12 Easy/All Natural Ways to Detox your body

Are you feeling a bit run down lately?
 Looking for a mood adjustment? 
Been sick and ready to feel better?
Ready to jump start a diet?

If you answered yes to any of these...you may be ready for a detox!



Detoxing is a word that used to be used in extreme cases but now, you are hearing about it everywhere. I attribute this to an increase in the health and wellness community as well as the increase in the amount of chemicals in our foods and systems. You see, we come in contact with chemicals and compounds daily that our bodies simply weren't designed to handle as easily as others.

Detoxification is something that happens naturally in your body. Detoxification is simply the process of eliminating toxins from the body or "cleansing the blood". Impurities are also remved through the liver, lungs, intestines, lymph system, and skin. If you are eating as clean as possible...your body will easily take care of removing toxins. If you are living a "normal" lifestyle (involving processed foods and chemicals)...your body may need a little help every now and again!

Why Detox?
As I said before, detoxing removes impurities from the body. If these impurities are not removed, they fester in the body and can cause your body to run at a sub-par  performance level. This means that you are more likely to catch bugs floating around the office, are easily run down, and possibly in a bad mood.

So...now you know why you should detox and you are thinking that maybe you should do it....but you aren't sure where to start! I know that there are some extreme fasts and juice diets out there to help you detox but I prefer some simple things that I can stick to. It helps me to keep my body running at peak condition without a huge change to my habits! If you aren't looking to make it a lifestyle (but can use a quickstart) I advise doing these things for at least 2 weeks to get your body in check. Then follow up for one week a month!

12 Easy/All Natural Ways to Detox!
1. Go organic! You knew that one was making the list! I became organic almost a year a go and can tell you the difference is amazing. Until you see it for yourself, you will never believe the chemicals found in our foods - especially in the US. We have the lowest food standards that I have seen! Check out the post/recipe I did on something as simple as mayo. The store bought mayo had over 20 ingredients - most of them chemicals. My homemade mayo has 5 simple ingredients! You can also ready why I choose organic over all-natural.

2. Eat Fiber - I will not harp on this one as I am sure you are aware of the effects of fiber! You are basically just ensuring that your body has everything it needs to make it happen!

3. Add Probiotics to your Diet!  This word is EVERYWHERE right now! Probiotics are found in yogurts, kefir, and even in supplement form. These little guys are so important because they help you fight off colds and boost your immune system from the inside. Most harmful bacterias are found trapped in spaces in your intestines. Probiotics (when part of a healthy lifestyle) are able to take up these spaces and keep the bad bacterias from being able to stop and rest. bad bacteria simply moves along and exits the body. You can ready some more HERE.

4. Vegetarian Diet - 90% of you just clicked the red x and closed me out! To the other 10% Thank you! I am a vegetarian and can definitely say that is an extremely personal decision. I am in NO way saying that you have to go vegetarian BUT can tell you that it will make a difference in how you feel and how your body handles things. The chemicals contained in our meats are ridiculous. Meats are already harder for your body to process so once you add in the harmful stuff, you are dealing with some major work for your body. It is only the first few days without meat that are hard...after that, it is smooth sailing. Now...please note that you can do vegetarian extremely unhealthfully! Click HERE for 10 great protein sources for vegetarians - actually for everyone! Also visit my recipes page for tons of organic and vegetarian recipes. If you are ready for a fun read...Check out my 10 things you only THOUGHT were vegetarian.

5. get GREEN!  Do you ever look at your skin as a conductor?! You are completely covered by it and many people look at it as if it is a barrier -but in real life...it is like a sponge. Your skin absorbs anything it comes into contact with. Makeup, skincare, cleaning supplies, etc are all moved from your skin into your body. If you are pregnant...even your baby is getting a small dose of what is absorbed (This is true BTW).  Try getting organic with cleaning supplies first because it is the easiest to do! Since the price of store bought supplies is high, I make ALL of my own and they can be found at on this site HERE. Next, you can progress to your beauty care! Check out some of my Green Beauty tips and DIYs HERE!

