Time Management

Two weeks have already come and gone in the New Year! I remember my grandmother used to say back in the 1980’s that time flies by faster each year. Before you know it, January will have come and gone and February.

Experts share that setting a schedule for your work on a calendar is the most effective way to organize your day. I created such a planner several years ago.

I divided the week into days and hours. On the far left side of the landscape page is a wide column marked Weekly Schedule. Under this column I placed Roles and Goals and an area of white space to jot down notes. I also set an area with some empty blocks for Weekly Priorities. The next column towards the right has empty blocks for Today’s Priorities.

I start my week on Sunday and run through Friday. I left the Sabbath column empty as I am a Seventh-day Adventist Christian and I do no work on the Holy Sabbath Day. I begin the time blocks at 08:00 and end at 20:00 or 8pm for people that are unfamiliar with the 24 hour time format.

Having a weekly planner like the one I created helps me list what appointments or commitments I may have that week. I can then schedule activities that I do in my business. One other effective tip I learned is to set a timer for 30 minutes and dive into a work project and do not get distracted while working on that task. You can keep repeating the timer and this process will help you manage your time better.

If you would like to download the planner I created, just fill out the form below and your privacy is my priority. I hate spam more than you do!


Real Name:
Best Email:

Please comment if you have any tips you can share to help others with time management.

Daniel Parsons

Lose Weight Permanently

How many diets have you tried? Have you lost weight and then regained it after a period of time?

How many potions and pills have you bought? Are you still having trouble losing weight and keeping it off?

Before you spend your hard earned money on an expensive lap band surgery, read this post. You are more than likely being misled by the multi billion dollar diet industry. Common sense and logic suggests that if you burn more calories than you eat, you will lose weight. One pound consists of around 3,500 calories. A safe weight loss is losing 2 or 3 pounds per week.

Something really disturbs me about the advertising of Nutrisystem and the claims they make. The claims are that you can lose weight and lower your blood sugar. My question is for how long with their system and approach. Is it a permanent change? My beliefs and education tend to think the Nutrisystem plan is a temporary solution. Do you want a permanent solution?

Whole Wellness Club offers a permanent solution. Dr. Chappell is our spokesperson and is a veteran Naturopathic Doctor since 1971. He recommends going to your local grocery store or farmers market and buying organic fruits, legumes, nuts, vegetables and whole grains. If you cannot buy organic, buy regular produce and thoroughly wash the plants.

The permanent solution is that the plants are living with nutrients, minerals, enzymes, and vitamins. Your body will get the nutrition you need from the fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and legumes. You cannot get fat on a vegetarian diet if you eat the right amount of food. Your body will signal that you are full when it has the nutrients from the living food from plants. The solution is giving your body nutrition.

If you eat animal products, you are eating dead food. Animal products are high in fat and cholesterol and have no dietary fiber. If you must eat any animal products, eat as little as possible until you can remove animal products from your diet. President Clinton is now a vegan and he has had heart health problems in the past due to an unhealthy diet of animal products. More information about the President’s change can be found on this website:

Dr. Dean Ornish

Do you know why someone that eats a super sized fast food meal is buying a candy bar 2 hours after eating that fat and sodium laced meal? The reason is their body did not get the nutrition it needs. A hunger signal is sent to the brain and then the urge to buy snacks comes. Once again, the key is giving your body enough nutrients. Drink plenty of pure water in between meals and your body will thank you. Most hunger signals are actually thirst signals as most people are walking around dehydrated.

Have you ever seen advertisements for Nutrisystem? Nutrisystem is teaching people a temporary fix with the same kind of unhealthy foods that the overweight person has been consuming. You cannot make a permanent change buying cookies, muffins, brownies, pasta, and cakes. The same amount of money you spend on one month of Nutrisystem will supply you with the best organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and legumes for 2 months.

Studies have shown that a vegetarian diet lowers blood sugar, reverses heart disease, and will help you lose weight when incorporated with an exercise program that includes a 30 minute daily walk.

Drinking one half your ideal body weight in ounces of pure water each day will also help you lose weight.

