Family * Travel * Food

Food Is Fuel: Easy Ways To Boost Your Nutrition

We all know what kinds of foods we need to consume to live healthily. But life isn’t perfect- sometimes we’re busy and make choices that aren’t the best due to convenience. Other times we might make bad decisions due to emotional issues- who hasn’t reached for a big bar of chocolate at the end of a stressful day at one time or another! It’s all a balancing act, it’s fine to indulge in the things you enjoy now and again. Just make sure you’re getting the good stuff into your body too. Here are a few ways you can go about it.

Add Salad To Everything

The great thing about salad is it’s versatile and goes with most things. Having a sandwich or burger? Pile on the salad. Pop it onto the side of your plate at dinner time, or if you’re having a meal that it really doesn’t work with it, have it as a starter. It’s fresh, crisp and delicious- an easy way to get another one of your five a day at both lunch and dinner. Skip the heavy, creamy dressings which will be high in fat and calories. Create simple vinaigrettes instead: olive oil, honey, mustard, and vinegar make a delicious combination which is perfect for livening up a salad. Don't just limit yourself to boring old iceberg either. Experiment with different mixed leaves, and add extras like pickles, olives, and jalapenos for a tasty kick. Put some red and white cabbage through the grater attachment on your food processor along with some red onion and carrot for a delicious slaw. You can eat this as it is, or mix some natural yogurt with mustard for a tangy alternative to mayo.

Take Supplements

As well as a healthy diet, a supplement is like an insurance policy to make sure your body isn’t missing anything that it needs. You could check out AlgaeCal reviews if you were after a calcium supplement, this is especially useful if you’re vegan or dairy free. You could take a vitamin capsule or blend which is specifically targeted to your gender and age group. Vitamin C effervescent tablets are popular too. Work out if you’re likely to be lacking anything in your diet and go from there.

image credit

Drink Your Nutrients

Smoothies and homemade juices are a fantastic way to give your body a hit of nutrition. Not only do they taste great but they’re easy to consume, perfect if you’re not massively keen on certain ingredients but want the health benefits of them. They make a great breakfast, especially for those who struggle with traditional breakfast foods. To make life easier, chop up all of your fruit and then portion it into sandwich bags. Pop in the freezer, then you can take one out and empty it into the blender whenever you want a smoothie. Much easier than messing around chopping fruit every time. Add some fruit juice or almond milk to get the mixture going, and add other ingredients of your choice to boost it. Goji berries, spinach, beetroot, and avocado all work well. Added to the base smoothie, you can’t really taste them with the sweetness of the fruit but still get the health benefits.

SHARE:

Head in the Sand: Why the Most Dangerous Thing an Addicted Person Can Do is Nothing

Burying your head in the sand is one of the most dangerous things you can do if you have an addiction problem. These things don’t go away by themselves. You have to take action if you want to get your drinking problem back under your control. It’s not easy to do that, but it’s certainly better than doing nothing at all. So, here are some more reasons why inaction is so dangerous.

Inaction Means That Their Mindset is Wrong

When someone who has an addiction does nothing about the situation they’re in, it suggests that their mindset is completely wrong. When a person’s mindset is completely wrong, there is not much hope of that person getting the help that they urgently need. That’s why addictions can be so tricky to deal with. Mindsets are perhaps more difficult to change that the physical problems themselves. You have to be in the right frame of mind and have the right kind of outlook if you are going to make a huge change to your life.
image source


Other People Can’t Force Someone to Change Their Way of Thinking

People can’t force themselves to change their way of thinking either. On top of that, other people can’t force them to change how they think. So, if someone has a friend or relative who has a drug problem, it won’t be solved by pressuring them into change. Addicts normally have to hit rock bottom before they make changes to the way in which they live. Other people can only point them in the right direction and give them the support and advice they need. Beyond that, the addict themselves have to be in charge and control of what happens.
image source
Problems Pile Up Quickly for Addicted People

Another issue is the fact that problems can pile up very quickly for people who are experiencing addiction. It’s not just the physical addiction that has to be addressed. There also has to be an approach to dealing with the other impacts on your lifestyle that an addiction can have. You can have career problems, fall out with friends and family because of your problem and even have to move out of your home if you have money problems. If you have trouble with the police because of an addiction, you should turn to top-rated DWI lawyers to help you. But when all of these problems pile up, you’ll regret having not taken action sooner.

