BOD-E-NOMICS

Talking, Cooking & Eating Turkey

2011-11-21T18:21:00.000-08:00

Viki’s Story

My childhood memories of Thanksgiving consist of going to my aunt’s house—we had to take the car ferry across the Verazzano Narrows before the bridge was built, then drive two hours on the New Jersey turnpike. My aunt was not a good cook and her house was always cold.

One year, we went to the other side of the family—my father’s sister, aunt Toby—and by the time the turkey platter got to me it was empty because they only put out so much and that was it. I was tired and hungry, but I did get my first taste of sweet potato casserole with marshmallows, which was disgusting. Plus, all I wanted was the turkey platter, so maybe that's why I don't like that casserole!

One year I went with friends to someone’s home and they made a "gourmet" dinner. The table was beautiful—flatwear crystal and exquisite dishes. However, gourmet and Thanksgiving are not synonymous. My ex-mother-in-law put out a good table, but the price was too high.

See, I was used to my mother’s cooking, which consisted of her serving canned cranberries, canned string beans, and boxed stuffing mix. I prefer fresh fruits and veggies, or even frozen, over the overcooked, overcanned, oversalted, tastless, watery veggies. There was always fighting at my house on Thanksgiving, nothing smelled good, and it was always really cold. Not to mention everyone was smoking while eating (which reminded me of the movie Sixteen Candles when the grandma was cooking while smoking and the ash was going to fall into the food at any second).

Over the years I have included more and more vegetables onto my Thanksgiving dinner plate, like baked acorn squash—you could die and go to heaven after eating that! It’s gotten so that I will have a few bites of turkey just to see how it is and the rest is vegetables.

Why? Because Thanksgiving occurs when the harvest is in. It’s about taking stock in what you have and being thankful for it. It’s about taking care of yourself first, only then can you meet the needs of others and take care of them in order of priority: your significant other, your animals, the roof over your head, your car, and then your stuff. When you do this, you will be amazed at how other things in your life will fall into place and what a sense of peace and order you feel. Simple? Yes. Easy? NO. But what worth having in life isn’t worth fighting for?

Advice from Viki

I make stock from the turkey carcass after it has been "picked" dry.
I suggest that turkey slices be frozen in packs containing 4-6 slices. This way there is always protein ready in the freezer.
Do not send people home with your food—you have already shared. Your goal is to strip the carcass down, ready for the soup pot.
A turkey leg’s meat cut off the bone and chopped makes awesome chili to serve 4. The chili will be mostly vegetables—carrots, onions, and celery—because the main goal is to turn meat into a condiment (a flavoring), which is something that’s practiced in many countries (mostly out of necessity).

Viki's Turkey

1 turkey (size is by your own needs)
A roasting pan and rack to hold turkey
A baster

Brine:

2 cups water
1/4 cup both salt and sugar
1 plastic bag to hold turkey in brine
3 large carrots
4 stalks celery
1 large onion peeled and quartered
6 cloves garlic peeled
3 tbsp canola or olive oil
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp salt

* Defrosting the turkey in frig-time will depend on the size

Dissolve sugar and salt in water. Place plastic bag in roasting pan, put the turkey in bag, and add the sugar/salt solution. Seal the bag and place the roasting pan with bagged turkey in the refrigerator. Brine time will take 24 hours, and don't forget to take the plastic bag with the "parts" out of the turkey. You will use them for the gravy. You will also need to turn the plastic bag over a few times while the turkey is brining.

To roast, set the oven to 350 degrees, or whatever temperature the instructions on the turkey wrapper suggest. Most turkeys come with a pop-up timer so when the pop-up pops up, the turkey is done.

Rinse the turkey and put the breast side down in the roasting pan. Apply oil to the turkey by rubbing it all over. Sprinkle it with garlic powder and salt and add 1 cup of water to the pan along with the vegetables, neck, liver, and gizzard. Roast the turkey on its back for one and a half hours, making sure to squirt some basting juice on it every half an hour. Turn the turkey over after 1 and a half hours.

When the pop-up pops up, remove the turkey from the oven, put it on a platter, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Remove the neck, liver, and gizzard, and put all of the vegetables, browned bits and liquid from the pan into the blender a blend smooth. (CAUTION: NO hot liquids in blender - wait until room temperature.)

Put the blended mixture in a saucepan and thicken it with a ½-cup water mixed with 3 Tbsp. flour and salt and pepper to taste. Chop up the liver and gizzard and add it to the thickened gravy. Leave the neck behind.

When the turkey is ready, cut it according to your preferences. I remove the legs, wings, and thighs, and slice the breast off the frame. Take the frame and break it into pieces as best as you can. Tomorrow you will put the frame in a pot, cover it with water and boil it for ½ an hour. When you do this, add the neck. Once it’s cool, pick off any remaining meat, and put it in the stock. Also, while you are slicing the turkey, any skin or fat also goes with the carcass to make the stock, which can be frozen for later use.

Viki’s Side dishes:

I need string beans sautéed with garlic
Fresh cole slaw (cider vinegar, mayo, grated onion, garlic powder, agave nectar, salt, shredded cabbage, and shredded carrots)
Sweet potatoes baked on the floor of the oven so the skin is charred and the insides are creamy
Fresh cranberries cooked with agave nectar as sweetener (stays great for 2-3 days)
Dressing—all of the stale bread and rolls you have can be cut into cubes and browned in the oven after you sprinkle them with thyme, sage, and rosemary. Chop the celery and onions and sauté them with oil. Add a few hot sage sausages, cooked and sliced thin. Add some apples that are peeled, cored, and cubed. Add one beaten egg. Mix all of this together, add a little bit of water to make it soft, and squish it with your hands. Put it in a greased baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
Eggplant caponata—Sauté eggplant, celery, onions, and zucchini. Dress them with balsamic vinegar, raisins, olive oil, capers, black pepper, and salt.
Your favorite brand of seriously good sour pickles - a must-buy
For dessert, I love cassata al forno, which is a very light Italian cheese cake. Blend Ricotta cheese, vanilla, sugar, eggs, flour, salt, sour cream, lemon rind, and lemon juice in blender for 2 minutes. Pour mixture into spring-form pan (buttered and dusted with breadcrumbs) and bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees.

Enjoy!

Love, Viki

edited by Kelsey Turek

Grab and Run Shopping

2011-03-16T02:02:00.000-07:00

We all go to the market because it is our primary food source. We have to go there in order to go home, eat and clean our homes. The market offers us all types of products and the market industry identifies this relationship with you need us and we need you.

Therefore, we develop feelings about shopping. Some days we love it, some days we just wish the products would appear in our homes. To say the relationship can be stormy would be the truth. To say it has different forms depending on the day would also be true. To say that the way we spend money in the market and what we spend it on varies from trip to trip is also true.

