Could Being Thankful Improve your Health?

Could being thankful actually improve your health? The bible tells us in Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine; but a broken  spirit dries the bones.”  The bible has many  passages that tell us to be thankful, but maybe you didn’t realize it is for your benefit to follow these instructions? Take a look at this article for some more in depth information on the subject.

Science is now able to study and show the benefits of being thankful.  I can attest that when you verbalize how much you appreciate someone that it not only helps you but them as well! This is a simple way to have a positive affect on another.

 It hasn’t been until recently that science has been able to observe the neurological, physical and emotional benefits of gratitude.

Thankful people experience fewer aches and pains according to a 2012 study published in Personality and Individual Differences.1

According to Psychology Today, studies have shown that thankfulness may not only reduce stress but assist in overcoming trauma.  Being thankful is a simple act, that can have far reaching effects on our health. Writing down things you’re thankful for is a great place to start. Also be intentional about thanking people in your life verbally or by sending cards.

Many studies have found that people who are conscious of counting their blessing are happier and less depressed. With so much negativity surrounding us it is vital that you make it a point to verbalize all the reasons to be thankful.  Being thankful improves relationships and can help you relish experiences according to Harvard Health.

Grateful people tend to be more optimistic, a characteristic that researchers say boosts the immune system. “There are some very interesting studies linking optimism to better immune function,” says Lisa Aspinwall, PhD, a psychology professor at the University of Utah.

 

I would like to challenge you today to be intentional about giving thanks and enjoy this day. Take a walk, get a good belly laugh, send a thank you note, hug your family, smile on purpose, and make a list of all you have to be thankful for today. If you have input or suggestions on ways that giving thanks has personally helped you please comment below. Get in the conversation and be thankful.

To Your Health,

Jenay Green

 

 

sources :

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201504/7-scientifically-proven-benefits-gratitude

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_gratitude_changes_you_and_your_brain

WebMD

Harvard Health

Start With What You Have

  When it comes to starting new exercise habits or making healthier food choice we tend to procrastinate. Even if the conditions aren’t perfect, start with what you have.

Can you walk? Can you ride a bike? Do what you can! Maybe going to a gym doesn’t fit the scedule or the budget at this time, but don’t let that discourage you. I am in that season myself.

We are all in different seasons and at different fitness levels.I want to encourage you as a personal trainer to be creative and make it fun!

Maybe making the changes to eat healthier seems like a daunting task. If you are cooking for your husband and kids it can make it harder for sure. I know this from personal experience. Start with a small goal of adding extra vegetables to your meals this week. Take a daily walk or follow a workout video.  Make a fresh salad to get several of your vegatables in one sitting. I have a few wonderful salad recipes. If you have any vegeatbles in the house start with what you have.

Find a new way to make a sweet potato or brocoli. Even something as simple as adding different spices and trying a new way of preparing food can help.  Don’t stress over not doing everything right. Be intentional about a few small goals for the week and get it done! Be thankful for what you can do.

This is the perfect time of year to get outdoors. Meet a friend at the park for a walk and fellowship. Take the kids to the park for a bike ride. It will be a great opportunity to have some family time, get exercise, sunshine, and fresh air. Don’t focus on what you don’t have today but instead take advantage of what you do! Encourage others in taking steps towards a healthier lifstyle and at the same time you will be encouraged!

To Your Health,

Have Faith For Where You Want To Go!

Have you thought about this before? Have faith for where you want to go! This means you have to see it and believe it first! God tells us to have faith in Him. I believe this is because we are so limited by what we can do ourselves, but we serve a God that is limitless!

So if you want to be healthy, see yourself healthy first! Ask God for a vision of where you can go and what healthy looks like for you? Check out one of my former blogs for a more in depth look at that subject! Ask God for clean motives and a pure heart in what your asking.

James 3:16 “For where envy and self seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.”    This is where we have to be willing to see our own heart. If you ask for the Lord to shine his light then He will show you! I believe this scripture in James exposes why so many of us can’t seem to make headway in the area of health and fitness,” our motives.”

If we truly believe that our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit then this should be motivation enough to take care of our bodies! 1 Corinthians 6:20 ” For you were bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are Gods. Of course this is for those who are “In Christ” those that have made Jesus Christ the Lord of their life.

When I see there are areas of my heart that are not pure I repent and ask the Lord to cleanse me with the blood of Jesus. Then I ask for a pure heart and to not make this an idol. I have in fact at times put too much emphasis on this area and had to repent for that as well. Faith is not a way to get everything we want, but rather a way to get what God wants! Believe me, we want what God wants, because He is perfect in all His ways.

Ask for Faith to get where you want to go, but ask God to align your heart with His to pray His perfect will. I believe that God wants you to see yourself healthy and whole based on scripture.

James 5:15& 16 ” And the prayer of FAITH shall save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up, And if he has committed sins they will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses one to another, and pray for one another that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

I believe true health begins with a relationship with Jesus Christ and is based on so much more than what we see. The more we seek God, His truth and His word the more revelation that will come. Then this will stir up the faith to get where we want to go.

My prayer today is that everyone reading this blog would come to know Jesus and His great love for us! When we receive His love we can begin to walk into a personal relationship that can change our lives if we allow it. Take us Lord to a deeper faith in you. That you alone Jesus would be glorified in all we say and do, including taking care of our bodies in Jesus name, Amen!

To your health,

Jenay Green

Do Not Despise Small Beginnings

 

Do Not Despise Small Beginnings!

