2009 Handbook of Life: 3. Eat More Foods That Grow On Trees And Plants And Eat Less Food That Is Manufactured In Plants.
By Ria | May 5, 2009
We have heard a lot about the 4 food groups and clearly fruits and vegetables are among the groups that you are supposed to consume in large quantities throughout the day. However, most Americans eat more processed foods, breads, and cereals than ever before. It’s no surprise that our forefathers were healthier than our generation. They ate what they cultivated on their own land, and guess what? It consisted of lots of fruits and vegetables! They didn’t have raisin bran, corn flakes, oodles of noodles, canned soup, hamburger helper or deli meats! They ate just plain vegetables and fruits that they grew in their own backyard!
The reality is that those fruits and vegetables are very alkalizing for the body, while the processed foods are acid forming. The more acidic the body, the more unhealthy and the more likely dis-eases will begin to rear their ugly heads. Eating processed and other highly acid forming foods is also a prominent cause of weight gain and obesity. Everyone wants to find a “quick fix” for losing weight. They follow the lemonade diet, the cookie diet, take drink supplements, and all kinds of pills. Then others continue to eat normally, but find results with acai or goji drinks. The only reason those drinks seem to work is because acai and goji are potent antioxidant fruits that work to alkalize your body. You could probably get the same results if you drank massive amounts of apple cider vinegar, which is also a great alkalizer. Your grandmother or great-grandmother probably swears by it. Ever hear the addage: “an apple a day keeps the doctor away?” Apples = alkalizing. Or how about the kid in school who always ate a lot of oranges and never got sick? Oranges = alkalizing.
Those other methods can help you jump start your weight loss but there is no replacement for eating a healthy (and therefore alkalizing) diet, and exercising. It’s the only “diet” plan I know that shows consistent results. And, the results I’m talking about are not just weight loss. I’m talking about overall health. Thin people are not necessarily healthy people! Ever wonder what it would be like to never catch a cold, have high blood pressure, get diabetes, have a skin disorder, fill-in-the-blank-for-your-own-ailment-here?
I know because I — on-again, off-again — live this philosophy. In 2005, I lost weight, maintained the loss for several years, reduced the inflammation in my body that was causing my illnesses, and I felt better than ever. I followed an akalizing way of eating and kept it off along with the bronchitis and sinus infections I would acquire several times a year. My Chronic Fatigue Sydrome also disappeared. I was living life again. I won’t say it’s easy because it takes a tremendous amount of discipline to eat the “right way” (i.e., love yourself enough to put your health first). It’s all too easy to go to a movie and get buttered popcorn, or dine out and want that lovely, decadent chocolate lava cake for dessert. I did mention that I was on-again, off-again, didn’t I? It’s hard for me to resist chocolate in any form!
Spring is the perfect time to get your mind in a healthy place and start a program that will lead to great health. In fact, let’s take the challenge to great health together! There is an $8.00 book you can get called “The Acid Alkaline Food Guide” that will help you distinguish the foods that are highly alkalizing from the ones that are highly acidic. Try it for 1 month and see the results you are able to achieve. For those of you who want to take it to the extreme, you might want to try the raw foods diet. I WISH I could be so disciplined! But if you are, these resources are for you!
http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Eat-a-Raw-Food-Diet?&id=2294049
http://www.rawfoodlife.com/
Here’s to great health!
Ria
www.ilovemecollection.com
–Be loving, happy, yourself, free.
Topics: journeys to self-love | No Comments »
2009 Handbook of Life: 2. Eat Breakfast Like a King, Lunch Like a Prince, and Dinner Like a Beggar.
By Ria | April 20, 2009
Ahhh! The great topic of portion control but with more valuable information!
My wise doctor (Dr. Sakaliba Mines), used to tell me to eat dinner for breakfast and make it the biggest meal of the day. It’s called the Reverse Diet. She said that the brain needed the nutrition in the morning to keep the body going all day. So, I tried it and it really made a difference! Instead of cereal with milk, I would have scrambled eggs (with sea salt and tumeric for seasoning), roasted asparagus, a little applesauce, and half a sweet potato (with cinnamon of course). Not only was it the best breakfast, but I didn’t get hunger urges during the day and had more energy. When I’m doing what I’m “supposed to do,” I add 2 smaller meals (nuts and raisins for example) for a total of 5 meals to keep my digestive system active and happy and my metabolism up.
