There seems to be a lot of guess work involved in finding the right vitamins and nutrients that your body really needs. Most people won’t go get blood work done to determine what their body is lacking and what types of vitamins could be beneficial for their health. Because of this, many tend to just choose what looks good.

But there is now a better way to get the nutrients you need–spot on. Code Nutrition offers customized vitamins–based on your DNA. They will send you a cheek swab kit. Once you return it, they will see exactly what your body needs, and then you will receive it every month. No need to go to the store and cruise that vitamin aisle. It comes right to your door. This summer, you will be healthy, happy, and vibrant–with your body getting all the nutrients it needs.

Many people use the excuse that because they work in a cubicle or in an office, they just can’t get the physical activity that they need to stay healthy. This is just not the case. The key is to get creative and find ways to get that heart pumping and that blood flowing. For all careers, it is helpful to get a pedometer to make sure you get in the steps you should throughout the day.

Here are just a few ideas:

• If you have a job where you stand quite a bit, try walking around or “pacing” a little. It will also keep your mind off your sore feet from just standing in place. And this works for everything from teaching piano to working retail. Just take a few extra steps every hour and so and you will be on your way to a healthier life.
•  We’ve seen it on television before: replace your office chair with a large exercise ball. It will engage your core muscles the entire day. Now that is a workout.

• I once worked as a receptionist for a small company. My fellow receptionist used a portable stair climber underneath her desk. She would sit there for hours working it out…while she knitted, of course. Talk about multi-tasking.

So again, you just have to get creative and get active.

It’s true. Stress CAN make you fat. Just what you needed to hear, right? When you are stressed, your body changes and shifts. If you are in a prolonged stressed state (chronic stress), it can greatly damage your health. Remember, people react to stress differently: some overeat and some can’t sleep; just to name a few. Extreme stress is definitely not good for a healthy mind and body.

I know, I know. It is extremely hard, if not impossible, to eliminate stress from our daily lives. Stress is a part of life. But another part of life is dealing with stress and finding beneficial, relevant, and effective ways to relieve it.

Here are some common stresses:

• Mortgage Payment: In my experience, this is one of the most stressful reoccurring things in my life.  There it is; a thirty year loan just hanging out. You can either stress like crazy over it or find some way to resolve that. For me, I found a great program through United First Financial that greatly decreases the loan time. Granted, it takes discipline. But it is SOOO worth it in the long run.
• Career: Working can be very stressful. But it is important to find little times throughout the day to detox, if you will. Take a walk during lunch, read on your break, or take deep breaths throughout the day to calm down.
• Kids: Just with the mention of this word I know you are reaching for your hair to pull it out. But remember, the kids have their own stresses. Find ways to relieve your stresses together, including going to the park, watching a movie, and just spending time together.

By reducing your stress factors, you will be able to better reach your fitness and health goals. Good Luck and RELAX!

Let’s face it; the world is going “green”. Since it doesn’t look like it will be reverting back to our wasteful ways anytime soon, we had might as well get on the boat. If you are anything like me, there is absolutely no way on God’s green planet that I would ever be able to afford a “green” car. Unless I win the lottery, I am just going to have to stay with my eco unfriendly mode o’ transportation. But we do have alternatives (you know, us non-celebrity people. The people who actually have to live paycheck to paycheck sometimes because our faces on water bottles isn’t making us millions. Not that I am bitter or anything). Our alternative is natural remedies/healthcare. Essential oils have been around for centuries; and they just keep gaining in popularity. As Mugatu from Zoolander would say, “Essential Oils are so hot right now”.

But in all reality, they do offer great benefits. There are oils for pretty much every malady, every ache, and every pain. And for many, the use of essential oils has healed them. Take D. Gary Young for instance. Before he founded his current company “Young Living Essential Oils”, Gary had an amazing experience. At the age of 17, he moved to Canada to start a career in the logging industry. A few years later he was in a horrible logging accident and was left paralyzed. He soon began to regain feeling in his toes and legs. This is where his journey with essential oils began. He found that through essential oils, he could soothe his discomfort. And now, he is determined to share that knowledge with others.

The truth is…it is coming! Swimsuit season is here for some of the country, while other states are still having not-so-great weather. But eventually, it will come–the time to shed your winter clothes and show off your toned body (we all wish, right!?!?). Here are some quick tips to get you a little more ready and comfortable to wear your swimsuit in public:

• Get a little bit of a tan: This really  helps make you appear more lean, firm, and toned. Also, I’ve found that my cellulite is less visible when I am tan. But remember to do this in moderation. Some people a little too tan. Sometimes they turn orange or leathery…yeah, avoid that.
• Jump-Start Your Diet: Get some Akavar weight loss pills. This can really help with losing those few stubborn extra pounds.
• Drink More Water: This will help flush the water your body is  holding onto. You’d be surprised at how much you can lose from this. It also makes your skin look amazing!
• No Sweets: I know this one is hard. This is only for those who have incredible self-control. Just by cutting sugars out of your diet, you will start to lose some inches and drop some pounds.

Good luck to all of us as we pull our bathing suits out of the closets! We can do it!