As I was sitting here praying today about what to write, my prayer was, “Father, what questions are your daughters asking and how can I encourage them?” I heard the phrase, “Do not despise small beginnings”.

This scripture is found in Zachariah 4:10. You may be wondering how this is relevant to living healthy? Well, have you ever thought: “I don’t have an hour a day to workout” or maybe, “I can’t afford to buy everything organic?”

I don’t have the time to prepare  healthy food. Maybe your not sure where to start, so you don’t do anything. Friends, everybody’s situation is different. We all have different dynamics in our household. Some of us are on a budget. Others have just started this journey. Some people have food allergies.

There is so much conflicting information out there that you don’t know whether to crap or bake a cake as my mom would say, except she used another word! I would recommend  starting where you can and keeping it simple!

Most likely you can’t change everything today anyway, so don’t worry, be happy! What can you do today? Can you walk? Can you get some fresh air and sunshine?Can you eat some fresh whole fruits and veggies? Can you make some positive confessions? Can you choose to think on good things as Philippians 4:8 tells us?

What is in your hands to do today? What answers has God already provided that you can utilize now.  Whether we think we have enough time, resources, or information to begin,  I encourage you to choose one thing and put your hand to the plow and start sowing seeds into your health today!

Let me give you a few simple steps that will cost little or no money;

  1. Take a walk.
  2. Drink more water
  3. Add lemon to your water
  4. Think before you eat. Am I hungry? Am I bored, etc… mindful eating
  5. Rest, take a sabbath. (Its biblical and rest helps our body)
  6. Take 10 deep belly breaths (Inhale the breath of life and exhale all worries)
  7. Get a good laugh (Proverbs 17:22, A Merry heart is like medicine)
  8. Play with your kids (ride a bike, put some skates on, go to a park, throw the ball)
  9. Get some sunshine and walk barefoot in the grass.
  10. Be thankful!!! We all have many reasons to give thanks. Say them our Lord!

Please do not despise small beginnings! I am cheering you on! Take those small steps and give yourself a pat on the back. Do not compare yourself to others. None of us are at the exact same place. Be encouraged today my friends to keep on keeping on! If you feel this blog encouraged you in any way please let us know by commenting below and be sure to share!

To Your Health,

Jenay Green

Photo credit (Moran Studios) Hair and makeup Brushworx

Encouragement For My Friends

Encouragement For My friends

I am dedicating this blog to a group of women who I am walking within this season, but it is encouragement for all!

This area of health and wellness is a marathon, not a sprint! This has been a struggle off and on throughout my life. I have battled with gluttony (overeating), emotional or stress eating, and cravings for foods that are not healthy!

This has been an area that I have had to pray through and ask for grace from God to get a hold of. My heart is to help others overcome and experience abundant life in every area including your health.

This takes discipline and self control and is not always easy. When we try it in our own strength, some days it works and others not so much. Motives can be wrong and feelings can be fickle.

You may say, “Today I am going to start eating healthy” until someone shows up with a hot, glazed donut. Then you might say, “Well, I don’t want to hurt their feelings, and I can just start tomorrow.” If you have ever thought this way, then this post is for you!

The problem with this is once we eat the sugary food, we usually begin craving more of it. It quickly becomes a downward spiral. We get blood sugar spikes,  crash, and then are still hungry. We did not give our body the nourishment it needs, which is kind of the point of eating, isn’t it? LOL. It’s not for just personal satisfaction.

So if we allow our feelings to dictate what we eat, then this journey will be like a roller coaster, up one minute and down the next! I know this from experience.

One thing I had to learn in this journey with helping others–along with struggling personally–is to commit this to God and to call on His grace to overcome.

As I was praying for my sisters, I felt a prompting inside to join hand in hand and walk with you. The Bible tells us there is no greater love than a man who will lay down His life for His friends. I know in this context, it is what Jesus has done for us, but we can apply this to our everyday lives in all aspects.

So, whenever I feel emotionally stirred to grab something to eat to fulfill a need, then I am going to choose to stop and and pray for strength in this area. I believe as we pray for others, friends, that you will also be able to recieve His strength.

I challenge you to do the same! You never know where this may lead or who you may encourage in the journey!

Whether you are tempted to overeat, to eat what does not nourish, or to use food to try to fill a need, that you choose to stop and pray. Philippians 4:13 tells us we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength so I thank you that my friend can lean on you Jesus and your strength would be made perfect in her weakness, Amen!

Leave a comment or reply below and share if you want to pass it on!

To Your Health,

Jenay Green

 

 

What Does Healthy Look Like For You?

What Does Healthy Look Like For You?9b00-0783-ca64-f478

In today’s society we are bombarded with images and ideals of what we as women should look like according to the media. A lot of these models that are featured on the cover of the latest magazines are not always a healthy weight for everyone.

Not only are they airbrushed and made to appear as if they have no flaws, which is a complete fantasy. It can make women feel as if this is a standard we all should live up to.

The question we all need to ask ourselves is,” what does healthy look like for me”? For each of us, it may be very different in our appearance and that is o.k.! As we get older we realize that our health is what really matters. Not what size we are or how we look in our jeans.

I have found over the years as a trainer that there are skinny women that are unhealthy as well as a little larger women that are much healthier. I encourage you to get rid of  unrealistic ideals. Do not beat yourself up or compare yourself to others!

