Healthier 4 Me . . . a natural approach to wellness - Healthier4Me Blog

LIKE our Page on Facebook

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 21:46:40 -0600

Check us out on Facebook. LIKE our page, Healthier 4 Me. Invite your friends. Stay up to date with what's happening in our naturally organic world!

Another blog?

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 21:38:23 -0600

Hi all,
It has just come to my attention that I have another blog online. I thought I had blended them together, but nope, didn't happen. So here's the "other" blog which will have a lot of the hCG diet information on it.
http://healthier4me.wordpress.com/2012/03/26/ . Feel free to post to whichever one you feel more comfortable with. I will try -- again -- to blend them together, but I'm not guaranteeing it. So, in the meantime, keep reading and hopefully, you'll find something you're interested in.

MARCH has arrived!

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 10:05:52 -0600

Actually, it arrived 2 weeks ago, and I am still not caught up. Weddings are upon us and as such, my services as an Officiant are needed. What has that got to do with natural health or weight loss? Brides and their bridal parties want to be slimmer for their weddings; grooms, too. Have you been around any brides? They get really nervous as their wedding date approaches, and heaven help those around them who are not in-tune with their ever-changing plans. This causes headaches, achiness; stress is an understatement! How many brides have you heard say, "I've gained a few pounds. I hope I fit into my wedding dress." And, then it starts all over again. The anxiousness, stress, nervousness, bad tempers -- to which I will have to just say, "take a deep breath, in and out. You will get through this and everything will be perfect." Mothers of the bride can relate to this. Just memorize what I just stated and keep repeating it over and over again to your bride. Eventually, it will get through the wall of stress that the bride has built up. In the meantime, I would suggest that you spend a little money on yourselves and head to a spa for a de-stress day. Just before the wedding would be a perfect time to do that. If you are in Huntsville, AL, a perfect place could be Radiant Day Spa or Blu Healing Spa. Great places to wind down and relax. In the meantime, brides? enjoy the process; moms? just hang in there; it will all be over with before you know it; grooms? support that lovely woman you fell in love with. Dads and the groom can just cope and give loving support to all.

See you at the "altar" or the lake or . . . . .

Geraldine

What's a herb?

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:31:45 -0600

Where do "herbs" come from? (and yes, I pronounce the "h" -- the "ha" sound)

Is it a weed? Are they considered plants? I know it's something that grows in the ground and I'm not really sure of anything else. These are very common questions that I hear from both clients and people in general. So, what do you think? Is it a weed? Can you even eat them? Are they like grass or are they really some kind of plant?

Quite often, herbs are classified as plants, some weeds, some edible and some not. Herbs are sometimes cross-referenced with botanicals. Many herbs contain more nutrients than the processed foods that we consume on a daily basis. For instance, that lovely little "weed" that people hate to see come up every Spring on their lawns -- you know the one -- the Dandelion. They get out there and spray them with insecticides, doing whatever they can to kill those poor little darlings. Did you know that Dandelions actually contain more protein than lettuce? 12.3 grams of protein in Dandelions to a measly 3.8 grams in lettuce. Are you shocked? You should be. Dandelions even have 849mg of calcium vs. Lettuce with only 194mg. Dandelions also have medicinal properties that help support the liver and kidneys. You really need to know what you are doing before you start picking them and eating them. They need to be cleaned and dried for one. If you have sprayed your yard with insecticides in the past, then you may need to wait 3-5 years before you can attempt it.

One of my favorite "weeds" or herbs is Purslane. This lovely little plant/weed/herb actually contains the Omegas. So for those of you allergic to fish and don't know how to get their daily intake, you should be munching on the Purslane. It is also one of the highest amounts of iron that you can get, except for the tops of parsley, from plant-form. You will like its flavor -- hint of lemon and has a crunchy texture. There are many different species of Purslane, so choose the correct one. It's very tasty in salads as well. Since it is also getting close to the holidays, I want to tell you about Sage. Many chefs use it in their turkey recipes, especially stuffing, but a word of caution here -- I have"heard" that if you have epileptic seizures, you really need to stay away from sage. That might be one that you might want to research on your own if this applies to you.

IMMEDIATE HEALTH FREEDOM ACTION NEEDED in IOWA, COLORADO, & SO.DAKOTA

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:57:12 -0600

Immediate health freedom action needed in the States of Iowa, Colorado, and So. Dakota.

OPPOSE Iowa H.S.B. 507 / S.S.B. 3022
OPPOSE Colorado H.B. 1060
OPPOSE South Dakota: H.B. 1171
OPPOSE Iowa H.S.B. 507 / S.S.B. 3022OPPOSE Colorado H.B. 1060 OPPOSE South Dakota: H.B. 1171

OPPOSE Iowa: Iowa House Bill 507 and Senate Bill 3022, both monopolistic Naturopathic Physician licensing bills, attempt to criminalize all persons practicing natural health unless they have a medical naturopathic doctor license! The bills were introduced on January 12, 2012 and were heard and passed in the State Government Subcommittees of the Senate and the House January 25 and 26 by a 2-1 vote and are on the way to the full State Government Committees in both the Senate and the House. No amendments have been attached yet to correct and properly exempt out unlicensed traditional naturopaths or complementary and alternative health care practitioners.

