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Monthly Archives: March 2015

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Simple 5 Love Language Chart

31 Mar
Simple 5 Love Language Chart

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Posted by on March 31, 2015 in Relationship Sips

 

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I’m In Love with Wayne Colley

31 Mar

My mother of all people just got her first smartphone and she is too funny with it.  My grandmother says every morning she gets up and is “doing something on that dayum phone”.

Anywho, my mom got a hold of some videos posted by Wayne Colley and put me on!

He is hilarious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  His facial expressions add to his stories and it’s just funny as hell to me.

I’ll be showcasing his videos from time to time and to introduce you to him, this is one of the first videos I saw that made me laugh literally out loud and down the hall!!!

🙂 Phee

Video from YouTube posted by Vine Guru.

 
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Posted by on March 31, 2015 in Online Sips

 

Daily Inspirational Sip

31 Mar
Daily Inspirational Sip

Avoiding Orthorexia: Maintaining Nutritional Balance at College

Contributor: Rita Ekelman, RDN, LDN, MBA, Director of Nutrition Services, Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center

Rita Ekelman photoEating healthy food is an advisable, even laudable, pursuit in today’s world of fast food dining and the highly touted obesity epidemic.

But, just as most people know that one alcoholic drink may be fine, but ten are too many, behavioral health professionals also recognize that healthy eating when done to an extreme can be very dangerous, even lethal.

Orthorexia Nervosa

The term orthorexia was coined in 1997 by Dr. Steven Bratman, the author of the book Health Food Junkies.

This is defined as an obsession with righteous eating. Although this definition appears relatively benign, this eating disorder is anything but.

Those with orthorexia are dangerously addicted to all things healthy. Their devotion to “clean eating” transcends mere practice and ultimately functions more like a religion.

Preoccupied with Nutrition and “Purity”

They are inordinately preoccupied with the nutritional content of what they eat, avoid all foods they deem to be “unhealthy,” and often spend extreme amounts of time and money in search of the “most pure” foods.

Their passion is not confined to personal food consumption, but is frequently global in nature. If any food item can be even tangentially connected to destruction of wildlife, deforestation of the planet, the polluting of ground water, or any other such unacceptable activity, then that food is demonized.

This pathological obsession permeates all aspects of their lives. They must bring food with them everywhere and often refuse to travel due to the tremendous fear that clean food will not be available.

Healthy Habits Taken to the Extreme

coffee-506761_640As with so many eating disorders, it can begin innocently. An individual may genuinely desire to eat in a healthier fashion in order to take better care of their body. This may start with eliminating white sugar and flour, cutting out processed foods, and ramping up fruit and vegetable intake.

If the pursuit of good nutrition and health stops there, the goal would be achieved. However, when in the grip of orthorexia, the pursuit never ends. Foods are labeled “good” and “bad; very few foods are deemed pure enough for inclusion in the first group.

A Healthy Eating Obsession

Untold hours are spent reading books or medical journals on healthy eating or scouring the internet for the latest research that validates their commitment to clean eating. If a study fails to reinforce their chosen lifestyle, it is eschewed as bad research.

An equal, or an even greater amount of time, is spent dissecting ingredient labels on food products, convinced that deadly toxins, artificial chemicals or non-life-affirming materials lurk somewhere inside, just waiting to be discovered.

The committed orthorexic will unearth these items, then righteously return the food to the store shelf.

The Damage of Orthorexia

berry-197077_640This dedication to disordered eating eventually damages social relationships for a number of reasons. An orthorexic rarely goes to restaurants. Even ordering a salad with no dressing can cause severe anxiety; they do not know where the produce was harvested, if pesticides were involved in growing the lettuce, or if dye was injected into the tomatoes to make them appear more vibrantly red.

How Orthorexia Hurts People Socially

If invited to a dinner party, they will come late, claiming to have already eaten. And the impact on relationships doesn’t end there. They genuinely believe that the way they are conducting their lives is absolutely right; therefore, everyone else, by default, is wrong.

