Health Archives - Page 5 of 9 - Miss Everchanging

Categories: Healthy Living, Random Things, The Single Life

The Divorce Ring

“What exactly is a divorce ring?” I’ve been asked that question several times. I suppose there isn’t anything actually labeled as a ‘divorce ring’. Really, it’s just something I made up. Maybe I’ll start a new trend.

So, here’s the story behind my divorce ring….

I’d already had the diamond from my previous marriage. Trying to make the more economical choice, we decided to recycle the diamond. Before my ex proposed, he surprised me by having it reset in a band that he chose himself. As difficult as it is to say anything nice about my ex (I’m working on not being bitter!) , I admit that he had fantastic taste when it came to choosing gifts. Be it jewelry or clothes, he always nailed it. As soon as I saw the ring, I immediately fell in love with it. I took the the ring, as well as my vows, very seriously. Through the seven years, I’d always worn my diamond with pride, because it represented an eternal bond. For me, it was always more than a pretty ring.

I cried the day I took off my wedding ring. Every morning, as I dressed for work, I’d see the ring sitting on a shelf in my closet and I’d be instantly reminded of the betrayal. I’d think of the girl (girl is so not the word I want to use…) that had broken up both marriages and I’d feel angry for the loss of the life I thought I’d had. I couldn’t escape the idea that my life had been completely changed by someone I had trusted. For a while, I put it away, out of sight. Rather than let a beautiful ring sit in a drawer, I decided to trade it.

At first, trading it seemed a little overindulgent. The more responsible choice would have been to sell it and put the money into my savings. I could have even applied it towards my house loan. But, so far, I’m managing my bills. I really didn’t want to give up my sparkling diamonds. I definitely didn’t want to wait a thousand years for a man to buy a ring for me. Sometimes, logic aside, you have to do what feels right.

So I did it!

After a few weeks of searching, I said yes to a ring of my very own. Although I cried the morning I traded it, I knew that I was ready to leave yet another thing from my marriage behind. So that night, I celebrated with one of my best friends. She’s been through this this entire experience with me, her loyalty never wavering. We laughed, drank wine, and celebrated another milestone in this journey. And I felt blessed for all of the good things in my life.

I love the slightly vintage look of this new ring. It’s something that will be timeless. It’s as bold as the new person I have become. It represents my new life, with a world of possibilities. It symbolizes my independence. It reminds me that I’m allowed to be true to myself and that I’m allowed to make my own choices. When I look at my new divorce ring, I’m happy… maybe even a little proud. I’m proud that I’m a survivor. I’m proud that I can manage on my own and that I can still have nice things. With this beautiful new sparkly diamond ring, I’m embracing this beautiful new life.

Categories: Healthy Living

Lowering Blood Pressure Naturally

Rather than write a bitter anti-Valentine’s Day post (just joking), I thought I’d take the higher road and post something heart-healthy. February is American Heart Health Month. Recently, I had a couple of friends ask my advice on holistic treatments for high blood pressure. I thought it would be an awesome time to share some of the things I learned at IIN. Even though I haven’t had time to do anything official with my health coaching, I love to share!

When high blood pressure is left untreated, it can lead to damage to the heart and coronary arteries. This includes heart attacks, heart disease, congestive heart failure, and strokes. Although there are several medicines that can reduce blood pressure, those meds have side effects. I’ve never felt good about taking anything that causes negative side effects….

Most of us know lowering salt intake (for optimal heart-health, the American Heart Association recommends people aim to eat no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day), and increasing exercise and increasing water intake are beneficial. However, there are a few more holistic ways that you can treat blood pressure naturally. When these natural remedies are used, the results can be seen quickly. These natural remedies can also be use to prevent future problems that could result high blood pressure as well.

Fish Oil. Fish oil is easy to find in any grocery store. It reduces overall inflammation in the body. When you reduce inflammation in the arteries, there is decrease in blood pressure. Pretty simple, huh?

Potassium. One of the first things a doctor might tell you is to lower your sodium. However, as hard as we try, sodium can appear in things we don’t realize. Increasing your potassium counteracts the effects of sodium.