OPPOSE Colorado: Colorado House Bill 1060, a monopolistic Dietitian Licensing bill, would jeopardize your right to speak about nutrients and nutrition without a dietitian license and would limit your access to nutrition information! The bill was introduced on January 11, 2012, and assigned to the House committee on Agriculture, Livestock, and Natural Resources and a public hearing on the bill is tentatively scheduled for February 6, 2012. The bill has no proper exemption for unlicensed practitioners providing nutrition-related services.

OPPOSE South Dakota: South Dakota House Bill No. 1171,“The Emerging Complementary Health Professional Licensing Board” bill, a dangerously restrictive Licensing bill with broad negative implications for consumer natural health care choices! The bill is on the way to the House Floor and needs your NO vote to stop it from going over to the Senate . It was introduced on January 23, 2012, was heard and passed out of the House Health and Human Services Committee January 26 and placed on the House agenda for January 31. The House Floor deferred the bill to Thursday, February 2, 2012. Urge your representatives to protect your right to choose from both licensed and unlicensed complementary and alternative health care practitioners and information sources.

Your action is needed to stop this nonsense, regardless of your political affiliations.Thanks for forwarding this information to everyone you know. If we could stop the insanity in No Carolina,last Summer, we can certainly stop it in these states as well. As you may or may not know, No. Carolina was going to make it a felony offense for Holistic Health Practitioners to do business. That means, if I lived in the state of No Carolina, and the bill had passed, I would be in jail serving a sentence as a felon.
This is not a joke.

These bills are being pushed through under agricultural bills and others.

Some Information on the Glands and their Functions

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:37:18 -0600

The Endocrine Glands and some of their Functions

FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY – NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE OR CURE ANY MEDICAL ISSUES

Endocrine Gland Function -- These are the basic Functions of the Endocrine Glands within the human body:

Anterior Pituitary Gland -– functions as a tropic hormone to stimulate thyroid, adrenal and follicle stimulating hormones

Posterior Pituitary Gland -– functions to stimulate the production of anti-diuretic hormones and oxytocin, which stimulates uterine contractions during labor

Hypothalamus Gland -– stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroxine.

Parathyroid Gland -– functions to produce parathyroid hormones which cause the breakdown of bone and an increase in circulating calcium concentrations within blood

Adrenal Cortex Gland - regulates electrolyte and fluid homeostasis, stimulates libido, and stimulates gluconeogenesis during times of stress

Adrenal Medullar Gland -– produces and excretes adrenalin, which stimulates the sympathetic nervous system during times of stress

Pancreatic Islets Gland -– produces the hormone glucagon, which promotes glycogenolyis and insulin, which acts as a ligand (key) to allow entry of blood glucose into muscle cell walls.

Ovary Gland -– produces estrogens and progesterone, which promotes female sexual development and pregnancy

Testis Gland – releases testosterone and promotes the development of male sexual characteristics

Thymus Gland – promotes the development of thymus cells, which aid in immune system development and maintenance

Placenta Gland – promotes conditions required during early pregnancy

Atria – release atrial natiuretic hormone (ANH), which regulates fluid and electrolyte homeostasis

Pineal Gland -- The pineal gland is involved in several functions of the body including:

Secretion of the Hormone Melatonin
Regulation of Endocrine Functions
Conversion of Nervous System Signals to Endocrine Signals
Causes Feeling of Sleepiness
Influences Sexual Development

Pituitary Gland (anterior & posterior) --It is the gland that secretes hormones which are essential for the other endocrine glands to function like the adrenal glands, ovaries and testes, and thyroid in the human body.

Hypothalamus Gland -- in order for the brain to function properly and for the neurotransmitters in the brain to receive messages, the hypothalamus must be working correctly, since it is the functioning center for four of the brains most powerful hormones (neurotransmitters) that affect the mind; Serotonin, Dopamine, Norepinephrine and acetylcholine.

The general functions of the hypothalamus are of extreme importance for the body, such as:
pituitary gland regulation                  blood pressure regulation                                  hunger and salt cravings
feeding reflexes                                   thirst                                                                       body temperature regulation
hydration                                               heart rate                                                              bladder function
water preservation                              hormonal/neurotransmitter regulation           ovarian function
testicular function                               mood & behavioral functions                            wakefulness
metabolism                                 sleep cycles                                                          energy levels

Thyroid Gland Function -- Thyroid Gland Function controls how your body uses energy as well as makes proteins in addition to how sensitive your body is to other hormonal production. It is an endocrine gland located in the neck. The thyroid controls your metabolism meaning it affects how your body reacts with other bodily processes.

