Mick's Up in a Search

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Mick’s up on Gluten

Glutenology.net

Remember the Mick's up with sugar addiction?  Did you know breads and grains can be included in that addiction? 

Breads and grains are basically converted into sugar almost immediately by your saliva.  “Refined flours, even gluten-free ones such as tapioca, white rice and cornstarch, are too easily broken down in your system and have a similar effect to refined sugar.(Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Sugar-Free)

What is it we’re trying to avoid by going gluten-free and sugar-free?  Why are some sugars good and some sugars bad? 

“Fruits and other unrefined carbohydrate foods contain fiber that naturally slows the absorption of sugar in your body.  Refined sugars have been stripped of these properties, allowing the sugar to go immediately to your bloodstream.  Your body then reacts by pumping out insulin to stop the overflow of sugar.  That’s why after you eat something sweet you get a sugar high followed by a crash.  After the crash, you feel like you need more sugar to bring your energy level back up again, and it becomes a cycle. ”(Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Sugar-Free)

Some people have found they have no choice but to stay away from gluten.  I can’t imagine!  However, it is possible to live gluten-free, and there are some great resources out there.  Even if you are not in the position of being forced to go gluten-free, it isn’t a bad idea to move yourself in that direction.  This video from Gluten Free Society sums it up for us.



Enjoy the process.  Every day gives you an opportunity to learn something new.  For example, to help out my cousin at Thanksgiving dinner, because she suffers from celiac disease, we prepared a gluten-free stuffing.  I found it at allrecipes.com, but there are others out there, too, at such places as GingerLemonGirl

Don’t be discouraged.  Don’t think it can’t be done.  If you want it… or need it… badly enough, you’ll make it happen.  Have fun exploring all the many resources, like Glutenology.net and Gluten Free Society and other sites by Dr. Osborne.

Don’t let breads and sugars rule your life!  Be strong!  Be healthy!


Grain must be ground to make bread;
so one does not go on threshing it forever.
The wheels of a threshing cart may be rolled over it,
but one does not use horses to grind grain.
All this also comes from the LORD Almighty,
whose plan is wonderful,
whose wisdom is magnificent.


~

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Mick’s up and to the Point

Your Spine Deserves Better!
This is short and sweet and to the point:

When was the last time you had a check-up for your nervous system?

“The goal of Chiropractic is to ignite Life within you so you can regain your health, fulfill your purpose and bring more joy to those around you.  Staying 'lit up' with regular Chiropractic care is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and those you love the most.” (The Weekly Sticky – “Chiropractic Fires Up Your LIFE!”)

And about the matter you and I discussed—remember, the LORD is witness between you and me forever.”

~

Monday, November 28, 2011

Do You Have a Mick’s up with Sugar Addiction

Sugar is Addicting
When our family began living our new lifestyle of health and wellness one year ago, I knew I’d be the one with the most difficulty.  That surprised my husband, who we always teased as being the big sugar fiend.  However, I knew cutting out sugar all together would not be easy for me.

Why did I think it would be so difficult for me?  Being the person in charge of grocery shopping and kitchen organization, I can easily hide things from the rest of the family.  They don’t have to know when I’m eating something sugary.  I know what’s best, and I love them and want the best for them, so I guide them in doing the right thing… but if my craving gets too bad, I can sneak a treat.

The crazy thing is: it’s not such a treat. 

Have you ever noticed that?  You really, really want that sugar, and so you convince yourself you can have it and it’ll be awesome… but after the fact, you wish you hadn’t done it, and you wonder why you thought you couldn’t live without it.

Through posts from glutenologist Dr. Osborne, I ran across some links today that I hope will be very helpful to those of you who struggle with sugar addiction.  You aren’t sure?  Take a test for Self Diagnosis Quiz - Sugar Addiction?!!

If you have decided it’s time to do something about it, CONGRATULATIONS!  Actually taking a step toward breaking that addiction puts you in a rare category.

“One of the most important things about breaking a sugar addiction is learning how to think differently about sugar and how you resist temptation in your life.  Because if you get off sugar but don’t know how to stay off it, that is something that can be very frustrating.” (Samantha Taylor - Sugar Addiction Specialist)

So, how did we do it?  How did we cut our sugar addictions?  We had to be extreme.

