FDA Orders Antibacterials Removed From Consumer Soaps

FDA Orders Antibacterials Removed From Consumer Soaps ….Say goodbye to those "antibacterial" soaps. The Food and Drug Administration says they do little or nothing to make soap work any better and said the industry has failed to prove they're safe. "Consumers may think antibacterial washes are more effective at preventing the spread of germs, but we have no scientific evidence that they are any better than plain soap and water."

*Antibacterial soaps have the potential to create antibiotic-resistant bacteria *These soaps could act as endocrine disruptors *They might lead to other health problems — (allergies/immune system/hormones) *Antibacterial soaps are bad for the environment
nbc article

Foaming Hand Wash Recipe

• Start with a soap dispenser and bottle that has the awesome foaming ability.
• Fill the foaming hand wash bottle with 80-85% water
• Fill the remaining 15-20% with Shaklee’s Hand Wash Concentrate
• Put the pump/cap on the bottle and shake.
• You are ready to have awesome foaming hand wash!

I recommend Shaklee’s Hand Wash Concentrate because it is completely safe for even the tiniest hands in your house and feels amazing. The foam bubbles feel silky and spa-like. You can order it HERE. The big refill bottle will last forever now that I’ve found a way to use it in foaming hand soap! I love finding a way to use my favorite products, but save money in the process!

Protein Balls make with Shaklee Protein

Low-Glycemic* Protein Balls - made with Shaklee protein

Makes 24 balls total or 12 snack servings (2 balls per serving)
Gluten-free & Dairy-free

• 4 scoops vanilla or any flavor Shaklee Life Shake Mix (non-GMO plant-based protein powder with probiotics and Omega-3s)
• ½ cup natural peanut butter or any nut/seed butter (the oily kind you need to stir)
• ¼ cup honey or 100% maple syrup (use half for less sweet)
• 1 cup rolled oats (use gluten-free oats if gluten-intolerant)
• If necessary, add enough purified water to be able to shape into balls without crumbling (add 2 Tbsp water at a time). UPDATE: instead of water, you can add the juice and zest of one lemon or lime, it tastes amazing!

Want it sweet with less honey?… Substitute all or part of the honey with water and add a few drops of liquid stevia to taste. Safe organic brands: Sweet Leaf and Trader Joe’s.

Optional toppings and mix-ins… My favorite topping flavors are strawberries, blueberries chocolate, cinnamon, coconut, orange creamsicle, and almond mint (add mint extract to basic recipe and then roll in crushed almonds). Easy toppings to roll balls on are: cinnamon mix (1 tsp cinnamon + 1 tsp vanilla Shaklee Life protein), coconut flakes, any crushed freeze-dried fruit (strawberry, blueberry, jackfruit, apple, peaches, etc), raw cacao or cocoa powder, chia seeds, sesame seeds, melted natural chocolate chips (Enjoy Life brand is dairy-free), orange creamsicle mix (1 tsp Performance Orange + 1 tsp vanilla Shaklee Life protein), any crushed nuts, any super seed/grain blend, or any combination of the above. Get creative and have fun with it! You can also simply roll in more Shaklee Life protein to make them look like donut holes.

Directions (and free therapy!!!): In a bowl or large rectangular mold, mix all ingredients except water with hands to form a smooth stiff dough. If too crumbly, add water to entire mix, 2 Tbsp of water at a time until you can easily form balls that don’t fall apart. Shape into balls using 1 Tablespoon of “dough” for each ball. Roll the balls on a small amount of topping. Place on prepared pan, and refrigerate to harden for about 20 minutes or faster in the freezer. Store in the fridge for up to 4-7 days.

*Nutrition per serving (2 plain balls if you rolled 24 balls): 140 calories, 7g protein, 15g carbs, 3g fiber, 8g sugar, 6g fat, 160 million CFU of patented probiotics to support digestive and immune health.
From a friend who makes these look beautiful  Suni Ferrer

Soy Protein Linked To Stronger Bones: Childhood Diet High In Soy May Decrease Bone Loss In Adults

This is such an interesting article that I found  from   medicaldaily.com I wanted to share as I have for 36 years now  understood the need for soy and children.

Soy Protein Linked To Stronger Bones: Childhood Diet High In Soy May Decrease Bone Loss In Adults

We’ve all heard it before: milk grows strong bones. But, could dairy alternatives have the same osteogenic benefits as “moo juice?" A new study published in The FASEB Journal has linked a heavy soy diet in childhood with overall better bone quality as an adult. Eating soy regularly as a child may in fact have the same bone benefits as cow’s milk, the study suggested.  

Researchers examined a group of very young female rats to reach these findings about the advantages of soy for bones. An experimental group was fed a soy protein isolate diet for 30 days beginning at just 24 days old, and then they were switched to a regular standard rodent diet until 6 months of age. Finally, both groups of rats were altered to mimic postmenopausal bone loss in women. After comparing the two groups, scientists found that the female rats who were fed soy had stronger bones in adulthood. 

