Shingles - If You Had Chickenpox You Can Still Avoid It

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox and is also called herpes zoster. Shingles affects the nerve endings of the skin and can appear anywhere on the body. It seems to prefer the abdominal skin located under the ribs leading towards the navel. Other areas like the female vaginal tissues and the inside of the mouth are also prime locations.Most adults have had chicken pox as a child and aside from having a slight fever and an itching rash, it passed and was soon forgotten. But once that virus enters the body it does not go away. It lays dormant for years in the spinal cord and nerve ganglia. In many cases it stays dormant for life. But if your immune system is compromised for any reason or length of time, it can re-appear causing serious problems.The infection advances to the nerve endings causing extreme pain, burning, and itching. This action causes the affected area to become extremely sensitive. Approximately 90% of adults who had chicken pox as a child are at risk for contracting shingles.Shortly before an attack you will experience three or four days of chills, fever, and aches. This will be followed by tiny fluid filled blisters surrounded by a red rim. The affected area becomes extremely painful and sensitive to the touch. Shingles strikes over one million people a year, most of these people are over the age of fifty. A logical reason for that statistic is, as we get older our immune systems have a tendency to become less efficient.For people with depressed immune systems, shingles and it's aftermath can be earth shattering. The disease can spread to the internal organs. This can result in deafness, blindness, and even death.Your best defense against this disease is to keep your immune system at peak efficiency. If you are under age fifty, don't assume you are automatically safe. If you are over age fifty don't assume you will automatically contract this disease. Keep your immune systems functioning efficiently by eating healthy, taking supplements, and avoiding drugs (legal, illegal or over the counter).


Beware of corticosteroid drugs, which are frequently prescribed for shingles patients. When these drugs are taken for long periods of time, they frequently cause a weakening of the immune system. And a weakened immune system is a prime target for future attacks. Also painkillers containing acetaminophen (Tylenol) will aggravate the blisters.Cleansing of the blood is necessary to eliminate acid wastes and to alkalize the blood. The following are some ways of cleansing your system using natural methods.1. Do a 3 day juice cleanse or a supplement cleanse. Then juice a carrot, beet, and cucumber and drink it every morning for three days. Also juice an apple and drink it every evening for the next three evenings.
2. Eat only fresh, raw, organic fruits and vegetables for the next ten days. Enzymes from fresh organic fruits and vegetables will reduce the frequency of outbreaks.
3. After your 10 day fruit and veggie fast, add Vitamin B Complex 100mg supplements to your routine along with some miso soup, brown rice, and dark leafy greens.
4. Avoid acidic foods like eggs, fried foods, grain fed red meat, and cheese. Also avoid refined foods like sugars, and processed meats.
5. Stop eating foods that have preservatives, artificial flavorings, and colorings.
6. Take an Epsom Salt bath to neutralize the acids in your body.
7. Get some early morning sunlight on your body for the healing properties of Vitamin D. If the sun doesn't shine very often in your area, try some supplemental Vitamin D3, (2000+)IU.
8. Try to remain stress free. If you can remain calm and keep a positive attitude your inner being will benefit. Stress and negative thoughts create acids that deplete the protective nerve coverings. That causes pain.
9. Acupuncture has a good track record when it comes to relieving the symptoms of shingles.
10. Your body has been programed towards self-healing, let Mother Nature do her work.

Aesthetic Treatment Options: Are Natural Fillers Right for You?

While natural fillers are extremely popular, it is extremely important that you carefully weigh all of your options before deciding whether or not this kind of procedure is right for you. Do some homework, talk to others who may have undergone similar treatments, and speak with your doctor before making any sort of commitment. Here is some important information regarding what to expect once you schedule your appointment.What to ExpectFirst of all, you should never have any sort of treatment involving natural fillers performed in any sort of non-medical setting such as a salon. You need to have a qualified doctor perform this procedure to make sure it is applied safely and effectively.You will probably only need one office visit for your treatment, and it should only take a maximum of 30 minutes. Prior to any injection you may receive, a medical professional will probably apply a nerve block or anesthetic. However, this may or may not take place depending on the type of natural fillers being used and the area that is going to be treated. For example, lips often need nerve block, while hands usually do not. You will likely be tested to make sure you are not allergic to the substances used during your treatment. There will probably be several injections in the area being treated so that you can get the best results. While you may feel a slight burning or stinging sensation, the level of discomfort should be extremely minor.