All sugar and grains were eliminated from the house… and no longer purchased.  We no longer consumed sugar of any kind.  I was very strict about this for the first 30 days, because we wanted to set a solid foundation for our new lifestyle.  I personally felt it would be foolish for us to ease into it, because we would be wasting money on some things that go totally against our goal, while we also spent lots of money on other things that took us in the direction of our goal.  I would not allow that contradiction in the house… nor in the budget.  (If you follow Dave Ramsey’s advice to pay for groceries with cash and the guidelines of a budget, you find yourself less likely to spend it on indulgences, thus helping in dropping that sugar habit.)  Another reason I had us go “whole hog” into the new lifestyle of no sugar is that I know if I don’t make myself do it like that, I’ll never do it.  If the temptation is nearby, I don’t have the willpower to say, “No!”

After a while, of course, the family started wondering if they’d ever taste anything sweet again.  That’s when I started getting wise to the healthier sweeteners and what recipes are out there to assist in healthy eating.  Plus, we have learned to plan ahead, so we can splurge on sugar once in a while.  We have to remember to use some constraints, or else we’re tempted to go overboard.

It is a matter of the mind.  Do what it takes to make yourself stop eating sugar, even if it’s checking into Sugar Addiction Solution Getting off sugar is worth it in the long run.  I can’t even express to you how much it is worth it!

Don’t let yourself believe you’re too weak to succeed.  You can do it!



Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.



~

Friday, November 25, 2011

Mick's up on Toxicity

Why in the world should anyone consider detox? 

My husband and I used to think all the talk about toxins was a new fad.  It wasn't until we did some research, and were seriously looking for some answers and a solution for his chronic pain, that our eyes were opened, and we began to understand.

All I can say is, if you are in that same spot, wondering why you have to deal with what you're dealing with, and wishing for a way out, this might be the time for you to do some research.

If you have any of the following problems, you might have an issue with toxicity.
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Eyelid, face, or muscle twitching
  • Digestive issues
  • Dizziness
  • Irritability
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Sensitivity to sound
  • Inability to concentrate (“brain fog”)
  • Hormone deregulation
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Sleep problems
  • Overweight and weight-loss resistant
If you're thinking, "Yes, I need to find out more," then read the post on Mick's Sum up for Week and read more at Maximized Living.

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

1 Chronicles 4:10 (NIV)


~

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Mick's up Turkey and Exercise

I've been enjoying talking with family and eating lots of food I did not have to prepare.  What a wonderful day! 

Because of this, today the nutrition and exercise posts are combined into one.

To all of my American friends, "Happy Thanksgiving! Be honest.  How many of you did like I did this morning?  We exercised, in order to feel better about eating the feast later in the day.  Actually, I know lots of you really have been outside enjoying the beautiful weather, and working off that full feeling.  What a great way to make the most of this family time!

It's also a wonderful way to keep from falling asleep.  You know the feeling.  After the big family dinner, we all feel like taking a nap.  We always blame it on the turkey... poor bird.  We say it's the tryptophan.

Did you know, though, that research shows it's not the turkey's fault?!

If you think about it, the usual list of items on the Thanksgiving menu are primarily carbohydrates and high on the glycemic index.  What does this mean for our bodies?  It means we eventually experience a sugar crash.

So, let's not go pointing fingers and falsely accusing the holiday favorite.  Instead, go for a walk with the family.


...when deep sleep falls on people...

Job 33:15 (NIV)



~

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Have You Gotten a Mick’s up of Chiropractic

You might have gathered by now that I am very thankful for chiropractic care.  I never used to know why Conway Family Chiropracticchiropractic is so good for me, but I just knew I felt better and was healthier when I received regular care. 

I am so thankful my parents became friends with a chiropractor so many years back, which first introduced us to this form of healthcare.

I’m thankful I found a wonderful office through the yellow pages and got back into regular chiropractic care, when I was pregnant with our first child, after I discovered chiropractic is excellent for pregnant ladies.  I was no longer in pain, regained comfortable sleep during those crucial months, improved my attitude, and later had a healthy baby because of chiropractic.

It is amazing to me the gifts God has given chiropractors:  the skill to be able to feel each bone in the spine and know it by name; the precision for moving the proper bone in the necessary manner; the understanding of where each nerve leads and what it helps, as well as what is hurt when it is not able to function properly; the compassion to care for each patient and their needs; even the knowledge of all other bones in the skeletal system, so as to aid in supplying answers for bewildered patients.

If you have not yet discovered the world of chiropractic, I urge you to do yourself a favor and look into it.

Listen to what Dr. Patrick Gentempo, owner of the Chiropractic Leadership Alliance, says: “Now that this whole wellness revolution has come into this world, chiropractic is expanding and growing because we've had such great training….  Chiropractic is proactive,” meaning we take the approach of, “Let's not wait for you to get sick and then do something.  Let's keep you healthy.