When something fails with your thyroid it can cause hypothyroidism which is when it is under active. Symptoms of hypothyroidism:

Fatigue Depression Loss of Libido Constipation Weight Gain Dry and Itchy Skin

Parathyroid Gland Function -- The sole purpose of the parathyroid glands is to control calcium within the blood in a very tight range between 9.0 and 10.1 . In doing so, parathyroids also control how much calcium is in the bones, and therefore, how strong and dense the bones are. Although the parathyroid glands are located next to (and sometimes inside) the thyroid gland, they have no related function. The thyroid gland regulates the body’s metabolism and has no effect on calcium levels, while parathyroid glands regulate calcium levels and have no effect on metabolism. Calcium is the element that allows the normal conduction of electrical currents along nerves—it’s how our nervous system works and how one nerve 'talks' to the next. Our entire brain works by fluxes of calcium into and out of the nerve cells. Calcium is also the primary element which causes muscles to contractKnowing these two major functions of calcium helps explain why people can get a tingling sensation in their fingers or cramps in the muscles of their hands when calcium levels drop below normal. A sudden drop in the calcium level (like after a successful parathyroid operation where the patient doesn't take their calcium pills for the first few days after the surgery) can cause patients to feel "foggy", "weird" or "confused like my brain isn't working correctly". The brain DEMANDS a normal steady-state calcium level, so any change in the amount of calcium can cause the brain to feel un-loved and the patient to feel bad. Likewise, too much parathyroid hormone causes too high a calcium level--and this can make a person feel run down, cause them to sleep poorly, make them more irritable than usual, and even cause a decrease in memory. In fact, the most common symptoms for patients with parathyroid disease are related to the brain, and include depression and lack of energy! After removal of a bad parathyroid gland, most people will feel dramatically better. Some say it’s like "someone turned the lights on". Most people don't feel good when their calcium level is above 10, and the vast majority of people will feel pretty darn tired and run-down when their calcium level is above 10.5 .

Adrenal Gland Function -- The adrenal cortex provides the life-sustaining function of providing hormones such as corticosteroids, androgens and aldosterone. The adrenal medulla provides hormones--adrenaline and noradrenaline--whose functions are important to a person's ability to deal with mental and physical stress.

Corticosteroids

There are two corticosteroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex: cortisol and corticosterone.

Cortisol controls the body's use of the major nutrients--fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Corticosterone works with cortisol to suppress the body's responses to inflammation and has effects on the body's immune system.

Androgens

Androgens are hormones that minimally affect male characteristics development and produced by the adrenal cortex.

Aldosterone

Another hormone of the adrenal cortex, aldosterone, regulates blood pressure levels through influencing how much sodium is retained or excreted from the body.

Adrenaline and Noradrenaline

Often referred to as the "fight or flight" hormone, adrenaline prepares the body to respond to perceived stresses/threats by increasing heart rate, increasing blood flow to the brain and muscles and assisting in the conversion of glycogen to glucose for ready use by the body.

Noradrenaline affects vasoconstriction, which elevates blood pressure during perceived stresses/threats.

Thymus Gland Function -- The main function of the thymus gland is to produce and process lymphocytes or T-cells (where 'T' stands for thymus derived). Lymphocytes are white blood cells (WBCs), which are also known as leukocytes. After the white blood cells mature, they leave the thymus gland and get settled in the spleen and the lymph nodes, where a fresh batch of T-cells is produced. These white blood cells are the body's immunity system and protect the body by producing antibodies that stop the invasion of foreign agents, bacteria and viruses. These cells also ensure the proper functioning of the body system and look after the wear and tear of the organs. Another function of thymus gland is to prevent the abnormal growth of cells that may lead to cancer. The T lymphocytes travel from the bone marrow to the thymus gland where they remain till they get activated. After maturity, the lymphocytes enter the blood stream from where they travel to other lymphatic organs and provide defense mechanism against diseases. The thymus gland also produces a hormone called thymosin, which stimulates the T-cells in the other lymphatic organs to mature. This gland also produces another hormone called thymopoietin, which is protein present in the mRNA (messenger RNA) and is encoded by the TMPO gene.

In some cases, the thymus gland tends to become under-active. The individual may have a weak immunity system and be prone to many infections and allergies. These infections can be chronic and may prolong for a long time. When there is a lack of T-cells in the body, it can lead to immunodeficiency diseases. The person suffering from immunodeficiency diseases may show symptoms like extreme sweating, puffiness or soreness of the throat, swelling in the glands and depression. Malnutrition and a deficiency of protein, from an early age, in the diet can lead to the slow or limited growth of the thymus, thus impairing the normal functioning of the lymphocytes. Thus ensure that your child eats a well-balanced meal and also has the right amount of essential nutrients, which can also be given in the form of supplements.

