Hydration - Healthy Tip #22

Healthy Tip #22

When you don't drink the right amount of water, you gain weight, experience foggy thinking and your skin becomes dry.

The Solution
1. Drink the proper amount of water for you each day. (Learn how to calculate how much you need below)
2. Be aware of dehydrating activities that will require you to get more water such as: medications, working out, extreme weather, caffeine and alcohol.
3. Eat your water - eating fresh, juicy foods is the best food for you and great to help with hydration.
4. Time of day - drink half of your daily water needs before noon. Drink the other half before 6 pm. It's best to drink on an empty stomach. Never drink with meals or after meals. It is ok to resume drinking 1-2 hours after a meal.

Calculate Your Needs
To calculate your daily water needs, divide how much you weigh (in pounds) by two. The answer will tell you how many oz. of water you need per day. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, drink 75 oz. of water.

What To Expect
As you begin to drink the right amount for you, the cravings for coffee and soda begin to disappear.

Dehydrating Drinks
Anything with caffeine, coffee, black and green tea, soda, drinks with sugar and alcohol.

Which Water?
Avoid - regular tap water and distilled water in plastic bottles
Acceptable - spring water delivered in glass bottles or tap water that has been purified.


Sincerely,
Jon-Michael

Ten Tips to Save Money and Stay Healthy in the New Year

Happy Holidays! With the New Year approaching soon, we at Love Street Living Foods wanted to share with you ten tips to make 2010 a healthier and less-expensive year on an Organic, Vegan, and Raw Diet:

1) Buy food like oils, nuts and seeds (make sure they are fresh) in bulk for maximum savings

2) Buy high-quality, organic supplements online and in bulk

3) Eat fruits and homemade trail mixes and smoothies for sustained energy on-the-go

4) Make meals with others and split the cost of ingredients (especially bulk ingredients) with them to save even more money (and spend time with loved ones!)

5) Grow your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs for an amazing, fresh taste and as a labor of love

6) Save money overall by eating out less (or eating less-expensive meals at restaurants), eating less processed food, and not visiting the doctor or hospital as much

7) Learn how to maintain an Organic, Vegan, and Raw Diet (for all those days when you crave other foods) with our personalized Nutrition Evaluations

8) Supplement your diet (while staying energized throughout the day) with our very own Personal Training/Coaching Services

9) Sign up for our Newsletter for great discounts to restock on your favorite products, try new ones, and get original recipes

10) Shop online at the health food super store that has searched out all of the best products at the best prices: Love Street Living Foods

A New Raw Transformation

We here at Love Street Living Foods love it when you take charge of your life. We especially love it when you achieve the results that you were looking for:

Colleen, who has been training with our CEO, Jon-Michael Kerestes (an Olympic-caliber coach), for the past 5 months, has lost 42 pounds through weekly sessions and a change in diet. For the full story (and to see some before-and-after photos), take a look at the video testimonial below!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mA3XBPKGm4

If you would like to have a success story similar to the one shown here, then please contact us for a FREE fitness and nutrition assessment!

Need a Date?

Well Love Street Living Foods has got you covered! We have just added the third variety of date to our inventory: the Deglet Noor date. Deglet Noors (Arabic: 'translucent' or 'date of light') - are so named because the center appears light or golden when held up to the sun.

Dates are a sweet, fleshy fruit with a long history. Dates have been a staple food in the Middle East for thousands of years--there is even archaeological evidence of date cultivation in eastern Arabia as early as 6000 B.C.

