Whether you're trying to quit smoking, shed 10 pounds or 100, or simply amp up your healthy habits, we're here to help! It's great to have goals at the start of a new year, but be sure to have the resources and support that will help keep you motivated and on track when February rolls around. Here are a few general DOs & DON'Ts, plus some specifics:
Don't go it alone: Some find it helpful to notify friends and co-workers of their goals. That doesn't mean you have to broadcast your health goals and progress to anyone who'll listen, but at least you will have one person who you can rely upon to keep you on track. Recruit others to be your support team, so they will know not to tempt you with a sweet treat or ask you to go out for a cigarette, for example. Moreover, you're more likely to succeed with others watching, and who knows, maybe you'll inspire others to join in on a power walk, or say "no thanks" to the doughnuts at work.
DO Make a Plan: Schedule time for exercise, healthy grocery shopping, and meal preparation in your weekly routine. Even if you have to make compromises during particularly busy weeks, like exercising 10 minutes instead of 20, small changes can add up to big things in the long run.
Don't call it a Diet: Think of it as a lifestyle change, and don't expect massive changes overnight. Instead of focusing on things you can't have, focus on the positive additions to your new lifestyle - like drinking water with lemon first thing in the morning, doing a few breathing exercises or physical activity when life gets stressful, and looking forward to more restful sleep.
DO Eat These Foods: Especially during the winter, the thought of a cold smoothie or salad is less appealing than it would be during summer. Eating whole grains, beans & legumes, warming foods like garlic, onions, ginger, vegetable-rich soups, and herbal teas will help satisfy "comfort food" cravings. We have a full line of favorite Imagine organic and natural heat & eat soup mixes on sale for just $2.99.
QUIT SMOKING: For this most stubborn habit, there are a few ideas to help cut it out naturally. For additional resources and motivation to quit, click here for the American Lung Association's Freedom From Smoking page.
Clean up for better air quality - smoking indoors can leave "thirdhand" smoke residue on carpets, furniture, walls, etc. that can react with common indoor pollutants to form a potential hazard to anyone exposed to it. Don't try to cover up the smell with synthetic fragrances or plug-ins - those can be hazardous too! Instead, thoroughly clean all surfaces with eco-friendly cleaners like Better Life What-Ever All Purpose cleaner, vacuum and wash whatever fabric surfaces and designate the space a No Smoking Zone! Invest in an essential oil diffuser (like NOW Ultrasonic diffusers for about $55) so you and everyone can enjoy a fresh and healthy space.
Chew on a carrot or licorice stick instead, to wean off the hand-to-mouth habit. Some have used herbal cigarettes which do not contain nicotine as a short-term step towards being smoke-free. Check out our bulk herbs section to see the "reality of smoking" display as well as a pre-made "Stop Smoking" blend of herbs that can be brewed as tea, or used as an herbal cigarette, temporarily ($4.99). Licorice sticks can be found in bulk as well, so you can pick out suitable cigarette-sized sticks to substitute ($1.73 per oz).
Herbs that have often been used in smoking cessation programs include:
Lobelia - contains a chemical lobeline, which has a molecular structure similar to nicotine with none of the addictive qualities, it has been found to decrease nicotine cravings while helping rebuild the respiratory system. It may calm nerves as a mild sedative and powerful antispasmodic for those with chronic bronchitis. Lobelia is a powerful herb and should be taken under supervision of your health care provider. See some counterindications here.
Passion Flower - A favorite herb to help calm and relax, passion flower may also help decrease the anxiety and "cerebral excitement" that accompanies withdrawal from nicotine. It is available in tea, liquid extract, and capsules.
One favorite combination is Nicotine Relief Supreme by Gaia Herbs ($13.99). In a convenient, fast-acting liquid, this formula combines lobelia, passionflower, licorice, St. John's wort, and wild oats to promote restfulness during times of occasional stress, and help reduce withdrawal symptoms.
New Chapter Herbal Detoxification - this product was formerly known as Smoke Shield because it was found to help neutralize mutagens from smoke, and other environmental toxins. With a synergistic combination of extracts of turmeric, green tea, rosemary, parsley, ginger, peppermint, and clove, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. This high antioxidant formula scavenges free radicals, increases cell-protective activity, and increases activity of glutathione and superoxide dismutase (SOD). These two antioxidant enzymes function in the liver to render toxins less harmful.
This is a fantastic product for smokers and non-smokers alike who are looking to help boost their immune systems and get a clean start for 2016!
