Begun back sometime in 2001, this book was originally a fluke of an idea… [...]
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August 24, 2010
Posted by Carla René in: Accountability, Advice, African-American, Attitude, Biography & Memoir, Book Marketing Online, Book Review, Books, Business, Business Management, Cancer, Cap and Trade, Children, China, Climate Change, Commentary, Comments & Discussion, Communications, Communism, Community, Computers, Congress, Contributor's Audio/Video, Creative Writing, Current Events, Democracy, Democrat, Diet, Economic Crisis, Economics, Education, Energy, Entertainment, Environment, Environmental Issues, Faith, Family, Fiction, Finance, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Relations, Freedom, Freelance Author, General Topics, Geopolitical Events, Global Warming, Governance, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Healthcare, Heroes, History, Homeland Security, Humor, Inspiration & Motivation, Internet, Internet Advice, Interview, Islam, Journalism, Latino & Hispanic, Legal, Life Experiences, Lifestyle, Literature, Marketing, Marriage, Medical, Men's Issues, Mental Health, Mexico, Military, Minorities, Morality, Motivation, Music, Native American, Nature/Wildlife, Non-Fiction, Nutrition, Opinion, Personal Experiences, Philosophical Genres, Poetry, Politics, Publishing, Question of the Day, Recovery, Relationships, Religion, Republican, Rhyme, Satire, Self-Help, Sex, Short Stories, Social Aspects, Social Classes, Social Issues, Sociology, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, Television, Terrorism, The Economy, The Media, The Pundit's Corner, The Writer's Corner, Travel, Uncategorized, Website Instructions, Weight loss, Wellness, Women's Perspective, Women's Rights, Working Women, Workplace, World Issues, Writing Essentials
 Leave a comment August 18, 2010
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Children, Current Events, Diet, Health & Fitness, Healthcare, Lifestyle, Medical, Nutrition, Weight loss, Wellness
2 comments The study suggested that we not only need to encourage healthy eating habits for young children, but also need to set a good example by refraining from making negative comments about people who are overweight. Children of course, are mirrors of us and they pick up our attitude, which results in bullying behavior. In effect, we indirectly teach our children to bully. However, there is a bigger picture. We need to remember that each and every person has habits about which he or she is not proud. The difference is that if over-eating is the habit, it cannot be hidden. It is on display for all to view. [...] August 11, 2010
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Accountability, Diet, Freedom, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Inspiration & Motivation, Life Experiences, Mental Health, Recovery, Relationships, Self-Help
Leave a comment This begs an urgent question: Do we control our thoughts and feelings or do they control us? In effect, are we victims to the synaptic firings and hormone-driven changes of affect; or do we create them to serve our needs? Who is the master — and who is servant? [...] July 14, 2010
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Advice, Attitude, Diet, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Inspiration & Motivation, Mental Health, Motivation, Self-Help, Weight loss
3 comments With appropriate disclaimers admitted, if we accept that we are standing in our own way, it begs the question, “Why would we do that?” Why do we NOT reach further, dream larger, and believe better? The primary answer is: Fear; Fear of Success, and its dastardly sibling, Fear of Failure. [...] June 23, 2010
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Attitude, Diet, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Inspiration & Motivation, Mental Health, Motivation, Self-Help, Weight loss, Wellness
Leave a comment When the baby boomers started being born shortly after World War II, the entire population inhabiting this third rock from the sun was 2.3 billion. Therefore, if we lived in 1947, and we were facing this same predicament, every single, solitary, person would need to be on a diet. [...] June 16, 2010
Posted by Minnette Coleman in: Commentary, Current Events, Diet, Family, Health & Fitness
One comment In the Korean community I am told when one is looking for a job one says they are looking to eat. Finding work is considered a ‘belly issue’ for one must feed their family. Unfortunately we have another ‘belly issue’ to contend with- obesity. And what drives me crazy is the fact that while health experts say that carrying around too much weight can lead to heart disease most of the people I encounter on a daily basis in New York tend to have over-sized bellies to go along with their over-sized appetites for things that aren’t good for them. Continue reading A Belly Issue May 19, 2010
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Attitude, Commentary, Diet, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Healthcare, Inspiration & Motivation, Mental Health, Nutrition, Opinion, Self-Help, Weight loss, Wellness
Leave a comment Civility’s spotlight has lately expanded to include the overweight. We shake our heads and whisper to our “normal” friends, “It’s a shame that they don’t take care of themselves. I’d never let myself look like that.” We wag our fingers and click our tongues, satisfied that we are “better than that.” [...] May 16, 2010
Posted by Minnette Coleman in: Current Events, Diet, Family, Habit Change, Health & Fitness