6. Get your Sweat on! Visit your local gym or YMCA and take a nice rest in the sauna! This causes you body to sweat out some of the nasty stuff it has been holding onto!

7. Drink your water -  C'mon....you knew that this one would be here. It is TOTALLY true. Your body needs to stay hydrated and the more water you put in....the more stuff you flush out. If you are like me and am not a big fan of water...Try checking out my post on what you can add to water to make it taste better without adding junk to it!

8. Get your workout on! This one is obvious but it does help your body to run at peak performance. The better your body runs...the more able you are to rid your body of toxins.Try something relaxing like yoga or high energy like aerobics.

9. Try eating raw! There are enzymes in food that are naturally occurring to assist in the digestive process. During the process of cooking and heating foods, these helpful enzymes tend to break down and become ineffective. Many stars are supporters of eating raw :) They swear that it not only helps them stay healthy but also slim! Go for things (choose organic) like nuts, seeds, fruits, veggies, and sprouts. The great news is that there are some forms of raw chocolate - BONUS!

10. Up you antioxident intake - Antioxidants are molecules that protect your body from harmful free radicals. Free radicals are known to damage cells and have been linked to certain diseases and cancers. You can find antioxidants in common things like green tea and superfoods. You can also find antioxidants in supplement form as well as in spices like ginger and garlic.

11. Spa time-  That's right....try a spa day! If you can't afford the pricey luxury spa (I can't)...no problem, you can DIY!
  • Hydrotherapy - Stand under your shower and let the warm water run over your back. After a minute...switch to cold water and allow it to rain down on your back for 30 seconds. Repeat this process twice.
  • Exfoliate - make a habit of using a gentle organic exfoliant (Green Beauty tab has a few). This will allow your pores to be unclogged and easily allow the toxins to escape!
  • Skin Brushing - This was once said to maybe to help bald men regrow hair....but all joking aside,  a gentle daily skin brushing can  improve circulation and toxin release.
12. Simple Add Ins - You can help your body by adding in a simple cup of tea! Check out your local health food store and ask about how to use some of these common cleaning herbal remedies:

Some of the herbs that offer great cleansing in the body include:
*Dandelion
*Turmeric
*Milk Thistle
*Cypress
*Hydrangea Root
*Gravel Root

13. Take your Apple Cider Vinegar - I SWEAR by this stuff! Check out my post on why I do shots for breakfast! It will explain it all! If you hate the taste, you can also get organic versions in pill form.

These are just a few simple ways to detox. I left out the obvious items like rest more and destress which are both important as well.  Detoxing is an important way to keep your body running in tip top shape and when done all naturally and safely, can really boost your energy level, help you fight off the ickies, and even prevent colds, flu's, and infection.

I plan to post some detoxifying smoothie and drink recipes soon. Be sure to follow me on social media to stay up to the minute.

If you happen to have some detox recipes...I would love to see them!

Yes, you can definitely try fasting for a few days or doing some crazy crash detox but I don't advise it! I am an eater and if I can't eat or have to drink something that tastes horrible...I am OUT. It has to be something I can commit to!

Homemade Organic Sweet Mocha Chocolate Body Scrub

I recently found a jar of amazing chocolate body scrub-it smelled so good that I thought I could eat it. Then I flipped over the jar and found the ingredient list. After reading,  I found that not only should I NOT eat it....I really shouldn't even be putting it on my skin! It was filled with chemicals that I couldn't even pronounce and not even the chocolate in it was real.

As sad as I was to let that sweet smelling scrub sit on the shelf- it had to be done. I have said it before and will say it again.... "My skin is a conductor NOT a barrier"! Throughout my newbie "green" journey, I have found that everything I place onto my skin becomes a part of my body. There are even studies that show chemicals from cosmetics worn by the pregnant mother are found in newborn babies. Don't worry...this article is not THAT article and PLEASE believe me--there is NO JUDGEMENT. I just feel that lathering chemicals on my skin would practically negate my organic diet and choices. I would just have to come up with a way to have my scrub...and be able to eat it too!

