Consistency is key

I have been under consistent chiropractic care for approximately 10 years now.  Why do I believe it’s so important? Why am I so committed to chiropractic? Easy, because it literally changed my life…

My story, in it’s entirety I will share when we meet for a gathering some night.  For now I will tell you the statement that started my life down this road to natural health and healing…

WORK WITH THE BODY, NOT AGAINST IT

Those 7 words became the philosophy I adhered to.  Through that assertion medication and surgery became a last resort, not a first option.   That is how I discovered chiropractic. 

At first I thought chiropractic was used only for back and neck pain – as a “patch up” system.  It’s not, as I soon discovered for myself, principled chiropractic offers lifetime health benefits and keeps the body functioning as best as it can. 

This frigid, cold winter has been hard on all of us.  Do you know that the most frequent statement we heard from practice members that are consistent and committed to their care and their family’s care?

WE HAVEN’T BEEN SICK THIS WINTER LIKE WE USUALLY ARE

Yep, I know…the body functions better with regular care, including the immune system.

Interested in trying it for you?  You can give a call anytime at 517-851-3850

Positively Chiropractic

Day 9: Things to eat instead of sugar

The past couple of days have been really, really good since my milkshake incident.  I was even able to keep my sugar count below 10 grams yesterday, which allowed me to eat some peanut butter M&M's.  Though I'm trying to get out of the habit of "treating" myself with sweets.  Not the healthiest chocolate snack, but it was movie date night with my husband and he picked those up forgetting about my sugar challenge.  He earned some brownie points.  Here's a picture of my 1/8 cup of M&Ms, which equaled 10 g of sugar.  I added a tsp of peanut butter on top to increase the yumm factor while only adding .5 g of sugar.

I've been thinking about ways to cut sugar from my daily menu and thought I would share with you some of my solutions for when I am craving sugar or ways I'm choosing healthier options. . .

1.  Drinking a huge glass of ice, cold water.  So many times we may think we are hungry, but we are actually dehydrated.

2.  Have a piece of fruit.  My favorite lately has been grapefruit.

3.  Exercise.  Do 10 push-ups or sit-ups.

4.  Playing with the kids.

5.  Reading a book.

6.  Singing along with the radio

7.  Eat carrot sticks or any other kind of veggie.

8.  Clean something.   You know you've been procrastinating on that one.

9.  Make popcorn.

10.  Instead of syrup for you waffles, pancakes or french toast, make a fruit syrup.  We use organic frozen blueberries.  Place in saucepan on stove.  Add 1 tbsp of water.  Simmer, until fruit is hot.  Smash and simmer some more.  Then cool and place on top of breakfast.

The kids love it, it's fresh fruit and doesn't contain any refined sugar or corn syrup.  Here's a pic.

30 Day Sugar Sweet Challenge now begins!!!!

Happy New Year!!!!

As we kick off 2013 it's the perfect time to bring our attention back towards taking care of ourselves, primarily our health.  Those 3 wonderful holidays right in a row starting in October are my lowest point of self-discipline when it comes to my diet. . . The 30 day Sugar Sweet Challenge was born of a desire to bring awareness back to my diet, but knowing I will have more chance of really applying myself if I have a community of support.  We are each others biggest fans.

So here are the details.

For the next 30 days, until January 31st, we will try to keep our sugar intake of table sugar ( this includes other sugars such as high fructose corn syrup) below the maximum recommended level.
For women that number is 5tsp, which is equal to 20 grams.
For men, 9 tsp or 36 grams.

I encourage each of you to keep a food journal so that you have a daily account of what you have eaten.  I am personally using an android app called MyFitnessPal to track my food intake.  This is one of the apps that will show the sugar content of food.

This is not a contest.  Please don't get down on yourself if you go over the threshold!  I will be reporting my intake on a daily basis and yes, I may blow it now and again.  The purpose of this challenge is ultimately to bring awareness to how much sugar we are eating.  Today's average consumption in America is 44 grams per day!  What we eat does impact our health.  Just like chiropractic is a vital part of optimal health and functioning, so are the nutrients we supply our bodies with.

Just today I did a test run.  However, I was in the middle of consuming a belgian waffle, complete with syrup, blueberries and whip cream before I remembered the challenge.  After a night of little sleep due to a vomiting child my mental facilities were not that sharp and I forgot.  However, my dog, Sadie, was looking out for me.  When I left my plate to get child 1 a drink, she ate the remaining half.  So, know that I will be right there along side of you, trying to eat better and feel better.

 So, during January I hope that you all read/reply to my blog and also check in with via facebook on a daily basis.  We can do this!!!!

Good Luck everyone :-)