Monthly Archives: July 2008

Consumer Alert! What’s in That Peanut Butter?

Posted on July 30, 2008 by | Leave a comment

It is estimated that Americans eat 800 million pounds of peanut butter each year! That’s enough to cover the floor of the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

Peanuts are not actual nuts, they are part of a family of legumes such as chickpeas, lentils, and other beans. They provide major health benefits and are a good source of monounsaturated fats, which are emphasized in the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet. Peanuts are good sources of Vitamin E, folate, niacin, protein, and manganese.

Peanut butter comes in creamy, chunky, extra chunky, natural, or reduced fat; depending on the brand. For those people who eat JIF Reduced Fat Creamy or Chunky Peanut Butter, pay close attention to the label. It’s not healthier than the original JIF Creamy Peanut Butter. Remember, looks can be deceiving. Just because food products say “fat free, low fat, or reduced fat” does not mean that they are better for you.

JIF Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter has 15 grams of carbohydrates versus 7 grams found in the original JIF Creamy Peanut Butter. Carbohydrates absorbed in the body turn into sugar which then is converted into fat. The amount of sugar in JIF Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter is 4 grams versus 3 grams in JIF Creamy Peanut Butter. The sodium in JIF Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter is 250 milligrams versus 150 milligrams in JIF Creamy Peanut Butter. The added sugar, sodium, and carbs in JIF Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter defeats the purpose of eating a healthy, well-balanced diet.

Many natural and organic brands of peanut butter contain palm oil, which may be a healthier oil for humans but at what cost and to whom? The environment of the orangutans is being decimated in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia in order to harvest palm oil. People who love animals and are passionate about conservation and environmental causes may think twice about purchasing natural and organic foods. Once they find out where the foods came from and how, they may not purchase them in the future.

Finally, there are many ways to enjoy peanut butter such as the “old fashioned PB & J sandwich.” Spread it on whole grain toast and crackers or add a tablespoon to a smoothie. However you use peanut butter, just remember to read the label because not all brands of peanut butter are created equally!


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Stop! Proceed With Caution to the Self-Help Book Section

Posted on July 30, 2008 by | Leave a comment

Many people are searching for spirituality and ways to transform their lives. They purchase every self-help book that sits on the bookshelves of Barnes and Noble and the local bookstore such as Changing Hands Bookstore.

Please be cautious when reading books by people such as Dr. Dyer, Ekchart Tolle, Deepak Chopra, and other “spiritual, transformation gurus.” They offer good advice, but take it with a grain of salt! Meaning: do not take the information too seriously. These people are not God and do not know everything there is to know about life. What works for some people may not work for all people. It’s not a “one-size fits all” transformation process.

Taking the words of someone, no matter how many degrees they hold, lectures they give, and radio shows they do can be dangerous. Those who buy into these self-help books with their “heart and soul” are in danger of losing their identity and could make their life worse.

For example, those who are people-pleasers may be working on identifying why they are people-pleasers and how to stop. Dr. Dyer, who is often heard quoting Lao Tzu and the Wisdom of the Tao, is famous for telling people that the only thing that matters is service to others. People-pleasers may interpret his information as “I don’t matter, it’s not about me, it’s about doing for other people and not myself.” How healthy are these messages being sent to people who may be people-pleasers? Of course, Dr. Dyer has no idea what types of people are reading his books or does he?

Too bad self-help books do not come with warning labels like the ones found on CDs. Some CDs have parental warnings stating that the lyrics are explicit. Self-help books could have warning labels such as the “words in this book are the opinions of the author.” For further information on the topic, see the bibliography, research, and draw your own conclusion.

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Posted in Healthy and Well, Motivation and Inspiration

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I’m in Shock! Nivea Good-bye Cellulite Gel-Cream Works!

Posted on July 28, 2008 by | 1 Comment

All women have cellulite no matter their size or shape. Even models and “skinny girls” have cellulite. They may not have a lot of cellulite when compared to other women, but they still have it!

The Tyra Banks Show asked five women to take the Nivea Good-bye Cellulite, Hello Bikini Challenge and the results were amazing. Some women used the cream and others used the patches. Also, all of the women took Nivea Nutritional Supplements. Within four weeks all of the women had dramatic improvement in their “problem areas” such as buttocks and thighs.

Tips to Combat Cellulite

Stay active. Being sedentary will only increase cellulite because the fat will build up quicker over time.

Exercise and Dieting: Get a customized work out based on your body, metabolism and goals! Remember to eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and drink plenty of fluids such as water or Green Tea.

Incorporate vitamins and supplements into your diet and fitness plan. For vitamins find Great Prices on Vitamin World’s Best Sellers! Click Here and get healthy today.

