Honey Shine Mentoring Program is having their 10th Anuual “Hats Off” Luncheon on Tuesday, May 8th at Jungle Island, Miami, Florida. 

Founded by Tracy Wilson Mourning in 2002 (married to NBA All-Star Alonso Mourning and former Bergen County resident), Honey Shine’s mission is to “encourage the balance between mind, body and soul for girls and women by providing nurturing experiences that enlighten their paths and empower their future.”

One of our youth’s greatest challenges today is low self esteem.  Honey Shine was created with the vision to teach young women the value of their worth by exposing them to “life” and to all of the things out of their norm.

Knowledge, Responsibility, Community and Faith, are the “values” in which Honey Shine lives by to help the girls and women, affectionately referred to as “Honey Bugs”, create awareness and inner growth, in turn, more self confidence, self worth and higher self esteem.

Offering bi-monthly workshops and a summer camp sponsored by Carnival Cruise Line, Honey Shine continuously educates, inspires, motivates and empowers girls and women.  Their goal is to open more Mentoring Programs and Camps globally. 

Our children are the future of the world.  Organizations as Honey Shine are created with much purpose, love, and HOPE so that our children will grow up to know better and do better. 

For more information please visit Honeyshine.org

As always,

md

          Live a Healthy and Happy Life! 

“Let Food be thy medicine, and they medicine be food.”  Hippocrates, the great father of Western medicine said it best. 

As one of the 25 million Americans who suffers from environmental seasonal allergies, spring is one of the most difficult seasons to deal with.  As our trees and flowers bloom, so does the rise of pollen creating the symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, itchy throat and watery eyes. 

Allergies can be very debilitating and affect our daily activities.  And, even though there are many over the counter allergy medications and antihistamines that can very well clear up some of the symptoms, we often have to deal with the side effects of these meds, such as drowsiness, fatigue, headaches, upset stomach, dry mouth and often even constipation.

Prior to the antihistamine medications, the natural alternative to curing allergic reactions was to eat certain foods, plants and herbs that acted as antihistamines.  Within these foods certain vitamins such as Vitamins A and C contain antihistamine properties and nutrients called quercertin and pycnogenol, which work to block the release of histamine-the chemical the body produces when it’s having an allergic reaction. 

Amongst the many foods, pineapples have been considered the most important and best natural source of antihistamine because of its bromelain content.  Bromelain is the enzyme which works to break down and digest histamine that circulates in the body.

As long as you don’t have any sensitivities to these foods, plants and herbs, my suggestion is to add some of the following antihistamine dense foods to your family’s daily menu 2-3 times a day.
An easy way to provide the body with these foods is to add them to your LiYa Dark Green Leafy Vegetable/Fruit Juice 2-3 times a day, every day. 

Below are some antihistamine Foods, Plants and Herbs along with some Juicing recipes from my LiYa Juicing Detox Plan.

Foods rich in Vitamin A:

Mangos
Tomatoes
Kale
Spinach
Dandelion Greens
Carrots
Paprika
Red Pepper
Cayenne Pepper
Sweet potatoes
Butternut Squash
Cantaloupe
Apricots

Foods rich in Vitamin C:

Papaya
Oranges
Kiwi
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Brussels sprouts
Kale
Thyme
Parsley
Bell peppers
Guavas
Red and Green Chili peppers
Strawberries
Acerola Cherry
Watermelons
Amalaki Fruit

Foods rich in quercertin and pycnogenol:

Broccoli
Capers
Tomatoes
Raspberries
Cranberries
Chokeberries
Blueberries
Kale
Onion
Garlic
Green Tea
Apples

Plants and Herbs (Please consult with a physician before consuming herbs for healing):

Basil
Echinacea
Stinging Nettle
Chamomile
Angelica
Licorice

Antihistamine Dense Dark Green Leafy Vegetable/Fruit Juicing Recipes:

1 cup of cranberry juice
4 leaves of Kale
1 cup of Spinach
Bunch of parsley
3 slices of pineapple

*******

1 cup of chilled Green Tea
1 bunch of parsley
3 leaves of Dandelion Greens
1 cup of Spinach
½ mango
½ cup of blueberries

As always,

  Don’t worry….Be Happy!    Live a Healthy and Happy Life!!!

xo
md

Having at least two snacks a day are very important components to your healthy meal plan.  While it assists in balancing blood sugar and energy levels, it may also hold you off to your next meal without having that starving desperate feeling.  It will help you think better or even perform better at work or school, as well as help keep your metabolism up to speed.  What you snack on, however, is what will make all the difference.

So toss that Snickers bar, and instead try some of these “delicioso” home-made, nutrient-rich snacks which will be sure to satisfy any craving. 

