Destination: A Healthy You

First thing I realized that my road trip to a healthy lifestyle had many dead end streets, detours and road blocks. Mostly, through manufactured food because of all the extra stuff put in the food to make it more appetizing, appealing and give it a longer shelf life.

The first thing I removed from my diet (circa 2005) was high fructose corn syrup because it has no nutritional value. I don't care what side of the fence you are on with this ingredient, is it safe to consume it or not? whatever! You can not deny that it is empty calories and does NOTHING for the body and is stored as FAT. I eventually included all artificial sugars, Splenda, sucralose, Sweet and Low, saccharin, Equal, NutraSweet, and  aspartame. I am not convinced that Stevia in the manufactured state is safe and healthy. Although, growing the herb and using it in tea and baking is wonderful and I have personally consumed it that way. I do not add any kind sugar or sweetener to drinks. I still occasionally enjoy a sweet treat, but now that I'm not consuming wheat, I've cut WAY back. (but this is a recent development and a subject for a different time)

I advocate the consummation of REAL sugar (organic and raw is best) even though it is manufactured. (Look for a CARBON FREE label. This means they make their own electricity from the byproduct of the process of making sugar and you can also support a healthier environment) However it is a simple, natural and centuries old process. The cane stalk is boiled down to extract the liquid and then the liquid is evaporated and crystals left behind (same process as salt) and then for our dazzling eyes it is bleached, a process I don't 100% support BUT it is way lesser evil than the chemical process of artificial sweeteners. I know this process first hand, because I grew up in sugar country.

Moderation is the key especially with the consumption of sugar (and sweeteners). Does it really have to be in everything??? The answer is an obvious NOOOOO! Once you kick your sugar (artificial sweetener) addiction and begin tasting real food you will be amazed! Things like fruit will be amazingly sweet and beef (w/o that gross layer of crap ass steak sauce or ketchup) will be juicy and succulent and oh so tasty! I implore you dear reader to let go of your attachment to sugar (which is also linked to many health issues such as obesity and depression and anxiety) you will begin your journey to happiness. You will be on the road to  your destination to a healthy you!

xox
Ursula

HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY

I choose happiness, you can too! But it does take effort and hard work and why is that such a problem for people to do??? I'm not perky or a ray of sunshine every day and I most assuredly yell at the top of my lungs at my disgruntled/displeased teenagers. Of course I am sad or even mad when I hear/witness terrible news, but I refuse to be depressed and angry all the time. It's so unhealthy and unproductive. I choose to be happy, self-loving, positive and of course productive! I encourage you my dear reader to start today, take it one day at a time and one deep breath at a time! Say "Today I am HAPPY"

So... (it may be corny, but it works) Make a Vision Board (a collage of images, pictures and affirmations of your dreams and desires) This technique can be found in MANY self improvement and faith driven books. In the magickal community we create an altar. It doesn't matter where this idea came from, it works!!! It's a focusing tool utilized to get what you want/need/desire out of life. You can ask God/Universe or what have you for GUIDANCE, but you still have to do the work it takes to get to the place of your highest self. Over a year ago I created and cultivated a love altar, asking the Universe to guide me to a good, loving, caring, attractive, responsible person. It's exactly what I have found. Love & Happiness. Along the way, I had to work at being open, loving myself, forgiving the past and it was worth all the heartache because Darci is sooo amazing (Thanks be to the Divine!) I'm now renovating it, keeping a bit-o-love still there, but adding to my vision; Creativity, Writing, Organization, Connection, Art.  And look.. day one and I'm blogging (tee hee ) Just saying!!

Today I am Happy and full of Joy
xox
Ursula

Top 5 No's

Eating right for your blood type encourages you to eat certain foods that your body can get the most of out.

:O)

For those just beginning this diet, it can be overwhelming trying to navigate through what to eat and what not to eat. So I've come up with a list of top 5 (No's) to take out of your diet immediately and are fairly easy to remember.