Feeling good and investing in your health at whatever level you can at this stage of life is what matters. Don’t place a pressure on yourself that will frustrate you or make you want to quit. This is a lifelong journey not a sprint! Your goals to live a healthier lifestyle should not stress you out, but be a way to relieve stress.

If your goal is to be as healthy as you can for yourself, your family, your job, etc,..then finding ways to improve your heath and feel as good as you can is a great goal. Age, lifestyle, finances, environment can all play a role in affecting what you can do at the stage you are in life.

I always tell clients to keep it simple.Eat the foods the closest to the way God put them here. Don’t overeat(the sin of gluttony), take a sabbath(day of rest) and find ways to get outside to get fresh air, sunshine, and exercise.

Accept that we are all made different with a variety of shapes and sizes and that is beautiful! Then instead of comparing ourselves to anyone else love and embrace the healthy you whatever that looks like!

To your health,

Jenay Green

Having Self Control in a World of Indulgence

Having Self Control in a World of Indulgence

This can be easier said than done.  As adults we don’t have anyone telling us to stop eating, or that we have had enough.

We believe having this freedom is a blessing, but should not be an excuse to have no boundaries in our lives. In the scripture 1 Corinthians 10:23 The Bible states all things are lawful but all things are not helpful. In other words just because we can do something does not mean we should!

Food can be a bondage like any other addiction, and can sometimes be as harmful. 1 Corinthians 9:27 states “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

This has been an area of weakness for me. I need prayer to have self control in my everyday life. I love to eat food that tastes good and sometimes have a really hard time stopping myself from over-eating. We must realize Gluttony is a sin.

If you are still battling with this area of self control when it comes to food, you are not alone and the battle is real. It is a decision of the will and operating in self control when the food is in front of you.

It is simple to say I won’t over eat until the temptation is in front of you. Here are a few pointers to help you exercise self-control in a world of indulgence.

  1. Pray(this is the most helpful for me)
  2. Stand on scripture or a quote you can put in sight. example(Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
  3. Tell others your goals to help keep you accountable
  4. Keep the foods that tempt you the most out of the house.
  5. Keep the healthy foods stocked
  6. Drink plenty of water(sometimes you are really just thirsty when you eat)
  7. Stop and think, why am I eating? Am I really hungry? Bored?Stressed?
  8. Eat a salad or nutrient dense foods first and you may be satisfied.

To Your Health,

Jenay Green

Sweet Potatoes: More Than Just For A Holiday Treat

Sweet Potatoes: More than Just for a Holiday Treat

When entering into the holiday season we are surrounded by so many delectable treats for both dinner and dessert. How many can you name? What are your favorites?

Around Thanksgiving and sometimes Christmas and New Year’s (depending on the family), we come across a lot of different ways to cook and eat sweet potatoes. Sometimes my family will eat some sweet potato dishes all year long.

How many can you name?

We have: sweet potato soufflé, sweet potato pie, baked sweet potatoes, boiled sweet potatoes, steamed sweet potatoes…

Even though sweet potatoes are sweet and yummy, they are actually GOOD for you! Something that is both healthy and tastes good. That’s the kind of health food I like, too. Let’s explore why they are good for you.

Vitamins

Sweet potatoes are loaded with an assortment of important vitamins including: Vitamin C, B Vitamins (B6, B12, B1, B2, and B3), biotin (AKA Vitamin B7), pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5), and Vitamin A.

For a chart of the Daily Values click here.

Minerals

Sweet potatoes also contain an assortment of minerals as well: manganese, copper, phosphorus, and potassium.

They are also an excellent source of fiber.

Other Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes also contain nutrients that help with inflammation and regulating blood sugar. They also contain batatins that have antifungal and antibacterial properties which are not fully understood at this time.

Sweet Potatoes of a Different Color

 Not all sweet potatoes are all the same orange color that we are familiar with, they can be purple which they contain more antioxidants than simply beta carotene. Purple sweet potatoes contain cyanins and peondins in the flesh as opposed to the skin. Antioxidants are important in helping eliminate free radicals and heavy metals that are harmful to the body.

Spicing Things Up

Adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves not only adds some great taste and pizzazz to sweet potatoes, they also add other nutritional benefits and antioxidants as well.

It’s amazing to me that something that is known as a vegetable and super-food can be found at the dessert table and can be eaten for that same reason. So here are some good reasons why you can eat sweet potatoes all year long and not just as a Holiday treat!

Amanda Taylor (Soaring Eagle Publications)

I would like to thank Amanda Taylor, with Soaring Eagle Publications for guest blogging on this website.

To Your Health,

Jenay Green

Photo credit vegkitchen.com

Sources: The George MateljanFoundation

Help! I Am an Emotional Eater!

Help! I am an emotional eater!

If this is you and your emotional eating seems to derail you from your goals then you are in the right place. I understand how hard it is to resist the foods that make us feel so good when we eat them!

Sometimes this seems like an impossible feat since you are bombarded with temptation at every corner right? The t.v. commercials, the billboards, the smell of the bakery etc….Between you seeing these ads and smelling the baked goods some days you just say to heck with it, I deserve this.

Or you may be thinking I have had a hard day, or its the weekend, or I will start back on Monday(this one is my favorite). Whatever the reason we have to realize that when we eat by emotions or impulse that we almost always will make an irrational food choice.

My Grandfather was always bragging on what a healthy eater I was and eating a lot seemed to make him proud of me, that stuck with me throughout life.