As we enter into the more stressful holiday season, it’s good to contemplate what that stress is doing to us and what we can do to handle it in a healthier way.  Dr. Gentempo continues on to say, “Everybody knows that lifestyle stress adversely affects your health.  How stress is processed and managed is through the nervous system.  What's between stress and illness?  The Central Nervous System.  You live your life through your nervous system.  What chiropractors do is evaluate your nervous system, see how stress is affecting that, and if it’s causing disturbance in how your nervous system functions, we want to release those disturbances so your body can heal and regulate.

Is chiropractic a lifetime commitment?  Dr. Gentempo explains, “Chiropractic doesn't treat conditions...  It gives lifestyle support to help better address whatever your challenges might be.”  This question is like asking, “Once you go to the gym, do you have to keep going back?  Once you eat healthy, do you have to keep eating healthy?”  As the doctor says, If you want a healthy lifestyle, chiropractic is a critical component.”

Many thanks to Conway Family Chiropractic for encouraging me to use their video in my blog.  This is a great summary of what chiropractic is and why we need it.  Enjoy!

Remember, don’t stress this holiday.  Read the Proverb below.  If you find yourself stressing, be sure to see your local chiropractor!
 

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
Proverbs 14:30 (NIV)
 
~

Monday, November 21, 2011

Why the Mick’s up of Thanks

"All ye Pilgrims with your wives and little ones, do gather at the Meeting House, on the hill…
there to listen to the pastor, and render Thanksgiving to the Almighty God for all His blessings."
November 1623, Governor William Bradford of the 1620 Pilgrim Colony
Plymouth Plantation” in Plymouth, Massachusetts

Remembering the 1st Thanksgiving
 

For those of us from the United States, this week is a celebration of Thanksgiving.  It’s wonderful to think back to the origin, back to the Pilgrim times, when they endured so much hardship, but still found energy and reason to be thankful.

I am thankful for leaders with wisdom enough to remind us to be thankful:  Henry Laurens, President of Continental Congress 1777; President George Washington, National Thanksgiving Proclamation 1795; President Abraham Lincoln, first annual National Day of Thanksgiving 1863, “It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people…” (Catherine Millard "Why do Americans celebrate Thanksgiving Day")

I am thankful, also, for a God we can trust to place us right where we need to be, even when we don’t see itSquanto found that out, over his life, and we are thankful God placed him where he could help the Pilgrims. (Squanto--God's Special Indian a Thanksgiving Story)

Finally, I am thankful for creative artists who are able to get the point of the holiday across to us in a way we understand and remember:
“In the year 1621, the Pilgrims held their first Thanksgiving feast.  They invited the great Indian chief Massasoit, who brought ninety of his brave Indians and a great abundance of food.  Governor William Bradford and Captain Miles Standish were honored guests.  Elder William Brewster, who was a minister, said a prayer that went something like this: ‘We thank God for our homes and our food and our safety in a new land.  We thank God for the opportunity to create a new world for freedom and justice.’” (Linus Van Pelt – From a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving)
 

Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.
Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.
But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this?
Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.

~

Friday, November 18, 2011

What a Mick’s up on Coffee

Here’s a formula for you:
1 c coffee = 17 glasses of water to bring down acidityEspresso!


Our bodies need to be neutral or alkaline to keep healthy, but a lot of what we like to eat and drink makes us more acidic.
 
“It now turns out that we have a better shot at long-term health if our body's pH is neutral or slightly alkaline.  When we tilt toward greater acidity, which can be measured easily, we have a greater risk of developing osteoporosis, weak muscles, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and a host of other health problems.  Long term, excess acidity leads to thinner bones and lower muscle mass, points out Anthony Sebastian, M.D., of the University of California, San Francisco.  These problems are compounded by normal aging, which increases acidosis, bone loss, and muscle wasting…. Low magnesium levels can cause muscle cramps, arrhythmias, and anxiety.” (The pH Nutrition Guide to Acid / Alkaline Balance)

“If you drank one cup of regular coffee it would take 17 glasses of water taken immediately after, to bring your ph level back to alkaline. Disease cannot start in an alkaline environment.” (Java Joan)

Java Joan also says “drinking healthy coffee keeps your PH in alkaline.”  She goes on to talk about healthy coffee having “over 150 antioxidants and 200 nutrients” in one cup, which would be like eating 8 large oranges… and it “neutralizes the effects of caffeine in your system.” 


My husband insists the coffee we sold at our coffee shop years ago (and actually still purchase) is low in acidity compared to most coffees.  Interested?  Buy from Kaldi!