3 comments There are several commercials airing on New York television lately about a tax Governor David Patterson wants to put on sodas, special waters and juice drinks. The voice wants Albany to “stay out of our grocery baskets.” It says if they were busier getting rid of overspending they would not need to tax the little guy. The problem is the little guy isn’t so little anymore. He is overweight and careless when it comes to food consumption. It isn’t as if the state is taxing something that people need. They are putting a tax on non-essential junk drinks. In a sense they are trying to help the little guy get back to his right size. Continue reading The Overpriced and Overweight New York Grocery Cart April 7, 2010
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Attitude, Diet, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Inspiration & Motivation, Life Experiences, Mental Health, Personal Experiences, Self-Help, Weight loss, Wellness
3 comments It’s unrealistic to assume you won’t screw-up now and then, especially if you’re trying new things. So without mistakes, there is no reason for adjustment, which means we’re not learning anything; therefore nothing changes. So, one could say mistakes are actually step one in improving our life. [...] March 26, 2010
Posted by Minnette Coleman in: Accountability, Advice, African-American, Attitude, Children, Commentary, Diet, Family, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Uncategorized
3 comments Twenty dollars to feed a family of four dinner for a week. Steak is out, maybe one chicken if you’re lucky. Rice will be at every meal, if the price doesn’t go up again. And there won’t be any fruit when bananas, the only fruit your 3 year old will eat costs 79cents a pound. What can you give your family but what is affordable? Canned beans, boxed mac and cheese, spam, hot dogs, iceberg lettuce to suffice for the $2 a pound string beans. For breakfast you give the kids a treat of generic brand bright colored cereal that costs $2 a bag, since boxed cereal is unaffordable. Some days they have it without milk- look how much that costs. But they seem happy with the food they are getting and you are happy that you can put food on the table until the school sends home a notification that your child is overweight and is having trouble breathing while playing. You know you need to stop supplementing his diet with inexpensive treats whenever he gets an A or whenever he can’t get to go to special places like his friends. You use food to make him happy but that happiness is killing him. March 24, 2010
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Children, Commentary, Current Events, Diet, Health & Fitness, Healthcare, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Opinion, Social Issues, Weight loss, Wellness
Leave a comment Childhood obesity begins in adulthood. At first blush, that makes as much sense as the bumper sticker that proclaims, “Insanity is hereditary. You get it from your kids.” Of course, that placard is humorous; the wellbeing of society is anything but. The unvarnished truth is when we get down to brass tacks, children to not become obese by choice, but rather by the (in)action of adults. [...] March 19, 2010
Posted by Minnette Coleman in: Advice, Children, Diet, Family, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Uncategorized
2 comments The title is self-explanatory. Most of us come here with complaints about everything from the weather to the government to the dog down the street. The problem is most of us just complain and don’t have suggestions. Recently I wrote about obesity because it has become a major topic of discussion in New York at this time. There is a desire to add a tax to sugary drinks in hopes that the increase in price while deter people, especially young people from consuming these empty calories. At the same time there is a campaign to not do this because of the hardship it would cause families when they shop. There have to be other alternatives and instead of just complaining I am suggesting one. If we want our children to be healthy change the school lunches and give them more recess time outdoors in the form of controlled exercise. Continue reading Posting Solutions, Not Just Complaints March 17, 2010
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Diet, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Inspiration & Motivation, Life Experiences, Motivation, Recovery, Self-Help, Weight loss, Wellness
Leave a comment What began as extremely unfussy and obtainable intention – eating better and moving more – has erupted into a full-scale mega-production requiring learning how to cook differently, shopping with new eyes, rearranging schedules, altering relationships, and devising self-inflicting intimidating goals. Building such blockades makes the procedure ridiculously difficult and horribly unpleasant. [...] March 11, 2010
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Diet, Health & Fitness, Healthcare, Medical, Mental Health, Nutrition
2 comments Our body can’t perceive the difference between “saber-tooth tiger stress” and the “IRS is on the phone for you” stress. All it understands is that something is a kilter; we are under pressure and it reacts to deal with the problem. [...] March 8, 2010
Posted by Minnette Coleman in: Commentary, Diet, Energy, Environment, Global Warming, Health & Fitness, Uncategorized