They will spend hours proselytizing to friends, hoping for converts. Outright lectures on the evils of junk food or refined food are not out of the realm of possibility.

The Relationship with Anorexia

Although orthorexia and anorexia are very different disorders, they are similar in certain regards. Anorexia results in weight loss due to the refusal of food, whereas orthorexia leads to diminished weight due to the refusal to consume anything but pure food.

Both conditions are highly restrictive, rigid and defined by complicated rules. Prolonged anorexia or orthorexia can lead to anemia, other glandular disorders, amenorrhea (discontinuation of the menstrual cycle), and death due to malnutrition.

Young women with anorexia are 12 times more likely to die than are other women the same age that don’t have anorexia.

Food Is Synonymous with Fear

beach-387377_640Those with anorexia or orthorexia are completely obsessed with the thought of food and suffer high levels of anxiety when confronted with it; the bottom line is that food is synonymous with fear.

They also often share certain personality traits such as perfectionism and the need to control. If they exercise, they do so fanatically, working out several times a day.

Interestingly, those with these disorders are often very proud of their behaviors, perceiving themselves as better than others because of the intense self-discipline required to live as they do.

The Line Between Health and Obsession

The line between health and obsession is not always clear. Consider the following:

  • Consuming a nutritionally unbalanced diet because of concerns about “food purity.”
  • Preoccupied with how eating impure or unhealthy foods will affect your physical or emotional health.
  • Rigidly avoiding any food you deem to be “unhealthy,” such as those containing fat, preservatives, additives or animal products.
  • Spending three or more hours per day reading about, acquiring or preparing certain kinds of food you believe to be “pure.”
  • Feeling guilty if you eat foods you believe to be “impure.”
  • Being intolerant of other’s food beliefs.
  • Spending an excessive proportion of your income on “pure” foods.

If these behaviors describe you, or someone you know, seeking help from a professional is advised.

This article is found at http://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/information/orthorexia-excessive-exercise/avoiding-orthorexia-maintaining-nutritional-balance-at-college

 
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Posted by on March 31, 2015 in Healthy Sips, Inspirational Sips

 

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JUSTIN BIEBER ROAST LIVE STREAM NOW!!

30 Mar
JUSTIN BIEBER ROAST LIVE STREAM NOW!!

Okay Cocoa Drops, Phee and I are both cracking up watching this roast. They are going in on Justin. With next month being National Humor Month, I thought I’d post the livestream below. It’s been on for an hour and has an hour to go.

http://www.cc.com/events/roast-justin-bieber/live.html

Enjoy!

KT

 
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Posted by on March 30, 2015 in TV and Movie Sips

 

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Justin Bieber Roast is TONIGHT!!

30 Mar
Justin Bieber Roast is TONIGHT!!

It has finally arrived.  I’m excited like I’m going to be induced with to have a baby!

The Justin Bieber Roast is finally here.  I can finally stop wishin, and hopin, and waitin!

Please tune in to Comedy Central TONIGHT!

I’m going to record it and make sure I list as many jokes as I can for all those who miss it.

It’s going to be an epic event and probably the most watched roast of all time.

Justin Bieber said he’s a little nervous and he dayum should be because he is going to be EMBARRASSED to death after they get through.

🙂 Phee

Pic from cc.com.

 
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Posted by on March 30, 2015 in TV and Movie Sips

 
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Best Friend

30 Mar

bestfriend

 
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Posted by on March 30, 2015 in Random Sips

 

Simple Relationship Tip

30 Mar
Simple Relationship Tip

Relationships are not easy Cocoa Drops!  I for one, try to find any techniques to help me when I get involved in a relationship and of course what to do in a marriage.

I found this article Saturday evening and it was comical at first but made so much sense as I kept reading.

This article shows us a simple way to show our partner that they have said something offensive to us or when we have offended our partner they show us.

The 2 words are “ouch” and “oops”.  I’m sure you can come up with your own lingo but the lesson is simple.

