The Lifestyle Dream Blog

Paul Clayton Wellmune Speech Anaheim 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Leon @ The Life Style Dream) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 22:55:00 +0000

In this series (4 videos total) of 8 min videos he talks about how critically important it is to boost your immune system. He also covers how to do this using Wellmune WGP(r) which is conveniently available in Monavie's new product: (M)mūn™.

Dr Paul Clayton graduated summa cum laude in Medical Pharmacology from Edinburgh University, prior to obtaining his PhD. He is previous Chair of the Forum on Food and Health at the Royal Society of Medicine and a former Senior Scientific Advisor to the UK government's Committee on the Safety of Medicines.

He has worked with leading doctors and clinical scientists at centres of clinical expertise in the UK and abroad, and trained the pharmacists in Britain's largest chemist chain in preventative nutrition. He is now a consultant to several well-known international companies. Dr Clayton designs clinical trials for nutritional therapies at leading teaching hospitals and lectures widely on nutrition and health. He has directed TV and radio programmes on health issues, and written extensively on these topics.

Dr Clayton has recently been appointed as Research Director of Medical Nutrition Matters, a post-graduate course in Oxford registered with, and approved by the BMA. Its function is to teach nutrition to GPs and other health care providers.

Contact me if you want more information.

A different economy

noreply@blogger.com (Leon @ The Life Style Dream) — Wed, 20 May 2009 20:26:00 +0000

Let’s look at the economy a little differently. I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of hearing about the doom and gloom. There has to be good news out there, and guess what…there is!

There are a number of direct selling companies out there that are not only surviving—they are thriving! They seem unaffected by what the economy is throwing their way. What is most interesting is that it shouldn’t be a surprise. In years in which the economy has experienced a recession in any part of the year, the direct sales industry has grown. From 1987-2007 there were three recession years (1990, 1991, 2001). In all three of these years, direct sales grew more than the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) did.

Yet, Direct Selling (also refferred to as Referral Marketing, Network Marketing, etc.) still has negative association for most people. Why? At the same time this industry is grossly underestimated in size and contribution to your local and global economy. Just to give you some insight into this, I got some numbers from The World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (http://www.wfdsa.org/). Before going into the numbers, let me provide a quick into to this organization first.

The World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA) is a non-governmental, voluntary organization globally representing the direct selling industry as a federation of national Direct Selling Associations. The Federation pursues the highest level of ethical conduct in the global marketplace, fosters advocacy by partnering with government, consumer and academic leaders, and strengthens management of national and regional Direct Selling Associations.

The WFDSA mission is to build understanding and support for direct selling worldwide, and supports direct selling companies and associations by:
• Developing, maintaining and promoting the highest global standards for responsible and ethical conduct.

• Advocating the industry's positions and interest with governments, media and key influencers.

• Serving as a trusted global resource for information on direct selling.

• Facilitating interaction among direct selling executives on issues of importance to the industry.

Following research, the WFDSA lists as some of the most popular reasons people choose direct selling:
• Direct selling is a good way to meet and socialize with people.

• Direct selling offers flexible work schedules.

• Direct selling is a good way to earn extra income.

• Direct selling is a good way to own a business.

• Earnings are in proportion to efforts.

In addition to that, anyone can do it. There are no required levels of education, experience, financial resources or physical condition. People of all ages and from all backgrounds have succeeded in direct selling.

Furthermore, direct sellers are independent contractors. Although you have access to training and support from an established company, you're your own boss, which means you can:
• Work part-time or full-time - you choose when, where and how much you want to work.

• Set your own goals and determine yourself how to reach them.

• Earn in proportion to your own efforts. The level of success you can achieve is limited only by your willingness to work hard.

• Own a business of your own with very little or no capital investment.

BIG business

Now, as far as some of the numbers goes, here are some from the WFDSA that might surprise you (last updated on May 8, 2009):

• In 2007 there were 550,831 people in direct selling in Canada, with $1.42 billion in sales

• In 2007 there were 1.9 million people in direct selling in Mexico, with $3.986 billion in sales

• In 2007 there were 419,500 people in direct selling in the UK, with $3.56 billion in sales

• In 2007 there were 15 million people in direct selling in the US, with $30.8 billion in sales

In 2007 alone worldwide sales the industry generated $117 billion in sales, with 62.7 million people in direct selling. As you can see from these numbers, this is serious business…a major industry.

