The Li'l Bird » Health & Beauty

Do you get your 3-a-day?

Annie O. — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:43:22 +0000

I have heard so much lately about how important it is to get your 3-A-Day. (Referring to getting 3 servings of dairy a day.) As of lately I have found a new love for yogurt. As for cheese, who doesn’t love cheese?!?! But, I am not a huge fan of milk. I mean I love it on cold cereal, and I love chocolate milk. But I have no desire to go to the fridge and pour me a huge glass of milk. Although I try to incorporate dairy into our diet I dont think me or my kids get three servings a day. So, I decided to see what all the hype is about. And see why they say it is so important. I found This website. It is a great place to find tips & recipes and, it talks all about why dairy is so important to your overall health.

I know this is kinda long, but here are Nine Essential Reasons for you to consider including dairy in your diet everyday.

Calcium: the Building Block of Strong Bones

What could possibly be better for building and maintaining healthy bones than getting your daily intake of calcium by eating 3 servings of dairy foods each day? Eating 3-A-Day of Dairy and doing high-impact, weight-bearing exercises, or other activities like walking, jogging and weight lifting. Calcium plays a major role in building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. This is especially important when it comes to preventing fractures resulting from osteoporosis.

Phosphorus Helps Generate Energy

Phosphorus, like calcium, is a mineral that helps keep your bones strong. It also helps generate energy in your body’s cells. Many milk cheese and yogurt products are a good or excellent source of phosphorus.

Riboflavin for Muscle Function

Riboflavin — also known as vitamin B2 —is an essential nutrient that helps process food into energy. This process is crucial to your body’s daily muscle function; even more so when you’re exercising. Milk and most yogurts provide energy forming nutrients and are an excellent source of riboflavin.

Grant Yourself Immunity with Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a vital nutrient that plays an important role in maintaining normal vision and healthy skin. It also helps regulate cell growth and helps maintain the integrity of the immune system. When it comes time to take your vitamin supplements, why not have a glass of milk? It already contains 10% of the Daily Value for vitamin A and helps the other vitamins go down more easily.

Help Build Your Red Blood Cells with Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 helps build the red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to our muscles.Since milk is a good source of vitamin B12, stock up with a dairy treat that’s simple and portable when you’re on the go—including flavored milk in convenient, re-sealable plastic bottles.

Potassium Helps Maintain Normal Blood Pressure

You’ve probably heard that bananas are high in potassium, but milk and most yogurts are also a good source. Potassium helps regulate your body’s fluids and helps maintain normal blood pressure.

Normal Enzyme Function with Niacin

Niacin is important for the normal function of many enzymes in the body and helps metabolize sugars and fatty acids. An 8-oz glass of milk contains 10% of your Daily Reference Intake of niacin, so enjoy!

Vitamin D: Helps You Absorb Calcium

Why is milk such an excellent resource in reducing the risk of osteoporosis? It’s all about the nutrients it provides including vitamin D. Not only does this essential nutrient enhance bone mineralization—it also helps your body to absorb more calcium. Together, dairy foods’ nutrient package work to help build the strong bones that will support you throughout your life. Milk and some yogurts are an excellent source of vitamin D.

Dairy: the Complete Protein

Protein builds and repairs muscle tissue and offers a source of energy during high-powered endurance exercises. A serving of milk, cheese or yogurt are all a good source of protein. What’s more, dairy foods are a source of high-quality, complete protein that has all the essential amino required to maintain good health.

So… Go pour you a glass and drink up!!! As for me - I think I’ll reach for the chocolate milk!!!

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V8 V-Fusion

Suzee Q. — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 17:41:12 +0000

I’m pretty sure “I” have made my son a picky eater.

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“We” don’t really like too many vegetables, but we LOVE most fruit! So that means we aren’t getting the proper servings that we need a day! But, one of my friends introduced me to the V8 V-Fusion juice drink.