Lucky for me, I have some resourceful friends in the blogger world who have taught me that I can make ANYTHING that I can buy in a store! I sat down - sans recipe- and began creating my NEW favorite body scrub. Even if you aren't looking particularly for an organic body scrub...you will STILL LOVE THIS DIY Body scrub!

This body scrub was SO easy to make and used ingredients that I already have around the house! The best part is that I make it with real cocoa so it is caffeinated. This hit of caffeine helps to attack and reduce cellulite...that is a BIG plus for me. Did I mention that it is totally edible?

Ingredients:
  • 1- 1.5 Cup(s) Cocoa Powder
  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
  • 1 cup White Sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons Coconut Oil (or any oil you would like olive oil, grapeseed, etc)
  • 2 tablespoons Organic Coffee - just a dash for extra caffeine. You can omit if you would like.
Directions:
 Want to know how easy this is?!?!??
  1. Blend together in a bowl. Yep...That's it! 
Use:
Use this scrub on your skin in the bath or shower. Since you used high quality ingredients, a little will go a long way!!! The caffeine will attack your cellulite and the coconut oil will leave your skin naturally moisturized and refreshed!

Here are a few fun variations:
  • Add in chopped organic mint for a refreshing experience! Smells so good and really wakes you up in the morning!
  • Add in some dried coconut for extra exfoliation!
  • Add in vanilla for a new scent.
  • Finely Chopped Almonds are a great way to exfoliate!
THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS!

So...now you can have your body scrub and eat it too!

You can always just grab a jar from my Etsy Shop! It is available for sale for only $9.99 HERE. Use code ETSYROCKS for 15% off any of my all natural and organic body scrubs!

HERE ARE A FEW OTHER ALL-NATURAL AND ORGANIC BODY SCRUB RECIPES!


Don't forget to follow me on social media!
 

Eco-Baby made EASY with Bambo Nature!



I am sure that you are ALL familiar with the saying, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks"....well, friends, when it comes to taking care of baby...I am an old dog. I am a mother to 5 children an until recently just bought whatever baby item was on sale or clearance and used the brand names found on any grocers shelf. When I began to start my "green" journey...that had to change. The only problem with becoming green on baby number 5 is that I had no idea on where to start!

I began my "green" journey by looking at the foods we ate. We got rid of pre-packaged chemical laden foods and went organic. Next, I began re-using any glass jar that came into my home and even began making my own All Natural cleaning supplies. My most recent move was to our skin care - I COULD NOT BELIEVE WHAT WAS IN THE PRODUCTS WE WERE PUTTING ON OUR SKIN! I now make our soaps, washes, and shampoos! That was actually easier than I thought- I can make 100 loads of laundry soap in about 8 minutes and for just under 10 cents a load. The next step in my journey is what is going to be tricky....this mommy is finally going to try getting more Eco-Friendly ...with baby number 5.

I was SO excited to find out about Bambo Nature because (honesty card out) I don't know if I can handle cloth diapering. I know that many people do and do it very successfully but I just don't think I am organized enough to care for them. That is why Bambo Nature is so exciting---I can get a bit more eco-friendly with disposable diapers!

I was also very pleased to find that Bambo Nature hides NOTHING about their diapers! They share each and every ingredient in their diapers as well as the ones NOT found in their diapers.  Heck, they even can take you through the Life Cycle of their diapers....from beginning to shelf! Most food companies have trouble doing that!

BABY HAS ALLERGIES?, NO PROBLEM!

 These diapers are the only diaper certified 100% free of dangerous chemicals and all known allergens.


YOU WANT TO BE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY?, NO PROBLEM THERE EITHER!
.
Check out some of the prestigious and coveted Certifications, Eco-labels and Awards they hold!

• Bambo Nature has earned the Nordic Swan Eco-label. Nordic Swan is an official label with absolute requirements.  The requirements are increased in difficulty – it is not static. 
  • Nordic Eco-Labeling authorities may check to ensure that Swan Labeled products continue to fulfill the Swan label requirements after a license has been granted.  This may take the form of, for example, on-site inspections or random sampling.  If it transpires that the products no longer fulfill the requirements, the license may be revoked.  Random samples may also be taken at points of sale and analyzed by an impartial laboratory. 