Sometimes when you identify the triggers for yourself you can begin to change that thought pattern. If you know that when you get stressed you always reach for the cookies then you can try both of these tactics. First thing remove those comfort foods from your reach.

Then find a healthy alternative to replace the habit. For example, you may find a quiet place and take ten deep belly breaths and start reminding yourself that you are in control of your vessel it does not control you!

Another great way to kill two birds with one stone is to exercise. If you are in a place to do that, taking a walk, a jog, hiking, a kickboxing class,etc… are great ways to redirect those emotions to empower you to win the battle!

I have struggled on and off with emotional eating my whole life. I have found comfort in cookies, sugar, and carbs and honestly it makes me feel better temporarily. As hard as this can be in the moment you will always feel better when you choose to overcome the temptation.

You feel so strong when you don’t allow your emotions to rule your behavior. Choices always begin with thoughts so you have to go back to your thought life and begin thinking thoughts on purpose! Dr. Caroline Leaf has some great resources on this subject.

I can say no! I love feeding my body healthy foods! Choose to  think these thoughts on purpose and begin to speak them out loud as well! Make healthy confessions.

We are human and we all fall sometimes but when one of us falls there is another to pick us up and remind us that we can do this! I have fallen many times and still do, but I want to encourage you today that you can do this!

Making healthy choices is not always easy, but it is always rewarding. With discipline comes rewards! Are you an emotional eater?If you have any tactics that have worked well for you with emotional eating please leave a reply below!

Photo credit: fitlista.com

To Your Health,

Jenay Green

 

Tiny Seeds With Explosive Health Benefits

Tiny Seeds With Explosive Health Benefits

If your like me the first time I ever heard the word Chia, was the Chia pet commercials advertised on television. I often wondered since I started eating Chia seeds if it was the same seeds used in those Chia Pets and yes they were.

The Chia seeds were a prized food used by the Aztecs and Mayans. These tiny seeds were known for the great source of energy they provided. “Chia” is the ancient Mayan word for strength.

Chia Seeds are a tiny seeds with explosive health benefits. Chia seeds are one of natures richest antioxidants. One of the many benefits of antioxidant rich foods is slowing down the signs of ageing.

Many of us could stop with that, right?  Antioxidants also may play a role in disease prevention such as cancer and heart disease among providing many other health benefits.

Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber providing 11 grams per once. High fiber diets may protect against type 2 diabetes as fiber is essential for balancing insulin levels.

If you are looking for nutrient dense foods to add to your diet for your weight loss goals Chia seeds are a simple addition.

They keep you feeling full longer, therefore may help with your appetite. Chia seeds are also a great source of plant based protein and can replace some of the nutrients lost in exercise, in addition to preventing dehydration.

Chia seeds are not only noted to help boost metabolism, but may help reduce belly fat as well. They can help regulate bowel movements and promote healthy stool.

A surprise to me was finding out that Chia seeds contain more omega-3 fatty acids than salmon and the best part is they are so easy to add to your diet! Omega 3’s can help lower blood pressure, bad cholesterol, and reduce inflammation.

Consuming a diet high in plant based foods is noted for reducing the risk of disease and supporting overall health.

5 Simple WaysTo Use Chia Seeds

1. Add to cereal, yogurt, or oatmeal.

2. Make your own cereal using your favorite nuts, seeds, and fruits with some almond milk

3. Add to your salads

4. Add to your favorite juice or smoothie recipe

5. Add to any pancake, muffin, or dessert recipes

Be sure to check out Dr. Axe article for further information on the benefits and uses of Chia seeds.

Have you used Chia seeds? If so, share your favorite use for them!

To your health,

Jenay Green

sources: Web MD, Dr, Axe, Medical News Today, Science Daily 2007

photo credit :echiaseeds.com

 

Beat The Heat And Get Healthy With Watermelon!

Beat The Heat And Get Healthy With Watermelon!

 

In the U.S., July is National Watermelon month and the harvest peak for the fruit. Watermelon is a great way to beat the heat and get healthy this summer!

Watermelon seems to be a staple at summer picnics and parties for a great reason. This nutrient dense food full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants make an excellent choice for snacking.

Watermelon is 92% water and full of electrolytes to help prevent dehydration. This is a great choice for when you want to slim down for summer,and have the energy to keep up with all the summer activities! Watermelon is a low calorie option for weight loss and it keeps you feeling full longer.

Watermelon is also very alkaline.If you are looking for an alkaline promoting diet, watermelon is a great addition.

 Watermelon contains Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has had a lot of buzz in the nutrition world with good reason. In a study men who had the highest levels of lycopene in comparison with those who had the least were 55% less likely to suffer a stroke.

Watermelon is also helpful in keeping the body from a deficiency in potassium and magnesium, which can help lower blood pressure and improve heart health.

Watermelon has a cleansing affect on the body that can help prevent kidney stones. It is also very soothing on the digestive track and may help relieve acid reflux.

Increasing consumption of plant based foods like watermelon decreases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Watermelon because of its high fiber and water content can also help relieve constipation and promote regular bowel movements.

3 Things That May Surprise You About Watermelon

1. May help men with erectile dysfunction.

2. The rind is edible and contains blood building chlorophyll. Check out this article for many of the health benefits included in eating the rind.

3. The black seeds are edible and contain iron, zinc, protein, and fiber. Check out this article for some of the ways to enjoy the seeds and improve health!