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It is made with 100% juice and packed with vitamins A, C and E. That means in every 8-ounce glass there is a full serving of veggies and a full serving of fruits. They have a lot of different flavors to choose from too; Tropical Orange, Acai Mixed Berry, Pomegranate Blueberry, Strawberry Banana, and Peach Mango. So if you are like me, and struggle with getting all your servings for the day, try it, it’s actually pretty tasty! You can also go here to find recipes that include the drink.

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Clarisonic Facial Brush

Suzee Q. — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 04:57:48 +0000

Have you ever heard of the Clarisonic facial brush? Or maybe you already own the Sonicare toothbrush? Well they are both made from the same company, and if you love one then you will love the other! First off it is cordless, and waterproof, so that means you can take it in the shower with you! Second, it cleans 6 x’s better than just washing your face. So that means smoother skin, fewer fine lines and wrinkles, smaller pores, less breakouts or dry skin, and more absorption of your product! Which brings me to how to use it………You can use it with a cleanser, or with an enzyme exfoliant (nothing gritty). It can also be used twice a day! The facial brush is great for ALL skin types. There are 3 different heads, delicate, sensitive and normal. When you purchase the kit you get the sensitive brush head, each head after that is $25. Right now you also get 1oz trial sizes of three of their different cleansers and their Daily Renewal Serum with purchase. It is $195 with free shipping. Wait, don’t let the price scare you, I promise it is well worth it, just think of it as an investment for your youth! And if this makes you feel any better, it was on Oprah’s “favorite things” list! Enjoy!

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What are we going to do with your hair today?

Annie O. — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:07:38 +0000

This is a common question in our home everyday! With three girls I am constantly on the lookout for cute things to do with my girls hair. I love finding new and fun ways to do their hair. But, some days I just run out of ideas. I ran across a couple sites today that I want to share with you. The first one is Here. She shows you step by step how she does amazing things with her girls hair. Like this…

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She will even show you how to do all the princess hairdo’s for Halloween. So if your girl is going to be one of the ever beautiful princesses this year check it out. The next one is Here I love her ideas. These are my faves!

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This is also a great site. Here are some of her darling hair dos.

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So if you are bored with the same old pony tail, or piggies. And, you want to spice it up a little. Try some of these ideas! Or, go to their sites, they have soooo many other adorable do’s!!!

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Carter’s baby clothes WARNING!

Suzee Q. — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 04:45:52 +0000

My sister-in-law sent me an email today, that reported Carter’s Inc. baby garments with tag-less labels have caused 400 babies to develop rashes on their backs. (She always sends me the cutest Jamie’s from them, probably a little nervous Anyway, the clothing items could be pajamas, shirts, or bodysuits from the fall 2007 line. The rash could be caused from sensitive skin, or an allergic reaction to the labels. If you need more info check here or here!

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Do you ZUMBA?

Annie O. — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:32:22 +0000

Zumba combines Latin rhythms with cardiovascular exercise to create an aerobic routine that is fun and easy to follow. The name Zumba is derived from a Colombian word meaning to move fast and have fun. I have been going to a weekly ZUMBA class for months now and, I LOVE IT! It is seriously addicting! Not to mention it is a killer workout. (you can burn up to 1000 calories a class.)

You can go Here to find a class near you. I also really like this site. Check it out! And, Seriously - Find a class and GO!

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Health Benefits of the Acai Berry

Annie O. — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 04:03:56 +0000

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The Acai Berry which is commonly pronounced a-sigh-ee, is a rather small, round, and black-looking berry. It resembles a grape or a blueberry, but is yet smaller and darker.

Acai boasts 10 times the antioxidant benefits of grapes and twice that of blueberries.

What are the Chief Health Benefits that have made Acai Berry Famous?