• Bambo Nature holds The FSC Label.
o The Forest Stewardship Council Label is your guarantee that the fluff in Bambo Nature comes 

• Bambo Nature holds The Dermatologically Tested Label.
o This is your assurance that the product and all of its raw components do not cause skin irritation
• Asthma & Allergy Association
o Requires that a product poses the smallest possible risk of causing allergy, eczema, or skin irritation to the user.
• Bambo Nature holds the very rare – ISO 14001 Certification.
o This means that all of our product waste is reused.  (Please Note:  Bambo Nature has very, very little waste – under 2%.)
• Bambo Nature is a signator of the UN Global Compact.
o The United Nations Global Compact is a United Nations initiative to encourage businesses  from sustainable forestry, where more trees are planted then felled worldwide to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies, and to report on their
implementation.
• Bambo Nature was rated the #1 Best Diaper in the U.S. by BabyGearLab.com.
• Bambo Nature was rated the Most Eco-Friendly Diaper at EthicalConsumer.org.

 THESE DIAPERS ARE ALL OF THESE THINGS AND SUPER SOFT FOR BABY! These are WAY better than the "green" diapers on the shelves at the Grocery AND they can be delivered to your door.

I can't image that it gets any better than that!  If  you are looking for an Eco-Friendly product from an Ethical Company.. You HAVE to check out Bambo Nature.

This post was sponsored by an amazing company who provides eco-friendly diapers that are safe for baby and for baby's skin. The opinions contained within this post are my own and are not for sale. Always shop responsibly
.

FREE LIST OF 20 PAYING SURVEY SITES - UPDATED

ImageI wanted to take a few minutes to update my list of PAYING Survey sites!

Making money with Online Surveys is one of the most asked about topics when talking about how to make money online. There are hundreds of thousands of sites promising to make you RICH if you simply pay $49.95 for their list of survey sites...NEVER PAY for this information! If you simply do an internet search for these types of sites, you will get thousands of results. You will also see tons of reviews directing you to either sign in and make money or to stay clear. How do you know who to trust??
I have listed below some of the more "user friendly" survey sites. These sites have low payouts, easy to complete surveys, and are legit ways to make a little cash from your computer. Many of these sites will pay you cash or will pay you in points that can be converted to cash, gift cards, or prizes! I like to stick to the CASH! These sites won't make you rich but a little extra spending money is never a bad thing!

Tips:
  1. Setup a separate email address for these sites. These sites can send a lot of survey requests and if you are doing multiple sites....it can be a lot of mail!
  2. Having a paypal account helps you get paid more quickly. Paypal costs you nothing to use and you can link it to your bank account for deposits. 
  3. Never give your credit card number out to these companies UNLESS you are signing up for a service. (i.e. you can sign up for Netflix through Inbox Dollars. you will get a certain amount of cash back in your account for your signup. Safe bet with them but if a site asked for this information...it would be a no)
  4. Be organized if you are signing up for "Free" trials that require a credit card.  Sure, you will get cash for signing up BUT that also means that they will be charging you the day that the "free offer" expires. If you want to earn money this way, be very diligent about canceling on the exact date!

Now that you have the tips.....HERE ARE SOME PAID SURVEY SITES!




Cash Crate is a FUN site where you really can earn money!
 It isn't hard to figure out and it is pretty easy to reach your payout!

Sign Up HERE






E-Poll. It is really easy to earn rewards with E-Poll! With E-Poll, you earn points which you can trade in for giftcards to places like Target, Amazon, Starbucks, and more!
The points really do add up quickly!


Sign Up HERE





I REALLY LOVE INBOX DOLLARS! Mostly because I am always earning a payout from them! They give you a $5 signup bonus to get you started. You can earn for reading sponsored emails, playing games, surfing the web, shopping and SO MUCH MORE!
Low payout via check!