Is soy better for your bones than cow's milk?

Though results of an animal study can't be directly applied to humans, the research indicates further studies may be warranted. 

"Appropriate early-life nutrition can optimize peak bone mass," researcher Jin-Ran Chen, M.D. said, in a news release. "Consumption of soy foods has a variety of health benefits, including amelioration of bone loss during adulthood. “These findings may be heartening for lactose intolerant children. The dairy alternative contains no cholesterol and is better tolerated, with no associated bloating or breakouts.

"The centuries-old mantra that children need milk to 'grow strong bones' remains true, but here we have evidence that the protein components of soy 'milk' have key osteogenic effects," said Thoru Pederson, Ph.D., Editor-in-Chief of The FASEB Journal. "This finding could ultimately have major pediatric health impacts throughout various parts of the world."

http://www.medicaldaily.com/soy-protein-linked-stronger-bones-childhood-diet-high-soy-may-decrease-bone-401336

Source: Chen JR, Lazarenko OP, Blackburn ML, Shankar K. Dietary Factors During Early Life Program Bone Formation in Female Rats. FASEB Journal. 2016.

8 tips to help slow the aging process

8 tips to help slow the     aging process

Thousands of studies have been done on aging and many are beginning to point to an inescapable conclusion: our lifestyle choices, what we eat and what we don’t eat may actually affect our aging process. Yes, those wrinkles and achy joints may be more in your control than previously believed, and may explain why some people look young for their chronologic age while others look older than they are!

Here are the steps everyone can take to potentially slow the aging process:

• Get active. Go4Life Program, from the National Institutes of Health, suggests regular exercise can help people maintain healthier hearts, brains, blood sugar control and more! Some studies have suggested that for every minute of exercise, you prolong your life by seven minutes.[1]
• Reduce Stress. Sustained stressors such as emotional trauma, feeling threatened or insecure, and even natural disasters appear to be associated with quicker aging.[2] You can reduce the stress you feel from those events by practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, and biofeedback.
• Maintain an ideal weight. The National Institutes of Health counts maintaining a healthy weight in their top 7 Steps to Healthy Aging, because being overweight is associated with many chronic diseases.[3] Achieving ideal weight can be hard, but there are many tools available that can help you healthfully lose weight.
• More Sleep. Lack of sleep can have devastating effects on our health, impacting our mood,[4] our memories,[5] and even our resistance to infections.[6] To improve sleep consider having a consistent sleep schedule, use your bed only for sleep, try a “white noise generator” such as a fan, and avoid caffeine in the afternoon & evening.
• Stay Connected. The role of good social relationships is important to our overall health. As we age, having close friends and a variety of social activities is linked to happiness, better cognitive skills,[7] and even a longer life.[8]
• Eat Fruits and Vegetables: The ChooseMyPlate Program, by the United States Department of Agriculture suggests everything you eat is important. Since only nine percent of Americans eat the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, the opportunity for improving health (and longevity) by improving diet is great.[9]
• Take a Multivitamin: The National Institutes of Health suggests a multivitamin/mineral for anyone who isn’t always making the best food choices. Deficiencies of vitamins B12, B6, C, E, niacin, folic acid, iron, or zinc all can lead to accelerated aging process.[10] Everyone should consider a good multivitamin to cover their base nutritional needs.
• Load up on Polyphenols: Polyphenols are found in many fruits, vegetables, green tea, black tea, red wine, coffee, chocolate, olives, and extra virgin olive oil. They are plant-based nutrients that have antioxidant benefits and protective effects against cellular aging.[11]
• Muscadine Grapes: Possess one of the highest antioxidant levels among fruits.[12] They contain a high concentration of polyphenols, but unlike other plants they also contain a high amount of ellagitannin and ellagic acid.[13] Extracts of muscadine grape have been studied for their ability to help maintain a healthy inflammatory response and act as antioxidants[14],[15]
• Resveratrol: Studies suggest that resveratrol (a type of polyphenol) may slow multiple mechanisms of cellular aging and support heart health.[16]
• Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a flavanol found in tea, has been shown in clinical as well as laboratory studies to act as an antioxidant and possibly provide neuroprotective benefits.

The trajectory of your aging lies, in part, in your hands. There is a lot you can do to help your body look and function better over time. While you can’t stop the clock, incorporate some of the above suggestions to help achieve your healthiest aging!

[1] Moore SC, Patel AV, Matthews CE, et al. Leisure time physical activity of moderate to vigorous intensity and mortality: a large pooled cohort analysis. PLoS Med. 2012;9(11):e1001335. PMID: 23139642.

