Good Nutrition Is Vital

Do you eat like this EVERY day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year?

No?  Me neither.
Probably because those are both pictures of the daily food intake for OLYMPIC ATHLETES!

But what about this?  Is this how you eat on a daily basis?

What?!  You're telling me you DON'T get the recommended:

8 ounces of grains
3 cups of vegetables
2 cups of fruits
3 cups of dairy
6.5 ounces of protein

every single day of your life?!

Those were the daily nutritional guidelines for a 30 year old female who is of average weight and fairly active.  I got the information from choosemyplate.gov if you want to check and see what your daily intake should be based on your age, gender, height, weight, and daily activity level.

Whatever your age, gender, height, weight, or daily activity level may be, though, good nutrition is a vital part of a HEALTHY LIFESTYLE!  Eating right is foundational to good health.  And if you are going to consistently made good choices when it comes to eating and what you put in your mouth, and ultimately your body, you HAVE to surround yourself with healthy foods.  If your fridge and cupboards are stocked with pre-processed, boxed or packaged food full of refined sugars, artificial flavors, and other such "stuff," then you aren't exactly setting yourself up for success.

That's why our counter looked like this last night after I unloaded just the FRESH fruits and vegetables I had bought for our family of four for the next week to week and a half.

This doesn't include the frozen fruits and vegetables, yogurt, nuts, dried beans, whole grain bread, eggs, milk, or anything else that was in my grocery bags after two hours of shopping in two different stores.

My husband and I have a very high monthly premium for our health insurance.  Instead of paying an insurance company "just in case" something terribly wrong happens to us or we have an unexpected emergency situation or serious health complication, we put our money towards eating right on a daily basis.  We figure we would rather invest in our health every day and enjoy the daily benefits eating right provides.

BUT, even we are not perfect.  Take, for example, the day we moved.  Breakfast was banana bread or donut holes from the Hy-Vee bakery and Yoplait yogurt cups.  Usually, I would NEVER even consider giving my children (or anyone I love or remotely care about) a donut hole and I would typically make the bread myself using whole wheat flour, honey instead of sugar, applesauce instead of oil, etc..  BUT, all my baking supplies were packed away, not to mention I simply didn't have the time that morning!

Lunch wasn't any better.  We had Domino's pizza.  And not a supreme veggie one either.  Just one topping larges to save money -- so basically starchy crust, gooey cheese, and some kind of meat.  No fruits or veggies were anywhere to be seen.  Which made me want to cry, as I am accustomed to making sure my children get something from every food group at every single meal.  BUT, again, I didn't have the time to do that, let alone the resources available as my kitchen was piled high with boxes and my fridge was completely empty except for a bottle of ketchup and a few kinds of salad dressing.

Supper?  You guessed it...leftover pizza.

The whole day was a nutritional nightmare!  My only saving grace was that I had some It Works Greens on hand!!!  

I put two scoops in some OJ we had leftover from breakfast and gave each of my girls a cup.  At least then I knew they had gotten something healthy in their bodies.  In fact, they had instantly drank 4-8 servings of fruits and vegetables in a matter of seconds!  To make myself feel better, I too had some Greens in a glass of water, insuring that I got 8 servings of fruits and vegetables despite my poor eating habits that day.

While I was able to take a huge sigh of relief after drinking my water and Greens, I certainly did want to make a habit of my terrible nutrition that day.  I was more than ready to go grocery shopping and fill my fridge and pantry with our usual healthy options!!!

Maybe you have days like that too, though.  Maybe you find yourself rushing to drop the kids off at school or get them ready for the bus, then hurrying to work and doing your best to move everything from your In Box to the Out Box by 5 o'clock, battling rush hour traffic to pick up the kids, get home and look over their homework, only to fly back out the door for soccer, piano, gymnastics, or play rehearsal.  And where in there did you find time to eat those

8 ounces of grains

3 cups of vegetables

2 cups of fruit

3 cups of dairy

6.5 ounces of protein

that you're supposed to have EVERY SINGLE DAY of your life?!  You didn't?!  Why not?  :)

Never fear!  All hope is NOT lost!  It Works is ready to come to your rescue and save the day!