Whether you are looking for a refreshing sweet treat to beat the heat, or have health and weight loss related goals in mind watermelon is a great choice to add to your diet this summer!

What is the one thing in this article that you did not know about Watermelon? Answer by leaving a reply below and if you found this article helpful, share with your peeps!

To Your Health,

Jenay-Pic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jenay Green

 

Sources: Mercola.com, Medical News today

Photo Credit: wallpapervortex.com

 

Chemicals Lurking In Your Feminine Products?

Chemicals Lurking In Your Feminine Products?

This is not a topic that is brought up very often. In fact I had never heard anything about it until I recently started researching to help a dear friend suffering from Endometriosis.

Chemicals lurking in my feminine products had never even crossed my mind, but since your skin is the largest organ and absorbs what you put on it directly into your bloodstream it makes sense.

Knowing this, you should not put anything on your skin that is not safe to ingest, right? How often do you consider the ingredients in the products you use topically? I thought about creams, lotions, soaps, etc,but never a pad or tampon.

Your vaginal wall is very permeable, so absorbs very easily what is exposed to it.

We are exposed to dioxins in our environment and the EPA(environmental protection agency) states that any level of exposure can cause adverse effects to our health.

Knowing this we can at least minimize the exposure by eliminating products containing dioxins. A women uses an average of 16,800 tampons in a lifetime, so your exposure over a lifetime can really add up!

Synthetics and plastics can trap heat and dampness and promote the growth of yeast and bacteria in the vaginal area. Take a look at this video on Dr. Mercola’s website to see the first hand the chemicals in the pads.

Risks associated with the absorption of dioxins can include cancer, immune functions, increase the risks for inflammatory pelvic disease, endocrine and hormonal disruption, and endometriosis to name a few.

When I shared this information with my friend, she took heed to replace her sanitary products with chemical free ones. Some of her symptoms of the endometriosis began to subside.

The better we take care of our bodies, the more efficient the body will eliminate these toxins. Take a look at this past article I wrote on fasting and how beneficial it can be for cleansing your body.

Alternatives are out there for replacing these products. Here is a popular replacement that many are finding helpful.

Have you experienced any of the adverse effects listed above? I challenge you to make the switch and report back any changes in 90 days!

To Your Health,

Jenay Green

Sources : Mercola.com

Photo credit: Care2.com

Miraculous Health Benefits Of Garlic

Miraculous Health Benefits Of Garlic

Garlic is a member of the onion family and has been called the “wonder drug”. It is the world’s second oldest medicine.

Raw garlic works best as a powerful antibiotic that fights bacteria, parasites, and viruses. Garlic is good for fighting heart disease, two or three cloves a day can lessen the chance of heart attacks and stroke.

Garlic also contains many anti-cancer compounds and disease fighting antioxidants. It is great for colds as a decongestant and expectorant. The miraculous benefits of garlic also include boosting your immune system and lowering cholesterol.

Garlic can also lower your blood pressure, relieve gas, help diarrhea, and work as an antidepressant. Inflammation causes pain in the body, so if you are in pain try garlic, it is a great anti-inflammatory. Include it in your daily foods cooked or raw to see the benefits.

I suggest using a few cloves of raw garlic in all your salads. This is a great way to get more of this miraculous health benefits of garlic.

If you suffer from cold sores, you can cut  a clove of garlic in half and rub it on the cold sore to speed up the healing process.

With summer comes the annoyance of mosquitoes. If you become a feast for the bugs whenever you are outdoors,then rub garlic all over your exposed parts. Garlic to mosquitoes is like kryponite to superman!

You can also rub garlic on the affected area of athletes foot then rinse with cold water in a half an hour to relieve athletes foot.  If you have a sensation of warmth that intensifies try diluting the garlic with water for the next application.

Garlic helps stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes and can help with indigestion.   If Poison Ivy has you down then try boiling 4 cloves of garlic in a cup of water and after the the mixture cools apply it to the affected areas.

This is the season where so many are plagued with sinus trouble, here is a natural option to combat your sinus problems. Crush on clove of garlic into 1/4 cup of water. Sip up the garlic water into an eye dropper(make sure no garlic pieces get into the dropper)then use 10 drops of the water per nostril for 3 days.

For a toothache, get one peeled garlic clove and put it directly on your aching tooth for a minimum of one hour. I have a friend and her mother in law used garlic with olive oil to heal all her children’s ear infections growing up.

As you can see there are many miraculous benefits that garlic provides. God has provided through nature  a variety of plant life that brings miraculous healing benefits to our bodies.

If you have used garlic for any ailments please share your experience by commenting below. Which of these remedies do you plan on using that you learned about for the first time today?

Pay it forward by sharing with others today!

To Your Health,

Jenay Pic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jenay Green

 

Sources:

Bottom Line’s secret food cures” Joan and Lydia Wilen’

Nutrition Almanac Fourth Addition “Gayla and John Kirschmann”

Photo credits: www.imgkid.com

 

Do you have Adrenal Fatigue?

Do you have Adrenal Fatigue?download

First of all you may say, “What are adrenals and what is adrenal fatigue? The adrenal glands are located on the top of each kidney.

These small endocrine glands are responsible for a variety of hormones that regulate blood pressure, how our body uses food,  levels of minerals in the blood, and many more functions.

Adrenal fatigue is a collection of signs and symptoms, known as a syndrome, that results when the adrenal glands function below the necessary level.