[2] Price LH, Kao HT, Burgers DE, Carpenter LL, Tyrka AR. Telomeres and early-life stress: an overview. Biol Psychiatry. 2013 Jan 1;73(1):15-23. PMID: 22831981;

[3] Field AE, Coakley EH, Must A, et al. Impact of overweight on the risk of developing common chronic diseases during a 10-year period. Arch Intern Med. 2001 Jul 9;161(13):1581-6. PMID:11434789.

[4] Cole MG, Dendukuri N. Risk factors for depression among elderly community subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Psychiatry. 2003 Jun;160(6):1147-56.. PMID: 12777274.

[5] Schmidt C, Peigneux P, Cajochen C. Age-related changes in sleep and circadian rhythms: impact on cognitive performance and underlying neuroanatomical networks. Front Neurol. 2012;3:118. PMID: 22855682.

[6] http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/excessive-sleepiness-10/immune-system-lack-of-sleep

[7] Seeman TE, Lusignolo TM, Albert M, Berkman L. Social relationships, social support, and patterns of cognitive aging in healthy, high-functioning older adults: MacArthur studies of successful aging. Health Psychol. 2001 Jul;20(4):243-55. PMID: 11515736.

[8] Kern ML, Porta SS, Friedman HS. Lifelong Pathways to Longevity: Personality, Relationships, Flourishing, and Health. J Pers. 2013 Aug 8. PMID: 23927423.

[9] Ames BN, Shigenaga MK, Hagen TM. Oxidants, antioxidants, and the degenerative diseases of aging. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1993 Sep 1;90(17):7915-22. PMID: 8367443.

[10] Ames BN. Micronutrients prevent cancer and delay aging. Toxicol Lett. 1998 Dec 28;102-103:5-18. PMID: 10022226.

[11] Fraga CG, Galleano M, Verstraeten SV, Oteiza PI. Basic biochemical mechanisms behind the health benefits of polyphenols. Mol Aspects Med. 2010 Dec;31(6):435-45. PMID: 20854840.

[12] Greenspan P, Bauer JD, Pollock SH, et al. Antiinflammatory properties of the muscadine grape (Vitis rotundifolia). J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Nov 2;53(22):8481-4. PMID: 16248541.

[13] Sandhu AK, Gu L. Antioxidant capacity, phenolic content, and profiling of phenolic compounds in the seeds, skin, and pulp of Vitis rotundifolia (Muscadine Grapes) As determined by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS(n). J Agric Food Chem. 2010 Apr 28;58(8):4681-92. PMID: 20334341.

[14] Gourineni V, Shay NF, Chung S, Sandhu AK, Gu L. Muscadine grape (Vitis rotundifolia) and wine phytochemicals prevented obesity-associated metabolic complications in C57BL/6J mice. J Agric Food Chem. 2012 Aug 8;60(31):7674-81. PMID: 22788667.

[15] Pastrana-Bonilla E, Akoh CC, Sellappan S, Krewer G. Phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of muscadine grapes. J Agric Food Chem. 2003 Aug 27;51(18):5497-503. PMID: 12926904.

[16] Khurana S, Venkataraman K, Hollingsworth A, Piche M, Tai TC. Polyphenols: benefits to the cardiovascular system in health and in aging. Nutrients. 2013 Sep 26;5(10):3779-3827.

Pumpkin Banana Shake

Enjoy your pumpkin spice with a bit of banana.

Ingredients:

2 scoops Pumpkin Spice Life Energizing Shake™

1/2 cup fresh or canned pumpkin puree

1/2 frozen banana

1 cup milk of choice

1/4 tsp. vanilla

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/8 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 cup ice

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in blender. Blend until creamy.

 Get your Life Shake

Special thanks to our Facebook Friends for sharing their delicious Life Energizing Shake recipes.

4 key ways to support a healthy pregnancy

4 key ways to support a healthy pregnancy

Pregnancy is an incredibly special and unique experience for a woman. It is a time when women have many questions and concerns about what is good for them as well as their developing baby. Ideally, a healthy pregnancy begins before conception occurs as one of the strongest determinants is the woman’s overall state of health before she conceives. Having a good nutritional diet, being fit and at a healthy weight are all reasonable pre-pregnancy goals.