After the ProcedureYour dermatologist may recommend that you ice the area for about 15-20 minutes before you leave the office to reduce any swelling and redness that may occur. However, once you leave, you should be able to resume your everyday activities immediately. You will probably even be able to apply makeup. Just try to avoid any sort of strenuous activity for the next 24 hours.Once you get back home, don't use a tanning bed or any other sort of tanning equipment for a few days, and stay out of the sun as much as possible. Your doctor can provide you specific information regarding how long you should avoid sunlight. Try not to touch the area for three days unless you are instructed by your dermatologist to massage the area.When You'll See ResultsSome natural fillers provide immediate, or nearly immediate, results. However, your medical professional can provide you with more detailed information. You may notice results as soon as you leave the office, or it may take two or three weeks for the change to become visible. It's important to note, however, that the more conservative the approach, the more natural the results.Natural fillers can be a great way to have the appearance you've wanted for years. The more prepared you are beforehand, the more comfortable you will be with the procedure you undergo.

Where the Mind Enters Into Fitness

Have you ever experienced those days where your workout or training session seemed more difficult than usual? Have you missed a few sessions and then found it very hard to return to training? Let's identify that wall that stops you and throw some advice your way.Our minds can act as a great asset or a great hindrance to our lives. The power of the mind is unlimited and can literally propel us through any wall that stops us from achieving what we really want to.Now, your mind is subject to the conditioning that both you and the world around you give it. The exciting thing is that you have the power to influence your behaviours. You can do this at any point you choose, through your thoughts. Let's take a practical example. How many people join the gym, fired up to make a difference to their health and fitness yet find that a few weeks or months later they are rarely, if ever, working out? I know it's happened to me in the past and chances are it's happened to most people at one time or another. Why does this happen?Think of your life as a line. You may have spent months or years not going to the gym. You have months or years of experience of not working out. You decide to join the gym because of some stimulus (advertising or new year for example). You start working out but sooner or later your previous programming kicks in and you stop working out. Seems a bit doom and gloom? It's all about mental preparation and conditioning.Think about it, would you enter a marathon when you hadn't done any running at all? Absolutely not! Your body would not be prepared, you wouldn't have put in the training. The mind is exactly the same! When you join the gym to make a difference to your body, you must also commit to make a difference to your mind. How can you do that? Lets look at that.Goals, Goals, Goals!!!When you join the gym and have your induction/orientation session the trainer usually asks you something along the lines of "what do you want to achieve". What's the usual response? "I want to improve my fitness", "I want to bulk up" or "I want to lose weight". That's NOT SPECIFIC ENOUGH!! Those that manage people will probably have heard of the SMART acronym:SpecificMeasureableAchievableRealisticTime BoundWhen you answer this question, it is best to have thought about your goals using the SMART acronym. Let's take an example of a SMART goal related to fitness.Gym instructor - "What do you want to achieve?"You - "I want to lose 20 pounds in weight. I want to have lost the 20 pounds by the end of the sixth week from today. I can workout three times a week for an hour each session".Now the gym instructor can give you some feedback about that statement, he or she will either tell you that it is realistic and achievable or will alter your expectations for the desired weight loss. They can also tailor the exercises to ensure that you reach your goal. The other benefit to this is that you are making a definite contract with yourself. You are clear what you want to achieve, you know your timescales and you have obtained a means of achieving that goal. Already you feel mentally clearer about how you are going to bring about your desired change.


