Reasons Why I Like Nutrisystem

I just took a break from my writing projects to take a walk. During my walk between 2+ foot snowbanks along the road (I'm so happy it's the first day of March!!), I was thinking about the weight I've gained over the long winter, and remembering the success I had with Nutrisystem. I stopped the program a year ago and enjoyed many months wearing my favorite cloths comfortably, but over the winter, those cloths have become a bit more snug, this has me considering going back to the Nutrisystem program. There are several reasons why I like the program:

• You don't have to plan your meals, they are all planned for you.
• The Nutrisystem website provides excellent tools for tracking your meals, exercise, the amount of water you drink, and more.
• You get points for daily motivational readings toward coupons to save on an upcoming month's order
• There are always great specials going on to get you started
• Most of the foods taste very good

I suggest going with the Nutrisystem Select program because you can choose the foods that you are going to eat.  There are details about each of the food selections, including all nutrition facts, and foods that people are inclined to be allergic to are highlighted in the ingredients in bold print.

I'm seriously considering getting back with the program again very soon! 

Are You Caffeine Aware?

I just discovered that March is "Caffeine Awareness Month", didn't even know there was a month set aside just to focus on Caffeine until today. I can remember being told that coffee was something to be avoided when I first became involved with health and nutrition over 20 years ago, and thought it was only because of caffeine. Caffeine does cause problems for many because of it's stimulating affect...it can cause irregular heartbeats, or heart palpitations.

Caffeine also destroys the "good" bacteria in the intestinal system, so if you are a coffee drinker, you should replenish the good bacteria with a good probiotic. If you would like a fact sheet about a couple of my favorites, contact me at nutritionist[at]happynutritionist.com

The oils in coffee are not good for the heart, so if you have no problems with heart palpitations, you do have to take into consideration the oils, and may want to watch for that oil sitting on the top of your cup of coffee. After I've poured coffee, I look at the top of the cup and for lack of a better term, "slosh" the top of the cup of coffee into the sink after the oils have settled on the top. You can use a spoon to carefully remove it as well. This eliminates some of the oil. There may be filters that help with this during the brewing process.

As for jitters from caffeine, Arabica Bean coffee has less caffeine than "regular" coffee if the same measurements are used. I have felt a significant difference between the two.  Though it does "wake me up" just enough, I don't feel as nervous, and if really tired, can actually go to sleep shortly after drinking a cup.  This may not be true for everyone.

Should you stop drinking coffee? Most nutritionists will tell you that you should avoid it, or significantly reduce the amount you drink if you are one who drinks several cups a day.

Where Do You Get Your Herbs and Vitamins?

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of VitaDigest. All opinions are 100% mine.
Knowing my love for herbs, and good nutrition, it is only natural for me to jump on the opportunity to share a source that offers a long list of beneficial herbs, a site called VitaDigest. When you visit the site, look along the top, and click on "Vitamins and Herbs". When you reach the page, look to the left for a long list of single herbs and a few other items mixed in.

I saw some familiar ones that I have been using for some time in the list, including Aloe Vera, Alfalfa, Barberry, Bee Pollen, Butchers Broom, Catnip (fun for cats and soothing for people too), Chickweed, Chamomile, Echinacea Golden Seal, and the list really does go on and on.

The next section that caught my eye was the organic section, which included many organic products, including organic baby formula, wonderful food for the newest members of your family.

There were other categories at the site, but these two interested me the most. Right now you can get 10% off your order if you use coupon code “izb10jan”, this offer ends at the end of February. AND, if your order is over $100, the shipping is free.

VitaDigest offers over 13,000 vitamin, nutritional supplements and other health products, and was awarded INC5000 for 2009, one of the top 5000 fastest growing companies.

You Can Help Haiti

This week I've spent most of my free time thinking about and praying for Haiti, and doing my small part to bring together a couple of sites to help those who are putting their feet to the ground in Haiti, providing food, water, rescuing trapped victims, tending to serious wounds, the need is desperate. It was also nice to be able to give some of our finances...like many we have been affected by the current economy, but that doesn't mean there isn't a little to give. Everyone doing their small part will help in a big way.

I also put together "Natural Disaster Relief - What Can I do?". After finishing this on, I was asked if I wouldn't mind putting together another for a group called "RocketMoms" that would be an avenue for many to help...so I did, the result is "RocketMoms Help for Haiti". Please visit these sites if you have a moment, and I hope all of us will find a way to do something.

Is the h1n1 Flu Still a Threat?

When I looked to see what pages on this blog many are visiting, those related to the flu seemed to be the most popular.

Did you get a flu shot this year? I must confess that we have not. The press on the H1N1 has been confusing as far as vaccinations go, and after all the hype, it sounds like the strain is not as serious as it used to be, so they say, quickly followed by "but it could get worse...." which makes me suspicious...is there scientific data to show that it may get worse, or is this just a way to get people to the doctor to use up those flu vaccinations that are being made? I admit it, I'm a cynic, and pray that I don't get the flu to scare me out of my cynicism.

If you would like to read some of my other posts on the flu, please visit this link.

It's not that I haven't been doing anything, I've been taking my supplements, taking my Echinacea and Golden Seal, and am considering getting a bottle of a new, specially formulated form of Colloidal Silver. If you'd like to know more about either of these, please do contact me at nutritionist@happynutritionist.com.