Showing posts with label healthy lifestyle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healthy lifestyle. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Probiotics, Superfoods, Multivitamins, and Omega-Rich Oils: Four Daily Supplements You Need

Adding probiotics, superfoods, multivitamins, and omega-rich oils into your diet could be the four  supplement power punch to make your healthy living a reality. With so many powders, pills, and additives, I wanted to take a step back. I figure a makeover is good for the outside of your body, why not the inside of your body?

Off to the vitamin section I went. I didn’t go in with a list like I normally do, but I did go in with an open mind. I knew the question was, “What am I not getting enough off in my diet?” Probiotics, superfoods, multivitamins, and omega-rich oils the knowledgeable specialist shared. My ears perked up, like Moses receiving the 10 commandants, I guess you would call these the four commandments of health.

Probiotics, Superfoods, Multivitamins, and Omega-Rich Oils are the four basic supplements you should be incorporating into your life regularly. This power combo isn’t normally achieved through the basic American diet, but so necessary to keeps us alined and balanced internally.

So what are these four power punch elements in a little more detail? My favorite chain farmers market, Sprouts, enlightens us a little more.
  • Probiotics are live beneficial microorganisms that are widely believed to support healthy digestion and immune function. These friendly bacteria are essential for gut health, as stress, low-quality foods and over-the-counter-medications can destroy probiotic activity, which leads to lower immune function, yeast overgrowth and digestive disorders.
  • Red, green or blue superfoods such as salmon, broccoli, goji berries, blueberries and tart cherries are rich in protein and/or packed with phytonutrients and trace minerals that help support overall health and vitality. Their mega boosting performance nourishes your body, strengthens your immune system, and protects you against diseases.
  • Vitamins are organic nutrients required by the body for growth, repair, normal metabolism and optimal health, but few of us get the right ones at the right levels. That's because no single food contains all the vitamins and minerals the body requires; moreover, the combination of eating on the run, high levels of stress and consumption of highly processed foods can lead to nutrient deficiencies. The elderly, adolescents, pregnant and lactating women and vegetarians are especially at risk. Multivitamins provide essential vitamins and minerals needed to maintain optimum health.
  • Omega-rich oils are found naturally in fish and flax, among other foods. These essential oils offer valuable nutritional support for healthy skin and brain function. Supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

If you caught last week’s blog on kefir, you already know it’s an excellent source of those good for you probiotics. Some other yummy ways to get probiotics into your system is with
  • Goat’s Milk Yogurt
  • Sauerkraut
  • Dark Chocolate
  • Microalgae (ocean-based plants such as spirulina, chorella, and blue-green algae)
  • Miso Soup
  • Pickles
  • Tempeh
  • Kimchi
  • Kombucha Tea

You can add more superfoods into your diet with with those named above, and you can also try 
  • Mulberries
  • Chia Seeds
  • Coconut Water
  • Golden Berries

When it comes to a multivitamin, it really is a conversation you should have with a vitamin specialist. Talk to them about your stage of life. I have yet to find one advisor who isn’t passionate about what they do, and want to share their knowledge with you. One thing I would suggest, make sure you avoid synthetic multivitamins. We like our foods natural, same should be said for vitamin supplements.


If you want to get the J. Lo glow without a steady diet of fish, you can also try these foods rich in Omega-3’s
  • Grass-Fed Beef
  • Edamame
  • Flaxseed Oil
  • Enriched Eggs
  • Walnuts 
  • Spinach
  • Hemp
These suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to probiotics, superfoods, multivitamins, and omega-rich oils foods. You can also do a little multi tasking, which is my favorite-smoothies. They are quick, easy, and great to go anywhere. This is my current favorite kefir based smoothie, that has everything in it, but the kitchen sink. Create your own, but make sure not to cut out the elements of the four power supplement combo. 