Sign up HERE



Okay...Jingit is mostly a rebate program but still worth while! It is never bad to earn some cash just for shopping! I added them to this list because there are products that you can scan after purchase, give feeback and get paid again! Not too shabby, right!

Sign up HERE




Mommy Polls. This is one is fun because you can earn rewards for giving your opinion on parenting, brands, and just general questions! It is as easy and answering a multiple choice questions with them!

try Mommy Polls HERE




NPD - These guys are popular and well respected for a reason. It is mostly for entries to fun giveaways, vacations, etc. Its worth a look! Check it out HERE


I LOVE OPINION OUTPOST! Why....because not only do they send me a ton of earning opportunities BUT they have a LOW payout! $10 for Paypal and $5 for amazon giftcards! It is so easy to cash out with them! You can even donate your earnings!

Don't pass them up!
HERE THEY ARE




Opinion Place - this is a newer one for me but great rewards for surveys! The seem to have a decent amount of surveys available. I am still up in the air on them but think that they are definitely worth a shot!  Sign up HERE





Another well respected Paid survey site! Cash rewards and other prize opportunities! You can't check out paying survey sites without visiting Mindfield! 

Sign up HERE






  This is a FANTASTIC opportunity to earn from the things you are already buying! Simply sign up, scan your purchases and EARN! It is from Nielsen and it rewards you VERY WELL!

 Sign up and start earning here!




PineCone research is a well respected survey site who is NOT always taking new signups! THEY ARE NOW so sign up ASAP! If you click on the link and it is not active, SORRY! Please do keep checking! I have done many surveys with them regarding well known brands. They did switch to rewards but it easy to earn!
Try them HERE.




When they say quick....they MEAN IT!

Paypal rewards are paid daily with NO MINIMUM CASHOUT REQUIRED!!!

Around since 2002 so safe and secure!

Sign UP for Quick Rewards HERE



Vindale Research is another well respected site and you do get paid well for surveys! You may not get as many paying surveys but they do come around and are usually at least $5!

Sign up for Vindale Research here!




Here are a few honorable mentions:
I-Say - Click here to get started!
  • VERY Well Respected
  • never a request for payment! surveys only
  • paid through points which convert to prize and CASH!
IPoll - Click Here to Sign Up!
  • $5 Sign Up BONUS!
  • Add earning with their Ipoll App for your phone! You can earn at the grocery!
Send Earnings -  Click Here to Sign Up!
  • $30 payout level 
  • $5 sign up BONUS
  • Get paid to read emails, surf the web, take special offers, play games, and even shop!
Panda Research - Click Here to Sign Up!
  • Easy surveys and pay to participate offers
  • Payout at $50
SurveySavvy - Click Here to Sign Up!
  • Payout is only $1!!!
  • Paid surveys and very easy to earn!
Global Test Market - click here to sign up!
  • Will pay you in points that convert to cash!
  • Payout is $50
Survey4Profit - click here to sign up!
  • Pays you in cash
  • Payout of $50
  • Offers paid emails, product testing, videos, referrals & even $5 for A Picture of your Payout Check!



That should get you started on your way to earn from paying surveys!

I hope you will take a few seconds to follow me via social media and please let me know if you have a well paying site that I didn't mention!

Enjoy your surveys!

DIY All Natural Edible Body Chocolate--vegan option too!

Okay...I KNOW that this is NOT my typical post. For those of you who don't come to the site often,  I am usually all about organic lifestyles and frugal living but sometimes even I stray into the bizarre! Thank goodness my mom does not read my blog (no joke...she has never been to it and doesn't know the address anyway) and while I am at it - big apology to my mother-in-law who reads religiously. PS. M-I-L...I love you but you may want to stop reading now....


Joking aside, this is a REAL post! I was actually asked a question about an organic option for edible body chocolate --no, not by my hubby--but someone looking for a wedding gift. I giggled a bit at first and then realized that it is a legit question! For those of us committed to living organic and green lifestyles, sometimes...you just can't grab things off the shelf, you have to DIY.

