Saturday, April 9, 2011

HAPPINESS IS FROM WITHIN...: This is why I am happy, This is my story, this is ...

I just had to share this powerful testimony about Jenny on the FYR program. She is also a contender in the FYR 90-day superstar challenge. Read and be inspired....



HAPPINESS IS FROM WITHIN...: This is why I am happy, This is my story, this is ...: "This is my story, this is my joy...Now the fact is, I never really talked about my struggles with my weight because I felt that’s personal a..."

Friday, March 25, 2011

THE SILENT KILLER

I remember many years ago when I used to be a worry-wart. I worried about every little thing and then worried that I worried so much. Needless to say back then life didn't get any better, nothing changed because I worried about it, I just grew older and my crankiness and mood swings probably drove those who were close to me crazy.

Early this morning I heard from a friend whose uncle had passed out from being too stressed all the time and also a young woman, 36, who recently died because of stress. Several years ago a 23 year old girl had a stroke that left her left side paralyzed...too many stories to list and all from the same culprit: STRESS. Yes we live in a demanding society where we always feel like we're being pulled from every direction, yes there are bills to pay and kids to feed, such is life! Being stressed over a long period of time sets your body on a continuous fight-or-flight mode, can you imagine always being on your toes or walking on egg shells? that's what happens when you let stress drive your life.

According to the America Medical Association, stress is far more dangerous in causing cancer and heart disease than smoking and high cholesterol, shocking isn't it? Stress is the cause of 60% of all illnesses and diseases. These statistics are a wake up call for us all. There is no use in fretting over something we can't change at the moment, I have learned that now. Did you know that almost all medications are prescribed for stress related diseases? Imagine what would happen if we were all able to control our stress levels or eliminate it from our lives completely. Stress weakens the immune system and leaves you open and at risk to different kinds of ailments.

SYMPTOMS OF STRESS:

Irritability, headaches, feeling burnt out, anger, restlessness, heart palpitations, anxiety, sweaty palms, loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea, depression and so many more.

HOW TO REDUCE YOUR STRESS:

Unlike some unhealthy ways to deal with stress like smoking, drinking, overeating, overworking, sleeping too much, aggressive behaviors etc, there are many more healthy ways to cope, manage and rid yourself of stress.

1. Be assertive: Learn to say 'no'--something which was very hard for me to do because  I used to be afraid of hurting people's feelings but today I have learned to put myself first. You can't please everyone.

2. Stay away from people and situations that stress you out: Sometimes it is better to let go, you may have known someone for many years and feel a certain degree of loyalty in keeping them around, but there comes a point where you have to draw the line.

3. Manage your time better: Make a to-do list and learn how to look at the big picture, break it down into little parts and set realistic goals for yourself. Avoiding to do this may cause you to feel overwhelmed.

4. Forgiveness: My definition of forgiveness is this: "Forgiveness is allowing oneself to be set free, doesn't mean you are weak or that you will erase all memories of it, it is letting go to open up more room for love."

5. Meditate: Set aside quiet time for yourself. Do nothing. Master the art of doing nothing...silence...ssSSH

Ms. Delores Taku



6. Relax: It is very hard for some people to relax but it is a very necessary ingredient in managing stress. Here are few ways to relax; go for a walk, listen to music, take a long bath, drink some tea, read a good book, watch a romantic movie, watch a comedy, talk to a friend (not the ones who stress you out) have a healthy snack--adopt a healthy lifestyle and diet, try FYR :) -- and my favorite one; exercise, exercise. I always feel GREAT after exercising.

Stop Worrying: IF YOU CAN"T CHANGE IT TODAY, DON"T SWEAT IT!

Drink and eat to your health, you'll thank me later!

Saturday, March 19, 2011

32 Years Young and Hopefully Growing Younger

Last weekend I celebrated my 32nd birthday, my actual birthday was march 1st but my aunt, Monica, organized one for me and my cousin, Dora. Should I just warn you that I was spoiled rotten? Well, there, you have been warned...I will let the pictures speak for themselves...
A choconana-appricot cake I made for Dora, YUMMY

Aunty Monica, our gracious hostess

Dora and aunty Monica

The buffet table

Ms. Sharon Arrey and I

Me in my little black dress I got from Dora
Ice cream cake

Me and baby Ricky( in the background)


The other birthday girl, Dora

My  6 month old Chubb-chub and I




Ricky and aunty Flo

Ricky and aunty Flo

My Nina, me, Tresor and Dora

Cutting the cake

Okay, so you see it was a big deal. Had so much fun. I can't thank aunty Monica, Dora, Adel and David enough. I did try a little bit of  almost everything. I was very conscious of what went into my mouth though. I had more vegetables than anyone else I think. It was well worth it as it acted as a great laxative for me the next day (sorry, but just had to add that). When I got up the morning after and felt flu-ish, I knew exactly why: it was the ice cream cake! My body knows exactly what it wants; dairy and I don't get along too well. So for the next three days I did a little cleanse, carrot juice fast, and I was back to myself again.

The reason I brought that up is to point out that if you treat your body well, it will actually 'talk' back to you and let you know if it agrees with the things you eat or not. I absolutely love the FYR lifestyle and I hope you decide to join the ride. Several people are taking the FYR 90-Day Superstar Challenge and I can't wait to start getting the success stories. In April, I have a handful of people starting as well, so if you have been waiting here's your chance. Summer is still several months away for all those who want to join the swimsuit challenge.

In the coming weeks FYR will be announcing its first Male Spokesperson. I hope you follow us (click on 'follow') to stay updated. On our next post we'll be talking about sources of Iron and eating red meat won't be one of them. 

I will leave you with a great little recipe to help boost your immune system and help fight against cancer. The secret is an ingredient called lycopene found in tomatoes which helps to prevent blood lymphocytes from  damage. I love tomatoes, especially raw, you can eat it in your salads or juice them, you can also add it to your smoothies. Fresh organic tomatoes are ideal. So if you're one of those people who won't try anything new, just think of the benefits of this great drink. I hope that's enough for you to try it...love yourself a little differently, it might as well begin with a glass of tomato juice.

Tomato Juice


Ingredients:
2 big ripe tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 tsp cayenne pepper ( I love cayenne, the more the better)
1 tsp turmeric
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp agave nectar (optional)

Method:
Juice the celery and tomato in a juicer. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir. YUMMY-DELICIOUSO-Tritious :)


EAT AND DRINK TO YOUR HEALTH, YOU"LL THANK ME LATER!