Cucumber Lemon Detox Water

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Are you aware of the amazing health benefits of something as simple and delicious as cucucumber lemon water? It is loaded with Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that promotes skin health, protects our cardio vascular system and boosts our immune system, as well.  Lemons help cleanse the liver and also reduce uric acid in our joints, fighting pain and inflammation.  

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Cucumbers are chalked full of many essential vitamins and minerals that our bodies need including b vitamins which help reduce stress, folic acid, calcium, potassium and magnesium.   Potassium and magnesium in particular are important minerals that we lose when we sweat, making them critical electrolyte replacements pre and post work out!

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Cucumber lemon water helps fight bloating and may even aid in weightloss as it draws toxins out of our bodies, cleansing and acting as a mild diuetic according to Huffington Post. 

In conclusion, the body is composed of approximately 60% water. Therefore it is essential that we stay hydrated. So why NOT drink this quick, delightful, refreshing and low calorie version that will boost immunity, brain power, skin health and protect against cancer. 

For maximum nutritional value it is recommended to slice the cucumbers and lemons into the water the night before and allow them to sit. Drink at room temperature when you first wake and then throughout the day.  Drinking at room temperature is important because ice water can be abrasive and shocking on our organs. It is always best to consume local organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible, as well. 

Bon Appetite,

Libby

Gardening for Stress Relief, Health, and The Best Nutrition

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You do not need a lot of space to garden. First, simply decide if you prefer flowers, food, or a combination of both. You can even grow herbs in small pots on your deck or porch. Just being out in the sunlight and breathing the fresh air while gardening will make you feel alive and relaxed. The connection with nature calms and centers us. Gardening creates mindfulness as you care for the plants, watering them, trimming and weeding the bed.

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Gardening also allows for creativity! Plant a variety and feel the gratification when the plants reach maturation. The sense of immediate accomplishment as you dig the hole and place each plant is amazing. And when your cucumbers are ready to cut and eat, or your flowers are ready to be placed in a vase, you feel so much satisfaction. 

The food you grow is the finest you can possibly eat because you know exactly how it was raised. Studies also show that kids who are involved in gardening are more likely to eat a variety of fruits and veggies and are more adventurous about trying new foods. I know this was the case with my kids. I rented a garden plot six years ago. They started eating eggplant, peppers and all sorts of things after helping me in our garden. We no longer rent a plot, but instead use the space we have in our yard to creatively grow a variety of herbs, peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, cucumbers, squash and some flowers sprinkled in.

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We live in a stressful world.  Step away from the chaos and connect with the earth.  Putting your hands in the dirt is not only stress relieving, but physically gratifying.  For example, a person weighing 140 pounds burns approximately 305 calories an hour while gardening. Burning calories, connecting with the earth, releasing stress, growing your own healthy food and raising beautiful flowers are wonderful benefits of gardening.

So get to the local garden center and pick up a few things to play with. As Audrey Hepburn once said, “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” 

Love & Light,

Libby

Bathing Suit Bod and NO Diet Involved

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Throw all the diets to the curb and still loose weight. Yes you heard me. My personal theory is that diets do not work because once you start to eat “normally” again the weight will return. Well, that theory is now scientifically proven. The NY Times wrote several articles this May talking about the TV show The Biggest Loser and how all of the contestants weight returned. This happened for several reasons, but one was that they lowered their metabolic rate so low that they could not continue to burn calories at the same rate. The lower the metabolism, the fewer calories you can burn. Also, the contestants work out for many hours a day, which is not realistic for most of the participants after the show ends.  

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It is very important when you want to lose weight to drink a lot of water, get adequate physical activity (muscle burns more calories than fat) and plenty of sleep. Eat smaller portions of food, but do not deprive yourself of any one food (balance is key). Eat as many fresh, organic and local fruits and vegetables as possible combined with whole grains low in saturated fats. Avoid processed foods and too much sodium. Your body will begin to function better, feel better and the pounds will start to fall off. 

Try a yoga class and meditation several times a week. Also get plenty of sleep. Studies have proven that a lack of sleep and high levels of stress are to blame for weight gain. Specifically if you sleep at least 7.5 hours a night, it is proven to help you shed weight. 

Above all, love yourself and practice full acceptance throughout the journey. Life is meant to be enjoyed. Our bodies are the temples in which our souls dwell so honor that space. For guidance with your weight loss journey, please contact us. We can set up an individualized program to help you meet your personal goals with success.

Peace, Light, and Sunshine,

Libby McAvoy

PS - We would love to hear what works and what doesn't work for you when you are trying to take off the pounds. If the comment box does not appear below, click on the title of this post (and all of our blog posts) and scroll down to the bottom where the comment box should appear. Thanks for joining this conversation!