Kitchen Sink Kefir Smoothie
8 oz Lifeway Lowfat Kefir (Flavor Varies)
4 tbsp Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Pro Fiber
1 oz Genesis Today Organic Power4
2 tbsp Lily Of The Desert Aloe Herbal Detox Formula
1 tsp Carlson Super D Omega 3
2 tsp Health Force Spirulina Manna
1 tbsp Golden Flax Seeds
1 tbsp Chia Seeds
Fill to capacity with frozen fruit like blueberries, raspberries, or other high water based fruits.  

Seems like a lot of ingredients, but trust, it tastes great with the kefir base. Hemp powder has a nice, nutty taste, and you won’t believe how much daily goodness you’re putting into your body with one drink. Let me know what you thinks. Happy four power supplement punching.






Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Change Your Life with Nykki Hardin! Pilates Platinum Discount & Group Cleanse starting MARCH 12th!

Pilates Platinum is SO excited to share an amazing Group Cleanse starting next week, March 12th! To add to the excitement, Nykki Hardin has been kind enough to offer a special discount so Pilates Platinum members and friends can jump in on her next group cleanse!

Nykki has created an amazing cleanse that helps you look amazing, lose weight, and gives you increased energy and radiant skin (J). Her program also boosts your immune system, improves your digestion and relieves bloat! Those are just a handful of the benefits for your body—with Nykki’s cleanse, your mind will also benefit from increased focus, you'll sleep better, and one of the best perks of all: you’ll have increased confidence

Nykki Hardin is a Natural Health Specialist and the founder of Nykki's Cleanse. She has helped clients globally create vibrant health and happiness according to their own definitions and standards, and within their ideal lifestyle. Her clients experience weight loss, elimination of stress, mental clarity, and emotional freedom. She is an expert at cleaning out the body to gain energy, reset the metabolism, and experience happiness. 

We could write pages and pages about Nykki and her cleanse-- sharing her experiences from working around the world and why her cleanses help reset your body, mind, and life. And we could fill a book with client testimonials!

But for now, we’re given you a rundown of Nykki’s Cleanse dates and the special offer she’s extended for Pilates Platinum. Please click on the links below to jump to resources where you can learn more and connect with Nykki herself.

CHECK OUT THE CLEANSE DETAILS HERE: 

Group Cleanse starts:  MARCH 12th!!!!
(Nykki also works with people individually, so that’s an option too!)

Pilates Platinum Discount: $50.00 OFF!
Use Discount Code:  PLATINUM

Email with any questions!

Facebook:
Twitter:
@NykkiHardin 

Need more information about why Nykki’s Cleanse is so great?
Browse some of these client testimonials that came in just from this week!

“Nykki's Cleanse totally changed my life. I feel healthy, have more energy, and have lost 40 lbs in 5 months. With the help of Nykki, I have shifted the dead weight in every area of my life and I'm happy.  Not only that I have seen the transformation within me as a person. I have clarity, peace, and have opened my heart to the world. I have regained strength, held my head up high, and walked my path of what I believe to be true.” - Lisa Williams

“Nykki's Cleanse completely changed my life.  I had twin boys and could never lose the baby weight. I completed the cleanse, lost 13  lbs. and continue to lose weight, have more energy, clarity, am more positive, and feel the BEST I have ever felt.  It was easier than I thought! Nykki was an amazing coach through the journey and was readily available whenever I needed her. Thank you Nykki for introducing me to this lifetime opportunity, I am forever grateful!"      —Summer Edwards

“I went from 63kg to 60 kg - and lost 2 dress sizes.  It was more exciting AFTER the cleanse as I continued to lose weight and my body better metabolized so I could spot reduce cellulite.  And the ODDEST benefit was I had MORE energy to exercise while on the cleanse!  How many programss do you go on - where you actually continue losing weight AFTER the diet finishes? That's why the Nykki's Cleanse is a must!”   —Angela Ambrosia, Australia

AND MORE:
Yelp reviews are coming in positive—this is another client testimonial from this week:


"I started 2015 off with Nykki's cleanse and it's the best thing I have ever done. I am a Holistic Nutrition & Lifestyle Coach and loved everything about what Nykki created. I  was so ready for a shift in my life, and that's exactly what I got. I set an intention to let go of what no longer served me - I shed some long held limiting beliefs and about 8 pounds of toxic weight. I have changed by outlook on food completely. I was clean to begin with, but did have challenges with sugar. I no longer crave sugar, or anything that doesn't serve my body. I highly recommend Nykki's cleanse and will also recommend it to my clients!  Nykki is highly knowledgeable and has years of training in health and wellness. She created this cleanse to support long term lifestyle shifts and she has succeeded."