Try including a few of these potassium-rich foods into your diet:

Avocado

Spinach

Sweet Potato

Coconut Water

Yogurt

White Beans

Bananas

Clams

Mushrooms

Tomato Sauce

Edamame

Milk

Orange Juice

Carrot Juice

Mediterranean Diet. The Mediterranean Diet contains lots of fruit, vegetables, seafood, olives, and tomatoes. The Mediterranean diet limits grains, because grains often cause inflammation. Remember, inflammation is bad for the arteries! Here’s a great cookbook on the Mediterranean Diet.

Magnesium. Magnesium relaxes the blood vessels and therefore, has an immediate effect. Most people actually have a Magnesium deficiency. The recommended dosage is 500 milligrams, daily.

CoQ10. This supplement can be found at your local grocery store or pharmacy. The enzymes balance blood pressure and are a great antioxidant. 200-300 milligrams, daily, is recommended.

Because I truly believe in using as many holistic treatments as possible, I love to share the things I’ve learned in nutrition school. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Because, although I am a certified health coach and can guide you, I’m definitely not a doctor.

Remember, 1 in every 3 American adults suffer from high blood pressure. Anyone, including children, can develop high blood pressure. A little preventative effort may go a long way in lifelong heart health.

I hope you all have a great Valentine’s Day! I plan to make today great by spending time with my favorite “Galentine”. We plan to get a cardio workout from shopping and laughing all day! And, hopefully, when I get home, there will be a box of chocolate from the greatest, most reliable man in the word…my dad.

Categories: Healthy Living, Random Things, The Single Life

I Think I Like Being Single

Seven years ago, as I stood at the altar, I remember thinking that it was the best day of my life. I was marrying the man of my dreams; the man with which I’d grow old. Two months ago, I was thrown into this newly-single life. I’ll be the first to admit that it was scary. Really, I was terrified. This single thing has definitely been a learning experience. I’ve learned to budget. I’ve learned how to drain the pool. I’ve learned how to handle a temperamental sewage system that hates the rain. And the list goes on… Although I didn’t chose this single life, I made the decision to embrace the whole “fresh start” challenge. New beginnings, right? I’ve been sad to the point that I’ve cried myself to sleep and I still feel angry. I’m angry that the same girl broke up both marriages. How did that even happen? I’m angry about the betrayal. Needless to say, I won’t be getting over that any time soon…. As I’ve crossed the sea ever-changing emotions, I’ve settled into a happiness that I haven’t felt in a very long time. This new independence feels pretty darned good!

Here are the things I love about being single….

I can sleep in the middle of the bed.

I can park in the middle of the garage.

I never have to turn on the television, except to watch BRAVO.

I can sing Bon Jovi’s “Living on a Prayer” and Adele’s “Hello” at the top of my lungs without anyone overhearing me.

I can finally incorporate pink into my living room.

I can take hour-long hot showers.

I can play the piano at midnight….loudly.

I can have only wine for dinner if I choose, without being questioned.

I can have movie nights with my girlfriends without prior approval.

I can have the entire closet to myself, with my things neatly folded.

I can have more cat babies, if I chose to do so.

I can pay my own bills, without having to ask for any help.

I can sleep with three cozy blankets on my bed without anyone complaining.

I can organize my newly decorated pantry, with only healthy foods, in neat rows.

I can live in my house, on my land, with my things, surrounded by my family. And, I never have to worry about anyone taking those things away from me….ever.

When anyone asks me how I’m doing, I tell them that I’m good. And I am really good.

You know, I think I like being single.

Categories: Dinner, Healthy Eating

Brussels Sprouts and Walnuts- I Think I Like You.

Mr. Brussels Sprout, I think I like you.

