The BEST Chocolate On Earth!

This Valentine’s Day have some raw cacao. Cacao raises the level of serotonin in your brain and produces endorphins, more feel good hormones. Cacao actually stimulates the secretion of endorphins, the same rush you get from exercise and sex! It contains phenylethylamine, the chemical created in our brain when we are in love, and last but not least, cacao produces anandamide – known as the bliss chemical, because it is released by the brain when we are feeling great. Cacao reduces symptoms of S.A.D., depression, PMS, peri-menopause and menopause.

Remember, only raw cacao and dark chocolate are filled with antioxidants. Once dairy is added the antioxidants become inert.

Boost Immunity This Winter

Want to know the number one way to boost your immune system this winter? Sleep. Our body goes through phases during its 24-hour cycle that reflect each season. The night time correlates to winter. It is for this reason that we require more sleep than usual during these colder months. Farmers and bears knew this but we’ve somehow forgotten the power of sleep. Instead we have fluorescent lighting, caffeine, sugary diets, electronic gadgets, and work hours that keep us going against nature. Insufficient sleep during the winter is associated with lower immunity, more colds and flu, respiratory issues, mood-swings, depression and weight gain. There is never a more important season to get eight hours of shut-eye. Sweet dreams!

One Hit WONDER!

This is the one hit wonder that will have you jumping for joy! Imagine something that’s a natural fat burner, laxative, aids digestion, boosts immunity, eases anxiety, depression and pms and is loaded with antioxidants? What is this miracle one hit wonder…

Magnolia bark: This is one of the oldest plants on earth and has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Fossils date back 95 million years! Mostly found in Mongolia and Japan this bark has been used to heal almost everything! It lowers cortisol, the stress hormone, easing anxiety and depression. It is used as a fat burner and a laxative. It’s also used to boost immunity, diminish cramps, and ease digestion by vanishing bloating and gas. As if all this wasn’t enough, Japanese studies show that honokiol and magnolol, both found in magnolia bark are over 1000 times more potent than vitamin E as an antioxidant. It’s truly every woman’s dream herb! You can purchase it at the health food store.

Visualize!

Our mind is so powerful. Mystics have known this for years. It is said that if you can see yourself doing something in your mind, you can do it in real life. Now I’m guessing mystics have purposeful goals and don’t visualize themselves winning the lottery…

But really, take a few moments each morning before getting out of bed, and each night before going to sleep. Close your eyes and imagine yourself healthy, strong, energetic, and fit. Picture the cells in your body waking up and being fully alive. Picture yourself as the you you wish to become.

This exercise will relax you and really help you meet your goals. We promise if you do this every day you will motivate yourself and become the best YOU ever!

Don’t Give Up On YOURSELF!

Did you know that 50% of all women who begin wellness plans in the New Year abandon them by the 3rd week of January.

So at least half of you will be successful right? Well out of that number, according to a study conducted by the University Of California, 80% of you who lose weight will gain it back within one year. That’s a huge number! No pun intended.

How do you remain successful against such odds? There is no magic bullet. No powder, pill or delivery juice fast that will help. It is old fashioned discipline, education and execution – mixed with a extra large serving of desire.

This TIP Burns More Calories

The Power Of Protein: We’ve said it many times here at VIB, but it’s true, protein is the best workout fuel. Women who consume 15-20 grams of protein before working out, burn more calories and fat, while building muscle mass, than women who eat carbs – and do the exact same workout.

15 grams of protein for a petite woman and 20 for a bigger woman.

A few ways to get your pre-workout protein:
-A Protein smoothie
-3 egg omelette
-Greek yogurt
-Almond butter on whole grain toast and a skim latte
-Smoked salmon on 1/2 sprouted grain bagel

Don’t Let THIS Happen In 2012

50%- this represents the percentage of women who quit their wellness-fitness program within a year of beginning!

HALF of all women quit.

Read VIB all year long to make sure that YOU remain in the successful percentage group.

You can do it, we can help.

Top 10 New Years Resolutions:

Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions in the USA: What’s on your list?

1. Lose Weight
2. Exercise
3. Get a better job
4. Save money
5. Get out of debt
6. Spend more time with family
7. Quit smoking
8. Find a partner
9. Take a vacation
10. Have more fun

VIB wishes you all a healthy New Year. In 2012 we will share many tips for how to keep those resolutions!

Put Those NUTCRACKERS To Good Use!

Tis’ the season to put those nutcrackers to good use!

Have a handful of walnuts before your lunch or dinner, 6-10 should do the trick. Eating walnuts before a meal triggers a chain reaction that slows down the rate at which your stomach empties, making you feel fuller longer, and less likely to over eat.

Walnuts are high in protein, rich in fiber, B vitamins, magnesium, antioxidants, and contain omega 3 essential fatty acids. EFA’s are the good fats your body needs for brain function and to transport many nutrients. Incorporating walnuts into your diet reduces the risk of heart disease by lowering LDL cholesterol and the C-Reactive Protein. CRP is one of the predictors of heart disease. So go a little nuts this season!

Tis’ The Season

Tis’ The Season for many cocktails.

While celebrating, try to avoid the Eggnog. We know it’s yummy, but it packs 350 calories in each 8 oz. glass. Almost all of those calories come from bad fat and sugar – bad for your waistline and bad for your heart. It will take about 40 minutes on the treadmill to undo just one glass! A healthier choice is a glass of champagne. At only 85 calories a glass, that’s worth cheering! Make sure to avoid the Bellini or the Kir. These are champagne drinks with added sugary syrups. Please remember to eat before having your cocktails and always drink responsibly!