25 foods to avoid

I think this is a great article: 25 Foods You Shouldn't Eat. Very insightful! I've been keeping tabs of these healthy articles and teaching the kids how to eat healthy. It was a bit challenging in the beginning but now they are starting to get used to it.

They just love Wai Lana's Goji Juice. I don't blame them either! It's definitely one of the best tasting, healthy juices I've ever had.

Not much else happening here. It's been busy. Nobody is sick now, which is great. Flu season is never a fun thing to go through!

Stay happy and healthy everyone! Do your Wai Lana Yoga and eat your veggies :)

Going green

It's almost ironic sometimes, how I have these run ins with people who are either totally into going green, and who have all the green products you can think of- Wai Lana green mats, solar powered water heating systems, organic clothes, bamboo towels and what not.

Then there are those people who leave their AC on along with all the lights in their flats when they go off for a month long vacation or business travels. They eat wherever and whatever they please, and basically maintain a don't ask- don't care, don't want to know attitude towards the state of our environment.

Where to find the balance here? I think it's a matter of just educating people about the need for them to do their part, if they want to be able to continue living in a not so crazy-toxic world, and if they want their kids and grandkids to be able to play and romp in beautiful parks and etc. I gave one of the people I know one of Wai Lana's eco baskets, and because she liked it so much, she started asking about the green movement and is now trying to cut meat from her diet! I think that's a superb move to support the environment.

Happy living!

I (Heart) Coffee

I was reading through the usual websites I go through in the morning today and MSN was saying something about coffee alternatives. I was having my favorite cup of coffee, all the while of course, but there's always that nagging thing in my head that I should just stop taking so much coffee already.

Coffee has been such a huge part of my life though. I've got several great memories in coffee shops. Starbucks, Wailana coffee grounds, Coffee from Heaven, and so many other places. Ironically, I like Wailana coffee just about as much as I love Wailana yoga! :)

Happy drinking.

Losing weight

I've been trying to lose a few more pounds. I've just got about 8 more pounds to go before I am like, 4 sizes down from what I was a couple years ago, and I am definitely not looking back. I've never felt so great. I really appreciate one of the weekly messages of Wai Lana sometime back on being the chariot driver. It made me realize I should be able to manage what I'm eating, and I have!

It's fantastic. Weight training has definitely helped as well. The other day MSN Health had a good article on how weight training makes it so that you burn 40% more fat than other people who may exercise the same amount of time, because, well, muscles, literally, are hot, and burn fat.

So having a proper diet and exercising is still the king of weight loss. I've been trying out a lot of the juices from Wai Lana Yoga's favorite juices, and the "Fat Burner", which I was rather intimidated by before- has worked wonders for my waist. And it actually tastes good. I'm kinda addicted to it now.

I am happy Wai Lana is on social networking websites now! It's great stuff.

Best Brain foods

There Really Is Such a Thing as Brain Food
Your brain never stops working, so it's important to provide it with the right nutrients to keep it humming along.
HealthyMonday.org in association with John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Couple about to eat breakfast (© Digital Vision Ltd.)

We all know that the foods we eat affect our bodies. But they may have an even greater impact on our brains. The way we feel and how well we concentrate is all influenced by what we eat.

The brain works all day and all night so it needs the right nutrients to keep us going. The right food can help us concentrate, stay motivated, improve our memory, and even prevent our brains from getting older.

One of the most important ways to feed your brain is to get the right kinds of fats, in the right amount.

Yes, that's right. Fats. Chemicals called fatty acids are actually brain food. The healthiest type of fat is what's called omega-3 fatty acid. Basically, this makes your brain work at its peak. One of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acid is fish. Don’t worry if fish isn’t your favorite food, though. There are plenty of other “brain foods.”

It is important to get enough complex carbohydrates, especially at breakfast time. They give you energy for a long period of time. Avoid things like coffee and sugar that give you a burst of energy but then leave you feeling tired very quickly afterwards.

One of the best sources of complex carbohydrates, especially for breakfast, is fruit. It’s a great source of energy that gets the brain going and keeps your energy levels up all day. Berries and citruses are highest in complex carbohydrates and antioxidants (they fight cancer). Add some protein, such as cereal or whole-wheat toast for a complete and healthy breakfast.

Ideally, a larger lunch is better than a big dinner. Eating a heavy meal before going to bed can actually disrupt your sleep. A lighter meal with help you have a more restful night of sleep. Rely on a good breakfast and lunch to keep you full and going for the day.

In addition to getting the right types of food, it is important to have enough water. Fruit juices and non-caffeinated teas, such as green tea, are also good choices because they relax your brain and actually help you focus. Soda does provide a quick boost of sugar, but that boost doesn’t last long and actually leads to a decline in your ability to focus and think clearly.

Good brain foods include:

Complex carbohydrates, such as spinach, whole grains and grapefruit, can stabilize your blood sugar, which can improve brain function and fends off hunger pangs.

Protein, which breaks down into amino acids in your digestive system, some of which improve alertness and mental agility.

Fats are usually associated with problems like obesity, but some fats are actually good for you. Monounsaturated fat, like in olive oil, can improve blood cholesterol levels, and omega-3 fatty acids, actually improve brain function.

Whole Grains improve cardiovascular health, so you'll be pumping more blood to all your organs, including your brain. On top of that, many breads naturally contain or are enriched with vitamins that enhance mental performance.

Vitamins like folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 improve the ability to recall information. Choline, the fat-like B vitamin has been shown to enhance memory and minimize fatigue.

From: MSN

Eat lots of nuts. Wai Lana's got some great juice recipes with nuts in her book. :)