Obviously, the income opportunity depends on the compensation plan of the company you choose to represent as well as most importantly the amount of effort you put in (as mentioned above).

“Distributors participate in this industry overwhelmingly on a part-time basis. Mean gross income is about $14,500, but $2,500 is the median income, meaning 50 percent of people earn more and 50 percent earn less. The reality is that you have to understand the motivations that bring people into this industry, and people’s motivations are primarily modest. They may not even be financial. They could be more about recognition or social contact.” - John Fleming, Publisher and Editor in Chief, Direct Selling News.

Like many others do initially, you may think that you don’t have the time to start your own business. That is actually the other amazing thing about this business; the Direct Selling Association’s research shows that over 60% of people in direct selling spend less than 9 hours per week on their business!

It is a simple business model that every 3 year old kid is very familiar with, and so are you. As a matter of fact, you are currently actively engaged in this referral marketing. You don't think so? Huh... I’m sure that not a day goes by that you don’t refer someone you know, to a product, business, or service that you liked. That, my friend, is referral marketing. Direct Selling is the same, the only difference is you get paid for your efforts.

So let me ask you this question. Why is it, that if you don't get paid for it it is fine but when it becomes a phenomenal income opportunity it suddenly is considered to be shady business? What is wrong with doing what you already do, but have the company who’s product or service you recommend pay you a commission? Only seems fair to me.

YES! You CAN change your future!

I encourage you to keep your options open when it comes to creating (additional) income for your family, just like I did. You can change your future, and the future of your children. Don’t reject something before you know, and understand, what you are rejecting. Inform and educate yourself. Not all businesses are created equally. This is also true for businesses in the Direct Selling industry, and yes, there are scams out there on the internet!

However, the bottom line is that Direct Selling is one of the simplest, fair, and accessible ways to earn extra income. If you’re looking for a sideline or a part-time job that will help augment your budget, then joining a direct selling company could be the answer.

Opinions are the cheapest commodity going around, so do your own research. What it really comes down to in my mind is what the team and the leadership in the team is all about because that will be a big factor in your ability to succeed.

Imagine what your life would be like if money was NOT an issue? Dare to dream, and then pursue your dreams! Most importantly, don’t let someone who doesn’t dare to dream stop you from dreaming.

Thoughts? Questions?

Until next time,

Leon

mailto:Leon@TheLifestyleDream.com

http://www.thelifestyledream.com/

Income in Canada

noreply@blogger.com (Leon @ The Life Style Dream) — Wed, 13 May 2009 16:49:00 +0000

Recently, I reviewed some statistics on Canadian incomes from Statistics Canada. Primarily, because the information that is referred to in network marketing business opportunity presentations often refers to US data. So I got curious as to how comparable this would be for us Canadians. I was surprised with what I found and wanted to share this with you.

While the study originates in 2004, it was last updated on Sept 24, 2007. While this may seem “old” data, employment and income statistics are not frequently updated and released.

What is considered the Top 5% of income earners in Canada, made $87,000 or more per year. What really blew me away, however, is that only 8% of them live in Vancouver. The vast majority of them live in Ontario and Alberta.
The Top 1% earners made $181,000 or more per year.
Only about 1% of families have an income of $250,000 or more.
When looking at what the income was made out of, it was interesting to see that the contribution of income from employment percentage-wise became less as overall income went up. They diversified their income.
The Canadian high-income earners have significantly less income than Americans.

Network Marketing is more mature in the US than it currently is in Canada, as a result percentage-wise more Americans have, or have had, a network marketing business. While I don’t know what percentage of the US high-income earners have a network marketing business, it is interesting enough to point this out.

Another report from Statistics Canada (published in December 2008) mentions that the average weekly income in Canada, derived by dividing total weekly payrolls (including or excluding overtime) by the payroll employment, in 2008 was $801.92. This level of income is very attainable in pretty much any network marketing business. Note that the vast majority do so on a part-time basis, spending only a few hours per week on their network marketing business.

