Tag: healthy kids

Winter Reset – Get Ready for Spring

Although spring time is just around the corner, many of us are still dredging through the very cold winter days. Here in California, snowcapped mountains beckon visitors to explore and enjoy the white snow and breezy climate. And while some are adventurous enough to brave the colder temperatures, many of us just want to sit by a cozy fire, read a book, or snuggle with a blanket.

During these cold months, it’s extremely important to keep up your immunity. While colder climate doesn’t necessarily get you sick, it can put a strain on your body’s natural defenses. The best ways to prevent getting ill and feeling sluggish is to find a balance that works for you. Winter going into spring is also a great time to refresh your home and reset your mind. And with warmer days coming up soon, we can plan ahead for a fresh restart.

DETOXING:

When we talk about detoxing, we’re referring to detoxing your body and mind so your energy becomes positive and clear. Colder weather tends to make us want comfort food, or food that gives us a lot of energy in order to keep warm. And depending on where you live, fresh fruits and vegetables might not be readily available so we reach for fattier and less healthy food. Instead, stock up on food that builds your immunity and fights off viruses and germs.

According to holistic healthcare, certain foods can boost your immunity while preventing certain types of diseases and illnesses. The following are wonderful food to try during these cold and damp months or anytime throughout the year:

  • Ginger. A root plant that grows deep in the soil, ginger has well known and scientific benefits for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory, and many other health properties. It’s great for treatment of stomach issues and opening up the sinus. Make ginger tea with 5-6 slices of fresh ginger mixed with hot water. Drinking the tea hot helps balance the QI inside your body and reduces dampness. 

  • Turmeric, also known as Curcumin. Turmeric, much similar to ginger, is a root that has many antibacterial properties. Known mostly to fight inflammation in the body, turmeric has compounds that can reduce pain and certain type of illnesses. 

  • Black pepper. Known as a powerful antioxidant and helps reduce free radicals in your body, black pepper is extremely strong in nature and taste. Be careful with the amount of fresh black pepper you use as high amounts can cause discomfort in the stomach.

  • Cinnamon. Cinnamon is another powerful antioxidant found in nature. Cinnamon can prevent inflammation and helps promote easy digestion when added to food. Try sprinkling cinnamon powder on your coffee, hot cocoa, or milk for a tasty alternative to sweeteners.

  • Cloves. While not the most commonly used herb, cloves boast many powerful health benefits. Cloves is a powerhouse against bacteria. As an ancient health remedy, cloves has been found in natural toothpastes to prevent fungal infections and other bad bacteria. It can also be used as a household cleaning agent. You can find whole cloves or ground cloves in most natural and organic markets.

EXERCISE AND REST:

Study shows that a lifelong habit of exercise is associated with a longer health span, delaying major chronic conditions/diseases, and building immunity. Any form of exercise will suffice, but those that directly help strengthen your organs and bones are more beneficial. Try eastern exercises such as Taichi, Yoga, and Qigong. These slower type of movements target the whole body as well as improve circulation and Qi: the vital life force in any living being.

Proper rest and rehabilitation is important for a healthy mind and body. Take a few minutes each day to relax your mind and soul. Deep breathing exercises and stretches throughout the day improves your blood flow which is crucial for a healthier lifestyle. Just look at cats! They stretch periodically throughout their day and especially after waking up from a nap.

HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES:

It’s no secret that what we eat ultimately affects our bodies. But let’s not forget food also affects our moods. When you hear the old phrase, “you are what you eat”, nothing can be truer than what we put in our bodies. If you’re ever in doubt, be mindful of what you eat and notice the changes in your body and mind. Do you feel sluggish? Or do you feel energetic and happy? Virtually everything you choose to put inside your bodies can be beneficial or detrimental.

Healthy food choices should include:

Colorful fruits and vegetables. The colors of fruits and vegetables correlate with their companion vitamins. For instance, Vitamin A found in carrots produce a compound that turns certain fruits and vegetables orange and red. And certain colors represent the beneficial vitamins and nutrients important for a healthy lifestyle.

