It's a NEW YEAR! How is your soil!?

Just like a potted plant, often we find ourselves in a position of less than optimal health. That may be the signal that it's time to check our soil which fed by our nutrition and lifestyle. 2009 is the year to find natural ways to improve!

Do you get 9 to 13 servings of fruits, vegetables, and berries every single day? This kind of nutrition must become the very basis of what we eat because it is the very basis of the health of every cell in our body. (You are only as strong as your weakest cell.)

Are the grains you're consuming whole grains? If you are diabetic, it's also critical that the majority of those are whole intact grains. Grains give us the energy we need to carry on daily living.

Ever read The China Study? It's an awesome book of truth! Pick up a copy and you will learn that less than 5% of your diet should be composed of animal products. I am often asked, "Does that include fish? What about eggs? What about dairy? What about..." The answer is "yes"! It includes anything that was an animal or had its origin in one. (Yes, cheese and dairy yogurt also.)

Are you getting 64 ounces of water minimum a day? You're body cannot function at its best without the fluid on which every life function depends. Only clear, clean water is suitable. Water processed through distillation or reverse osmosis will not satisfy the body's need. Those two processes strip the water of everything except H2O and there is so much more! Use an activated charcoal filter to get the chlorine out and even if your city adds fluoride to the city water supply, you will be miles ahead dollar-wise (than buying bottled) and health wise.

How about exercise? Even if you live a pristine life but are not getting enough exercise, can you really be healthy? Your bones need muscle-strengthening exercise to stimulate them. Your heart needs aerobic conditioning. Your joints need the stimulation that exercise gives. For good fluid return, your vessels need the assistance of muscles that are contracting. Start where you are, increase as you go, and December, 2009 will find you healthier and younger than December, 2008.

Stressed? Who isn't? If you are doing all of the above you will find your body can handle the stress.

Want to learn more? Join us! That is what we are about!

Have tips on how you're achieving optimal health? Let us hear from you!

...and here's to a healthy, happy 2009!

Marsha Carter, RN
a Christian holistic nurse