Prenatal care includes regular obstetric/medical visits beginning as early in the pregnancy as possible, as well as a healthy diet, regular exercise, not gaining excessive weight and judicious incorporation of additional supplements to help address any potential nutrient gaps and increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy. Here are important tips to support your healthy pregnancy:

Diet

It is always important to eat a balanced diet, choosing foods from all food groups. This includes plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables to supply various vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, as well as fiber to support healthy bowel function during pregnancy. Whole grains are a great source of energy, B vitamins, minerals, and fiber, so 3 to 5 servings per day are recommended. Try to minimize the “white flour/white sugar” foods, especially if you need to limit weight gain. Lean protein sources include poultry, fish, soy, legumes and egg whites, all of which contain high quality proteins, providing essential building blocks for fetal growth and development. Three servings of milk are recommended to supply calcium, vitamin D and protein to support bone health in mom and baby. If you avoid dairy, look for supplementation to supply these needs. Fish, such as salmon and anchovy, contain omega-3 fats (especially DHA) that are important for baby’s brain and eye development. Avoid the types of fish that may be high in mercury. You may consider a DHA supplement as a safer alternative to fish consumption due to the neurologic toxicity of mercury.

Weight

Optimal weight gain during pregnancy is in the range of 20-30 lbs. although this number may be adjusted up or down depending on certain factors including mom’s weight at the start of her pregnancy, if she’s carrying more than one baby, or if she has underlying health issues. Discuss with your doctor what is a good range for you. If you limit your additional calories to about 300 extra per day (on top of your regular calories) this will usually result in a reasonable weight gain.

Exercise

In general, most obstetricians recommend continuing the exercise routine the woman has been doing prior to getting pregnant, assuming it is moderate and reasonable. Pregnancy is not the time to ramp up exercise and it may need to be modified as the pregnancy proceeds. Activities such as walking, light jogging, yoga and swimming are encouraged to build endurance, alleviate backaches, and increase overall energy and circulation for both mother and baby. This is a good topic of conversation with your physician.

Supplements

Although a healthy diet plays an essential role, taking prenatal supplements can be a wise and prudent choice because we know that most adults may not be meeting their nutritional needs through their typical diet. Prenatal vitamin-mineral supplements are specially formulated to address the needs of pregnant women and for healthy growth and development of the baby.

Look for one that includes iodine, ideally 200 mcg to support thyroid development and function in both mom and baby.

Folate (vitamin B9) is especially essential for early fetal development and to prevent neural tube defects. The American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology and the CDC recommend 800 mcg folic acid.

Iron is another important nutrient of concern as iron requirements increase during pregnancy to support red blood cell production in both mom and baby. Iron deficiency is common in pregnant women because they don’t consume enough iron from their diet. Iron from animal sources, such as meat, is better absorbed than plant source iron, and vitamin C increases iron absorption. Taking iron and vitamin C supplements may help prevent iron-deficiency.

And as mentioned earlier, consider a potent and purified fish oil supplement to provide 200-300 mg of DHA to support eye and brain development.

Finally—be healthy and enjoy this miraculous process.

Would you do the right thing, even if it cost you millions?

Question:
What if you knew with 100% certainty that the ACTIONS you take today… regardless if they produce INSTANT results… are creating everything GOOD (and bad) in your future?Would you rethink how you speak?Would you treat people differently?  In business?  In your home?  Everywhere?… I found this article that made me rethink every action I take.In the article are 3 words I’ve burned into my heart.Read the article here:

https://www.empowernetwork.com/dailyshow/resolve-to-discover-your-god-given-purpose?id=4604543

You can change your life also

Back to school Wellness

Yes, it’s that time of year again and just about everyone is thinking about the same thing—keeping the kids (and you!) healthy. Here are some important tips to help keep your family feeling great, full of energy, and doing well in school.

“You are what you eat”

We are what we eat and fall is a great time to reinforce good eating habits. Your children should eat at least 5 servings of fruits and veggies (organic when available) per day—and aim for a colorful variety. It’s really quite doable—½ cup blueberries at breakfast, a baggie of carrot sticks & cherry tomatoes at lunch, a small banana as part of after school snack and a cup of steamed broccoli at dinner, and you’re there! These foods are full of immune-supporting nutrients including vitamins C & E, zinc and more. Get creative—spiral zucchini for a pasta dish, throw kale into your vegetable soup, or make a bowl of chopped watermelon a delectable dessert!

Make sleep a priority

Make good sleep a habit and a priority. Being short on sleep definitely impacts immune function and makes your children more susceptible to germs. Elementary-age children need at least 9-10 hours of sleep while pre-teens to teenagers require 8-9 hours. It’s important to incorporate a bedtime routine for everyone in the family (yes, mom & dad, too!) that includes turning off the television, iPads, laptops, etc. an hour before going to bed. Overstimulated kids have more difficulty falling asleep which can create a vicious cycle of tired kids in the morning. Encourage reading a book or just snuggling and sharing something about your day.

Stress management

Kids can experience stress, too, which can undermine immune health. We’ve covered two great ways to help your children deal with challenges—being well-nourished and getting adequate sleep. Being physically active is a great stress management tool for kids as well as adults. Be sure your children are getting enough play time and try to spend as much time outdoors as possible while the weather is still nice. Nature can be a great soother of nerves. And of course, making sharing your day a routine in your family will go a long way towards knowing if your child is having stress.