It Often Takes a Big Problem to Wake Them Up

Sometimes, it takes a big problem to hit a person before they wake up and realize the situation that they’re in. When they hit by a problem that makes them think about how bad their situation has got, that person might then take steps in the right direction. Unfortunately, it can be even harder to recover from the problem because the addiction will probably already be at an advanced stage by then. That’s why it’s always better to take action sooner rather than later if you can.
image source

SHARE:

Provost Academy #MyUnVirtualSchoolIdea

This post brought to you by Provost Academy. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Mom Files.
50912d35-6d1e-460e-9c96-8f44c986c594_zps4d56b1c8
It appears that more and more families are turning to home or online school options for their children. The world is certainly way more different than when I was growing up and going to traditional public school. With one last child at home, I am entertaining the idea of non-tradtional schooling. The question that comes up is, "Will my child have any friends?" I think the social aspect of not attending public or private school physically makes parents get a bit nervous. Provost Academy in South Carolina might have the answer -- Provost Academy in an online public school incorporating social interaction into virtual learning known as My UnVirtual School Idea. They have thousands of students with a common goal. They are like most teens who want to do their personal best, build friendships and explore their dreams together.
206a5627-53f2-44f9-8c3a-12c8c5f4eab5_zpse8422b19
Provost Academy strongly believes that relationships matter as much as academics. They believe that learning is best done together instead of alone. In life, you can't go wrong with the team work approach. I don't think successful adults became that way all alone. The UnVirtual Online School works hard to connect students with other students who have shared goals and dreams, while being an inspiration and support to one another.  They seek out ways for students to engage with professionals in their fields of interest to talk with and learn from over something as simple as a cup of coffee. They try to match up students with opportunities to help them expand their potential and prepare them for some of life's many challenges. Learning can happen anywhere and they want to expand the definition of anywhere. 
All of this is why they like to think of themselves as The UnVirtual Online School. They’re a school built on relationships.
Other fun facts from #MyUnVirtualSchool
· They are accredited. This means the diplomas students receive when they graduate from Provost Academy are real and they are recognized by colleges and the military.
· There is no cost to enroll since they are a public school. Fortunately the value of a Provost education far exceeds the cost, and they work hard to increase that value each and every day.
· Their teachers, advisors and administrators work to build one-to-one relationships with  students. They are a dedicated group challenging each student to go beyond what they think possible and to care deeply about the learning process, not just the outcome.
· They know that learning is unique to each of their students, and flexibility is required. They believe by working together they can create a distinctive learning experience for each student. In honor of this, they invite our readers and followers to help launch the UnVirtual revolution by sharing their ideas, thoughts and suggestions on ways in which an online school can be more social.
The three Provost states are South Carolina, Colorado and Ohio.
I believe the way an online school can be more social is to have a girls' (or guys') night out for dinner and chit chat. Even if you can't be there physically, a Google hangout will suffice! 

Visit Sponsor's Site

SHARE:

Helpful Tips for Introducing a New Pet to Family or New Baby

To answer questions every pet owner should be asking when it comes to preparing for a new pet or for baby, Heidi Ganahl, CEO and Founder of Camp Bow Wow, North America’s largest and fastest growing pet care franchise and INC 5000, has some very helpful tips.



Tips for Introducing a New Pet to Family

1. Get everyone in the family on board – It is important that all of your family members are ready for the responsibility of a dog. Prior to bringing your new dog home, determine who is responsible for walks, feeding, etc., so once your pup is in the home, you are ready to get started on the right paw.

2. Head to the store – You will want to purchase items you will need for your pet prior to them coming home. You will need food, dishes, toys, cleaner for accidents, a leash and collar and more. You want to ensure that you have as much as you need.

3. Let your pet settle in – When you bring your dog home, give them time to settle in and relax, especially if you have child. It can take a new dog a few days to acclimate to their new surroundings, so give them time to de-stress.