Recently, due to my interest in holistic cancer prevention, I’ve switched to a mostly plant-based diet. If you are interest in that type of thing, this is a great book that I’m reading, Radical Remission; Surviving Cancer against All Odds. It is very inspiring. Since I’ve began upping the fruits and veggies, I’ve discovered that this way of eating really agrees with me, at least for now. Not only do I feel livelier, I noticed that, for the first time ever, I didn’t experience any allergy symptoms while working outside last Saturday. Coincidence? Maybe not. It could just be that the plant based diet is improving my immune system.

So, back to the sprouts…

I’ve been trying to include more cruciferous vegetables into my diet. I came across a recipe for that called for Brussels sprouts and walnuts. However, the original recipe included maple syrup and some other random stuff. Being that I’m a keep-it-simple-girl and I’m not a fan of maple syrup, I did my own thing. Instead, I used my new Mission Fig Balsamic Vinegar from the Beaufort Olive Oil Company. I purchased my vinegar from the shop in Morehead, but you can also find it here. It ain’t cheap! Good think it only takes a small amount…I’m sure it would be tasty using the regular balsamic vinegar as well.

Yum! I loved the toasty-ness of the walnuts and the bits of browned Brussel leaves. Something about that combination just screams fall! I’m sure they’d be great, too, if you added a little bacon or a few dried cranberries. I always encourage creativity. This recipe is so easy!

First, I cut off the ends of the sprouts and quartered them.

I dropped them into a bowl and drizzled a bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar over them. I added a handful of walnuts, sea salt, and pepper.

I spread them onto a foil-lined pan.

I baked them at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. I stirred them half-way through their cooking time.

Oh, the yumminess…

The Health Benefits of Brussel Sprouts:

High Fiber

Vitamin C

Folic Acid (promotes healthy cells)

Antioxidant

Anti-Aging Properties

How do you feel about Brussels sprouts? Yay or nay?

Categories: Healthy Eating

8 Ways to Avoid a Candy Hangover

Does the thought of extra squish around your thighs seem more frightful than any creepy costume? Is the thought of a gi-normous calorie-laden candy binge enough to make you scream in horror? Do you dread the morning-after regret of a full-blown candy binge? Rest assured, most of us feel that very same way. With Halloween just around the corner, here are 8 of my favorite tricks that are guaranteed to give you control over those sweets so that you can avoid a horrid candy hangover!

1.Only Buy Candy That You Won’t Eat– Seriously, why would anyone torment themselves with things they can’t resist? I always buy candy that contains peanut butter. *Gag* I’m guaranteed not to sneak any pieces!

2. Buy Healthier Options– Who says that you have to give candy on Halloween? What about novelty items, such as pencils or balls? Even those cute bags of pretzels or popcorn are better options. I have a feeling that the kids might just appreciate a little variety!

3. Limit Your Exposure to Treats– Never, ever, buy a bag of candy on the first day of October. If you do buy it early, place it out of sight. Don’t open it until trick-or-treat time! That sounds so simple, but it’s hard to resist something that’s so easy to reach!

4. Eat Regular Healthful Meals- Skipping meals can set you up for a binge. Make sure that you aren’t hungry when you pass out those treats!

5. Plan to Treat Yourself…Just Not All Day!- It always helps me if I plan exactly when to treat myself. I’m also super-selective about what I chose. For example, I might plan to have a tasty Halloween cookie along with a beverage after trick-or-treating, instead of mindlessly chewing on countless pieces of random candy. Then you plan what and when to treat, you feel less guilty. I’m sure I’ll treat myself with both of these. Remember the Candy Corn Martini from last year?

6. Sip On A Low Cal Beverage- Make sure you choose something low in calories! My favorite beverage is sugar-free apple cider. I’ve found that sipping on hot beverages helps my cravings!

7. Chew Gum- If your mouth is busy chewing sugar-free gum, you won’t need to chew candy.

8. Brush Your Teeth- As soon as you finish a treat, brush your teeth. You will think twice about ruining a clean mouth!

What to do if you overindulge? Don’t panic! Remember….it takes 3,500 extra calories to gain one pound. Exercise a little more and eat little cleaner over the next week, and you should be good to go!

Do you have any other tips to add to the list? If so, please feel free to comment!

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