My friend Aurelia Williams, who is an author and Certified Life Coach has written an ebook called “Journey to Joy”

Aurelia has provided me with one of her Articles to share with you below to start your year off right!:

In a search for happiness, many people look for it in other people and not within ourselves.

Many people feel that things like money, a better job, better relationships..etc will make them happy.

In reality, to find true contentment you must look inside yourself and learn to be your own best friend.

That means you have to trust, love, and care for yourself just as you do the people you consider to be close to you.

Following are steps that you can incorporate into your life that will help you to feel more empowered and happy about yourself!

These are just some of the many practical strategies my friend Aurelia provides to Journey to Joy students:

LIFT YOURSELF UP

Begin to lift yourself up, not put yourself down.

If you don’t like something about yourself, work to change it.

If you can’t change it, simply accept it. Don’t beat up on yourself with negative self-talk.

You’re not likely to change for the better when you fill yourself with negative thoughts.

GIVE YOURSELF POSITIVE REWARDS

Give yourself positive rewards.

When you do something that you are proud of give yourself a small reward.

Try not to wait for others to praise you because you may grow resentful if the praise doesn’t come.

Pat your own back, it is a great feeling that can stay with you for a long time.

FORGIVE YOURSELF

Forgive yourself. I doubt that you would keep scolding a child over and over for making a mistake so don’t do that to yourself.

Give yourself the gift of forgiveness when you make a mistake.

After that, work to figure out what lesson you can learn….and use it to make better choices the next time around.

ENJOY YOUR SUCCESSES

Enjoy your successes.

Most people can remember all of the details of depressing, painful or even embarrassing events.

That happened many years ago. What if you did the same thing with all of your wins?

Try to remember all of the triumphs and accomplishments that you’ve made and keep that memory with you and think about it at least once a week.

CELEBRATE YOUR WONDERFUL QUALITIES!

Always remember to celebrate your wonderful qualities! You will soon discover that the more you love yourself, the more you will be able to give love to others – and the more others will be able to love you!

Next Steps:

For more help, instantly access your Journey To Joy tools, for a happier and more fulfilled you.

This inspiring eBook with accompanying audio recordings, worksheets and easy-to-apply action steps shows you how to take back the joy in your life.

This may be exactly what you want to empower you for 2012!!

I hope your year ahead will be filled with good health, happiness, deep friendships,

loving relationships and success beyond all measure.

Happy New Year!

Diana

Diana Walker, Cravings Coach
CEO, Diana Walker’s Healthy Lifestyles

This is the perfect time of year for this delicious whole food twist on a traditional holiday favorite!

Healthy Eggnog Smoothie at Christmas add Sunrider NuPlus www.diana1.com

Healthy Whole Food Eggnog Smoothie
**********************************

Ingredients
1 cup unblanched soaked almonds
4 cups filtered water
2 ripe bananas
1 apple
1 large ripe persimmon
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg

For a BIG boost of extra nutrition add 2 Scoops

of NuPlus® Regular from Sunrider®

See the recipe on page 3 of my Live Earth News from December 2005

http://www.diana2.com/f/1-12_December_2005_Live_Earth.pdf

Now, enjoy My Live Earth News for December 2006

http://www.diana2.com/f/2-12_Dec2006_Live_Earth1.pdf

Includes:

The Incredible Power of the Mind
***************************

- Did you know that your brain is actually a veritable storehouse of chemicals that can have a powerful effect for good or bad on your body and well-being?

- A conscious change towards stress reduction and visualization techniques can and will create secretions of calming, soothing hormones.

Whole Food = Whole Life
*********************

Baby Avery – is far more aware and content than many other babies his own age. The Pediatrician in the hospital said: ‘I see babies all day long and I don’t normally see babies like this. I rate him an 11 out of 10, he is PERFECT.’

Warm Red Bell Pepper Soup
***********************

Great whole food recipe to enjoy in the winter.

You know that my teaching for reducing Cravings and living a healthy lifestyle puts great emphasis on having more and more whole foods in your diet.

Remember, click here to view your copy of my Live Earth News for December 2006.

http://www.diana2.com/f/2-12_Dec2006_Live_Earth1.pdf

I’m wishing you a Healthy and Happy (and hopefully stress-free!!) Christmas season.

Diana

Diana Walker, Cravings Coach
CEO, Diana Walker’s Healthy Lifestyles 

Note: the contact details on my Live Earth News is changed.