You can't see it in this picture, but in her hand, she's grasping a bottle of It's Vital Core Nutrition vitamins! :)

Why should you be jumping up and down, thanking her from the bottom of your heart?  Here's why:

Now, hear me please.  I am NOT saying that you can go ahead and stuff your face with processed foods and then just pop a couple vitamins in your mouth and all call it good.  Sorry, it doesn't work that way!

Instead, I am suggesting that the It Works It's Vital Core Nutrition vitamins can HELP ensure you get the nutrients you need each day, as you do your best to eat right and make good choices, no matter how busy or hectic or chaotic your life may be.  And on those days when you simply don't have the time or resources to eat as well as you would like, then It's Vital Core Nutrition is there to "save the day."

A bottle of these whole-food, plant-based, gluten-free vitamins costs $29 and lasts a single person a month.  That comes to about a $1 a day to make sure you are getting the nutrients you need, EVERY SINGLE DAY OF YOUR LIFE.  Not bad, not bad at all!

Like I said, good nutrition is vital!  
What's your health worth to you?  
Can you spare a $1 a day?

Check out my website to find out more about It Works It's Vital Core Nutrition vitamins and the other great products in our supplement line.  If you have questions or want to know which It Works products could help you achieve your goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle, I would love to chat with you!

Down for the Count

Ever feel like this in your fight against fat?  

Maybe you want to punch yourself in the face after you give into a carb craving, again.

Or perhaps you're at your wits end of knowing how to stave off your sweet tooth.

Don't throw in the towel!!!!

It Works is in your corner and can help you win the battle against fat and come out on top of your cravings!

With the Advanced Formula Fat Fighter, you can face fat head on and throw it a one-two punch knocking it out for good!

Sound too good to be true?  

What if I shared with you the science behind the Fat Fighters, explaining how the Prickly Pear Cactus and the White Kidney Bean team up to lead you to victory and leave fat down for the count?

Well, that's exactly what I am going to do.  Because I like to know HOW things work for myself, and if I am going to be an It Works distributor, then I need to be able to share what I learn with others who are going to be using our health and wellness products.  

Prickly Pear Cactus

What's so amazing about this prickly plant?  These are just a few of the health benefits of this colorful cactus:

*Amino Acids, including the 8 our bodies don’t naturally produce

*Anti-inflammatory agents called betalains

*Immune System Booster thanks to the polysaccharides in mucilage found in the sticky pads of the plant

*Lower Blood Sugar because of the opuntia streptacantha in the stem

*Vitamins and Minerals: potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, vitamin A, in the form of beta-carotene and vitamin C.  

In researching the Prickly Pear Cactus, I began to understand how it is able to help

absorb some of the fat and carbohydrates so our bodies don't even get the chance

reduce cravings in the first place

AND

balance blood glucose levels

Rather than try to rewrite what I discovered, I will let you read it for yourself:

“Antioxidants act as scavengers against free radicals in our bodies and prevent arterial cholesterol and help to reserve the arterial damage.”

“Magnesium contributes to the activities of enzymes, promotes healthy heart and kidney function and helps your body produce energy.”

“Potassium is an electrolyte that contributes to healthy blood pressure and controls the body’s fluid balance.”

“The fiber and water in this low-calorie, virtually fat-free fruit may promote weight control by taking the edge off your appetite while contributing to your daily requirements for vitamins and minerals. A diet rich in high-fiber fruits like prickly pear may prevent constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticular disease, a condition that can damage your intestinal lining.”

“When taken after a meal it allows the body to expel around 30 per cent more fat – meaning the body absorbs almost a third less fat from food than it would otherwise. It's an exotic “fruit” made famous by The Jungle Book that has been unveiled as a secret weapon in the fight against obesity.”

