Cleanse Benefits

My wife’s greatest strength when it comes to nutrition, well being and health can also at times be her greatest weakness.  She believes with all her heart, mind and soul in the great nutrition offered by Isagenix.  She has tried them and experienced their positive

Lori Harder

 effects first hand.  It is easy for her to talk about them because she is excited about what they have done for her and her family.  As a result, she is eager for others to experience these same results.  It is kind of like watching your kids open their presents on Christmas morning.  It is much more satisfying than any present you could open yourself. 

Because of her own experiences she believes the products and systems can change people’s lives.  This does create a problem, however.  When you believe so strongly in something, it is difficult to accept and understand when others do not see what you see.  It is not a judgement or indictment of those who do not share this passion; but it can be confusing to someone who has accepted the efficacy of a nutritional product completely.  My wife and I are an evidence based couple that needs to see it, taste it, touch it, or otherwise experience it.  We have seen the evidence and have no doubts. 

One of the challenges of Isagenix products and systems is that the product names evoke a specific perception.  A good example is the Isagenix IsaLean Shake.  The name is an obvious reference to weight loss or weight maintenance.  Yet there are professional and world class athletes who have come to understand the nutritional benefits of the products beyond the potential for weight control.  This understanding, however, requires some research and understanding of the products.  The point is that if you think that Isagenix is only for those looking to experience weight loss, then you only know half the story.  Athletes like Lori Harder…bikini model, competitor and trainer have figured it out.  The solution is to do your own research.  If you need some guidance and direction I am sure my wife would love to talk to you.

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On April 2, 2008 Former Surgeon General Doctor “Doc” Richard Carmona gave a speech to the Commonwealth Club of California.  In that speech Doc Carmona made some provocative claims.  The speech was primarily focused on the topic of the childhood obesity epidemic.  The provocative part was that he claimed the childhood obesity epidemic was one of the greatest security threats to our country.  Essentially, if we coninue to produce obese children, where are we going to get our firemen, policemen and military in the future?  If a large number of the candidates for those positions are incapable of passing a basic physical fitness test where will are public safety personnel going to be found?

I use a video of this speech in a presentation I give on health and nutrition, so it was fresh in my mind.  It made me start to think about my responsibilities as a mom.  I am not only thinking about my responsibilities as an American patriot but also the responsibilities I have to my children to ensure I maximize their opportunities as they move on into adulthood. 

I have always been concerned about my children’s health and well being even before I turned my passion for good nutrition into a successful business.  I have come to realize, however, that the fitness level of my children can either limit or broaden the opportunities available to them in the future.  If I have an obese kid, it will have a negative impact on them on several levels.  The obvious implication is that there are professions that require a level of physical fitness or health to perform.  Less obvious is the discriminatory stigma attached to people with obesity.  Regardless, a lack of positive health and physical fitness will mean struggle and challenge for my children throughout their lives.  I am sure that as a mom you would want a healthier life for your children from the time they are born until the day you no longer have influence over them.  It is for this reason that I want to be a positive influence and good role model for my kids.  Who is ready to join me?

It never ceases to amaze me how often I find how much television can adversely affect our lives and the lives of our children.  There are studies that show excessive exposure to television can limit a childs capacity to learn and assimilate information.  Most recently it was suggested that the frequency of scene changes in the popular show Sponge Bob Square Pants may contribute to incidences of people with ADHD.  Who knew that some Sponge Bob fun could cause issues for kids! 

Beyond the potential for for causing mental deficiencies, it is not a great secret that  too much television is a contributing factor to the juvenile obesity epidemic.  For obvious reasons, the longer a child sits in front of a television screen the less they are engaging in necessary physical activity.  If kids aren’t moving, are not challenging themselves physically, and are eating junk food, they are most likely destined to fall under the obesity definition starting at an early age.

Now scientists have determined that kids with type one diabetes who spend hours in front of the television have greater challenges in controlling their blood sugar.  It would seem to be easy to blame this correlation on a lack of physical activity and obesity associated with that lack of activity.  Despite that easy assumption it was determined that this connection was not proven and there was more to the blood sugar/television equation. 

Although it was suggested that a lack of excercise plays some role, it is also believed that kids have a tendency to snack while sitting in front of the television.  Since kids suffering from type one diabetes have to inject insulin around mealtime to control their blood sugar, it is believed that more than 4 hours of daily television viewing can interfere with a childs ability to track what food they are consuming.  As a result their blood sugar becomes imbalanced due to a lack of attention.  This may also go along with the belief that television affects a childs ability to learn and think properly.  

My kids have been on break for the last week.  I think we will be kicking them out of the house tomorrow to go play.  How about you?