And, it’s no secret that eating less later in the day when you are less active makes sense. It takes more for your body to digest food when you slow down your activities. Less food at dinner also has a direct impact on the quality of your sleep. When your body slows down into the state of relaxation, it will not have to continue processing the food you ate for dinner. Of course the quality of the food you eat makes a difference too, but that’s a subject for another day!
Take a look at this article to learn more and read the testimonies of other people:
To your health and happiness!
Ria
www.ilovemecollection.com
–Be loving, happy, yourself, free.
Topics: journeys to self-love | No Comments »
2009 Handbook of Life: 1. Drink Plenty of Water
By Ria | April 15, 2009
Hi, all!
I recently came across an email withe “Handbook 2009″ in the subject. Maybe you have seen it too. I thought it was so profound, I printed it and decided to devote a blog to each of the items on the list. The first one is: Drink plenty of water. Seems simple enough, yet most people don’t drink enough water. And even when you do drink water, it isn’t “good” water.
I encourage people to drink at least 64 ounces of water a day. I also encourage people to drink water that is truly good for you. You would think that drinking water alone would be good enough but unfortunately, that’s not the case. Depending on how the water was processed (that is for bottled water), you may be doing more harm than good. Water that is alkaline (as opposed to acidic), reduces food cravings, better hydrates your body, and helps your body stay healthy by supporting the minerals, enzymes and cells that have a big job to do detoxing your system!
If I could, I would have a Kagan water system installed in my home, but since I don’t have that kind of money at the moment, I make due with Smart Water. I never, never, never drink a Coke or Pepsi product like Aquafina or Dasani. They do more harm than good.
Don’t take my word for it — see for yourself! Take a look at this video about why the type of water you drink is important: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcXWjpp6a1U
Here’s to loving you!
Ria
www.ilovemecollection.com
–Be loving, happy, yourself, free.
Topics: journeys to self-love | No Comments »
Say “Yes” To Yourself!
By Ria | January 22, 2009
I was reading an article written by a guy named Dean Rieck, who goes writes for copyblogger.com, and it was about how you get to yes with customers. It was based on basic psychology about how we think and do what we do. It occurred to me that maybe that same rationale applied in more than just the sales arena. After all, it is based on our psychology. So here we go! Let’s see how using his top 6 ways to get to yes, can work to improve our own lives!
1. Reciprocation. We have an overwhelming need to repay a debt. So, when someone gives you something for free, you feel like you need to do something for that person.
Application to You: Make a point of doing something for yourself every time you do something for someone else. You should reward you to balance out the energy you give away and that you keep or give to yourself. So, if you give someone else a compliment, give yourself one too! If you help someone with a project, help yourself to some relaxation time. Now you are really building up that love bank! And, when you do something for yourself, the more you are able to give to others.
2. Commitment and Consistency. According to Rieck’s article, “we are driven to remain consistent in our attitudes, words, and actions.” So, when we make a true commitment to something, we tend to stick with it. In sales, Rieck suggests starting with a small commitment and then growing it.
Application to You: Make a list of what you would like to change in your life. Then, pick out the easiest one to implement. Make a commitment to make that change. Write it on a poster board or sticky notes and post them where you can see them — in your bathroom, on your bedroom ceiling, on your car dashboard, on your computer. Map out a plan for how you can achieve that goal and give yourself a reasonable amount of time to achieve it. Determine what support you need to meet your goal and put it in place. After you meet this challenge, go to your list and pick another one!
3. Social Proof. Rieck states that we imitate others and care what they think, especially when we aren’t sure about something. That’s why testimonies are so effective.
Application to You: Find out how other people have done what you want to do for yourself and try their way. For instance, if you want to change your diet, choose a plan that you know other people have used and has worked for them. I know I’m asked all the time about how I lost weight, the books that made a difference in my life, or what products I use for my hair or skin. That’s why I have a “My Favorites” section on my web site. The same applies to the changes you want to make for yourself. Even if the first way doesn’t work for you, there are many other methods and testimonies out there that you can try. You already made the commitment (see #2), so why not take the time to find out what works for you.
4. Liking. According to Rieck’s article, we readily respond to people we like. What does that mean for saying “yes” to yourself? It means you need to take a quick internal check and ask yourself if you really like who you are. If you don’t, it will be much more difficult to do something for yourself. Self-loathing is a tough hurdle — but NOT insurmountable. If you find yourself in this category, the first step is to find a way to like who you are. Maybe you are like Julia Roberts in the “Runaway Bride” and don’t know who you are. When you like yourself, it will be much easier to do what you need for yourself.