Bartholin Gland Function -- The vestibular glands secrete mucus for lubrication of the vestibule. Sexual stimulation increases the mucus production.

Information brought to you by Healthier 4 Me, LLC_{, and is in no way intended to diagnose or cure any possible illness. This information is strictly for sharing within the community. Some of the information contained herein obtained from a myriad of professionals.}

hCG -- The FDA Says it is Illegal to sell.

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:24:55 -0600

I'm sure you've all heard by now that the FDA has decided that hCG is illegal to use because they claim it does not work. I, for one, am testimony that their statement is incorrect. I have lost weight and managed to keep it off. I know others that have done the same thing. I will keep you apprised of the regulations as soon as I get them in. In the meantime, the Evolution Weight Management Program is the way to go, in my humble opinion. I will let you know more about that. I managed to drop about 17# on it in 3 weeks, so not bad, and it does follow Dr. Simeon's Diet plan.

I can understand the FDA's frustration with the claims about hCG. Yes. There were an enormous amount of get rich quick schemes at getting hCG on the market. Some worked. Some did not. What people kept forgetting is that they were messing with their Hypothalamus Gland. There's been a commercial on television lately that has a doctor using a jackhammer and doesn't have a clue what he/she is doing. That's one of the main problems the FDA had with the hCG. It was being sold left and right, and without proper instruction or supervision from a qualified professional, and people were getting into more health problems than they had to begin with.

I will keep you posted as to other weight program(s) that work and let you know what I find out about the demise of the hCG and the FDA regulations.

Beyond Organics

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:38:15 -0600

It's not often that I get involved with MLMs. I've been in many of them over the years but for some reason, I never made the millions I was always told I would get if I worked hard and built a downline. Well, Beyond Organics may change my mind forever. It's not the $$millions I'm interested in (but that would be nice). It's the availability of good, clean, grass-fed organic meats and cheeses (and more good clean foods to come) that holds my attention. I like the way it's being marketed--kind of like a "grass roots" endeavor. It holds promise because it is product/food that is near and dear to my heart--organic. Jordan Rubin has started this new company. You may remember him as the founder of Garden of Life products. Check out his story. He went through the mill finding solutions to his health problems. I'm sure there's a lot more of you out there that I've never even heard of that have, or had, similar problems. His story is phenomenal. Anyway, I want you to take a look at Beyond Organics, for whatever reason(s) -- your health, your family's health, your friends. So here's the link to the website (you'll have to copy and paste) and be sure to let me know your thoughts. http://healthier.mybeyondorganic.com/Web/us/en/index.dhtml

Are Parasites Making You Ill?

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:12:56 -0600

Oh? You really thought I was kidding? Parasites in your body? Oh yes indeed and yes, they may be causing illness in your body. Bloating, gas, fatigue, anorexia, obesity, headaches, stomach problems, and so much more can be attributed to those pesky little buggers floating around inside of you. I am not even going to start on all those mud pies we ate as children.

YIKES! How is this possible? How can we get parasites in our bodies? How do they get in? Are you one who says, "I only eat organic. I don't have bugs or parasites in my body!" Well, believe it or not, the most common culprit is in the foods we eat--YES--our FOOD. It simply amazes me that people who eat organic fruits and vegetables, and other organic food(s), wash their fruits and vegetables with only water. People who buy produce and fruit at the markets fall for the trap that their fruits and/or vegetables have been "hydra-washed". Do you know what that is? At the packing plants, there is a conveyor belt and the vegetables/fruit goes down the conveyor belt. Overhead is a type of hose with a nozzle that mists water onto the produce. Great wash, huh? What does that tell you? Not quite the washing you had in mind?

    So, what about the vegetables and fruits and herbs and other food you grow in your backyard? You have birds that poop from the sky. You have chipmunks and squirrels and other critters that get into your garden. Maybe you have a cat or a dog or more that can pee on your vegetables. Oh? not in your yard? Do you monitor your garden 24/7?

    Okay, so what about the organic goods I get from farms or markets? Organic. Does it not have to be picked? Who is doing the picking? You? Most probably not. So, you don't know who picked it or if they had a cold or flu or something else while they were doing it. Was there a port-a-potty available where they were picking? You know for a fact that everybody washes their hands? Then it gets put on a truck to take to the producer to get packaged, boxed, and "hydra-washed", and shipped on a truck to get to the market. So, now, do you think that it will arrive with absolutely no germs or anything else attached to it? What about unpacking those boxes, sorting and putting them out on the shelves. How many people handle all those fruits and vegetables and other foods before you purchase it and take it home.   Now you're getting the picture, and now you finally realize that yes, you need to clean your fruits and vegetables. So what do you clean it with?

