January 5, 2006

Thrive, Not Just Survive

Life’s most important ingredient is health. Keeping healthy is a full time job. It takes knowledge and a consciousness of nutrition, exercise and food preparation. Of course, it has to do with what is most important to you. This year the Baby Boomers will be 60 years old. With modern medicine and healthy lifestyles, they are expected to live much longer and more vital lives. My journey has taken me to two major eating programs, a wellness company for household and personal products and a consistent exercise routine. The pick-up-your-food-and-go syndrome is so popular today, and the ingredients are sometimes mysterious, the freshness questionable. My choice is to buy food as fresh as possible and prepare it at home in a simple way with few ingredients. Eating out is possible with conscious choices.

The Greenhouse Spa sponsors “Fat Flush Week”, where the meals and snacks are prepared from The Fat Flush Plan by Ann Louise Gittleman. This program is designed to promote a healthy liver and aid in weight loss. The liver is the major fat burning organ in our body and the lymph, the major fat processing system, so let’s make them as toxin-free as possible. Caffeine and medications are toxic to the liver as are pollutants and pesticides. What is a person to do? Make good choices of natural foods that are beneficial to your body.

Here is a Fat Flush recipe I enjoy at the start of the day:

“Fruit Smoothie”

1 cup fruit, fresh or frozen (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries or peaches), 1 serving whey protein powder, 8 oz of cranberry-water* or purified plain water, 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil, 1/4 teaspoon Stevia plus, or to taste. (The Fat Flush Plan, page 138)
* 1 part unsweetened cranberry juice to 7 parts purified water

In the book, Eat Right 4 Your Type, by Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo, I discovered that blood type influences the way your body digests best. Choosing foods from the list for a specific type results in greater satisfaction and ease of digestion, along with contributing to a healthy immune system. I have studied my blood type, and have slowly increased the foods in my diet that are highly beneficial for this type. The key here is to know what works for you.

THE MOST IMPORTANT ingredient in any program for a healthier life is WATER. How many times have you read, drink eight glasses of water a day? This is so important to hydrating your body, digesting your food, and cutting cravings. Try measuring your water in a pitcher and making a conscious effort to drink it before the day is over: it is best to drink two glasses between each meal. Hydrating your body brings satisfaction on all levels, from your core to the surface of your skin.

To enhance my wellness program, I have ordered household and personal products from Melaleuca, The Wellness Company, for 15 years. Many products contain the Melaleuca oil from the leaves of the Australian Melaleuca tree. The household products contain no chemicals, are biodegradable and are efficient for cleaning. The personal products aid in healing, promote healthy skin care, and embrace vitality. Laundry products are super concentrated, and target dirt and stains without harming the fabric, keeping clothes looking brand new.

The YMCA and the Oasis Mind-Body Conditioning Center in Dallas are my choices for daily workouts and classes. Exercise is an individual experience with meaning derived in so many different ways, so choose the way and the time of day that is best for you. Have you set a goal or hired a trainer to be accountable to? Make exercise fun so you will look forward to your workout or a walk with a friend.

Coaching Questions:

• What is your action plan for 2006?
• Is better health on the top of your priority list?

I am dedicated to thriving and want to be your coach as YOU thrive, not just survive.

With warm regards,

Susan Sadler Hayman
International Life Transitions Coach
Call me at 662-238-7754
www.susanhayman.com

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