Application to You: Take a good look at yourself in the mirror. Are your first thoughts about what you don’t like about yourself or are you smiling at your reflection? If your answer wasn’t smiling, spend some time figuring out what you don’t like about yourself. Is it your weight? Then make a commitment to change your diet and exercise. Engage the support of a friend or family member to help you. Is it your outer appearance? Go shopping to change your image, get a new haircut, and get a manicure. Is it your inner thoughts? Seek someone to talk with confidentially who can help you retrain the way you think about yourself or deal with whatever is upseting you and keeping you from having a happy life. Maybe all it takes is saying “I love you” every time you look in the mirror. It may feel strange at first, but eventually you will start to believe it and it will get easier.
5. Authority. As human beings, we are trained to believe that someone who has the appearance of authority is an expert and therefore should be listened to. As Rieck puts it, we look to them “to give us the answers and show us the way.”
Application to You: In looking to say “yes” to yourself, authority shows up in two ways: (1) the authority or permission you give yourself; and (2) the expert you may seek to help you with your life challenges. The first thing is to give yourself permission to have a happy life. Sometimes that conscious discussion with yourself can be liberating. Also, recognize where your strengths are, i.e., where you are the expert in a certain field or skill. Sometimes that means talking to yourself or giving yourself the same advice you have or would give to someone else. You are your own authority on have a good life! For life challenges that you struggle with, you may need to seek an expert who can help you get back on the path. (See #3 and #4 above).
6. Scarcity. The fear of loss is a great motivator! According to Rieck, it is an instinctive tendency to avoid losing something or the chance to possess something desirable. He suggests creating time limits and limited availability.
Application to You: Get on a schedule for doing what you need to do for yourself! Time is the most precious and limited resource we have and it cannot be changed. Once a minute is gone, it is gone forever. What are you going to do with the time you have? If you have a plan for how you are going to change your life, scheduling time for yourself will be essential if you are going to meet those goals. Want a good example? Think about how a woman prepares for her wedding day. The date is set and there is no changing it. She knows that there is only a certain amount of time to make sure she looks exactly how she wants to look for the big day. She sets a schedule and plans for how she will make her goal of looking the most beautiful on that day. Scheduling time for yourself also helps you mentally make the change because you can take it day-by-day and for small periods of time each day, until one day, you will find that you have reached your goal!
Happy New Year! Happy New You!
Ria
–Be loving, happy, yourself, free.
(If you would like to see the article that is the basis for this blog posting, please visit http://www.copyblogger.com/get-to-yes/)
Topics: journeys to self-love | 1 Comment »
Tea Time is Great with a Friend!
By Ria | November 30, 2008
In the middle of the holiday chaos, I took a few hours to enjoy some downtime with my friend, Nicole, at the Ritz Carlton for Afternoon Tea. It has been a few years since I had Afternoon Tea and it was wonderful to share that experience again with Nicole, and for her first time.
Nicole is also a business owner (www.basketsofinspiration.net) but also works full-time in the military. She is going back to school to get a Masters degree in nutrition and like me, is a big believer in getting back from the Universe what you put into it. I love making friends with other “kindred spirits.”
Even if Nicole and I didn’t have the same life philosophy, it was a nice reminder that treating yourself is important and should be the norm rather than the exception. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed sipping tea, talking with a friend, and sampling savory tea sandwiches and sweets. The restaurant/lounge was beautifully decorated for the holidays and smells from the gingerbread house hovered just outside in the open hallway. The experience literally transported us to another time and place as we got to know more about each other and our aspirations for our lives. At the end of our tea time, we both promised to do it more often, as we also punctuated those promises with “I could get used to this!”
Topics: journeys to self-love | No Comments »
Overcoming Fear
By Ria | November 16, 2008
Not too long ago, my youngest brother asked me how I overcome my fear. He asked me as his all-knowing, big sister, who so courageously left her cushy government job to start her own business. I hope I didn’t disappoint him when I responded that I didn’t necessarily overcome my fear. It just lives with me as each day while I continue to put one foot in front of the other. Of course I have my good days and my bad days, and the bad days can be really bad! That’s when I look for inspiration to motivate me forward. I have a belief that every action we take is either motivated by love or fear. So, it’s not so much that I conquer fear, it’s that I choose to base my decisions in love.