Just so you don't think I made any of this stuff up, here are the websites where I found my information:

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/prickly-pear-juice-benefits.html

http://www.examiner.com/article/holistic-health-benefits-of-nopales-cactus-also-known-as-prickly-pear

http://www.helium.com/items/1150308-pickly-pear-nutritional-benefits

http://www.librehealth.com/2011/11/prickly-pear-cactus-fruit-benefits.html

http://www.livestrong.com/article/408943-prickly-pear-health-benefits/

http://www.naturalhealth365.com/tag/prickly-pear-health-benefits

http://www.pricklypearjuice.org/health-benefits.php

All that is great and wonderful and spectacular, BUT the It Works Fat Fighter doesn't stop there!  It adds White Kidney Bean to the mix to add even more benefits.

So, what all can can this tiny little bean do?  Here are some of the things it brings to the table: 

*Molybdenum

*Folate - lowers levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that acts as a toxin in the bloodstream

*Fiber – promotes healthy cholesterol levels and helps stabilize blood sugar levels

*Potassium, manganese, magnesium, iron, vitamin K

And again, here's what I learned those nutrients can do:

“Soluble fiber forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract that binds with bile (which contains cholesterol)and ferries it out of the body.”

“Kidney beans are an excellent source of the trace mineral, molybdenum, an integral component of the enzyme sulfite oxidase, which is responsible for detoxifying sulfites. Just one cup of cooked kidney beans supplies 177.0% of the daily value for molybdenum. Sulfites are a type of preservative commonly added to prepared foods like delicatessen salads and salad bars. Persons who are sensitive to sulfites in these foods may experience rapid heartbeat, headache or disorientation if sulfites are unwittingly consumed. If you have ever reacted to sulfites, it may be because your molybdenum stores are insufficient to detoxify them.”

“When there is enough magnesium around, veins and arteries breathe a sigh of relief and relax, which lessens resistance and improves the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.”

Here are the websites where I got that information:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/233551-what-are-the-benefits-of-white-kidney-beans/

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=87

So, there you have it!  Now we both know HOW the It Works Fat Fighters can help you knock fat flat on its face!  

If you want to feel more like this in your own battle against fat or need some help battling those carb cravings or can't seem to hold off your sweet tooth, the It Works Fat Fighters could be just what you need!!!!

If you want more information about this supplement or any of the other It Works health and wellness products, you can check out my website or contact me via facebook or email!  I would love to chat with you to see how It Works could help you be successful and accomplish your goals!!!

Are You a Turtle or a Rabbit?

If you are like me, you are a turtle.
Rather, your metabolism seems to work at the speed of a turtle.  Or perhaps a snail.

Either way, you work hard to eat right, stay active, and make overall good, healthy choices but still struggle to lose or maintain your ideal weight.  You look at a piece of bread or think about a piece of chocolate and you seemingly gain a pound!

How can we take our metabolism and make it more like a rabbit?

Or say a cheetah?

Well, I am happy to tell you that It Works has just the supplement for people like us!

As are all It Works products and supplements, ThermoFIT is made with natural ingredients.  I like to know how things work, so I researched three of the main ingredients in ThermoFIT that are responsible for helping to boost your metabolism, burn more calories, increase your energy, suppress your appetite, and more.

Here's what I found:

Then, I went on looked around on the internet to find out even more about these natural ingredients and their amazing health benefits.  And of course I wanted to share what I learned with all of you!

(Sorry for the weird formatting that happened when I copied and pasted from a handout I made!)

Red Pepper: http://www.healthaliciousness.com/vegetables/bell-pepper.php

v Increased Protection from Bacterial and Viral Infections
v  Increased Immune Function
v  Reduced Cancer Risk
v  Protection Against Heart Disease
v  Alzheimer's Protection
v  Osteoporosis Protection
v  Antioxidant Protection
v  Prevention of Epileptic Seizures
v  Prevention of Alopecia (Spot Baldness)
The capsaicin in peppers is known to help increase blood flow, aid in alcohol metabolism, and is an expectorant that alleviates bronchitis and emphysema.