Considering that the cost of living and education is ever increasing, that your local economy are affected by economies all over the world because of globalization, it is critical to supplement and diversify income (just like the high income earners). I believe that these numbers support this.

It will not only help make sure that we will be able to afford to retire - I read recently that 75% of Canadians are not in a position to retire for financial reasons and that many Americans have dipped into their 401K's just to get by, but it will also open up more education options for our children, and for us to spend more time with the family.

I realize, and respect, that achieving financial freedom and wealth is not everyone’s dream. Some of us are more passionate about giving and having a bigger social and/or environmental impact. I would still suggest that increasing ones own financial situation is something that should be considered as it is an enabler for larger impact.

Think of it this way…no matter how committed you are to helping those in need, we all only have 24 hours in a day. In those 24 hours we have a bunch of other obligations, like for example, our jobs, school/university, families, etc. Therefore the amount of time we can donate is limited, and restricted to where and what we can physically do. So, consider this. How would you feel if you could donate, for example, $10,000 or more each year to your favorite charity or charities without it putting any strain on you or your family? Wouldn’t that enable you to have a much larger impact?

Closing remarks
Many of us have been conditioned with the self-limiting believe of something along the lines of “Money is the root cause of all evil”. I disagree and would actually argue that the “lack” of it is. Think of it… Whether we like it or not, we live in a world in which we all need money…for food, to pay the bills, health care, education, etc. Therefore not having financial abundance ultimately results in stress. Stress has a negative impact on your family, your relationships, your physical health, your ability to succeed. So, in my mind “Stress is the root cause of all evil”.

Not everyone has the ability to invest thousands of dollars in starting their own business or to purchase a franchise and yet we all know by now that job security is something of the past. This is why I believe that network marketing is a very valid, proven, answer to how anyone has a fighting chance to become financially free.

Like anything it does take work and there are no guarantees of financial success in network marketing, regardless of the company or opportunity you join and not everyone becomes a millionaire. Anyone who tells you differently, ask them to put it in writing for you.

From personal experience I can tell you that starting a network marketing business is a ride, and it can be the best ride of your life. You can have tons of fun with it if you join the right team, and it is the only type of business of which can be said that “you get out, what you put in and it is all yours”. The rewards are there. That has been proven time and time again. You can do it too!

The majority of the population works for someone else and has a job, yet the minority of the population has an income of $100,000+ annually. What do you think the odds are of you achieving financial freedom by working your current job? How many people do you know that did it?

You can change your financial future. If you want to improve your income, does following the crowd really get you there? I know you know the answer. There is just one thing for you to do – take action!

Leon
http://www.thelifestyledream.com/

Nutrients - What Do You Need?

noreply@blogger.com (Leon @ The Life Style Dream) — Wed, 13 May 2009 03:41:00 +0000

While I am no nutritionist or doctor, it is common sense that healthy eating requires you to eat a number of nutrients every day. In fact, there are 40 different nutrients you need to ingest in order to keep your body healthy. That’s a lot of nutrients you need to know about! Luckily, you can break down all of these nutrients into smaller categories in order to keep them organized in your mind and make sure you get all of the foods you need.

Water
You probably didn’t think of this as a nutrient, didn’t you? Everyone needs water in order to live a healthy life. Without water, we become dehydrated, and eventually die. An adult’s body is made up of about 50-70% (up to 90lbs in a 130lb adult!) water. When water is taken out of our diet our survival time is 2-3 days at best so we simply have to make sure we are always well hydrated. You lose water when you sweat and through daily bodily functions, so water must be continuously replenished.

Drinking about 8 glasses a day is recommended, but the reality is that this depends on a number of different factors; for example, if you work out, what you eat, the temperature, etc. Although, water is found in food as well as in drinks, I would suggest that you aim for a minimum of 8 glasses of water over and above what else you drink. Especially since some other drinks actually dehydrate, like for example coffee. So although it contains water, it doesn’t actually help.

Drinking a lot of, arguably, tasteless water can become a deterrent. I’ve found that adding a slice of lemon or lime to a glass of water makes a big difference. It adds (natural) taste, and it increases the alkaline content in the water and it helps detoxify the liver and kidneys. There are loads of articles written on the benefits of lemon in your water.