Talk to yourself - Yes, really - do it!If you dip a toe into most of the self-help literature that is available on the market you will see that self-talk is the foundation of their methods. How many times have you felt your mood change due to a thought? A thought it a form of self talk. Your thoughts affect your feelings, which in turn affect your behaviours. So if you are thinking "it's cold, I don't know where my gym bag is" or "I can't listen to my music, I'll go to the gym later when my phone is charged", you are affecting your feelings and therefore your behaviour (i.e. you don't go to the gym).Most of our behaviours are on auto-pilot because of habit. When you start a new workout regime, to make it stick you have to create a habit. You have all of this pre-conditioning that tells you that it is better to stay in bed or do something else now and workout later. You need to change that with self-talk. Let's take the goal to lose 20 pounds in six weeks.Use something like the below:"My goal is to lose 20 pounds in six weeks from XX date. I will achieve this by going to the gym XX times a week and following the workout that has been provided to me to reach this goal. I feel good about exercising and I always have the energy and motivation to complete my workout. It feels good knowing that I am taking action to reach my goal".Say that to yourself everyday, morning and night. You are starting to mentally prepare yourself. You are personalising your goal, which you have made definite through the SMART acronym. You have a definite means of achieving that goal and you are firing yourself up to achieve it.If you still find that you are hesitant to get up and go workout try a method recommended by Dr Steve Peters in his excellent book "The Chimp Paradox". Dr Peters recommends counting to ten the moment you wake up. By the time you reach ten you should be up and taking action. If you are getting up to go to the gym, you should be up and have you hands on your gym clothes. This is a great way to outsmart the excuses, they don't have time to try to convince you that the bed is warmer! I recommend Dr Peter's book to you as a simple way of explaining why people act the way they do and to help you get some control over your thoughts.Another great book to read is "What to say when you talk to yourself" by Dr Shad Helmstetter. It's a fantastic book on self talk and includes pre written statements on all subjects from controlling worry to losing weight.So, to recap. Be specific with your goals, talk to yourself positively about achieving your goals and stick to your plan. You'll soon develop the habit of exercise. Once you've lost your 20 pounds, if that is your goal, set yourself another SMART goal and ask your gym instructor to set your program accordingly.I would love to hear from you about the methods you use to keep up your motivation to exercise. I've set up a post on my blog, which can be found at http://pmcfitness.blog.com/2014/08/31/staying-motivated/To your health!Bye for nowPaul
PMC Fitness

The Wealth or Health Imbalance

By definition the noun health means sound in body, mind and spirit, and to be free from physical disease or pain. This definition easily creates a kaleidoscope of images in the mind. These mental pictures can range from delicious and balanced meals made with organic fresh foods to the perfect physique with strength and stamina at any age. Seldom are we reminded by these portraits that good health is a free gift from God the giver and sustainer of life, or that food was created by God for man.Food was one of the first currencies used, and has left an enduring mark throughout world history. The Ancient text records for us in Genesis 25:32 that Esau sold to h his birthright (special rights, responsibilities, and privileges of the first-born son) to his brother for the immediate satisfaction of food. Today modern currency is often spoken of in terms of food. We call ourselves breadwinners because we work hard to bring home the bacon or make enough dough, and the business world calls market- share a piece of the pie.It's ironic that we respect how the capital investment of money affects our wealth and quantity in life, but overlook how the capital of food impacts our health and our quality of life? Sadly we readily invest in wealth, but generally not in health. Our time frame for money is distant but for food it is so near that for many of us it is only as far as the next potato chip or cookie. We look short- term for taste convenience and not long-term enough for good health and its future benefits. Think about this, we buy lottery tickets hoping to win big rather than buy healthy snacks and knowing we win big for our heart's health. We readily buy books on investment management, but rarely books on dietary fat and dietary salt reduction. We vigorously seek new avenues of wealth in green technology and ignore test proven green salads and vegetables and their super food health benefits.