What’s one reason we consume coffee?  Caffeine! 

We tend to work so hard that we don’t get enough sleep, like the Psalmist says, “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling….”  Then we think we need caffeine to keep us awake.  So out come the acidic beverages and sugars. 

Hmmmm…  What do you think?  Continue the toxic intake of acid… or limit the intake, change your sleep/work patterns, and increase the alkaline food intakeIt’s your choice.


In vain you rise early and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to those he loves.

~

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Mick’s up for the Weekend

Weekends are a great time to combine family time with exercise.
A walk in the park or a bike ride -- how can you combine family time with exercise this weekend? – Curves

With the holidays coming up, you might be blessed with some extra free time.  If so, why not get a boost of endorphins to improve your mood during your time off?  If your family has some time to spend with you, then why not take the advice above and combine family time with exercise.

Strong... what's left at the end your weak
Just like the below video advertisement says, “Maybe strong is just what you have left, when you've used up all your weak.” (saucony)  I like to think of it another way, too:  Maybe your strong (motivation to exercise) is just what you have left when you've used up all your week (and it’s the weekend… or vacation!).

I have a challenge for you.  Instead of looking at vacation as a time to crash and be lazy and do nothing, or just stay inside and catch up on things you don’t have time to do during regular work weeks, how about you plan a few minutes each day, whether it’s morning, mid-day, or evening, and move a little more and a little differently than usual.  Get some exercise.  You'll find yourself laughing with your kidderz and hubby/wife, while you're being silly with your exercises or hiking or biking o whatever activity you choose.  Remember, it only takes a few minutes!

Have a great strong… oh…. ummmm… I mean weekend!








For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.


~

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Mick’s up Over the Hedge


Hammy the Squirrel: What is that?
RJ: That, my friend, is a magical combination of corn flour, dehydrated cheese solids, BHA, BHT, and good old MSG; a.k.a., the chip, nacho cheese flavor.” - Over the Hedge

Do you every feel that way, when you get close to a bag of chips or other processed food?  Admit it.  We’ve all been there!

We all have something that is a big temptation to us and is really difficult to stay away from. You might feel like Hammy:

RJ: Do you like this cookie?
Hammy the Squirrel: I like the cookie!
RJ: [Throws cookie away] Well this cookie's JUNK!
Hammy the Squirrel: I like a cookie...” - Over the Hedge

Yes, I’m telling you some of your favorite things, maybe a box of cookies, chips with ingredients similar to what R.J. listed out, cereal, bread, and soda are “junk!”


Beware!  Read the ingredient list on everything.  If you want to make a difference in your life and see a change in your figure and your health, keep all the ingredients simple.  Not only that, but be sure the ingredient lists don’t include sugar, artificial sweeteners, or the “usual” grains. (If you must have bread/grains, go for something like Ezekiel Bread or use alternatives almond meal/flour.) 


I only tell you this because I’ve been there. I know what’s out there and how easily we get attached to it.  It’s so much better on the other side of the hedge, though.  Stay away from the humans’ stuff (man food, aka fake food).  Stick with the real stuff (God food)… what we were meant to eat, when the world was created.

(Please don’t misunderstand me, thinking I’m saying go vegetarian.  I don’t have knowledge on that topic.  I still eat meat… plenty of it!  If you go vegetarian, then all I can say about it is: be sure you’ve done your research.)
 
Stay healthy, everyone!
 

“…you will eat the plants of the field…”


Disclaimer:  I do not recommend reading all the quotes from “Over the Hedge.”  Sadly, they are not family-friendly.


~

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Mick’s up Coordination

Do you consider yourself coordinated?  Would you, instead, have to admit that you are one of those people who has trouble walking and chewing gum at the same time?  Well, that’s not necessarily the kind of coordination our topic is about today.  However, balance and coordination can be an issue.

