I went through a very stressful situation last year and started to have digestion problems as a result of the stress I was experiencing. My doctor prescribed Nexium (and then Prilosec when my health insurance changed.) The medicine did nothing for me. I knew that I had bad breath a lot of the time. I was brushing my teeth like crazy and taking the medicine religiously.

I ended up getting an endoscopy. I found out that I do have some problems. One of them being an acid reflux problem. I went on the acid reflux diet and cut out the main culprit, coffee. My breath was still no good.

I spoke the doctor and I was told to take the Prilosec twice a day plus some other medication. I bought the new medication but when I read about the possible side effects, I decided against taking it. The side effects were very scary to me. So, I decided to go with my holistic health background and go the natural way.

I found out that wheatgrass helps people with digestive issues and it helps people get rid of bad breath issues and body odor issues. After taking wheatgrass for a few days, my breath seemed fine. The problem was that I couldn’t get wheatgrass regularly and I don’t have a wheatgrass juicer. I bought the frozen stuff but it really tastes disgusting.

I continued my investigation and I found out that the thing in wheatgrass that was helping the breath problem was Chlorophyll. I read that it acted like an “internal deodorizer”.

I’ve been taking 600 mg Chlorphyll tablets once a day for a month now. I no longer have the breath problem and I’m not taking any medication. It’s such a simple thing to do and it’s such a relief not to worry about my breath. If you’re having this problem, give Chlorophyll tablets a try.

This one is from the March 2011 issue of Women’s Health magazine.

Dieters who ate five to seven servings of spuds a week shed nearly five pounds over three months. Baked, roasted, or mashed, a medium-size potato with a little olive oil and herbs makes a satisfying snack or side dish for around 150 calories. (source: University of California at Davis)

This one is from the March 2011 issue of Shape magazine. Life and Career Coach Anna Goldstein share six expressions that should be banned at the office.

“I hate…” It’s way to harsh. Instead, describe specifics you don’t like about a plan.

“It’s not my fault.” Even if it’s true, it sounds defensive and won’t get people to value you.

“I’m an Idiot.” Women put themselves down when they’re embarrassed about not understanding-stop it!

“I’m confused.” It insinuates that the other person did a bad job explaining. Instead say, “Just to clarify…”

“You should have…” Replace it with something more positive like “Next time you can…”

“I’ll try.” This implies that you aren’t sure you’ll succeed and are leaving the door open to failure.

This one is from the February 28, 2011 issue of OK Magazine. (Yes, I know it’s only the 18th but this is how these magazines are dated.)

Patti Stanger is known for her tough love approach on her show The Millionaire Matchmaker. She has a book that you can find in the Reading Annex section of my web site. It’s tempting to ignore her advice or blow it off but it’s actually very good. She has a new DVD out called Married in a Year. It seems simplistic but it’s very accurate. I definitely recommend it.

Here are her tips for starting out from OK Magazine.

Get out of the House. “Find two things that you’re interested in, whether men are involved or not, Patti tells Ok!. A happy girl attracts a happy guy. When you’re doing things for yourself, he’ll show up.

Get Online. “It’s your best bet,” says Patti. “You can hide in your underwear, put up your prettiest picture and meet people you normally wouldn’t.”

It only takes three Dates. “If you don’t feel the chemistry by then, move on.” Patti says. “But make him your firend and use him as a referral. Give him to your girlfriends and let him give you to his friends.”

Know you deal Breakers. “The are a million. If he drinks too much, talks about other women, is insensitive - get out.” Patti advises. (Article by Valerie Nome).

This is from the October 11, 2010 issue of Life and Style magazine.

1. Eat Breakfast - Having a meal early in the day prevents “starvation eating” later on and it revs up metabolism.

2. Read Food Labels - Look for total calories, grams of saturated fat, sodium, fiber.

3. Eat Oatmeal. - It’s a natural fat burner and one of the healthiest carbs you can choose. Plus it’s high in fiber.

4. Walk More. - A brisk half-hour walk burns 150 to 200 calories. Wear a pedometer to track those optimal 10K steps a day.

5. Add More Veggies. - You can eat all you want and still lose weight.

6. Stand on Your Toes. -  Do this while waiting in line. It will tone your calves and buttocks, improve balance and work your stomach muscles. Aim for for 15 to 20 reps, 3 times a day.

7. Downsize Dishes - Read Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink to get the full informations. The bottom line is the bigger the plate, the more food we’ll add to it.

8. Eat Almonds Before Meals. - Front-loading healthy, unsaturated fat befre dining helps slw digestion. Because it takes your brain 20 minutes to realize you’re full, you’ll reach satiety on less food and be able to hear your body’s hunger cues.

9. Breathe Deeply. - A california study found that women burned 140 percent more calories with 15 minutes of breathing exercises  than by riding a stationary bike.

10. Eat Before Bedtime. - Eat just a little something before bedtime that has no carbs and no sugar in it before you go to sleep because it keeps your metabolism going.