Some people have told me that they put bleach in their water and that will kill anything. Yep. It'll kill anything, even the nutrition in whatever fruit/herbs/vegetable that you bought, and you even get to ingest some of that bleach. Now doesn't that sound yummy? (and then some of you wonder how you get chemicals into your systems). Now we know that plain water doesn't work (and of course you're washing them in water that is chemically treated with fluoride and chlorine--in most states), and bleach doesn't work, so what the heck do you wash them in? Okay. I am not getting paid for recommending this product, but it works very well. BioKleen. You only need a few drops of the liquid in your water bath, set the timer for 2 minutes, get your vegetable brush out (yes, they make brushes for cleaning vegetables), and scrub them the best you can. Yes. This is a little difficult with lettuce, herbs, spinach, etc., but can be done and is perfect for carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, avocados, bananas, etc.. Be sure to rinse til clear and let air dry before you store them.

    Hopefully, I've set you on the right track. Also remember that you need to be cooking your food from "scratch". That means you know everything that is going into your body. Cooking fresh vegetables, organic meats, making sure to cook pork and chicken thoroughly. If the food comes in a box or package, it is not fresh. Watch the canned vegetables as well. I have heard reports that the plastic linings are leaching aluminum into the vegetables. Stay away from them unless you absolutely have no other choice. Try making your own bread. It's not as difficult as you might think. If you don't know how, ask someone you know to teach you. Have cook-at-home dinner parties and make sure everything you cook is fresh. What a taste difference and great treat for your tastebuds. You'll have a much better chance of keeping your body healthy for a very long time.

Have a healthier day!
Geraldine

The NEW Evolution Diet

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 19:49:15 -0600

Hi everyone -- Trying to get the blog posted to the new host/server. Seems I am not doing such a hot job, and you will find things missing, until I can figure out how to do this all. In the meantime, I have dropped 17# in the past 4 weeks on the new Evolution Diet. I am hoping this "new" blog will give you a chance to comment and add your 2 cents' worth. We will be monitoring the comments. I don't want to see any sex sites, etc., trying to post on this site. If it gets overwhelming, I'll just have to plug up the comments again.

Hopefully I will be back on here soon. Until then, is it time to start exercising? If you're not ready, get off the couch and just start moving. Every little bit. Stand up and march in place during the commercials. It's a start and you are moving. Remember, to drink lots of water to stay hydrated.

Take care y'all.
Geraldine
====================

Hi all

I know it’s been awhile since I’ve been on here, but I have been testing the new Evolution Diet! WHAT???? and give up the hCG Diet?????

Nope! This is the new, improved, light years ahead of the hCG Diet. This all-new patent pending form of hCG represents the pinnacle of hCG’s evolution. hCG is a glycoprotein made up of 244 amino acids in two chains, but only two small subgroups of amino acids actively contribute to hCG’s effectiveness in weight loss. For the first time, DesBio has isolated and extracted these smaller active segments and eliminated the “junk” aminos to create the most robust and powerful form of hCG ever, contained exclusively in hA2cg Evolution!

The Evolution resets the Hypothalamus Gland, offers Detox & Drainage Support, has Glucose Management support, as well as Metabolism, Appetite Control & Cravings, Immune Support & Viral Load Suppression, and Trauma & Stress Management Support built into each and every bottle. Does your hCG have that? I’ll save you the trouble. No. It does not, because this is a professional formula and carries a NDC number right on the bottle.

Along with the new Evolution, comes some changes in the diet. Specifically, there is now a 10#, 2 week weight loss program using 1,000 cal/day–designed for those of you who have 10# or less to lose. For those of you who just cannot stand the 500 calorie/day diet on either the 23 day plan or the 42 day plan, you can choose the 1,000 calorie/day diet. There are some differences between the 500 calorie/day and the 1,000 calorie/day.

On the 1,000 calorie/day diet, you have to take the recommended protein shake in the morning. There is also NO fat loading days on this program. (The protein shake has been made specifically for this new weight loss program.) Your protein amount increases at lunch and at dinner.

On the 500 calorie/day weight loss plan, virtually everything else remains the same. No protein shake in the morning. 2 Days of Fat loading. The rest is the same.

Now, some foods have been added which were not compatible with the other hCG. These include: cauliflower, lettuce–was on there, but you were only allowed a half cup–now you have as much as you want as long as you have it during your meal. As far as fruit, you can now have grapes, tangerines, and kiwi.

So, is this allowed on all the hCG diet out there? No, because not all hCG is created equal.

If you are interested in learning more about this weight loss program, feel free to email me at Geraldine@healthier4me.com for more information. AND, before you ask, “No” I do not sell this over the internet. You will need to become a client in order to obtain this patent-pending product.

