Time Flies!

I just realized that it's been a few days since I added to this blog! Time goes by so fast and with Christmas approaching, it seems to go even faster.

For anyone interested, there is a Vendor Fair this Saturday, December 6 from 9am - 3pm at the First Christian Church of NKC, 2018 N. Gentry, North Kansas City, Mo 64116. Admission is Free!

The following Vendors will be present to assist you with your Christmas shopping:

Avon, Longaberger,
Tupperware, Partylite,
Bubblegoddess Bath Co.,
Pampered Chef, Tomboy Tools
Tastefully Simple,
Family Keepsake Books,
Discover Toys, Jewelry,
Herbalife, Arbonne International,
At Home America, Home Interiors,
Signature Homestyles, Usborne Books

Golden Canyon Candles

There will also be refreshments, gift wrapping, raffles and a massage available for your convenience and relaxation! Hope to see you all there!

Cancer loves sugar!

Because a friend just told me she needed a double mastectomy I have delved into finding out what I can about cancer and nutrition. What did I find?

1) Normal cells need oxygen. Cancer cells despise oxygen.
2) Cancer metabolizes through a process of fermentation.
3) The metabolism of cancer is approximately 8 times greater than the metabolism of normal cells.

So? the body is constantly overworked trying to feed the cancer. The cancer is constantly on the verge of starvation and thus constantly asking the body to feed it. When the food supply is cut off, the cancer begins to starve unless it can make the body produce sugar to feed itself. Sugar feeds the cancer. The body finally dies of starvation, trying to feed the cancer.

Knowing this, does it make sense to feed the cancer sugar? Does it make sense to have a high carbohydrate diet?

If we continue to ignore our nutrition we are setting ourselves up for many health issues including cancer, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, strokes and worse. It is so much easier to prevent the problems than it is to try and correct them later.

Muscle Spasm!

Somedays I think I may be my own best Herbalife client and testimonial! Saturday I tried to move a microwave cart and had a sharp pain run up my back followed by a severe muscle spasm! Yes, I know better, but hey I had to move it! Since I'm not a person to slow down, I very gingerly moved the cart to a place where it wouldn't roll down the driveway, threw a blanket over it to protect it from the dew and was on my way..

Later that afternoon, I took a couple of Herbalife Tang Kuei caplets which support muscle relaxation and promotes restful sleep. Now don't get me wrong. It was definitely not an instant cure, however, as a result, I had a good nights sleep and was feeling almost human again on Sunday. I was aware all day Sunday of the possibility of a relapse so took things slowly, and as a result, today I am a bit sore but otherwise seem to be doing much better!

Reaction to citric acid

What an interesting evening we had last night. Just a few people for the first night of our Health and Wellness Banquet, but it gave us a chance to learn about new products so we can better offer advise to people who truly want to start taking charge of their health.

During the course of the evening, Jeanine passed around a sample protein wild berry drink that is designed to be a mid day snack. After a couple of sips, my throat got very itchy, started to hurt and I could immediately tell I would very quickly lose my voice! I was having an allergic reaction to the drink! Turns out it had citric acid in it which I obviously can't drink! Jeanine gave me a couple of tablespoons of aloe drink and within 10 minutes it was like the incident had never occurred. I have heard amazing stories of how the aloe drink could help and I've used aloe externally for years, but now I've seen first hand what all the excitement is about.

***Just a bit of aloe info! Aloe has 75 substances that are known for their healing properties! Imagine what can happen if we unleash that potential inside our bodies as we have on the outside of our bodies! Aloe aids in digestion, helps to relieve heartburn, indigestion and acid reflux.

You can read more about aloe products at http://herbal-nutrition.net/products/search/distributor/diatimb The drink comes in ready-to-use, concentrate and powder to fit your lifestyle.

Update to Banquet!

Wow! Some great changes have been made to the upcoming banquets this week. Just when you think you have a good thing going, someone makes a suggestion to make it even better! Come hungry!! Doors open one hour early each day so everyone has a chance to have a shake (picking from 75+ flavors!), a tea and an electronic BMI! Ok, so the BMI may not be as exciting as the shake and tea but it's still great information for you to have and I need the practice......

Get Lei'ed!

Health and Wellness Banquet

Aloha Nutrition
(come get lei' ed!)
2827 NE Vivion Road
KCMO 64119
In front of K-mart at the crossroads of Chouteau/Vivion Rd.

Admission: $8.00 per person

Wed. Oct. 29th 7pm – 9pm
or
Sat. Nov. 1st 2pm – 4pm

Learn about Meal-Replacement Nutrition Programs,

Digestive Nutrition,

and Immune System Nutrition

Purpose: To learn about Health and Wellness products in a condensed format providing Wellness Coaches with intense training opportunities.

