Developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle does not need to involve tightening your budget.

Here are some ways to get and stay healthy without breaking the bank:

• Purchase fresh fruits and vegetables that are currently in season. You will get the best tasting food for your money and the most selection to choose from. Opt for products that are the most bountiful at your local farmer’s market or grocery store. Also look to see what in-season fruits and veggies are on sale. Then, incorporate those into your weekly meal plans.
• Exercise with a friend instead of joining a fitness club. Your friend will make you accountable for working out, will cheer you on to succeed and will be with you as you make strides towards your fitness goals. If you don’t have a human companion to work out with, walk or run with your dog on a regular basis.
• Look for healthy bargains in your grocery store. This may be as simple as choosing oatmeal instead of sugary, expensive cereals for breakfast; buying beans or portabella mushrooms instead of red meat; or drinking frozen orange juice instead of soda or fruit juice with sugar added.
• Do not smoke! A pack of cigarettes is expensive (and can be much more in major metropolitan cities). If you quit, you will save on the cost of cigarettes and even more in medical bills, as you will be healthier without engaging in this habit.
• Plan your meals before you shop. Knowing what meals you plan to prepare for the week will prevent you from overbuying unnecessary food items.
• Spring for a pedometer. Walking for a specific number of steps per day can help motivate you to reach your fitness goals. Though you will have to invest in the pedometer, your health will improve and you will reduce your health costs in the long run.

While purchasing something off the fast food menu may seem inexpensive and enticing, the costs to you will be far greater, as grease-filled foods may contribute to significant health problems that will cost you in medical bills and time away from work, family and friends. Read More

A few weeks ago I was up later than usual lying on my coach watching the weather forecast. I felt like a kid trying to figure out if there would be school the next day. Watching TV late at night doesn’t really work for me. Even after the News was over, I had trouble getting myself off the coach.

I stayed there zoned out in front of the TV watching a fascinating infomercial for the “Tummy Tuck Miracle Slimming System.” I felt strangely drawn into this commercial.

In my exhausted stupor I looked it up on Amazon. I was very curious about what people thought of it. The reviews were very poor with comments about what a waste of money it was and how it didn’t do anything.

I felt sad and suckered at the same time. While I knew from the start it was not something I wanted, I couldn’t help wondering if it worked. I also felt sad for all the people who bought it and once again had their dreams dashed.

It brought me back to my high school days when I wore a huge, Velcro, super-tight tummy belt in hopes of flattening my stomach. Between that and obsessing over the ’Thin Thighs in Thirty Days” book, I was prepared to “fight my flab.” I am sure you won’t be surprised that it didn’t work for me. That was my first taste of failing with a “proven system.”

I believe so many women are stuck trying to find the “magic pill”, even though we know deep inside there isn’t one. It’s kind of like the “happily ever after” princess stories. We might love to watch them and share them with our kids, when in truth we know life is full of challenges.

The true magic is to pay attention and listen to what your body really desires. I can tell you for a fact that my body wasn’t asking to stay up late and watch TV. And for sure my body wouldn’t have wanted one of those crazy, tight, sweaty belts.

My guess is that your body is a lot like mine and prefers real food over packaged food products, daily movement over being a coach potato, and sleep over late night TV watching. Your body is your wise partner in feeling your best, not a thing to be tamed with the latest “magic pill”.

Check in with your body often. Be patient and listen. The more we get out of our crazy mind chatter and into our bodies, the better choices we can make for our health and well-being.

With love and support- Michelle

P.S. I know how frustrating it is to feel stuck and ashamed of your body. It sucks. It drains your energy and takes away from truly living your life. If you are tired of being obsessed with food and your weight and feel lost on how to move forward then I can help. Click here to learn about my coaching programs

In November 2014, Alaska, Oregon and the District of Columbia joined Colorado and Washington state in legalizing the use of recreational marijuana. Twenty-one other states have also legalized the use of medical marijuana.

The changing legal and social acceptance of marijuana use can create uncertainty for companies when creating and enforcing workplace drug policies. Understanding the legal status of marijuana use, as well as being aware of pending court cases regarding marijuana in the workplace, can reduce the uncertainty.

The use of marijuana, which is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, is prohibited by federal law. However, many states have legalized medical and/or recreational marijuana.  Read Full Article

influenza throughout their lifetime. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), even otherwise healthy people get sick enough to require hospitalization from influenza each year.

Influenza

The flu is an infection of the respiratory tract that is caused by the influenza virus. It is spread mainly through airborne transmission, when an infected person sneezes, coughs or speaks. A person can infect others one day before having flu symptoms and up to five days after becoming ill.

Flu Symptoms

Influenza is most often associated with the sudden onset of fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, congestion, cough and sore throat. Most people recover within a few days to less than two weeks. Occasionally, complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis or other infections can occur.

Prevention

The flu vaccine is your best chance of preventing the illness. Currently, the CDC recommends that anyone over 6 months of age receive an annual flu vaccine. In addition, those at high risk for flu complications (young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic conditions and those 65 years or older) are highly recommended to get the vaccine each year. Read Full Article