To conceal dimples, use a self tanner such as Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer or Jergens Natural Glow Express.

Dry brush your problem areas. Take a large, flat brush and in a circular motion rub it over your skin. This increases the circulation and improves the appearance of cellulite.

Have confidence and smile! Stand up tall and be proud of who you are because you are one of a kind!

Visit Nivea to learn more about Nivea Good-bye Cellulite Gel-Cream. Look for special packages of Nivea Good-Bye Cellulite Gel-Cream that offer a free workout DVD from the New York Sports Club. It’s a fantastic half hour DVD that can be used in conjunction with the cream and or patches. Take it from me, the cream works and it’s only been a week and a half! The DVD was a nice surprise and bonus!

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Stop! Keeping Up With the Joneses Who Are in Debt!

Posted on July 23, 2008 by | 8 Comments

Millions of Americans feel they have to keep up with the Joneses and Smiths. Here’s a hint, the Joneses and Smiths are in so much debt they can’t see straight and don’t have the money to buy a new pair of glasses!

Just because people drive SUVs and own $300,000 houses does not mean they can afford it. Look at the housing market. For those who “flip houses” it’s an excellent time to get into the market. Unfortunately, the critics will say it’s a selfish thing to do because people lost their homes and their dreams. Who told people to dig themselves into debt just to keep up with their neighbors? Peoples’ egos can cause a lot of unnecessary damage and drama.

The USA is a country of consumers, there’s no doubt about it. Take a look at the fast food drive-thru lines at lunch time. It’s ironic because people complain about the increase in gas prices, yet they line up to order a Big Mac or Whopper! Eating out everyday adds ups in more ways than one. Peoples wallets shrink and their waistlines expand!

Priorities 101

The Joneses are facing bankruptcy and foreclosure. Remember when mom said “if you can’t afford it, don’t buy it” and “mind your own business.” When people get older they forget mom’s great advice. Instead, people become brain washed by the media that says they need the latest and greatest “it” product or service. They become mechanical and follow the Joneses straight into the bowels of debt and misery.

For example, a car that provides reliable transportation is necessary to get from Point A to Point B. A luxury vehicle and a SUV that gets poor gas mileage is not necessary. Single people do not have to own more than one vehicle. Only one vehicle can be driven at a time. Families could probably make due with two vehicles; one for mom, one for dad. Junior will have to walk, ride a bike, take public transportation, or wait until a vehicle is available.

Jimmy Choo shoes are fabulous but a more price friendly brand of shoe can be just as stylish. Payless ShoeSource has a great selection and often advertise BOGO (Buy One Get One Free). Also, most people only wear 20% of their wardrobe. The other 80% sits in the closet and collects dust. Clean out the closets and donate items to various charities.

How to Avoid the Joneses

Spend money on the things that are needed for day to day living. Do not worry about what other people are buying. It’s none of your business how people spend their money. If they want to dig themselves into a money pit, so be it. Don’t be quick to jump in with them.


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Posted in Healthy and Well, Just Think, Life, Wealth

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How Pets Can Teach Us Empathy

Posted on July 22, 2008 by | 1 Comment

Pets are great companions and teachers. They love us unconditionally just as we are and do not expect us to change. One lesson pets teach us is empathy. The following excerpt is from Buzzle.com: “In one study, we found that 3- and 4-year-olds with pets were better able to understand the feelings of other children than those without pets,” Poresky says. He also says there are life lessons to be learned from taking responsibility for a pet. “A dog or cat won’t always do what the child wants them to do, and that can be very important,” he says. “This helps kids learn that there are other perspectives and ways of looking at things.”

Perhaps the world would be a better place if all of us were given a pet to care for when we were kids. Studies show that children who are given pets learn how to understand the feelings of others, learn responsibility, and life from different perspectives. They also learn loyalty and how to selflessly give of themselves. Sometimes these lessons need to be re-learned when we become adults.

My kitten Salem taught me how to practice non-judgment and empathy. Even though his life was short, he will always be with me. Salem had a rough start in life. God only knows how long he sat on the patio of the first floor apartment that is below me. He probably was there at three weeks old; I took him in when he was five weeks old. It was not easy for the both us. The poor thing had issues and so did I. Continue reading →

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Who Else is Fast Food Illiterate?

Posted on July 20, 2008 by | Leave a comment

Being fast food illiterate is a good thing! For those people who have embarked on a “weight loss” journey, it can be daunting to go back to fast food. Once in awhile, it may be necessary to stop at a fast food restaurant to grab something “quick” to eat. What if you’ve been away from fast food for a long period of time? How do you order? Do you choose drive-thru or go inside the restaurant to place your order? Does the menu have a “lighter” side?