What if we were to make a national commitment to investing in health, which would become the normal expectation for any responsible adult? The experts who provide guidance counseling toward better choices,- dietitians, health coaches, and other qualified healthcare experts,- would be valued universally as we do financial planners and investment strategists. What if we made a commitment to the idea that health is irreplaceable wealth and looked at weight loss as profit or weight gain as a stock we can't afford to hold on to? Or if we viewed lower blood sugars as we do lower interest rates on auto loans? For many of us a drop in weight and blood pressure would be a major success.What if we realized that we are rewarded for choosing better nutrition or for having a portfolio of healthy lifestyle choices with fewer and lower health care costs and virtually no physical restraints imposed on us by poor health, we might believe health is wealth to be enjoyed now.

Multiple Sclerosis Is Not Caused By Vaccines

Previous studies that had linked multiple sclerosis and vaccines may have been because of the vaccine's ability to accelerate the disease's spread without the obvious symptoms. However, it has recently been found that the vaccines do not cause/create multiple sclerosis in the patients. Scientists have researched around 4,700 people who had been vaccinated for hepatitis B (Hep B) and the human papillomavirus (HPV). It was found that these vaccines did not cause any risks of developing the disease or any other similar nervous system diseases for that matter.A few anti-vaccine social groups had raised concerns that the Hep B and HPV vaccines that could lead to the devastation of myelin (an insulating material found around parts of the nerve cells called axons). This type of damage is called as demyelination. This condition can result into a number of neurodegenerative autoimmuno diseases.The studies previously conducted on this topic have been very shallow and most have found no relation between the disease and vaccinations; however, two studies did suggest a slight increase in the risk of the disease' spread. Hence, the matter remains controversial. This latest study has been the largest until date and has kept track of the patients for three years after they had themselves vaccinated. In the results published on October 20, in the JAMA Neurology journal, the scientists suggested that the small risk of developing the disease after being vaccinated that was found in earlier studies, was actually when they already had multiple sclerosis or any other neurodegenerative autoimmune diseases. It is most probably because the patients who receive vaccinations, move more quickly from the subclinical stage (a stage where symptoms are not visible) to a stage with visible symptoms. The report's lead author was Dr. Annette Langer-Gould.


She stated that an even larger scale study was required to come to any conclusions. However, it can be currently said that any associations that have been found till date, might just be coincidental. For example, women are at a higher risk of multiple sclerosis as compared to men, while they are most likely to be vaccinated after their diagnosis. The situation is similar to how autism is revealed in babies at the time when they are about to be vaccinated for several diseases. Further research is therefore required to make sure that there is no connection between the two. Until then, risking the combination of both is a risk.

Who You Gonna Call? A Quick Guide To The Lesser Known Medical Specialist

We have come a long way since the days where doctors believed a few leeches, carefully applied to the body, could cure just about any ailment. We may not yet understand all the intricacies of how our bodies work and the diseases that threaten us but the medical community now has a pretty good idea of how complicated it all really is. Doctors spend years specializing in just one small, or not so small, part of the body or ailment. And for this we are grateful. But who can keep track of it all?Do you need to visit your cardiologist, dermatologist, paediatrician or neurologist? What does it mean when your GP (General Practitioner by the way) sends you off to see the pulmonologist?Well here is your quick guide to the lesser known medical specialist:Cardiologist: This is the specialist who deals with matters of the heart: that is the physical muscle that sits inside your chest and pumps blood through your body.Dermatologist: As a dermatologist will tell you, "Skin, skin what a wonderful thing; keeps the outsides out and the insides in". This doctor specializes in all matters of the skin.Paediatrician: This doctor specializes in the health of children and babies.Occupational Medicine Practitioner: This is not a well known branch of medicine, but it really should be. Your occupational practitioner is the one you call when work and disease meet. Are you worried about the chemicals you may be breathing in at work? Have a chronic cough that goes away when you take leave, or perhaps you hurt your shoulder in an old sports injury and can't perform the task your boss needs you to do. Your occupational medical practitioner specialises in diseases caused by the workplace, and decides when diseases should keep you out of the workplace.