Your vertebrae contain special receptors to provide the brain with important information to give you balance and coordination.  “Injury or irritation to these mechanoreceptors results in balance disturbances and problems with coordination.” (ChiroPlanet/BackTalk)


Playing a vital role in this communication is the cerebellum.  “This is the back, bottom part of your brain which controls your eye movements, balance and coordination, and spinal postural muscles.  When one side of your cerebellum is not firing properly it can lead to a host of common ailments.  Traditional chiropractic adjustments are used in a very precise manner to stimulate function in the affected part of the brain.  [This naturally and holistically re-wires your brain and then allows your body to heal.]” (Dr. Gregory Symko)
 
“Using EEG (a brain-wave test), researchers in New Zealand found significant changes in brain function after patients receive chiropractic adjustments.  The researchers found that the adjustment instantly caused changes in the signals that the brain sent to muscles.  This may change posture and coordination and help explain the improved function and pain relief that patients experience.” (Adjustments Impact Brain Function)

Chiropractic Helps Child with Brain Disorder Chiropractic Neurology

“In the April 20, 2009 issue of the scientific journal, the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, was a case study report of a young girl who had signs of cerebellar ataxia that were completely eliminated with chiropractic care. Cerebellar ataxia is a disorder that results in balance and coordination problems.
“In this case a 7 year old girl was brought to a chiropractic clinic for health and wellness.  In the course of examination tests were performed that showed a brain malfunction consistent with cerebellar ataxia.  Chiropractic care was initiated for the presence of vertebral subluxations.  The young girl was seen weekly in the initial stages of care.  By the fourth adjustment the patient was re-tested and the specific findings of cerebellar ataxia were gone.”

We sometimes joke around about being clumsy, but this can be a serious matter.  At the very least, your brain might not be communicating fully with the rest of your body, resulting in organs gradually deteriorating… and possibly causing you pain in the short-term and major medical crisis in the long-term.  On a more serious scale, you could be dealing with major symptoms now, like vertigo and balance problems, visual disturbances and eye fatigue, memory and concentration difficulty, ADD and learning disorders.  What will it hurt to let a chiropractor get it checked for you?  It will save you money in the long run!


When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
when you run, you will not stumble.

~

Monday, November 14, 2011

Mick’s up on Personalities

Be more concerned with your character than your reputation,
because your character is what you really are,
while your reputation is merely what others think you are. - Penelope's Pen


You’ve probably heard of, and maybe even have taken, some different types of personality tests.  Isn’t it fun?  We had fun discovering each other’s personality strengths at work today, and like our boss says, it’s great to learn other people’s personality traits, in order to better understand and relate… and in business, it creates better customer service.

We touched on Peter Urs Bender's Guide to Strengths and Weaknesses of Personality Types.  Here, you can decide if you’re a Driver, Expressor, Analytical, Amiable, or a combination… and if you are Visual, Auditory, or Kinesthetic.

Check out Dave Ramsey’s spotlight of the DISC Profile for understanding your team at work or at home.  Are you Dominant, Influencing, Stable, Compliant, or a little of a couple of them?

Great for businesses to find the strengths of their teams is a consultation by Al Gonzalez of Give Leadership.  You either strengthen your team as a Warrior, Visionary, Critical Thinker, Nurturer, or a bit of one and more of another.

If you’re looking for a new job, a Career Assessment Test might be helpful in understanding what you are indeed looking for as a good fit.  You could be Investigative/Thinker, Conventional/Organizer, Enterprising/Persuader, Realistic/Doer, Attentive/Server, Artistic/Creator, Social/Helper, and the list goes on.  Is your work style Assertive, Persuasive, or Systematic?  Would you do your best work in Administration, Art, Clerical, Food Service, Health Service, Industrial Art, Outdoors, Personal Service, Sales, Science, Teaching and Social Service, or Writing?

StrengthsFinder
My favorite, though, is StrengthsFinder, where you can determine if your strengths lie in areas such as Consistency, Responsibility, Belief, Deliverative, Relator, among many others… and then what to do with those strengths.  There is also a version for kids

If you are looking to develop leaders from the kids of today, look into KidLead, either for your children or to volunteer, or maybe both.

Understanding your kids, your spouse, and your coworkers can help you excel in life… not to mention everyone around you will be feeling loved and special, because you are treating them like the precious and unique individuals God created them to be.  In return, they will be loving and appreciating you for who you are.

Study up… and go get ‘em!  Happy Exploring!


“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

~

Friday, November 11, 2011

It's a Mick's up

Beware of Toxins!I like patterns and consistency.  So, Mick’s up Life is designed to follow a pattern.  You’ve probably already noticed it, but in case you haven’t, I’ll list it out.  This might make it easier for you to follow where I’m going with each week’s posts.





 

Monday – Inspirational, Encouragement, Limiting Beliefs, Goal Setting, Maximized Mind
Tuesday – Chiropractic Care, Spine Health, Maximized Nerve Supply
Wednesday – Food, Grocery Shopping, Meals, Maximized Nutrition
Thursday – Exercise, Workouts, Maximized Oxygen & Lean Muscle
Friday – Toxicity, Environment, Minimize Toxins

 

So, in honor of the Friday topic, I want to point out the fact that we need to be aware of toxins beyond chemical and environmental. We must also beware of toxins of the mind.  Yes, this touches on the Monday topic of building up the mind.  However, in light of events happening in recent days, we must realize that taking in too much news from the radio and TV can be hazardous to our health.

