Pomegranate and kale are two foods I did not even knowingly taste until my adult life. Now they are a regular part of my diet and I cannot wait to share with you my latest shake recipe!

I am always telling you how I love Arbonne Protein Shake powder because it packs 20 grams of vegan protein with a complete amino acid profile rivaling animal protein. Did you know a recent study has shown that eating yellow pea protein helps you feel full faster at your next meal? And don't forget to add your Fiber Boost because those little icky toxins in your body just cling to the fiber like their long lost mommy and leaving you slimmer and lighter and thus, happy!! 

Pomegranate Kale Protein Shake

2 scoops Vanilla Arbonne Essentials Protein Shake Mix

1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or coconut milk or flax milk)

1 scoop Arbonne Essentials Daily Fiber Boost (ONLY 1 scoop a day!)

1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

1/2 cup organic kale

1 banana

Ice (depends on how icy you like it...I use 5-7 cubes)

Add water to achieve desired texture

Blend!

Enjoy. Without guilt. It is gluten, soy and dairy free and free of artificial color, flavors and sweeteners.

The health benefits of blueberries are great. Not only are blueberries nutritious and naturally sweet, they contain large quantities of ellagic acid, which has been shown in laboratory studies to help fight cancer.

Fighting cancer is one of the many health benefits of blueberries. They contain a number of substances to boost your immune system and fight off disease including fructose, fiber, vitamins and antioxidants.

They are becoming more popular each day as new research discloses the health and nutrient benefits.

Health Benefits of Blueberries

They are packed with ellagic acid, which is an antioxidant. Free radicals are counteracted by antioxidants which help reduce the risks for cancer and other diseases. They also contain pterostilbene, which activates a cell receptor in the liver that lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. That helps prevent plaque buildup in the arteries.

They are rich in bioflavonoids and proanthocyanidins. Blueberries contain compounds that reduces

urinary tract infections. They also contain anthocyanins, antioxidants that trigger neuron growth in

the brain which controls motor skills, learning and memory. They make a great snack for growing 

kids.

Healthy Recipes With Blueberries

Healthy Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes

Ingredients:

- 2 cups Bisquick

- 1 cup part skim Ricotta

-  2 eggs

- 3/4 cup water

- 1 teaspoon lemon juice

IMix the batter together.

Add 2 packages (6 oz) blue berries.

Fold them into the batter

Preheat a griddle over medium heat.

Measure the mixture using 1/4 cup.

Cook until golden brown, turning once.

Dust with confectioner's sug

Blueberry Oatmeal Cake

Ingredients:

- 1-1/3 cups flour

- 3/4 cup quick-cooking oats

- 1/3 cup sugar

- 2 teaspoons baking powder

- 1/4 teaspoons salt

- 3/4 cup milk (Use 2% or skim milk to lower fat content)

- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (to lower fat content - use 1/4 cup applesauce)

- 1 egg (use 2 egg whites to make it healthier)

- 1 cup frozen blueberries (should be firmly frozen when baking)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Grease an 8-inch round baking pan and set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl combine flour, oats, sugar, baking powder and salt.

In a 1-cup measure stir milk, oil and egg and pour all at once into flour mixture. Stir just until moistened (batter will be lumpy).

Fold in berries and spoon batter into prepared pan.

Bake until cake is golden and pulls away from sides of pan 20 to 25 minutes.

Cool on a rack, 5 to 10 minutes.

Serve warm. - serves app 8

There is no better reason to use pure products produced using only natural ingredience

A comprehensive study published in the January 2012 issue of the Journal of Applied Technology shows more evidence of a correlation between parabens and incidences of breast cancer.

Titled "Measurement of paraben concentrations in human breast tissue at serial locatins across the breast from axilla to sternum," the team of researchers, led by Dr. Philippa Darbre from the University of Reading in the UK, found that virtually all -- 99 percent -- of the tissue samples.

collected from women participating in the study contained at least one paraben, and 60 percentof the  samples contained no less than five parabens.

