How I Stay Healthy

I try to get 7-8 hours of sleep, eat well and exercise regularly. Exercise + Nutrition = Health. Every morning, I walk with my dog for 15-20 minutes before work. I attend yoga classes 5 times a week and teach Fit-Twist Yoga classes. For breakfast, I have a quick recipe:

Mix a bit of Lifeway Strawberry Kefir with Trader Joe's plain low-fat yogurt, put some Quaker Low-Fat Natural Granola and a few slices of strawberries on top to make a healthy breakfast.  That way, I get whole grain (good carbs), calcium, probiotic, protein, fiber and feel satisfied. I bring a Kashi bar for a snack and homemade salad for lunch. After I get home, I walk with my dog for another 15 minutes before dinner (around 6 pm). Then I enjoy a traditional Chinese diet of rice and dishes made with mostly vegetables. If I still feel like a snack an hour after dinner, I'll have some fruits. Occasionally, I treat myself to some organic dark chocolate or a small serving of Ciao Bella Gelato/ Sorbet.

Maintenance + Prevention = Health
These are the supplements that I take daily:

Emergen-C vitamin drink mix with 1000 mg of vitamin C, electrolytes, 24 nutrients, 7 B vitamins, and antioxidants. I love their fizzy, fruity, fun flavors. Get free samples now!

Amazing Grass Organic ORAC Green SuperFoods that help defend your body against the effects of free radicals. Their power is measured through ORAC, or Oxygen Radical Absorbency Capacity. With a combination of 5 key antioxidant blends made from high quality fruits, vegetables, and herbs, this is my secret to healthier skin, better brain function and immune system.

Reserveage Organic Resveratrol: Doctor Oz recommends that his viewers only take Resveratrol from a company that produces the supplements in an oxygen-free environment. Reserveage agrees and has always been doing it. 60 Minutes (CBS News) has a segment on this supplement called Wine Rx.

Nature's Bounty Mega Chromium Picolinate is a key component of the glucose tolerance factor (GTF). Chromium works to support your body's use of sugar.* Chromium is also involved in the release of energy from cells, and plays a role in protein and fat metabolism.*

PhysioLogics 5-HTP 100 mg: 5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in sending messages through the brain and nervous system.* It supports a calm, relaxed mood and promotes feelings of well-being.*


Fit-Twist Health
Get Fit Now!
http://www.fit-twist.net

More Good Causes

Cute $5 Bracelet Supports Ovarian Cancer

Fri 8/5 Cafe Rivva has joined forces with its friends at Globalfast.org, in an effort to help combat extreme global poverty through sacrificial living and effective giving. Your involvement and donations will help fund the installation of bio-sand water filters at schools throughout Cameroon, providing children with clean drinking water for life.

"We are asking you to fast throughout your work day on Friday (Aug 5th), then stop by Café Rivva between 5-8pm and donate those extra few dollars you would normally spend on food to this great cause. With a voluntary $15 donation, you’ll receive a Rivva-inspired ‘GlobalFast’ smoothie, packed with nutrients and wholesome ingredients to end your fast in style. You’ll also receive a unique 2-for-1 smoothie voucher for your next visit, and a free pass to the night's LIVE ENTERTAINMENT." "America’s Got Talent singer/songwriters are donating their time, entertaining on our outside patio from 6pm onwards, located at The Brentwood Gardens, 11677 San Vicente Blvd, 3rd floor, 90049 - Parking Underneath (we validate!) Remember, for every 30 GlobalFast smoothies purchased, 6 new water filters will be installed, benefiting 60 school children with clean water for LIFE. Thirst Relief, another non-profit, will install the water filters at the schools and train the locals on how to maintain and repair them." Check out the event on Facebook, come support the cause! 8/7-8/28 Laughter & Yoga: Sunday classes at Aanand Saagar 606 Venice Blvd, #H in Venice 90291. 8/27-28 Come out and celebrate Fiesta La Ballona! Browse through the booths, taste the food & have fun. http://www.fiestalaballona.org 9/10 Evening with the LA Sparks Support Ovarian Cancer Circle

Love the Principle of YES

We are Youthful, Energetic and (Sexy) = accronym for the word “YES.”  "Age is not a factor here, but attitude and actions certainly are. Do you give off the impression that you’re always worn-out, tired, broken down, bored, or boring? We have all heard the saying that, “Age is just a number,” but getting to “YES” is more than just going out or dressing younger. Being youthful means staying active (both physically + mentally), and it means being positive."