Raspberry Keytone: http://ketonesraspberry.com/raspberry-ketone-health-benefits/

v  Increased lipolysis (fat breakdown)

v  Help increase the rate in which calories are burned through the process of thermogenesis (increased heat)

v  Help decrease the absorption of fat

v  Great source of ellagic acid, which is a compound known to have many anti-carcinogenic properties

Acai Berry: http://www.acaiberry.org/benefits.html

• v  Weight loss - One of the most desirable benefits of Acai Berry supplements weight loss.
• v  Increases Energy- Our active lifestyles leave us drained of energy. Many of us don’t get enough sleep, and we walk around all day like zombies. This creates serious long-term medical conditions. Thankfully, Acai Berry helps improve your overall energy. You can rest better, and wake up more refreshed in the morning. 
• v   Improves Blood Flow- Poor circulation can lead to numerous medical conditions (clotting, balding, and heart issues.) Acai Berry supplements work to improve your blood flow, thus staving off many serious ailments. Improved circulation makes you feel better and live longer.
• v  Healthier Skin- The berry contains many unique properties that work to make your skin look and feel younger.
• v  Stronger Heart- Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in America. From lack of exercise to poor dietary habits, our hearts endure a lot of stress. Acai Berry supplements give your heart the nutrients it needs to work properly.
• v  Better Concentration- Another of the seemingly endless benefits of Acai Berry is the improved mental clarity it produces. In a way, this goes back to the circulation benefits. With better blood flow, your brain is able to operate more efficiently.
• v  Reduced Cholesterol- When you think of lowering your cholesterol, you probably recall images of eating healthy foods that taste terrible. Acai Berry supplements save you the trouble of eating tasteless oats. This berry will lower your cholesterol significantly over time.
• v  Detoxifies Body- Acai Berry contains several antioxidants that work to eliminate harmful substances from your body. Throughout our life, our body absorbs many damaging substances. Acai Berry works to eradicate them, and to make your immune system stronger than ever before.
• v  Enhances Sexual Performance- Do I really need to explain why this is beneficial?

I love that God created foods to help our bodies stay healthy!  I love that I can take this supplement, knowing that I am using nature to maintain good health.  I love that I can confidently sell these products and feel good about helping people achieve their health and wellness goals.

Again, if you are interested in learning more about ThermoFIT of any of the It Works health and wellness products, please let me know!  If you are close by, you can come by my house to sample some of the supplements I have on hand or wrap at a discount.  If you can't just hop in your car to come visit me, then please check out my website or find me on facebook or send me an email!  I would love to chat with you about how It Works could help you accomplish your health and wellness goals!

Too Good to Keep to Myself

I was going to wait until tomorrow to share this, but it's just too good to keep to myself another second!  Plus, I am super duper excited about all I just learned about the It Works defining gel and simply can't stop smiling.  While I was working to create a little handout to have at my parties for those people who are like me and want to know HOW things work, I had several friends contact me via facebook asking for more information about the wraps and the greens.  One person was even interested in joining my team and becoming a distributor herself!  I am over the top with happiness and giddiness!

When I became an It Works distributor about 3 weeks ago, I was nervous about what people would think of me.  I worried they would be skeptical of our products, like I used to be.  And so I have made it my mission to educate myself and others about the way our health and wellness products work.  I want people to realize we're not gimicky or offering quick-fix solutions, but really, truly helping people develop and maintain healthy lifestyles.  Whether someone's goal is weight loss or increased metabolism or better eating habits or reduced stress or increased energy or smoother skin or whatever else they may want to help them on their journey to health and wellness, It Works has something for everyone!

Take the Defining Gel that I was talking about earlier, for example!

Just look at all the things it can do:

Brighten Tattoos

Reduce Acne

Moisturize Dry, Cracked Skin

Diminish the Appearance of Cellulite

Help Heal Scars

Clear up Rashes

Reduce Stretch Marks

Help Clear up Excema

Smooth Skin and Help Reduce Wrinkles

But HOW is the Defining Gel able to do all of that, and more?!  Well, that's what I am excited about and want to share with you!

As are all It Works products, the Defining Gel is made with natural ingredients.

Here are some of those key ingredients and what they do:

Witch Hazel: This plant naturally contains some amazing active compounds (like tannins and anti-oxidants) that enable it to be considered as an excellent remedy for conditions like acne, inflammations, swelling, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, various skin problems, insect bites, and laryngitis.

