Merry Christmas!

I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas as well as a Happy & Healthy New Year.

With the New Year fast approaching we all start thinking about those inevitable resolutions that we make and, hopefully, keep. As always, maintaining my health is on MY list of resolutions and to do that, becoming more active is at the top of that list. When making changes in my life, I find that taking small steps seems to work better than trying to do everything all at once. Over the past year and a half or so, I've changed the way I eat - not all at once but gradually - and am much more aware of what I'm eating, when I eat and WHY I eat. I'm not a fanatic about it and occasionally I slip up but just by making that change I have dropped about 10 pounds and feel better than I have in years!

Of course, I also believe that taking my ForeverGreen products has helped by giving me a good "support" system for the positive changes I've made. I know that when I take my FrequenSea I'm getting all of my daily nutritional requirements; my Pulse8 supports and strengthens my cardiovascular system and by taking A.I.M Transfer Factor I'm building a strong immune system that has, so far, kept me from getting colds or the flu. Some would argue that if we're eating properly we shouldn't need nutritional supplements but let's face it, none of us eats "perfectly" - we just don't have easy access to organic food and fresh produce. Even the "experts" agree that supplements are necessary in this day and age but we have to remember that supplements do not take the place of good nutrition; they are not the magic "pill" that will cure all of our health problems - they have to be used "in addition to" good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.

During the holidays it's very easy to overeat and eat things that aren't very nutritious, like baking and sweets. I also find that the cold weather makes me want to eat filling, warming foods that tend to be high in carbs. That, coupled with lack of exercise make it very easy to gain weight. But, if you cave in and indulge yourself just get back on track the very next day and don't beat yourself up - the holiday season is meant to be enjoyed and that includes all of that yummy food.

I thought I'd pass on my morning "Smoothie" recipe because I've found that it's become my daily staple - I just feel so much better with my morning shake and I never used to eat breakfast at all. If you don't have a Magic Bullet, consider getting one. For $40 it's a great investment.

Here's my basic recipe:

1/4 c. coconut milk
1/2 c. 1 % milk
handful of fresh or frozen fruit
(I use frozen because it makes the shake nice and cold)
couple pieces of banana
1 scoop of "Thunder" (Forevergreen chocolate whey protein powder)
1 tbsp of ground flax seed

Put all ingredients into Magic Bullet and mix for a minute.

For a change I sometimes add 1 tbsp of molasses or some "Azul" or even some peanut butter!

As we get ready for Christmas morning and prepare to bid farewell to another year let's remember to take time for ourselves. Good health includes not only good nutrition but less stress, more exercise, more laughter, fresh air, good relationships and balance in our lives....food for thought.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Mary-Lou