If you are struggling to control your portion size when eating, try to drink a glass or two of water before your meals. It will fill you up with no calories at all.

Proteins
These are found in foods such as meat, eggs, and soy products. They provide the amino acids needed to build muscle tissue as well as help make some of the hormones in our bodies. Red blood cells and hair is also made from protein.

Along with proteins, a body also needs adequate amounts of fats (especially the right kinds) and carbohydrates in order for us to have enough energy during the day. Fats are primarily used for energy during intense activity, like exercising, while carbohydrates are primarily used for energy during less intense activities, like standing, sitting, and other movements. Both the fats and the carbohydrates that we eat in a day can be stored for later use as fat, so it is important to eat enough for energy, but also important to regulate intake in order to stay slim and healthy. In the event that you are not eating enough fats and carbohydrates, your body can also provide itself with fuel from proteins.

Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are also important nutrients for our daily lives. We get these from fruits, vegetables, milk, and most natural sources of food. Some of our foods, such as bread products, can even be enriched so that we get more vitamins and minerals in our bodies. There are dozens that you need to ingest regularly, such as iron, thiamine, vitamin C, and vitamin D.

If you are eating a healthy diet (which very few of us do nowadays), you can most likely get enough vitamins and minerals from your foods, but you can also take supplements to make sure that you are getting the right amounts you need to maintain body function. Supplements may also be available to help with other nutrients as well, and I would suggest you explore this.

Closing remarks
When you change what you put into your body, the changes are interesting and amazing to observe. Not only do you feel better and do you have more energy, but your “cravings” also change.

For example, I used to drink lots of coffee, eat primarily red meats, would never touch green tea, or chose to eat fish. Last year we started to consume a nutritional drink to supplement our diet, my “cravings” have changed; I still like my coffee but instead of drinking 5-7 coffees each day, I drink 2 and most days not a single cup, I order green tea with lunch and drink green tea before going to bed, sometimes I like eating fish and the red meat days have been reduced to 1 a week.

So while adding this supplement to our diets has added an expense, I am saving $20-$30 ($4 for a coffee is pretty normal in most coffee places) each day by not drinking that much coffee. My supplement is costing me about $5 a day, and it gives me my Omega 3, 6, 9, proteins, vitamins, you name it. So I am still ahead by $15-$25 each day – that is savings of about $500 each month! … And I am providing my body with the building blocks it needs to help me stay healthy now and in the future. Saving money and getting healthy. Perfect isn’t it?

Is Organic Really Worth It?

noreply@blogger.com (Leon @ The Life Style Dream) — Fri, 08 May 2009 03:36:00 +0000

When you head to the grocery store, shopping for products like eggs, meat, fish, milk, and produce can be very tricky. Signs are posted everywhere labeling food as natural, organic, and a number of other things—but what’s the difference, really? Learning what specific names mean can help you decide if you should shell out extra money on a product of it is simply a marketing ploy.

Natural is a term associated with a number of fruit and vegetable products. Typically, this is simply a marketing ploy to convince you to buy the product. After all, all fruits and vegetables are natural, right? Unless it’s a new kind of food that has been developed and processed, the product is natural. What you probably really want is organic. Organic foods are grown without the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers.

However, does that mean that there are no toxins at all on or in the product? I would argue this not necessarily the case. Especially in highly populated and industrialized areas there are a lot of toxins in the air, and these end up in the soil and come down on anything that grows out in the open – including organically grown fruits and vegetables. Also, what about the chemicals the farmer next door or even further down the road uses on his/her crop? It isn’t possible to avoid spill-over from neighboring fields.

According to the FDA’s Pesticide Residue Monitoring Program, which collects and tests random samples of domestic and imported foods, fruits and vegetables have the highest levels of trace pesticides – 54.9 percent of fruits and 23.8 percent of vegetables.

Regardless there are two main benefits to organic foods. First, you are helping the environment because those chemicals are not being introduced into nature. Secondly, you are reducing the amount of chemicals and toxins you ingest and are therefore consuming healthier foods.