That is not to say all journalists and people in the news business are doing bad things.  I have some close family and friends in those careers.  There are others, however, who glamorize negativity, and sometimes the media gets carried away. If we allow ourselves to get caught up in it, then we risk adding unnecessary stress to our lives.

Granted, my husband and I tend the other extreme, and don’t watch any news or TV, and we rarely listen to live radio.  I’m not saying this extreme is totally healthy, either, but at least that’s one less stress in our lives.

On that note, find some peaceful time to spend with your family this weekend. Turn off the TV.  Play DJ, and spin your own hits, instead of getting live feed on the radio.  Read a good book… maybe even as a family.  Better yet, read the Bible.  You can’t find any better peace than that found when cradled in the arms of God’s love.  Enjoy!

How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
who bring good tidings,
who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
“Your God reigns!”

~

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Why Mick’s Calories?

Since I missed a post yesterday, due to my computer being held hostage by a 13-year-old’s LAN party, I am combining my exercise day with my nutrition day into one topic:  Calories.

Most of us have gotten used to the formula: 
calories in < calories out = lower weight

I don’t know about you, but I was never good at counting calories.  It was way too time-consuming for me.  I was so happy to find out it isn’t necessary!

“Playing the calorie counting game doesn’t work.  It overlooks and ignores the impact stress and diet have on your hormones,” says nutrition and fitness expert Dr. Len Lopez, creator of The Work Horse Trainer.  “The reason people aren’t efficiently burning stored body fat has nothing to do with the amount of calories they ate or burned, and more to do with what regulates their metabolism.”  Dr. Lopez goes on to explain that our metabolism is controlled mostly by hormones, such as cortisol, adrenaline, insulin, and glucagon.  He offers a Calorie Burning Test and lists out ways to Stay in Your Fat-Burning Zone.


As we see in Mick’s up Exercising, we can decrease cortisol by following interval training or surge types of exercise, whereas some longer duration exercise may actually increase that stress hormone.  Exercise is obviously good for increased breathing (as Dr. Lopez suggests is good for decreasing the stress, cortisol, and adrenaline), and this style of exercise improves metabolism.

Eating the right foods also improves metabolism.  Eating a breakfast such as eggs cooked in coconut oil can be beneficial (and yummy!).  Dr. Lopez states:  “Take a look at your diet. You cannot skip meals or eat refined, junk food.  It causes your blood sugar to drop and stimulates your adrenals to make additional cortisol and adrenaline.  Make sure you eat breakfast and it includes good protein and fats.  A predominately high carb breakfast, like cereal or bagels, will throw your blood sugar off for most of the day.  Good protein and fats at each meal will help reduce the surge of insulin and will stimulate the production of glucagon, which aids in the breakdown of fats.”

Also concentrating on another hormone called leptin instead of calories will help you understand weight-loss resistance and how to find success by getting past the calories in/calories out thinking. 

Just like we can be a new creation through faith in Christ and the amazing love of God, we can feel like a new person when we live simpler, healthier lives.  Plus, we can forget about the “old” way of thinking in terms of calories, and consider the “new” way of thinking in terms of allowing our bodies to process hormones properly, the way they were meant to.  Who doesn’t want simpler?


"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
See I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?"


~

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Mick’s up on Ergonomics

The Tip of the Week from North Hills Chiropractic on September 10, 2011 was:  "Make sure, when sitting at a computer, the computer is eye level, to promote a proper curve in the neck known as the "Arc Of Life."  Improper posture can cause damage to the muscles, ligaments, and your nervous system in your neck and spine!"
Proper Workstation ErgonomicsI need to begin by saying, “I’m guilty!”  I do not sit properly at my computer all the time.  You know what, though?  I know it, when I don’t.  The consequences are not fun.  Think about your workstation.  Are there some improvements to be made?  Let’s look at ergonomics.

"Ergonomics is the science of making things comfy.  It also makes things efficient." About.com

"Ergonomics is employed to fulfill the two goals of health and productivity."  Wikipedia

“Current ergonomics encourages variety and movement rather than an exact posture,” as explained in Office-Ergo's “Conventional Wisdom” vs. Current Ergonomics Thinking.
 
