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Always Eat After 7 PM – Conclusions

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This post is brought to you by our sponsor, “Always Eat After 7 PM”. The opinions expressed below are my own.

Now that I’ve been following the Always Eat After 7 PM: The Revolutionary Rule-Breaking Diet That Lets You Enjoy Huge Dinners, Desserts, and Indulgent Snacks—While Burning Fat Overnight by Joel Marion over the past month, I wanted to share some thoughts with you.

Health and wellness are my priority and this program really seems to be helping me. It supports my immune system and I’m having less fatigue and pain from fibromyalgia. I am able to do more, have more energy, feel balanced and am more in tune with my overall wellbeing. I’m even sleeping better which was one of my main goals!

I love that Always Eat After 7 PM is based on tried and true research and the author’s personal experience. There’s a wealth of information and recipes that makes this one of the most-referenced and beloved books on my shelf.

For me this book has been very affirming as it supports ways of eating that are more natural and more healthful to me, and, because of this, I’ll be sticking with this ‘rule-breaking’ diet and continuing to explore new foods and trying more of the recipe ideas.  Let’s face it, we stay with things we love!

From the book:

Fact is, most diets are extremely narrow with regard to food choices and variety, and many even limit entire macronutrients altogether over the course of the entire program (think low-carb and low-fat diets). Three months with no carbs? No thanks. Such practices not only are entirely unnecessary, but make for a miserable, unsustainable experience.

A Votre Santé, my friends! Here’s to your health.

Links to my previous Always Eat After 7 PM posts:

First Post 

Update One

Update Two

Always Eat After 7 PM: The Revolutionary Rule-Breaking Diet That Lets You Enjoy Huge Dinners, Desserts, and Indulgent Snacks—While Burning Fat Overnight by Joel Marion is now available to purchase.

Learn more about the book and how to purchase here.

This post is brought to you by our sponsor, “Always Eat After 7 PM”. The opinions expressed below are my own.

 

Always Eat After 7PM – Update

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This post is brought to you by our sponsor, “Always Eat After 7 PM”. The opinions expressed below are my own.

Hi all! Updating you on my progress with the Always Eat After 7 PM: The Revolutionary Rule-Breaking Diet That Lets You Enjoy Huge Dinners, Desserts, and Indulgent Snacks—While Burning Fat Overnight program.

Here is my initial post.

Bestselling author, Joel Marion, is a fitness expert and nutritionist debunking the myths underlying traditional dieting and offers a simple, highly effective weight loss program.

I’ve been really enjoying following the guidelines in Always Eat After 7PM. As I’ve mentioned, it is not difficult for me as I’ve never been a breakfast eater, preferring to eat in the evening. I’ve had success with it and love that the book has helped me refine my diet, letting me know which foods are better at what times and in what combinations. So far, I am sleeping better, my blood sugar and moods are balanced and overall I have better energy.

I am a big fan of the research Joel provides. We’ve been traditionally taught to avoid carbs, have an early dinner, and never eat before bed. But the fact is, the latest scientific research shows us this is not ideal.

From the book: A research paper published in Sports Medicine in 2014 showed that people who eat the majority of their carbs at dinner actually sleep better. Carb-induced, quality sleep decreases cortisol (a fat-storing hormone) and ramps up the production of your sleep hormones, serotonin and melatonin. Restorative sleep increases fat-burning hormones—the main one being growth hormone—overnight.

I always knew that if I had oatmeal in the evening or a popcorn snack, I was less stressed and slept better. Now, after reading this book, understanding why I am sleeping deeper and waking up feeling rested helps me to maintain this wellness goal of mine.

Here are some excerpts from an interview with author, Joel Marion:

What was the most surprising discovery when you were researching scientific data for the diet?

That almost everything my college education and certifications taught me was NOT grounded in published scientific research.

You’re a six-time best selling author, what is different about this book compared to your others?

Although many of the concepts are similar, the biggest difference is that you don’t have to deprive yourself of your favorite foods. You don’t have to deal with the burden of eating every few hours. And you don’t have to skip the carbs at dinnertime or avoid eating before bed.

How difficult is the Always Eat After 7 plan to follow?

It’s not. And that’s exactly why I wrote the book. While any diet is never truly easy, it can be more enjoyable and much easier to adhere to when you understand how Always Eat After 7pm works because it caters to our bodies natural instincts.