Parabens are chemicals used as a preservative in a number of  cosmetics and personal care products. These include  deodorant, shampoo, makeup, lotions and oral care products, as well as in processed food items and some pharmaceutical products.

Underarm deodorants often contain parabens and have been thought to contribute to an increased risk of high paraben levels in the body that have been linked to breast cancer.

 But according to Darbre's team, even women who did not use underarm deodorant were found to have parabens present in breast tissue.

The estrogen-mimicking properties of most parabens are believed to be a factor responsible for the rising cases of breast cancer. The prevalence of the number of types of paraben toxins found in the human body, however, make it difficult for researchers to conclude which of the preservatives are most likely the causal agents, but many speculate that parabens commonly found in underarm antiperspirants and deodorants can easily move into breast tissue and may result in tumour.

Written by Jill Ettinger

Cinnamon wonder spice

Cinnamon – A weight loss wonder


Cinnamon figures among the most ancient spices in world. This small evergreen tree is cultivated in Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Egypt, Brazil, Indonesia and India. It is prepared in two ways. It is prepared either by drying the cinnamon bark and rolling it into sticks (quills), or by crushing it into powder. Cinnamon's peculiar taste and smell stems from cinnamaldehyde, a substance contained in the bark's oil.


Cinnamon has one of the highest antioxidant levels of any spice, and many foods, too. You'll get as many antioxidants in one teaspoon of cinnamon as a full cup of pomegranate juice or a half-cup of blueberries, two foods known for their antioxidant content.


Millions of people are searching for ways to help lose weight, and drinking cinnamon tea or eating cinnamon in other forms for weight loss can definitely help many shed pounds.





How does cinnamon cause weight loss


Cinnamon is a spice commonly used during festive winter times as it "warms" the body. This thermogenic response possibly speeds the body's metabolism resulting in weight loss. Cinnamon actually creates heat within the body due to a chemical reaction. The body's metabolism speeds up to counteract the excess heat and balance body temperature. Excess calories are burned throughout the process.


According to another theory, cinnamon decreases blood sugar levels, which increases the level of insulin. The higher amount of insulin is believed to shrink fat cells. Some experts believe cinnamon tea weight loss is especially effective for people with diabetes as they need more insulin. The fat cells in the abdomen are particularly sensitive to high insulin levels, and are very effective at storing energy – far more so that fat cells you’d find in other areas such as the lower body (i.e. hips, rear end, thighs). Because abdominal fat cells are so close to our digestive organs, and there is an extensive network of blood vessels circulating in the abdominal area, it’s even easier for fat cells to store excess glucose there.

Recommended quantity

Typical recommended dosages of ground cinnamon bark are 1 to 4 g daily. The German Commission E monograph suggests ½ to 3/4 teaspoon (2–4 grams) of the powder per day. A tea can be prepared from the powdered herb by boiling 1/2 teaspoon (2–3 grams) of the powder for ten to fifteen minutes, cooling, and then drinking. Cinnamon oil is generally used at a dose of 0.05 to 0.2 g daily.


Cinnamon tea is also touted as a weight loss remedy when made with other ingredients. You may get better results with this recipe for Cinnamon and Honey Tea. Create a regular cinnamon tea and add 1 tablespoon of pure honey after the tea sits for half an hour so the boiling water does not destroy honey's beneficial properties. It is recommended to drink all cinnamon teas both before bed and first thing in the morning.

very interesting article loved this one

Leadership Skills –


Great leaders are usually great communicators. No leadership skill can compensate for poor communications. Great communicators use their skills to persuade others to follow. They are able to present their vision and plan in a clear and concise manner.In the last article we looked at the role of the speaker. Now we will examine the listener and learn how knowing who you are communicating with is almost as important as what you say.The ListenerCommunications Are Heard With the EarsTo communicate effectively the listener must hear what you are saying. Your voice should be loud enough to be heard, but not overbearing. Shouting is not an effective form of communications. It turns on the emotional barriers of the listener and will make effective communications difficult. You should speak using a normal tone of voice, only changing it to make an emphasis to a point.If you are unsure of how well your speech is being heard you should practice by recording yourself talking. Rehearse a speech and record it. Do this first in private to look for obvious flaws in your speech patterns. Then record yourself as you actually give the speech or communicate with someone. You may be surprised at how you think you are speaking and how you really are.


