HCFS stands for what?

High fructose corn syrup. A sugary nastie that is used to sweeten canned and bottled sodas, teas, juices, power drinks, and tons of processed foods. This is one of the WORST substances in your body, as it has been linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and the list goes on.

Beware of commericals and media that state HFCS is a natural sweetener just because it's made from corn. That is their marketing gimmick! The reason they use corn, AND the reason every processed food and drink now uses HFCS, is because it is so cheap to make and buy!

Check out this article from Dr. Mercola about HFCS and how it's raising your blood pressure!

Uh-oh, chemical nasties!

If you're not eating organic fruits and vegetables, PLEASE read this article.

Sprays

Yes it might add more dollars to your grocery bills, but eating organic produce will take off dollars from your future medical bills. I guarantee it!

Before you diss karaoke...

So many of you who know me are aware that I've kinda got this thing for karaoke.  Almost every Sunday, even if it's just for one song, I drive over to Pancho's in Manhattan Beach to get my sing on. And often I can get good friends like my buddy Hilary to break out their dance moves with me :-)

There are many reasons why I can't stop going.  I mean, I LOVE to sing, and when you LOVE to do something, it's very difficult to stop.  And there are some regulars who I see every week, thus familiar faces and laughs shared every week.  Plus years of performing in high school and college helped me learn to enjoy being on stage immensely.

For those of you who don't get it, think it's dumb or cheesy, or maybe you just have stage fright, I decided to do a little bit of research into the benefits of karaoke.  Check this out:

-universities are currently studying the positive effects of karaoke, such as "increased respiratory strength, endurance, control, and capacity, as well as emotional and physical release," and therefore how karaoke could help people with disabilities.

-singing releases endorphins, the happy hormones our bodies produce to make us feel good.

-being on stage increases confidence, and especially when supported by the crowd, participants feel socially accepted and a sense of belonging.

-plus when you get to laugh and have fun with your friends!

So practice some songs at home, grab a bunch of friends, and head over to karaoke!

Feeling stressed?

Whenever I'm stuck in my own head or thinking too much, I go for a walk or a drive to clear my head (when I'm not at yoga or the gym of course!).  It REALLY helps!  I spent Tuesday in the car and walking with my friend Dana.  We hit up Abbot Kenney in Venice, CA and drove up through Malibu, stopping to eat at a great oceanside restaurant called Paradise Cove.  And now I feel so refreshed and much more productive with all my work.

Meet up with a friend or take yourself for a scenic viewing! No matter where you live, there is beauty in every landscape.  Go for a walk in the park or woods, or if you live in a city, maybe go to a gorgeous museum, or take a drive to the suburbs.  Why take an expensive vacation when there's so much to see and places to relax around you?

If you're really in a hole, you could always stare at my pictures!  I'm kind of obsessed with taking photos of nature.  The one above is from Malibu.  There are some other nice scenic ones at my fun website http://www.yogimichelle.com. Or check out my photos on facebook!

Read up on your health!

One of the reasons I started this blog was to give you the most up-to-date nutrition and health info. So always keep checking back for more posts. However, it would behoove you to also do some investigating yourself. Be an educated consumer. DO NOT believe everything the newspapers and magazines tell you, because often they are either wrong or are paid by drug and food companies, and thus are completely biased.

The site I use for THE most innovative, honest approach to health and wellness is http://www.naturalnews.com. The founder of the site, Mike Adams, is extremely passionate about health and nutrition, and has set up a team to scour the internet and scientific studies for the most accurate information. Check it out!

All you need is love...

My friend Emma and I went to Joshua Tree for Bhakti Fest, a yoga and music festival, and we met MANY interesting people from all walks of life. These people were so open, spiritual, and absolutely full of love and gratitude for the healthy drinks we were passing out. (Check out my friends' company cell-nique.com for more info!)

One lady stopped by the booth, she was at least 90 years old, but totally lucid and with it! Her face was wrinkled but with lovely smile lines, and I asked her what her secret for longevity was. She chuckled, tilted her head, and answered:

Love. She said you need to have infinite love for everything and everyone. There is no good nor bad, nothing is better than another. Love every moment and everything you do.

I thought that was pretty powerful. I went home and quickly popped in "love and longevity" into Google, and found this guy Dr. Stephen Post who started The Institute for Research on Unlimited Love. I couldn't believe it! He's proving how love affects every area of our lives, especially including our health! The home page of the website asserts that "[a]ll the goodness of life is nurtured in the soil of love, for love comforts, heals, creates, liberates, and elevates our lives in a way that nothing else can."

A quote from one of the full papers: "The evidence to be accumulated herein supports the following hypothesis: One of the healthiest things a person can do is to step back from self-preoccupation and self-worry, as well as from hostile and bitter emotions, and there is no more obvious way of doing this than focusing attention on helping others. This transformation of being and of doing seems to promote emotional and physical well-being, and odds are, will add some years to life."Stephen G. Post, Ph.D.

I'm planning on loving and smiling well into my nineties. How about you?

Still feelin figtastic...

So I'm not much of a dairy person, but I was feeling like I needed some good bacteria for my belly, so I bought plain organic Greek-style yogurt.  If you're gonna have it, this is the best since it's low in sugar and high in probiotics.  

I wanted to share this with you, because it was ABSOLUTELY delicious.  Get this:  I'm still hooked on the figs, so I diced 4 figs  into a cup or so of the unsweetened yogurt, drizzled a bit of agave nectar, and voila!  An unbelievable dessert or snack.  And much healthier than the sugar filled ones.  

Play around with fresh fruit, granola, whatever suits your fancy!