3 comments The daffodils just phoned in a complaint. If they make an early appearance to the party they may die from the future cold. The birds sitting on my windowsill refuse to shut up. They are discussing their friends who flew south and are missing the fine weather. The trees have decided to wait to see how long this warm spell with last. Nature is being teased by a preview of spring in New York and we are all watching and waiting for the real thing. Continue reading A Tease from Spring March 3, 2010
Posted by Minnette Coleman in: Biography & Memoir, Diet, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Healthcare
One comment She was 6 feet 1 inches and weighed 411 pounds. These figures stick to my memory because I had never met a woman so large who could move so fast and be so full of joy. I met her in the 70s when the world was still determining the worth of a woman by her looks and this young woman, not even 20 years old, was so true to herself she did not care that she was not slim or small. She had a boyfriend, she had loving parents and she loved life. Continue reading An Obese Story February 24, 2010
Posted by Minnette Coleman in: Children, Commentary, Diet, Education, Health & Fitness
Leave a comment Quiet as it is kept I love to bake and am pretty good at it. When my kids were in New York City public schools I participated in some of the bake sales to raise money for different school needs. Now bake sales are no longer allowed because of concern in the city about childhood obesity. But they can sell Doritos to raise money? Where is the logic in that? Continue reading Doritos Healthier than Brownies? February 19, 2010
When I was a kid Lent used to be a source of sorrow around the Catholic school playground. On the day before Ash Wednesday, we had to tell the nuns and teachers what we gave up for Lent. They kept a record of what we were supposed to abstain from so that there would be no backsliding while they were in charge. In those days Lent was a 24-seven six weeks of doing without. The candy most of us gave up came back to us in spades on Easter Sunday in the form of marshmallow chicks and chocolate bunnies. None of us thought of Lent as a good time to focus of losing weight since most of us weren’t overweight. Today with the rise of childhood obesity and most adults being one meal from needing to go to the fat farm, it makes sense that Lent could be the beginning of something great if only people would take advantage of it. Continue reading Lent and the Weight Thing January 7, 2010
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Diet, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Inspiration & Motivation, Mental Health, Self-Help, Weight loss, Wellness
Leave a comment Stop! Don’t do it! I know it’s the “new year,” that ritualistic period whereby we become fixated on ridding ourselves of that sluggish, bloated, overloaded blob-like feeling in which we wrapped ourselves for the previous two months. Whipped up by cartons of cookies and bags of breadstuffs; flavored by truckloads of turkey with gravy, ham with glaze, or both; coated in tankards of eggnog (with and without rum); we are just darn-near ready to put on the brakes and embrace our “new me.” It is a cultural happening. As ubiquitous was “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas” last month are now the signs of this new year’s dawning. Full-page gift ads have converted to double truck spreads promoting six-pack abs and shriek, “Have the sexy glutes you’ve always wanted!” Even jolly old Saint Nick has shifted his routine. Two weeks ago, singing elves warmly patted their bellies after consuming plates of iced cookies. Today? Santa’s helpers wear sweatpants and can barely let forth a hum as they aspire to get heart rates into the target zone while pounding away on the treadmill in the new North Pole gym. Continue reading The only resolution that works December 10, 2009
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Diet, Health & Fitness, Inspiration & Motivation, Lifestyle, Motivation, Weight loss, Wellness
One comment Looking for something to help wind down at the end of a hard day clogging your arteries with Monster Pies? How about the McNuggetini? This festive drink (?) consists of a chocolate milkshake mixed with vodka, rimmed with barbecue sauce, and garnished with half a chicken nugget. “Hey bar-keep! Gimme a double will ya?” [...] December 9, 2009
Posted by Bob Grant - Editor in: Commentary, Creative Writing, Diet, Humor, Personal Experiences
One comment It’s Just One Weird Dream by Bob Grant As I gaze upon the square, See animals in their underwear. Some are old – some are new, Some are white – some are blue. Some are male – some are not, Some are drab – some are hot. Some are jumping – some are sitting, Some [...] November 27, 2009
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Commentary, Congress, Democracy, Diet, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Healthcare, Inspiration & Motivation, Lifestyle, Medical, Nutrition, Opinion, Self-Help, Weight loss, Wellness
2 comments Quoting Cassius, “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves…” It’s easy to pronounce and pontificate about what “they” should do, it’s quite another little something to step to the platform, roll up our sleeves, and actually take action. Irrespective of legislation regarding “single payer” or “pre-existing conditions,” we must each make a difference in our own lives by establishing good health as a higher priority in day-to-day decisions. [...] November 23, 2009
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Diet, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Inspiration & Motivation, Motivation, Nutrition, Wellness
