Many people try different diets and detoxes and still can’t lose weight and keep it off.  This is due to cellular inflammation which is caused by toxins. Or in plain English due to hormone problems that lead to weight resistance. What exactly does this mean?  Let’s start from the beginning.  The body is made up of many cells. Every cell has millions or more receptors.  When taking a vitamin, for example, it has to attach itself to a receptor on the cell.  Then it has to enter the cell and communicate in order for it to do what it has to do.  When a vitamin can’t enter the cell, that is when problems happen.  When we talk about hormone problems, we are talking about certain hormones such as Thyroid (T3), Insulin and Leptin that facilitate weight resistance due to inability of entering the cell. Thyroid Hormone – is responsible for many functions and is there to facilitate energy and make you feel good.  When Thyroid hormone connects with the cell, brings its message to the cell, you get good energy and it is an efficient fat burner and you feel good.  When this does not happen, you don’t feel so…

What did you have for breakfast this morning? Perhaps a better question — is your breakfast helping you reach your weight loss goal? One easy move you can make is switching a meal for a smoothie — and breakfast is the perfect time to do just that. With these smoothie recipes for weight loss, you can have breakfast, lunch or a midday-snack in a jiffy, plus feel full and energized for hours. Weight Loss Smoothie Easy Addition Tips: Add in protein: Whether you prefer protein powder, cottage cheese, or Greek yogurt, protein will help to keep you full. Just make sure you choose yogurt that’s low in sugar. Fiber: If you’re not sure your smoothie has enough, add some chia seed, flax, kale, or even psyllium husk powder. Fiber helps you feel fuller longer and keeps your digestive system happy. Say no to extra sweeteners: Fruit are naturally sweet enough that you don’t need to add sugar, honey, or artificial sweetners. Adding sugar not only increases your calorie count, but sets you up for a sugar-coma-crash later in the day. Coconut Oil: If you like your smoothies a bit thicker, try spooning in some coconut oil. This high-fat oil is healthy, smooth,…

(BPT) – As the leaves change and the nighttime air takes on a chill, our thoughts naturally turn to warm, delicious foods that offer an element of comfort on a chilly autumn night. Some comfort foods are hugely rooted in nostalgia. Others are just so enjoyably crispy, crunchy, chewy, sweet or savory, they bring a smile as soon as we tuck in. This time of year, the ultimate comfort food is any warm dish featuring the flavorful, crunchy apples that are among the best parts of autumn. Pick up a bushel of your favorite variety at Meijer stores this fall, then slice ‘em and dice ‘em to create one of these tasty (yet easy) autumn favorites. * Apple and cheddar pasta bake: For a main-entrée version of apple pie with cheddar, create a sauce by sautéing two cups of chopped, peeled, tart cooking apples with 1/2 cup chopped sweet onion and 3 tablespoons butter. Stir in 3 tablespoons flour, 3 teaspoons thyme, salt and pepper, 1/2 cup apple cider, and 2 cups of whole milk, melting in one 23-ounce package of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded white cheddar. Add the melted sauce to 12 oz. of your…

BPT) – With the onset of fall, new schedules and an invigorating pace, eating nourishing meals is an important way to keep up energy levels. With few having the time to devote to cooking an elaborate meal, a collection of delicious and dependable 30-minute recipes for a quick but satisfying meal can be handy. What else keeps things simple? Having fresh staples such as California table grapes on hand helps brighten up any recipe and fuel up after activities. Mediterranean ingredients and flavors create dishes that nicely bridge the gap between summer and fall — they’re refreshing, colorful and filled with fruits and vegetables. Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad with Grapes offers a fresh twist on the Middle Eastern classic, replacing the traditional bulgur with quinoa, and using grapes in place of tomatoes. The result? An approachable and modern salad that works as well for a quick dinner as it does for a brown bag lunch the next day. Pair with grilled chicken or fish, or simply add chickpeas or kidney beans for a heartier meatless entree. With Mediterranean Pizza, there is no need to fuss with dough because whole-wheat naan, an Indian flatbread, makes the perfect crust. Simply top with cumin…

No, I am not losing it. But it’s still the month of August, so who needs to be reminded that the year is quickly passing away? As you must be aware traditionally the big and yes even the smaller retailers attempt to shrink our year by prematurely displaying tons of in-store holiday greetings and decorations. We’re talking full displays of Christmas lights and trees, blue and white color themes heralding the upcoming fall and winter months of holidays with their anticipated celebrations. Come on, we should still be seeing beachwear, sun protection items, beach umbrellas and beach chairs. So, why rush our year away? This always has made me nuts! Sure, I understand the need for merchants to move their inventories and in so doing present seasonal themes to get you in the mood to begin making those related purchases. Sorry, but to me I just keep thinking it’s still summer, it’s ninety something degrees outdoors and therefore one should continue to keep enjoying the sunshine, beach, ocean, pools, and barbeques, without being pushed into the hustle and bustle of the fourth quarter. We know that retailers always move ahead of the seasons. Another example of this is the month…