Boosts energy levels
Improves digestive function
Improves mental clarity/focus
Promotes sound sleep
Provides all vital vitamins
Contains several important minerals
Is an extremely powerful free radical fighter
Acai has very high levels of fibers
Cleanses and Detoxifies the body of infectious toxins
Strengthens your immune system
Enhances sexual desire and performance
Fights cancerous cells
Slows down the aging process
Promotes healthier and younger-looking skin
Alleviates diabetes
Normalizes and regulates cholesterol levels
Helps maintain healthy heart function
Minimizes inflammation
Improves circulation
Prevents artherosclerosis
Enhances visual acuity

People who Have Taken Acai Reported the Following Additional Health Benefits:

Relieves arthritis pain
Helps to clear skin of warts
Reduces the occurrence of seizures
Helps to reduce physical injuries & speed up recovery
Helps stabilize normal blood sugar levels
Helps improve patients suffering from leukemia
Fights general depression
Supports weight loss
Improves upon your overall physical strength

Researchers at the University of Florida tested the attributes of açaí to discover it actually destroyed cultured leukemia cells!

Will açaí cure cancer? We can’t say for certain. All we know is that açaí possesses some very strong health properties that may benefit people in the long run.

You might say açaí is fast becoming known as a wonder food for its versatility. Açaí has nutrient properties and is naturally rich in:

Omega fats (the good kind, unlike the saturated fats found in fast food)

amino acids

electrolytes

antioxidants

protein

vitamins A, B1 and E

Everything I have found on this berry is good, no better than good, it is great! There are no known side affects either and, it has been used for centuries in Central America.

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You can find pure Acai in the juice form, or in the pill form at most health food stores. Or you can find it on the internet, just google it! I found it here.

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Say “Boo” to the Flu!!

Suzee Q. — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 18:12:23 +0000

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I love this time of year! The air is crisp, I can get my warm clothes out, and I can burn my pumpkin spice candles!! And all of this means the Holidays are just around the corner!!! On the other hand, I don’t like when I get a cold, or my kids get sick!! We can ”Say ‘Boo’ to the Flu” this fall and winter season! Go here to learn tips to teach your family to “scare” away the flu this year!

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Are you sick of being sick?

Annie O. — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 17:03:27 +0000

I swear, if it is not Me or my Hubby, it is one of our Kiddos that are sick, were sick, or are getting sick!! It is just that time of year where between school and church we are bound to wind up with some kind of sickness that is being passed around.
Have you tried these?

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I love them! I cant say that they make me free of my sickness, but they definately make me feel better. I will sometimes use them first thing in the morning and they open my sinuses and help get me out of the sickness grog/hangover.
All you do is open up one tablet and set it on your shower floor where the hot water can hit it. It will start to dissolve and you will feel the magic working.
You can go here and get a $2 off coupon.

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What’s in a lemon? 5 Great tips…

Lou E. — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 21:06:49 +0000

Just thought I’d share a few tips on Essential Lemon Oil. I first learned about this when trying to find GREEN cleaning agents for my home. I’ve been slowly getting rid of anything and everything toxic in my home. Did you know the adding a few drops of essential lemon oil to water in a spray bottle is an awesome cleaner? Lemon is a natural antibacterial agent.

So…

1. Add 5-10 drops to water in spray bottle and use to clean any surfaces

2. Add 5-10 drops to water in spray bottle and spray around your home to antibacterialize it, and to make it smell fresh and clean.

3. Add 1 drop to a glass of water and drink it to help boost the immune system.

4. Add 3 drops to 3 teaspoons of distilled water to use as a skin brightener. Use a soft cotton ball to gently massage this mixture into the skin after cleansing.(make sure to follow with a moisterizer)

*Lemon oil is astringent and detoxifying and is therefore great for blemishes as well.

5. Lemon oil is uplifting and cleansing. It replaces negative emotions by creating a cheerful atmosphere of freshness and purity. It can help dispel mental fatigue and psychological heaviness. The aroma of lemon can inspire increased concentration and awareness

*When purchasing Essential oils, make sure they are pure. This website is the best I have found.

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*Lemon oil is powerfully astringent and antiseptic. Because it can cause skin irritation if used by sensitive individuals in dilutions exceeding 5%, it should not be applied undiluted to skin. Five drops or less of lemon oil should be added to a teaspoon of a carrier oil, like coconut oil or olive oil.

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