One of the biggest positives at Marilu.com is the diversity of our membership and the respectful attitude our members take with one another.  We have vastly differing views in some areas but our focus is always our common ground.  In this age of anonymous interaction that respect isn’t always evident in on-line communities so we want to take a minute to brag on our members for making this a peaceful supportive community.   One thing we all agree on…no matter where you stand politically you need to TAKE a stand and learn all you can before you cast your vote.   Please take a minute to watch Marilu encourage people to get out there and vote.  Learn where the candidates stand on the issues that matter to you.   http://www.takepart.com/video/marilu-henner-why-i-vote   Knowledge IS power.  Don’t take your voting rights for granted.  YOU have the power to make a difference.

You’ve made a smart decision to buy more produce and skip the junk food aisle.  Check out this graphic that will help you make the best choices any time you’re in the produce department of a grocery or department store. 

“WHAT IS CALLED GENIUS IS THE ABUNDANCE OF LIFE AND HEALTH.”

Henry David Thoreau

Some people just seem to have abundance in their lives.  We’re not talking about material abundance but an abundance of energy, health, gusto.   It’s a wise person who learns how to care for themselves. 

Learn all you can to make your health, your world, your life, better. 

Marilu.com is a great tool to help you do that.  We’ve got great classes scheduled in the coming months, beginning with our annual Booty Camp, followed by a Memory Makeover with Marilu and a Viva la Vegan workshop in June! 

Be a part of it.  It could be one of your smartest decisions ever !

With a change in diet being the single most effective step a person can take to reduce their risk of heart disease it would seem like a no brainer.  So why do we reach for the pharmaceuticals? 

“THE FOOD YOU EAT CAN BE THE SAFEST AND MOST POWERFUL FORM OF MEDICINE, OR THE SLOWEST FORM OF POISON.”

Ann Wigmore

(Reminder:  Tomorrow begins week 2 of our Hot and Steamy class.  If you missed the first week there’s still time to get all the information and delicious recipes.  Join today and you’ll have access to the upcoming information as well as everything presented last week.)

Common Problem:  You begin your day with good intentions. You exercise,  limit your portions and  avoid snacks but by early evening you’re ravenous and no snack food or drive thru lane is beneath your dignity.

Problem Solving:   Be honest with yourself.  Are you limiting your calories too much in the early hours?  Are you denying yourself fuel?   The Total Health Makeover doesn’t count calories.  Instead we focus on the quality of the food you eat.  As Marilu says, “Take care of the quality and the quantity will take care of itself.”

 Try loading up on nutrition.  Begin your day with fresh fruit.  If you find yourself in need of more food after an hour or so have some whole grains, or some lean protein.   Keep some walnuts or almonds in your desk drawer.  Stay hydrated through the day.  Sip on water all day.  Enjoy herbal tea during a break.  Try breaking your lunch down into two separate meals.  Save half for later in the day.  Smaller portions won’t weigh you down and the second small lunch will get you through the afternoon slump. 

Keep stoking the fire throughout the day and plan a healthy and filling evening meal.  (If you’re following our current class the meal planning is practically being done FOR you.)  Making a few small changes throughout the day can help you with both your short term and long term goals.

The Total Health Makeover places strong emphasis on nutrition of course.  Proper digestion is a very important part of that equation, which is why Marilu has been cautioning us for years to slow down, chew well and savor our food.  Adding to the nutrition benefits of this advice, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition recently announced that people who chew each mouthful of food 40 times consumed 12% fewer calories than those who counted only 15 “chews”. 

Just one more reason to trade in “fast” food for real meals.

“THERE COMES A TIME WHEN  YOU HAVE TO PUT YOU AT THE TOP OF YOUR COMMITMENT LIST.”

Marian Wright Edelman

(Sometimes it really IS all about you…or it should be.)