Always Eat After 7 PM: The Revolutionary Rule-Breaking Diet That Lets You Enjoy Huge Dinners, Desserts, and Indulgent Snacks—While Burning Fat Overnight by Joel Marion is now available to purchase.

Learn more about the book and how to purchase here.

This post is brought to you by our sponsor, “Always Eat After 7 PM”. The opinions expressed below are my own.

Save on Prescriptions with ValpakRx!

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This post is sponsored by Savings.com.

Healthcare costs can be daunting. Earlier this year, I felt like I was jumping through hoops just trying to afford my prescription. I went back and forth between my insurance company and the doctor’s office and never succeeded in getting the medication covered. On top of that, the retail pharmacy price was shocking. While I was able to eventually pick up the script, we had to forego a lot that month.

There has to be a better way, right?

I’m happy to have found the free ValpakRx™ mobile app and prescription discount card. It took seconds to install and I was immediately able to find the lowest price on prescriptions at my local pharmacies. You can be sure that I’ll be traveling that extra short 15 minutes to get the best price which was considerably lower than what I had paid before.

Save on prescription costs with ValpakRx!

Not only can one have issues because insurance doesn’t cover the medication you need, often you can’t afford it due to a high deductible. This is where ValpakRx really helps. At least 80 percent of the time the ValpakRX nationwide discount card will save you money because the cost will be less than the pharmacy’s retail price.

ValpakRx has negotiated a discount rate with a national network of drugstores and retail outlets.

More than 35,000 stores have partnered with ValpakRx
The average savings is $61 per prescription.
Free for anyone to use.
No personal information collected.

The actual amount you will save varies depending on which pharmacy you use and which medication you buy. Use the prescription price lookup feature to get an idea of what your medicine will cost at different pharmacies in your area.

I’ve been telling friends and family about this and wanted to share this with all of you as I know that healthcare can often cause unexpected expenses and finding a way to offset these difficulties is a blessing.

I really like the mission statement of ValpakRx:

“We support our partners’ efforts to better the lives of Americans and to help make each community a better place to live. Our mission is to provide affordable prescription healthcare at the lowest cost possible. We believe the financial savings that cardholders achieve when they use our free Rx discount card will have a huge impact on their lives and give them access to practical, affordable healthcare solutions.”

I am a strong believer in fair healthcare for all and am passionate about wellness. Sign up today and find out how much lower you could be paying for your family’s prescriptions. Simply click on the image below:

Save on prescription costs with ValpakRx!

4 Health Benefits of Laughing

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Have you taken the time to evaluate how you manage your health?

Experts keep finding more innovative ways to deal with new and ongoing health issues. They’ve explored techniques such as specialized diets, yoga, mindfulness retreats, and even self-help books. It can seem a bit overwhelming to find one that works best for you.

You can scroll through hundreds of self-help books on-line. Or, you can dream of attending that pristine retreat. It’s likely you will be surprised at how expensive some of these healthy practices can be.

You are not alone when you fear the cost of getting healthy, but there is a way to get fit on a budget. One of the least expensive ways to get your mind and body in shape is to laugh.

Comedians such as John Wynn or that newly released rom-com will surely give you a comedic break to reset your mind and body. And, if performance is not your thing, you can check out these four benefits of laughing that might change your mind.

Heart Health

A study done by the Mayo Clinic staff concluded that laughter increases how much oxygen you take in. The oxygen stimulates your heart, lungs, and muscles.

This also can lead to an increase in your heart rate and then decrease your heart rate and blood pressure, making you feel more relaxed.

Improve Your Immune System

If you are looking for a more long-term effect with the “medicine” of laughter, then how about an improved immune system?

Time and time again, people have been told about the effects that stress has on the body.

Research says that mental stress and strain can manifest into a chemical reaction that brings down your immunity. And, on the flip side, when you are positive and filled with laughter and happiness, there is a reverse effect on your immune system.

This also helps to relieve pain and improve your mood overall.

Psychological Benefits

Research published by the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine says that being in a positive mood from spontaneous laughter (laughter induced by a stimulus) is thought to have positive cognitive effects. These effects include reduced stress, anxiety, and depression.

A great comedy show, hearing a funny joke, or just having some great fun with friends and family can increase positive thoughts. The results? Positive psychological benefits.