Communications Are Interpreted In the Mind

You may be speaking from the heart, with well formed words and in the right environment. But does the person or are the people you are speaking to understand what you say? You should know the interpretation level of those you are communicating with. Do not use words or jargon they do not understand. You are not trying to impress them with you command of language, you are trying to effectively communicate with them.





Communications Are Justified In the Heart


Just as your communications began in your heart, the words end up in the listener’s heart. Consider how the listener will feel about what you say. If you are speaking to someone you know well, you may know how to talk to them. If you are speaking to a person or group of people you have never met, you should find out as much about them as possible.


You want to understand what their core values and principles are. You also must understand that how they perceive you will determine how they will interpret what you have to say. This goes back to your heart and your core values and principles. If your reputation gives the listener a sense of trust, they will be more likely to believe and follow what you say.


In Summary


Great leaders are great communicators. They base they communications on a sound foundation of principles and values. Their mind possesses the ability to use words and build sentences to clearly and effectively convey their message. They are able to say what they mean without getting tongue tied because the first two elements are aligned.


Great communicators understand the circumstances and the environment they will be speaking in and tailor their message to fit. They know how to control their voice and the tone of their speech so listener hears what they have to say. They understand the interpretation level of the listener and use the correct words. They understand the core values of the listener so they can speak to their heart.


Communications is a skill. Like any skill it must be developed. How well of a communicator you become depends on how you develop the skill and how committed you are to improving. Read books, listen to and watch good public speakers. Get feedback from others on how well you communicate.


Communications is vital to leadership. You will need it to inspire trust, loyalty and commitment to individuals and groups. You will be able to persuade others to follow you. You will be able to present your plan or vision in a clear and concise manner. Your credibility as a leader will increase if you can effectively communicate your message.


Great leaders are not born great, nor are the skills they possess given to them. Great leaders are not made so by a title or promotion. Leadership is a discipline that must be learned and worked on. This series will continue with other leadership skills required to become a great leader.

The humble Strawberry

These berries are low in calories.

   - High in Vitamin C.

   - High in Iron.

   - Excellent source of folic acid, riboflavin, Vitamin B5 and B6.

   - Excellent source of Copper, Magnesium, Potassium and Omega-3 Fatty acids.

   - High in Fiber.

   - High in cancer fighting antioxidants.

Clear Up Blemishes

This berry is high in Vitamin C, and this nutrient dissolves oil that clogs your pores. The fruits rich antioxidant stores stop free radicals (by-products of sun exposure) from damaging the skin cells.

Cleansing Facial Mask

Ingredients and Instructions:

• In a bowl, mash 8 strawberries with a fork.
• Stir in 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
• Apply the mixture to your face.

• Let it sit for 15 minutes.
• Rinse with tepid water.

You can refrigerate this mixture for a week.

Boost Your Mind

Scientist believe the high antioxidant content in this berry helps fight the brain cell damaging free radicals that impair the cognitive function. This boosts your learning ability and motor skills.

Sorbet For Your Mind

Puree 2 pints of strawberries, 1/2 cup cranberry juice, 1/2 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice until blended smooth.

Freeze it for four hours, then puree again until the mixture has a smooth consistency.

Fragrance that Speeds Weight Loss

Research shows this fruits fragrance assists the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters that enhance your mood and muscle performance. This cause you to walk at a brisker pace without even trying.

Fragrant Shampoo Recipe

Mix 1/2 cup unscented shampoo, 1/4 cup of water, and 15 drops of strawberry extract.

An ugly side to your cosmetics

 “Parabens,” the term for a group of preservatives used in mainstream beauty products, wasn’t always a dirty word.

In 2004, Dr. Philippa Darbre, a research scientist at the University of Reading in the UK, published a small but pioneering study that showed high concentrations of parabens in human breast tissue

Parabens, which prevent bacteria from growing in beauty and personal-care products, are able to mimic or interfere with estrogen in the body, and exposure to estrogen is one of the primary influences on the development of breast cancer.