Because we are all so busy and schedules get hectic, filling in kids’ nutritional gaps with high-quality supplements makes sense.

Be sure to take time to prioritize all these good habits to help your children have a happier, healthier and more successful school year.

Build your business from your home! Then check this out http://tinyurl.com/htz9eh3

The elephant and the mind

This is an amazing video to listen to if you want learn how to change a mindset that is not good. I loved it and had to share. www.empowernetwork.com/dailyshow/resolved-Positive-Expectancy?id=4604543

How to get thru the clouds and fog in life.

Integriity

Changing your life

Believe you can

I've had a home business for many years and have just realize how powerful it has been.

How many of you have done the same thing over and over for years and all of a sudden you realize why? That is me. I have never done this business for the money, because we didn't need it. Or so I thought we could didn't need it.

I feel very strongly about being an at home mom. I was very fortunate to be involved in this profession before my children were born. I was working two full time jobs and shared with people on the side. I got married to a Dairy farmer and they don't really travel much. I love to travel. One of the perks bar company was free travel so I always did enough to be able to earn those trips.

I look back many ears later and realized how much I have taken this for granted. The benefits of been so huge and because I always got them I didn't appreciate them. My eyes have been opened and now I know there is no other profession that is as amazing as this.

As a mom entrepreneur, and learning always learning I'm excited now as I'm learning how to truly blog from the empower network.

Beleive in your self and your dreams!

We live in a world full of Dream Stealers. I don't believe that people are trying to steal your dreams they always think they are trying to protect you.

The next time somebody tells you that you can't do that or are you serious you're doing that... I want you to first look at how successful are they, are they living the life that you would like to live? Have they been successful at what you want to do? Why do we listen to those who are not successful at where we have sent our dreams instead of listening to those who have done it? This is all about a mindset. We must always protect our minds.
One of the best ways to help keep you focused is to journal period always work on personal development at the same time protecting your dreams and your mind. And then you must have activity if you want to move forward because dreams are only dreams unless you act on them.
After you start on that road toward your dream learn from your successes and learn from your failures, or ways that did not work. Nobody become successful without failures and finding ways that don't work but getting up and continuing until they find what does work.
I just wanted to remind you that you can be as successful as you want if you will just protect your thinking
Have an amazing day!!!

Depression Webinar

Come and learn about Depression.  This is such a huge issue today.  I am sure that all of you know several people who suffer with Depression.  If you would like to help educate them please invite them to join you on this webinar. 

Log in on Tues. May 10th at 7:30 CST ....

Simply click on link below (or copy and paste in your web browser), then click on ‘enter as a guest’, then type in your first and last name, then click on ‘enter room’

http://teameagleswings.adobeconnect.com/shakleeovverview

You can listen/watch from the comfort of your own home. No one can see or hear you.
Join us Tuesday, May 10th at 7:30 CST for an informative webinar on Depression.

Where Women earn Best

These are the different professions that show that men make more than women.  If you are a goal driven person who wants to build your career at a pay level equal to men, connect with me and look at the possibilities in Network Marketing.  The beauty is that you are making a difference in other people lives at the same time you are building your future and you have something you can pass on to your children and give to causes that you never thought you could.

This shows the difference in pay.  Earn what you are worth.  Your efforts and time pay you back over and over.

Women in Network Marketing

Seeing these numbers just reinforced my thoughts that there is nothing out there like our business.  Look at the numbers that are earned by women.  74% of the NWM in the US is earned by women.  There is no discrimination pay wise.

Women who work at home have a 54% higher death rate

Is working at home dangerous? Yes. Those who work outside are also facing the same danger just might be the time to be at home much shorter than those at home all the time. The danger does not appear in the naked eye, but the effect is still there.
Every day we use washing soap, dishwashing detergent, fabric softener, bleach, floor cleaner. Bersih.Memang exterior looks correct, but there is the impression left by the toxic chemicals used in the mix all dry ingredients we use. It is sad. I also have long been avid user of chemical based detergent. It's time to switch to natural or organic. No one attempted to family life and a better home. Let's review what the product Basic H2 ™ Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate.

Chemicals in your household cleaners are linked to allergies, birth defects, cancer and psychological abnormalities.

Women who work at home have a 54% higher death rate from cancer than women who work away from home because the fumes of household cleaners can linger a long time in the air after use and seep out of the bottles when not in use. 

The most toxic substances to aquatic organisms are bleach, all-purpose cleaner, laundry detergent and dish detergent even more than paint and car wax. If it's not good for aquatic organisms, it can't be good for us.

Included in the top 12 cancer causing products : Ajax cleanser, Lysol Disinfectant.

(Source: National Cancer Prevention Coalition, US)

Celebrate Women’s Health!