CLEANSE & REJUVENATE: While there are many types of cleanses out there, the main idea is to support your body's cleansing organs, especially the liver, kidneys, and lungs. In order for these organs to function most efficiently, most all cleanses recommend avoiding alcohol, refined sugars, fried foods, red meats, shellfish, dairy, and anything highly processed. Our staff can help you find the right cleanse for you - whether it is a 3-day or 30 day affair - and start getting the good stuff in and bad stuff out!
If you want to do a SUGAR cleanse, reserve your spot at our free event Jan 21st - see below for details.
LOSE WEIGHT: When eating right and exercising and cleansing aren't yielding the desired results, there are some herbs and plant extracts which can help support your weight loss goals. Whether by curbing cravings (African Mango Extract), boosting metabolism (Raspberry Ketones or Green Coffee Bean Extract), or inhibiting the carb to fat conversion process (HCA from Garcinia Cambogia), take a 10 question survey for a customized weight loss plan, provided by Essential Source. You can also find the quiz online.
Whatever your health goals this year, be sure to get the support you need, so you can do your best for your mind & body - you only get one, so make it last!
WELLNESS CENTER
SUGAR DETOX: ADVANCED STRATEGIES
Suzan Moody
Thurs. Jan 21st 5:30-6:30pm
FREE EVENT
Our November event went over so well, we are adding another session for more in-depth discussion. Don't worry if you missed the first one, you won't be left behind!
Do you crave sugar? Carbs? Eat even when you are not hungry?
The 10 Day Sugar Detox Diet can make a huge difference in your health.
Sugar causes physical problems. This is NOT your fault. It’s not an emotional problem. Sugar addiction is ….well, an addiction.
Our resident detox expert Suzan Moody will be highlighting the damaging effects of too much sugar. This class will go over:
• Why sugar is making you sick.
• What sugar to cut out and what types of sugar to eat.
• Gut health and yeast issues.
• Why men and women lose weight differently. What you can do about “diet plateaus”.
• What about supplemental support? Sweating and exercise?
Special discounts available only to class participants. PRE-REGISTER to reserve your spot today! Give us a call or email.
YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILS CLASSES
Marie Koch
Tuesdays 6-7pm
$5 or FREE*
Kick off January with more ways to utilize essential oils. Experience the difference of quality, with therapeutic-grade Young Living Essential Oils.
Bring a friend! First time visitors are free, and Marie is offering a FREE GIFT when you bring someone new, for a limited time!
$5 per class (unless you are a Young Living Distributor through HH4L or a first time visitor.)
Jan 5 - Intro to Essential Oils
Jan 12 - Digestive Health
Jan 19 - The Power of Thieves
Jan 26 - Respiratory Health
Feb 2 - Essential Oils Make & Take (sugar scrub, bath salts, inhaler)
Feb 9 - Intro to Essential Oils
Feb 16 - Reading Food Labels
Feb 23 - What is your pH?
NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING
Kayla Henige, CPhT, FCP
Congratulations to Kayla for completing her internship and is now a full-fledged Fertility Care Practitioner (as well as a Certified Pharmacy Technician).
If you have experienced disruptive hormonal abnormalities, you are not alone! Infertility, PMS, menstrual cramps, ovarian cysts, postpartum depression are real problems. Learn what additional options you have to correct hormonal imbalance.
Utilizing the Creighton Model Fertility Care System, and NaPro Technology, Kayla can guide you through family planning with reproductive and gynecologic health monitoring and maintenance.
Instead of modern techniques that can be invasive and work to suppress or destroy the natural menstrual and fertility cycle, the Creighton Model works cooperatively with these cycles.
This technology is morally acceptable to people of all faiths, as it maintains the integrity of the whole person, and respects the dignity of women and of marriage. Whether a couple is looking to achieve or avoid pregnancy, Kayla will help guide you through the process that has a 96% user effectiveness and 98.6% method effectiveness overall.
Initial Materials: $35
Each Follow-up Appointment: $20
Pregnancy Evaluation: $25
Contact us for a complete list of her affordable client services.
CALENDAR View Online
JANUARY
5 - Intro to Essential Oils: Young Living Essential Oils (YLEO)
12 - YLEO Class: Digestive Health
12 - 20% TUESDAY SALE
13 - Closing at 5pm for STAFF PARTY
19 - YLEO Class: The Power of Thieves
21 - Sugar Detox Class - Advanced Strategies
26 - YLEO Class: Respiratory Health
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