1-800-840-0014 is still my toll-free phone number.

Bread High Carb Sugar Cravings not healthy

Definition of Carbohydrate

What are Carbohydrates?

1. Foods containing carbohydrates include sugars, starches, and cellulose. When eating candy or any sugary foods, carbohydrates are then broken down in order for them to become blood sugar.

2. Carbohydrates come in two forms: simple and complex.

Examples of Simple Carbs – Chocolate Bar, Doughnuts, cakes, cookies, whipped cream, candies, white bread, white sugar

Once eaten, and because they are processed much faster in your system, you develop a sugar high, right? But then after awhile, that high wears off and you seem to crave more food and more sugar. Stop sugar cravings, eat more high-quality protein and eat no Simple Carbs.

Examples of Complex Carbs – beans, fruits, whole grains, vegetables, yams

These are foods that are high in fiber and contain starch. Most of these Complex Carbohydrates are processed slower than the Simple Carbohydrates.

These complex carbohydrates are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Huge Advantage to anyone on a Weight Loss Diet

When you eat Complex Carbs, you never feel hungry afterwards, you don’t crave sugar, due to the fact these foods are more slowly absorbed than their counterpart.

Salmon Green Vegetables Complex Carbs Protein Healthy Whole Foods

Now, here is the key component in choosing either simple or complex carbohydrates. Once either of these carbs is consumed, one of two things can occur. Either you exercise, in which case the fat produced from the carbohydrates is dissipated, or you do nothing, which would then allow the fat to build up. Thus, the diets which have become so popular in reducing carbs play a significant role.

It all boils down to this: carbohydrates and sugars are synonymous. The trick is to discern which foods are digested slower than those which are not. If you are trying to decide whether or not to go on a low-carb diet; research the appropriate foods and exercise that will ensure the efficacy of this specific diet plan.

Ingredients:

3/4 cup cooked oatmeal
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup grated apple
2 cups raw, grated zucchini
1 tablespoon vanilla
3 cups whole-wheat flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl combine oatmeal, honey, olive oil, apple, zucchini and vanilla.
Beat ingredients until well blended.
In a separate bowl, sift flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Stir both bowls of ingredients above together into a new bowl and blend well.
Pour mixture into 2 small bread pans.
Bake for 1 hour.
Allow bread to cool completely on a cooling rack before serving.

Depession can be difficult to diagnose and treat.  You may have prescription medications provided by your doctor, but that may only cover the symptoms and can have severe side effects. It may be necessary in some cases, but it is worth your while to research what natural remedies are available for depression.

Serotonin plays a huge role in your brain functioning and in your emotions.

St. Johns Wort contains chemical components which, according to recent studies, might work by preventing nerve cells in the brain from absorbing the chemical serotonin, and reduce levels of protein in the body’s immune system.  St. John’s Wort is considered an effective natural remedy to treat mild to moderate depression.
Get More Info on MindSoothe for for Depression, Insomnia, OCD and Anxiety

However, it must be noted that St. Johns Wort is still undergoing studies to determine its efficacy in treating severe depression.  St. Johns Wort should not be taken with other drugs wherein the interaction between the drugs can cause harmful results.
Diana Walker, the Cravings Coach has utilized St. John’s Wort and highly recommends it for anyone with mild to moderate depression.

The statistics on depression reveal there are approximately 19 million Americans who suffer from the medical condition of Depression.

While there are many people who are taking anti-depressive drugs, there are those who prefer not to take medication at all.  There are a variety of remedies which one can use to alleviate depression, as long as it is mild to moderate in severity.

Breathing, Yoga, Meditation

Breathing exercises have an enormous therapeutic value in treating depression. So too, yoga and other forms of meditation can alleviate many of the symptoms associated with depression.

Omega 3, Folic Acid, Magnesium, Vitamin B6

Other natural remedies can be found in diets which contain omega-3 oils, folic acid, magnesium, and vitamin B6.

Stop drinking Alcohol and Caffeine and Reduce Sugar

Alcohol and Caffeine and Sugar also play a huge role in depression.  These all harm the body in various ways.  Therefore, stopping alcohol and caffeine as well as reducing the amount of sweets and sugar products you eat, can also reduce the effects of depression.