Celebrate Women’s Health! It’s never too early or late to work toward being your healthiest you! This National Women’s Health Week, May 8–14, is a great time to empower all women to make their health a top priority. Women often serve as primary caregivers for their families, putting the needs of their spouses, partners, children, and parents before their own. As a result, women’s health and well-being can become secondary. National Women’s Health Week brings together communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and other groups in an effort to promote women’s health. So remind all the women in your life to be sure they are taking care of their own health along with all the other people they care for. Ladies: Have You Taken Care of Your Health Checklist? National Women’s Check-Up Day is May 9. Follow these tips to help stay your healthiest. Get preventive screenings. Visit a health care professional to receive regular checkups and preventive screenings. Important screenings for women include an annual physical, blood pressure test, and screenings for cervical cancer (pap test), cholesterol, and thyroid function. Starting at age 50, women should get screened for breast cancer every one to two years. And after menopause, women should get a bone density test to be screened for osteoporosis. Get active. Regular activity is one of the most effective strategies for maintaining a healthy weight, along with reduced calorie intake. Being physically active most days helps to improve your cardiorespiratory (heart, lungs, and blood vessels) and muscular fitness, helps with mood, and can help reduce your risk of cognitive decline. Eat healthy. Eating healthy isn’t really that difficult—and the health payoff is incredible. To reduce your risk of chronic diet-related health issues: Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables—at least seven servings per day Eat dark grains, such as whole wheat, oatmeal, and brown rice—and avoid white grains Eat only lean proteins, including fish, skinless poultry, lean red meats, dry beans, eggs (try just egg whites), and nuts Cook primarily with monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil Limit saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, and excess sugars Drink alcohol in moderation—for women, that means no more than one drink per day Get enough sleep and manage stress. Try to get a good night’s rest every night. Adequate sleep makes you more productive and energetic—this means 7–8 hours per night. Recognize the signs of stress and take action when you notice them. Focus on controlling what you can, and let the rest of it go. Avoid unhealthy behaviors. Smoking, texting while driving, not wearing a seatbelt or bicycle helmet, and other unhealthy or unsafe habits can severely damage your overall health. Today, we’re more empowered than ever before to take control of our lives and our health. Whether it’s pushing ourselves a little harder at the gym or calling our doctors to make sure we’re up to date on our screenings, we can all truly make a difference—not just for ourselves, but for all the women we love.

A Stay at Home Family - Simple Business

No More Stained Cloth Diapers!

Shaklee Laundry Review: No More Stained

 Cloth Diapers!

I'm super excited about finally getting all of my toddler's cloth diapers looking brand spanking new and so bright! All the old stains are gone in every single one, even in the cotton prefolds that I've been using for almost a year. And no, I didn't use any bleach or Rockin Green, which I'd been happy with until I found something even better. I just had to tweak my routine a little, but I've got it now! All I need are three products: "Nature Bright Laundry Booster & Stain Remover", "Fresh Laundry Concentrate (Powder) Fragrance-Free", and diluted Basic-G, all from Shaklee. I bet they'd do a great job with getting those old white socks looking bright again, gotta try that next!
Here's how I did it (every time I'm trying less and less detergent):

To freshen up once a month, I do an overnight soak of about 20 diapers in 3 gallons of HOT water with 3 TBSP (1.5 scoop) of Nature Bright, then a prewash/hot wash/cold double-rinse (Whitest Whites plus Stain Treat) cycle with 1/3 cup diluted Basic-G (just 8 drops) in the bleach tray and add 1 TBSP (half scoop) of Nature Bright plus 1 TBSP of Fresh Laundry Powder Fragrance-Free together in each the prewash and the wash trays.

For in-between routine laundry (I wash all diapers about twice a week), I just skip the soaking part. FYI, I have an HE front loader, which is a particular tricky situation, since it uses much less water (sometimes I add 2 big wet towels to add more weight and friction). I also have a water softener. If you have a different washer or hard water, you may need more or less detergent to get those diapers clean and stain-free.

For Toxic Free and great Laundry go here.

Healthy Snackd

Low-Glycemic* Shaklee Protein Balls
By Suni Ferrer

Makes 24 balls total or 12 snack servings (2 balls per serving)
Gluten-free & Dairy-free

• 4 scoops vanilla or any flavor Shaklee Life Shake Mix (non-GMO plant-based protein powder with probiotics and Omega-3s)
• ½ cup natural peanut butter or any nut/seed butter (the oily kind you need to stir)
• ¼ cup honey or less
• 1 cup rolled oats (use gluten-free oats if gluten-intolerant)
• If necessary, add enough purified water to be able to shape into balls without crumbling (add 2 Tbsp water at a time).

Want it sweeter?… Add a few drops of liquid stevia to taste. Safe organic brands: Sweet Leaf and Trader Joe’s.