The industry, because it is in the business of making profit from what we buy, capitalizes on our many different moods. If you could go into your favorite market without the need or desire to purchase anything, you would see the market in a very different way from your usual trips. It is an ongoing attention grabbing, entertaining, visually and olfactory stimulating experience.

We have different styles for different experiences. I am going to outline our most common styles: 1-Grab and Run; 2-Browse; 3-Entertain; 4-Education; and, 5-Desperation (extreme hunger, boredom, loneliness).

Grab and Run: You are on your way home from work and you need one item critical to making dinner. Do you buy just that one thing or do you get distracted and throw other things into the cart like supermarket sweepstakes because you only have five minutes but it looks good? The next time you do a Grab and Run, rehearse in your mind before you get into the market exactly where the item is located that you need (you know this drill by heart). Go to the exact spot and then go right to the checkout counter.

I guarantee you will not die if you do not buy other items and the market does not penalize people for "one item shopping." It is okay to buy one thing. Really. You save money, time and you have met your goal. You purchased the one item you needed for dinner. Don't beat yourself up because you did not plan ahead and already have it on hand, sometimes it happens this way. Remember, every time you go to the market, it opens the door for the food industry to get more of your money than you had planned to give it.

Grab and Run can sometimes blur into guilt, but don't let it. That is why the market doors are usually open to welcome you in a non-discriminating way. Take advantage of that freedom, but remember you are in control of what you spend there. Even if the last minute item you need is on sale for a two for one does not mean you need four. It will be there the next time you go to the store. BOD-E-NOMICS next article will cover the shopping style of browsing . . .

by Viki Goldberg, RN
viki@bodenomics.com

Naturally Colored Easter Eggs

2011-03-14T18:09:00.000-07:00

The coloring is much more beautiful if you follow these instructions.

Boil fresh cut beets and save the water OR just add the eggs into the pan with the beets for the last 10 minutes. If you save the water you can just add boiled eggs and let them sit until you like the color.

Start saving skins from onions a few weeks before Easter. Boil them with or without eggs OR wrap them around the boiled eggs with raffia to make a pretty design when removed.

Boil fresh purple cabbage with eggs as with beets.

Add a few teaspoons of Turmeric to water and follow same instructions.

Using a one rubber band or more from broccoli before coloring will leave the covered space white....so cool!

Gail Tomassetti, Pampered Chef Consultant
914-526-8887
Please visit my website www.pamperedchef.biz/gailcooks
Let me help you with all of your cooking needs!

Tips to get Your Kids to Eat Healthier

2011-02-17T07:25:00.000-08:00

It all starts with YOU!....So be a Great, Healthy Eating, Role Model

Your kids eat what you provide them and what you, yourself eat. If you are eating fast food, processed food and junk foods, your child will too. Do not stock the refrigerator and cupboards with sodas, sugary snacks and junk food. Replace those foods with Healthy Snacks.

Establish set meal times for the family to sit down and eat together. Make this time relaxed and enjoyable, not centered around the food, or the troubles of the day; this is a good time to talk to your child about the day, school and friends.

Include vegetables as a part of every meal; never force your child to eat them. It usually takes kids 8-12 times of being introduced to something new before they actually try it…and eventually enjoy it. Put the new food on their plate, but do not force them to try it. If they don’t eat it, try that same food again in a week…eventually, it will become familiar and they will try it.

Involve your child in mealtime preparation; let them wash and rip the lettuce for the salad, mash the sweet potatoes or fill the glasses with water.

You can even let them plan a meal each week.

Bring your child grocery shopping with you….but do not go down the junk food aisles. In the produce area, let your child choose what vegetables and fruits they want to eat for the week. Often times if you child feels empowered by making his/her own food choices, they will be more willing to actually eat the food when presented on the table.

Be flexible. No one is ever 100% perfect. Every now and again let your child pick out a ‘treat’ and enjoy it….whether it is a donut or a bag of chips. If your child is eating 70-80% healthy, having a treat now and again will not hurt.

Do not use food as a reward, a bribe or punishement.

Always Enjoy a Nutritious Breakfast

This is the most important meal of the day, not only for your child, but for you as well. Not hungry in the morning…train your body to be hungry; start with eating something small about 30 minutes after rising. Even a few bites of banana is better than nothing. Eventually your body will learn to signal you that it wants foods in the morning.

Feeding the Whole Family: Cooking with Whole Foods
By Cynthia Lair
Feeding the Whole Family starts with the basics of creating a whole foods diet, from understanding grains and beans to determining what meats are acceptable to eat. Author Cynthia Lair then applies these lessons to cooking for young children and babies aged six months and older. She explains how to adapt each recipe separately for both children's and adults' palates. This updated edition includes the most current nutritional research along with 65 delicious new recipes, including meat dishes.

Healthy Snack Ideas

Put a bowl of thawed sweet peas or edamame in front of your child while they are watching TV…they will nibble on the snack without even knowing it.
Chop kale, spinach or other greens into small pieces and add to soups, spaghetti sauce and macaroni & cheese – they will never know it’s in there.
Add fresh or frozen fruit to whole, plain yogurt, sprinkle with cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup
Gorp – put together a mixture of nuts, seeds and dried fruit for your child to snack on. Raw almonds, toasted sunflower seeds and dried blueberries is and excellent combination.
Drink water
Almond butter on celery, add dried cranberries or raisins for “Ants on a Log”
Quesadillas – whole wheat tortillas with melted cheese…add refried black beans and vegetables for a complete healthy lunch.
English Muffin Art – spread an english muffin half with cream cheese or almond butter – put a variety of veggies in small bowls and let your child create a “Muffin Man” – then enjoy and eat. Shredded carrots, frozen peas, black olive halves, sliced red pepper pieces, broccoli flowers, raisins are some ideas to make great faces.
A hard boiled egg
Sting cheese and apple slices
Smoothie – add plain yogurt, a banana, frozen blueberries, coconut milk, spinach, some honey and cinnamon to a blender, blend until desired consistance…can add almond milk to thin. It’s better than an ice cream shake. Be creative with the ingredients. Adding foods like almond butter and avocados adds extra nutrition.

Walking - A Sound Investment in your Future

2011-02-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

Snowfalls and cold temperatures are breaking records everywhere. Time to lace up, button up, glove up and get out. The best investment in time and effort you can make for yourself is taking a walk on most days, even for a short amount of time. There is no form of physical exertion that can match it for health benefits. If you have medical issues, consult with your health care provider. Once you get the okay, it is time to choose your path (literally).

Some people like the temperature and traffic control of a mall walk. This gives you the opportunity to walk a "track," the mall floors, and have access to a restroom and water. If you are interested in keeping up with fashion trends, you have the opportunity to look at store displays as well. Parking and access to the mall is usually easy.