CleanseBenefits.com 

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I have some good news.  You may have more influence on your children than you give yourself credit for.  When my children were very young my wife and I struggled with the decision to have her work outside the home and bring in a second income, or have her stay home to raise our kids.  Several years later this decision would lead her into a profession that would offer her the best of both worlds.  Those that know us know I am referring to our network marketing business.  At the time of this decision however we were both very concerned about the financial challenges we may experience.  Even though this perceived hardship was later determined to be mostly unfounded we still needed to conduct a cost/benefit analysis of our decision.  In the end we realized that our concern for our children’s future far outweighed the question of how to make wealth.  We realized that in 20 years our children were going to be our legacy.  They were going to reflect back on us for good or bad.  If our children turned out well and reflected the values we believe are important, then we would be able to take some credit.  Conversely, if they turned out poorly we were going to have to take the blame. 

Sometimes we as parents relinquish some of our responsibility, but in the process also relinquish some of our control over our childrens future.  We may blame the behavior of our children on their choice in friends; or the influence of their school; or the television shows that they watch.  I believe that these influences, however, are provided power over them by the decisions we as parents make about the examples we set for our children.  Our kids see where we go, what we do, and who we associate with and determine that these decisions are appropriate for them as well.  They choose the friends they do because those are the types of friends we keep.  They may be  influenced at school because we have failed to provide them with the proper tools to survive in an environment that may contradict our own belief system.  They are influenced adversely by television because we don’t retain an interest in what they are watching. 

In a recent article in MyHealthNewsDaily they discussed a study dealing with the influence that television commercials have on kids decisions about the foods they eat and the smart eating choices they make.  Surprisingly it was determined that when parents intervene and discuss the commercials and the choices offered about proper nutrition, children can be positively influenced by their parents.  Therefore, all hope is not lost.  Just because McDonald’s tells your kids they should be “lovin’ it” when referring to french fries, you just may be able to convince your kids to love apples or grapes!

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I try to avoid writing posts on a single source.  I get a lot of my ideas from the internet, but like any researcher or information source I like to find additional sources to supplement my blog.  I did, however, read a very good article on how life changing events can have a significant impact on a person’s weight.  These events are worthy of mention.  If we understand what causes weight gains throughout our lives it better positions us to control and address those circumstances.

• Your Big Fat Marriage–I have actually posted on this topic before.  Marriage has it’s costs and benefits (I believe the benefits come out on top every time).  Statistically married people have more  sex than single people.  We also have a tendency to eat a lot more and a lot better.  As a result married people gain 6-9 pounds in the first five years of marriage.  Most of this weight comes in the first year.  Our bodies aren’t used to all that good food!
• Holiday Weight–The average person gains one pound during the holidays.  Ooooohh!!  one pound–I’m scared!  Actually we should be.  one pound may not sound like a lot until you pick up a pound of meat.  Furthermore, that pound may not sound like a lot until you have 15 years of holiday weight gain after you transition into adulthood.  All of a sudden, those 15 years equate to 15 additional pounds.  I can only speak through personal experience, but my problem at thanksgiving is not the amount of any one specific food.  The problem for me is that everyone wants something different.  After the mashed potatoes, the stuffing, the turkey, the rolls, etc., the problem is not that I had a little turkey, a little mashed potatoes, and a little stuffing.  The problem is that I had a little of all that stuff.
• Weight Gain from Pregnancy–This is not something I have experienced myself, but I could argue that I gained some of that sympathy weight with my wife.  What other explanation could there be for why I got so fat during that time period?  Women obviously have a much bigger challenge since they gain an average of 20 pounds after childbirth over 10 years.  In addition, there is a 7% increase…PER CHILD…that a woman will become obese during her lifetime.  Most women would like to know how to lose weight after pregnancy.
• Perimenopausal/Menopausal Weight Gain–This maybe one of the sickest jokes of all.  Women have at least some control over the previously discussed issues.  Women will gain an average of 12 pounds within 8 years after menopause.  Post menopausal women burn 32% less fat than their non-menopausal counterparts.

Some of these issues are difficult if not impossible to control.  As I have said before, though, knowledge is power.  If you know these events are coming, and the presumed results, you may be able to mitigate some of these weight gaining events.  Knowledge is power–PRESS ON!

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In a previous post I spoke of some of the most important news I would ever tell you on this blog.  In that previous post I identifed the things in our environment that are killing us to include:

• Toxicity
• Obesity
• Stress
• Inflamation

We will now start down the path of identifying those things that have a positive influence on these potent killers.  In

5 Pillars of Health

my Christian faith we talk about the Armor of God as the means by which we protect our soul.  I would argue that the Five Pillars of Health serves as the armor that protects our bodies.

The first piece of armor to put on in the battle to save our physical health is Nutritional Cleansing.  Nutritional Cleansing serves the primary purpose of removing the impurities from our bodies, and as a result addresses oxidative stress.    Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen and a biological system’s ability to readily detoxify the reactive intermediates or easily repair the resulting damage.  In simple terms, if our bodies are tied up dealing with bad things in our body it cannot focus on making the good things happen.

