-Just in time for Valentine's Day
"University studies report that dark chocolate not only tastes good, it may be good for you. Chocolate contains flavanols - antioxidants found in nutritional superstars like green tea, red wines, fruits, and vegetables - said to reduce the risk of cardiovascular and other diseases. Studies show that antioxidants decrease blood pressure, improve glucose metabolism, and increase serotonin and endorphin production. No wonder we crave chocolate. The bad news is milk chocolate has fewer flavanols, white chocolate has none, and processing alkali reduces the amount". -Judith Lazarus
Check out these sources: Bissinger's Chocolatier
Working closely with universities and nutritionists, Bissinger set out to develop a chocolate product that can be eaten daily, which not only fits into a healthy lifestyle, but also delivers on great taste. Bissinger's Naturals contain less sodium and carbohydrates than a power bar and less sugar than an apple or banana! Bissinger's Handcrafted Chocolatier makes controlled indulgence easy with Spa Chocolates, a little treasure box with one chocolate for each day of the week. www.bissingers.com
Additional chocolates to check out:
Xocai TM (Sho-sai) comes in a beverage and chocolate nugget form. It combines the antioxidant benefits of the finest, all-natural European cocoa powder, the acai berry, and other fruits. Xocai is sweetened with agave nectar derived from a Mexican cactus.
The manufacturer uses a special delivery system for the antioxidants in chocolate because it eliminates almost all of the fat and sugar typically found in other chocolate products. The Xocai nuggets, the "Healthy Chocolate", are an alternative to the traditional chocolate consumed which is low in the antioxidant rich unprocessed cocoa powder and high in sugar. www.rykes.xocaistores.com Valentines Day never looked so good-and guilt free.
Mindful Living Tips for Stress Free Days
Day Break:
Awaken without an alarm clock-that means getting to bed at a reasonable time. Brush your teeth, clean your tongue, and massage your gums. Drink a glass of warm water-this signals your digestive tract to eliminate toxins. Seek out a quiet place in your house. Sit with your spine long, your chin dropped, hands folded gently in your lap. Your eyes can be half or fully closed. Inhale a long slow breath and follow it by an exhalation of equal length. Wait a second or two between each breath. Make sure there is no strain or effort involved. Put your attention on the stillness that arises at the end of inhalation, between the breaths, and after each inhalation. Over time you will find this morning ritual anchors not only your day but also your life with stability and ease. -Chapra Center and Judith Hanson Lasater, Ph.D, physical therapist, yoga teacher and author of 30 Essential Yoga Poses."
Midday Fitness Stretch:
While sitting at your desk, reach down and grab the bottom of your chair with both hands depressing the shoulders. Using your hand position to keep your shoulders depressed, gently drop your ear to your shoulder allowing your neck and upper trapezius muscles stretch. You can tilt your chin or lift it to change the stretch to where you may need/feel it. Repeat on the other side, taking about five deep breaths in each position. This is a great stretch for those who use a keyboard and mouse during the day.
Dr. John E. Leonard, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist helping injured people deal with pain and stress. After decades of research, he developed the NeuroBehavioral Program that uses our innate genetic blueprints to eliminate pain and stress with just a thought, after only a few weeks of practice.
"Eventually by simply witnessing a stressful or painful reaction, we can not only remove the negative but also replace it with an automatic positive response," Leonard says. "The biggest problem with chronic stress and pain is that coping with it can destroy your joy and zest for life. New discoveries in the science of the mind-body connection verify our ability to take some control and reset the system."
Leonard has taught his body to be instantly aware when stress or pain levels are rising. You can use the same technique to get back in balance so you can enjoy a "harmony of love, work, and play."
When you feel tightening and unease, simply stop what you're doing.
Imagine yourself somewhere pleasurable. Allow that thought to invite you deeper into the experience.
Ask your body if it will let go, assessing your stress or pain levels from the highest at 10 down to 0, taking deep gently breaths and trying to get to a lower level with each one.
Continue these breathing exercises while mentally scanning your body from top to toe, and asking your body if it will release pain and stress from 10 to 0.
By the time you get to your feet, you can regain perspective, energy, and emotional vitality," Leonard says.