The other place to go for a walk is out your front door. Start with a short walk by finding a route of streets/roads that you are comfortable with and increase gradually (or don't). Being outdoors offers you the advantage of sunlight, if we are lucky enough to catch some rays. Sunlight provides your body with vitamin D and this time of year, it is a good way to counteract the winter blues. There is also wonderful scenery of birds and maybe a body of water. Look at your surroundings, the light, the colors in the sky and the trees. Native Americans in the North Pole region have over one hundred different names to describe the color of snow and ice. Take a good look at it, there is no shortage of snow and ice for us to see. There is actually nothing white. We are very fortunate, those of us who live in the lower Hudson Valley region of NY State, as this is peak eagle season and we are right on the Hudson river. I take my binoculars with me and get a bird show every day. Last week we saw a harbor seal on an ice flow. Every area has something interesting to look at. Learn what yours is then go out and find it. You can also see what your neighbors are up to.

For some reason, no matter how cold it is outside, once you come in from a walk you have a sense of satisfaction. You have also re-circulated the air in your lungs - too much heated room air sets up a scenario for potential respiratory infections.

Before you go out, be sure to dress properly with your head and neck covered. If you feel toasty, you are more likely to continue walking and go out the next day. Take the cell phone for emergency only. There will be no texting, no tweeting, and no talking. Commune with yourself. Walking is a wonderful solitary experience. If you need a walking buddy, find someone who will go out with you when you are available. Don't make a date, an appointment or a commitment to someone else. We have come to rely on others for so much that many times we can't support ourselves. Wendy has a wonderful walking partner, Sweetie. Sweetie is always ready when Wendy calls. Nevertheless, Wendy can and does walk by herself.

Take the walking time to let your thoughts flow wherever they want. Once you establish a route, you will go into autopilot and relax. This is free exercise, folks, and you don't need special equipment.

In addition, remember, it is not a fashion statement. Many times I gear up and resemble a large baked potato. But I am toasty and feel good.

Remember, a walk is an investment in your health that has costs nothing, yet will become a valuable asset that bears interest over the years. A FREE INVESTMENT YIELDS ASSESTS FOR YEARS TO COME.
Walk in peace, Viki

Snowfalls and cold temperatures are breaking records everywhere. Time to lace up, button up, glove up and get out. The best investment in time and effort you can make for yourself is taking a walk on most days, even for a short amount of time. There is no form of physical exertion that can match it for health benefits. If you have medical issues, consult with your health care provider. Once you get the okay, it is time to choose your path (literally).

Some people like the temperature and traffic control of a mall walk. This gives you the opportunity to walk a "track," the mall floors, and have access to a restroom and water. If you are interested in keeping up with fashion trends, you have the opportunity to look at store displays as well. Parking and access to the mall is usually easy.

The other place to go for a walk is out your front door. Start with a short walk by finding a route of streets/roads that you are comfortable with and increase gradually (or don't). Being outdoors offers you the advantage of sunlight, if we are lucky enough to catch some rays. Sunlight provides your body with vitamin D and this time of year, it is a good way to counteract the winter blues. There is also wonderful scenery of birds and maybe a body of water. Look at your surroundings, the light, the colors in the sky and the trees. Native Americans in the North Pole region have over one hundred different names to describe the color of snow and ice. Take a good look at it, there is no shortage of snow and ice for us to see. There is actually nothing white. We are very fortunate, those of us who live in the lower Hudson Valley region of NY State, as this is peak eagle season and we are right on the Hudson river. I take my binoculars with me and get a bird show every day. Last week we saw a harbor seal on an ice flow. Every area has something interesting to look at. Learn what yours is then go out and find it. You can also see what your neighbors are up to.

For some reason, no matter how cold it is outside, once you come in from a walk you have a sense of satisfaction. You have also re-circulated the air in your lungs - too much heated room air sets up a scenario for potential respiratory infections.

Before you go out, be sure to dress properly with your head and neck covered. If you feel toasty, you are more likely to continue walking and go out the next day. Take the cell phone for emergency only. There will be no texting, no tweeting, and no talking. Commune with yourself. Walking is a wonderful solitary experience. If you need a walking buddy, find someone who will go out with you when you are available. Don't make a date, an appointment or a commitment to someone else. We have come to rely on others for so much that many times we can't support ourselves. Wendy has a wonderful walking partner, Sweetie. Sweetie is always ready when Wendy calls. Nevertheless, Wendy can and does walk by herself.

Take the walking time to let your thoughts flow wherever they want. Once you establish a route, you will go into autopilot and relax. This is free exercise, folks, and you don't need special equipment.

In addition, remember, it is not a fashion statement. Many times I gear up and resemble a large baked potato. But I am toasty and feel good.

Remember, a walk is an investment in your health that has costs nothing, yet will become a valuable asset that bears interest over the years. A FREE INVESTMENT YIELDS ASSESTS FOR YEARS TO COME.
Walk in peace, Viki

Tai Chi - Healthy and Economical

2011-02-08T17:34:00.000-08:00

Finding ways to reduce stress, transform attitude and SLOW DOWN sometimes seem unattainable in our hectic society. Practicing Tai Chi may the perfect practice to all seeking the above AND it’s a WORKOUT!!!! Tai Chi and its related partner Qigong are ancient movement forms practiced by millions.

Originated in China, this movement form offers graceful consistent activity recruiting most muscles and all joints in the body. It’s no wonder that if one were to visit China today we would find literally hundreds of people hourly practicing this movement form daily. Indoors, outdoors in groups or alone anyone with limbs can practice and achieve the benefits of Tai Chi.

Tai chi puts the practice in a “be here now” situation allowing the mind and body to work together with slow, fluent particular movements. One links together a series of postures which are nonstop, challenging and graceful. Since during the practice of Tai Chi one focuses on movement patterns and breathing a state of calm and relaxation has been known to transpire. Tensions, anxieties and stresses of a hectic life subside during and form many people after practice.

Although Tai Chi has existed for thousands of years its health benefits have only recently been documented. Many studies suggest that Tai Chi may offer numerous benefits which include improvements in balance, muscle strength and flexibility. Already mentioned is the idea that Tai Chi reduces stress, anxiety and depression for many people. Helping people attain grace and balance helps reduce falling and other accidents. Some research has shown Tai Chi to lower blood pressure in studied subjects and improve their quality of sleep. Also important to note was that subjects tested who practiced Tai Chi on a regular basis for over 12 weeks also experienced pain reduction, increased energy, endurance, agility and improved feelings of wellness.

Westerners in our neophyte societies are only beginning to grasp onto what the Ancients in China have known for thousands of years. That is, the movement form of Tai Chi offers benefits to those who practice. Appealing as exercise Tai Chi is inexpensive, requires no special equipment and can be performed virtually anywhere. It’s highly recommended by this health professional to study and practice this ancient movement form.