2 comments Although food is definitely a means by which we celebrate good fortune, I must note that nowhere is “stuffing oneself until sick” listed as a tradition. Quite the contrary, I would go so far as to say that uncomfortable, pained, hyper-expanded feeling that follows so many Thanksgiving celebrations actually detracts from the appreciative sense of gratitude one would hope to experience. Maybe, that’s one tradition we can drop this year. [...] November 13, 2009
I believe it is NOT what you do from Thanksgiving to New Year’s that makes or breaks your fitness plan, but what you do from New Year’s to Thanksgiving!! What you consistently do, day in and day out is what really matters. Holidays are wonderful, fun times to enjoy with family and friends. We know there will be foods we don’t eat normally and most of us will overeat. Let’s just be honest! It’s more about making good choices when you can and keeping a balance. [...] November 11, 2009
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Diet, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Inspiration & Motivation, Mental Health, Motivation, Self-Help, Weight loss, Wellness
Leave a comment Watch what you say, it could become your life. Therefore, when we say, “I’ve lost my motivation,” it presupposes that motivation is some foreign entity residing in a distant land. Yet, we are the source of our motivation. [...] November 5, 2009
According to Mayoclinic.com, depression is one of the most common health conditions in the world? It is also expected to be the second leading cause of disability for people of all ages by 2020. It is a medical illness involving both the soul (your mind/thoughts and emotions) and the physical body. [...] October 23, 2009
It’s always best to take advantage of seasonal and local produce available to you. While we all love those tender spring vegetables in a delicate pasta prima vera, winter vegetables are no slouch! Here are just a few you may want to include in your winter meals. [...] October 21, 2009
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Children, Diet, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Inspiration & Motivation, Mental Health, Nutrition, Weight loss, Wellness
2 comments When I’m bored, I want to eat. When I’m sad, I eat. When I’m angry — you got it. You know, there are people who, when they’re bored, they read a book? When they’re sad, they call a friend; and when they’re angry, they take a walk. There’s a clinical term for that kind of personality: it’s called “skinny.” [...] October 15, 2009
At the end of the line up, the inn has two dispensing machines that provide two different types of cold cereal. In the front of each dispenser, there is a picture of the box from which they come. I presume they do this so you can tell which cereal is which. However, at first blush, the decision to the health-conscious appears obvious. Note use of the word, “appears.” [...] October 10, 2009
It wasn’t my connection to chocolate bars that bothered me last winter. To me chocolate was a food group and even when dieting it was included in my eating plan. Ask anyone who has gone through Weight Watchers and they will tell you the point is to learn how to eat and to get rid of the ‘diet’ i.e. denial mentality. You have to learn how to eat the things you love in moderation. I made a daily attempt to write down what I ate and sometimes added the time that I ate so I could figure out why I ate. The problem last winter seemed to be I couldn’t get enough food and I didn’t know why. Continue reading Anguish and Food September 30, 2009
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Attitude, Diet, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Inspiration & Motivation, Life Experiences, Mental Health, Motivation, Weight loss, Wellness
Leave a comment Oh yes, once in a while, something great does cross my computer screen, and it’s worth telling others about. The RULES FOR BEING HUMAN, by Cherie Carter-Scott, fits that bill, consisting of ten brilliant lessons on how to manage your time on Planet Earth. [...] September 29, 2009
I would like to talk a little about the concept of uniqueness. As children of God we are each unique in every way. We are priceless, one-of-a-kind, Designer originals. Personally, and from all my experience coaching different people, I truly do not believe there is just one perfect diet/food/supplement/regimen/protocol that would benefit every person all the time. The cookie-cutter approach to health doesn’t work. While there are foundational principles that apply to everyone, the way they are fleshed out varies with each person. [...] September 23, 2009
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Attitude, Diet, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Healthcare, Inspiration & Motivation, Motivation, Personal Experiences, Self-Help, Weight loss, Wellness
2 comments From the moment she entered the jet, I could tell she did not want to be there. In addition to apologizing each time her overloaded “Big Brown Bag” banged someone in an aisle seat, she was having difficulty navigating her excessive size down the skeletal-sized aisle. I knew the other passengers were thinking, “I hope she doesn’t sit next to me.” Plane seats are not known for roominess, and having someone else’s bulk overspill into one’s limited area was not something for which anyone eagerly plunked down a few hundred dollars. My overweight past flooded to my forethought and I remembered being the recipient of “that look” in the other passengers’ eyes when I used to enter an airplane. I avoided eye contact; my method of signaling to each traveler, “Don’t worry. You’re safe. I’m not sitting next to you.” Finally, I would locate my seat (God forbid it was a center seat). I’d smile and meekly point to the location into which I was supposed to compress. My neighbor would smile weakly, rise, and let me pass. After I settled in, he would reclaim his territory and – although he would usually try to hide it – I would notice a subtle, but definite, slight tilt in the opposite direction from me; trying to retain as much space as possible for himself. All of those memories swamped my consciousness now and I knew what this woman walking the aisle was experiencing in this moment. Continue reading An Effort Either Way September 16, 2009