NO

Corn

Chicken

Tomato

Peanut/Peanut Butter

Soy

xox

Ursula



*PASTA*

This is a new recipe that my family and I enjoyed making the other day for Meatless Monday. I found it in Woman's Day magazine May 2011. It's totally vegetarian and totally right for B+ blood types. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

Ravioli with Sauteed Asparagus & Walnuts

1 14-16 oz pkg cheese ravioli (fresh or frozen)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced (we used minced)
1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
8 oz asparagus, trimmed and thinly sliced on diagonal
1/4 cup grated Parmesan

1 Cook the ravioli according to package directions
2 Heat oil in med skillet over med heat. add the garlic and walnuts (4 - 5 min)
3 Add asparagus and cook, tossing occasionally (2 min)
4 Serve over ravioli and garnish with Parmesan

xox
Ursula (and kiddos)

little buddha

Be wise, disciplined and non-violent and you will find peace. Be aware both night and day, continue your practice, and you will attain Nirvana."
- Buddha

Just Breathe

I encourage you dear reader to take a moment to breathe. The breath of life is so essential to our very existence, yet we take it for granted. In many religious texts and philosophies, the breath is paramount. So how did we, the ever evolved, super intelligent, techno savvy Beings flat out ignore such an intricate aspect of life? Yes my friend it is that simple, Just Breathe. If we practice (two or three times a day) the fine art of relaxation breathing, then we would be more coherent, have the ability to deflect stress, and generally be more calm throughout our daily lives. I dare you to try it, practice relaxation breathing and tell me you don't feel better or see improvement almost instantly, cause ya know what??? You'll get addicted, wonder why you never lived this way before and you, my dear reader will be a believer that just breathing can make a difference.

Relaxation Breathing 101 - It's all in the technique

1.  Breathe in the nose (for 3, 5 or 6 seconds)
2.  Hold for the same amount of seconds you breathed in (3, 5, 6)
3.  Breathe out of the mouth (double the seconds, to get all the stale air out of the lungs), placing tongue to roof of mouth while pushing the air out.
4. Repeat for 5 minutes (when comfortable move up to 10, 15, & 20 minutes)

*when first doing this technique, you may feel light headed or your pulse may change. Just take a normal breath or two, then continue with the relaxation breathing. REMEMBER I am not a doctor and this is NOT medical advice.

Just enjoy, Just relax, Just breathe

xox
Ursula

Y B +?

I'm choosing this lifestyle because I know it is the path to true enlightenment and happiness. It's not for everyone and it's not the ONLY way to get there, but it's my way. This is a blog about the journey, my journey. So, why did I choose the title B+ (be positive)? Because I think with a positive attitude towards life can bring about whole wellness and blissfulness, ie be positive = be happy. (Do you hear the words to that over played song... Don't worry Be happy? me too!) Also, it's my blood type (consisdence? I think not) In some cultures your blood type is as important as say, your zodiac sign (astrology is a hobby, maybe I'll post my sign and other personality profiles in later posts).

I have struggled with my weight since becoming pregnant with my first child in 93. Since 2004 I have been on a serious health conscience kick. I've been smoke free since December 2007, I've kicked the sugar addiction (although enjoy dark chocolate every now and then), I enjoy Yoga and Tai Chi. Yet... I'm over weight (according to my BMI, I'm morbidly obese). I lost my mother in 2005 due to complications related to cancer, which I honestly believe was brought about by her lifestyle of poor health. I consume mostly water (save for my love of coffee and occasional vitamin water or sobe water) and recently (last year at this time) I spent 2 months exercising daily only to GAIN weight. I woke up one day between Thanksgiving and Yule 2010 with severe (heart attack like sympotms) crushing heartburn with pain, so fat and flabby I had difficult breathing and totally disgusted with myself (borderline depression). I thought to myself, why am I not happy and healthy? The fact that I'm an uber control freak and queen of micromanaging and president of the multi-taskers r us club, why in the hell can I not get control of weight??? Truth be told, I wasn't happy and I am not in control and I wasn't eating the right foods for me. (dear reader please note.. RIGHT FOODS FOR ME)

Two books changed my course FOREVER..Eat Right for you Blood Type by Peter J. D'adamo and  Add More ~ing to Your Life: A Hip Guide to Happiness by Gabrielle Bernstein and ultimately inspired this blog B+. I'm down 18 pounds (a nod must go out to Weight Watches; online Points Plus for giving my a jump start for the first 3 months) and am happier and on the road to being the healthiest me I can be. So you may ask, Y B+? I say... Y Not?

To B Healthy

My weigh in this morning is 182 (down a pound from last week, sweet). I'm still enjoying a mostly vegetarian diet. This week I am GOING TO EXERCISE!
B +,
xox
Ursula

Welcome

This is a blog about health, wellness, food, beauty and the art of being positive. I am convinced you can think yourself happy with a good dose of positive thinking. I'm always looking at the world through rose colored glasses and want to share my thoughts and experience with my readers.
So, Welcome and Enjoy
xox
Ursula