I’ve been on this a week. So far I have dropped 13#. I am very happy with it. Because, like the other one when you go on a plateau for 3 days, starting the 4th day is generally your “Apple” day — I dropped 3# on the 4th morning instead of having to do an Apple day.

happy dieting
– Geraldine

Leave a Comment

The blog on hCG will continue in another couple weeks when I get back on the diet. In the meantime, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If you feel nauseous or dizzy, your electrolytes are probably low as well. Drink plenty of water. Add electrolytes to it. You get the good ones in packets at the health food store or check out Vitamin Water (without added sweeteners). Try the Emergen-C electrolytes in the packets or something similar. Use Gatorade if you don’t care about chemical food coloring and sugars.

With the heat of the Summer, and not even officially Summer yet, we all need to be more cognizant of the weather and it’s effects on our bodies. Be sure you get that sunscreen on all the exposed parts as well.

Take care and we’ll chat next time.
Geraldine

Leave a Comment

Power’s back on — mostly May 4, 2011 at 3:44 pm (Odds & Ends)

      1 Votes If you are in the No. Alabama area, for the most part, power has been restored even though there are still areas in and around Huntsville/Madison that are on again, off again. To the rest of you out of this area, just check back with us — the tornados did us all a job, to say the least.

Be back shortly . . . . we hope
Geraldine

Leave a Comment

I’m Baaackkk April 26, 2011 at 9:59 pm (Odds & Ends)

      2 Votes I’m sure you were all hoping I wasn’t going to come back, but I just couldn’t disappoint any fans. My computers crashed. Dead. Zip. and yes, you read that right. Both computers. One died of old age. The other, well, I’m still not sure what happened.

Anyway, I am currently on Maintenance and even though I had a rough first week — invited to all kinds of food eating functions and gained about 9 lbs, I can actually let you all know that I have gotten rid of those pounds and am back on track. I am down around 90# total lost now. I still have that last 40-50 to go and I have to admit, I am getting tired of “dieting”. As I get smaller–didn’t think that word was in my vocabulary–I keep adjusting how much more I want to lose. It’s really strange how that happens. I don’t want to overdue, but I want to build in a buffer for that just in case. You know what I mean. It will be one full year on May 4th. It’s easy to get disappointed, but remembering the goal that was set a year ago and I am just so close now . . . . well, that and the new clothes are spurring me on. I can actually buy clothes at a department store, off the rack, and not have to order online at a specialty clothing shop. That’s been a real treat for me!

I was amazed that my “skinny” feet actually lost inches. My feet got longer by a full size. That was really bizarre. My tennis shoes went from size 8-1/2 to a 10!! YIKES! That was a huge jump. I know some of you are thinking I need to be going to the chiropractor for an adjustment, but I have been doing those all along the way. Truly is amazing how the body changes.

So, for now, I just wanted to let you know I really am still here. Just now getting my new (and so much more improved laptop–thank you Louis) up and running, finding all my missing passwords, and all the other fun stuff that goes along with it.

I’ll be checking back in with all of y’all shortly.

Leave a Comment

End of 1st Wk, Round 4 March 26, 2011 at 10:21 am (hCG Weight Loss)

      2 Votes Hi all–

Wow! What a week! After being back on the diet a week today, I can report losing 16 lbs. That is the MOST I have ever lost in a week’s time. YIPPEEeeeee.

So, you may be asking, what’s so different this time? I did the fat loading a little differently. On the second day of fat loading, I added in a lot more fat, gouging myself on pizza (which I have found out in past that it makes me gain weight and I really miss it)–all that cheese and meat, eating a quart of ice cream, having some beers, etc. I went so overboard on pigging out that 2nd day, that I gained almost 6 lbs just on fat loading days. Other than that, I have done only one other thing different this time — detox. I have been doing a special detox and I do believe that is the main difference in the extra weight loss. I’m loving it!   I’ve also decided to do the short version instead of the 6 weeks for this Round. Every other Round has always been the 42 day version.

Usually on the first Round, I don’t have my clients detox unless they encounter some problems. Problems? Why would you have problems detoxing? Well, your body fat also stores toxins and if you have been overweight for a very long time, you have all kinds of toxins stored in your system. When the fat is released from the cells, it also releases all those toxins. They flood into your system. They can make you sick. You could be detoxing emotional issues as well — anger, headaches (and sometimes, migraines), yeast infections (most common), flu-like symptoms, lightheadedness, and a multiple variety of other conditions. If you are on medications, (and your doctor should have been advised before you went on this diet) your medications may need to be adjusted during this period. Only your doctor can reduce or increase your medications. Do not attempt to do this on your own. Some people on medications find that their medications need to be upped until their body stabilizes. Others find their medications need to be lowered within the first week of being on the diet. Always check with your Medical Doctor if you are on any kind of prescription medications. This includes Thyroid.

I have a new FAQ page that might help you decide if the hCG program is right for you. Check it out! Let me know what you think or what other questions you have.

Well, dear friends, that ends this week’s post. Hopefully, you learned something new. Just hang in there. We are all in this together.