Thank you Marcia Geisinger for your article submission.

Healthy Kids, Healthy Families

2011-01-19T11:00:00.000-08:00

“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” – Henry Brooks Adams

Notes from Healthy Kids, Healthy Families Presentation

1. The Appleton Study

"Typically, before school and during breaks, students would socialize in the student lounge while drinking soda and eating candy or chips. After these breaks staff noticed the students’ irritability increased and their attention spans decreased. Staff concluded that there was most likely a relationship between the subsequent eruptions in bad behavior and what the students consumed."

2. The Toxic Ten

Effect of pesticides on children's health and toxic human body

Visit the cosmetics data base to check out your personal care items for you and your kids

3. Excitotoxins

and more information on Excitotoxins

4. American Diet v. Buddy the Elf Diet

Sugar Candy

White Flour Candy Canes

Dairy Candy Corn

Salt Syrup

5. Obesity Trends - Growing

junk food n. food that tastes good but is high in calories having little nutritional value.

6. Real Reason To Eat : To Provide Raw Materials for our bodies to...

§ Grow New Cells

§ Repair Damaged Tissue

§ Provide Fuel for Daily Needs

§ Support Immune System Function

7. Doctrine of Signatures

8. Phytochemicals

§ Plant chemicals

§ Thousands are found in fruits and vegetables,

(the more colorful the better)

§ Prevent formation of carcinogens

§ Reduce risk of coronary artery disease

§ Lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels

9. Back to Basics

· Are we exercising daily?

· Are we getting the proper rest?

· Are we managing our stress well?

· Are we eating right?

· Are we drinking plenty of purified water?

Why eat healthy foods?

"A healthy diet has been shown to improve every aspect of your life: More happiness, more confidence, more energy, better sleep, healthy weight, stronger immune system/avoid illnesses, concentrate better, learn faster, healthier skin.......not to mention decreased chances of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and all the other stuff that kill us Americans."

Let the school-meals revolution begin – Marion Nestle

Prevention is key to addressing healthcare issues

Jim Riesberg, Guest Columnist – Greeley Tribune

10. Water

Click to view the documentary Tapped

11. Dr. David Katz, MD

Nutrition Detectives

When a Food Marketer Devises Nutrition Advice

12. Dr. William Sears, MD

Traffic Light Eating

“More Skills, Less Pills”

13. BOD-E-NOMICS

www.bodenomics.com

Movies: Food Inc., Processed People, Super Size Me and The Beautiful Truth

Healthy Kids - Snacks

Fresh Fruit (easier to handle if sliced)
Applesauce (check ingredients - just apples)
Sliced veggies and guacamole
Juiced veggies
Coconut or rice milk yogurt w mixed nuts
Whole fruit and grain snack bars
Nut butter (no hydrogenated oils) & rice crackers
Whole fruit and grain trail mix
Plant based protein shake
Hummus & rice crackers
Baked sweet potato fries

The Sugar Fog

2011-01-02T20:17:00.000-08:00

It all started innocently enough. Clients started spreading the holiday cheer by bringing in home baked goodies - peanut brittle, sugar Christmas Tree shaped cookies with pink frosting, sea foam with dark chocolate and many other specialty treats. My willpower was zero when these desserts are placed in front of my face even though I could hear my personal assistant (self-talk) say "you know you will get a belly ache, fat and wrinkly - DON'T DO IT!" I heard, but I did not listen. I mean, how could something that tastes so good make me feel and look so bad? Besides what can just one treat do? But, one treat led to craving more sugar (some say it is as addictive as cocaine). So I ate Christmas Tree cookies from Mike, holiday chocolates and candies from Lisa and Jeannie, and Joanie's pretzel, caramel, chocolate dreams. Most of these treats were bite-sized so I could pop one in my mouth every time I passed the platter.

The Sunday after Christmas I was invited to go horse back riding with my friends. I felt like I could have slept all day. My body ached and I was not thinking clearly. I looked out the window and saw blue skies, which is a rarity in the winters of West Michigan, so I had to go outside and play even though I did not have any energy. I got bundled with lots of layers for my ride, feeling like Randy from "A Christmas Story."

At the start of our ride I noticed a branch that fallen across the trail so I dismounted to move it. I attempted to get back on the horse and she moved, and I fell right on my butt. OUCH! I lost my balance due to sugar brain fog, extra bundling and slow reaction time.

Meanwhile, this volcano of a zit was brewing under my chin skin getting ready to erupt for my New Years Eve party.

So the pain in my butt and the erupting volcano on my face helped me say NO the desserts at the party.

I survived the sugar fog and my energy has returned. I am alert and my creativity is flowing.

Did you know 10 teaspoons of sugar suppresses your immune system for 4 - 6 hours? Are you suffering from The Sugar Fog? What do you notice happens to your body when you eat a lot of sugar? Do you feel foggy and lethargic?

What will it take to get your body back in business? Figure out what sugar you can cut out of your diet, read your labels - sugar can have many names.

Coming Clean for the New Year

2011-01-02T19:32:00.000-08:00

Out with the old and in with the new. Keep what is good in your life and get rid of what is in your way of health, wealth and happiness.

What is getting in your way? Could it be habits that no longer serve you, clutter that is distracting, relationships that wear you down, and/or food (food-like items) that make you sick and/or fat.

One of my New Year's projects was to clean out old files in my office and get ready for a clean start for the new year. What a mess! There were piles everywhere: garbage, burn, find a new home, and why did I ever keep this in the first place.

Cleaning up meant dragging out the old to make room for the new. Now I have order and peace in my office environment and it is conducive to productivity and creativity.

Your body also has to make a mess while it is cleaning up, when your body is done cleaning, you will feel better.

Office full of clutter = slow business

Body full of built up toxins that make you sick = slow business

What are toxins, how did they get in my body and how do they get out?

A toxin is "a poisonous substance, especially one produced by a living organism. Toxins can be products or byproducts of ordinary metabolism, such as lactic acid, and they must be broken down or excreted before building up to dangerous levels."

Toxins are poisons and enter our body through our breath, skin and from what we put in our mouths and swallow. Visit May's 2010 Blog for resources.

We get rid of toxins by drinking purified water and eating fresh fruit and vegetables. It is good to consult your Natural Care Provider to help with your cleansing process to answer any questions.

Just as it is easier on your body not to put the toxins there in the first place, it is easier to come up with an office system to keep area clean and ready to go. (Viki doesn't even have a junk drawer - everything has a place - I have been working on that goal since I moved to Michigan.)