Much like the palm trees we are used to seeing in southern areas of the United States, the Date Palm is a tall tree that produces large bunches of these berry-like fruits. This type of tree is thought to have been migrated from the desert oases of northern Africa to various areas with similar climates around the world. Date Palms are believed to have been brought to America by Spanish Conquistadors in 1765. Our Deglet Noor dates are a product of California, a primary date producing state in the USA. Dates are actually much like berries, in that the fruit is formed above the flower of the plant. They contain a single seed (stone or pit) and are separated into categories by level of sweetness;

"soft" (or sweetest) which includes: 'Barhee', 'Halawy', 'Khadrawy', 'Medjool'
"semi-dry" (or medium sweet) which includes: 'Dayri', 'Deglet Noor', 'Zahidi'
and "dry" (or least sweet) which includes: 'Thoory'

There are many uses for dates--though most often used in desserts, they can be pitted and stuffed with nuts, tahini, other fruits or just eaten plain. Chopping or pureeing dates creates a sweet filling for cookies, pies, puddings or other desserts. The possibilities are endless, try something new and create your own date dish! If you send us the recipe, we will publish it on our website!

Dates have a high tannin and fiber content and are often used to relieve gastrointestinal discomfort, and to promote regularity. They have also been known to be administered as a mild fever reducer, and made into a tonic for the relief of pain associated with sore throats, and bronchitis. While dates are mostly made up of carbohydrates and fiber - they do boast a reasonable protein, calcium and iron content and are very low in fat.

So, why not spice up your diet with a date? Try a new recipe, add them to your favorite dish or just eat them as a snack. Your digestive system will thank you.

Breathe in the Best Possible Air

At Love Street Living Foods, we care about providing you with the best selection of eco-friendly products available--which is why we offer a great range of Air Filters, Purifiers, Fresheners, and Humidifiers that come with a variety of features, and in sizes and colors to fit your specific needs. These Air Products will not only provide relief from Spring- and Summertime allergies, but will keep both you and places such as your home, car, office, and refrigerator contaminant-free. Thus, asthma sufferers will benefit, as well.

Many of these products, in general, remove contaminants, allergens (pet dander, mold spores, dust, pollen, dust mite feces, etc.), secondhand smoke, and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) from the air you breathe. Volatile Organic Compounds--for those who are not aware--are gases and vapors emitted from solids and liquids (such as paints, cleaning supplies, and pesticides) that pose both short-and long-term health risks.

A sampling of the Air Products we offer:

Filters/Air Purifiers:
-Our Ozone-Free HEPA Filtration Air Purifier removes at least 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 micrometers in diameter (the most difficult size of particles to filter). Particles that are larger or smaller than this size are filtered with even higher efficiency. HEPA filters, in general, are designed to target and trap very small particles through 3 mechanisms: interception, impaction, and diffusion. This portable unit uses UV, ionization, and photo-oxidation to not only kill mold and germs, but to eliminate smoke, odors, and pollutants in the air you breathe.

Air Purifiers:
-Our 1500 square foot UV/Ozone Air Purifier (shown above in the color Pearl; also available in the color Graphite) is the "World's Best Lightweight Air Purifier"--using a technique found in nature that combines UV light and activated Oxygen to remove smoke, odors, and germs. Aside from being lightweight, it also comes with adjustable fan speeds (to control the amount of cleansing ions and oxidizers used) and a 2-hour Away mode to give you the most activated Oxygen for the best possible cleansing in a remote area. If you are looking to cover a greater amount of space, we also provide 3000 square foot UV/Ozone and Ozone-Free Air Purifiers.

-To reduce germs in your car, hotel, or office, try our Portable Air Purifier. Lightweight and with parts that are all replaceable, this unit has 6 customizable settings for each type of space and uses a UV bulb and Purifier Plate to cleanse the air you breathe--anywhere you go!

-For your own breathing zone, our stylish Personal Air Purifiers use the technology of Advanced Ionic Air Purification to have a constant supply of fresh ion-charged air in places such as airplanes, elevators, and places with pool-quality air. Ultra-lightweight and available in the variety of colors shown (Pink, Graphite, Clear, and Pearl), these purifiers comes with a neck strap, clip, two lithium rechargeable batteries and battery recharger--making them easy-to-wear for hours on end! Affordable and a great investment--make sure to get one for each member of your family!