Seaweed:  helps the detoxification process by speeding up the elimination of toxins from our cells; helps nourish and re-mineralize the skin; is a natural cellular renewal ingredient

            Check out this website:

                        http://www.advancedbionutritionals.com/Home.htm

            Put Seaweed in the “Search Box” and you will find an article that highlights its many benefits!

Ivy: prevents water accumulation in skin tissues, helping to tighten, tone, and refine our skin; also know for its slimming and anti-cellulite properties

Butchers Broom: generally used as an anti-inflammatory, aromatic, diaphoretic, diuretic, mildly laxative, and vasoconstrictive agent. It has been used to alleviate constipation, improve blood circulation, and to ameliorate water retention discomfort. This medicinal herb is believed to tighten the veins of the circulatory system and fortify the walls of capillary vessels.

The plant contains many steroidal saponins. These steroidal saponins are believed to be responsible for the medicinal effects of this herb. The active principle is ruscin (monodesmosidic spirostanoside type), ruscoside (bisdesmosidic furostanol glycoside type) with accompanying aglycones (neoruscogenin and ruscogenin). The high flavonoid contents such as rutin that ameliorates the flow of blood to the brain, hands, and legs.

 Because of its mild diuretic action, it acts as herbal remedy for reducing swelling of the legs, and it seems to be useful in the treatment of phlebitis and natural treatment for varicose veins.

Various people use butcher´s broom for the treatment and prevention of a variety of ailments such as atherosclerosis, chronic venous insufficiency and the suppositories made from this plant are often utilized in the herbal treatment of hemorrhoids.

When butcher´s broom is applied as a topical ointment, it seems to be effective in easing off the pains and swelling associated with arthritis and rheumatism.

Sound good?!  Sure does!

But wait, there’s even more!!!

Guarana Seed: Guaraná is an evergreen vine found growing in the wild basins of the Amazon rain forests. The indigenous people of the Amazon rain forest have used crushed guaraná seed as a beverage and a medicine. Guaraná was used to treat diarrhea, decrease fatigue, reduce hunger, and to help arthritis.

Guarana's active components are guaranine and the alkaloids theobromine and theophylline. Guaranine is almost identical in chemical structure to caffeine and has many of the same effects. Guaraná also contains tannins, which may account for its traditional use to treat diarrhea.

Guaraná, in combination with Asian ginseng and Siberian ginseng, is often used by athletes in an attempt to produce an energizing effect.   Guaraná contains a substance similar to caffeine called guaranine. Guaranine stimulates the central nervous system, increases metabolism, and has a mild diuretic effect. It has been suggested that in combination with other herbs, guarana (guaranine) may be effective in helping to promote weight loss. This effect is probably due to an appetite suppressing mechanism, an increase in calorie burning, or both.

Green Tea:  The secret of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. The latter takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke.

Rosemary: The leaves of the rosemary contain stomachic (aids digestion) properties, and this property is often used by hair tonic makers, with the belief that its regular use would help prevent baldness when it is applied externally. Rosemary is often recommended especially for cases of low blood pressure. Both the volatile oil and the medication in the rosemary have been used as emmenagogues, which would be effective in stimulating menstrual flow and as abortifacients.  Camphor, cineole, and borneol are all active compounds of the rosemary, and all these compounds possess an adequate amount of antibacterial properties. Furthermore, the rosemary has stimulating properties, and this becomes more evident when the oil is applied locally. In addition, the leaves of rosemary contain a number of flavonoid pigments of which diosmin, to quote one example, is reported to decrease capillary fragility and permeability. According to German health authorities, rosemary can prove to be effective for bringing in relief from indigestion. Rosemary can also be used as a supportive therapy for rheumatic disorders, and externally, rosemary is acknowledged for its efficacy and success in the treatment of circulatory problems.

Eucalyptus:  an anti-inflammatory oil which helps to regenerate the skin; stimulates both our minds and bodies

So, there you have it!  There is a science behind what It Works products do.  And the nerdy part of me just LOVES that.  Tomorrow, I am going to be researching one of our supplements -- ThermoFIT.  I want to learn how it helps boost your metabolism because that is definitely one area of my life that I need help with, especially as I get ready to turn 30 on Saturday!