Red fruits and vegetables includes lycopene, folate, and Vitamin C which are important for antioxidant, heart health, and inflammation. Try tomatoes, watermelon, and grapefruit.

Orange and yellow fruits and vegetables includes Vitamin A, fiber, Potassium, Vitamin C, and folate. Try carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and corn.

Green fruits and vegetables includes fiber, folate, magnesium, and Vitamin K. These are all important factors in reducing the risk of certain cancers and heart disease, and among many other health benefits. Try spinach, kale, asparagus, Brussel sprouts, and green herbs.

Blue and purple fruits and vegetables includes manganese, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K. Blue and purple colored fruits and vegetables are powerhouses when it comes to lowering the risk of certain types of diseases and illnesses. Try blueberries, blackberries, red/purple cabbage, and plums.

TAKING A BREAK:

Yes, life gets in the way. But when we don’t slow down once in awhile our bodies deplete vitamins and nutrients and our regenerative powers get greatly reduced. Our immunity breaks down and we can get easily ill or fatigued. Some steps to taking a break now and then include writing a daily or weekly journal, meditation, reading a lighthearted book, being out in nature, and going to places that bring you peace and happiness.

The only way we can reset ourselves is to be mindful of why we are so busy. When we realize why we get stressed or depressed, we can start a journey to reset our body and mind. 

CLEAR THE CLUTTER:

With all good intentions, we try to keep our homes clean. But that should also include our cars, offices, electronics, yards, and any place that take up space. We all know that a cluttered area creates a cluttered mind. While there are some that thrives on clutter, most people, including animals do not fare well with too many things going on. With clutter, your mind has a harder time separating and breaking down thoughts and ideas.

Start clearing the clutter by making a list of what you want to clear out. Involve your spouse and kids. Decide what you absolutely must keep and donate, recycle, or throw out the rest. If clutter becomes too difficult, try to hire professionals who can help make a better plan for now and going forward.

Remember to take some time to reset your mind, body, and life.

Resources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9110206/ and healthline.com 

*These are not medical advice. Please consult a medical professional if you have any questions.

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs/in.php?id=storm

suzanLeave a comment

Moms Meet WOW Summit Goes Virtual This Year!

Do you enjoy learning about the natural and organic products industry? Do you like meeting other influencers with similar interests? And most importantly, do you like learning about brands that help you live a healthier lifestyle? If you do, then join me this March in the first ever virtual WOW Summit!

For the past few years, the Moms Meet WOW Summit were held in person with industry speakers, product samplings, and live entertainment. But due to the global pandemic and safety concerns for attendees, Moms Meet decided to move their annual Summit to completely online/virtual. The awesome team at Moms Meet promises the same exciting event with tons of opportunities to learn about the natural and organic industry and reach out to brand and professionals. And this year, the Moms Meet WOW Summit is completely FREE!

This year’s Moms Meet WOW Summit is from March 9-11 and you can register here: https://wowevents.momsmeet.com/wow-summit-virtual/register/. Just make sure you sign up to be a Moms Meet member to attend the event for free. There will be educational workshops, industry speakers, and networking with like-minded moms. But of course, you don’t even have to be a mom to attend this fun and educational event. Anyone can join and attend, but be sure to sign up early so you can get all the updates on participating brands and speakers!

Here are some of the participating brands:

Boiron, CBD Fx, Dr. Praeger’s, Kids Smart, Sambucol, Think, Brazi Bites, Beyond the Lunchbox, kiwi, Lundberg Family Farms, Sonoma Creamery, and many more!

Since this is the first virtual WOW Summit, I’m excited to see what’s in store for everyone. In the past, the event was held indoors at a well-known venue but since this year will be online only, you can even attend the 3-day event in your pajamas!