Neurologist: Contrary to popular belief this is not necessarily a brain specialist. A neurologist treats disorders of the nervous system. That includes diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles.Gastroenterologist: This is the doctor you call when your digestive system is not working as it should be. This specialist deals specifically with diseases of the digestive tract, in other words, the path your food takes in and out of your body.Rheumatologist: As the name suggests a rheumatologist specializes in rheumatic diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis. This is, in short, diseases that affect the joints, muscles and bones.Pulmonologist or Pulmonary Specialist: Having trouble breathing? Then a pulmonologist is the doctor for you. This doctor specializes in diseases of the lungs.This is really only the tip of the iceberg in terms of medical specializations, but fortunately, as the patient you do not need to know them all. The best process to follow if things are not working quite as they should be in any part of your body, is to first visit your GP. He or she will then assess the situation, and if need be, send you off to the right expert.Which medical specialist would you like to know more about? Leave a comment below.

CPR for Dysfunctional Workplace Cultures - And Why You Should Never Name a Restaurant "Heimlich's

Many years ago my wife and I were attending a small wedding rehearsal dinner at a popular local restaurant. The groom suddenly stopped eating, looked wide-eyed, and displayed all the symptoms of having his windpipe plugged. He couldn't even breathe in to make a noise. A couple nearby people tried to assist him but with no result.So I jumped up, shrugged my cape over my shoulder (the one with the S on it), took in an extra dose of adrenalin from my 200,000-year-old physiology, and performed a perfectly executed Heimlich Maneuver. The results were spectacular. The groom survived to get hitched the next day. But the whole affair put a bit of a damper on everyone's dining experience - I mean everyone in the entire restaurant. Ever since then we have referred to that restaurant as Heimlich's and have never gone back.You can draw a few points from this story:1. Never name a restaurant "Heimlich's."
2. There is a super hero within all of us.
3. First aid is transcending experience.OK, now hang in here with me for a minute.I just read this quote in a respected business publication referring to what works in wellness programs. "... our culture is really something where that 'stick' will work a little bit better, so we decided to do a [premium] surcharge if people decided not to participate."I am not going to name names here. I am sure the person who said this has a heart (that requires defrosting) somewhere inside and will come to rue the day this appeared in the media. And this is from one of those "Best Places to Work" award winners (which goes to show that filling out forms has become an advanced art form).I got thinking about these two disjointed stories (my CPR experience and the premium surcharge comment), and it occurred to me that onsite first-aid training would be more of a true wellness activity than most stuff going on in the name of wellness today. Here are six reasons why I say that.1. You attend a first-aid class so you'll be prepared to help others in an emergency. The cause is bigger than you. That's intrinsic motivation. That's why you won't have to incent anyone to participate.2. You gain an understanding of valuable new information and immediately applicable skills, often working in a team format. The social connection is strong.3. You have to study a little, and practice these skills to be proficient. That's autonomy.4. Often a local organization such as the Red Cross, American Heart Association (AHA) chapter, YMCA, or the fire department, etc., can come in and conduct the program. That's community.


5. You end up with a certificate of proficiency in the techniques you've mastered. That's recognition of accomplishment.6. It doesn't cost hardly anything. That's cool.Compare that with the "stick culture" mentioned above. Punishment is a pretty blunt tool. You can get compliance. But it's often humiliating, negatively affects the most vulnerable among us, destroys intrinsic motivation, and repels people with other options.OK, now hang in here for just one more segue.The defense: "Objection, your Honor. Where is this going?"Connors: "Your Honor, I plan to connect the dots now and show that healthy workplace cultures can be demonstrated inexpensively and quickly."Judge: I've got to hear this one, Mr. Connors. Make it quick or I'll hold you in contempt. And put on a tie the next time you come into my court.Connors: "Yes, Ma'am. Thank you, Your Honor."Put on a workplace conducted "hands-only CPR" classSee the AHA's Two Steps to Staying Alive Program. The best practice now for CPR is chest compression only (like priming a pump). You do the 100 required compressions per minute to the beat of the song, Staying Alive. The science and best practice standards behind "compression only" are compelling. In addition, there is a new device called the CPR RsQ Assist®. The slogan is, "When Your Hand Needs A Hand®." It's an ingeniously simple device that is catching on with first responders all over the country. I heard about it from a friend who works with first responders.Here's what you need to do:1. Look into introducing the AHA's hands only CPR techniques using the CPR RsQ Assist device. My wife and I are going to be carrying these in our automobiles.Note: I have no financial interest in suggesting you purchase or use this device. I just like the thing.2. Plan a small communication strategy to introduce the program. Video some of the program, and report on it in internal and community media using print and video. Everyone will have fun.3. Note how popular and appreciative everyone is for having the program offered onsite. Report that data to management.4. Plan your next first-aid event.Summary: This simple onsite program will be a "blinding flash of the obvious" in what actually can help build healthy cultures, as opposed to programs that do just the opposite. I rest my case.