Unfortunately, my girls and I are very allergic to all tree nuts,    but LOVE garbanzo beans (chick peas) which make for a great nut alternative snack   .  They are super easy to make and soooo yummy!  You and your kids will love them!

Crispy Cinnamon Garbanzo Beans: 
Courtesy Cookiemag.com

Some tips:  Although the recipe calls for overnight soaking the raw beans, you may also use canned garbanzo beans.  Just be sure to drain all the fluid and rinse in water.

1 cup dried garbanzo beans
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons raw sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt

1. Soak the beans overnight in cool water.  Drain and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Preheat oven to 350*F.
3. In a bowl, toss the beans with the vegetable oil and sugar.
4. Spread them in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet.  Roast them in the oven until crunchy and no longer soft in the centers, (approx. 45 mins).  Stir them a few times to prevent burning.
5. Immediately toss the beans in a bowl with the cinnamon and salt.
6. Cool and serve, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

A delicious Smoothie or a Tropical Dark Green Vegetable/Fruit Juice.

Recipes from my LiYa Detox and Meal Menu plan…

Tropical Dark Green Vegetable/Fruit Juice (Use juicer or blender)
3 leaves of Kale (4 if juicing)
3 leaves of Chard (4 if juicing)
3 Celery stalks
Bunch of Cilantro
½ Cup of Mangoes
½ Cup of Pineapples or Papaya
½ cup of Coconut water

Berry Mixer Smooth Smoothie
1/2 cup of Strawberries
½ cup of blueberries
½ cup of fresh juiced cranberry juice (or already made, no sugar added)
½ cup of soy, rice, almond, or skim milk
½ cup of lowfat greek yogurt
1 tablespoon of Chia seeds
Add some ice and blend

Whole Grain Toast with 1 teaspoon peanut butter or soy butter, topped with bananas

Hummus with vegetables

Apple sandwiches with 1 teaspoon (in total) of peanut butter of soy butter sprinkled with some granola and dark chocolate chips

Yogurt with berries, sprinkled with ground flaxseeds and cinnamon

Enjoy!!!

As always,
 
  Don’t worry….Be Happy!    Live a Happy and Healthy Life!

md

“Home” is the greatest environment for building an everlasting foundation, which will be carried within oneself throughout life…

Many of us as children were exposed to empowering actions such as being shown love and affection, hearing kind and motivating words, and even reprimanded to teach boundaries.  However, food and treats were often given as rewards for either good behavior or to keep us busy.  That type of action has often lead to bad and unhealthy reactions for many. 

Today, where obesity has taken over our world and become an epidemic, a CHANGE in what we teach our children and ourselves about what kind of relationship to have with food is imperative.  If we could see food as something we need to live and not to live for, that alone can create a different mental state to how we relate to it. 

The first thing is implementing healthy food choices and healthy habits at home…The place where we build the foundation for our children and ourselves.  Living a more active lifestyle is also necessary to obtain optimal health.  Our bodies and minds need the stimulation to maintain proper blood flow throughout our entire bodies, more importantly our hearts, and for our brain to be programmed to want to live a happy, healthy and active lifestyle, not to mention, lower cholesterol, blood pressure, leveling sugar, building healthy strong muscles, help fight against disease and help lift self-esteem.  Any step one can make to implement a healthier and active lifestyle is a step in the right direction.

As parents/guardians, we are the greatest example for our children.  We must lead by example!  One of the greatest efforts I make with my children (and my mother made with us), is taking them food shopping with me and letting them help me cook.  We walk through the produce sections and as I pick the vegetables we discuss what they are and if they are healthy or not and why.  When I cook, especially when I’m making our vegetable/fruit juices in the morning,  I let them assist by helping me wash the produce, separate the lettuce leaves, and often letting them choose which vegetables and fruits they would like to have.  These actions make a tremendous difference in how they relate with food and making healthy choices by how I educate them to know what is better for their bodies.  They understand that food is to keep them healthy and fuel them so they can have energy throughout the day and help them learn better, as well as sleep better.  They know that too much sugar is not a good source and if they want sugar there is a limit to how much they will have. 

I always introduce “real foods” first.  Real foods are essential.  By that I mean, NO PACKAGED FOODS.  Real fresh foods, such as fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, chicken, beans, whole grains, anything that is in its raw form will always obtain more nutritional value with less additives such as sodium,  corn syrups, and preserving properties to name a few.  Most packaged foods will always have to contain ingredients that will allow its lifespan on the shelves and most of the time it is toxic for your body.  Don’t get me wrong, there are some boxed items we may have such as grain pastas, cereals, crackers, and some cookies, but I always look for the organic brands and always always read the labels.  If it has too many ingredients, especially ones I cannot pronounce, they stay on the shelf. 
Whole grains are better than white encriched flours.  So when purchasing pastas, rice, cereals, even bread, be sure to pick the darker grains along with more fiber.  Add dark green salads to lunch and dinner.  That is the perfect way to begin or end a meal.  The fiber in the greens will help you and your children feel fuller thus eating their dinner and not having room for much else afterwards.  And water goes along way.  Teaching our children that water is a great refresher, maybe even adding some lemon or a little juice to the water will alleviate having too much added sugars. 