Here’s a sneak peak at what the schedule will be:

Opening Ceremony

Virtual Exhibit Hall Open

Keynote Speaker Session

General Speaker Session

Community and Blogger+ Influencer Workshop

Community Virtual Happy Hour

and more to add…!

The Moms Meet Virtual WOW Summit this year is open to everyone. You don’t have to be a blogger or social media influencer. As long as you have a love or interest for healthy living for both children and adults, then you’ll most likely walk away with some very useful information!

Be sure to register here: https://wowevents.momsmeet.com/wow-summit-virtual/register/

*photos courtesy of Moms Meet

 

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs/in.php?id=storm

 

 

 

suzanLeave a comment

Ways to a tranquil Autumn season

The year 2020 has brought us a lot of confusion and turmoil. For many, it has been worse. For most, it is a day by day situation. But now is the best time to start getting ready to decompress, regroup, and put ourselves in a more calming mind for the fall season. We still have to weather through the raging storm, but we can try to find more positive ways of doing it.

Below I’ve listed ways of helping yourself to a more calming and tranquil state of mind. These tips work well for children too.

8 Steps to a Calmer Mind:

  • The 4-7-8 Breathing Technique. Find a quiet place that’s not too bright. Close your eyes and inhale for 4 seconds, then hold your breath for 7 seconds. Then exhale with a whooshing sound for 8 seconds. This unique technique was developed by Dr. Andrew Weil to help people who might experience anxiety or stress. Children can learn this technique if they have trouble settling down, concentrating, or sleeping.

  • Use Aromatherapy. While aromatherapy dates back for many centuries, some do not know the exact health benefits of it. The most important thing to remember is to use only natural and 100% essential oils to start. Once you have some experience with aromatherapy, you can experiment with different techniques and formulations. Essential oils that are great for relaxation and clearing the mind are: lavender, peppermint oil, frankincense, lemon balm, and eucalyptus. Make sure you do not apply directly onto the skin due to their potency. The only essential oil that is safe enough for direct contact would be lavender oil. Aromatherapy treatment can be used on children, but be sure to start off slowly and with small amounts due to any allergens that may arise.

  • Exercise. To truly enjoy a relaxing night sleep or to decompress from a tough day, exercise gently. Depending on your physical wellness and experience, you can start off with these gentle exercises: stretching, hip rotations, and soft leg lunges. After you’re done with exercising, do a gentle self massage starting from your head to your face, down to your chest area and arms, and along your legs and feet. The best times for self massage are before sleep and after exercising.

  • Eat healthy. Any physician or health expert will tell you that eating the right food can help you live better and longer. But do we truly know what types of food to eat for health and wellness? Start off with eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. Reduce grain intake, and cut down on sugar, sodium, and non-essential fats. Food directly relates to our mind and body so choose food that is better for you.

  • Sleep. When we sleep, our body is going through a routine of cleansing and rebuilding. Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), our bodies must meet a balance to function properly. This is the ying and yang philosophy of balancing qi – or the essence of life. During the hours of sleep, the organs in our bodies are processing to repair and replenish. See the chart below for more info.

  • Reduce electronics use. We’re in the era of fast information and even faster processing. But all these information are mostly received via electronics such as computers, smartphones, and tablets. Even television can put us into a zombie-like state overloaded with information that could potentially harm us. Plus, the electromagnetic fields in our bodies can get greatly affected by all the electricity running throughout the day. Add on top of the hazardous blue light, it’s no wonder that our minds have a difficult time to calm down. Particularly for children, reduce their screen time so that they can focus better in school and develop a healthier mindset.

  • Clean house. We can all agree that a cluttered house invites a cluttered mind. The art of keeping your house clean and tidy starts from reducing what you have at home. We all get tempted now and then to buy something new which inevitably will end up as something we don’t use or want to keep. For great cleaning tips, check out Martha Stewart’s Living.