You will sample many things during the evening and leave with a “goodie” bag of samples! Bring a guest and both receive a gift!

Space is limited so please call Diane at 816-809-7424 to reserve your spot.

Fast Facts

Obesity today is considered a worldwide epidemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and the American Obesity Association have provided this startling information.

• 2 out of 3 adults are considered overweight. (1.5 billion people worldwide, 140 million in the U.S. alone)
• 1 out of 3 adults are considered obese. (400 million people worldwide, 66 million in the U.S. alone)
• 9 million U.S. children and teens, ages 6-19 are overweight.
• 65% of U.S. children and teens, ages 6-19 exceed the dietary guidelines recommeded for fat intake.
• 30% of all deaths worldwide each year occur from cardiovascular disease in which excessive weight and obesity are major risk factors.
• Over 75% of hypertension cases are reported to be directly attributed to obesity.
• As many as 90% of individuals with type 2 diabetes are reported to be overweight or obese.
• Up to 80% of coronary heart disease cases, 90% of type 2 diabetes cases, and one-third of cancer cases can be avoided by changing to a healthier diet, increasing physical activity and stopping smoking.

If you, your children, other loved ones or friends fall into any of the categories above, it's NOT too late to make a change and move toward a healthier lifestyle. I can help you get started. You will not make this journey alone! email me at diane@secureabetterfuture.net Remember, the first step is always the hardest.

Creamy Chicken & Chili Enchiladas

This great recipe came from my daughter, Theresa. I'm not sure this falls under the "healthy" part of this blog, but face it, something this delicious can't be ALL bad. Can it? Enjoy!


CREAMY CHICKEN & CHILE ENCHILADAS

1 pound uncooked chicken breast strips
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cut into strips
1 can (4.5 ounces) Old El Paso chopped green chilies
1 package (12 count) Old El Paso flour tortillas for soft tacos & fajitas
2 cans (10 ounces each) Old El Paso green chile enchilada sauce
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (3 ounces)

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease 13x9x2-inch retangular baking dish. Cook chicken in 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink in center. Add cream cheese and chiles; reduce heat to medium. Cook and stir until blended and cream cheese is melted. Spoon chicken filling onto tortillas; roll up and place seam side down in baking dish. Pour enchilada sauce over top; sprinkle with Cheddar cheese. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until hot and cheese is melted.

**To create a healthier version, use lowfat cream cheese and cheddar cheese.

Nutrition Programs and Information

In our quest to find the "perfect" weight loss, weight management or overall health maintenance program, we are often bombarded with so many "look at me" ads that it becomes overwhelming. How do we know which one will work best for us? The guidelines listed should help you weed out the "wanna be's" and find a program that is best suited for you.

Nutrition Programs and Nutrition Information should:

• Follow generally accepted nutrition guidelines, which recommend a diet high in complex carbohydrates and fiber, low in fat, and moderate in protein.


• Promote lifelong changes in lifestyle.


• Encourage you to eat a variety of foods.


• Demonstrate a gradual approach to new eating habits.


• Give practical advise for incorporating changes into your everyday life.


• Encourage regular exercise.


• Use language that is easy to read and understand.


• Advise you to see your doctor before making any major changes in your diet.
  

You should ignore advice that:

• Promises immediate results.


• Puts all the emphasis on one or two foods or food groups while ignoring the rest.


• Promotes the idea that certain combinations of foods are harmful.


• Encourages megadoses of vitamins and minerals.


• Advises you to ignore side effects that may result from following the diet plan.


• Relies on personal testimonials instead of scientific evidence.

If you follow these basic guidelines, you should be able to find and follow a nutrition program that meets your needs, whether it be weight loss, maintenance or overall health improvement.

For more information on a program that has been around for over 28 years, can be designed for your specific needs and boasts the best darn shakes around check us out at http://herbal-nutrition.net/diatimb If you like what you see but still need a bit of help, feel free to send me an email at diane@secureabetterfuture.net and I'll work directly with you as a Wellness Coach to set you on the right path to a healthier future.

And of course, my favorite part of the day!

Café Mocha Shake

A high-protein version of a coffee-house iced mocha

Ingredients:

• 2 scoops Dutch Chocolate Formula 1 Nutritional Skake Mix
• 2 tablespoons Personalized Protein Powder
• 1 cup plain soy milk or nonfat milk
• 1/2 medium banana
• 2 teaspoons instand coffee crystals
• 1 dash cinnamon
• 4 ice cubes

Place all ingredients in the blender and mix thoroughly until the ice cubes are completely crushed.