If you are offended, you say “ouch” and then your partner says “oops” and acknowledges their words and apologizes to you and vice versa.

In the article it says that we first have to learn what kind of conflict person we are.  She explains that there are 3 types of conflict styles: avoiding, validating, and volatile.

When you’re an avoider, you run from conflict and probably just say you’re sorry and don’t know what for.

Validators are the compromisers and know they can be wrong and be wronged and handle either way.

Those of us with the volatile style get seriously emotional about issues and probably are those people that scare you to death and argue all loud and crazy at times.

I use to be an avoider, I know for a fact.  Due to a volatile relationship, I became volatile as well with that person in particular because he drew it out of me.

Now, I’m in between.  I know how to act and respect others feelings and acknowledge when I’ve wronged someone.  The only thing I hate is when you don’t know and your partner doesn’t tell you.  This method is easy to understand and grasp to make relationship communication even better.

Read and enjoy.

https://www.yahoo.com/health/the-two-simple-words-that-are-greatly-improving-my-114584318325.html

🙂 Phee

Article and pic from Yahoo.com by Glamour.

 
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Posted by on March 30, 2015 in Relationship Sips

 

Daily Inspirational Sip

30 Mar
Daily Inspirational Sip

Myth or Fact: Cravings

Are food cravings myth or fact? The argument is an old one. The argument that cravings are a myth rests on the belief that it is just a matter of a little will power, and that your giving into food cravings shows weakness that can be easily corrected. On the other side is the argument that cravings are real. Whether cravings are triggered by pregnancy, stress, or just feeling run down and running on empty, the brain may be sending out signals that the body needs certain nutrients.

Sodium Cravings

Pregnant women may crave salty chips and pickles, which are high in sodium, because of increased blood volume and not enough sodium to take up the slack. Anyone who is not pregnant but is sodium deficient might get a pickle or salty food craving too. A persistent craving for salty foods, however, may signal a glandular problem. If you have a persistent salty food cravings you should consult a doctor to see if there is some kind of imbalance that needs attention.

Chocolate on Overdrive

When you crave a chocolate bar, your body may actually be crying out for more magnesium, which is a component of chocolate. Feeling weary after a hard day’s work or stressed out over people who aggravated you may trigger a craving for a chocolate fix. Even if you aren’t crazy about chocolate you might crave sugary foods during pregnancy, your PMS cycle, or any other times when you’re feeling low. There are ways to fight these cravings. You can choose substitutes for the craving that tempts you the most.

Food Substitutes

Nutritionists have two kinds of advice about food cravings. One camp essentially says, “Go with the flow. Want the chocolate bar? Buy it. Want the bag of pretzels? No problem.” Their caveat is to eat just a small portion of whatever you crave. The theory is that once your body is satisfied, your craving will disappear. Opposing camps say the opposite. They think that it’s more difficult to stop after one small bag of cookies or pretzels. Their advice is to substitute other foods for sweet and salty junk foods, so that you will feel satisfied and will take in far fewer calories.

If you’re craving chocolate, try eating spinach, which has the magnesium that your body may be craving. Wanting a snack that is very sweet? Eat a sweet potato or a piece of fruit, and the craving is likely to subside.

Hungering for something salty? Drink plenty of fluids and make sure that you eat three balanced meals a day. Sodium occurs naturally in many foods, so you don’t need to worry, in normal conditions, that you are not getting enough sodium. Assuming that you do not have an underlying medical condition, the craving might occur because you are simply used to chips and other snacks, and you just need to reprogram your diet. Nutritionists say that salty cravings, assuming they are mere habit, do go away on their own when you put a stop to frequent snacking on salty foods.