Adrenal fatigue is caused when your adrenal glands cannot meet the demands of added stress. It is no surprise that millions of Americans suffer from adrenal fatigue with our busy lives.

We have a very fast-paced lifestyle. The stress levels have changed, but our bodies have not and were not created to deal with those demands on a regular long-term basis.

Refer back to my article on How to reduce stress, as we all need some advice in this area. Stress is linked to a variety of disorders that plague our western society. Take a deep breath and de-stress.

Adrenal fatigue may also be caused by poor lifestyle choices over a period of time. For example, someone who has eaten a lot of refined foods and sugar will have a hormonal imbalance with insulin and cortisol.

The constant secretion of cortisol in response to poor eating habits an/ or chronic stress can weaken the adrenals and lead to fatigue.

Not getting enough sleep can weaken the adrenals. Trauma, which can be physical or emotional or psychological and not effectively dealing with stress can overload the system and cause severe adrenal fatigue.

Some of the symptoms you may experience from adrenal fatigue are: feeling tired for no reason, waking up feeling tired even though you had plenty of rest, feeling rundown, overwhelmed, cravings for salty or sweet foods.

Oversensitivity of the eyes to bright sunlight can indicate adrenal problems, but being in the midday sun without sunglasses will actually strengthen the adrenals.

Pale lips could also indicate weak adrenals as well as unexplained back or knee pain. Also balding on the lower legs can indicate you may need adrenal support.

High anxiety, sugar imbalances, panic attacks, and low energy can be related to adrenal fatigue. You need to eliminate coffee and refined sugar as they both wreak havoc on the Adrenal glands.

Good news is dietary and lifestyle changes can restore your burned out adrenals. You may want to see a Natural Healthcare Professional for saliva testing and a protocol for Adrenal Fatigue.

Here are some of the recommended supplements for restoring your Adrenals. A good Celtic sea salt and elimination of regular table salt is recommended. 2,000-4,000 mg/day of Vitamin C is also recommended. Foods to juice: Hot peppers, Kale, parsley, collard, turnip greens, broccoli, and lemons.sunrise surprise

Vitamin B complex take as directed. Foods to juice: Spinach, Kale, and avocado. I will include a recipe here for a good one! Magnesium citrate at 400-1,200 mg/day. Trace minerals also have a calming effect.

I have personally suffered from adrenal fatigue and anxiety. Honestly, when I take my Reliv, stay away from caffeine and sugar, juice the foods listed above, and in  add some additional Vitmain C, magnesium, and B vitamins, I can see major improvements.

If you have anything to add or would like further information on Adrenals please leave a comment below.

To your health,

Jenay Green

Jenay-Pic

 

Sources: Cherie Calbom, “The Juice Lady’s Living Foods Revolution. Medical news today,The healthy home economist, Dr. Lam,and Adrenalfatigue.org Photo credit :www.needmotivation.com

 

 

5 quick tips for better health!

5 quick tips for better health!simple step

We all want to be healthy right?. It seems as if everywhere you turn, you are bombarded with health information.Some of this information can be conflicting and leave you scratching your head and confused.

Here are 5 quick tips, that are simple to apply, to help you achieve better health.

1. Drink more water

As simple as this may seem it is vital for your health and the functions of your body. You should aim to have around 6- 8 glasses a day. To get exact numbers based on weight click on this link. If you replace the sugary beverages with water, this one simple step could result in weight loss and better health. Take a look at this post for more information and benefits of drinking more water.

2. Get moving

If you are not an exercise person, then don’t label it as exercise! Sometimes just the thought or sound of that word makes people anxious. Find something you love to get your heart rate up and do it! Playing is what I like to call it and everyone loves to play!

For helpful information on the importance of building muscle and the weight loss connection, I recommend this book by Dr. Don Colbert. It is a very easy read and will equip you for weight loss.

3. Find creative ways to add more fruits and veggies to your daily diet

Do not assume you do not like something until you have tried preparing it several different ways. Some people love eating fruit and veggies and others not so much. Refer back to this post for simple ways to add vegetables to your diet. To create awesome meal replacement smoothies and juices I recommend the Nutribullet.

4. Eliminate fast foods

This is a problem in our society. We are fast paced, which often resorts to choosing fast foods, which can have a negative affect on our health. The only fast food you should have is Gods version (fruits and veggies) and it does not get any faster than that! Fresh whole foods are better for your waist line and your overall health.

5. Find a  whole food supplement

This is a simple way to get an array of your essential nutrients. I started over 11 years ago with a whole food product called Reliv that has had a positive affect on the health of our household. It is amazing what happens when your body gets what it needs! For further information on this nutrition and our personal testimony read our results here and get with me.

Apply these 5 quick tips for better health today, be consistent and you will be on your way to a more healthy you! Remember you did not get in the shape you are in over night, so remember that when changing your habits!

If you found this information useful please remember to share! Be sure to comment below on reply.

To your health,

Jenay Green

Jenay-Pic

Natural remedies for GERD (acid reflux)

  Natural remedies for GERD

 Today I hear people complain about acid reflux and how miserable it is. If you are like the 60 million Americans that suffer with symptoms of GERD each month, here are some natural remedies that may bring you some needed relief.

To prevent the symptoms of acid reflux, here are some natural options that may help you avoid it  Turmeric is a spice that is a digestive aid. If you are eating something that normally causes you heartburn then spice up your meal with turmeric.