Nutritional Analysis (with nonfat milk):
Calories: 275
Protein: 30 grams
Fat: 0.5 gram
Carbohydrates: 38 grams

A Cup O' Tea

Since we already know that dark chocolate is comparable to green tea in the antioxidants it provides, I thought we ought to take a look at tea itself.

It is a common misconception that the different varieties of tea come from different plants. Actually, there is only one type of tea plant, however, the quality of leaves depends on climate, soil conditions, and a variety of other growing conditions. It is the processing of the tea leaves, more than anything else, that is responsible for the unique taste and aroma that different varieties of tea possess.

Once tea leaves are picked, they can be made into one of three basic kinds of tea: black, oolong, or green. Black tea comes from leaves that have been fermented before they are dried and heated. Oolong tea is made from leaves that are only partially fermented before being dried and heated and green tea is not allowed to ferment at all.

Herbal teas are not really teas at all, but infusions of a variety of herbs, flowers, and spices such as cinnamon, ginger, or peppermint. The preparation of herbal teas is not standardized and many are imported. You can overdose and have adverse effects if you consume too much of them. If you enjoy the flavor, an occasional cup of herbal tea is fine, but don't depend on them to cure what ails you.

Research has shown that antioxidant compounds in tea, known as polyphenols, may have anticancer and antiheart-disease effects. Though green tea is thought to contain the highest concentration of these antioxidants, all types of real tea contain some. Tea is also a good natural source of fluoride and has also been used for centuries as a means to settle an upset stomach. Tea contains caffeine, but at about one-half the amount found in a cup of coffee.

When selecting tea, there is only one real guideline: Buy what flavor you like. Whichever tea you use, be sure to store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place. It should stay fresh for up to one year. Don't put tea in the refrigerator; it will absorb moisture.

For maximum flavor, allow the tea to steep for a full three to five minutes. Any longer and the tea will begin to taste bitter; any less and it will be bland and weak. Season your tea, if desired, with sugar, honey, a stick of cinnamon, a twist of lemon or lime, a sprig of fresh mint, or a dash of milk.

For a great tasting herbal tea concentrate visit: http://herbal-nutrition.net/products/show/id/486/distributor/diatimb

Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

With all the hype in the news lately about the benefits of dark chocolate, and the fact that it is one of my favorite food groups, I thought it would be a good concept to start this blog with.

Studies show that eating chocolate, primarily dark chocolate, may contribute to improved cardiovascular health. That's because chocolate is full of natural anti-oxidants, falling into the same category as green tea and blueberries. In short-term clinical trials, dark chocolate has reduced blood pressure, improved blood flow, showed mild anti-clotting effects and may help prevent plaque formation in arteries.

Dark chocolate, despite its sweetness, also boasts a low glycemic index, similar to that of oatmeal - meaning it does not send your blood sugar spiking. Of course, this only applies if you're eating it in moderation! Chocolate also contains a wide array of minerals. To read more about each and their benefits, visit http://www.allchocolate.com/health/basics/misc_effects.aspx

Of course, no really good article on chocolate would be complete without a recipe in which to indulge yourself!

Savory Chocolate BBQ Sauce



Rib lovers beware – this barbeque sauce made with premium dark chocolate is not for the faint of heart! Dark, intense, flavorful, with a bite at the end, this sauce is destined to become a family favorite!

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon butter, soft
4 each garlic cloves, minced
½ each Spanish onion, small dice
2 each Roma tomatoes, stem removed, small dice
1 ½ oz. dark brown sugar
4 teaspoons ancho chili powder
4 oz. apple cider vinegar
8 oz. barbeque sauce
14 oz. vegetable stock
¼ teaspoon cumin, ground
¼ cinnamon, ground
1/8 teaspoon cloves, ground
2 oz. SCHARFFEN BERGER 82% dark chocolate
2 tablespoons cilantro, fresh, chopped
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper, fresh ground

Directions:
Melt butter in small sauce pan over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, sauté 5 minutes until golden brown. Add tomatoes, stir, and sauté an additional 5 minutes. Add sugar and chili powder, mix well, and cook for 5 minutes. Add vinegar, reduce for 5 minutes, mixture should have a paste consistency. Add sauce, stock, cumin, cinnamon, cloves, salt and pepper. Mix well. Bring to a boil and reduce to a slow simmer for 30 minutes.Add SCHARFFEN BERGER chocolate and cilantro; allow to simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove sauce from heat and let stand for 10 minutes. Puree sauce, transfer to a clean container and cool.
For best results, refrigerate for 12 hours before using.