Optional toppings and mix-ins… My favorite toppings are crushed freeze-dried strawberries, blueberries & chocolate, cinnamon, and coconut. Easy toppings to roll balls on are: cinnamon mix (1 tsp cinnamon plus 1 tsp vanilla Shaklee Life protein), coconut flakes, any crushed freeze-dried fruit (strawberry, blueberry, jackfruit, apple, etc), raw cacao or cocoa powder, chia seeds, sesame seeds, melted natural chocolate chips , orange creamsicle mix (1 tsp Performance Orange plus 1 tsp vanilla Shaklee Life protein), any crushed nuts, or any super seed/grain blend. You can also simply roll in more Shaklee Life protein to make them look like donut holes.

Directions (and free therapy, LOL): In a bowl or large rectangular mold, mix all ingredients except water with hands to form a smooth stiff dough. If too crumbly, add water to entire mix, 2 Tbsp of water at a time until you can easily form balls that don’t fall apart. Shape into balls using 2 teaspoons of dough for each ball. Roll the balls on a small amount of topping. Place on prepared pan, and refrigerate. Store in the fridge for up to 4-7 days.

*Nutrition per serving (2 plain balls if you rolled 24 balls): 140 calories, 7g protein, 15g carbs, 3g fiber, 8g sugar, 6g fat, 160 million CFU of patented probiotics to support digestive and immune health. 

Detoxify your Home

There are so many chemicals in our homes and around our children today and then you wonder why there are so many sick people all the time.  Your body can only take so much and getting the chemicals out of our home is a great starter.

Thanks to my friend Suni for all of this detailed information.

The following information is useful when inquiring at your children’s school about the possibility of replacing bleach with Basic-G, a safer alternative. Basic-G is EPA-approved (EPA Registration No. 47371-129-7294) and contains quaternary ammonia as its active ingredients (Didecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride and n-Alkyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride), therefore it qualifies with the statement below (this is a quote from a licensing specialist from the Bureau of Child Care Services in WI):
“[In order for a disinfectant to be approved for use at our facilities] The product would need an EPA seal of approval and need to contain a quaternary ammonia product which is any of a group of compounds in which a central nitrogren atom is joined to four organic radicals and one acid radical, used as antiseptics and disinfectants. Benzalkonium chloride, dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, and dodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride are names of some common ammonium compounds that might identify a product as a quarternary ammonium product.”

To sanitize, coarsely spray hard surfaces (bathroom sink, toilet, etc) with Basic-G solution (mix ½ tsp Basic-G with 16oz water and use within 24 hours). Let it sit for 10 minutes and it will leave a residue that keeps on killing germs for 72 hours (Clorox kills for only 24 hours and Lysol stops killing once surface is dry). Food prep surfaces and toys that could be mouthed by children should be rinsed with water, after the 10 minutes. For a larger cleaning job, dilute 1 TBSP Basic-G in 1 gallon of water.

~ Suni

P.S. Below there are some more facts and usage details about Basic-G that I’ve found from several sources.

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When disinfection is necessary and a “green” approach is desired, consider a biodegradable product like Basic G that does not contain phosphates, highly caustic or acidic pH, added fragrance or dyes, harmful VOCs, or ingredients such as butyl cellusolve or nonylphenol ethoxylate.
Basic G is highly concentrated, so it’s very economical, one quart makes up to 64 gallons, and it’s also EPA registered. It kills 99.9% of E. coli and Salmonella bacteria, as well as over 40 other microbes (bacteria, fungi and viruses.) Basic G is great for tubs, sinks, diaper pails and other places like trash cans that need disinfecting.

CLEANING TOYS
To sterilize toys, use your spray bottle of Basic G (½ tsp per 16oz bottle) and spray your toys, and let it sit about 10 minutes then rinse. OR, soak them in warm water with Basic G (1 TBS per gallon of water), then rinse.
You can use 1-2 drops of Basic H2 concentrated cleaner and hot water for the teething toys…soak them in a big bowl, then rinse with water.
Shaklee also makes Basic G Wipes for convenience. You would just wipe down the toys and then wipe them with a wet towel.

LAUNDRY
For washable toys, you can add ½ tsp Basic G in with the laundry detergent, (1TBS for regular clothes load, if someone has been sick.) Alternately, mix those quantities of Basic G with 1/3 cup water and pour on tray where the bleach would go. I use hot water in the wash cycle and follow with a double rinse. [Also works great to sanitize cloth diapers. See my other FB Note on cloth diapers, titled “No More Stained Cloth Diapers!”