4. Get your pup on a schedule - Dogs are very schedule-oriented, so ensuring that you get them on a routine as quickly as possible will help them understand potty times, feeding, walks and more. This will help the transition of having new pets in your home easier for the dog and your family.

Tips for Introducing Pet to Baby

1. Get started right away – Start working on helping your dog get prepared for the new little one’s arrival as soon as you know you are pregnant. If you wait until the last couple of months, you will have less time to devote to helping get your dog ready for the baby’s arrival. It will also help your dog by not overwhelming them with too many changes at once.

2. Take a training class- If your dog has not been to training in a while, it is important to take a refresher course. There are many commands that will be extremely helpful for you to use when the baby arrives. You want to ensure that your dog is able to understand your requests and respond in a timely manner once your baby arrives, so a refresher course will help both you and your dog.

3. Put the baby gate up now - You want to start teaching your dog boundaries, especially at the door of the baby’s room. You want to ensure that your four legged family member starts getting used to not being able to come everywhere with you. Practice going into the baby’s room and closing the baby gate so your dog can’t come in with you so they get used to seeing that behavior before your baby arrives. By the time your baby arrives, your dog will see it as a normal behavior and not something that is occurring just because of the little one.

4. Put baby items around the house – Start bringing in items that will be around the house when the baby arrives. Put a bouncy chair on the floor, bring in a high chair and other items. This will allow your pup to get used to seeing them. It is also a good idea to get a CD of a crying baby and baby noises and have your dog get used to hearing those.

5. Let Fido adjust to new smells – Dogs have a very keen sense of smell so it is important to bring in items that are going to be used on the baby. Purchase baby powder, some diapers, and any other items you know you will be using that have a distinct scent. Your pup will acclimate to them and they will be part of their everyday experience before the baby even arrives.

6. Quality time - Spend a minimum of 10 minutes a day doing something with your dog that they enjoy. Play fetch in the back yard, go for a ride in the car, or simply spend time petting them.

7. Buy a baby doll - You will want to practice having your dog respond to commands and displaying good manners when you are holding the baby, so there is no better way to practice than to carry a baby doll. Sit on your couch and hold and talk to the baby doll and make sure your dog sits on the floor and doesn’t try to jump up, put the baby doll in the bouncy chair and get your dog to lay down next to it. Getting your dog practicing manners right away is a must.
SHARE:

NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE AND WALGREENS PROVIDE FREE HEALTH TESTS TO COLUMBIA AREA URBAN AND MINORITY COMMUNITIES WITH WAY TO WELL HEALTH TOUR

If you live in Columbia, South Carolina, this is some great information for yourself or to pass along to someone in need...

For a seventh consecutive year, National Urban League and Walgreens are partnering for the Way to Well Tour to provide free health screenings to Columbia residents. The national tour will provide free health resources to residents in urban and minority communities who experience disproportionately higher rates of preventable disease. The service is free and insurance will not be billed.

“Way to Well reflects our commitment to disease prevention and to improving everyday health through education and early detection. With the NUL, the nationwide traveling health tour is one way we deliver on our pledge to improve lives by providing underserved communities greater access to the resources they need.” said John Gremer, Walgreens director of community affairs. “We also thank our customers for supporting this cause with us, and ultimately making this important wellness services program a reality by simply purchasing our brand.”
The Way to Well Health Tour is partially funded by consumers who support the Walgreens wellness services mission by purchasing Walgreens brand health and wellness products. Beginning February 1, 2013 through January 31, 2014, 1¢ from the purchase of every Walgreens brand health and wellness product, up to $3 million annually, will support bringing preventive wellness services to local communities through the Walgreens Way to Well Fund®.

The national tour will provide free health tests, assessments, education and consulting services to residents in urban and minority communities who experience disproportionately higher rates of preventable disease. The service is free and insurance will not be billed. Tests include total cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure, body mass index, body composition, skeletal muscle, resting metabolism, visceral fat, real body age and body weight.

Collectively, the health tests valued at over $100, are administered to adults age 18 years and older by certified wellness staff and can be completed in approximately 20 minutes. Afterward, participants will consult with a Walgreens pharmacist or certified wellness staff about his or her results. Consumers are encouraged to report their results to their doctor or health care provider so they may discuss any concerns with them.