Since then, several studies have detected and reported parabens in human urine and tissue. In response, many beauty companies have eliminated them from ingredient lists, though they’re still used in many mainstream products.


Now, Dr. Darbre has published two new studies that shed even more light on the ways parabens enter our bodies and how they affect our health.


Here’s what you need to know about the latest research (and before refilling your beauty bag):


1. Parabens are getting into your body. In March, Dr. Darbre and her team published the results of a study that replicated the original study done in 2004, with a much larger sample size. They looked at the concentration of five parabens in breast tumor tissue. One or more types were found in 99% of the tissue samples, and all five were measurable in 60% of the samples. “The take-home message was that we validated the earlier study with a much more substantial study. Parabens are getting into the breast, and they’re getting in in significant amounts,” she explains.


2. Yup, your skin is letting them in. The parabens identified in the study were primarily intact, meaning they’ve by passed the liver. What does this mean? You’re not getting them from your food; they’re being absorbed through your skin.


so what is the answer well for a start you can begin using makeup and skin care products that are paraben free,  Arbonne is one such company 

you can find their make up products at http://yoursnaturally.myarbonne.co.uk

 

Feed the body as well as the soul

Remember that scene in The Jungle Book where Baloo breaks into a song about staying positive?

You’ve got to accentuate the positive

Eliminate the negative

And latch on to the affirmative

Don’t mess with Mister In-Between

Words of wisdom from a dancing bear.

  Emphasize your positive attitude by your actions and in your words.

  Eliminate any negative thoughts generated from a negative situation. Nothing good is gained from a negative reaction.

  Affirm the positive truths you know to be true about yourself and your work.

  Don’t flip-flop between positive and negative.

When negativity comes to you remove yourself from the situation, flip to the positive side and stay there.

I have just been readinng up on the true benefits of this delicious little berry they are not only a delicious addition to your diet but are loaded with vitamins, finer and antioxidants

Easy to include in your diet, they are a nutritious and delicious addition to many recipes.  As well as being a great fresh snack they can be used in in many quick and easy desert recipes.  Buy them fresh or frozen either way the health benefits are numerous

Health Benefits Of Raspberries

High in ellagic acid, a phenolic compound that may help prevent cancer, inhibit the growth of cancer cells and stop the growth of some cancers.

Its seed oil has a natural sun protection factor. It contains high amounts of polyphenolic compounds known for their anti-cancer properties.

It contains strong antioxidants such as Vitamin C, quercetin and gallic acid.

Burning Fat

This fruit is packed with fiber and manganese. Fiber helps slow the digestive process so you feel full longer. Manganese is a trace mineral that helps keep your metabolic rate high, which in turn burns fat.

Fruity Smoothie Recipe

Ingredients and Instructions:

1. Combine one pack of raspberry flavored gelatin mix and 1/2 cup of boiling water.
2. Blend until the gelatin is dissolved.
3. Add 1/2 cup of vanilla yogurt, 1/2 cup fruit and 1 cup of crushed ice.
4. Blend until it is smooth.

Super Facial Recipe

The aroma of this great fruit lifts your spirits. Try this super facial.

Ingredients and Instructions:

• Steep 5 raspberry tea bags in 5 cups of hot water.
• Pour the tea into a large bowl.
• Put a large towel over your head and lean over the bowl, let the steam flow and drink in the aroma.

Wrinkles Be Gone

A natural face mask made raspberries helps protect against the suns rays. Vitamin C's antioxidant powers help fade age spots and discoloration. It also rounds out the skin to fill in minor wrinkles.

Glowing Facial Mask Recipe

Take two cups of raserries and blend with three tablespoons of natural yogurt.   Apply liberally to the face especially around the areas most prone to wrinkles - under the eyes and around the  lips.     Relax for 15 minutes then rise with tepid water.    

If you feel listless, gaze upon the red hue of this fruit. 

The color red is supposed to stimulate circulation,

 sending oxygen rich blood to your muscles for a boost of energy.