The goal is to cleanse our bodies of these impurites.  That goal is met through the use of the Isagenix Cleanse for Life Dietary Supplement.  To find out more about Cleanse for Life or any of the remaining Pillars of Health you can contact us either through our web-site at CleanseBenefits.com or by calling us toll free at 1-866-982-DIET (3438).

The next pillar I will be discussing in a future post is Weight Control.  Stay tuned

I have a very good friend at work who’s daughter suffer’s from Ulcerative Colitis (A form of Inflamatory Bowel Disease).  As is often the case when it comes to serious ailments that affect our children, my friend is well on her way to becoming an expert on the topic.

Quite often parents who find themselves in such situations become more knowledgable concerning a particular disease than many doctors.  Passion and intimate concern prompts education about diseases such as Ulcerative Colitis more than most other catalysts in my experience.  My friend is no different and plans on translating the knowledge that she has aquired coupled with her desire to help others into a blog of  her own.  When she is up and running I plan on sharing the name of her blog with all of you.  Her blog will be focused like a laser on relating the day to day trials and tribulations of having a child who suffers from Ulcerative Colitis.  I believe she will be able to provide thousands of parents with information and comfort as they try to understand and cope with the disease.

I do not pretend to understand the issues she must deal with; however, whenever I am presented with information concerning a persons digestive system I feel compelled to comment as it relates to nutrition.  I have done some research and determined that there are some nutritional considerations.  Failing to pay attention to nutrition can have serious implications because symptoms of diarrhea and bleeding can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and loss of essential nutrients. That can lead to a host of problems such as fatigue, weakness, and anemia.  It is generally recommended that a well balanced diet consist of…

• Foods high in protein
• Complex Carbohydrates
• Whole Grains
• Good Fats

The research I have read indicates that there is no specific diet for people suffering from Ulcerative Colitis, but the big challenge seems to be avoiding foods that cause distress.  This can require some trial and error when determining what exactly causes a problem for  you or your child; however, there are some foods which seem to be common triggers for distress.  Some of these foods to consider include…

• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Carbonated Beverages
• Dairy Products
• Dried Beans, Peas or Legumes
• Dried fruits, berries, fruits with pulp or seeds
• Foods containing sulfur or sulfate
• Foods high in fiber, including whole-grain products
• Hot sauce, pepper
• Meats
• nuts, crunchy nut butters
• popcorn
• products containing sorbitol (sugar-free gum and candies)
• raw vegetables
• refined sugar
• seeds
• spicy foods, sauces

I am not the expert.  I will defer to my friend when her blog comes available.  In the meantime I offer this brief primer.

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I was recently interviewed by Sharon Michaels of Women Enjoying Success.  Sharon Michaels is an inspiration to women in business and is a success coach for aspiring women.  This interview dealt with Building a healthy network marketing at home business.  Click on the image below to listen to her interview with me!

Building a Healthy Network Marketing Business

I was watching The O’Reilly Factor on Fox News Channel today.  In one of the segments a panel was discussing a situation where a severely obese child was removed from his fathers home by a government entity.  The child was 11 years old and…400 POUNDS!! 

One of the arguments made by one of the panel members defending this decision was this.  How was this action any different than the choice to remove a child from a home because he was NOT being fed?  In other words, if we were talking about malnurished children due to the parents neglect, would anybody argue against rescuing the child from such an environment.  I found this argument to be interesting as it caused me to reconsider my previously stated position on this matter…not change it…just reconsider it. 

There were some additional facts that should be noted about this specific case.  The father was physically incapable of properly taking care of his son because of his own physical issues.  As a result of the fathers physical limitations he was feeding his son fast food three times a day.  The child was ultimately removed from the home because it was believed the child would not live past 20 years of age if something was not done.  I must admit that in these very specific circumstances, I do not disagree with the resolution. 

Yet I want to make it clear that identifying children with obesity in general does not justify breaking up a family.  Furthermore, it certainly does not justify the government interfering with the family structure.  If we as a nation begin to travel down this path, where does it stop.  Will we remove children for being 300 pounds…200 pounds…150 pounds?  Will we remove children from their homes because they are getting bad grades in school? 

Removing children from their homes would open a can of worms that I do not think we would close very easily.  There is another consideration as well.  The percentage of fat kids (pardon my bluntness) has tripled over the last 30 years to 17%.  If the government is going to take care of solving the problem of obesity for children by removing them from homes, where are they going to put them all?

The bottom line is this.  As I have stated repeatedly, we need to consider how our behaviors and decisions as they relate to food and nutrition are influencing our children.  If we smoke, they stand a much greater chance of smoking.  If we drink to excess, they are more likely to do the same…and if we abuse our bodies and become obese…well…you get the picture.  I am curious what all of you think about the government taking the 400 pound 11 year old.  I must tell you I am torn.  We all need to start looking at ourselves before something like this becomes commonplace. 

CleanseBenefits.com

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