Don't worry, I won't keep what I learn a secret.  If it's anything like what I discovered today, then it too will be "Too Good to Keep to Myself!"

Seriously, if you want to know more about any of the It Works products, contact me!  Or visit my website to see if we have something that might help you accomplish your health and wellness goals!

Comfortable in Your Own Skin

I want to introduce you to another of the products in the It Works skin care line.

Drum roll, please....

Today, I am featuring our Hydrating Toner & Freshener!

So, what exactly can this product do for you and your skin?  I'm so glad you asked!

Mist your skin with this balancing toner for ultra-light hydration and pore-minimizing power. Hydrating Toner & Freshener is a soothing, alcohol-free formula that hydrates, tones, softens, and refreshes skin without stripping it of essential moisture. Aloe, Chamomile, Marigold, Green Tea, Panthenol and Allantoin soothe, protect and nourish the skin.

• Restores skin to its natural pH
• Tightens pores for a healthy-looking glow and
  more even skin tone
• Specially formulated to be ideal for all skin types
• Doubles as an excellent post-shaving treatment to
  soothe skin and banish bumps
• Also works great on sunburn, bug bites, and other
  minor skin irritations

Directions: Mist over face and throat to tone the skin after cleansing with Cleanser Gel. Hydrating Toner & Freshener may, alternatively, be sprayed onto cotton pads and applied to the skin with gentle upward and outward strokes. Use throughout the day as needed to refresh, hydrate, and relax the skin.

Want to know more?  Check out my website, where you can learn more about the Hydrating Toner & Freshener, along with the other products in our Skin Care line.

If you are interested in using the Hydrating Toner & Freshener, or any of the It Works health and wellness products, please let me know!  If you live close, I would love for you to come over to my house and sample some of the products I have on hand.  OR, you could host a party and earn FREE products to use!  If you are too far away to meet in person, you can call, text, email, or find me on facebook to learn more about It Works and how we can help you accomplish your health goals!

If you are interested in becoming part of the It Works team, I would love to chat with you as well!  Basically any Tuesday and Thursday, I am at home and available -- as my husband is working on getting his Masters degree and has classes or is working late to write papers for his class.

Can Your Shaving Cream Do That?

Is your bathroom counter cluttered with an array of beauty and personal care products?  Hair brushes and combs?  Styling gel or hairspray or both?  Make-up?  Face wash?  Soap?  Lotion?  Shaving Cream?

What if you could take several of those products and combine them all into one, without having to sacrifice the quality and effectiveness of any of the products?  Not only would you have more room on your counter (or in your shower caddy), but you would also have more money in your wallet!

Sound good to you?

Well, then, the It Works Cleanser Gel is just what you have been looking for (and maybe you didn't even know it)!!!

As all It Works products, the Cleanser Gel is made with natural ingredients.  As a botanically based cleanser, the Gel is soap-free, allowing it to gently "sweep away all skin dulling elements including oil, dirt, pollutants, and even the toughest of make-up without stripping the skin of its natural moisture."  Infused with green tea, marigold, and chamomile, the Cleanser Gel doesn't just clean your skin but softens and balances it as well.  Not to mention, you'll smell good too!  Oh, and did I mention this "silky, clean-rinsing lather" can double as shaving cream?!

Perfect for all skin types, the Cleanser Gel can be used from head to toe to "rinse away the daily grime" and leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead or climb into bed to enjoy a good night's rest after a hard day of work.

We have a whole line of personal care products, so check those out as well.  Just visit my website: sarahyoung.myitworks.com and click on "SKIN CARE" to find out about these other botanically based toners, lotions, and creams.

Stress Out, Peace In

Ever feel like this?  

Ever have days like this?

Ever think about doing this?

I have TWO solutions for you.

First, stop and pray.  God has promised to fill us with HIS PEACE.  Let Him do that!

Don’t worry about anything; 

instead, pray about everything. 

Tell God what you need, 

and thank him for all he has done. 

Then you will experience God’s peace, 

which exceeds anything we can understand. 