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Diet, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Healthcare, Lifestyle, Medical, Nutrition, Weight loss, Wellness
2 comments Due to the long lifespan of people and the rigors of the diet, studies of calorie restriction in humans are ongoing and have yet to show that people live longer. Nonetheless, thousands of individuals now follow calorie restriction diets, hoping to discover what Ponce de Leon did not. [...] September 15, 2009
Posted by cmusico in: Advice, Attitude, Current Events, Diet, Economic Crisis, Economics, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Lifestyle, Motivation, Nutrition, Recovery, The Economy
Leave a comment I have a confession to make: I really do enjoy watching television. So imagine my happiness that NBC’s The Biggest Loser is premiering another season tonight at 8 p.m. EDT. Say what you will about the show — that it exploits overweight people, etc. — but I choose to look at it more optimistically. Essentially, people who have fallen off the health-and-fitness track in life are getting another shot with some of the best resources available to take steps toward a life-altering change. I sincerely believe there are similarities — six to be exact — between The Biggest Loser and your personal finance journey. 1. To progress toward an end goal, you must determine your starting point. September 13, 2009
Posted by AMusico in: Diet, Health & Fitness, Lifestyle, Medical, Nutrition, Spirituality, Wellness
Leave a comment Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a group of symptoms indicating a malfunction of the bowel. Unlike celiac disease discussed in last week’s email, this is not an autoimmune “disease.” It is a “syndrome” which means a group of symptoms, the most common of which are cramping, abdominal swelling, discomfort or pain, spastic contractions of the colon, bloating, gas, whitish mucus in the stool, diarrhea, and/or constipation. [...] September 13, 2009
Posted by AMusico in: Diet, Health & Fitness, Lifestyle, Medical, Nutrition, Wellness
Leave a comment Celiac disease is one of the most common chronic health disorders in the western world. It is also one of the most under and mis-diagnosed. Until recently, medical schools taught that celiac disease was relatively rare and only affected about 1 in 2,500 people. Recent studies and advances in diagnosis show that at least 3 million Americans, or about 1 in 133 people have celiac disease, but only 1-in-4,700 is ever diagnosed! So what is celiac disease? It is an autoimmune disease that is caused by the genetic inability to digest gluten, which is the protein portion of many common grains – particularly wheat. This undigested protein then attacks the body’s immune system causing inflammation and damaging the small intestine. Damage to the small intestine results in the inability to absorb nutrients from your food, leading to malnutrition. While celiac is considered a “digestive disorder” and the “classic” symptoms include weight loss, chronic diarrhea, bloating and abdominal pain, here’s the kicker – there are often a wide variety of symptoms that seem to be unrelated to digestion. They can range from anemia, dementia, infertility, bone pain, weakness/fatigue, mouth sores, dehydration, back pain, tooth enamel defects, irritability or depression. Many people who have been diagnosed with celiac disease actually report no symptoms at all! Continue reading Gluten: Friend or Foe? September 13, 2009
In researching and writing about Candida, the scriptures in the Old Testament, particularly those in Exodus and Leviticus which talk about making offerings of cakes made without yeast came to mind. Yeast in these scriptures referred to sin. While having a yeast infection or overgrowth of Candida in no way indicates sin – it was telling to me how easily this fungus can invade our lives, much as sin can and does! Back to the original subject, which is how to rebalance your system and get the good bacteria to outnumber the bad as it is supposed to. Here are some simple things you can do: Continue reading Getting Rid of Candida September 13, 2009
Posted by AMusico in: Diet, Health & Fitness, Lifestyle, Medical, Nutrition, Wellness
Leave a comment While the title of this article is a play on the first few words of an old Tony Orlando song, Candida is no laughing matter. Candida albicans is a common, fungal form of yeast that lives in a moist, warm environment. It’s believed that Candida is present in at least 90% of people. It grows most commonly on the mucus membranes of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts in our bodies. However, it can grow almost anywhere in your body and cause problems. [...] September 4, 2009
Posted by dacipha in: Accountability, African-American, Attitude, Cancer, Diet, General Topics, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Medical, Opinion, Uncategorized, Weight loss, Wellness