However, organic products are usually more expensive. So, if you are on a budget, what can you do? Well, according to the Environmental Working Group, best produce to buy organic include apples, bell peppers, carrots, celery, cherries, lettuce, nectarines, potatoes, peaches, spinach, and strawberries. On the other hand, asparagus, avocados, bananas, broccoli, cabbage, eggplant, kiwi fruit, mangoes, onions, and pineapples are least likely to contain trace levels of pesticides, so you could buy these conventional.

Finally, the fact that something was grown organically does not mean that it also has a richer nutritional value. While many proponents of organic foods will argue that they are, the fact is that the official, unbiased, jury on that is still out... the verdict on this is not in yet. There are other factors that come into play here, like for example if the fruit ripened on the vine or not and how rich and varied in nutrients the soil is in which the crop grew. Often fruits are harvested before they are ripe, and only a handful of nutrients are put back into the soil.

Don’t get me wrong, I am all for organic when possible but at the same time I realize that variety, price, and convenience are important in these times. Too often though, these are used as excuses to defocus on the importance of quality nutrition.

There are many things we can do that are convenient, nutrient rich, and affordable while at the same time provide variety and have a nutrient-rich diet. My family and I have done it and what we’ve done many, if not all of us, can do it. Because of our attitude, our kids have also become more conscious about what they eat this alone is an enormous benefit that will have at least a lifelong impact.

If you are not sure how to approach it, feel free to contact me about what, and how, we've made the change that helps us enjoy life in good health.

To your health,

Leon
http://www.thelifestyledream.com/

Inspirational Movie for Your Success: The Impossible Dream

noreply@blogger.com (Leon @ The Life Style Dream) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 20:03:00 +0000

You may or not be aware of this story, but it is told very well here. It is a great reminder that the only thing holding us back from realizing our dreams, are our believes. Break through them, and you can do anything you set your mind to.

Stuck in a pattern?

noreply@blogger.com (Leon @ The Life Style Dream) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 19:49:00 +0000

What never stops to amaze me, is people who are not happy with where they are at but don’t recognize that it won’t change if THEY don’t change what they do. It doesn’t matter if it is about their job, the lack of free time, or whether they are struggling with their health and/or finances.

From a financial perspective, here’s the deal. If you have been an employee for, for example, 20 years following a “traditional” education and you are not where you’d like to be from the perspective of time and financial freedom, what makes you think that your you will get there if you continue to do what you’ve been doing for 20+ years?

Let’s also be real about something - there is no bail-out plan for you, nor will there be one! Government (may) come to the rescue of some large corporations, but I’d recommend you not to hold your breath on them coming to bail you out. If you are not where you want to be financially, YOU have to take ownership of that situation and YOU have to make a change.

Question – What percentage of people that you know have achieved time and financial freedom by working a job?

The answer to this question tells you that chances are that if your single source of income is your j.o.b. you will NOT achieve the time and financial freedom that you deserve and aspire to… EVER! Wake up people! The good news is that you can change this and you don’t need tons of cash to do so. You can get behind the wheel and drive your life to the destination that you want.

Often we turn to our friends and family for guidance and help, and you may have or are planning to do so. While I’m sure that their advice and input is sincere and with your best interest at heart, let me ask you a question. Would you seek marriage council from someone who has never been married, or got a divorce? My point here is that, unless your friend of family member has successfully “gotten out of the pattern” and accomplished the time and financial freedom you deserve and seek, these are not the best people to council or get advice from in this case.

So…how do you go about making a change? Well, ultimately everyone is driven by only two basic emotions – pain and pleasure. Everything we do is driven by increasing the feeling of “pleasure” and/or by reducing the feeling of “pain”. This is what decides if, and what, we buy and virtually drives any decision we make. This is the magic to you accomplishing anything in your life. Make a list of “pains” and “pleasures” associated with any situation that you want to change. If you want change, make sure that the “pleasures” associated you get from making the change are far greater than the “pain” of not changing. Be honest with yourself and this will work miracles for you.

One last note... It is easy to be dragged down by all the negativity around you. Don’t let this happen to you. You are blessed by many people around you who care for you and love you. Don't let others determine how you feel, and what you can accomplish. Success comes from within! Also, history tells us that in challenging economic times that great fortunes have been accumulated by those who broke free of the pattern. Everything is cheaper and that creates fantastic opportunities for those who want to see them.

