4 FOODS THAT WILL KEEP YOU LOOKING YOUNG

Hello, hello, hello and happy 4th of July to everyone! So, I have been super-duper busy, as you already know, I am SUPERWOMAN lol, Mom of two (7 year old and 10 months old), wife, author, photographer, 3G MOM and the list goes on and on, but I'm not complaining :) creativity fuels me and gives me a RUSH wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee (see, I told you)

I am going to share with you four of my favorite foods that keep me (hopefully) looking young, see picture below:

By the way, I braided my hair myself, nice huh?

Anyway, I am going to skip the obvious combination of water/fruits/veggies, as we all know their benefits.

1. Olive Oil/ Avocado: I've known about olive oil since I was a little girl because my mother always added a tablespoon to her body lotion, well, here's my FYR mama, 52 year old mom of 5 (ages 32 (me), 27,25, 24 and 17). I am so happy my mom has been following the FYR guidelines since she returned home almost two years ago. The first picture is when she just arrived in Atlanta and the second she sent to me a few days ago from Cameroon.

As you can tell she looks younger and obviously slimmer.
I love cooking with olive oil, I have not followed my mom's idea of adding olive oil to my lotion but I do add coconut oil to my lotion sometimes.Olive oil is very rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants which slows aging and helps prevent age-related diseases. As for avocados, some people avoid eating them because they fear it is fatty when actually a medium size avocado has approximately 30 of fats, mostly monounsaturated fats, and have the same health benefits as olive oil. I also use avocado as a mask for my face and yes you may catch me licking it at times :) edible-beneficial-goodness!

2. Nuts/Seeds: I love nuts, especially brazil nuts, walnuts, cashews, almonds, pine nuts and macadamia nuts. Back in Cameroon we used a lot of pumpkin seeds in many of our vegetable dishes. But then I was only interested in how good the dish tasted, don't blame me, my mom is an extra-ordinary cook. Nuts and seeds are high in unsaturated fats, vitamin, minerals and phytochemicals. When something is good for me I eat and/or drink it. I eat to live.

3. Blueberries: If you don't get the right kind you may end up with a sour taste in your mouth and end up disliking them for no reason. Some of the inorganic blueberries I've bought in the past have usually tasted a little sour, I am yet to discover a sour organic blueberry. Yes, they can be a little pricey but boy do I monitor how we eat these at home hahhaha, I am a mother hen over my blueberries. I have a blueberry addict called Nina Lakota who lives in my house and LOVES fruits and VEGGIES especially blueberries. Blueberries prevent oxidative damage and are highly anti-inflammatory. You can add them to smoothies, salads or make a blueberry pie. Okay when it comes to blueberry pies, no one does it like my mother-in law, she is an amazing cook and her desserts are SIMPLY ADDICTIVE. Hold on, let me find a picture of her blueberry pie, you have to see to believe:

Sorry that's all you can get, a picture!!!

4. Lemons: I used to be one of those who thought that lemons are extremely acidic and bad for the body. But do you know that lemons are basic in the body as opposed to being acidic? and are extremely beneficial to your health? They are supercharged with tons of vitamin C and antioxidants. Lemons are not only great for cleaning your house but they act as a super cleanser for your body against toxins. So next time you see a lemon, instead of running away from it reach for it. Add it to the water you drink, squeeze it over your salad and foods in short marry a lemon, it is good for you :)

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

FATIGUE

I bet you fatigue is a word most of us are very familiar with. Everyday is a 'run' and we are beat by the time we get home. But somehow even a good night's sleep can't seem to remedy it. Aren't we supposed to feel rested after we sleep? yes we are, but sometimes there is a kind of fatigue that feels everlasting--chronic fatigue. Do you know what I am talking about? I have been there in the past and I tell you recently I haven't missed feeling that way, want to know why? My remedy is simple: Detox. Other reasons why you may be feeling this way are;
Low blood pressure
Viral infection
Thyroid disorder
Low blood sugar
Anemia

I realized that whenever I did a detox I got an energy surge. The FYR program has a 21-day detox (complete with recipes in both ebooks on sale on this site) that you can follow if you choose to do it our way. The very least you can do is try to incorporate some of the recipes into your diet a little at a time. And if you 'fall off the wagon'? well then just start again.