Leave a comment You must have heard the song, “Just a spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down in a most delightful way!” I can clearly hear Julie Andrews sing this as ‘Mary Poppins’. But I want to tell you about something else that might not go down so delightful but it will act as a medicine going down! Do you know that a teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar can help you live a longer life? In the age of plastic surgery this may be difficult to grasp. How can something so insignificant have an awesome effect on your life? Well give me the chance to explain. I was told a story by my fiancée that changed my entire belief about apple cider vinegar forever! One day my fiancée went to see his Ophthalmologist to purchase another pair of glasses. After his eye examination, the eye doctor asked him a question. He asked, “How old do you think I am?” My significant other replied, “You must be around 65.” The Ophthalmologist responded, “No, I am 80 years old. The secret is to have a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar once a day.” My husband came home and told me the news immediately. He did his research and concluded that we should purchase some right away! Continue reading Just a Spoon full of……..Apple Cider Vinegar September 3, 2009
Posted by Prentiss Gray in: Attitude, Communications, Diet, Entertainment, Freelance Author, Global Warming, Health & Fitness, Humor, Lifestyle, Marketing, Motivation, Non-Fiction, Sociology, Television, The Media, Uncategorized
One comment
Is it a problem that negative journalism is read, viewed, discussed more than positive reporting? Well, more viewers means more money and as a race, it would seem that we are more attracted to the negative than the positive. Just a few nights in front of the TV around any election will demonstrate to the viewer that when money is being spent, it’s the negative ads that get made. This is a good measure of effectiveness of the “right type” of marketing. Consultants and campaign managers are paid to win campaigns, they have to use what sells in order to be effective. Their overwhelming choice; a good smear campaign. Everyone can name their favorite, there is almost no need cite examples. The news media also knows this key strategy, in the form of “bad news sells.” We only have to count the number of bad news stories as compared to good news stories to see. What’s the average, 98 to 1? Which is why morning news/entertainment shows all vie for the worst (read “best”) stories they can find. They have an insatiable appetite for fires and floods, murders and kidnappings, and bad war news. Even the so-called entertainment segments of the programs cover only the best fear producing topics. Are you being ripped off at the store? Why you are more likely than the next guy to die at an early age (insert too fat, too sedentary, bad diet, bad genes, bad habits). Of course, that brings us to the latest media love affair, reality medical shows. Doctors giving advice and commentary, on all the medical or psychological problems we may have. Medical fear mongering for the “snake fascinated” audience. Continue reading It pays to be mean September 3, 2009
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Diet, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Inspiration & Motivation, Mental Health, Self-Help, Spirituality, Weight loss, Wellness
Leave a comment Most of our stream of consciousness flowing between our ears is emotionally neutral. However, periodically, for better or worse, we draw a thought from the current and focus on it. The longer we drill, the more emotional the thought. Emotions drive change. Change affects our future. So, put two and two together and one can see that thoughts actually do manifest themselves as our lives. [...] August 26, 2009
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol, but more digestible than the other ones, and lower on the glycemic index. It is just like sugar, but not bad for you. How does it compare to other natural sweeteners? [...] August 26, 2009
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Attitude, Children, Diet, Family, Habit Change, Inspiration & Motivation, Mental Health, Motivation
Leave a comment They – whomever “they” are – have erroneously told us that confidence is acquired as the result of years on the planet. Yet, after observing this energetic, welcoming, unabashed toddler, I wonder; maybe self-assurance is our birthright – not the self-doubt with which we saddle ourselves. [...] August 26, 2009
Posted by Tantra in: Diet, Environmental Issues, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Lifestyle
2 comments How often do people do things thinking they are doing something good, healthy, useful, and end up with just the opposite effect? Often, the effect is opposite to what we want because mainstream media has not been very forthcoming, for the sake of the corporations supporting it, who would prefer to keep the truth silent. “Opposites Day” (based on the childrens’ game) is a title you’ll see here from time to time, as I’m noting the irony in some little known but very well documented facts, and will go into these and others in more detail in later articles. Though there is a kind of dark humor in this list, the factual ones are assertions are you may want to look into yourself in alternative media if there is something you haven’t discovered yet. A few personal observation in the mix just make it more human. I’m a very positive person, but once in awhile these days, some of my good humor comes from shaking my head and laughing at the human condition we all share.