I realize that breaking the mold, stepping out of the pattern may be a bit scary. However the rewards of doing so can be AMAZING! Decide what you want, find out how you can get it, and take action…every day towards achieving your goals. Start today… tomorrow won’t be different if you don’t!

Leon
"If you want the same results, keep doing the same things. If you want a different outcome, do something different."

Where's the "good" news?

noreply@blogger.com (Leon @ The Life Style Dream) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 06:08:00 +0000

Have you ever noticed how little “good” news we are exposed to? Ever wondered why?

I seem to vaguely remember when I was little that sometimes there were positive stories on the news. Based on what I’ve seen, heard and read in the news in the last couple of decades, one would start to think that there is nothing but drama, misery and disaster in the world.

Does this view of the world we live in really make things better? Is nobody interested in anything positive?

Unfortunately, the media tells what sells and our society has delivered the message that it thrives more on the drama and misery of others...the gore. I’d argue that most “reality shows” are popular for the same reason – have you ever noticed that there is always someone controversial? Someone who creates the “drama”? The same goes for the tabloids.

I’ve decided to no longer watch, read or hear the news. Not because I’m not interested in what is going on in the world, the contrary actually. Nor am I sticking my head in the sand. It may be idealistic, but I believe that in addition to the drama, there are also tons of good things happening. I know that when I am in good spirits, positive, and happy that I have the same effect on people around me. Frowns become smiles.

We have created the media we watch, read and hear. WE have created the programming, because what sells is what is provided. Ever thought about what would happen if we stopped buying the publications of drama, misery and disaster?

For those of you who are familiar with “The Secret” and/or the “Law of Attraction”, you should also appreciate what an impact this would have... Don’t be against war, be for peace.

I say reward those who share the good, not those who make money off the backs of those who suffer...

Life is what you make it. Enjoy it and share goodness with those around you. You will be amazed how your environment transforms from negativity to vibrating with great energy.

I’m curious as to what your thoughts are. Until next time,

Leon

Quality nutrition

noreply@blogger.com (Leon @ The Life Style Dream) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 22:37:00 +0000

Unfortunately, the awareness of the nutritional quality of our food in general is still very low which leads to people thinking they are doing what they should, when in fact they are still deficient in their nutrition.

Let me go through my favourite Top 5 on what is impacting the quality of our fruits and vegetables (meats, poultry, etc. is a whole other story):

1. Soil quality and ripeness at harvest
The nutritional value of our fruit and vegetables today, is simply not comparable with the nutritional content of the fruit and vegetables our parents ate when they were children. The main reason for this is that we don't replenish the soil in which our food grows with all the nutrients it needs, nor do we allow the soil to recover. I don't even want to go down the path of the use of herbicides, pesticides, etc. as this doesn't necessarily apply to organic food.

What does however, but isn’t directly related to the quality of the soil is the fact that it is all about production. The faster we can complete the cycle the better (economically anyway) so more often than not, we don’t give it the time to ripen on the tree/plant. The problem with this is that the nutrients really don’t enter into the fruit until it is ripe. You see, if we let the fruit ripen on the tree it has gone bad by the time it ends up in the store and that is bad for business. So, we harvest early, and treat the harvest with all kinds of stuff. Bananas and apples for example are gassed to avoid it from going bad, and gassed again when it is transported to the store so it looks good.

What I am not 100% clear on yet, is how much of this process also applies to organically grown fruits and vegetables but it wouldn’t surprise me if at least some of this post-harvest processing also applies. I find it curious that often it reads “organically grown”. Does this mean that while the growth was done organically, the post-processing wasn’t any different?

2. Air quality has a big impact
I think we all know how "pure" our air is. It is important to think about that because, while the plants may not be sprayed with all the nasty stuff, what happens to what is in the atmosphere when it rains? Especially in highly industrialized areas there are a lot of toxins in the air. All of this will go into the soil and on the plants - even if they are grown organically.

Therefore, in my opinion if you do eat organic it would be best if what you eat grows in area with as little industry nearby as possible. The downside to this is that many people who like organic food also like to eat locally grown and unfortunately most of us live in highly industrialized areas. Tough call...