Basically, don’t be sloppy.  Put your chair, keyboard, monitor, and mouse in comfortable positions, where you’re not straining to use them.  Most importantly, remember to get up and move around periodically… and the lifesaving advice I have for you is… visit your chiropractor regularly, and follow his/her instructions on posture and exercises.
 
“You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.”
 
 
~

Monday, November 7, 2011

Mick’s up with the Time Change

OK.  I have to say it.  I am jealous of those people who do not have to deal with the time change.  I need consistency.  It’s my personality trait.  My body likes routine.
Check out The Weekly Sticky!

The good side of this season’s time change is that we “fall back,” meaning I can get back into the habit of early-to-rise.

Even though we parents have pity parties, because kidderz wake up earlier in the morning, I feel even more badly for kidderz, because they are getting really tired by bedtime, since it is actually past bedtime. 

I’m an advocate for the importance of children getting the correct amount of sleep each night, for their physical and mental health and development.  What do the experts say about children's sleep needs?

The National Sleep Foundation provides the following recommendations on children's sleep:
•Toddlers (1-3 years): 12-14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period (including naps)
•Preschoolers (3-5 years): 11-13 hours per night
•School-age (5-12 years): 10-11 hours of sleep per night

The Central Nervous System, which controls every function in the body, is the only system that does not slow down during sleep.  This means it can use this time to heal.  Proper sleep position is imperative.  Consult your chiropractor for more information.

Other interesting science behind sleep can be found in the article Healing Sleep:
“The science of sleep is still uncovering the mysteries of what ideally occupies one third of our lives. Sleep research has mapped out the phases of sleep, from the light, dreaming phase (rapid eye movement, or REM) to the deeper phases in which critical replenishing takes place. We are beginning to understand some of those processes and speculating on others:
  • REM sleep may be tied to healing brain functions like memory and mental acuity, and may help in the formation of new nerve cells in the brain.
  • The body produces human growth hormone during the deepest sleep phase. HGH is responsible for helping us absorb nutrients and amino acids, healing tissues and stimulating bone marrow to produce immune system cells.  (Also, as mentioned in Mick's in the Age Factor , HGH works as an anti-aging hormone.)
  • During sleep, we produce melatonin, which helps us sleep better, inhibits the growth of tumors, stimulates the immune system and guards against viral infections, increases the antibodies in saliva and confers antioxidant benefits (which reduces the effects of oxidative stress throughout the body).”

With that said, I am on my way to a great night’s sleepNight-night.  Sleep tight.  Don’t let the bed bugs bite!


Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.
In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat —  for he grants sleep to those he loves.  Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.”

~

Friday, November 4, 2011

Mick’s up Kids and Birthdays

Birthday Boy
Yay!  Celebrating kidderz is fun! 

We have had fun, wishing my son a happy birthday.

What’s the best birthday present we can give our kidderz?  I think the gift of healthy living is a wonderful thing:  teaching them what to avoid and what to include, in order to see many more healthy birthdays to come.

Are we perfect?  No.  Do we splurge with food once in a while?  Of course.

As my husband and I felt the regret this morning from eating sugar and breads last night, he made a great statement (and I told him I have to share it):  “Ice cream cake will kill ya!”

I’m heading to sleep right now, to recover from the effects of our splurges (messed up sinuses, fatigue, low back pain, etc… all because we enjoyed a few helpings of toxins, like carbs/sugars, which cause inflammation).  Was it worth it?  In all honesty… I think soshhhhh… don’t tell anyone!

“But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours…”

Remember:  You are loved.  You are special to God, your Creator.
Imagine:  All heaven celebrates, when you choose to be reborn!
Don’t miss out on a glorious eternity!

~

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Mick's Sprints and Jumping Jacks

You can't beat early mornings!Being that I like early mornings, it’s great to find scientific reasoning behind itSo, here it is!

Did you know you can actually get more benefit from your exercise, if you workout early in the morning before eating breakfast?  Weight loss?  Wellness?  Energy?  Early Mornings?  No need to say more!  I’m there!

In Mick’s in Groceries, I listed out a typical day of grocery shopping.  Today, it’s a typical day of exercise.

Before eating breakfast, usually after my daughter gets on the school bus, I go for a run and/or sprints.  No bragging here… I don’t run far.  In fact, I’m back home within 15 minutes, with plenty of time to spend with my son before he gets on his school bus.  When I do sprints, it’s a 20-second sprint followed by a 20-second rest, and then a repeat of that set 2 more times (for a total of 3 sprints).  After a 2-minute recovery, I either do another set of 3 sprints, or I concentrate on other muscle groups by doing other exercises (push-ups, pull-ups, dips, shin slaps, bicycles, squats, lunges, squat-thrusts, jumping jacks, etc.).  After the second grouping of 3 sets of 20-second exercises, another 2-minute recovery is then followed by a final grouping of 3 sets of 20 seconds.