Remember: Clean Office + Clean Body = Good Business

2010-12-23T03:40:00.000-08:00

BOD-E-NOMICS Holiday Dinner for Four CEO's

Starter - Antipasto

Soup - Sweet Potato

Salad - Baby Greens Topped with Vinaigrette

Main Course - Oven Grilled London Broil with Baked Mac/Cheese

Dessert - Brownies & Lemon Polenta Cake

Starter - Antipasto

1 pound cooked 20 to the pound shrimp

1 loaf of French or Italian bread

For each person you will need:

2 slices mozzarella cheese

2 slices provolone cheese

2 slices genoa salami

1/2 hard boiled egg

2 slices tomato

1/4 of a jar of roasted peppers

Evenly portion antipasto items and place on 4 plates. Next drizzle extra virgin olive oil and wine vinegar over the antipasto and top with some fresh ground pepper. Slice and oven bake French or Italian bread until crisp and serve with the antipasto.

Note: If people are helping you don't let them snack on the meat and cheeses or there won't be any left to serve.

Soup - Sweet Potato

2 medium sweet potatoes,

1 carrot

1 quart water

1/4 cup peanut butter

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Cut up carrots and sweet potatoes in 1" pieces, place in pot with rest of ingredients. Boil on medium till vegetables are soft. Let cool, puree in blender. Add a little more water if very thick. Taste if needed add a dash of cayenne and a dash of salt and 1 tablespoon sugar or honey.

Salad - Baby Greens Topped with Vinaigrette

Pre-packaged organic baby greens

Topped with vinaigrette:

1/2 cup olive oil

1/8 cup red wine vinegar

1 Tablespoon honey

1 Tablespoon mustard

dash of salt

dash of pepper

Put all ingredients into the blender at high speed for 4 minutes. Toss dressing into salad, mix and portion onto plates.

Main Course - Oven Grilled London Broil with Baked Mac/Cheese

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

Baked Mac/Cheese -

Cook 1 lb elbow macaroni for 6 minutes.

For cheese sauce:

2 Tablespoons oil

2 Tablespoons flour

2 cups of milk

1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar or whatever kind you like)

2 pinches cayenne pepper

2 tpsp Dijon mustard

Drain and put macaroni in a casserole dish and set aside. In a saucepan over medium heat mix oil and flour for a minute. Mix in milk and cheese until sauce thickens (about 5 minutes). Mix in cayenne pepper and Dijon mustard and pour over macaroni. Sprinkle with more cheese and 1/4 cup breadcrumbs. Bake on center rack at 350 degrees until brown and bubbly (30 minutes). Share oven with London Broil.

Oven Grilled London Broil -

1 1/2 pounds London Broil

1/2 cup red wine

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 Tablespoon oil (canola or coconut - do not fry with olive oil - it turns rancid with high heat)

Mix dry spices and rub over the beef. Put 1 Tablespoon oil into a frying pan that can go into the oven (no plastic or paint). Heat oil on medium heat until it starts to smoke and immediately add the meat. Let fry 3 minutes and turn - fry 2nd side for 3 minutes. Put in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and place steak on a platter, cover with aluminum foil and cool to room temperature. To de-glaze, immediately put hot pan back on stove and turn on medium low heat. Add 1/2 cup red wine and with a wooden spoon, stir bits from the bottom of the pan. This will be your sauce. When meat is room temperature, cut thin slices against the grain. Evenly portion London Broil with red wine sauce on plates.

Lemon Polenta Cake

2 lemons (one to cut up and one for fresh juice)
1 cup flour
1/2 cup corn meal
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cooking oil
1 cup sugar + 2 Tablespoons sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9" spring form pan. Cut up whole lemon, remove seeds and place pulp and peels in blender. Add the eggs and puree. In a mixer bowl, beat oil and sugar for 2 minutes, add egg and lemon peel mixture, beat and additional 2 minutes. Add dry ingredients at mix on low speed for 2 minutes, add milk until just combined. Pour into pan. Bake 45 - 50 minutes. When cake is done (when you put toothpick or knife in middle and it comes out clean you know it is done), mix 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice with 2 Tablespoons sugar, poke holes in top of cake and pour over. This should be made the day before because the flavor improves with age.

Brownies

6 Tablespoons cooking oil 1/2 cup chopped chocolates (miniatures or whatever you like)
1 cup sugar Make pieces 1/4" or larger and irregular in shape
1/2 cup cocoa
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1/2 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Pre-heat oven to 350. Grease an 8x8 pan and line with wax paper. Put wax paper down in pan and turn it over so both sides are greased. Mix sugar with oil. Add cocoa, vanilla, cinnamon and cayenne. Mix well. Add eggs. Add flour and chocolate pieces. Mixture is very thick. Wet a spoon to help spread it into pan. Bake for 20 minutes - not longer. Under baked is even okay - over baked is not. Turn out onto a rack on a piece of wax paper. Peel off wax paper from the pan.

Do not encourage chip and dip diving when the guests arrive, there is more than enough food for 4 people with good portions. You have given the gift of a rememberable experience, your reward is to look around the table at the smiling satisfied faces you have just fed.

Enough said, Enjoy!

Love, Viki

All recipes to serve 4.

Trip to New York

2010-09-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful adventure this trip to New York has been. We are thankful for all our supporters. We had two groups at the Hendrick Hudson Library, so we got to do our presentation twice - lots of practice. The next evening we had our New York book release party for our friends, family and colleagues, it was great seeing everyone and catching up with their lives. We visited the Catskill Animal Sanctuary and The Bronx Zoo we love our animals! Yesterday was definitely the best food day with a visit to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. I will exercise more when I get home to work off the Tiaramisu and the chocolate dipped mini Canolis - worth every bite! Thank you New York, we are truly blessed.

Look for us Thursday morning outside NBC Today's show!

2010-08-16T08:27:00.000-07:00

PROGESTERONE & ESTROGEN

FINDING BALANCE

Have you, male or female, have ever felt the effects of PMS?

When I heard people talk about PMS or Menopause symptoms I could not believe a person could get so out of control. Until recently.

My Dilemma:

I noticed some changes about a year ago after my surgery to remove uterine polyps. On my follow-up visit I told my doctor there were times when I was so bitchy I could hardly stand myself. The doctor replied that it was fun to be bitchy sometimes, but to let her know if it got worse. Well, it got a lot worse. My best friend didn’t want to play with me anymore and my boyfriend started hanging out with his friends a lot more. Finally, my best friend lovingly said, “You have until May to get this under control or you are going to the doctor for heavy duty drugs.”

My Symptoms:

I didn’t want the drugs so I had two months to find a solution and then I happened to come across a CD from a hormone workshop I had taken from Nature’s Sunshine. I immediately started listening and it began with a talk about hormone imbalance and the symptoms associated with having too much estrogen. I answered yes to every question.