3. Crunchy or squishy?
Here's another thought for you. Did you know that cooking your food, actually reduces the amount of nutrients you get from it? Growing up, I remember that my dad always wanted his veggies "soft". To give you an example, the cauliflower would fall into small piece when it was served, and the same thing happened to Brussels sprouts. My wife and I like our veggies crunchy, which many times has caused a debate with my mother in law, who also likes her veggies overcooked.

It might amaze you that five minutes make an enormous difference in the nutritional quality of a meal...which also has the benefit that you get to eat sooner! ;-) The bottom line is that the longer food is exposed to heat, the greater its nutrient loss. However, one might argue that overcooking makes it easier for the body to digest the food and digestion is needed for absorption of the nutrients.

4. Solids and liquids
Did you know that a liquid can be absorbed by the body much quicker and more efficiently? The reason for this is, that as soon as a fluid/juice enters the mouth the body already starts absorbing the nutrients, whereas a solid needs to go through our digestive system. So ideally, what you'd like to do for maximum nutrition absorption is to liquefy organically, ideally wild, grown fruits and vegetables from an area with no (or very little) pollution.

5. Spoiled fruits and veggies?
I think we all know one – remember the kid who always got what he/she wanted just by asking? They were pampered...with the best of intentions, but pampered nonetheless. Most of these kids had a tough time when they came in touch with the reality of life – not a lot of things come easy. They weren’t prepared because they had always been protected.
I would argue that a lot of our food is pampered as well. Fruits and vegetables are cultivated in ideal situations so that they grow fast and good-looking. But what does this do to the character (i.e. nutritional quality)? As it turns out that a lot of the nutrients actually are enhanced if the plant/fruit is under “stress”. So it doesn’t mean that if something is grown organically, that it has by definition also a higher nutritional quality.
An example of this, are phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are the immune system of a plant - they protect plants from disease. So, if a plant feels that it needs to protect itself from disease, it will increase the amount of phytonutrients. What is really cool is that they can protect you too! There are as many as 2,000 known phytonutrients. Just one serving of vegetable or fruit may possess more than 100 different types.
So, if you can get something that has grown wild chances are that it will have a higher phytonutrient content than something that was cultivated in a protected environment. Eat wild!!!

It is a fact though that it is amazing what good nutrition does for your body. So do everything you possibly can to improve your nutrition. My family we’ve made some changes, and we’ve already seen the benefits. One being that this winter there have been so many people with colds and flu’s and I’ve not had one!

I am a realist, however, and I know that for many (including me) it is not realistic or sustainable to make a dramatic change from one day to the next and sometimes our hectic lifestyle comes in the way of taking good care of ourselves.

If we can do it, YOU can too and I’d gladly share the little things that we’ve done so you can consider to implement them for you.

Till next time – stay healthy!

Leon

Are we REALLY health conscious?

noreply@blogger.com (Leon @ The Life Style Dream) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:26:00 +0000

Not too long ago, I have become more conscious about nutrition. Not that I have become a health nut or anything like it, or that I was sick all the time but I've started to pay more attention to food and nutrition in general. It kinda made sense to me.

What I've found to be interesting is that, on the one hand, people say that they like to take better care of themselves. Watch what they eat, buy organic when possible, work out etc. On the other hand, it is interesting to see how quickly the priorities change when you drill into it a bit more. Buying that 52" flat-screen TV, that new car, the iPhone, or the latest video game, just to name a few examples, actually turn out to be more important than their health.

Like with many other things, people are not inclined to think about the consequences of their actions so why would that be any different when it comes to their health... "I'm feeling great. I'm not sick. I don't have any aches or pains, so why should I be worried about nutrition?" It is an interesting way of thinking, especially since the same people who say this, DO take their car for oil- and filter changes and other preventative maintenance to the shop. Does their car have any problem when they take it? No. It does not. When I ask them why they still do this, the answer is "Well...it's better for the car. A regular oil change makes the engine run better and longer. It saves me money on the long run.". Huh?!

So for some reason it makes total sense to PREVENT your car from breaking down (i.e. getting sick), but to do the same thing to your body doesn't?... Hmmm...interesting. Now, I know, I know...a car costs a lot of money, it was a major investment and we depend on it every day, so it is important to make sure it works. Replacing the car would be very expensive. Fair enough...or is it? Question - How much would a new body cost you? Oh, hang on...that's right...you CAN'T GET ONE!!! You only have 1 body for your entire life - you HAVE to take care of it!

