The Health and Life Mixing Bowl

Java Sugar Rush?

cup of coffee, originally uploaded by El Gregein.

I just read an article about java causing a significant increase in blood sugar if consumed before breakfast.   Apparently having a cup of joe in the morning can spike blood sugar levels if eaten before a low-sugar breakfast.  Who would have known? 

Go Natural

ginko leaves, originally uploaded by kiki the cat.

More and more companies are claiming that their products are “natural”, which sounds great, except when you realize that the term “natural” can be interpreted in a lot of ways.

The Natural Ingredient Resource Center online has a wonderful compilation of products and common ingredients to assist you during your shopping adventures. Make sure that the items you buy for yourself and your family are everything they claim to be!

Supplements

Health supplements (weekly), originally uploaded by A. Belani.

Vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements play an important role in our health and well-being. However, because there is not FDA regulation for supplements, it is important that you take a couple things in to consideration when you’re buying them:

1. Does it give you what you need?
Find out what the recommended daily allowances are for different vitamins and minerals and make sure the supplements you are buying meet those. If your supplement requires that you take three or four just to get 100% of your daily requirements, you might be better off buying a more expensive vitamin that you only have to take once.

2. Is the brand reputable?
Read some product reviews and make sure there are not major complaints from other consumers. Look for brands that have been around for many years and are known for quality.

3. Has your supplement been tested?
The company that makes it should be testing it in a laboratory setting to make sure it is not only doing what it says, but also, so that it doesn’t cause damage. You can find out if your supplements are tested by joining ConsumerLab.com

Vegan Shoes

new red shoes, originally uploaded by massdistraction.

Who doesn't love new shoes? For some of us it is almost an addiction!

But like many other products these days, shoes have some wonderful new environmentally sustainable options. Made with non-animal or recycled materials, vegan shoes aren't just for hippies any more! A lot of the materials that are used in making these shoes have come a long way. In fact, sometimes it’s impossible to tell the difference between them and real suede and leather! Here are some great links to online stores and designers that work only with cruelty-free materials. Check it out!

MooShoes

Ragazzi

Stella McCartney

Te casan

MINK Shoes

Beyond Skin

Make it a Great Day

Sunshine and flowers, originally uploaded by kuddlyteddybear2004.

Here's ten things you can do to take today from just a regular day to a great day:

1. Treat yourself to a cup of gourmet coffee.
It's small thing--relatively inexpensive--but stop on the way in to work today and pick up a cup of excellent gourmet coffee to treat yourself.

2. Take a walk after lunch.
Even if it's 10 minutes down the block and back. Just get out, take some deep breaths and move your body around. Take a friend with you if you can.

3. Find a great joke online and tell it to someone.
The only thin better than a good laugh is sharing it. Need some help finding jokes?

Comedy Central
Jokes Place
Miss Cellania

4. Call your mom. Or husband. Or girlfriend. Just to say you love them.
It doesn't have to be a long call. If they don't answer, leave a message. Just a quickie to say you love them. It will make their day--and you'll feel wonderful.

5. Write a poem.
Don't worry, its not going to be published. You can even throw it away as soon as your write it. Just sit down and do it. It can be funny, or sweet, or even serious and sad. But writing a poem is a great way to exercise your mind and get your thoughts down on paper. If you like it, give it to someone and make their day special, too.

6. Stop and stretch for five minutes.
Not just a weak little stretch--but a good, long, body tingling stretch that gets your blood moving and makes you feel lighter.

7. Make some comfort food for dinner.
What makes you feel good? Chili? Macaroni and cheese? Forget your diet for one day and make yourself something good and warm and comforting for dinner. Just thinking about it all day will make the day better.

8. Practice friendly driving.
Drive time is the worst time of the day for a lot of people. So today, make it a point to be extra courteous to other drivers. Give a little wave and let people cut in front of you. Smile, and relax. Don't plan on getting anywhere fast--just chill and let your good vibes give the rest of the commuters a much-needed boost.

To Whom Much is Given...

Non Red Cross Volunteer Line, originally uploaded by got80s

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