This is an awesome way to get a quick workout and to get the body burning fat for hours!

Similar information is also found in Mick’s up Exercising, where we learn about interval training
“When you exercise for no more than 20 minutes at one time and your regime consists of any form of exercise such as stationery bike, cycling or running up a small hill, even doing 50 start jumps for up to a minute followed by rest/recovery for up to 2 minutes, you are doing what Dr. Sears calls supra-aerobics, beyond aerobics. That is training your body to recover quickly and build lean muscle tissue in preparation for its next intense training session. This is really a modified version of interval training.” (Teya Skae of Natural News)

Whatever it’s called, I love it.  It’s quick.  It’s easy.  It works! 

(It gets a body revved for the work of the day, and it allows time for the more important things in life, like spreading the Good News of the Gospel and sharing God’s love with those around you!  Go for it!)


I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?
Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.
They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
1 Corinthians 9:23-25 (NIV)

~

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Mick’s in Groceries

Are you a Coupon Queen? I know some ladies who are great at couponing, and can probably be titled Coupon Queens. I’ve never achieved that status. I tried once, but failed. I discovered I was buying things I wouldn’t normally buy, just because I had a coupon. Nowadays, we buy “out-of-the-ordinary” items that are almost never put on sale and rarely put on a coupon. That’s OK, though. That is a sacrifice we are willing to make. I know: It sounds crazy to most. We are choosing to spend more on food that is nutritious and will enhance wellness, so that we spend a lot less on medicine to mask illness… and, boy, does it feel great!
Beware:  Don't sacrifice nutrition for savings
Here’s a typical day in the life of our grocery shopping.

Weekly:
Almond Milk
Coconut Milk
Granny Smith Apples
Berries
Bananas
Almond Butter
Smucker’s Simply Fruit
Butter
Raw Milk Cheese
Grass-fed Beef
Ground Turkey
Organic Free-range Chicken Breast
Free-range Eggs
Spinach
Mixed Greens
Broccoli
Feta Cheese
Organic Cream Cheese
Ezekiel Bread
Applegate Sliced Turkey
Veggies: Beans, Peas, Lima Beans
Cucumbers
Stonyfield Whole Milk Plain Yogurt
Coconut water and/or Naked juice for kidderz lunches
(We mostly drink water at our house.)
Splurge item: SoDelicious coconut ice cream!
 
On-hand, not purchased weekly:
Bolthouse Honey Mustard Dressing
Bolthouse Raspberry Dressing
Bolthouse Ranch Dressing
Garlic
Onions
Peppers: Green, Yellow, Red
Crushed Tomatoes
Black Beans
Pinto Beans
Coconut Oil
Protein Powder for shakes/smoothies
Raw Nuts: Almonds, Pecans, Cashews, Pistachios
Dates
Red/Pink Salt
Fresh-ground Pepper
Xylitol
Stevia
Almond Flour and/or Meal
Coconut Flour
Coconut Flakes (unsweetened)
 
I got an awesome deal on eggs this week! My brother and his wife raise chickens, and they are sending some eggs to us, by way of our parents. Yay!! (Aren't big brothers and parents the best?!)


Keeping it simple is the key!
Have fun experimenting with nutrition!





“We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic.”
 


~

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Mick’s in a Reboot

Do you need a reboot?

There are days like that, aren’t there?

A great video by Educhiro helps you visualize just how the nervous system is like a network of signals in a computer.
brain-nervous-system-computer
If our bodies are similar to a computer, then doesn’t that only make sense that we need a reboot once in a while, just like a computer does?

Your brain is sending messages to the rest of your body, so you can function.  If you need to reboot that system, then that means there is a stress interfering with the messages and function.

Your spine is protecting your spinal cord, which is helping deliver the messages.  If stress has caused the spine to put pressure on any of the nerves, then there is an interference.  An interference means there is a decrease in function of the part of the body those stressed nerves are going to.

A chiropractor will help you reboot, in this situation.  A specific, gentle movement of the spine by the doctor will take the pressure off the nerves, and your system will have a reboot. 

Now, doesn’t that feel so much better?  You have clear data passageways.  The messages from the brain now have a proper path to travel, so your body can do its work more easily. 

You’re ready for a fresh start!

Don’t forget to clear out the interference between you and the Source of life, too!
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing,
but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

~