You might say, that you have to pay for your car repair, but that your health care is (partially) paid for especially when it is prescribed medication or treatment. Who pays your health care though? Over time the cost of our health care system has gone up, and believe me...it is NOT free. You ARE paying for it!

The other thing to note as well, is that pharmaceuticals, while in some cases absolutely needed, are NOT the solution. Feeling good because you are popping a couple of pills everyday, does NOT make you a healthy person. You may feel good, but that's not the solution because you are not fixing the underlying problem, merely suppressing the symptoms. Have you ever read the fine print that comes with the pills you're taking? How can something that is supposed to be good for you cause bad things to happen? It makes no sense in my mind.

I am not a physician, nutritionist or anything like that. I'm just sharing my logic with you as to why I believe that it is critical for us to take care of our health...our WELLNESS. If you haven't yet watched it, I highly recommend you take a look at www.FoodMatters.tv. I'd be curious to know what you think.

Be Smart. Get Good Nutrition. You are the example for your kids. Teach them right!

Leon
Life and Business Coach

Time = Money. Money = Time

noreply@blogger.com (Leon @ The Life Style Dream) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:33:00 +0000

Like many others I have money invested in the market. Fortunately, my financial planner knows what he is doing. When the market collapsed a couple of years ago, the portfolio of many people I know were 30-40% down whereas I was down around 10%. With the more recent issues in the market, again my losses are limited...he saw something coming and made sure my portfolio was protected as much as possible.

I don't know a lot (if anything) about investing, but what I do know is that it is important to diversify. Pretty much everyone knows that a smart investor diversifies, hedges his/her bets, spreads the risk, whatever you want to call it.

When my father, and his before him, started working the plan was to find a solid, respectable employer and to work there until retirement. It probably made sense at the time, but does it still? In those times, there was mutual loyalty...the employer was grateful to have people work for them for many years. I remember my dad getting a golden watch after working for the same company for 25 years, so did his dad after his 50 years with the company he worked for. Times have changed though... very few people stay with the same employer for more than 5 years on average. Gone are the days of employer-employee loyalty.

Earlier this week, yet another large corporation announced over 13,000 layoffs because of the economic environment. I'm still in awe over the 52,000 people layoffs at a large financial services firm late last year and these represent just the tip of the iceberg. Fact is, that nowadays the bottom-line, the margin, the EPS of a company is what it is about. So if a company can improve any of these measures by eliminating a few more employees, it will. It simply is how the market works... oh, and did I mention that the compensation a lot of these corporate executives is actually tied to these measures?

It is not my intention to suggest that none of these layoffs weren't necessary for the company's survival, nor that the leaders of these companies only look after their own interests....but, are we sure that they didn't take advantage of the situation and took this as an opportunity to let a few (thousand) extra employees go?
My point is, that for as long as I have been in the corporate world, I've not seen such a thing as a secure job. So...

Earlier on, we've agreed that when investing money that makes sense to diversify. To set up returns from multiple sources. We've all heard the phrase "Time = money". So, if we do that we'd have

"...when investing time, it makes sense to diversify and set up returns from multiple sources."

It makes sense to spread the risk when we invest our money AND it also makes sense to have multiple streams of income. Do you have an alternative source of income?

However, it is not realistic to have multiple jobs AND to have a family-first lifestyle. I would suggest you seriously consider starting a home-based business alongside of your current job that allows you to start building up an alternative stream of income. You can do this from home, after the kids have gone to bed so you don't have to miss out of quality time with them. You CAN do both...

Every business takes time to built so take action today! Take control of your financial future and your life. Living with the fear of losing a job has a significant impact on you, your relationships, your family and your happiness.

Leon

"If you want the same results, keep doing the same things. If you want different results, do something different."

Welcome

noreply@blogger.com (Leon @ The Life Style Dream) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 22:44:00 +0000

This will be the place that I'm going to use to jot down a number of thoughts. It was the best place I could think of for now, so we'll see what happens. I hope you enjoy it.

Leon