I hope you had a financially reflective mind last week, and I encourage you to continue this focus for at least the rest of February.  The key is to find something that, first of all, will work for you, and second, that you put that approach into action.  Are you truly committed to making a change or will you look back in December and be in the same place as you’ve always been?  After all, it is a choice and the choice is yours.

Valentine’s Day is in a few days and with that comes a myriad of emotions depending on your personal situation.  We see in all the advertisements, TV ads, and promotions etc. happy couples.  We’re encouraged to spend money on chocolates, flowers or even jewelry (those are the top three items purchased), spend a romantic dinner with our loved one, and this day is one of the largest number of marriage proposal days after Christmas.  It can be a fun time for the kids when they exchange Valentines at school; they get Valentines from Mom and Dad plus their grandparents.  I must admit I get caught up with finding a special card for Jon, for the kids and grandkids, and for my mom.    Of course then there is also the baking of heart shaped cookies and cupcakes, eating those little heart-shaped candies with the messages written on them, besides other sugary goodies.  It can be a fun, love-filled time for so many.

There is another side of this holiday, however.  Are you having difficulty in your marriage/relationship?  Maybe you're divorced.  Maybe you're single and really wanting to be in a meaningful relationship.  This time can be agonizing.  Your child may be the one with a lot of friends and receives a lot of Valentines.  But what about that child who feels left out and doesn’t have a lot of friends.  No matter where we are in our lives young and old, we want to feel valued and loved by those around us.  I encourage you to think outside your own world and reach out during this Valentine season to include those who could use that special Valentine that you’re thinking of them.  Take action, look around, and seek out not only those who you would normally reach out to but those who could use something special. 

This week’s blog is designated to your health and wellness specifically looking at the topic of SUGAR.  (Seems to fit with Valentine’s Day)  Let me be clear about my approach to most areas of our health and wellness.  The key is to eat the right foods, exercise, and maintain a healthy balance.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with having that Valentine cookie or eating the candy, having that glass of wine before dinner, or putting syrup on your pancakes.  Become a student of what you’re eating, the consequences of those choices, alternatives, as well as the long term effect on your body if you're overeating, you're not exercising, and you're not in a natural balance.  Balance is important.

Reuben Chow published an article, “Warning: Sugar destroys your health in more ways than you realize,” in the Natural News in May of 2014.  I think you’ll find some of the information fascinating.  “Fructose, glucose, dextrose, sucrose (table/white sugar) and high-fructose corn syrup are some very common food components today.”  Our society is addicted to refined sugars and harmful to our health particularly when consumed in excess.  “These foods are simple carbohydrates with a high-glycemic index which means they quickly raise blood sugar levels.”  When there is extra sugar circulating in our bodies the “pancreas has to produce insulin to convert it into fat.  This is necessary because too much sugar in the bloodstream is dangerous.”  “To compound matters when insulin is high, hormones are affected and insulin spikes result in drastic drops in blood sugar levels.”  The results for you are feeling sluggish, hungry, and often craving for more carbohydrate-laden and sugary foods.  An unhealthy vicious cycle is the result.  “Our society’s over consumption of carbs, especially simple carbs, is the main reason behind weight gain, and obesity, more so than fat ingestion itself.”

Another problem with sugar is that it is, according to The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods, “one of the food components most damaging to our immune system.”  Research supports the theory that “sugar consumption can suppress the ability of white blood cells to deal with foreign micro-organisms and particles.  Impaired white blood cell function then results in higher susceptibility to various ailments.  White blood cells are very important in defending the body against infections.  Broadly speaking, the higher the amount of sugar consumed, the more immunity will be compromised.”

Sugar affecting the immune system was a surprise to me – VERY interesting.  Then I saw this list of other conditions linked to sugar consumption:  premature aging, various forms of cancer: breast, ovarian, prostate, Crohn’s disease, digestive problems, menstrual irregularities and PMS, depression and anxiety, yeast infections, stress, and ulcerated colitis to name a few.  YIKES!  This list doesn’t include the conditions which we’re more familiar such as diabetes, fatigue low energy, and heart disease. 

“The problem isn't carbohydrates per se, because the body does need this food group.  The big issues are overconsumption and consuming simple carbohydrates which cause quick blood sugar elevation and increased insulin levels which I stated earlier.  Complex carbohydrates actually release simple carbohydrates into the bloodstream at slower rates and don’t cause sugar spikes.”  

What can you do with this information?  A key question to ask yourself, "Am I addicted to sugar?" Sugar IS a REAL addiction!  Try a safe cleanse and know what your body should feel like without all the sugar.  Then begin to eat more natural foods, eliminate ANY form of soda/pop including diet drinks, reduce processed foods, fast foods, pay attention to exactly how much sugar you are consuming (the second ingredient in catsup is sugar), read labels, and make a consistent effort to exercise regularly – no excuses.  After all, your decisions now are compounded year after year, good or bad, and WILL affect your health.  Your immune system and your digestive system (digestive system is considered the second brain) are key to your health and wellness. 

Click on this link for more information:   http://sweetsurprise.com/understanding-natural-sweeteners

Here’s to your health!

“Poor health is not caused by something you don't have; it's caused by disturbing something that you already have. Healthy is not something that you need to get, it's something you have already if you don't disturb it.” ~Dean Ornish