In addition to critical screenings uninsured visitors will receive vouchers for free flu shots redeemable at any Walgreens Take Care Clinic. Also available with the tour are educational health and wellness resources provided by NUL as well as Walgreens Way to Well cause partners: American Heart Association (AHA), American Cancer Society (ACS), American Diabetes Association (ADA), Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

The tour will be making the following stops in the Columbia area:

Thursday, April 18th – 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
South Carolina State House
1100 Sumter St
Columbia, SC 29201

Friday, April 19th – 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Walgreens
4467 Devine St
Columbia, SC 29205

Saturday, April 20th – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Walgreens
423 W Main St
Lexington, SC 29072

Sunday, April 21th – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Walgreens
7801 Garners Ferry Rd
Columbia, SC 29209

Thursday, April 25th – 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Walgreens
1223 St Andrews Rd
Columbia, SC 29210

Friday, April 26th – 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Walgreens
1903 S Lake Dr
Lexington, SC 29073

Saturday, April 27th – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Walgreens
1010 Old Barnwell Rd
West Columbia, SC 29170

Monday, April 29th – 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Walgreens
2224 Augusta Rd
West Columbia, SC 29169

About Walgreens
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2011 sales of $72 billion. The company operates 7,840 drugstores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Each day, Walgreens provides nearly 6 million customers the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice in communities across America. Walgreens scope of pharmacy services includes retail, specialty, infusion, medical facility and mail service, along with respiratory services. These services improve health outcomes and lower costs for payers including employers, managed care organizations, health systems,
pharmacy benefit managers and the public sector. Take Care Health Systems is a Walgreens subsidiary that is the largest and most comprehensive manager of worksite health and wellness centers and in-store convenient care clinics, with more than 700 locations throughout the country.
About the National Urban League
The National Urban League is a historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment in order to elevate the standard of living in historically underserved urban communities. Founded in 1910 and headquartered in New York City, the National Urban League spearheads the efforts of its local affiliates through the development of programs, public policy research and advocacy. Today, there are nearly 100 local affiliates in 36 states and the District of Columbia, providing direct services that impact and improve the lives of more than 2 million people nationwide. For more information, visit: www.nul.org


Shelly, Mom Files
SHARE:

There are some things women keep quiet about

As a woman, I know that there are some subjects that I prefer not to discuss. I think it's normal to keep quiet about some things. Did you know that the top 3 women's health issues that are least discussed are Fertility, Fibromyalgia and Constipation? Although the first two might not relate to every woman, the "C-word" has affected us some time in our life. Studies show that women are even less likely to discuss constipation as they get older. Thankfully the female members in my home are open about the subject. I received a fabulous gift kit filled with products samples just for women from Boehringer Ingelheim, maker of Dulcolax. My kit came with: a Pink Lands End small tote bag, Tarte Lip Gloss, Clinique Sunscreen,  Dulcolax for Women product sample, One A Day Women’s Multivitamin Tablet and a box of Tampax Pearl.


The main focus behind the kit was to get me talking about women's constipation and how Dulcolax for Women can help. The first thing that stuck out to me was that it was 'gentle enough for sensitive stomachs'. This is a good thing since most laxatives can give you severe stomach pain. I am so glad to have this on hand since one of my daughters will be going away on a week-long trip and generally comes home feeling constipated. I know they will get put to good use! Here are some points about Dulcolax: 
  • Dulcolax Laxative Tablets for Women have a comfort coating that protects the stomach and helps women's bodies relieve constipation. 
  • Gives women the gentle help they want, and the strength they need for effective constipation relief. 
  • They provide dependable, overnight relief from occasional constipation in 6-12 hours. 
  • Dulcolax Women is now available in 25-count packs and sold at local retailers nationwide.
  • Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should always ask their health care provider before taking Dulcolax Laxative Tablets.