Treats, treats, treats…..Teaching limits will make treats just that….A treat!  So every so often, have that cupcake or let your children have that great piece of cake.  It obviously won’t harm them.  My girl’s favorites are munchkins   So every two weeks they both get to have 4 each.  I would say that’s a treat! 

Taking family walks, playing in the park, or joining in on family races is a great way to motivate and inspire each other.  Being each other’s workout buddies and simply just staying active together shows support and pushes each other to stay connected with your commitment to living a happy, healthy and active lifetstyle. 

And always remember…..the language we use with ourselves, and especially our children, makes an immediate impact on how we will feel about ourselves and how our children will feel about themselves.  It is so important to remind ourselves as well as our children how valuable we/they are, how special we/they are, how worthy we/they are.  There is nothing more empowering than to know that you/they/we are the “greater gift” in life. 

As always,
            Don’t worry….Be happy!  Live a Happy and Healthy Life!
md

Former X Factor contestant Stacy Francis, sits with Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson for an exclusive interview to set the record straight about Whitney Houston.  A night full of stars and fun which lead to a total misunderstanding.

Like many, Stacy is mourning the loss of an incredible and legendary Icon, and the person who had inspired her singing career.

Several years ago, I had a bad break up on Valentine’s Day and for a long while I never cared to celebrate it.  A couple of years after, while in the mist of my deep soul searching days, I recognized that one day shouldn’t have to change the way I felt about any kind of LOVE day, which for me had been almost every day.  I love to love.  I love people, animals, places, things, and more importantly I was learning to love myself more.  I decided I would make myself, as well as my sister and best friends my Valentine’s.  Every year I send them cards, gifts or just simple sweet messages reminding them that they still are, in fact, my sweet Valentines.  Always, of course, remembering to tell myself that I am the very first and most important Valentine I have.

Ironically enough, as fate would have it, my husband six years ago re-invented Valentine’s Day for me when he made me a marriage proposal.  This past January, as we celebrated our 5th year Wedding Anniversary, my husband re-lived that magical evening of a trail of red rose pedals amongst candle light to a beautiful new proposal….. Yes, my Valentine’s Days are now filled with even more joy, value and love. 

So if you’re feeling down and out on this Valentine’s Day…Don’t!  Continue to believe in love, and love the ones you’re with right now…..especially yourself.  And always keep an open heart for the day your Valentine’s Day is re-invented for you. 

Happy Valentine’s Day. Xoxo

md

Live a Happy and Healthy Life!!!

Three weeks into the New Year and I can’t help but wonder how many people have steered away from staying committed to their New Year’s resolutions.  Personally, I like to call it “New Year’s Intention”.

Stay focused on what it is you want to accomplish and set that intention every morning to stick with it.  Take it one step at time and don’t try to over accomplish yourself by setting unrealistic deadlines.  Make that list I always talk about, and keep it where you can see it every day as a reminder.  The intention you make in the beginning of your day should stay with you all day long.  Live it, breathe it, and declare it.  If you have fallen off your path, this is the time to get right back on it and continue to move forward.  It doesn’t matter what your goal is…It’s never too late and the time is now.  The sky is the limit!!  Remember that.  If you can dream it, think it, you can very well achieve it.  Losing weight, getting on a healthy path, being happy, letting go of that toxic relationship you’ve been in, changing careers, going back to school, making your dreams come true.  DO IT!  Free yourself and do it!  Your New Year’s Intention should be to make a conscious intention to be free and live your dreams…

Be real with yourself.  Be true to yourself.  Be FREE. 

Happy 2012!!!! 

Don’t worry….Be happy!    Live a Happy and Healthy Life!

Tis’ the season!  This is by far my favorite time of year.  And as for many, I’m sure the same.  So, while you begin to indulge in the Holiday Cheer, don’t forget to keep your “self”, first and foremost, your “best”. 

Holiday shopping, parties, cocktails, hor d’ oeuvres, and oh so many scrumptious desserts….Where does the time go????  And not to mention our waistline!  Well, let’s be sure to FIT all of our workouts in, and keep our menu plan well-balanced within the joy of it all!