In my case, the question about overcoming fear related to my business, but he wanted to know because he was facing a different issue and a major decision for his life. What is it for you? Chances are, it’s the very thing that is paralyzing you — holding you back from doing what you know your soul yearns to do. For instance, why don’t we eat healthy knowing that we need to lose the extra weight? Why don’t we apply to the MBA program at that high-ranked school that will take our lives in a totally different direction? Why don’t we try adding a totally new ingredient to a recipe to “see what happens?” Why don’t we raise our hand in that seminar to ask our burning question? Why don’t we tell the person we have been dating that we love them or apologize for that argument we recently had? Instead we think: “No way! I can’t be the first!”
It started me thinking about why we fear trying new things or putting ourselves “out there.” We tell our children that they can do anything they want to do. We tell them that at least they have to try because “nothing beats a failure but a try,” right? Yet, by the time we reach adulthood, we barely believe those words ourselves. I think it was one of those famous motivational speakers who said that we aren’t afraid of failing; we are afraid that we will actually succeed. I suppose there are some circumstances where that saying is accurate, but I can tell you that in most instances, I’m afraid of failing.
So you want to know what I do to handle my fear? I ask myself: “What would love do?” Here are a few tricks of the mind I use to live in love:
1. I don’t believe you can make a “bad” decision. I look at everything that happens in life as a learning experience and I embrace it for what it has to offer. Kinda reminds me of that new movie coming out with Jim Carrey where they guy starts to say “yes” to everything and has a more fulfilled life. You can too!
2. I trust my inner intuition that it’s something I should do. If for some reason, I fall short of my goal, I regroup and find a workaround. I believe in the saying: “When God closes a door, He opens a window.” Believe it! I find that not getting what you want can lead you in a better direction and one that is more appropriate for you.
3. I TRY not to care what other people might think about me. Who do you live your life for anyway? The answer should be — for you! So who cares if someone thinks you are stupid for asking that question — ask anyway! I recently went to the arcade and competed with a 12-year old on the “Dance Revolution” game. Did I look uncoordinated? Probably. But, I didn’t care for a second whether other people were watching me or what they thought for that matter.
4. I find something to keep me motivated. I have a vision board in my office, I listen to motivational speakers, I read motivational books. Most recently, I have been listening to Obama speeches. Regardless of whether you voted for him or not, you have to admit that it took tremendous courage and vision to run for the highest office in the country, while the entire world watched!! Now, he is someone who can tell his children that they can do anything they want and believes it!
5. I seek out friends/colleagues who are going through the same things I am. Sometimes, you can find courage just knowing that you aren’t the only one who is afraid. When I talk about my issues or options with my friends, I always come away with more resolve about the situation. It’s not that they made the decision for me. Rather, it helps me remember #1 above! : )
Working through your fear is a great testament to loving yourself. Your turn! What do you do?
Copyrighted 2008. Ria Moore Benedict
Topics: journeys to self-love | 2 Comments »
Empowering Moments Radio Show Interview: Love, Friendship, & Divorce
By Ria | April 29, 2008
Today, my ex-husband, David, and I were guests on the talk show, Empowering Moments. I have been a guest on the show a few times, but this is the first time I have spoken on the topic of my divorce with David and about our book that hopefully, will be published soon.
Although we had a difficult marriage, we were able to maintain an amicable relationship during our separation and divorce and then become friends afterwards. How we were able to come to this point in our relationship could only occur with personal development, truth, self-love, and a lot of forgiveness. And, in David’s words, we followed the motto: “Don’t let a bad marriage mess up a good divorce.”
You can listen to the show on the Empowering Moments website at www.empoweringmoments.com. If you listened live or through this link, we hope you leave us a comment. We would be happy for you to share your thoughts and experiences and encourage you to dialogue with us. : )
Ria
Topics: journeys to self-love | 1 Comment »
Are You Living in the Past?
By Ria | April 23, 2008
As some of you may know, I am writing a book with my ex-husband on what we know best: how to have a good divorce! We are approximately half-way through our outline at this point. The first half was difficult to write, mostly because it required both of us to retell the story of our courtship, marriage, and the events that lead up to our last day as husband and wife. All of it is equally important so that our readers will understand how much personal development we went through to be able to have a “good divorce” and come out as friends in the end.