The pressure is on to order the right type of take-out, especially if you choose to go through the drive-thru. A long line of cars filled with “regulars” can form behind you and they want their fast food and they want it now! It’s best to be prepared before walking into a situation that can become heated.

Fast Food 101

The regular fast food restaurants such as McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, or Burger King can be found throughout the USA and other countries. Some fast food restaurants like Sonic are scattered throughout the USA. Of course, Subway is the best way to go, just look at Jared! Subway is global so finding one will not be a problem. This is fantastic for travelers who watch their diet when they travel.

Do research on fast food restaurants. The majority of them can be found online. Review the menu and nutritional content. The burger that gets a “bad rap” may be the healthiest thing on the menu; looks can be deceiving. For example, a Caesar Salad with Chicken from Boston Market has 500 calories with 410 calories from fat. Whereas a Junior Hamburger from Wendy’s has 230 calories with 70 calories from fat. Hold the french fries! Choose a side of Mandarin Oranges because they have 80 calories with no fat!

When in doubt, go inside the fast food restaurant. Stand in the back and peruse the menu. Allow the regulars to place their order first because they will do it with the speed of light. This is a win win situation. They get their food and are in and out. You take your time and feel great about your purchase. The bonus is that you and your diet will come away unscathed!

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Posted in Broadening Your Horizons, Healthy and Well

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How to Avoid Desk Rage in the Workplace

Posted on July 20, 2008 by | Leave a comment

Work relationships can be pleasant or very intense. Employers must be aware of “desk rage.” Just like road rage, desk rage can be deadly. Employees are overworked, underpaid, and stressed out to the max! Mix in a little economic uncertainty, debt, and family troubles into the pot and employers have a recipe for disaster in the workplace. Before employers know it, they have a mess that may not be easy to clean up with disciplinary action such as firing.

What is desk rage? People who come to work that are angry, grumpy, ill-tempered, insulting, or worse. Anything from acts such as impatience, yelling, gossiping, backstabbing, throwing things, stealing office supplies, and abusing sick days are part of desk rage.

What causes desk rage? Americans who are coping with woes of rising costs, debt, family problems, and job uncertainty suffer from desk rage. Employees with the least power are more than likely to show desk rage because they feel they are at the mercy of everyone else. Those who do not seek help to deal with their emotions in a more healthy way are a disaster waiting to happen.

What can employees and employers do about desk rage? Breathing and walking are great ways to “cool off” the emotions. Taking 10 deep breaths and focusing on each breath is a great way to calm down. Getting up and going for a walk is another technique that will help to curb desk rage. Not only is walking great exercise but it is a way for people to change their focus.

How to avoid desk rage? Change your thoughts, change your life. A job is just that, it’s a job. If employees feel that their “job” is their life then they have deeper issues to resolve. Don’t buy into the doom and gloom speak of others. Many people thrive in good and bad economic times. Choose to think your own thoughts.

Listening to and partaking in gossip will come back to haunt you. Just because some employees have gathered around the water cooler to talk about “Bob” does not mean you have to join in the conversation. Remember the saying, “what goes around comes around” and it will get you. Karma is powerful; we’re all in this together.

Another way to avoid desk rage is to have an “attitude of gratitude.” Employees could be grateful they have jobs because others have lost theirs. Just something to think about before performing an act of desk rage.

To learn more about what causes “desk rage” and how to prevent it, please visit News.Yahoo.com and MSNBC.com.

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Posted in All Business, Healthy and Well, Just Think, Relationships

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Don’t Allow a Fear of Flying Ground You!

Posted on July 16, 2008 by | Leave a comment

If you have a fear of flying, you are not alone. Millions of people suffer from aviophobia otherwise known as fear of flying. The severity of aviophobia ranges from pre-flight anxiety to full blown panic attacks. Just the thought of flying can trigger an attack. A third of the general population suffers from aviophobia in one form or another, although many will be able to travel by air when necessary.

For some, the fear of flying became more intense after the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Centers in New York. With a little help, determination, perseverance, and “divine” intervention, you will be able to conquer your fear once and for all.

Your mind is a very powerful instrument. When you think “what if” thoughts such as What if the engine fails? What if we hit rough turbulence? What if there is a snowstorm? What if something happens to the pilots? So many “what ifs” so little room to mention them all! Remember, what you resist will persist.

Negative self talk is the worst thing you can do before and during a flight. Relaxation and positive self talk exercises can help calm your nerves. Focus on a place, person, or memory that brings a smile to your face. Meditate on those thoughts and the feelings that accompany them. Another relaxation technique is deep breathing exercises. When you breathe in and out focus on your breathe. This will take your mind off of the flight.