We hope you get a chance to hop over to Nykki’s website to learn more—and we look forward to cleansing with you starting next week, March 12th!!


Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Melt in Your Mouth (and we're not talking about M&M's!)

We love a good snack as much as the next guy (or gal), but we don’t love extra calories, especially post-holidays.

Try this amazing recipe for a sweet and savory guilt-free snack that’ll most definitely satisfy your snack craving.
Spicy Popcorn Cashew Mix
-2 cups of air popped popcorn
-2 tablespoons of chopped and toasted Cashews
-1 teaspoon of olive oil
-1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
-1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
-1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
-1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Toss it all together (we suggest using your hands) in a big bowl and enjoy your healthy snack!

Nutritional Info:
163 calories
9 grams of fat (2 grams of sat. fat)
19 grams of carbs
3 grams of fiber

5 grams of protein

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Don't Hit Snooze

We all know the drill:
It’s dark outside at 6am, and it’s cold. 
It’s not very welcoming outside of your covers. 
You’re tired. 
Maybe you’re sore. 

And you really, really, don’t want to get out of bed.

Sound familiar? Don’t hit snooze! Read on for some tips to help you get out of bed and get your day going right.

1. First Stop: Cold Shower
A cold rinse first thing in the AM is refreshing and will surely wake you up. It’s invigorating, but it might not be for you. So if you can’t last a whole shower with goosebumps, try spending just the last minute of your shower under cold (or even room temp) water to wake you up before you really start your day.

2. A Mantra Makes it Better
A healthy, positive mantra is great for any time of the day, but a positive affirmation when you first awake will help set the tone for starting your day and reaching your goals.

3. Hydrate x 3
Studies show drinking three 6-8 oz. glasses of water as soon as you open your eyes jumpstarts your metabolism and immune system. If you’re used to hot coffee or tea and can’t switch to room-temperature water, try drinking a mug of almost-boiling water with the juice of half a lemon. It’ll help start your digestion for the day and get you up and out to the kitchen first thing.

4. Exfoliate First
Even heard of Dry Brushing? Google it. And if that’s not your thing, just giving your face a nice exfoliating wash will stimulate your skin and wake your body right up.


Friday, December 12, 2014

Pilates Platinum on Getting a Good Night's Rest

Sometimes it takes longer to fall asleep than we plan for. We finally hit the sack and that’s when our mind starts racing. But getting enough ZZZzzz’s is such an important part of a healthy lifestyle! It’s not always easy to catch some rest, but luckily we’ve found some ways to help ease you into dreamland.
*Make sure you calm down before you lay down- 
that means no work emails.
The last thing you want to worry about is tomorrow’s list of To Do’s. Refrain from reading work emails in the hours leading up to bedtime to avoid stress and maintain a healthy work/life balance.

*Put down that iPhone/iPad/video game controller.
You eyes and ears, and not to mention your mind, are constantly stimulated by pings and beeps and flashing lights on electronic devices. When you’re ready to hit the sack, turn off your sounds, stop texting and playing online games so that your senses wind down as your day does.

*Sex = endorphins = sleep.
Yes, sex helps you get to sleep! The endorphins released during sex tend to help most people fall asleep faster. The hormone prolactin, which is released after an orgasm, is responsible for the feelings of relaxation and sleepiness. Sleep with your loved one to improve your sleep.

*Step into some fiction before you slip into dreams.
Studies show that slipping into a good fiction book helps settle your mind before resting. But if you’re reading on a tablet, it’s a good idead to slap on a SleepShield screen cover so that the glow from the screen doesn’t destroy your sleepy state of mind.
You don’t have to count sheep anymore.
 Try Pilates Platinum’s sleep aids above and balance your workouts with plenty of rest.