Pain – Excruciating pain to the point where I would lay in bed curled in a ball and praying for the pain to go away.
Bloating – I felt uncomfortable and swollen all the time
Crying – Get ready for the water works and anything could set me off.
Depression – I opened my eyes one Sunday morning and thought I had no energy, no motivation and all the happiness had left my body. Thank God I was dog-sitting that weekend and Tipper was in my face, with a come-play-with-me look.
Brain Fog - A good example would be when I was asked to present BodENomics for the students of Central High School. I got up in front of the class and I had nothing. I was smiling, but the words were not coming out and the kids were staring at me. I heard crickets in the background. People would ask me questions and I felt there was no way to retrieve the answers.
Brain Scramble - I was thinking that the people I loved most were against me and trying to sabotage my every move.
Irritability – My boyfriend was asking me questions one morning that I didn’t know the answers to, probably due to the brain fog, and I said "would you stop bugging me." Then when he got up to leave – I said "where are you going?"
Temper – I screamed, I stomped on the floor, I took a book (not mine) off the dining room table and drop-kicked it into the bathroom. It did get pretty good air and landed right in the sink. My girlfriend asked me what had set me off. I said a picture was really slow downloading on to the computer.

What I Learned:

I learned the first part of a woman’s cycle is where the estrogen is dominate. After ovulation, progesterone should be dominate. I had an estrogen overload and after ovulation my body was not getting enough progesterone. Using a progesterone cream as a supplement calms the estrogen levels, balances the hormones and relieves the symptoms.

My Change:

Their recommendation was to rotate the areas of the progesterone application by applying on the soft tissues of upper arms, breasts, lower belly and inner thighs where the skin is the softest. It was easy to apply after a shower and I felt the calming effects almost immediately. When I remember to apply every day between ovulation and menstruation, my symptoms go from out of control to manageable. I have used the progesterone cream for two months and am AMAZED at the results.

Final Thoughts:

To women, if you have noticed emotional or physical changes revolving around the same time each month, I recommend doing further research on the hormone balances between estrogen and progesterone. Also, contact a natural health practitioner who specializes in balancing hormones.

This information is just as important for men as it is for women, since the men are the ones who get to work with, live with and stand in confusion because they don’t know what happen to the normally kind and loving woman they were with yesterday went.

So to men, share this information lovingly and only on a good day to the woman you are trying to help. A correct way to bring up the subject would be, “I heard a speaker today, and she was talking about women’s health.”

I know the people around me are thankful I found and use progesterone cream to balance my hormones.

Foods that Heal

2010-06-23T09:52:00.000-07:00

I received this email from my friend Melody today:

It's been said that God first separated the salt water from the fresh, made dry land, planted a garden, made animals and fish... All before making a human. He made and provided what we'd need before we were born. These are best & more powerful when eaten raw. We're such slow learners...

God left us a great clue as to what foods help what part of our body!

God's Pharmacy! Amazing!
A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... And YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.
A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.
Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.
A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.
Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.
Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.
Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).
Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.
Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.
Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries
Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.
Onions look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.

How Clean Are Your Cleaning Supplies?

2010-05-26T02:57:00.000-07:00

The Toxic Ten (personal products)

§ Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (foams /shampoo) Penetrates the brain, liver, heart, eyes (may cause blindness and cataracts), kidneys, and muscles. Degenerates cell membranes and changes genetic information (mutagenic) in cells and damages the immune system.

§ Benzene (nail polish remover /glue, many commercial and household cleaners) Known bone-marrow poison, causes leukemia, is mutagenic and toxic.

§ Propylene Glycol (liquid makeup /shaving) Causes liver abnormalities and kidney damage, and is carcinogenic, mutagenic, and toxic.

§ Isopropyl Alcohol (lotions /cosmetics) Carcinogenic, mutagenic, and toxic.

§ Fluoride (toothpaste /cosmetic) Linked to dental deformity, arthritis, allergic reactions, can lead to Crohn’s disease. Carcinogenic, mutagenic, and toxic.

§ Talc (body powder /make-up) Contains particles typical to cancer causing asbestos, causing respiratory illness and cancer.

§ Formaldehyde (nail polish /soap) Causes dermatitis, severe abdominal pain., internal bleeding, vertigo, coma, and a loss of ability to urinate. Very toxic when inhaled, skin irritant, suspected carcinogen.

§ Diethanolamine (DEA) Trietheolamine (TEA), Monoetanolamine (MEA) (dyes, lotion cream, bubble bath, detergents) Harmful to liver, kidneys, and pancreas. Irritates skin, eyes, mucous membranes causing allergic reactions and contact dermatitis. Hazardous, carcinogen, toxic.

§ Toluene (nail polish /dyes) Causes mild anemia, liver damage, respiratory tract and skin irritant.

§ Peg Laureth (soap /detergent) Contains dangerous levels of dioxane. Causes many allergic reactions, hives, eczema.

http://www.vistamagonline.com

http://www.isocare.net/displayarticle.asp?id=51

NASA lists 50 common houseplant known to clean our air www.nasa.gov

Chemicals and potential health risks are listed in “Toxic Release Inventory” www.epa.gov

Simple steps for Living Clean are outlined on www.idiotsguides.com

Top 6 Dangerous FOOD Additives:

§ Nitrates and nitrites/ Lunchmeats, Hotdogs, Processed meats (carcinogenic)

§ Refined, Enriched and Fortified Products/ Bleached, nutrients removed, (diabetes)

§ Hydrogenated Fats (Trans Fats) Chemically processed oils. (heart disease)

§ Preservatives and Dyes (BHA, BHT, Red dye #40, Blue lake #2, Yellow #5) Excitotoxins (ADHD)

§ Aspartame (Nutrasweet) 90 documents symptoms (Dept. of Health) Formaldehyde

§ Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Excitotoxin

For Healthy Recipe and Healthy Eating ideas visit: www.bodenomics.com

www.fruitandveggy.com
www.askdrsears.com
www.justtomatoes.com
www.feingold.org

www.vegweb.com
www.aboutproduce.com
www.anniesnaturals.com
www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov

www.fandvforme.com.au
www.healthychoices.org
www.vegkitchen.com

presented by

Eileen Albrecht, Children’s Health Advocate

(616)607-9444/ (800) 384-1994

www.wholefoodsforkids.com / eileen_ps34@hotmail.com

CEO of Vegetables

2010-04-25T11:12:00.000-07:00

“Thanks to its superior nutrient portfolio, the sweet potato is the CEO of vegetables.” (30 Secrets of the Worlds Healthiest Cuisines, Steven Jonas, MD and Sandra Gordon)

Note: Sweet potato is not a yam (the yam does not have vitamin A)

The Sweet Potato contains antioxidants vitamin A and C, plus potassium and fiber. These "may help protect against colon and other cancers as well as heart disease and high blood pressure."