It’s as emotionally raw a story as can be told. I talk about the first time we met, our wedding day, the day we separated, and how I dealt with those feelings. As I typed, I felt myself in those feelings again — the good, the bad, and the ugly. And although re-living those feelings gave me the strength to write the book, I had to also realize that they were attached to things that happened in the past and are not a part of my current life, my present.
I’m up to the point in our story now where I talk about the catalyst for the i-love-me collection. It started with a ring I bought to replace my wedding band on my left ring finger. It was the pact I made with myself to heal my head and my heart and become whole again. It was my daily reminder to love myself even during the difficult times. Had it not been for my constant reminder (i.e., my new ring), I may have been tempted to re-live those feelings in my current reality and never truly move on.
As I finished typing that section, I wondered how many times we hold onto negative experiences of any kind and re-live them unnecessarily. It made me think about the impact those experiences have on our present life when we choose to constantly re-live them.
It’s called living in the past, which will keep you from experiencing life to the fullest if you go there too often. Some consideration of the past is helpful, like when you try to find the lessons in the experience. Otherwise, it’s a negative force that grows each time you give it power over your life. Over time, your past becomes your present, full of negative emotions and resentment.
Instead of obsessing over what has been, celebrate what is and what can be. Remember that the quality of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts so choose to make them good ones!
Ria
Topics: journeys to self-love | 1 Comment »
A Testament to the Butterfly Conference
By Ria | March 9, 2008
On Saturday, March 8, 2008, approximately 60 women joined together to experience the Butterfly Conference in Pensacola, Florida. The sponsor was Freda Robbins-Carmack, who wanted this conference to give the women of Pensacola something special. Freda will be married later this month and this gift to women stands in place of having an extravagant bridal shower or bachelorette party. She simply just wanted to give to others by building the spirit of women through this very selfless act. No details were spared for this conference. The presenters were inspiring as were the participants themselves. The catered lunch was amazing and everyone left with something they needed to feed her soul.
If you participated in this conference, tell us what you gained from the experience. I’m sure Freda and the world will want to know, and hopefully it will inspire others to do the same.
Ria
Topics: journeys to self-love | 16 Comments »
Falling Off the Wagon and Other Thoughts for the New Year
By Ria | January 14, 2008
It’s the middle of January and I’m just now getting around to refocusing my life for 2008. Unfortunately, in the midst of working the business (I did a LOT of holiday shows in December!), catching a cold bug, the holidays, and house guests, it was easy to “fall off the wagon.” I had way too much fun eating turkey with gravy, macaroni & cheese, candied yams and of course my personal challenge — chocolate desserts! Actually, it was hot fudge sundaes to be precise. And what’s more is that I was okay with where I was in that moment until I became a little anxious about it. I was anxious because I knew that how I was managing my life was not healthy for me. I wasn’t finding time each day for me and I wasn’t eating foods that would make my body feel good. As good as the food tasted in the moment, it never failed to make me feel bad afterward. The only problem was — I couldn’t help myself — so the cycle continued for a whole month. What was worse is that I also wasn’t exercising either so now, I was adding insult to injury. Not only does my body feel very out of balanced right now, it also hurts because my joints have stiffened up from all the inactivity. Great way to start the New Year, huh?
I wish I could say it is the first time I have fallen off the wagon but the truth is, it happens from time to time. I get distracted with something and the next thing I know, I have lowered “taking care of ME” on my list of priorities. The reality is — life can get in the way but the difference now is that instead of blaming myself and allowing myself to feel badly about it, I forgive myself, realize that I had fun along the way, and create a new plan for moving forward. It’s that simple. I forgave myself and now I’m acting on that new plan to take care of me. I can’t say it’s a New Year’s resolution because I believe that it’s never too late to take action toward being a better person. That’s something that you can strive for every day. For me it just means taking the time to feel how I really feel about myself and taking at least some small action to rebalance myself when I’m not feeling centered.
My plan is to:
* detox my system (see my favorite detox brand at http://www.ilovemecollection.com/favorite.html);
* get plenty of rest;
* work smarter and not harder;
* balance time with work, family and friends;
* make healthier food choices that alkalize or balance my body;
* exercise; and most of all,
* be okay with myself if for some reason I don’t strike this balance for a day or even a week.
I’m learning that falling off the wagon is okay as long as you pick yourself up and get back on. Happy New Year!
Topics: journeys to self-love | 1 Comment »
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