11. Sleep More. - Not getting enough sleep increases your appetite.

12. Laugh it Off. - Laughing 100 to 200 times per day is the cardiovascular equivalent of rowing for 10 minutes.

13. Eat Eggs. - In a recent study, women who ate eggs for breakfast consumed less food over the next 24 hours.

14. Tap Your Foot. - People who fidget can burn up to 350 more calories a day than their calm counterparts.

15. Work the Bag. - Carry a heavy handbag or groceries can burn extra calories. Be sure to swap sides to work more msucles.

16. Take Vitamin D. - It’s known as the sunshine vitamin. Those who lack D tend to gain weight. Your best bet is taking a supplement.

17. Drink Neurotrim. - The key ingredient is Lura Lean, a fiber from JApanese Konjac root that temporarily sweels to 200 times its original size in the stomach. It makes you feel full and “absorbs fat and oils”. Reports claim weight loss of as much as 10 pounds in eight weeks.  (This one doesn’t sound great to me but it’s in the article so I’m passing it on to you.)

18. Slow Down. - Eating at a more leisurely pace can reduce calorie consumption by 10 percent.

19. Go on a Date. - Women eat less when they’re on a romantic dinner date. (Again, not something I’m buying into. I’m just passing the info on to you. I personally have eaten insane amounts of food on dates and have been complimented on my great appetite. I’m not sure if I like that either but I’m not for curbing your appetite to make a certain impression on others.)

20. Cook at Home. - Bottom line is that you know what you’re putting in your food when you make it yourself. You can control portion size and you know how much oil you’re using.

21. Caffeinate. - Coffee not only perks you up - it can trim you down too. Caffeine increases thermogenesis, which helps the body burn more calories. (I believe it works but I don’t drink any coffee at all. Try going for Green Tea.)

Raw Chocolate Pudding (From RockingRawBody.com)

Ingredients:

2 ripe avocados

1⁄4 cup raw cacao powder

1⁄2 to 3⁄4 cup maple syrup or agave

2 tablespoons coconut oil seeds from 1 vanilla pod or 1

tablespoon vanilla

dash sea salt

Put all ingredients in the VitaMix and blend. Stop to scrape down sides. Blend again until warm. Serve warm.

I know that a lot of people have trouble giving up coffee. I gave up coffee completely about a month ago. My doctor suggested I give it up because of acid reflux. I was only drinking one large cup a day of it but giving up that one cup has made such a difference in how I feel. I really feel great and this is the biggest change to my diet in the last month.

This information is straight from a site called rockingrawbody.com. I’ve just started doing this program and it looks phenomenal. I’ll let you guys know how this journey goes.

MACA  F.A.C.A (raw “coffee”)

1 teaspoon Maca Powder
1 tablespoon Raw Cacao Powder
⅛ teaspoon Matcha Green Tea Powder
1 to 1½ cups Almond Milk (click here for recipe and video)
1 teaspoon Raw Honey
dash of cayenne pepper

In a blender mix all ingredients until well combined.  Adjust the Matcha Green Tea Powder as needed to keep yourself caffeinated.  For most ¼ teaspoon in combination with the Maca and raw chocolate is plenty, but there is no need to suffer through the transition.  Maca is an adaptogen and will help you through the change.  It is also a stimulant that helps with focus and mental clarity (and some say sexual prowess- bonus!).  This beverage will give you the pick me up of coffee without taxing your system.  Once you no longer physically crave the caffeine you can cut the green tea powder.

Health Benefits (This information came directly from juicingforhealth.com)

The best way to enjoy all the health benefits of this liquid sunshine is in the form of its fresh juice.  One or two ounces a day is enough to provide you the energy to last the day, beats coffee anytime !!

Acidosis: Its alkaline minerals are essential for cleaning out the tissues and maintaining the alkalinity of the blood, making it effective in combating acidosis.

Alzheimer’s Disease, prevention: This is one of the very few juices that can actually remove heavy metals from the system.  Regular consumption will greatly help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and any other mental problems.

Anemia: The high grade content of iron in wheatgrass juice makes it a great blood builder, increasing red blood cells count.  It regenerates and reactivates the red blood cells and supplies fresh oxygen to the body.

Anti-inflammatory: The high alkalinity properties makes it the perfect choice of food for people suffering inflammatory ailments, like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Anti-oxidant: The high anti-oxidant content helps neutralize free radicals and oxidation that find their way in the body.  It helps reduce the harm caused by air pollutants like carbon monoxide or cigarette smoke.

Athletes foot: The anti-bacterial effect of wheatgrass juice helps to relieve the itchiness caused by athletes foot.  Soak your feet in a small bucket with distilled water pre-mixed with two ounces of the juice.

Bad breath (halitosis) and body odor: The ability of this green juice to detoxify the lymphatic system and gastro-intestines, makes it a wonderful help in reducing or eliminating bad breath and body odor.

Body building: Wheatgrass juice contains a long list of amino acids that are the building blocks of protein.  It is reported to contain almost 50% protein (almost three times more than that of beef).  So, forget protein powder which may contain harmful animal protein.  Instead, incorporate this miracle juice into your daily routine.