A Special Note about the Swine Flu
Basic-G® Germicide is effective against Influenza A – but it has not been tested against the Influenza A H1N1 virus – and we cannot make an explicit claim of effectiveness for Basic-G against this pathogen.
However, the Environmental Protection Agency recently stated on its website that “EPA believes, based on available scientific information, that the currently registered influenza A virus products [e.g., Basic-G] will be effective against the 2009-H1N1 flu strain and other influenza A virus strains on hard, non-porous surfaces.”
For safe and effective use of Basic-G, always follow label instructions, paying special attention to the dilution rate and contact time. Please note that Basic-G is not to be used on the skin or to be taken orally.
Diluted Basic-G is a very safe solution, but remember that vinegar is 100% natural, but you wouldn’t pour it in your eyes or drink a gallon of it. Borax is 100% natural, but you wouldn’t rub it all over your skin. A natural germicide should still be treated with caution!

INGREDIENTS
Below are the ingredients for the two disinfecting products from Shaklee, without the fumes, as they’re bleach-free and alcohol-free.

Basic-G Concentrated Germicide, 32oz ($17.30 MN)
Tough on Germs
Bacteria, fungi, and viruses can wreak havoc on your family’s health and safety. Used as directed, Basic-G tackles over 40 of these pesky microbes, including several animal viruses. That makes it an excellent choice for use in the kitchen, bathroom, or pet area. In addition to being economical - one quart (32oz bottle) makes up to 64 gallons - it’s also EPA registered.
Active Ingredients:
DIDECYL DIMETHYLAMMONIUM CHLORIDE … 10.14%
n-ALKYL DIMETHYL BENZYL AMMONIUM CHLORIDE … 6.76%
INERT INGREDIENTS (not active) … 83.10%
TOTAL … 100.00%

Germ Off Fragrance Free Disinfecting Wipes ($7.75 MN)
35 count, 7”x8” wipes, bleach-free and alcohol-free, fragrance-free and no fumes.
(These wipes are made with diluted Basic-G).
Kills odor-causing bacteria* found on hard, non-porous household, kitchen, and bathroom surfaces. Great for cleaning around the toilet. Leaves your bathroom and kitchen fresh and clean. The smart way to clean and disinfect.
*Kills 99.9% of Salmonella choleraesuis(ATCC*10708), Escherichia coli(ATCC*11229), and Escherichia Coli 0157:H7(ATCC*43895).
Active Ingredients:
OCTYL DECYL DIMETHYL AMMONIUM CHLORIDE … 0.03990%
DIOCTYL DIMETHYL AMMONIUM CHLORIDE … 0.01995%
DIDECYL DIMETHYL AMMONIUM CHLORIDE … 0.01995%
ALKYL DIMETHYL BENZYL AMMONIUM CHLORIDE … 0.05320%
INERT INGREDIENTS (not active) … 99.86700%
TOTAL … 100.0000%

PATHOGEN SHEET
Basic-G® Germicide is effective against the following pathogens:
Bacteria
Pseudomonas aeruginosa1
Staphylococcus aureus1
Salmonella enterica
Acinetobacter calcoaceticus
Bordetella bronchiseptica
Chlamydia psittaci
Community Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (NRS384) (USA300) Community Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (NRS123) (USA400) Enterobacter aerogenes
Viruses
*Adenovirus Type 4
*Herpes Simplex Type1
*Herpes Simplex Type2
*Human coronavirus
*Influenza A / Hong Kong Flu Virus* *Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) *Rotavirus
*Rubella (German Measles) *SARS Associated Coronavirus *Vaccinia (Pox virus)
Animal Viruses
*Avian Influenza (H5N1)
*Avian polyomavirus
*Canine distemper
*Feline leukemia
*Feline picornavirus
*Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis *Infectious bronchitis (Avian IBV) *Newcastle Disease *Pseudorabies (PRV)
*Rabies
*Transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGE)
Fungi
Aspergillus niger
Candida albicans
Trichophyton mentagrophytes (Athlete’s Foot Fungus)
1 ATCC & antibiotic-resistant strain 2 Antibiotic-resistant only
* Virucidal
Enterobacter cloacae
Enterococcus faecalis – Vancomycin Resistant (VRE)
Escherichia coli1
Fusobacterium necrophorum
Klebsiella pneumoniae1
Legionella pneumophila
Listeria monocytogenes
Pasteurella multocida
Proteus mirabilis
Proteus vulgaris
Salmonella enteritidis
Salmonella typhi
Salmonella typhimurium
Serratia marcescens
Shigella flexneri
Shigella sonnei
Staphylococcus aureus – Methicillin resistant (MRSA)
Staphylococcus aureus – Vancomycin Intermediate Resistant (VISA)
Staphylococcus epidermidis2
Streptococcus faecalis1
Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep)

For safe and effective use of Basic-G, always follow label instructions, paying special attention to the dilution rate, precautions, and contact time. Please note that Basic-G is not to be used on the skin or to be taken orally.
Pathogen Sheet Revised May 2009