Feeling a sense of duty...I sat down and found a few variations of recipes for Edible Body Chocolate Paint. Some were more like butters and others had a lot of ingredients. This one seemed just right! Easy steps, easy ingredients, and safe to eat (no chemicals, preservatives, or junk). The BIG bonus is that you can make a vegan version-just swap the butter out for coconut oil (maybe add some extra sugar too).

For the record (M-I-L...if you are still reading - I have not made this......YET) ;)

This recipe makes about 1/2 cup.

For extra fun....there are things you can add in!
  • booze
  • hot peppers
  • peppermint
  • espresso
 

Ingredients:
  • 1/3 cup sugar 
  • 1 pinch kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons butter (use coconut oil for vegan option!)
  • 1/4 cup raw cocoa powder




Directions:

1) Put sugar, salt and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil then remove it from the heat
2) Stir in the butter and mix until incorporated (you may want to use a whisk)
3) Add remaining ingredients. Stir until glossy.
4) Pour into glass container.

I HEAR that you can make this in the microwave but be sure to allow it to cool a bit before using it! PLEASE DO NOT GET BURNED!

Storage:
 I suggest storing any leftovers in the fridge. Remember...no preservatives so best to be safe! You can always give it a quick zap in the microwave before your next use.

Would you just prefer to buy it? 
If so...you are in LUCK! This chocolate body paint is for sale in my Etsy Shop!  

ENJOY YOUR CHOCOLATE BODY PAINT RESPONSIBLY!

I hope you enjoy this recipe and spend some time on my site! Please feel free to follow me via email or on your favorite social media site!


Organic DIY Weight Loss BodyWraps

The train of weight loss programs, supplements, and gizmos will never end. One of these such gizmos is the "it works" weight loss wrap. Have I tried the "it works" wrap? Sure have. I will honestly say that I did like the results of the it works wrap but the price was a bit too much for me to sustain on a constant basis. The true program advises that you do the wrap a few times a week for best results and at $25 a wrap....it's a small fortune to wrap only one body area.

So...I decided to make my own weight loss wraps. I was pleasantly surprised that they WORKED!  The cost per wrap on my homemade wraps were about $1 each and the best part was that I could wrap my ENTIRE BODY FOR JUST $1!!!

DIY Slimming Body Wrap Green Tea, Coconut &  Vitamin E Salt Scrub (All natural)Here are two of my DIY body wrap recipes - HERE

You can actually grab both the Green Tea, Coconut, and Vitamin E Slimming Wrap Scrub from my Etsy SHOP for just $10.99!

Also- check out the Vanilla Latte Cellulite Busting Scrub! Not only does it fight cellulite BUT it can also be used in a weightloss wrap! 

With the success of these wraps...I wanted to step up my game and go for something with a bit more detoxing abilities and a bit more "luxury" appeal. This wrap is easy to make, ultra nourishing, and rivals those at pricey high-end salons and spas.

GREEN TEA DETOX & WEIGHT LOSS WRAP

Green tea is a powerful herb that is well known for its slimming properties, antioxidant values, and even for detoxing.  The caffeine contained in green tea is also known to attack cellulite so this wrap is a win-win! This powerhouse along with the alkaline base of the mud and the salt works to draw impurities and excess water from the body. This wrap will take a few more minutes to make than my other versions but is definitely more in-line with those offered at pricey salons!

You will need:
Rainbow Research French Green Clay Facial Cleansing Mask Powder Jar - 8 oz
Great clay - Only $5.50!


Instructions:
  1.  Bring the water to bowl in a large saucepan. Add salt and green tea powder and allow to dissolve. 
  2. Once the salt and tea are dissolved, add the clay and coconut oils.
  3. Stir until well mixed
  4. Allow to cool! I like to use it while it is still a bit warm.