We usually see sweet potatoes on the dinner table at holidays with marshmallows on top. They are delicious, I think we will have some this week. We will keep with the BOD-E-NOMICS theme and avoid the marshmallow topping, to save our money and calories.

Making the Connections

2010-04-24T11:35:00.000-07:00

This morning we were watching the new Sherlock Holmes movie. The beginning scene shows Sherlock Holmes saving Watson from being impaled by a clear glass rod.

Watson: How did you see that?

Sherlock: I was looking for it.

Then we were opening our emails and Viki found this:

Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. A man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about an hour. During that time approximately 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

After 3 minutes: a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.

4 minutes later: The violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw the money in the hat without stopping and continued to walk.

10 minutes: A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.

45 minutes: The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money, but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

1 hour: He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

Findings:

No one knew this, but:

· The violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world,

· He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written,

· With a violin worth $3.5 million dollars.

· Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each.

This is a true story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the Metro Station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste, and people's priorities.

The questions raised: "In a common place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?"

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made... How many other things are we missing?

The BOD-E-NOMICS lifestyle was created by paying attention, connecting with knowledge, and appreciating what we have.

OH NO Its Tax Day Already

2010-04-15T06:09:00.000-07:00

When you hear April 15th, do you think, "Yeah! It is time for a refund" or do you think "OH NO, its tax day already." I have experienced both, however, this year it is definitely OH NO. My accountant gave me everything to send in except the money to pay what I owe, which is about four grand. I called him, told him I didn't have the money and asked for my options. He said to make sure you file today and they will send you a bill. If you don't file, there will be extra penalties. I do have a stamp, cool.

I have been out of money before and bounced back, so I am sure I can make a come back. I am so thankful for my neighbor who brought over eighteen of her farm fresh eggs. Yeah! We can eat! Last night we were talking about a friend who hated eggs because when his family was out of money, eggs were also their main course. They are an excellent source of protein.

I shared one of my Montana adventures. Our slogan was "If we can move to Montana in January and make it - we can accomplish anything!" Our truck broke down in Butte, so we decided to stay in a motel with a kitchenette while we looked for jobs. Jobs were scare and we ended up selling everything we owned (except our truck) so we could have food and shelter. Our diet mainly consisted of eggs, bananas, cabbage and Ramen Noodles with every combination possible for variety.

One day, I was making hard boiled eggs, got sidetracked and forgot about them on the stove. When I returned, there was an aweful smell eminating from the kitchen and egg particles were all over the stove, floors, walls and ceiling. We switched to a different room after the we found out the stench would not go away.

Eventually we ran out of stuff to sell. I remember coming back from the last trip to pawn shop bawling my eyes out, because they wouldn't buy what we had. Fortunately, we met a gentleman who was also moving to Montana, except he had money for deposit and rent. He said we could share a place and pay him back when we got on our feet. We drove to the surrounding areas to look for a home and drove through a little town called Sheridan and everyone waved at us, I said "I want to live here." We rented a two bedroom trailer on farm with horses to play with. We made it through our slump and found jobs.

I feel like I am in that money slump again, except this time, I have the marketable skill of massage I am able to barter with. So even though the cash flow is dammed up, I am able to receive Pilates instruction, have a hair stylist, remodel my home and be able to promote BOD-E-Nomics with my website, graphic designer, expo booths and the venue to hold our Spring Book Release Party! I love to barter.

I feel rich and ready to receive. I keep pulling the card from the Secrets of the Millionaire Mind set that states: "If you do what is hard, life will be easy. If you do what is easy, life will be hard." Being CEO of my body business means controlling my spending and paying off my debt and that is hard. I know my life will get easier when I am debt free, my financial advisor set a plan up for me so I know it is possible.

Being CEO of my body business also means controlling my drinking (wine) and eating large portions, that is also hard. I know when I do control those habits, I feel great, full of energy and I am able to do any activity I want, that is easy. It is easy for me to avoid fast food and over processed foods because I get sick to my stomach instantly, my body wants to get down to business and eliminate it NOW. About five years ago was the last time I ate fast food burger, I remember feeling lousy and taking many trips to the bathroom.

As CEO, I will keep plugging along, pay what I can, save what I can (If I didn't have a plan with my financial advisor, my savings would be zero), be thankful for my wonderful friends, my beautiful, yet perpetually under construction home, neighbors who bring me food and my pets who can always brighten my day.

So the moral of this story is, when you don't plan ahead and put money aside for taxes, self-employment sucks on April 15. I hope I learned my lesson and plan for April 15, 2011.

Childhood Obesity

2010-04-14T00:58:00.000-07:00

After watching the Dr. Phil show on childhood obesity, my colleague phoned her cousin. She said there was an example of a family looking for water in the desert, when they arrive at the oasis, signs are everywhere "Toxic" and "Danger DO NOT Drink." The parents were asked if they would let their child drink the unhealthy water. Their answer was "NO." The parents were told giving their kids the processed junk food is like letting them drink from the toxic well.

Her cousin saw the show too and stated she was lucky because her daughter didn't even like junk food. She gave an example of her good eating habits. "She will only eat the fish sandwich and french fries" at the fast food restaurant. This reminds me of the sign I saw in the grocery store: "Eat something healthy, try our sugar free cupcakes."

Dr. Phil shares one of the top three ways parents make their kids obese: shaping taste and the environment. “Kids aren’t born with a preference for French fries and Twinkies. They have to learn that,” he explains. "They acquire this taste based on what’s in the environment."

Growing up, my mom baked home-made whole wheat bread, we had a garden, and grew our own alfalfa sprouts. My dad hunted and fished. We were the classic hunter-and-gatherer family. The kids at school made fun of me for my wholesome lunches. I wished that I could have white bread with peanut butter and jelly; and the grandest of all lunch treats, THE TWINKIE! No one would trade with me. I had to eat healthy or not eat at all.

In BOD-E-NOMICS, the vice presidents (VP) of your corporation are your children and you are training them to take over the company when you retire. The CEO is the role model for the vice presidents. You will be preparing the CEOs of tomorrow. What do want your family legacy to be?

Responsible and Fun

2010-04-10T05:20:00.000-07:00

I was so excited our book BOD-E-NOMICS got published this week and is available for sale. I was sharing the news to everyone who would listen.

A client asked me, "Do you follow everything you talk about in the book?" I said, "I do most things most of the time. However, my co-author and mentor, chooses the BOD-E-NOMICS lifestyle to conduct her body business everyday."

My client asked if she was any fun.

I laughed and said "YES!"

My co-author Viki is a great example of a successful CEO.

She does not carry any debt (except for her mortgage). She is able to take numerous vacations throughout the year.
She takes care of herself through exercise and good nutrition.
She enjoys entertaining her friends, eating low cost gourmet foods, drinking a glass of fine wine (3 for $11), reading, learning and laughing.
She does not waste hardly anything so she is able to maximize her food and her money.
She is healthy and wealthy and is able to enjoy her life.