How to Overcome Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome

Experts say that dysfunctional adrenal glands cause adrenal fatigue syndrome. The said glands produce cortisol, a hormone responsible for helping the body deal with stress. Now, going back to the problem, people can mostly identify what causes their stress. What happens after they find the cause then? Most people just let the condition worsen instead of looking for ways to overcome it. The following are a few basic steps to help you overcome your adrenal fatigue syndrome.Consult your doctorNever hesitate to ask your doctor if you are not sure about your condition. The symptoms of adrenal fatigue syndrome are closely related to that of chronic fatigue syndrome. Patients usually feel a general weakness in the body and headache. They also find it hard to give their full attention on a certain task. Fatigue is mostly a physical condition, but your mental and emotional states have certain contributions on it as well. Your doctor will know how to deal with your adrenal fatigue syndrome. He or she will also advise you on the best treatment for your case.Get enough restNow that you have discovered that you have adrenal fatigue syndrome, getting enough rest is a priority. You need to get proper rest even if, at first, it can do nothing to alleviate you fatigue. Your overall recovery does not only depend on the treatment your doctor gives you. It needs to start with you. Your unhealthy habits might be the cause of adrenal fatigue syndrome at the first place. It greatly helps if, along with your treatments, you start taking proper sleep as well.


Eat healthyWhile you are on the subject of getting healthy, start minding what you eat too. Junk food is part of your unhealthy lifestyle. Find healthy alternatives to the junk you always eat. As mentioned earlier, getting back your health starts with your own determination. Love your vegetables like a good kid. There are also plenty of fruits if you can't stand vegetables. The important thing is to avoid eating junk food at all cost. If you really miss them, ask your doctor for an occasional window where you can eat your favorite junk food. However, if your doctor can't give you your window, just accept your fate and move on.Find time to exercise Just because you have a major case of adrenal fatigue syndrome does not mean you can skip exercise altogether. Exercise is a vital part of your recovery. However, in order to avoid exhausting yourself, ask your doctor on the types of exercise that are good for your condition. There might also be some exercises during your therapy, so ask your doctor if you can back it up with a little more exercise routines at home. Fatigue is a very tiresome business. You might work a bit before you can overcome your adrenal fatigue syndrome. However, you can progress further with the right treatment and a healthy lifestyle.

When Your Heart Rhythm Isn't Normal

Arrhythmia" means your heartbeat is irregular. It doesn't necessarily mean your heart is beating too fast or too slow. It just means it's out of its normal rhythm.It may feel like your heart skipped a beat, added a beat, is "fluttering," or is beating too fast (which doctors call tachycardia) or too slow (called bradycardia). Or, you might not notice anything, since some arrhythmias are "silent."Arrhythmias can be an emergency, or they may be harmless. If you feel something unusual happening with your heartbeat, call 911 so doctors can find out why it's happening and what you need to do about it.Causes and TypesYou could have an arrhythmia even if your heart is healthy. Or it could happen because you have:Heart disease
The wrong balance of electrolytes (such as sodium or potassium) in your blood
Changes in your heart muscle
Injury from a heart attack
Healing process after heart surgeryThe many types of arrhythmias include:Premature atrial contractions. These are early extra beats that start in the heart's upper chambers, called the atria. They are harmless and generally don't need treatment.Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). These are among the most common arrhythmias. They're the "skipped heartbeat" we all occasionally feel. It can be related to stress, too much caffeine or nicotine, or too much exercise. But sometimes, PVCs can be caused by heart disease or electrolyte imbalance. If you have a lot of PVCs, or symptoms linked to them, see a heart doctor (cardiologist).