August 20, 2009
Another protocol you can try is called “food sequencing.” The basic premise of this practice is to “layer” your meal by eating all of each food by itself and then moving on to the next food, rather than taking a bite of this and then a bite of that. Therefore, the concept says if you eat five different foods at a meal and eat each in the correct sequence, there will be five different digestive processes occurring simultaneously, each layer having the different enzymes according to the needs of that particular food. The thinking is if you take a mouthful of each different food, your stomach releases both acid and alkaline digestive enzymes and they cancel each other out. It’s called “strata digestion” – a concept that’s been around for over 50 years. To try sequencing the basic rules are: Eat the quickest digesting, most watery food first and chew foods close to liquid consistency before swallowing; eat with 100% attention on the taste of the food. Basically you begin with fruits/vegetables and progress to carbohydrates, seeds/nuts, dairy and animal proteins last. Of course eating fewer different foods at each meal is believed to optimize digestion by simplifying it. Here’s a short list of digestion times of foods: Continue reading Food Sequencing August 20, 2009
There are some strategies you can try that may seem a bit “unusual” that can jumpstart your digestive health. Here is a protocol you may consider trying. Keep in mind that this works for some people and is ineffective for others. It is not harmful, so if you choose, you can try it see if you find any improvement. The only way to find out what is right for you is to experiment: try it, pay close attention to your body’s response, keep track in your journal and assess the changes. [...] August 17, 2009
Here are six simple suggestions you can easily include in your lifestyle to improve the balance of good bacteria to bad in your digestive system. [...] August 17, 2009
Posted by AMusico in: Diet, Health & Fitness, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Weight loss, Wellness
2 comments The Standard American Diet (SAD), typically sugar- and junk food-rich, low in fiber and void of nutrients; overuse of drugs such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory meds, and acid-blockers as well as sleep deprivation and chronic stress damage our ecosystem. [...] August 11, 2009
Posted by AMusico in: Diet, Health & Fitness, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Weight loss, Wellness
One comment One size NEVER fits all – especially when it comes to diets! If you do a search on Amazon.com of “diet books” you get over 22,000 results! You’d think one of those must be the one that will work for you. That’s possible, of course, but even if the diet works for you at the beginning, after a while, you will need to make adjustments for any number of reasons: you age, your stress level changes, your body adapts to your exercise program, you have trouble sleeping; you develop a food sensitivity and on and on. [...] July 15, 2009
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Diet, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Inspiration & Motivation, Motivation, Recovery, Self-Help, Weight loss, Wellness
Leave a comment Here I sit, having face-time with the perennial decision of any dieter, “Do I or don’t I?” Somebody said that foods made with salt, sugar, and fat are the most irresistible. Why not just call them what they are, “baked goods?” I am practically captive to their doughy gooey pull; Homer strapped to the mast, whilst the sweet scent of glaze sings upon the wind unto me. If not for the pull of the ropes of self-restraint, I would fall victim to their fetching, alluring, siren-quality magnetism, throwing myself full-force into a mound of éclairs, finding light only after munching and devouring my way to the top. Yet, when rational thought surfaces, I am aware that the self-control now under assault is the ground floor of everything I have accomplished. My head is held higher, my stomach is flatter, my blood pressure is lower, my muscles are tighter. By no coincidence, these all exist in the same period when my self-esteem is Everest high. I am no Johnny-come-lately to healthful eating, recognizing that a weight gain is neither the result of ONE bear claw nor a SOLITARY cake donut with extra sprinkles. Conversely, I am also weary; as the precipitous journey begins with a single, minor step. The rapid slide from grace is birthed by a thoughtless, momentary, loss of control. It is not food itself that causes obesity; rather one’s midsection expands due to an infection of the thoughts: “There’s always tomorrow,” or, “Just this once,” or “What’s the use?” Continue reading On the (Butter)horns of a dilemma July 9, 2009
While both men and women suffer from osteoporosis, it occurs more dramatically in women (at least 1.2 million American women over age 45 suffer bone fractures each year.) Keeping bones and joints healthy is critical to overall health. It all begins in childhood. One of the most important things you can do to help your children grow strong, healthy bones is to eliminate excess phosphorous from their diets. Are you surprised? Did you think I would suggest making them drink more milk? [...] July 9, 2009
Posted by AMusico in: Diet, Health & Fitness, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Weight loss, Wellness
Leave a comment Arthritis affects more than 30 million Americans, resulting in severe pain and disability. While osteoarthritis is the most common type, there are 100 other conditions, which affect joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis and gout are the other two most familiar types. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage around joints to break down causing pain, stiffness and disability. As with all the major diseases, inflammation is at the root. However, the damage is accelerated by the repetitive action of certain occupations, injuries, family tendency and being overweight. [...] July 9, 2009
Posted by AMusico in: Diet, Health & Fitness, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Weight loss, Wellness
Leave a comment High blood pressure is called a “silent killer” because it is painless and symptomless – until it’s too late. Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in our country. There is no single action you can take that will change your life as dramatically as taking control of high blood pressure and cholesterol, which usually go hand-in-hand. [...] July 3, 2009