Increases Personal Satisfaction

There is a significant focus on personal satisfaction in this day and age. Everything is about gaining or mastering yourself and making sure that you are enjoying every moment. Who knew we all need to laugh a little more to start feeling more satisfied with ourselves?

Conclusion

Options for getting or remaining healthy can become overwhelming and daunting. If you have found yourself on the get healthy hamster wheel, take some time to have a good laugh and don’t stop laughing.

There’s a reason they say, “Laughter is the best medicine.”

Get your kids to eat more veggies? Yes, with a school grant from Action for Healthy Kids!

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Parents can be a formidable force for change in schools, especially when it comes to starting health and wellness programs. Ensuring that our kids are eating healthier foods, learning about nutrition, and being more physically active in school not only sets them up to learn lifelong healthy habits but, according to a growing body of research, it helps them be better prepared to focus and learn in class. Studies also show when parents are involved in a child’s education, their children demonstrate higher academic achievement, better attendance, better social skills, better-eating habits, increased physical activity and less emotional distress.

Yet, despite wanting to do what’s best for students’ health, many schools lack the necessary resources to implement health and wellness practices that help students eat better and stay physically active. That’s why Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) has announced a new Parents for Healthy Kids grant just for parents for the 2018-2019 school year. The grants, which are provided through funding from ALDI, are designed for parents, caregivers and parent-groups (e.g. PTAs, PTOs) to lead school-based physical activity and nutrition initiatives and to engage more parents and family members in student and family health.

If you’ve ever thought of starting a school garden, getting kids to eat more fruits and veggies at school lunch, or finding ways to ensure they get more physical activity in and get the wiggles out during the school day so they can better focus in class, then this grant opportunity is for you. If you can think of a way to improve school and student health, AFHK can help you do it. In addition to providing schools with needed funding (grants up to $1,000), AFHK provides grantees with technical support and resources to activate their grants successfully.

Parents can learn more and apply for a grant by April 13, 2018 by visiting ParentsforHealthyKids.org/Grants. While you’re there, check out the resources to help you get involved in school health, and sign up to receive news your family can use to create a healthier school and home, today!

This sponsored post is brought to you by Action for Healthy Kids and coordinated by Wendy’s Bloggers.

Amwell: Doctors 24/7 at your Fingertips!

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Remember the days when doctors used to make house calls? Neither do I. Now it seems you have to schedule appointments way in advance, hope that something else doesn’t come up and take a lot of time out of an already busy day.

How about those days when you are really feeling too sick to go to the doctor? I know that when I’m not feeling up to par, driving and sitting in a waiting room is the last thing I want to do. But, relax, friends, because Amwell has you covered.  They make it amazingly easy to find a board-certified, licensed doctor for live, online visits, any time of day or night on either your phone or your laptop. It’s genius really!

Amwell docs can write prescriptions for your local pharmacy or do refills when needed and they are so convenient. Two weeks ago, I got a bad burn cooking and was unsure whether it needed urgent care and dressing or whether I could ride it out. That is a perfect time for Amwell. What if your child has a bad cough, your husband was stung by a bee or if you are having flu symptoms? I can assure you that a germy doctor’s office or ER is probably the last place I’d want to go if I was already feeling under the weather; not to mention that here in New England we’ve had a very bad winter with unexpected snowstorms and ice.

Want to try Amwell yourself? Here is a code for 25% off your visit:

Use the code MOM15 when you have your online visit to save 25%! This code is good through 12/31/18.

This week I got the opportunity to try Amwell. I woke up with a headache that was mind-crushing. I couldn’t drive and I couldn’t get anything done. Frankly, I was worried and had a lot of questions. How convenient that I could contact a doctor from the comfort of my home.

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It’s so easy because it takes minutes to install the app or go to the Amwell website. Just create an account, put in as much or as little info as you want regarding medical history and choose a practitioner. You are also able to attach a photo so the doctor can look at your rash or bruise or burn up close and personal.

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The wait is truly minimal. You can choose the next available physician or look through the profiles of the docs online. I looked through them and found someone that I felt was just right for me. It’s a really nice feeling to see the person helping you and know you are being seen as well.