  • Meditation. Meditating on a regular basis requires practice and dedication. It’s not easy for most people to sit quietly for longer than 5 minutes and to be completely relaxed. The relaxation state while meditating takes a great amount of practice but it’s not difficult to do. Start off with just 3 minutes and gradually work your way up. Be sure you are in a quiet place with low lighting and play soft music in the background if it’ll help you. Breathe slowly and purposefully. Eventually while you’re meditating, your mind will be able to calm and stay peaceful. Children as young as 5 years old can practice meditation as long as you are doing it with them.

The path to being more at peace can be difficult. With so much going on in our world right now, it’s no wonder that many of us are having a tough time. Start within yourself first so that you can see what is troubling you the most. Practice the steps above and eventually you can find a better path to a healthier mindset.

*photo from dailymind.com

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs/in.php?id=storm

suzanLeave a comment

10 Ways Kids Can Rock It Healthy – Week 3

NATURE (2)

As we’re starting the first week of October school should already be in full swing. Kids are starting to get used to the morning to afternoon classroom routine again and there are more to learn as each week progresses. There’s probably a bit more homework depending on the age and school as students are absorbing more and more information as the days go by. Which leads me to the next topic for this week, and that’s teaching our kids to be more mindful.

Mindfulness is being aware of what you’re doing at the moment. It’s a wonderful practice that both adults and children should learn and do as often as possible. For some, it is a way of life as being mindful teaches us to be in the moment and to deal with the situation as it is. While it takes a lot of patience to begin this practice, it is a good technique for kids to learn when they’re at a young age. As children become more aware of their surroundings and the things they do, gradually they’ll take this mindfulness into adulthood and learn to deal with stressful situations in a more positive and healthier way.

I wrote another article about  Mindful Parenting which teaches us to slow down a bit and be more sensitive and attuned to our children. With the everyday stress we all go through sometimes we might feel burdened or pressured to do everything for our children and family. With mindful parenting, the purpose is to create more harmony and reduce stress in the household which helps kids learn the value of patience.

Here are some steps to teach our children of being more mindful and to be in the moment:

FOCUS ON BREATHING – Spend 5 to 15 minutes a day practicing mindful breathing. Pay attention only to your breath and train yourself to focus on one thing that’s occurring in the present. Children who practice this will learn the importance of using breathing to manage strong emotions. Depending on the age, your child can start off focus breathing for a whole 30 seconds then gradually increase the time to a minute or more.

OBSERVE YOUR SURROUNDINGS – Take one time in your day to be fully present with yourself. Be mindful of the moment such as listening to your own tone of voice and seeing another person’s reaction. Being even slightly more mindful in such a moment—and less caught up in what you have to do next—can make a profound difference. This practice gives us a chance to get to know ourselves and the people around us better.

TAKE A BREAK – If you feel an upset coming on, take a moment to step back from the situation. Children should learn that if he/she is getting agitated to take 10 minutes to calm down and regroup after everyone is relaxed and more open to a productive conversation.

EAT TOGETHER – Practice mindful eating by discussing where the food comes from or eating slowly enough to notice the color, smell, and texture of your meal. Taking the time to appreciate your food leads to a healthier, more gratifying experience that brings the family together. It is also a way of slowing down and connecting as a family by taking the time to speak and truly listen to each other.

GIVE THANKS – When eating together, ask family members what they are thankful for. This brings focus to parents and their children on what is meaningful in their lives and what they appreciate in this world.

FORGIVE YOURSELF – Children aren’t perfect (even though we’d like them to be). They will at times get angry or impatient with everyone. But children can learn to be more mindful in the future of how they react to others and situations around them. When they can learn from that and see the actual conscious choices they make, they can make better and healthier decisions in the future.

So take some time to explain being in the moment to your children. And then practice this technique for yourself. At times I truly have to remind myself to take deep breaths and to calm down. It isn’t always easy to do one thing at a time but sometimes we need to in order to regroup and to rejuvenate our soul.

 

suzanLeave a comment