Spring Cleaning

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Spring has sprung!

The days are a little longer, the nights are a little warmer and when I walk outside, I see more smiles than frowns. Everyone is looking forward to the sunshine and warmer weather.

We all think of spring as a time of rebirth - everything comes out of hiding, so to speak, including us :) It is a time when we want to start anew. This time of year many of us to do some "spring cleaning". We go through our houses and get rid of the things we never use or no longer need.

What about a spring cleaning for our bodies? That's right, a detox!

A detox is a process in which we alter our diets in order to rid the body of toxins. This can include fasting, juicing or supplementation. It can result in more energy, a better complexion and even weight loss!

There is great debate in the health world about the value or even the need to detox. Many professionals feel the the body naturally detoxes itself and that there is no need to alter our lifestyle or use drastic measures to cleanse our bodies. Some even think that detoxing can be dangerous.

Proponents of detoxing feel that many factors such as pollution, stress and contaminated food prevent the body from doing its job. It is no longer able to keep up with the amount of toxins entering the body and this slows down bodily functions such as the lymphatic system. They think that our bodies require a little help from us to get them back into shape.

So the questions remains: To detox or not to detox?

I can't really answer that. However, I will suggest that:

1. You to do your homework: get online or go to the library and research the different detoxes out there. Find out what is involved and what other people think of the programs.
   
2. Consult with your doctor and/or naturopath before you make any changes to your lifestyle or diet. Ask questions and find out the benefits or possible side effects of detoxing.
3. Take all the information you have gathered from your research and health professionals and figure out the best next steps for you.

Whatever you decide, always remember that a balanced diet works for everyone :)

Stay healthy,
Tracy

Winter Activities for Kids

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We are smack-dab in the middle of winter.

It is cold. It is dark.

It is very easy for kids to sit in front of the TV where it is comfy and warm instead of venturing outdoors to play.

While there have been some days where it has been much to cold to play safely outside, there are many beautiful winter days that are perfect for activity.

So, how do you pry your children away from the video games?

Here are some fun winter activities that you can do with your kids:

1. Explore Nature - Winder is a wonderful time to go for a walk and learn about the world around you. Take a trip to you local park and talk to your kids about the birds and the trees.
2. Sleigh Bells Ring! - Tobogganing is great fun for parents and kids alike. Just grab your sled and head for the nearest hill!
   
3. Around the Rink - Whether it is indoors or out, skating is great exercise. You can also sign the kids (and yourself) up for hockey or skating lessons.
4. Be A Builder - There is great fun right in your own backyard. Help your kids make a snowman or build a snow fort. You can even have a snowball fight :)
5. Go Cross Country - Snowshoeing and skiing are great for a whole body workout and give your kids the chance to see new places in your city.

What are you waiting for? Just bundle up and go!

Stay healthy,
Tracy

The Winds of Change

I am going to go a little off topic today and talk about the thing that no one really wants to talk about: the recession.

I know it has been tough times for many of us. These economic conditions have been the reality that is affecting our security, jobs and quality of life.

I too have been affected and I am looking at it as a new beginning, a time to re-focus and figure out which direction to take in my life and career.

There is hope. There is always hope. Be thankful for what you have and what new opportunities change may bring.

How about you? How are you dealing with changes? Do you have some words of inspiration for the rest of us?

Stay Healthy,
Tracy