Exercise

Exercise is also a great way in which to minimize depression. Establish a routine such as walking 20 to 30 minutes daily. Utilize aerobic exercise which naturally increases chemicals in the brain known to enhance one’s mood and at the same time decrease the stress hormones.

1 broccoli bunch
12 cherry tomatoes
3 tablespoons minced parsley
2 tablespoons chopped chives
Salt to taste


Instructions:

Wash and cut broccoli. Slice tomatoes into quarters. Place cut up broccoli in a take along bowl. Add cherry tomatoes on top of broccoli. Next sprinkle parsley, chives and salt on top of tomatoes. Do NOT mix ingredients. Cover bowl and chill in refrigerator until you’re ready to eat. Once you are ready to eat, remove lid from container and mix ingredients together. Serve.

Diana Walker, Cravings Coach, CEO, Diana’s Healthy Lifestyles

• act as a tonic to purify the blood
• improve gastrointestinal health
• juice can be used to treat colds and congestion

Dandelions Health Benefits Diana Walker Photo

Dandelions are rich in essential vitamins and minerals:
1. Beta-carotene
2. vitamin A
3. Fiber
4. Potassium
5. Iron
6. Calcium
7. Magnesium
8. Phosphorus
9. Thiamine
10. Riboflavin
11. Protein

High Blood Pressure
One of the most beneficial uses for dandelion is in the treatment of high blood pressure.

Great Dandelion Greens Recipe
My friend Rita wrote: “Every spring we would have the Dandelion greens with Olive oil, lemon juice and garlic, they were awesome and fresh Italian bread!”
Sounds delicious!!

Diuretic, Potassium, Healthy Heart, Liver Cleanse
Also, dandelion acts as a diuretic and its potassium aids in maintaining a healthy heart.  Dandelions have been used for cramps and muscle spasms.  Dandelion Root is well-known by anyone doing a Liver Cleanse.


Laxative, Constipation, Indigestion
If you need a mild laxative, the dandelion will prove beneficial in this regard. It will also improve your appetite, relieve constipation, and aid in indigestion.

Eating Dandelions
Ways to eat Dandelion:  Dandelion Root capsules, Dandelion Leaves in Salad, Dandelion Fresh Juiced, Dandelion Leaves Steamed (like Greens)

Dandelions are healthy and not harmful in any way. It is reported that everyone can benefit from eating dandelions on a regular basis or drinking its juices, as well.

See Also —–> Dandelion Root Liver Cleanse

I really love the look of dandelions, and if you steam Dandelion leaves, they can be a little bitter, but add some lemon to them, and some Himalayan sea salt, and you will have some amazing greens to provide health benefits. My mother used to regularly pick dandelion greens and steam them for dinner. Save your dandelions!  You can also use them for juicing. The dandelion – roots and leaves and juiced and steamed – has unbelievable health benefits.  Dandelions are definitely more than just “weeds” and should be given respect – they are beneficial to our health in countless ways.

Summarizing some of the benefits of dandelions:

• Aids in weight loss
• Cleanses the skin
• Improves bowel function
• Prevents anemia
• Controls diabetes
• Lowers cholesterol
• Reduces acid indigestion

presented by Diana Walker, Cravings Coach
CEO, Diana’s Healthy Lifestyles

Dandelion Recipe Healthy Whole Foods Greens

These 2 healthy sugar replacements are very popular with those who enjoy Raw Food Recipes. They both help reduce appetite and sugar cravings for many people, because the body gets whole food nutrition and some vitamins and minerals within the context of these 2 plant-based sugar substitutes.

Agave Plant Nectar Health Benefits

• liquid healthy sweetener
• extracted from inner core of the agave plant
• tastes like a mixture of honey and maple syrup
• retains vitamins and minerals
• best qualify comes from the Weber Azul or Blue Agave Plant
• low glycemic index, does not raise blood sugar levels too much
• 60 calories for 1 Tbsp Agave Nectar
• Health Benefits include helps strengthen immune system
• helps fight intestinal bacteria
• can help reduce appetite and control weight
• Recipes  use 1/3 cup agave nectar instead of sugar

Lucuma Powder Health Benefits

• is a whole fruit powder
• extremely rare fruit, yellow-orange in color
• grows in South America, Peru and Chile and Ecuador
• excellent source of complex carbs, fiber, vitamins and minerals
• Lucuma is the #1 ice cream flavor in South America, Peru particularly
• tastes like maple ice cream, smooth consistency
• has a maple syrup-like flavor
• 60 calories for 1 Tablespoon Lucuma Powder
• Used in raw food recipes, smoothies, and raw ice cream, has a smooth texture
• Kosher, Gluten-free, vegan, raw, make sure to get organic

Learn more about Healthy Sweeteners and How to Stop Sugar Cravings for those addicted to Sugar here
-> Stop Sugar Cravings

Diana Walker, Cravings Coach
CEO, Diana Walker Healthy Lifestyles

Do you enjoy cinnamon? Here is a spice that we can enjoy, and that is also healthy for us.