His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

And that isn't a one and done answer.  You will have to do this repeatedly throughout the day.  Some days more than others.  In fact, it's best if you just pray all day long.  That way you stay in God's presence no matter what is going on around you.  That way you can ABIDE in Him and enjoy the calm His power and presence offer in the craziest of circumstances.  

On my other blog, I recently wrote about Jesus' last words and how important they are for us today:

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. 

Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. 

But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

As you pray and take your worries and troubles and stress to God, He will exchange those headaches and heartburn, fears and doubts for His PEACE.  You may not be able to snap your fingers and have the entire house cleaned.  You may not be able to click your heels together and magically transport yourself to a beach.  You may not be able to close your eyes and open them to a pile of cash sitting in front of you.  BUT, your heart and mind will be refocused.  Instead of feeling empty, you will begin to sense the FULLNESS of God as you spend time with Him and allow His Spirit to comfort, encourage, strengthen, guide, and direct you.  There is no replacement for this extraordinary peace.  It is not of this world and cannot be matched, duplicated, or re-created.

Why, then, did I say I have two solutions for your stress?  

I believe God can use people and things to bestow His peace upon us.  

How comforting it is to have a friend call and let you know she was thinking of you.  Or to get an email, text, facebook message, or handwritten note when you are feeling down in the dumps.  Sometimes a hug, pat on the back, squeeze of the hand can do wonders for a hurting heart.  

Music is also powerful; maybe listening to the radio or a favorite CD will hel you relax.  

Taking time to step outside and take in the fresh air, to gaze up at the clouds, to listen to the birds, to notice the colors around you, to be STILL for just a moment can also allow you to refocus and lay aside the troubles overwhelming you.

Personally, I am not one to turn to medicine to fix my problems (though I know there are times when people definitely need medicine for their particular situations and that is totally fine!).  However, if there is a natural remedy, I am all over that!  I believe God has given us ways to heal our bodies, using His creation to do so.

I am not a scientist, though, and don't really know what plants and herbs and such are good for headaches or stress or burns or cuts or whatnot.  I do like to research and learn, most definitely.  In the three years that I have been teaching natural childbirth classes, I have gained so much knowledge about the human body and natural ways to approach various situations.  At the same time, I have so much more to learn!  Right now, I am working to earn my certification as a lactation educator and am reading an 800+ page book.  Every day, every chapter, every page, I seem to learn something new!  As I told my students when I taught 5th grade, we are all lifelong learners.  If we stop learning, then really we stop living.

Lately, I have also been learning quite a bit about all the various It Works products, which just so happen to be made with ALL NATURAL ingredients.  And so, I believe they are a great way to help individuals develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle.  As I have said before, this includes eating right, exercise, staying active, and making good choices all around.  It's more than just looking good -- having a six pack or big biceps -- and about FEELING GOOD too.  Mental and emotional health go hand in hand with physical health.  

That's where my second solution comes in:

Remember, my FIRST solution was to pray and let God fill you with His peace.

I think taking 2 Confianza tablets a day can also be a way to fight stress, increase your energy, and reduce fatigue.  Made with all natural ingredients, Confianza provides you with a healthy way to restore balance within your body and cope with the stresses of every day life.  

One bottle of Confianza is $25 for loyal customers (buy 1 product of your choice for 3 months, can be different each month, and there's no minimum order amount required).  If you take 2 tablets a day, the bottle will last you a month, so that comes out to LESS than a $1 a day.  

Stress can result in headaches and tension throughout the entire body.  While I believe in chiropractic care, it isn't always cheap.  One visit can cost anywhere from $25 to $50.  A one-hour massages are advertised for $49 here in my area.  Headache medicine, even the "off-brand" kind, can add up if you have to take 1-3 tablets every day.  Again, evaluate the cost and benefits when looking at the price tag for any It Works product.  And remember, good health is a front-end INVESTMENT.  Take care of yourself now and more than likely you will live longer and be able to go and do more as well!

With that said, I need to go pack as we are moving in TWO DAYS!  Maybe I should have ordered some Confianza for this somewhat stressful time of life :)  

If you would like to know more about Confianza or any It Works product, you can check out my website OR I would be more than happy to talk with you via text, email, facebook, or on the phone!