To check out some of the conventional medications and the risks associated with them for the treatment of GERD( gastroesophageal reflux disease), check out this information from Dr. Mercola. You can educate yourself on the best options for you.

Foods that may help prevent the acid reflux/heartburn are bananas, leafy greens, oatmeal, rice, fennel, and parsley.

A diet that is composed of fresh fruits and vegetables can be helpful, but if you have a hard time digesting raw vegetables, try soaking them in lemon 3 hours before eating. Lemon helps to partly digest the hard parts of the greens to digest. 

You can use a tablespoon of extra- virgin, cold pressed olive oil about 15 minutes before a meal to help prevent symptoms. Keep chewable papaya tablets with you to take at the first sign of heartburn.

Once you are experiencing the symptoms of GERD and need relief try a tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar. Check out this video blog for different ways to use apple cider vinegar, Bragg is the brand I use.

Another natural remedy for your heartburn is a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water. My husband has acid reflux, and when I had him try this it gave him instant relief from the burning.

 Smoking can increase your risk of developing GERD. Smoking can make the symptoms of acid reflux worse. So if you did not have enough reasons to quit smoking, here is a another!

Avoid overeating to help naturally eliminate your symptoms of acid reflux. Aloe Vera can also be very healing to your digestive system and can be a great way to naturally help alleviate the heartburn.

If any of these remedies have worked for you or if you have any to add, please join the conversation and comment below. If you found this information useful then pay it forward by sharing on your social media and email list.

To your health,

Jenay Green

Sources: Mercola.com, Dr. Oz.com, Bottom Line’s Secret Food Cures

How to get crazy motivated to work out!

How to get crazy motivated to work out!How to get crazy motivated to work out

You may be thinking, nothing will get me crazy motivated to work out, but I challenge you to read this article and re-think that. Working out has a list of health benefits that are virtually endless.

First of all ,working out decreases risk of heart disease.  February being heart health month this is a great time to do your heart a favor and get moving! Exercise can help lower blood pressure as well as cholesterol. I have known people to have elevated blood pressure and retake it after a workout and it have come down.

One of the biggest complaints I hear from people today is that they have no energy. Exercise will increase your energy levels. I hear people say, I am to tired to exercise, but if you just do it, then you will start to feel better and have the energy to exercise!

Cancer is something we all want to take preventative measures for. Exercise can reduce the risk of certain cancers as well as type 2 diabetes. Alzheimer’s Research Center says exercise is one of the best weapons against the Alzheimer’s.

According to Harvard Medical school psychiatrist, John Ratey, exercise is the single best thing you can do for your brain in terms of memory, mood, and learning. Exercise helps prevent Osteoporosis, reduces the risk of falling, and improves cognitive function among older adults.

A University of California study showed fewer signs of ageing in a group of women who performed 45 minutes of exercise over a 3 day period in compared with those who were inactive. If you were not already convinced for all who want to find ways to defy your age, exercise may be your answer!

Exercise also reduces the detrimental effects of stress on the body. It can help reduce symptoms of depression, in some cases as well as anti-depressants. It can also help relieve anxiety and its symptoms.

For all you married couples, that are looking for a spark in your love life, exercise can improve your sex life! This may be just the answer to get your spouses crazy motivated to exercise!

Exercise improves your moods by releasing  feel good chemicals in the brain. After a good workout you also feel a sense of accomplishment which can spill over into other areas of your life. Discipline in one area of life can result in motivation to get more accomplished in other areas of life as well.

Exercise improves your chances to live longer, and can greatly improve your quality of life. Maybe the most obvious and sometimes the biggest motivation for exercise is weight loss. Exercises raises metabolism, improves muscle tone, and sheds unwanted fat.

Consistency and hard work lead to results! I saved the best reason to exercise for last.The inspiration it can give others!

Getting fit can equip us to be better for those around us. We can be better servants for God, better spouses, parents, employees,etc…. Bottom line focus more on all reasons you need to work out and eliminate your excuses!

I hope you are crazy motivated to exercise, and you pay it forward by sharing this article with everyone you know.

To your health,

Jenay Green

 

Sources; Mayo clinic, Harvard T.H. Chan, U.S. News Health, Web M.D

Ways to improve brain function

Ways to improve brain function

Today there are a lot of concerns about keeping the brain sharp and trying to prevent illnesses like Alzheimer’s and dementia.The good news is that there are several ways you can improve brain function.

Prevention states that what you eat is one of the key factors that influences every day brain skills. You also need good blood flow to the brain which getting daily exercise will help. An Ohio university study states that well hydrated people scored significantly better than those who were not well hydrated before testing.

So if you have not found enough reasons to drink more water do your brain a favor and hydrate! Drink 6-8 glasses of water daily. Some of the foods we can enjoy to improve brain function would be whole grains for the energy they supply.

The ability to concentrate comes from steady supply of energy. Blueberries are noted in a Tufts university study to reverse some memory loss. The powerful antioxidant in tomatoes(lycopene) as well as the antioxidant benefits of pomegranates can protect the brain from free radical damage.

Broccoli is known to enhance cognitive function as well as a host of other benefits so load up on your cruciferous vegetables like broccoli. Green leafy vegetables are another great addition to your diet for improving brain function.

If you love nuts then you will love this news! Nuts are very beneficial to brain function and provide essential fatty acids. Walnuts look like the brain and provide essential nutrients for better brain function.