Getting your workouts in and/or staying extra active during this time are essential components to help burn the extra calories making room for the extra ones you might be consuming.  However, the best way to counter balance holiday excess is to be conscious and moderate with your choices.  You may also follow the same workout and menu plan “TIIPS” I posted for Thanksgiving.  That should help you stay on track.  AND, if all else fails, just remember, that one bad day doesn’t have to break your entire healthy lifestyle.  Get right back on track the following day. 

Some more Holiday Healthy Lifestyle Tips:

*If you are an evening exerciser, transition to morning or lunch workouts during this time. 
*Try some quick “right out of bed” or “at the office” manual body movement exercises such as:  (**After you get out of bed, always walk around first to warm up the body**) 2-4 sets of each…..Squats and overhead shoulder press combo 10-20 times; 10-20 push-ups; 20-30 crunches.  This should take you only 10-15 minutes.
*Make some time for “quite time”.  A few minutes of meditation during your day will help you stay focused and relieve the stress from the hustle and bustle to stay connected to your holiday spirit.
*Those delicious cocktails!  When you indulge in them, I suggest trying to stick to red wine or drinks that have clear colorings (usually contains less sugar and you’ll have less of a hangover).  A tip I often offer and really works…..For every cocktail you have (hopefully 1-2), have a tall glass of water.  This will help dilute the alcohol and assist in releasing excess sugars from your body.
*Don’t forget…..Giving back is a great way to spread Holiday Cheer.  Put a smile on someone’s face really in need, especially a child.  Donating new toys, pajamas, outerwear, or other clothing and books are always greatly appreciated in many organizations.  (Check your local listings).

As always,

      Don’t worry…..Be Happy!    Live a Happy and Healthy Life!
md

Thanksgiving Day was always extra special for our family as we double celebrated with my father’s birthday, which is on November 28th.  My siblings and I were always very thankful for the many gifts we felt we were given, but more-so for the gift of having such an incredible human being for a Father.  Close to four years now, we continue to celebrate as he would want us to, only that his physical presence is what’s missing at our dinner table.  My father was always full of great spirit and the glue to our family, and although I often feel that my girls are missing out on personally knowing, who would have been one of their greatest examples of life, I am grateful and thankful that my father was able to at least see Maya, my first born, twice before his passing (She was only 5 months). 

Our family, which is made up of many different cultures, share the various traditional meals making for an extremely festive and INDULGING Thanksgiving.  So, I know what it is to super indulge and not feel bad about it, however, taking some healthy steps to keep it under control.  Below I share some Thanksgiving Indulging tips that may help you stay within your limits and still feel like you’re able to enjoy this wonderful, festive, thankful day!

Thanksgiving Indulging Tips:

*Work out cardiovascularly for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour the day before, day of (if possible), and for at least 2 days after.  This will help you burn extra calories making room to consume a few extra.
*Challenge your workouts by adding in some interval training methods (ex.  adding in some speed work in between normal running settings or 2-3 minute increments of higher incline during walking workouts on a treadmill)
*Chose protein and vegetables first to fill yourself up with, adding in small amounts of carbs, and of course making room for dessert.
*If you like going back for seconds, wait 2-3 hours before doing so, and keep portions small.
*Drink lots of water before and after, and for several days after to release the extra sodium and to help with digestion
*If you are one who loves to load up on the carbs and very little of everything else, make sure you up your workouts to 1 hour and at much harder speed to burn the extra calories and use up some of what will stay in reserves. (ex.  if you are a runner who runs 10 minute miles for a total of 30 minutes, pick it up to 9 1/2-9 minutes for 30 minutes, cooling down at 10 minute miles for 20-30 minutes.
*Utilize leftovers in a well balanced form, and after Friday go back to your normal healthy menu plan to get you right back on track.

This year, like every year, I am thankful for all the miracles and blessings God has sprinkled over my life.  I give thanks for all the lessons I’ve had continuing to make me a better human being….For my healthy and united family, the life I’ve created alongside my husband and healthy, happy girls…and for all that is yet to come.

Remember, don’t worry and be Happy….And as you go down your list of what you are thankful for don’t forget to be thankful for yourself.  For You are the greatest thing in your life.

          I wish you all a Healthy and Happy Thanksgiving!!

md

Although I’m very sad to see Stacy Francis off the X Factor, the truth is, and we all know, that this is only the beginning of her singing career.  Stacy is already a winner and the exposure she’s had will bring her a tremendous amount of opportunities to make her true dreams come true. 

Stacy, my friend, thank you for sharing yourself, your story and especially your voice with the world.  We, your fans, love you and we will continue to support you all the way through.

Cheers to you and your beautiful future!

md

As always,

Don’t worry…..Be happy!      Live a Happy and Healthy Life!