Cancer: The fine chlorophyll and beta-carotene obtained from wheatgrass juice is beneficial in fighting and preventing cancer.  A variety of flavonoid compounds found in this grass are powerful anti-oxidants and anti-cancer agents.  Studies have indicated at least a 40% risk reduction in cancer development.

Candidiasis: The anti-bacteria effect of wheatgrass creates an unfavorable environment for yeast and bacteria.  Regular consumption of this juice will help to prevent further yeast and bacterial growth.

Detoxify: Consuming this wonder juice regularly for detoxifying of the lymphatic system.  It also helps eliminate encrustrations and faecal matter in the intestines and colon for a healthier gastro-intestines.

Diabetes: The ability to regulate blood sugar level makes this green juice a suitable drink for diabetics.

High blood pressure: The proteinous compounds in the high quality chlorophyll from wheatgrass has been found to be beneficial in lowering high blood pressure.

Immune system: Drink 1-2 ounces of wheatgrass regularly to build your immune system.

Tooth decay: Gargle wheatgrass juice to prevent tooth decay, relieve toothache, treat bleeding gums and control pyorrhea (infection and loosening of tooth sockets).

Weight control: Because the nutrition in wheatgrass juice is so complete, it relieves your body of cravings, thus reducing the unnecessary need to overeat.

Wounds: Pour two ounces of wheatgrass juice into a small bucket of distilled water.  Use this water to dab generously on wounds, itchiness and sores; and experience great relief with accelerated healing.

Need we say more why you should add wheatgrass juice to your juicing diet?

This is from an ebook from The Garden Diet.

BEAUTY FOODS

• Water - drink water with the juice of one lemon juice or 2 tbs apple cider vinegar per 20 oz water every morning before eating any food.

• Green juice - especially celery and cucumbers - Drink nothing but green juice until the afternoon or evening and see your face shine.

• Experiment with a low or no salt diet.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: This vinegar has a number of healing properties and it makes the skin soft and supple.

Apple cider vinegar is concentrated with enzymes and these help peel off dead skin cells. It breaks down fat

and helps food digest properly.

• Carrots: Help to maintain the outer layer of the skin to prevent premature aging. It works just like Retin A.

• Citrus Fruits: These fruits hold the skin cells together by forming collagen. Collagen cannot be added to the

skin topically and hence fruits and juices must be made an integral part of your daily diet. For younger looking

skin forever, eat 5 oranges per day, that is it! You’ll be surprised at the things nature has provided us with.

• Garlic: Helps to combat wrinkles and restores tissues.

• Tomatoes: This vegetable does wonders to your skin. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and

potassium. (see section on tomatoes, below.)

• Hot peppers - Improve digestion and help move blood more efficiently, both of which are extremely important

for beauty.

• Flaxseed oil is the best source of essential fatty acid that contains Omega 3s. 1tsp of flaxseed oil per dayprovides just enough Omega 3s to hydrate the skin. Keep in mind fatty acids also dilute sebum and unclog

pores that otherwise leads to acne.

• Mushroom is rich in riboflavin (vitamin B2). Riboflavin is involved in tissue maintenance and repair, and

improves skin blemishes caused by rosacea.

• One cup of Acerola cherries supplies 100% of your daily allowance of vitamin C. As an antioxidant, vitamin C

fights skin damage and wrinkles, producing collagen, the structural protein in your skin.

• Almonds provide 150% of your daily need for vitamin E, which is great for your complexion.

• Mangoes contain vitamin A which maintains and repairs skin cells. It is also an antioxidant that fights free

radical damage that can prematurely age the skin.

• Avocado is an awesome face food. It is abundant in essential oils and B-complex vitamins that will nourish

your skin inside and out. Avocados contain a lot of niacin (vitamin B3) which is especially important for healthier skin. Niacin is anti-inflammatory, and soothes irritated, red and blotchy skin.

SAFE TRANSITION TO A 100% RAW/LIVING ORGANIC FOOD DIET (This is from the Ebook “The Garden Diet” by Storm and Jinjee Talifero)

If you try to go 100% raw all at once, you may experience uncomfortable symptoms as a result of the toxins in your body being eliminated. These symptoms can include dizziness, tiredness, sleeplessness, flu-like symptoms, emotional highs and lows, and diarrhea. In order to prevent these symptoms, you may want to do a very gradual transition to the raw diet. This will prevent your body and mind from going into culture shock. Here is an example of a transition diet schedule. You can speed it up, slow it down, or vary it to suit your unique needs:

1.) One month Vegetarian (no meat)

2.) One month Vegan (no meat or dairy)

3.) One month Raw with a cooked meal a day

4.) One month Raw with a cooked meal a week

5.) One month raw using the replacement recipes as cravings arise, including the semi-raw replacement recipes

6.) Several months or a year raw using the replacement recipes as cravings arise, using only the 100% raw recipes

7.) 100% whole raw foods for life with occasional simple recipes

On three and four above, for the cooked meal, I would stick to rice and steamed vegetables, rice and beans, and tabouli, which is almost raw.