To quote a priest who was on a flight “flying is God with wings.” Amen to that! When you fly and find yourself in the clouds think of it as being closer to God and the angels. Before you board a flight say a little prayer to God to watch over you and everyone on the airplane. Continue your prayers as you take your seat and throughout the flight. Think of it this way, in a few seconds you will be meeting God. I mean that in a good way!

Please visit the following resources to assist you with conquering your fear of flying:

  1. WebMd.
  2. Fear Of Flying Help.
  3. Flying Without Fear.
  4. Suite 101.

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How Perverse is America’s Healthcare System?

Posted on July 7, 2008 by | 1 Comment

The United States of America is touted as one of the best developed western countries. Yet, the USA is still a little “backwoods” when it comes to its healthcare system. The “captains and kings of industry” are still pulling the strings. Many people go year after year without healthcare in The United States of America. With the November 2008 presidential election on the horizon, healthcare will be a “hot topic” for debate.

Employee Retirement Income Security Act or ERISA is at the center of controversy right now. “The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is a federal law that sets minimum standards for most voluntarily established pension and health plans in private industry to provide protection for individuals in these plans.” “Employees participating in retirement and health benefit plans are granted several important rights by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Among them are the right to: disclosure of important plan information, a timely and fair process for benefit claims, elect to temporarily continue group health coverage after losing coverage, a certificate evidencing health coverage under a plan, and recover benefits due under the plan.” Proceed with caution when choosing a healthcare plan.

According to the AP article “Employers use federal law to deny benefits” found on Yahoo! ERISA, which is supposed to protect employee benefits, is providing benefits to employers by shielding them against lawsuits. That’s a shocker. What is that old saying “money talks and bullsh** walks!” It’s walking all the way to the bank with the hard earned money of the American people.

Wake up Americans and take a stand. We the people put time, tears, and hard work into our careers. It’s no wonder that Americans suffer from heart disease, stress can do a lot to the human body. Recently, Denmark was named the “happiest” place in the world. For those Americans who would love to have a plethora of vacation time, peace, and happiness, perhaps Denmark is the place to live. To learn more about the happiest places in the world, read this study by LiveScience on Yahoo! Also, view this video from CBS’ 60 Minutes. College students, you may want to pay close attention to this video.

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Stop! Are Your Personal Care Products Really Natural and Organic?

Posted on July 4, 2008 by | 1 Comment

Natural and organic products are all the rage these days. Go down any aisle at the grocery store, and the shelves are filled with organic products such as cereal, sauces, chips, and many other items. Personal care products such as soaps, shampoos, conditioners, facial cleaners, moisturizers, and makeup are touted as being natural and or organic. But are these products really natural or organic? Be careful because that natural soap on the shelf may not be as natural as one would think.

Before purchasing a product that claims to be “natural or organic,” read the label. Words that are red flags are “nature inspired, made with natural or organic ingredients, and natural origin.” Products can be “certified organic” without being 100% organic. Only 70% of a product’s ingredients must be organic, the other ingredients can be anything. To become educated about organic labeling, visit the USDA.

For those concerned that products are tested on animals, be wary of the wording “not tested on animals.” If products are not tested on animals, labels will have a symbol of a rabbit in a circle with a line through it; the prohibitory symbol. Visit Leaping Bunny, “The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics to view companies who make the “grade.” To learn more about product testing on animals, visit earth-conservation.org, an organization in Poland founded in 2003.

Links to Natural and Organic Products

    Shop at MotherNature.com for thousands of all-natural Health & Wellness products. They even have a “home and grocery” aisle.

    Tom’s of Maine. For all of your natural personal care products. Try the “Natural Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash in Spearmint.” It tastes great!

    Snack Healthy & Be Heart Healthy with Genisoy. Soy foods that taste great!

    Green Living Now. A women owned natural and organic products online store.

    Whole Foods Market. Was founded in in 1980 in Austin, Texas. Now the company is the world’s leading retailer of natural and organic foods.

    As fresh as it gets! Premium gourmet coffees direct from the countries that grow them. Buy Café Britt online. “We work to preserve the environment and ensure the sustainable development of our communities and well as micro, small and medium-sized growers and suppliers.”

    Jason-Natural. “Since 1959, JASON Natural Products has been the leading purveyor of pure and natural products for skin, body, hair and oral health for the whole family, giving consumers effective, environmentally-friendly alternatives to mass-produced, synthetic chemical products.”

    Burts Bees. Is an “Earth Friendly, Natural Personal Care Company.” Burts Bees creates “natural, Earth-friendly personal care products formulated to help you maximize your well-being and that of the world around you.”

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