This article is found at http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/myth-or-fact-cravings.html

 
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Posted by on March 30, 2015 in Healthy Sips, Inspirational Sips

 

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Daily Inspirational Sip

29 Mar
Daily Inspirational Sip

Foods to Get You Fit and Beautiful

Our guide to beauty foods gives new meaning to “You Are What You Eat.”
If you’ve been filling up on doughnuts, soft drinks, and candy, it may be taking a toll on not just your health, but also your looks. Nutrient-rich foods can keep you fit and reduce your risk of heart disease and even some cancers.  And research shows that some foods may enhance the radiance of your skin, hair, and give your metabolism a kick start.  Here’s our list of beauty foods to keep you looking and feeling fit and beautiful this summer.Watch the Video: Eating for Beauty

Did you know that in addition to being a delicious fruit strawberries can also keep your skin looking gorgeous? The vitamin C in strawberries acts as an important building block of collagen—the underlying supporting structure of skin. Just 1 cup of strawberries contains over 100% of your daily vitamin C needs.See More: Our Favorite Strawberry Recipes

Eating even one meal that contains capsaicin—the compound that gives hot sauce and chile peppers their heat—not only reduces levels of hunger-causing ghrelin, but also raises GLP-1, an appetite-suppressing hormone, indicates research in the European Journal of Nutrition. Scientists also found that people who drank capsaicin-spiced tomato juice before each meal over the course of two days ingested 16% fewer calories than those who drank it plain.
Just six leaves of romaine lettuce provide more than 100% of your DV of vitamin A, which revitalizes skin by increasing cell turnover. Plus the mineral potassium in romaine gives skin a refreshing boost of nutrients and oxygen by improving circulation.
Eating red may help save your skin from turning red! Volunteers who consumed 5 tablespoons of high-in-lycopene tomato paste daily for 3 months had nearly 25% more protection against sunburn in one study.See More: Editor’s tips on buying and storing fresh tomatoes

Quercetin, an antioxidant in the peel of many varieties, provides some protection from the “burning” UVB rays that can trigger skin cancer. For the biggest quercetin concentration, look for Cortland, Golden Delicious, and Monroe varieties.
Walnuts are storehouses of alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fat that’s a key component of the lubricating layer that keeps skin moist and supple. A ½-ounce serving of walnuts provides 100% of the recommended daily intake of ALA.
This healthy fat contains essential fatty acids that help skin resist UV damage, finds a Lancet Oncology study. EFAs are also part of the cell membranes that help hold in moisture. The body can’t synthesize EFAs, so consume about 1 tablespoon of olive oil daily to keep skin supple.
Skin cells contain mostly water, and if you’re dehydrated, skin can look and feel parched.  While the “8 glasses a day” rule is no longer valid, it’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking when you’re thirsty.
Tea is rich in antioxidants that decrease inflammation and protect cell membranes. Some studies have shown that tea may also reduce the damage of sunburns and overexposure to ultraviolet light.  Green tea is especially rich in a compound known as EGCG which may acts as a “fountain of youth” of sorts for skin by reactivating dying skin cells.
Try applying some of mother nature’s benefits to your beauty routine. We found some of our favorite fruits and veggies do the body good, from the inside out, like with this dry-skin mask.Mash half of a ripe banana; combine banana with ½ cup of plain yogurt and 1 tablespoon of honey. Apply this pack on face and neck and leave for 10 minutes; rinse thoroughly. This natural pairing helps moisturize dry skin.

Gritty sugar and cooling cucumber work together in this natural face mask, giving you a smoother, fresher face.Peel 1 cucumber and mash; place in a strainer to drain water. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar and mix well. Apply on your face and leave for 10 minutes, then wash with cold water.

No need to buy the latest beauty product on the shelves…you probably have what you need for this face remedy in your pantry.Take 2 tablespoons oatmeal and 1 tablespoons baking soda and add water to make paste. Apply to face and all over the skin; rub gently and rinse.