Application Tips:
  1. Drink a glass of water.
  2. Take a hot shower and exfoliate the areas you will be treating. This warm water will help to open your pores and help the mud to go to work!
  3. Apply the mud to your trouble zones. This can be a bit messy so it is best to apply in the bathtub!
  4. Wrap these areas with saran wrap and then follow with ace bandage (or a girdle) to hold everything in place. This also helps to trap in the body's heat and activate the process.
  5. Now...you can either relax or perform some light exercise. Some say that the more heat you create, the more excess water that is released from the body. I have done it both ways and agree. That being said, please do not go do a FULL ON CARDIO WORKOUT! Just light housework or a walk will do.
  6. Stay wrapped for at least an hour. 
  7. Wash off the mud with warm water - do not exfoliate at this point. 
  8. Store any unused mud in a sealed container! 
Enjoy your DIY Weight Loss Body Wrap!


Beginner's Tips For Eating Healthy

I am quickly realizing that this is a post that I should have done long ago. You see, my family and I began a healthy eating journey almost a year ago and made the transition seamlessly. We began by eliminating as many prepackaged foods as we could, ditched chemical laden foods and opted for organic, and I even got my husband to adopt a 98% vegetarian lifestyle (I have been a vegetarian for 6 years now). What I forgot to realize is that the transition to "healthy eating" may not be as easy for everyone- Routines and habits are hard to break! It is also difficult to encourage people to see the benefits of what eating healthy can do for you -when it may take a few weeks to see the results (sound familiar?!?).

So....I thought I would break down some of the tips that I have for Beginners! Don't be ashamed to be a beginner-we were ALL there once. My family ate out at least 4 times a week and counted french fries as vegetables before the switch- so if we can do it...anyone can do it!

Before I go into the tips...I wanted to share some of those benefits that I was talking about....
  1. Increased Energy Levels - almost eliminating sluggish days!
  2. General Health - almost no migraine days, lower cholesterol, weight loss, they go on and on!
  3. Enhanced Immune System! - Your body begins to operate the RIGHT way!
Check out our BEFORE and AFTER pictures! 
Even though it is not all about weight loss...it is still impressive!


THE BENEFITS OF HEALTHY EATING GO ON AND ON...I PROMISE!

He has lost over 100 pounds in just over 1 year!



 Now to the tips you came here for. All of these tips came from questions asked both by me as a beginner and by a few readers who have been making the transition. If something you wonder about isn't listed...please ask!


