Well since I wasn't able to do my blog last night I have a large picture portion before we get down to business. The first picture was taken at the Olive Garden where I met for lunch,one of the member's of my Facebook group, “Carol's Inspiration Station”, Debbie and her sister Donna, who joined our group later that evening. I'll post their picture's in a bit. This outfit reminded me of a Cheeta, so I'm dubbing this one, ” On The Prowl”.

As you can see my FitBit Band has the same look as my blouse.

It says Cheetah, all the way.

This is Donna on the left and Debbie who was already a member on the right. It is really cool that we could physically meet and have a great lunch and just chat for a few hours. I encourage any of you who are in a group,and have member's in your area to get together like this . It is quite cool.

A great time was had by all . We plan to do this again and hopefully Patricia Koegel will be able to make it next time.

This next picture is my awesome Mother's Day Gift from my daughter Jennifer. This is a beautiful bracelet that can house my FitBit tracker. I now own two creations from FUNKtional Wearables. I have a really cool black metal one and now this one. This has the new silicone housing for the tracker. You can see it slightly in the picture. Now all I need is something in Goldtones and I will be all set.

That brings us to today. This picture came out so nice. This is on the side of our house. Things are finally starting to look green and nice. I love this outfit and all the beautiful colors. We're calling this one, ” Take A Spin On The Color Wheel”.

Wore my brand new bracelet for my FitBit with this one.

Last picture before we get down to business. Got both my manicure and pedicure at the same time so opted for matching ones for a change. You know that saying,” Girl's Just Wanna Have Fun”? Well I try to do that every day. Clothing, accessories, hair, makeup, etc. it should be an adventure every day. It should be fun and above all it should make you feel GREAT. If it's not, you need to do something about it. It makes all the difference in the world.

So we're going to talk today about detoxing your body. We'll use one publication and then link to some others. What we will use for our talk comes from Gaiam Life and is titled ” 10 ways to Detox your Body”.

BODY CLEANSE AND DETOX TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

Feeling sluggish or out of sync? Struggling with skin problems, aches and pains, or digestive problems? Can't seem to lose weight? It might be time for a body detox.

Practiced for centuries by cultures around the world-including Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine systems-detoxification is about resting, cleaning , and nourishing the body from the inside out. By removing and eliminating toxins, then feeding your body with healthy nutrients, detoxifying can help protect you from disease and renew your ability to maintain optimum health.

HOW DOES DETOXIFICATION WORK?

Basically, detoxification means cleansing the blood. This is done by removing impurities from the liver, where toxins are processed for elimination. The body also eliminates toxins through the kidneys, intestines, lungs, lymph, and skin. However when this system is compromised, impurities aren't properly filtered and every cell in the body is adversely affected.

A DETOX PROGRAM CAN HELP THE BODY'S NATURAL CLEANSING PROCESS BY:

1.) Resting the organs through fasting;

2.) Stimulating the liver to drive toxins from the body;

3.) Promoting elimination through the intestines, kidney's and skin;

4.) Improving circulation of the blood; and

5.) Refueling the body with healthy nutrients.

” Detoxification works because it addresses the need of individual cells, the smallest units of human life”, says Peter Bennett, N.D., co-author of 7-Day Detox Miracle with Stephen Barrie, N.D., and Sarah Faye.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU NEED TO DETOXIFY?

Bennett suggests that everyone should detoxify at least once a year. However, he cautions against detoxifying for nursing mothers, children, and patients with chronic degenerative diseases, cancer, or tuberculosis. Consult your health care practitioner if you have questions about whether detoxifying is right for you.

Today with more toxins in the environment than ever, “It's critical to detox”, says Linda Page, N.D., Ph.D, the author of Detoxification. Page recommends detoxing for symptoms such as:

Unexplained fatigue

Sluggish elimination

Irritated skin

Allergies

Low-grade infections

Puffy eye or bags under the eyes

Bloating

Menstrual problems

Mental confusion

HOW DO YOU START A DETOX?