"How much energy do you have each day? Now think for a moment how your energy (or lack thereof) effects the people around you. I’ll bet you get told “no” a lot and it’s not necessarily that you have bad ideas. It could be your lack of energy preventing you from getting to “YES.” People who are full of energy are more attractive to others" like my friend Kim Selbert, Laughter Yoga Leader. I love her energy and enthusiasm as a person and a teacher. So, follow the advice of http://blog.startups.com

• Change your frame of mind and BE EXCITED about work. Even if you’re in the middle of a particularly difficult project, find SOMETHING, no matter how small, that you can be excited about, even if it’s just getting the project done.
• Laugh! It’s so simple and it may seem a bit silly but laughter really IS the best medicine – for pretty much anything. Laughing more helps you be more youthful while increasing your own energy and that of others.
• Get Enough Sleep and Exercise Regularly. It’s nearly impossible to be youthful and energetic without appropriate rest and fitness.

And remember, a positive, optimistic attitude, attracts positive people and business into your life.

8/7-8/28 Laughter & Yoga: Sunday classes at Aanand Saagar in Venice. Come for a fun evening of dance, laughter, movement, music & party! Space is limited, prepay $15 to reserve your spot now. You'll be entered into a drawing for a prize (gift bag of goodies, free mini-facial or samples).

Fit-Twist
Health = Wealth
http://www.fit-twist.net

Guess Where I Was Contest

I posted photos of places that I visited today and am running a contest this week. If you guess 2 spots correctly, you will get a free sample of healthy product. Subscribe to my blog or contact me at Fit-Twist to enter. Hint: Read captions under my pictures. Name 2 the places before Sunday 8/7 for a chance to win.

Flickr
I visited two grocery stores in West L.A before driving to Culver City. I checked out 2 places there that may not be as well-known. The first photo (top right) is the courtyard of a gathering spot for seniors, the next 2 (top left & 2nd right) is a cute pet store in a mini-mall near Overland and Venice. I love the kefir & yogurt at Grocery Store 1, but I also found a healthy tasty treat at Store 2.
  

• Fit-Twist yoga dance class weekly in Brentwood, 90049. Sign up now at the Contact page. If 3 or more people RSVP, I'll email the details.

•  2 Yoga Classes at The Gateway on 2511 S. Barrington Ave. 90064. Space is limited, prepay to reserve your spot.  

• Come to Laughter & Yoga Sunday classes at Aanand Saagar in Venice for a fun evening of dance, laughter, movement, music & party! Space is limited, prepay $15 to Paypal account: beyondy2k_us@yahoo.com to reserve your spot now. You'll be entered into a drawing for a prize (gift bag of goodies, free mini-facial or samples).

Fit-Twist
Health = Wealth
http://www.fit-twist.net

Fit Fun Dogs
Support spcaLA & HSUS

http://fun-dogs.webs.com

Good Causes

Goodwill has served more than 2.4 million people through its employment and training programs, provided 20.1 million with workforce development services. Over 170,000 people have earned a job with Goodwill’s help & 7.5 million have benefited from its personal and family support services last year. It has 2,500 retail stores and an online auction site. I just bought 2 items from one of its stores in Santa Monica yesterday (see my previous blog).

Do you know that spcaLA has dog training classes? Work with expert trainers to get you in a right relationship with your dog for a lifetime of happiness. Their techniques focus on positive reinforcement and fun. Join a class like basic obedience for dogs and puppies, agility (for the novice or the competitor), specialty classes like Fun Nose Work, Click-a-Trick, and more! It also offers a FREE behavior helpline to answer your questions on animal training. Just call: 800-772-2521 X 260.

HSUS store

HSUS (The Human Society of U.S) is the nation's largest and most effective animal protection organization. Do you know it has an online store has everything that your pet needs? It has "Keep Cool Mats" for dogs that will give immediate relief and reduce the risk of an overheated pet. You'll also find gifts for the loved ones on your list, including jewelry, apparel, and decorative accents for the home.

