one day, I was watching YouTube, Ateyaaa's channel to be exact, and came upon these natural products that she was raving about. Nugro. I figured I'd tried everything else, so why not give this a try as well. My first order was in January of 2009. I ordered the hair grow oil, the shampoo and conditioner. I noticed a difference in my hair right away. Like literally the first use. My hair felt silkier, smoother, and was more manageable while it was wet. When I started using the Nugro, my hair wasn't shedding or breaking, it was just not as thick as it has always been and I wanted my thickness back and some length. I wanted maximum results, so here's what I did:

My Nugro regimen January 2009

--I Shampooed and conditioned with the Nugro once a week following the instruction on the bottle.

--I parted my hair in half inch sections and applied the hair oil to my scalp twice a day religiously. The hair grow oil (which was really a grease) made my hair so greasy and heavy, I couldn't do anything with it but put it in a ponytail or wear a wig or half wig.

--I used the moisturizing spray twice a day. I loved it to wrap my hair with at night.

--I wrapped my hair every night as well, no exceptions.

I notice my hair was getting thicker and longer by June. I decided that I wanted to wear it out more, so I went from applying the oil twice a day to twice a week, but it was still super thick, so I went back to the website. It seemed like there were new products every time I went back to order more products. I ordered the dry hair formula conditioner, and the coconut oil based hair oil, because it was lighter. I incorporated both into the regimen above.

By December, my hair was past my shoulders and super thick, yay!!! I started using the oil free spray at this point. It was chock full of alcohol, so I used it sparingly so as not to dry my hair out. I used it two times a week, directly on my scalp. I kept the same regimen above, but only used the oil once a week and the moisturizing spray once a week as well.

I kept my Nugro regimen up for a little less than two years. My hair is doing pretty well now. I've noticed some changes in Nugro, so I'm not as diligent with the product as I am with my regimen. Here is my healthy hair regimen:

My Current Hair Regimen:

--Wash with a good moisturizing shampoo every week or every other week.
--Condition with a good moisturizing conditioner with every wash.
--Deep condition every two weeks
--Towel dry
--Blow dry to 85% dry
--Add quarter size (depending on length) silkening or anti-frizz serum,(I use Chi Infusion)and work through damp hair, finish blow drying.
--Add your favorite flat iron/thermal protectant (I use Fantasia's IC spray) and flat iron.
--Wrap EVERY night to avoid breakage, if necessary, use a light touch of the serum or a leave in spray to help wrap and keep in moisture.
--Touch up every 8 weeks or better AT THE SALON ONLY
--Trim with touch up
I may oil my hair during the week if my ends feel dry (I use the liquid Nugro hair oil)

******I never do my own touch ups anymore******
I know it can get expensive, but if you think about it, you can save $10 every week and by week 8, you will have $80. That should cover your touch up plus a tip (hopefully).

Hair Tips:

~~Never curl your hair dirty. Only curl it right after you wash it. The dirt and oils from the week can help lead to breakage. Plus, the more you curl your hair, the weaker it becomes and will break easily.

~~Be aware of what you eat. A healthy diet leads to healthy hair.

~~Medications and an excess of vitamins can also harm your hair growth and health.

~~When all else fails, talk with your physician, stylist, or a dermatologist


Whew! That was a lot!! I'm including some of my regimen videos and you can always google your questions or search topics on You Tube. There are lots and lots of fantastical gurus out there who know what they're talking about. I'm just a girl with a lot of life experience.









Hope this helps.

Let me know if you have any input or questions...

xoxo