TIPS FOR BEGINNERS ON EATING HEALTHY!
  1. Do NOT let any one discourage you! This is a decision you are making for your health. Don't you hate when you start a diet, tell your coworkers and then have a doughnut and fat filled latte waived in your face? This is just like that. Many people will try to tell you that there is nothing wrong with chemicals in your food and even try to get you to break....Don't give in! They do not know YOU nor do they know your health struggles. I would gladly give up every cheeseburger on the planet for one more day with my children. Think of it like this....would you gladly give up fried foods for the chance to beat diabetes? What would you give up to spend one more day with your family?
  2. DON'T DO IT ALL! Everyday there is someone saying that some-thing is wrong for you. Focus on eating "CLEAN" and you will be fine. Eliminate the "junk" and leave the rest to the side. If you listen to everyone you will be avoiding tap water, bottled water, spring water, meat, meat-free diets, carbs, carb-free diets, medicines, holistic medicines....almost everything.  Find a trusted source and give it a chance.
  3. DO NOT GO "EXTREME" or "ELIMINATION"! My Family eats about 98% organic but it did NOT happen overnight! We also do not eliminate fun from our lives. Being organic does NOT mean that we don't have desserts....we just have organic ones :) My kids still eat cheeseburgers...just on organic buns and made with organic meats. If you eliminate everything, you will certainly fail. This has to be a long term LIFESTYLE- not a diet.
  4. DO not be MISLEAD by "Health" Foods! You really need to check out your labels! Check out my post on 8 Health Foods to Avoid! Just because a product is fat free does not mean it is good for you. Traditionally, it is WORSE than its fatty parent. Sugar is a fat free item even though it turns into fat once inside the body. If you look very closely at your fat free products, you usually will find an increase in sugar content and even worse--some times chemicals! 
  5. Stock up on Healthy Foods and have them handy! The worst thing that could happen is you running out of options. An empty fridge or cupboard means one  thing---a quick trip to the fast food pit.  Have healthy snacks available and ready at all times.Here is a link to check out: The 10 foods you SHOULD be eating! Here are a few tips on grocery shopping by perimeter shopping!
  6. CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE. I don't mean that like it sounds but you can not look at this like a "diet" it really isn't....IT IS A WAY OF LIFE. Yes, this may mean a few more home cooked meals and extra preparation but it is worth it.If you are committed to it--LIVE IT!
  7. Things may move slow at first...or quickly. I don't know how else to say it BUT your digestive system may experience some changes as well. There are chemicals in foods that sometimes act as laxatives and omitting these will give your body a chance to do the job like it was supposed to do! Or...you may have went from nutritionally vacant foods to those nutrient dense foods packed with fiber, greens, and Probiotics--this can cause some upset tummies and trouble. SEE IT THROUGH! Your body will soon regulate and will begin to do the job it was made to do!
  8. DO NOT BE WISHY-WASHY! Now, please remember that I said that my family still goes out to eat on occasion and we do still eat at our families homes. In the beginning though, those experiences were few and far between. You MUST commit to at least 10 days of purely CLEAN eating before starting to add in some cheat days. These 10 days will give your body a chance to regulate and get used to the new way of doing things. Having 2 clean meals then a meal from the greasy spoon down the street will not allow your body to adjust. Give it a chance and then add in the "cheat" meals...if you even want them anymore!
  9. YOU MAY BE HUNGRY AT FIRST! This is important to know. You MAY be hungry when starting your clean eating lifestyle. Why is that you may ask? Well, a few reasons. First, your body is now burning food efficiently. It can use up almost everything you eat so it doesn't get stuck with extra calories and chemicals to deal with. Second, you are eating differently. IF you are beginning to cut out sugar and carbs....oh boy, the first 3 days will be rough! After 4 days of eating cleanly, your body will begin to get used to your new diet. ALWAYS have snacks hungry and don't ignore your body! By snacks, I mean things like Spicy Toasted Chickpeas, Kale Chips, yogurt, Black Bean Brownies, raw nuts, etc. NOT A CHEESEBURGER!
  10. YOUR ENERGY LEVEL...IT IS A CHANGIN'! At first, you may be a bit tired. This WILL ONLY be for a few days! You have just begun omitting some sugar, sweeteners, carbs, and fillers. These all affect your blood sugar levels as well as how they regulate your energy levels. After you go for a few days without these "fake" energy boosters...Your body will make its own energy from the amazing foods you are giving to it! I PROMISE-The difference is AMAZING!  While you are adjusting, check out these all natural energy boost tips!
THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE.... 
GIVE IT A CHANCE! The first cheeseburger you ate did not make you ___________. 
On this blank, enter whatever you want: overweight; tired; diabetic; moody; have heart trouble; run-down; sick; have headaches; have high blood pressure, etc.  Put on that blank whatever it may be that you want to fix. For me...it was overweight and tired- I was perpetually low on energy and moody (ask the hubby) plus I had tons of headaches.

It also wasn't the second cheeseburger, or the third, or the fourth that got you into the condition you are in today. It was the burgers piled on with fries, sodas, sugary snacks, unhealthy lifestyles, etc. THE SAME IS TRUE WITH YOUR HEALTHY LIFESTYLE! One healthy meal will not make you better. It will be your commitment to healthy foods over a long period of time combined with exercise that will fix your health.

IT IS NOT THE MESS YOU GOT INTO THAT MATTERS, 
IT IS HOW YOU WILL GET OUT OF IT!

I hope these tips help you as you consider beginning your healthy lifestyle. Please feel free to ask any questions you would like. I am not a doctor nor an expert-simply someone who has asked these questions myself.

Please check out my recipe page and please remember to follow me via your favorite social media outlet!

Please also check out some of my blogger buddies who are amazing with exercise tips; clean eating; REAL food eating; and more!

BLOG DESIGN BY DESIGNER BLOGS