Fresheners:
-We also offer a multi-tasking Plug-In Room Freshener (in the colors Pearl and Graphite) that comes with a built-in Night Light, for well-lit areas and up to 50 square feet of space with sprays of activated Oxygen. Featuring an adjustable power switch and 3 modes of operation (Away, Normal, and Night Light), its plug-in design lets you move it from room to room, without anything to trip over! This handy Freshener sprays away odors in places such as your bathroom, closet, office space, hallway, and near trash cans, hampers, diaper pails, litter boxes, and anywhere else you may need a large burst of freshness and/or an extra light.

Humidifiers/Air Purifiers:
-To reduce static and avoid dry skin and irritated sinuses, our very stylish Room Humidifier with Air Purification is not just for staying warm during Winter (and, thus--saving energy). Using activated Oxygen to clean and tiny water particles to moisturize the air, this Humidifier also prevents mold, mildew, and bacteria in its tank--and ultimately, in your air.

Other features of this high-efficiency Humidifier include: low maintenance, LCD display, a large capacity and washable tank, low power use (plugs into a standard outlet), and adjustable user controls (comes with a remote control). Lastly, all of the parts of this Humidifier can be replaced--thereby increasing the amount of times it can be used over the years, and saving you from having to purchase an entirely new Humidifier!

The Theraputic Power of Far Infrared Heat

Who wouldn't like to come home after work and relax in their personal home far infrared sauna? I know I would! Love Street now offers these luxurious, hardwood, far infrared saunas at great prices! They come in 1, 2, 3 or 4 person models--sized for any home.

Infrared (IR) radiation is electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength longer than that of visible light, but shorter than that of radio waves. The radiation hits the surface of the body and heats through a process called conversion, instead of heating the air around you. This is very much like the way the sun heats you--(when you bathe in its light) only without the harmful UVA and UVB rays which can damage your skin.

Far infrared heat is a very natural way to heat the body and stimulate sweat glands, which in turn triggers the body's built-in detoxification system. By regular sweating, we encourage our bodies to rid themselves of toxins and other substances that build up in our systems from everyday pollution, artificial or modified substances in the foods we eat, and daily living. The toxins leave our bodies through our sweat glands, and then can be washed away by showering, or bathing. *Note: when sweating to detoxify, always make sure you drink plenty of spring water both before and after you sweat --an abundance of water in your system allows you to maximize the effectiveness of your sweat, replenishes vital organs after they have detoxed, and ensures toxins have available fluids on which to leave the body through sweat glands.

Detoxification however, is only one of the many benefits of far infrared sauna therapy. By heating your body and activating your sweat glands, your body's metabolism naturally increases. Each minute you are in your sauna, calories are being burned as your body works hard to pump blood, stimulating your cardiovascular system. This stimulation is similar to that of a cardiovascular workout - and with regular use, a far infrared sauna can be an effective weight loss tool! Check out this interview with actor Jeremy Davies on how he used a far infrared sauna to lose weight for a role by clicking HERE. There is also research to support cellulite reduction through far infrared sauna therapy's deep warming capability.

The deep penetrating heat of a far infrared sauna also helps to alleviate muscle pain by dilating blood vessels and increasing blood circulation--giving achy, overworked muscles the nutrients they need to heal. It also serves to lubricate joints, tendons and tissues for a greater range of motion and flexibility--causing an overall decrease in stiffness and joint pain.

Many people cannot endure a traditional sauna's "steam room" heat for very long (traditional saunas can reach an air temperature of 169-190 degrees Fahrenheit!)--as this can cause sensations of light-headedness, low blood sugar or fainting. The air temperature in Love Street's far infrared saunas remains between 100-140 degrees Fahrenheit, and is adjustable by the user. All of the energy used by the sauna goes into heating your body directly, and not the air around you--making them more comfortable to use, efficient and energy-saving.