Geraldine

Leave a Comment

Spring has Sprung! March 20, 2011 at 8:23 pm (Odds & Ends)

      2 Votes Well Spring is here! Finally! And with Spring comes the next chapter in the hCG diet. I cannot believe I have been on Maintenance for 3 whole months; actually 3-1/2 months. I must admit that this time around was very difficult. I’m not really sure why. I just know I struggled to keep my weight where it needed to be. I’ve also realized that 3 months on Maintenance is a little too long, especially if you have more to lose. You might ask why? I noticed that I seem to lose momentum. It was almost as though I was finished dieting and that was it. I was raring to get back on at the end of 2 months and then I realized I still had another month to go in the grand scheme of things.

When you start on Maintenance, you really need to decide in your head, IF you gain more than your 2 lbs of weight, how much weight you are going to be okay with. My number this time was 10 lbs. I figured for 3 months of Maintenance, if I did not go over 10 lbs, I would be okay with that. For every other round of maintenance, my number was 5 lbs. and I stayed within that 5 lbs until this round. You need to decide that before you go on Maintenance.

For the most part, I did okay. As soon as I noticed a gain of 2 lbs on the scale, I would have a steak day. I think I’ve had more steak days this Round of Maintenance than any other. You think that if you just push it a little bit, it will be okay. Then you find that you’re gaining a half pound here, a pound there, and you just think that “oh, not a problem. I’ll just take that off in a day or two.” But the fact is, once you start down that road, it’s really really hard to get back on track. I also noticed that if I gained 1-1/2 lbs one day and a couple days later I get another pound, I did not treat it as a 2 lb gain when in reality, it really was. You really have to have that chat with yourself and your subconscious. You know, when you’re fat, overweight, whatever, it’s always a constant struggle to overcome that little voice in your head that says “oh you can cheat just a little bit” and then if you give in, you’re right back where you started. Well, almost. That’s when the other little nagging voice tells you “I told you so. You should have listened to me.” So point taken. I did know, but I pushed the point anyway. When I knew I was full, I pushed that too. Yeah. I know I’m full, but I want more. Been there before?

My stomach hurt for days and I still pushed food into my mouth that I knew I did not want, did not ever care to even want to eat again, but still I pushed. WHY!!!!! Why on earth would I do that to myself when I have worked so darn hard to get that weight off????? Because I was not strong enough?? Heck no! I am more than strong enough. It’s because of that stupid little subconscious emotional mind that thinks it knows better than you really do, and that, my dear friends is when the revelation began.

Revelation? Yep. That’s the point you get to when you finally remind yourself why you wanted to take off the weight to begin with. You pull out that picture and take a good, hard look at it and think “OMG did I really look like that?!?” Of course I did. That was the beginning of the diet. The realization sets in and you have an even longer chat with your subconscious, knowing full well that you are the one that pushed the limits regardless of the outcome.

So, now, you get back on track — you start damage control. So how much did you really gain back? Personally, I stayed within 10lbs of where I ended up before Christmas. When I recently went on a business trip, that number went up. I did not bring a scale with me. I “guessed” — always a mistake — as to how much I had put back on during those 2 weeks. When I finally weighed myself, I almost had a heart attack. That’s when I went out, bought a very large, almost 2# of steak, a large tomato, and ate every morsel of it. The next morning I had a considerable drop in weight — total surprise. I wasn’t sure that it would work. I dropped a phenomenal 4-3/4 lbs by the next morning. That gave me incentive to keep to a stricter, lowered calorie diet for a few days until I got a lot of that weight off that I had gained.

So, now, with a bunch of that extra weight off, I feel better about myself. Now I’m marching into the next round, knowing how much closer I am getting to my goal each and every day.

Take care y’all,

We will beat this together!

Geraldine

Leave a Comment

Hypnotherapy Classes March 15, 2011 at 7:43 pm (Odds & Ends)

      1 Votes Hi all

Thanks for the support! Tuesday night classes are completely full. Overflow classes will be held on Saturday mornings starting at 8:30 a.m. Contact me for more information!

Geraldine

Leave a Comment

Weight Loss Classes March 11, 2011 at 5:25 pm (Odds & Ends)

      1 Votes Hi all

If you live in and around the Huntsville, AL area, we have hypnotherapy weight loss classes starting.

A Free Hypnotherapy Information Class will be held Tuesday, March 15th, at 5:30pm in Huntsville, AL at: 7738-B Madison Blvd., 2nd floor (2 story dark brick bldg–corner of Slaughter Rd & Madison Blvd), Huntsville AL 35806. Feel free to bring a friend. RSVP please. The 6 week classes will begin Tuesday, March 22nd, for either Weight Loss or Stress Reduction. Please e-mail me for more information on which one you are interested in. The info meeting will cover each one.
Thanks all!
Geraldine

Leave a Comment

Spring into Weight Loss February 24, 2011 at 5:02 pm (Odds & Ends)

      1 Votes Hi all

I hope we’re finished with the snow. It was very depressing for me as I’m sure it was for all of you. My sympathies to all of you who live in the North Tundra. We are at a balmy, albeit windy 72 degrees today here in Huntsville. Good time to get out and start walking.