 

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The doctor I chose was extremely knowledgeable in helping me differentiate different types of headaches and what I could do to alleviate mine, as well as the possible causes. We discussed the pros and cons of different over the counter medications as well. The doctor took her time with me; there was no rush. She was a great listener and assisted me with another issue which had been bothering me as well. While the price of Amwell is very reasonable (oftentimes covered by insurance), the peace of mind I had afterward was truly priceless.

I know that I will be using Amwell in the future for myself and my family, and I also want to make life easier for you with a 25% code.

Use the code MOM15 when you have your online visit to save 25%! This code is good through 12/31/18.

Unsure of how to get started? Here are three ways:

A votre santé dear readers!

 

Disclaimer: Compensation was provided by Amwell via Momtrends.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions of Amwell or Momtrends. 

How I fell in Love with my Tens Unit by Techcare

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I have been given this product as part of a product review through the Chronic Illness Bloggers network. Although the product was a gift, all opinions in this review remain my own and I was in no way influenced by the company.

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I really love my shoulders, but sometimes it seems they carry the weight of the world. This week I was driving home from buying groceries when the pain started. First, a small nagging whisper, then it got increasingly louder until it was soon at an 11. Can you relate?

I have fibromyalgia which makes me particularly sensitive to pain, but, so many of us struggle with pain issues, whether from overexertion, work or everyday stress. Wouldn’t it be nice to come home and have someone give you a nice massage?

I was so happy when I was asked to review the Tens Unit 24 Modes by Techcare Massager through the Chronic Illness Bloggers network. I remember looking at one some years back, but, it was a large heavy unit and it wasn’t cheap. This unit, however, is fantastic! It’s light, smaller than my phone, very portable and easy to use. The price is so reasonable as well.

Tens is an acronym for Transcutaeous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. You attach the electrode pads to the desired areas as desecribed in the instruction manual and you can relax in the comfort and privacy of your home.

The Tens unit was easy to set up. You simply plug it in and charge it through the enclosed wall unit or your computer USB port. The built in rechargeable lithium battery can be used up to 12 hours. The bright blue  3.75″ Large LCD Screen is easy to read and there are 24 pre-programmed massage modes.

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I really love the different massage varieties: Kneading Swedish, Cupping, Scrapping, Reflexology and T’ai -Chi. I’m still discovering them all. You have a choice as to the intensity as well.

If you are wondering how it works: FDA approved TechCare massagers deliver low-voltage pulses to the skin to stimulate nerve fibers and effectively block the pain signal to your brain. No medication needed! How amazing is that for healthy pain management?

Friends, I am in love! Serious love! The Techcare Massager contracts and releases the muscles and helps get the knots out. My shoulders felt relaxed and I honestly felt joyful! I don’t know if  it was the feeling of someone massaging that very spot where you most ache or because the pain was released. Alongside the qualities of stimulating muscles and blocking pain, the brain is also stimulated to release endorphins. Endorphins are the ‘feel-good’ natural chemicals in the brain. For me, this effect is a revelation.

Techcare Massager gently contracts and releases the muscles and gives you the benefits of a massage. So far I have had success with carpal tunnel, neck, back and shoulder pain, headaches and the other pains of fibromyalgia. I have learned that it is also effective for arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, sciatica, TMJ pain and so much more.

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There are some people who are not good candidates for TENS, however. This includes people who:

  • Use a pacemaker
  • Have a bleeding disorder
  • Experience epileptic seizures
  • Are pregnant

I have reviewed many products on my blog, but, I can honestly say, that this Tens Unit  is one of the best. I was actually surprised to see the price on Amazon. Even one massage session costs more than that!

The unit comes with: the 2017 Newest Model Controller, 4 Large Electrodes ( Pads ), 2 Electrodes Cables, User’s Manual, USB and Wall Charger, 1 Small Electrode Pad and Wire Holder, 1 Treatment Points Chart and a lifetime limited warranty.

I have to add here that I love the Acupuncture Points Chart! I am a huge fan of Acupuncture, but, I can only afford so many sessions a year. With this unit and the chart, I can treat the same points my Acupuncturist does. I was particularly fascinated to see how the different points relate to different conditions. As someone who does acupressure, they are both accurate and extremely helpful.

So now, I am no longer shouldering the weight of the world. My neck is happy. My back is happy. I love my Tens Unit and I’m sure this relationship will last a very long time!

 

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