Here is one of my favorite green smoothie recipes (Always do organic if you can)

NINA'S GREEN GOOD MORNING


1.5 ripe medium bananas
1 ripe mango
1.5 cups of soy milk or almond milk (vanilla flavored)
1 Tbsp of coconut oil (optional)
1 handful baby spinach

Blend till smooth and enjoy.

I especially love spinach so I eat it in every form possible. Spinach is very nutrient-dense and eating it in its raw(uncooked) form is the best way to get all the benefits you need since heat destroys enzymes. It is very low in calories yet very high in vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients: vitamin K, vitamin A, magnesium, folate, manganese, iron, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B2, potassium, and vitamin B6. It’s a very good source of protein, phosphorus, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, niacin, dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. It is also packed with flavonoids which are antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Spinach is my favorite source of iron. Iron is a component of hemoglobin which carries oxygen to all parts of the body. I hope this encourages you to add more spinach to your diet and even better add it to your green smoothies in the morning. 

Don't forget to exercise.


EAT & DRINK TO YOUR HEALTH, YOU'LL THANK ME LATER!

PUT YOUR GENIUS MINDS TO WORK!

RTD(ideal) ± 2(Rx)/week +Qdx = FYR

Yes, FYR has a mathematical formula, the only one you'll see in the program. We do not count calories, no need to, or keep points...WE EAT and enjoy every bite hmmmmmmmm. This came to me a few days ago when I was thinking about the questions people ask me. They always want me to explain FYR in one short sentence and GOD being my abundant source poured this idea into me, isn't HE AMAZING?

So I am calling on your genius minds to decode this and send your answers to bernice4fyr@gmail.com. But first you'll have to  get your eBook in order to learn about the program and put your brain to work on deciphering the formula! The winner gets the next dessert recipe hard cover book absolutely free and gets to feature in the book: photo & bio. Are you UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?

Here are a few hint words to aid you: raw, vegan, detox, relax, fire once you buy your eBook, I will give you one last important hint word. Good Luck!

Did you know we now have a facebook FYR page? If you haven't been there, then you're missing the hottest new

 spot on facebook. It is FUN-PASSION-FIRE-DETERMINATION & INSPIRATION!

Here's our page link:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Forever-Young-Revolution/204244652938442

FYR Revolutionists are 'BURNING' ... okay, I have been cooking and baking up a storm, FEAST FOR YOUR EYES...

Created by our amazing chef, 7 year old Nina Lakota

Vegan Oat-banana biscuits with a dollop of vegan cream cheese

Vegan YUMSY peanut butter-chocolate pie: this has only 3 Tbsp of peanut butter  and the rest? ah, you'll just have to wait for the dessert cookbok

Created by Ms. Nina Lakota, her delicious, ultra-nutritious breakfast

Nina's mixed fruit smoothie

Don't forget to exercise!

TWIST & SHOUT

Cool down Stretch

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

I HAVE ICE CREAM FOR BREAKFAST because I CAN!

I AM YOUR GENIE, YOU CALLED AND HERE I  COME TO SATISFY YOUR SWEET TOOTH

How about a RAW-VEGAN YUMMY ICE CREAM?

Ingredients  for raw-vegan ice cream:
2 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen overnight
1 tsp coconut oil
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3 Tbsp water or coconut water (to add as needed)

Blend till smooth and store in freezer(if you prefer a firmer ice cream rather than soft serve) for about 15 minutes

Ingredients for Strawberry Syrup:

5 ripe strawberries
1/2 tsp coconut oil
2 cubes of ripe mango
1 Tbsp agave nectar

Blend all together until smooth and drizzle over ice cream, you may also add nuts and berries over ice cream. For this recipe I added pineapple chunks, a sprinkle of pecan flour and crushed walnuts. YES AND YOU CAN EAT ALL YOU WANT!!!

This is so delicious that your little ones will love it, how about that? we will be bringing you more raw-vegan recipes and more desserts for those of you with a sweet tooth like me xoxoxoxo ENJOY!

Softer version of ice cream with strawberry syrup YUM-ME!

Click on this text to view our new facebook page: 

Firmer Ice cream: CAN YOU TASTE IT?

Our Amazing chef, Nina Lakota, Official Face of FYR, getting ready to make her very first raw-vegan ice cream

Thank you very much Ms. Nina. Please let us know how you liked it when you make it for you and your loved ones.



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

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..."

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!

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!