My client thought for a moment and said "So you can be responsible and fun at the same time, Wow!"

Changes Are Happening!

2010-03-25T08:51:00.000-07:00

The BOD-E-NOMICS CEO craze is sweeping the nation. We are here to help people take successful CEO charge of their lives. We have researched, experienced and entertained. We have valuable information concerning your body, eating and money.

According to Reader's Digest (February 2010) drinking two and a half sodas per day increased your chances of "developing high blood pressure by 36 percent." It also increases your risk of "obesity, diabetes and tooth decay." According to "a recent Harvard Medical School study, women who drank two or more servings of artificially sweetened soda daily were found to have double the risk of kidney function decline, which can destroy that organ."

I was so excited yesterday when a client of mine shared what changes she had made in her life. We had spoken about aspartame about 6 months ago and she had quit drinking her diet soda. She recently decided to read further into her food labels beyond the calories and fat. She realized that she was consuming aspartame all day, from her coffee to her yogurt and diet ice cream treats. She realized that her body could not process the aspartame and decided to make the CEO change and stop the artificial sweeteners.

For more information, read Excitotoxins by Russell Blaylock, MD. He is a board certified neurosurgeon, and he explains how the body and brain are affected by the ingestion of artificial sweeteners and glutamate. The amount of artificial sweeteners and hydrolized vegetable proteins found in processed foods is overwhelming. The evidence shows the cumulative effects on the body and brain from regularly consuming processed foods containing these substances are not good.

A FEW THINGS I LEARNED THIS WEEK

2010-03-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

Here are 3 things I learned this week:

1. There are "more Chinese restaurants in the United States than there are McDonald's, Burger Kings and Wendy's combined." I am reading the Eating History by Andrew F. Smith. More fun facts to come . . .

2. It is important to have balanced hormones. When the CEO is not balanced, the old personal assistant will be there waiting for their job back (and they are persistent). I will tell you the story . . .

3. In Michigan, you can be wearing shorts and flip flops on March 19, then long underwear and snow boots on March 20. It looks beautiful out the window, I think I will stay in today.

Hope you have a prosperous spring!

Wendy

Wendy Schweifler

co-author, Bod-E-Nomics

Toastmasters Speech #2 - Bod-E-Nomics - Your Body is Your Business and You are the CEO

2010-03-08T11:05:00.000-08:00

In my first blog, I am introducing you to the Bod-E-Nomics lifestyle with my Toastmasters speech #2.

Opening

1. How many of you have felt stress concerning your body, your eating or your money?

How many of you have experienced the effects of an unhealthy lifestyle in your family, friends and coworkers?

How many of you would like to be more in control of your body, your eating or your money?

2. I would like to introduce to you the concept of Bod-E-Nomics, where your body is your business and you are the CEO. It empowers you to take charge of your life.

I will tell you my problem, how I solved my problem, when I knew I was successful, how we started Bod-E-Nomics and the first steps to get you started.

B. Body

1. Problem: Lets begin with my problem: My life was out of control, I was unhappy, overweight, sick all the time, broke and $40 thousand dollars in debt.

I realized when I saw myself in a video that I had somehow managed to gain an extra thirty pounds. I was shocked and thought to myself "Who is that?" Then, right after that awakening, I was getting fitted for a bridesmaid dress to be in my girlfriends wedding. After measuring me, the seamstress called out "order her a size 16." I decided right then that I needed to make some changes - I decided it was time to take control of my body and my eating.

2. How I solved my problem: First, I signed up for a weight loss program (for the fourth time) except this time, I made a commitment to myself to keep going until I reached my goal. It took me 6 months to lose the 30 pounds (and I keep 25 of them off). That was 8 years ago, and it is still a struggle for me everyday to maintain the loss.

Next, I started researching how the foods I was eating were affecting my body and I changed my eating habits little by little. The first shocking thing that I found out about was the diet soda I was drinking. I thought it was the perfect treat - zero calories, sweet and bubbly. I was at the gym one day talking with one of my nurse friends and she told me that soda ate my bones. So I looked further into her claim and found out that it also disrupted my body's pH balance. It was making my body acidic, which leads to inflammation. Now they are finding out that it is the inflammation that leads to many diseases. I also found out that Aspartame known as
Nutrasweet is made by a pharmaceutical company that was testing an anti-ulcer drug, somehow tasted it and it was sweet so they decided to market it as a no calorie sweetener. But since it is located in the grocery department instead of the pharmacy, the list of side effects does not come with your purchase.

Something else I found very interesting were the symptoms of dehydration. We had written in our book the importance of hydration, but then our editor asked how do I know if I am dehydrated? We read this eye opening book called "You're not sick, you're thirsty". One of the symptoms that stood out for me was acid reflux. I learned the body needs water to keep the mucous lining moist in your stomach which leads to healthy digestion. Now every time I pass a sink, I instantly become thirsty and I want to drink a glass of water.

The last step I took to get my life on track was to tackle my 40 thousand dollar debt. I met with a financial adviser. I told him that I didn't have any money but I wanted to talk to him. He showed me places where I did have money and set me up with a plan so I could be debt free in five years with my current income. Then painfully I gave up using all my credit cards. I have not incurred any new debt in a year and a half and my balances are slowly coming down. Now, I am very aware of where all my money goes and do not waste hardly anything. I remember laughing at my dad for washing out the zip locks and reusing them - well that is me now.

Another way I am able to use my money wisely is that I use recipes from my co-author that showed me the most economical ways to eat healthy. She showed me how to turn simple dishes into gourmet presentations so it feels like you are rich even though you only spent a couple bucks on dinner.

3. How I knew I was successful and on the right track is: I went to see a client that got massages about once a year. She opened up her front door and said "Wow! You look fantastic. What have you been doing?" I said "I cut down on my portions, starting eating whole foods and avoided processed, diet and non-fat foods" She asked "Is that the Atkins Diet?" I said "no, it is a balanced diet."

4. On my way home I called Viki (who is my co-author and mentor) and said "Hey lets start a new diet craze, we can call it THE BALANCED DIET" We laughed and then we started brainstorming. We realized that living a healthy life is like running a successful business and everyone is the CEO of their body and has the power to choose how they want to run it. As a result, the Bod-E-Nomics lifestyle began.

C. Conclusion:

Finally, I found the first step to any goal you make is commitment. I have provided you with a statement that you can sign and read every morning. I have also provided a Bod-E-Nomics pre-order form. Please share your body, your eating and your money stories with us, your friends, family and colleagues because we all need to acknowledge your successes and celebrate. Remember your body is your business and YOU are the CEO.