Atrial fibrillation. This common irregular heart rhythm causes the upper chambers of the heart to contract abnormally.Atrial flutter. This is an arrhythmia that's usually more organized and regular than atrial fibrillation. It happens most often in people with heart disease and in the first week after heart surgery. It often changes to atrial fibrillation.Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). A rapid heart rate, usually with a regular rhythm, starting from above the heart's lower chambers, or ventricles. PSVT begins and ends suddenly.Accessory pathway tachycardias. You can get a rapid heart rate because there is an extra pathway between the heart's upper and lower chambers. It's just like if there was an extra road on your way home as well as your usual route, so cars can move around faster. When that happens in your heart, it can cause a fast heart rhythm, which doctors call tachycardia. The impulses that control your heart rhythm travel around the heart very quickly, making it beat unusually fast.AV nodal reentrant tachycardia. This is another type of fast heartbeat. It's caused by there being an extra pathway through a part of the heart called the AV node. It can cause heart palpitations, fainting, or heart failure. In some cases, you can stop it simply by breathing in and bearing down. Some drugs can also stop this heart rhythm.

How to Incorporate More Raw Foods Into Your Diet

Not everyone wants to be a full raw vegan. However, even adding in more fruits and veggies into your diet can create amazing changes, such as increased energy and weight loss. Here are some tips to add more raw foods into your life on a daily basis.1) Make a raw food rule such as having a raw breakfast each day. You can do a green smoothie of bananas, water or coconut water, and kale or spinach. It's quick, will jumpstart your energy for the day, and set you off on the right foot. You can also just grab some fruit, peel it, and eat it. Fruit is the ultimate fast food and very portable. Most people aren't too hungry at breakfast and eat alone. This would be the best meal to eat your raw.Make sure you eat enough though. Two bananas is only 200 calories and won't cut it. You'll be ravenous by lunch and overeat. This will lead to a slow metabolism and weight gain. Eat at least 500 calories for breakfast and get used to the abundance.2) Pack raw foods such as fruit, dried fruit, and some nuts with you on the go, so you can always have a healthy choice. What's really frustrating is if you want to eat something healthy, but don't have any options. That's a major bummer. Our society is so out of touch with how to eat properly. There are often not many healthy raw options available when you are eating on the go. It's no wonder we have an obesity epidemic and 1 out of 2 Americans die of heart disease. It always helps to pack some raw healthy choices with you so you can always be prepared.3) Have a healthy attitude about healthy foods. There could be all the organic raw foods underneath your face, but if you are having negative thoughts about them, you won't eat them. Focus on the benefits of raw foods. Get excited about all the amazing changes that are going to happen. Some examples would be weight loss, increased energy, clearer skin, and feeling better! Don't think that you are depriving yourself. This is an abundant lifestyle, with large portions, and you can eat as much as you want! On the other way of eating you'd always have to portion control your food anyways or else you'd balloon up. Plus, what are you depriving yourself of really? Toxins and chemicals that will make you gain weight, cause premature aging, and lethargy? Remember, it's just a different way of eating that will taste better overtime and deliver amazing changes in your life. Every time you have a negative thought about raw foods, try to create a counter argument that addresses the flip side. Such as if you think raw foods aren't as tasty, the counterargument could be that they will taste better over time and that life will be more tasty. You will have more energy, look and feel better, and have a greater vitality which will make your daily life more exciting and pleasurable. And yes your taste buds regenerate over time and acquire a taste for the raw foods.


So those are some tips to add more raw foods into your life. To get started on your raw food journey visit rawvegandietrecipes.com Transition to a high or full raw foods diet today!