These far infrared saunas are also quite luxurious! Each model includes lighting inside and out, windows for ventilation, all hardwood cedar construction (for that classic sauna aroma), digital controls, and a Pioneer Stereo system with built-in speakers! This is all in the comfort of your own home. Thus, the benefits are amazing and the price is right for any budget--so why wouldn't you want one of these waiting for you at home?

Chlorine and its Effects on Your Health

Wikipedia states, Chlorine is usually used (in the form of hypochlorous acid) to kill bacteria and other microbes in drinking water supplies and public swimming pools. In most private swimming pools chlorine itself is not used, but rather sodium hypochlorite, formed from chlorine and sodium hydroxide, or solid tablets of chlorinated isocyanurates. Chlorine is used to disinfect most public water supplies in the United States; even small water supplies are now routinely chlorinated.[1] According to Jacqueline Brazin in her report on Chlorine & Its Consequences, the U.S. Department of Treasury called for all water to be disinfected with chlorine by 1918.[2]

Chlorine does play an important role in keeping our water free from harmful bacteria and germs- in turn, preventing the widespread of disease, and a clean water supply for most homes. However, once our water has been made “safe”, how does the residual chlorine affect our bodies? The EPA has stated that every household in the United States has elevated levels of chloroform in the air due to chlorine released from showering water, and that tap water often contains at least as much -if not more- chlorine than is recommended for use in swimming pools!

It has been found that more chlorine enters the body through dermal (skin) absorption and inhalation while showering than through drinking tap water, partly because our pores widen when exposed to heat or warmth- such as the warm water in a shower. This, unfortunately, leaves us open to absorbing the chlorine through our pores, in addition to breathing it in through the steam that fills the bathroom. In fact, chemicals in shower water vaporize at a much faster rate than the actual water, increasing the concentration of chemicals in the steam. Inhaled chemicals make their way into our bloodstream much more quickly than if they were ingested, completely bypassing our “natural filtration system” – our digestive tract!

All that aside, it is the chlorine in the shower water that causes your hair and skin to dry out, which causes you to spend more money on body lotions and hair conditioners. It can also cause irritations and rashes on sensitive skin. Chlorine has even been suspected as a contributing cause of breast cancer. In fact, women suffering from breast cancer are all found to have 50-60% more chlorine in their breast tissue than healthy women![3] Now, I know what you’re thinking, ”I’m never showering again!”, but let’s not go that far yet. There are things you can do to protect yourself and your family from overexposure to chlorine through showering.

Install a Shower Filter

Using a shower filter is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce harmful exposure to chlorine and other chemicals. They are relatively inexpensive, easy to install, cheap to maintain and remove up to 99% of chlorine in the shower water. There is very little effect on the water pressure; in some cases it may even help your water flow.

Monitor the Chlorine levels in your Water

Using a Digital Chlorine Meter allows you to monitor the amounts of chlorine in your shower water, and lets you know when it’s time to change the cartridge in your shower filter. Most meters are small, compact, low cost and easy to use. They measure chlorine in ppm (parts per million), which will help you keep your shower water in a safe range (under 1 ppm).

Showering in filtered water results in greater respiratory health by reducing the risk of asthma and bronchitis from chlorine inhalation - children benefit most from this small change. It also results in better air quality throughout the house, making for an all-around healthier home environment.

Without the drying effects of chlorine, skin becomes softer, healthier, and younger-looking - and because your hair and skin area able to preserve their natural moisturizing oils, you will, ultimately, need less body lotion and hair conditioner. All in all, making these changes will have you saving your money and your health, just by changing your household showerhead!

More information is available on shower filters, digital chlorine meters, and chlorine and its effect on your health at our website: www.lovestreetlivingfoods.com.

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[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorine

[2] CHLORINE & ITS CONSEQUENCES Report By: Jacqueline Brazin 12.091 Medical Geology/GeochemistryDr. P. Ila IAP 2006, 01/30/2006

[3] http://www.allaboutwater.org/shower-filter.html