Exercise. Exercise. Oh what fun! For those of us who have been extremely FAT (as opposed to the word “obese”), lifting a foot up to take a step is a major exercise. So, let’s focus on that today. Let’s exercise on the couch, when those TV commercials come on.

So, you’re just sitting on that couch watching the big screen and up pops numerous annoying commercials. So, sit there (if you must) and lift that leg up and straight out — get it up as high as you dare — hold it for 3 seconds — that’s 1,001; 1,002; 1003. Okay? That’s great!! Don’t just drop it down like stone. Gently lower that leg. If you nee to hold that leg up, then hold it up. Eventually, you want to wean yourself off that, and as you lose weight it will actually become much easier. Let’s try and get that other leg up. Maybe it doesn’t go as high? If you’re right-handed, your right leg will generally go higher. If you’re left-handed, your left leg will go higher. So up you go. Lift that leg up and straighten it out. Count to 3 seconds and just lower it to the floor. WOW! You’ve actually exercised 2 times. How easy can that get? So, try doing that simple thing, while you’re still sitting on that couch. It will be amazing to you just how fast those commercials go by. Next time they come around, try it again. Only this time, stretch out your leg and point your toes. Hold it that 3 seconds, relax your toes, and lower it down. Change to the left leg and do the same thing. This is easy. This is exercise. This is movement. This is what we want.

After you do this for several days/nights through the commercials, try increasing your time. Move up to 5 seconds and see how you do. In no time at all, you’ll be up to 10 seconds on each leg. Don’t overdo and do not push. You need to gradually build up to it. I know it’s hard, but it’s a start, and that’s what you’re looking for. Nice and easy. The next week, you want to vary your leg lifts by stretching that leg out and as high as you can go without hurting yourself. Instead of pointing your toes, this week you will concentrate on pushing your heel out instead. You will be working a completely different set of muscles and it’s a good stretch for you.

Congratulations! You are moving! You are exercising! You are building muscle again. You hang in there. We are doing this together. This is how I started “exercising”. You’re doing this for yourself. Remember that. We all have to start somewhere, so why not on the couch? It worked for me. It will work for you too. Just give it a try. Now, when I sit down to watch TV, it’s automatic. The commercials come on and I am doing leg lifts, among other things. It’s a great way to get that exercise in especially if you’ve worked all day.

I will be traveling for the next couple of weeks to the AHIMA Conference in Arizona. I will try to post back on here and see how you’re doing with the “exercise”. Remember to drink plenty of water. Watch what you’re eating.

Until next time, y’all take care.

Geraldine

Leave a Comment

Warmer Weather February 12, 2011 at 4:23 pm (hCG Weight Loss)

      2 Votes Finally, the weather in the South is breaking and we are slowly climbing back into temperatures we remember as being warmer. How bizarre has this weather been? Enough to make all of us that don’t have to exercise (on Basic) not want to go exercise. Sniffling, sneezing, coughing– all changes to our bodies from the lovely winter weather. I do hope you know I’m being facetious.

I only have a few more short weeks of Maintenance and then I hop back on the Basic diet so that I can start taking the rest of this weight off. It almost seems like it’s all downhill now. 2/3 of it is gone. I actually went to buy a few clothes today because I am literally down to 1, maybe 2, pairs of pants (if that’s what you would call them) and a couple of sweaters. With sweater weather being almost over (one can hope), it was certainly time to get something that will actually fit my body for a little while. So with my 15% off coupon, I headed to Dress Barn where I became a very happy person and almost died when I really noticed how much I have lost. That’s plenty enough to spur me on to my last 50 lbs. Yahoooooooo!

So, to all of you that are having ho humdrum days; you have lost some weight; you’re feeling down in the dumps; pick yourselves up and go try on some NEW clothes. You don’t have to buy them. You can try them on and see the “new” you and then you can start budgeting for the new wardrobe you get to buy when you have lost the weight you want to lose.

You’re doing great! Every pound lost is 2.2# of pressure off your knees and your joints. If a pound doesn’t seem like a lot, then weigh a pound of hamburger and look at it, really look at it, and see how much there really is of it. You can wonder later where it “fell” off. lol. ONE POUND OF WEIGHT GONE IS AWESOME, AND DON’T YOU FORGET THAT!

Take care y’all. Remember, we’re all in this together.

Geraldine

Leave a Comment

« Older entries

Search
Pages
Archives
Categories
- hCG Weight Loss
  - Odds & Ends
Blogroll
Meta

Blog at WordPress.com. Theme: Thirteen by Beccary. Fonts on this blog.

Follow Healthier4me's Blog Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Powered by WordPress.com