Hiatus

Going from Ms. Avid-posting Queen, to Neglectful Momma... I had to write a quick post to let you all know I'm still alive and kickin ;).

Some of you approached me in wonder, and some feeling concerned about why my blog has been floating in midair with no activity...

Ironically enough, my time away from being on top of things was totally necessary. Being healthy consists of many things, mainly being able to take responsibility for your life and do what is order to be fit - physically, emotionally and mentally.... and spiritually. Time dedicated is just as important as time away, and in respect to that - we should be in tune with what our body asks us for.

We cant always be 'on,' - and just like taking a vacation away from work - sometimes we need to take a vacation away from ourselves. This is health. An instinctual catering to oneself - with no influence outside of your own. With no desire, or overachievement. Movement with nature with always lead us to contentment.

All these recipes, health tips, resources, regimes.... all beneficial - this is why my blog will always remain active. But remember to find yourself not obsessing. Remember to take that time away - your body in all aspects will thank you for it ;)

Stay tuned ...

[thought of the day] -->

Time will move on with our without your consent. Make it easier on yourself and move accordingly, accepting all changes that occur. When you bend with the wind, you will not break, and when you move with time, you shall not be left behind -- and all your needs will be catered to. Just remember to keep memories in your pocket, and allow the present to hold clear vision to shape the future.

Sunshine is your best friend.

With summer just around the corner, it got me thinking about my morning tea on the deck ... warm breezes through my hair .... and that kissable sunshine on my face. Lest we forget the weekends at the beach, and a consistent dose of elevated happiness. God I love summer...

For the last couple decades, sunshine has received a bad reputation, labeled as a cancer causing vice. As a result people have been limiting their exposure believing it was beneficial for their health. What they didnt realize was that sunshine actually provides one of (if not the most) important factor our body requires to fight illnesses, cure and prevent diseases - and actually provide longevity ....

Vitamin D is one of the most under-studied, and neglected 'hormone' today - and yet - it is probably the most essential requirement for our body. Studies have shown that most Westernized part of society are Vitamin D deficient - and ironically enough, are also the sickest.


What is Vitamin D....

Vitamin D is one of the oldest hormones, having been produced by life forms for over 750 million years. Phytoplankton, zooplankton, and most plants and animals that are exposed to sunlight have the capacity to make vitamin D. In humans, vitamin D is critically important for the development, growth, and maintenance of a healthy body, from birth until death.

Technically not a "vitamin," vitamin D is in a class by itself. Its metabolic product, calcitriol, is actually a secosteroid hormone that targets over 2000 genes (about 10% of the human genome) in the human body. Current research has implicated vitamin D deficiency as a major factor in the pathology of at least 17 varieties of cancer as well as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, depression, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, muscle wasting, birth defects, periodontal disease, and more.

Vitamin D's influence on key biological functions vital to one's health and well-being mandates that vitamin D no longer be ignored by the health care industry nor by individuals striving to achieve and maintain a greater state of health.

To read more about Vitamin D, please visit "The Vitamin D Council" here

So where do we get Vitamin D?

Food: Aside from rich fatty fishes like salmon and sardines (and if you are minimal meat eater like me) - you can get a good source from dark green vegetables like kale, chard, collard greens, and spinach.

Nature: Sunshine. Get lots of it, and relieve yourself from the mass-marketed belief that sunlight is your cancer-causing enemy. Now, dont burn yourself to a crisp - protect your skin with healing oils and soak in the goodness.

Supplements: If you are Vit D deficient or aren't sure that you are receiving the right amount from sun exposure or foods - feel free to consume a Vitamin D supplement. They are in-expsensive and all you need (on average) is 1000-2000IU's a day (in addition to other forms).

Even more information....

Enjoy this video that features Dr. James Dowd, author of "The Vitamin D Cure." This man knows his stuff.

More Video featuring Dr. James Dowd:

Vitamin D Video Part 1

Vitamin D Video Part 2