This article and pictures found at http://www.cookinglight.com/eating-smart/nutrition-101/beauty-foods

 
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Posted by on March 29, 2015 in Healthy Sips, Inspirational Sips

 

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Daily Inspirational Sip

28 Mar
Daily Inspirational Sip

7 Signs of Inadequate Nutrition

By
WebMD Feature
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

Getting adequate nutrition may be trickier for older adults. Because seniors tend to be less active than younger people, they need fewer calories. Yet research shows that older people may need more of certain key nutrients, such as B vitamins and calcium.

Unfortunately, nutrient deficiencies and malnutrition can persist for a long time before they show up in physical signs or symptoms. Still, there are a few indicators you — and your doctor — can watch for.

1. Unexplained Fatigue

Fatigue is a common side effect of iron deficiency, which can lead to anemia, indicated by low levels of red blood cells. Anemia can also show up as abnormal paleness. But remember: Other conditions can cause excessive fatigue, including heart disease, depression, or thyroid disease.

It’s wise to alert your doctor if you feel unusually weak or tired. Your doctor may prescribe supplements if you have anemia.

2. Brittle and Dry Hair

Hair, which is made up mostly of protein, serves as a useful diagnostic marker for nutritional deficiencies.

“When an older person’s hair looks brittle, dry, and sparse, it’s often a sign that their diet is inadequate,” says Kathleen Niedert, RD, director of clinical nutrition and dining services for Western Home Communities in Iowa.

Brittle hair can signal a deficit of essential fatty acids, protein, iron, and other nutrients. Some hair loss is usual with age, of course. But if hair begins to fall out at an unusual rate, nutrient deficiencies may be the cause. Once your doctor identifies the deficiencies, you can treat them with nutrient-rich foods and supplements.

3. Ridged or Spoon-Shaped Nails

Like hair, nails serve as an early warning sign of an inadequate diet. A spoon-shaped nail, in which the nail curves up from the nail bed like a spoon (a condition called koilonychia) can be an indicator of iron-deficiency anemia.

If you have iron-deficiency anemia, your doctor may recommend iron pills and iron-rich foods such as liver and shellfish like clams, oysters, and mussels.

4. Mouth Problems

Cracking or inflammation at the corners of the mouth (a condition called angular cheilitis) can be a warning sign of either riboflavin (B2) deficiency or iron deficiency. An unusually pale or swollen tongue is a warning sign of iron or B-vitamin deficiency. A condition called burning mouth syndrome, which continues to puzzle researchers, may arise when iron, zinc, or B-vitamin levels fall below the required level.

Again, once you’ve confirmed your specific nutritional deficiencies, they can be treated with nutrient-rich foods and supplements.

5. Diarrhea

Chronic diarrhea can be a sign of malabsorption, which means nutrients are not being fully absorbed by your body. Malabsorption can be triggered by infection, surgery, certain drugs, heavy alcohol use, and digestive disorders such as celiac sprue and Crohn’s disease.

It’s important to consult your doctor if you experience persistent diarrhea.

6. Apathy or Irritability

Unexplained mood changes, especially feeling apathetic or irritable, can be symptoms of a serious medical illness like depression. But they can also be symptoms that your body isn’t getting the energy it needs.

If you have persistent low mood or forgetfulness, it’s important to get checked out by your doctor.

7. Lack of Appetite

With age, appetite often diminishes. Taste buds lose their sensitivity. Because seniors tend to be less active, they require fewer calories. Medications can also dampen appetite.

“Chronic lack of appetite is a serious warning sign that you may be at risk of nutritional deficiencies,” says Nancy Wellman, RD, past president of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. If you find yourself skipping meals because you’re not hungry, talk to your doctor.

Blood tests can indicate if you’re deficient in a number of key nutrients. By assessing your food intake, a registered dietitian can also spot nutritional deficiencies.

“The important thing is to alert your doctor quickly if your appetite changes or you begin skipping meals,” says Wellman. That way, you can head off nutritional problems before they cause serious trouble.

This article found at http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/nutrition-aging-7-signs-inadequate-nutrition

 
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Posted by on March 28, 2015 in Healthy Sips, Inspirational Sips

 

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