First , lighten up your toxin load. Eliminate alchohol, cigarettes, refined sugars and saturated fats, all of which act as toxins in the body and are obstacles to your healing process. Also, minimize use of chemical-based household cleaners and personal health care products(cleaners, shampoos, deodorants , and toothpastes) and substitute natural alternatives . (Well I might as well tell you upfront this just isn't happening for me).

Another deterrent to good health is stress, which triggers your body to release stress hormones into your system. While these hormones can provide the “Adrenaline Rush” to win a race or meet a deadline , in large amounts they create toxins and slow down detoxification enzymes in the liver. Yoga, Qigong, ( never heard of it), and meditation are simple and effective ways to release stress by resetting your physical and mental reactions to the inevitable stress life will bring.

WHICH DETOX PROGRAM IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

There are many detoxification programs and detox recipes, depending on your individual needs. Many programs follow a 7 day schedule, because as Bennett explains, ” it takes the body time to clean the blood”. His program involves fasting on liquids for two days, followed by a carefully-planned-5-day detox diet to allow the digestive system time to rest. Page recommends a 3-7 day juice fast( drinking only fresh fruit and vegetable juices and water) as an effective way to release toxins.

Here are this publications 5 favorite detox diets( you'll have to research then on your own).

1. Simple fruit and veggie detox

2. Smoothie cleanse

3. Juice cleanse

4. Sugar detox

5. Hypoallergenic detox

TOP 10 WAYS TO HELP YOUR BODY DETOXIFY.

After a detoxification program, you can cleanse your body daily with these diet, supplement, and lifestyle practices.

1. Eat plenty of fiber, including brown rice and organically grown fresh fruits and vegetables. Beets, artichokes, radishes, cabbage, broccoli, spirulina, chlorella, and seaweed are excellent detoxifying foods.

2. Cleanse and protect the liver by taking herbs such as dandelion root, burdock, and milk thistle, and drinking green tea. ( my hubby would just love this section)

3. Take Vitamin C, which helps the body produce glutathione, a liver compound that drives away toxins.

4. Drink at least 2 quarts of water a day.

5. Breathe deeply to allow oxygen to circulate more completely though your system.

6. Transform stress by emphasizing positive emotions.

7. Practice hydrotherapy by taking a very hot shower for five minutes, allowing the water to run on your back. Follow with cold water for 30 seconds. Do this three times and then get into bed for 30 minutes.

8. Sweat in a sauna so your body can eliminate wastes through perspiration.

9. Dry-brush your skin or try detox foot spas/foot baths to remove toxins through your pores.

10. What is the most important way to detoxify? ” Exercise”, says Bennett. “Yoga or jump roping are good. One hour every day.” Also try Qigong, a martial arts based exercise system that includes exercises specifically for detoxifying or cleansing , as well as many other exercises with specific health benefits.

Consult you doctor before using any health treatment-including herbal supplements and natural remedies- and tell your doctor if you have a serious medical condition or are taking any medications. The information presented here is for educational purposes only and is in no way intended as a substitute for medical counseling.

That brings us to the end of the information from this publication and I will now provide you with some other links to read at your leisure.

http://www.webmd.com/diet/detox-diets-cleansing-body. Detox diets: cleansing you body.

http://www.doctoroz.com/article/48-hour-weekend-cleanse. Dr Oz's 48 Hour weekend cleanse.

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/detox-foods 8 Foods that boost your body's natural detox power.

http://www.naturalhealthmag.com/healthy-eating/eat-cleanse-your-body. Eat to cleanse your body.

Well I think that's enough for you to chew on,(pun intended). I hope those who requested this topic found it to be helpful and useful . Take this week to reaffirm your commitment to the goals you chose for yourself. Stay motivated, stay strong. Now get out there and kick some butt. Till next time, God Bless.