Visit the websites of your favorite charities and find out more about them.

Fit-Twist
http://www.fit-twist.net

Fit Fun Dogs
http://fun-dogs.webs.com

Buy Local

I went to the Co-Op this morning and got some dark chocolate covered goji berries (bright orange-red berries  from a shrub that's native to China. In Asia, goji berries have been eaten for generations for health benefits of living longer. They are used to treat many common health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, fever, and age-related eye problems. Berries like the goji berry are filled with powerful antioxidants and other compounds that may help prevent cancer and other illnesses, including heart disease. Antioxidants may also boost the immune system and lower cholesterol.  Eating foods high in antioxidants may slow the aging process too. I love the combination of dark chocolate and goji berries! (Source: WebMD)

Tikkun Spa

I visited 3 other places in Santa Monica: Tiato Cafe, the Goodwill store and Tikkun Spa (with Korean inspired spa treatments and temperature based therapeutic rooms). Got a free yogurt at the cafe then drove to a public parking lot (2 hours free). Bought 2 pairs of shorts at Goodwill for less than $7 then enjoyed the spa with my free pass. I love the Himalayan Salt and Jade Rooms plus the free V-Steam Therapy with Mugwort that eases fatigue, headaches, helps fights infections and soothes while strengthening the nervous system. They are offering a $75 monthly membership and I'm going to take advantage of the great deal. (Photos on Flickr).

At noon, I went to The Gateway, a Portal for Growth & Wellness, met Heidi (Hyperbaric Therapist) and Tony Camacho, the director. I got to try the T-Zone Vibration Machine which felt good. They're both very nice and I am glad to work with them soon. I got referred to Heidi by Nadine Winocur, Psy.D (owner of L.A. Hyperbaric Wellness Center) who is friendly, helpful and informative. I'll be teaching Fit-Twist yoga classes weekly at The Gateway.


Fit-Twist
Health = Exercise + Nutrition

http://www.fit-twist.net
http://holistichealthclubla.webs.com

Fit Fun Dogs

Do you love or own a dog? Want to have

a Fit Fun dog? Connect with other dog

lovers. Join us. Daily exercise and good

nutrition = Fit Fun Dogs. We are a

healthy online pet store and a social

networking site.

Say "hi" to my dog Sparky, a 2-year old female that I adopted from the shelter. We are a part of the Fit-Twist family. I am also an event planner who organizes Fit Fun activities for dog owners with my Fun-Dogs group. It's free to join and most events are cheap or free. There's a cost to running this group so we are looking for supporting members or sponsors. Say no to puppy mills and adopt a dog or find a reputable breeder at AKC. I am a member of SPCALA and HSUS. 

Doga: Yoga for Dogs

If you enjoy practicing yoga, perhaps your dog will too. Dogs are already very adept at stretching and getting themselves into a peaceful state of relaxation, so they are a natural when it comes to yoga. What exactly is doga? “The class is just like any other yoga class I would teach, but the dog is incorporated into all the poses.”  Doga instructor, Suzi Teitelman said. Doga includes relaxing massage, stretching, rubbing, omming, loving, flowing and breathing.

The Benefits of Doga

Just like people after a good yoga session, dogs seem to feel happy, excited and free. Some even seem to feel proud. The long-term benefits of doga are better health, flexible and toned bodies, and a closer bond with their human.  Not only does doga have all kinds of benefits, it gives you a loving experience with your dog.  I want to teach a free doga class for a group.

Tips
Invest in exercise and healthy food to take care of yourself and your dog. Don't think you're saving money by getting cheap, mostly junk food. We are what we eat. U.S.A is the fattest country. 70% of Americans are now overweight says the report, a number that will balloon to 75% in 2020. Food researchers indict the couch-and-mouse lifestyle, with people watching more T.V. and clicking online. That's why I'm on the PCTV Diet.

Fit Fun Dogs
http://fun-dogs.webs.com

Please Sponsor Dog Lovers Group

Fit-Twist: Yoga with a Twist

http://www.fit-twist.net