Cinnamon was one of the first commodities traded regularly between the Near East and Europe.  Surprisingly, cinnamon is a small evergreen tree. It is the bark that is processed which turns into the ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks (or quills) we are used to seeing. Its active and healthful components are cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate and cinnamyl alcohol which are derived from the essential oils in the bark.

Ceylon and cassia are the two most popular varieties of cinnamon, even though there are hundred of varieties. Cassia, the stronger of the two and the less expensive, is more common in North America. Both cinnamons are an excellent source of trace mineral manganese and a good source of dietary fiber, iron and calcium.

Insulin Reduction

By just digesting a  teaspoon a day, patients with type 2 diabetes had lowered their blood sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Levels increased when they stopped adding cinnamon to their diet.

Cinnamon normalizes blood sugar levels. This helps to reduce cravings for sugar. This helps to control blood glucose levels by preventing insulin spikes after meals. It reduces serum glucose, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol as well as total cholesterol.

Other Health Benefits

Cinnamon has anti-clotting properties; helps prevent the unwanted clotting of blood platelets, which places cinnamon in the category of an anti-inflammatory food. This anti-inflammatory benefit can help relieve arthritis as well as relieve pain and stiffness of muscles and joints.

Cinnamon also has anti-microbial actions, stopping the growth of bacteria as well as fungi and yeast Candida. It is so successful as an anti-microbial, that it has been used as a food preservative.

There are so many other helpful benefits of cinnamon, beside the affect it has on blood sugar and its anti-clotting and anti-microbial properties. Just a few benefits of cinnamon are listed below:

• Curbs cravings
• Supports digestive function
• Relieves congestion
• Constricts and tones tissues
• Boosts brain function by boosting cognitive function and memory
• Relieves menstrual discomfort
• Improves circulation by thinning blood
• Provides calcium and fiber protect against heart disease
• Improves colon health, by removing bile salts from the body
• Prevents urinary tract infections and irritable bowel syndrome
• Helps address tooth decay and gum disease

How to add Cinnamon to Your Diet

Adding cinnamon to your diet can be easy as making toast. Just add a touch of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon to whole grain bread for an adult version of cinnamon toast. Sprinkle cinnamon onto your whole grain oatmeal or cereals or on yogurt, soups and sauces.

Simmer your favorite tea, coffee or soy milk with cinnamon sticks, creating the perfect breakfast drink or bedtime nightcap.

For an ethnic flair, add liberal amounts of cinnamon to beans or meat in your Mexican dishes. Or add to curries and chilis for a warm, spicy kick. You can also saute vegetables with cinnamon sticks for unique flavoring and healthful benefits. (Remove the cinnamon sticks before serving.) Let cinnamon add some spice to your life.

Diana Walker, Cravings Coach
Author  Craving Secrets Ebook
CEO, Diana Walker Healthy Lifestyles
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/dianawalkerhealthylifestyles

Stop Food and Sugar Cravings by Barry Macdonald presented by Diana Walker

Quoting from Barry’s Document: “There are times when we all reach for some type of comfort food and after a few mouthfuls the world seems like a better place.

But now scientists believe that the secret behind comfort foods is all in the mind, as foods that are high in sugar and fat can alter the chemicals in the brain and can help to relax us.

Addiction to sugar is not a result of a mental disorder, character flaw or weak will. The roots of sugar addiction, as well as any other addiction, lies in neurotransmitters in the reward pathway of the brain. Sugar addiction develops in several different ways.”

Be sure to read more by clicking here: Stop Food and Sugar Cravings by Barry Macdonald presented by Diana Walker

Be sure to check out Barry J. Macdonald’s website at escapefromfat.com

Wishing you Freedom From Cravings!
Diana

Diana Walker, Cravings Coach
ON FACEBOOK —–> Diana Walker’s Healthy Lifestyles