Here is some great information from  Dr. Jennifer Wider (Medical Adviser for Cosmopolitan Magazine and the Society for Women's Health Research) for "Unmentionable Women's Health Tips:

Ladies, talk more openly about the 'C-word'- Constipation!
Research shows that women suffer from constipation more frequently than men, but preventing and treating constipation is almost always simple if you address it like any other health problem. Buying a Dulcolax product or discussing your condition with your doctor can be the first step toward relief.

If pregnant and constipation is persistent, talk with your doctor about an OTC Option
About half of pregnant women experience constipation at some point during their pregnancy. If the usual steps taken to treat your constipation, such as changes to your diet and lifestyle, are not working, your OBGYN may recommend an OTC oral laxative to help. With a comfort coating that protects your stomach and helps you gently relieve constipation, Dulcolax Laxative Tablets for Women can be an effective constipation option to keep you regular. It also provides overnight relief in 6 to 12 hours.

Some heatlhy (and simple) steps to stay constipation free
The good news is that although constipation is common, you can take some easy steps to help prevent it from occurring. These steps include:
  • Make sure to include enough fiber in your diet, which includes eating more fruit, vegetables, wholegrain, nuts, and oats. A sudden increase in fiber may make you feel bloated so increase your increase gradually.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration-and try to cut back on your intake of caffeine, alcohol, and fizzy drinks.
  • The toilet is your friend; make sure not to ignore it! If you have the urge to go to the toilet but ignore it, you an significantly increase your chances of experiencing constipation. 
  • Remember that the best time to use the toilet for "#2" is the first think in the morning or 30 minutes after a meal. 
  • Exercise! Exercise! Exercise! Regular exercise will reduce your risk of getting constipation.

I really hope you get a lot out of this information as I did. If you would like more information on Dulcolax products or more tips on fighting constipation, check out the Dulcolax website. 
Shelly, Mom Files
SHARE:

FYI Email issues

I don't know what the problem is but I am not able to receive email at my sheliza@momfiles.com or admin@momfiles.com addresses. This makes me wonder what things I am missing if nothing can go there! I am using my shelizaismail@aol.com if anyone needs to shoot me an email. I am going to try to get the problem fixed.
Shelly, Mom Files
SHARE:

April is Autism Awareness Month


Check Out Resourceful Autism Books and April eBook Promotion

Autism Spectrum Disorders affect nearly 1.5 million Americans. This April, expand your knowledge with four unique and innovative Autism titles from Sourcebooks.
Take advantage of our amazing promotion- ALL titles listed below for $2.99! (04/19/2011 – 05/02/2011)


Autism and the God Connection by William Stillman:
A powerful, groundbreaking book for anyone touched by autism
· Autism and the God Connection views autism through a spiritual prism, unlocking its hidden meaning.
· Through countless interviews William Stillman documents extraordinary examples of spiritual giftedness.

The Autism & ADHD Diet by Barry Silberberg:
The first step-by-step guide to one of the most exciting new tools in the fight against autism
"Huge changes"| "A different child"| "A miracle" | "Vast improvements"

This is what parents are saying about an amazing diet that is showing extraordinary results in helping children eliminate many traits and symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, celiac disease, and other conditions. The Gluten-Free, Casein-Free (GFCF) Diet, as well as removing all artificial dyes and preservatives, is hugely effective for thousands of families.

A Child’s Journey Out of Autism by Leann Whiffen:
Told with the intensity of a medical thriller, the extraordinary story of how Clay Whiffen and his family conquered autism.
· Profound message of hope for parents dealing with this issue
· Controversial cure angle is sure to spark discussion


Coloring Outside Autism’s Lines by Susan Walton:
A new kind of hope for families living with autism
· A new and much-needed angle on autism. Opportunities to let loose and reconnect for exhausted families immersed in a stressful situation.
· Unlike other autism activity books, these are specially designed for families with the pure and simple goal of being together and having fun.

The April eBook Promotion also includes: The Asperger’s Answer Book, Autism Encyclopedia, Autism Handbook for Parents, Children with High-Functioning Autism, School Success for Kids with Asperger’s Syndrome, and Teaching Children with Autism in the General Classroom.

Shelly, Mom Files
SHARE:
Blogger Template Created For Mom Files All Rights Reserved