Stress-related fatigue is so common that it is estimated that at least 80% of us living in Western developed nations will suffer from it at some time in our lives! While conventional medicine still does not recognize adrenal fatigue as a legitimate health condition and therefore doesn’t diagnose or treat it, it is an extremely common health disorder which can affect anyone experiencing severe or persistent stress. It is often the underlying key factor contributing to many chronic and acute health issues. [...] July 1, 2009
Did you know you can combine certain foods in order to increase the nutritional value of each? The naturally occurring chemical components in certain foods are intensified and made more bioavailable when they are properly combined. Here are seven simple ways to get more bang from your nutritional buck. [...] July 1, 2009
Posted by AMusico in: Diet, Energy, Health & Fitness, Nutrition, Spirituality, Weight loss, Wellness, Women's Perspective
Leave a comment Whether we experience physical, mental or emotional stress, it all takes a toll on our health. There is always a price. From our mid-thirties on, most of us suffer some degree of adrenal fatigue and don’t even realize it. Never heard of adrenal fatigue? Many main stream doctors do not even recognize this extremely common condition, although it is becoming more widely recognized. [...] June 25, 2009
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Attitude, Diet, Family, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Inspiration & Motivation, Motivation, Self-Help, Weight loss, Wellness
Leave a comment Sitting at my usual table, at my usual coffee house, at the usual time, I’m not sure I “read” my newspaper, per se. I glance at an article, absorb a few lines, and then give myself the luxury of letting my mind drift. From this process come ideas for speeches or columns. It’s also one way I get ready for my day. From my vantage point, I observe the line of people waiting to purchase pastries, bagels, and of course, their Morning Joe. I am intrigued by the tide of patrons; why are they here? What brought each of them? What do they do? One can immediately tell the vocation of some by their apparel. Health care professionals are adorned in “scrubs.” Although of various colors, or decorated with animals, at a glance one can deduce, “She works at a doctor’s office.” Of course, public safety employees; fire, law enforcement, ambulance; are easy to ascertain, as is a well-groomed individual in a grey, pin striped suit: “Business Person.” Continue reading Some of what we do is obvious June 18, 2009
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Attitude, Diet, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Mental Health, Self-Help, Spirituality, Weight loss, Wellness
Leave a comment That’s when it happened. I won’t lie and say the pain vanished. It didn’t – on no, not by a long shot. However, something changed and, for an instant, I found myself in a mental place where, although I could feel discomfort, I also experienced exhilaration because, until this moment, I was never before able to achieve this pose. [...] June 10, 2009
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Diet, Habit Change, Humor, Inspiration & Motivation, Mental Health, Motivation, Self-Help, Wellness
Leave a comment Just stay off the scale, leave it alone, shut the emotional door behind, and walk into the distance? What a concept. Skip all the fussing and frustrations associated with the ups and downs of my daily weight and lead a normal healthy life? Could that be possible? Can I do it? [...] May 20, 2009
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Attitude, Diet, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Inspiration & Motivation, Motivation, Recovery, Self-Help, Weight loss, Wellness
2 comments This is not merely an ethereal discussion without real-life implication, similar to “how many angels can dance on the head of a pin.” These terms we toss about: “success,” “failure,” “victory,” “defeat;” manipulate us emotionally; and it is what we feel – far beyond what we think – that drives action. Therefore what we choose to say matters to the highest degree. [...] May 13, 2009
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Diet, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Inspiration & Motivation, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Weight loss, Wellness
Leave a comment Who dreamt this up? I mean any diet that requires hot dogs has to be a joke. They – and the ice cream – were probably tossed in simply to prevent one from going bonkers while protectively hunkering over and guarding the three saltine crackers and one miserly beet. [...] May 7, 2009
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Attitude, Diet, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Humor, Inspiration & Motivation, Lifestyle, Mental Health, Motivation, Self-Help, Weight loss, Wellness
Leave a comment I know what you’re thinking, “There’s a lot of activity but no action.” See! Readin’ you like a book, aren’t I? I saw that coming. [...] April 29, 2009
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Attitude, Diet, Health & Fitness, Inspiration & Motivation, Lifestyle, Mental Health, Motivation, Nutrition, Self-Help, Weight loss, Wellness
Leave a comment My internal recovering perfectionist is intrigued by the very concept of a “perfect day.” What would it be like? For that matter, is it even possible? And, of course, since all things in my life filter through the screen of dieting, my thoughts turned toward, “What would it be like to be perfect on my diet for one week?” [...] |
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Sadness, Self Control and Sugar
Some years ago I learned to change my eating habits so that I wouldn’t tip the scales like a great whale. My sweet tooth was my problem. Although I love vegetables and could eat salad for breakfast, lunch and dinner, having something sweet like candy or cookies or cake. . .okay I have to stop because now I am salivating. Something sweet was always a reward for a job well day, a day that was good or plain old dessert.
Then I learned that sugar could help get you through sadness. Not only did I have to change my eating habits but I had to learn self control. Continue reading Sadness, Self Control and Sugar