Avocados contribute to healthy blood flow and that is a benefit to your brain function. As if you needed a reason to eat dark chocolate it is also great for your mind. Key is only to use a half ounce to an ounce a day the excess of caffeine can cause brain fog. Good news is though that in small amounts caffeine can improve attention span.

Some other foods you may want to include for mental sharpness are olives, seeds,and eggs. Web MD also states that beans are a great economical brain food.

Fish is a great addition to your diet to improve brain function as it supplies a good source of omega 3″s. If you have a hard time eating fish you can use a fish oil supplement but make sure you are getting a good one.

Vitamin C is also known to increase mental agility as well as many other vital functions in the body. Black currants are one of the best sources of vitamin C in food. Sage and curry are spices that you can cook with that are noted to improve memory.

If you do not have a good diet and feel overwhelmed then a supplement that provides a host of vitamins and minerals will help provide the body with essential nutrients it needs to function properly. Click on this link for the one I recommend. My whole family has benefited from this nutrition.

Be sure to share any testimonies or additional ideas that have been helpful to you and pay it forward by sharing this article on your social media sites.

To your health,

Jenay Green

Tips to beating the winter blues!

Tips to beating the winter blues!Tips on beating the winter blues

Whether you have the occasional blues in the winter or you struggle with depression, try these tips that may help alleviate some of your symptoms. First of all, be sure to talk with someone if you are depressed, because, depression can be very serious and may require attention from a professional. 

Exercise releases endorphins that help lift your mood. This involves any activity that gets your heart rate up! You can play with your family, walk with a friend, or lift dumbbells in your living room. Refer to this article for some simple exercises you can do at home without equipment.

Another tip to beating the winter blues is laughter! Everyone loves to laugh, and as serious adults, we tend to forget to make this a part of our routine. The bible states in Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart does good like a medicine. Scientific studies have proven today that this is real wisdom that works!

Another tip for beating the winter blues is in getting outdoors and in the fresh air and sunlight.  The vitamin D we get from the sunshine is serious therapy. Dr. Axe has a great article on vitamin D and how in being deficient leads to many illnesses including depression.

Every sunny day, even in the winter, you should take a brisk walk. Doing this with a partner can give you fellowship and laughter at the same time. Encourage someone else and help yourself in the process. Helping others always lifts your mood!

What you think about has a direct affect on your mood. Dr. Caroline Leaf states that research shows 75%-98% of mental, physical, and behavioral illnesses come from your thought life. The bible tells us in Proverbs 23:7 as a man thinks in his heart so is he. Romans 12:2 also tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our mind.

Our thoughts are a real battle and even though it is a choice what we meditate on, circumstances can make this much more difficult. Try listing all you have to be thankful for, beginning with the simple things that we take for granted daily.

Make sure you are getting plenty of sleep. If you are are having a hard time with sleep, you may be deficient in magnesium, a vital mineral, that has an affect on both sleep and depression.

  Most Americans are deficient in magnesium and our lifestyle choices deplete our levels as well. Stressful situations require more magnesium. Caffeinated beverages cause the body to release extra magnesium. Also, carbonated drinks contain phosphates that flush magnesium out of your system as well.

Refined sugar causes the body to excrete magnesium through the kidneys. With our diets and lifestyle, I would highly recommend a supplement. Several clients I have  worked with have reported feeling better with changing their diet, adding exercise, and supplementation.

If you have any tips for beating the winter blues that have worked for you, please add your voice by leaving a comment below. Help someone today by passing on the information!

To your health,

Jenay Green

Got tummy trouble? Try this!

  Got tummy trouble? Try this!

In this country today we are plagued with digestive issues. We are greatly affected by our Standard American diet. I have always heard it said that our health starts in our gut. What we are able to absorb as nutrients and eliminate as waste is crucial to the state of our health.

Over the years I have heard numerous complaints from clients about chronic constipation. If you listen most people they either feel bloated, constipated, or gassy all the time. Royalty society of medicine reports over 90% of diseases are a result of an infected digestive tract.

If you are like millions of others and suffer from digestive issues, try cabbage! This is one simple addition to your diet that may lead to some relief in this area. Cabbage is a cruciferous(root word meaning crucify) vegetable that is known to inhibit cells that potentially cause disease.

Cabbage is chocked full of beneficial nutrients for better health. The effect on your intestines acts as a broom to clean out the waste. Cabbage contains a powerful antioxidant that is responsible for detoxifying the liver which is our main organ for detoxing.

Red cabbage has a powerful antioxidant that can reduce inflammation. Inflammation causes a host of other issues and causes pain in the body. The nutrients in cabbage are known to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and several types of cancers.

A compound found in cabbage is known to protect against the harmful effects of radiation. A natural chemical found in cabbage is been shown to decrease tumor size in a aggressive form of breast cancer.

Fermented cabbage used in Sauerkraut and Kimchi are choked full of probiotics that are great for our immune system and digestive health. If you have tummy trouble try fermented cabbage. The consumption of fermented foods makes vitamins and minerals easier to absorb and helps with relief of constipation.

For a cabbage chicken salad recipe try this site. For more information on fermenting foods and how simple and cost effective it can be check out wellness mama. If you are suffering from tummy trouble I highly recommend adding fermented foods to your diet.

Some ideas for the use of cabbage in your diet

1. Juicing

2. Add to your salads

3. Steam with a little sea salt, pepper, and lemon

4. Roast add fresh herbs and olive oil

5. Coleslaw

If you found any of this information useful please comment below on this article and share with others! To your health,

Jenay Green

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