The following substances also help the body with weight loss:
1) Green Tea Extract
2) Lipoic Acid
3) White Kidney Bean

I have used Caldera Greens every day since 2010 to make sure I get plenty of dense nutrition. You can find out more about this remarkable product and the living mineral rich whole food that gives you abundant energy on my blog post here:

Caldera Greens Nutrition

By exercising each morning, eating a plant based diet that is full of foods that don’t have a nutrition label, and working outside on my small farm, I am at my ideal weight. You can also reach your goals if you eat a potato in its natural form without butter or sour cream and apply the same principles that I have. I wish you much success on your achieving your weight loss goals! I have been at the same weight since 1999.  I weigh the same now as I did in high school more than 35 years ago.

You can get more health tips by subscribing to my blog below:

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Your privacy is my priority as I hate spam more than you do!

 

Daniel Parsons

Wibiya Toolbar

Have you noticed people's blogs and domains now have social media features installed? If you have not been on Digg, Facebook, Google +, Stumble Upon, Twitter or You Tube you should get engaged. Social media is a powerful way to interact with people from all over the world. Here are just a few ideas that come to mind on how to use social media on a daily basis.

1. Create a focus group that you can engage in a discussion at a set time.

2. Create a support group for exercise, healthy living, losing weight, stopping smoking or any other focused group.

3. Create a poll or survey to measure interest about your product or service.

4. Have customer support for your clients or people browsing for a product or service.

5. Increase sales with the viral nature of social media.

6. Support a cause or charity.

As you can see, there are many uses of social media. Wibiya Toolbar is a plugin that you can add to your domain or blog. To install on WordPress, you just go to Plugins and select Add New. Type in Wibiya Toolbar. Install and Activate. Then go to the Appearance link on the left side of your Dashboard. Then click enable and register on Wibiya.com site. Add your profiles in the pop up menu and then copy the url and paste in the Wibiya Toolbar Path box. Click on Save and your toolbar will show on the bottom of your sites.

This low-fat, high-protein recipe is sure to make a great start to a healthy and happy new year!

Ingredients

Makes 10 servings

2 cups cooked black-eyed peas, or 1 15-ounce can black-eyed peas, drained
1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
1/2 cup green onions, finely sliced
1 celery stalk, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
1 tomato, diced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-2 garlic cloves, crushed

Directions

Combine black-eyed peas, rice, green onions, celery, tomato, and parsley in a mixing bowl. In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice, salt, and garlic and pour over the salad. Toss gently. Chill 1 to 2 hours if time permits.

Nutrition Information | Per serving (1/2 recipe):

calories: 91; fat: 1.9 g; saturated fat: 0.3 g; calories from fat: 18.5%; cholesterol: 0 mg; protein: 3.7 g; carbohydrate: 15.4 g; sugar: 1.3 g; fiber: 3.6 g; sodium: 68 mg: calcium: 20 mg; iron: 1.2 mg; vitamin C: 5.4 mg; beta-carotene: 137 mcg; vitamin E: 0.4 mg

Recipe from Jennifer Raymond M.S., R.D. found in Turn Off the Fat Genes by Neal D. Barnard, M.D.

You Can Quit Smoking

Many people make resolutions to improve their health on New Years. Do you want to quit smoking? Help is available. Call 805-201-STOP  ( 7867 ) if you live in Ventura County, California. You can also visit the website the county has:

Ventura County Public Health

The California Quit Smoking Phone Line is 800-NO-BUTTS or 800-662-8887

The American Lung Association also as a Lung Help Line:

800-LUNGUSA ( 586-4872 )

The website for the Lung Association is:

American Lung

One other resource is this website:

Freedom from Smoking

I am so thankful that I quit smoking in 1998. I made a blog post about the resources that helped me and you can read that on my site below:

How I Quit Smoking

You can do it! Never give up!

Made this delicious meal today while listening to the 2012 Rose Bowl game. A wonderful combination of flavors! Serve with brown rice or fat-free cornbread, with hot sauce on the side.

Makes 4 servings

1 package (10 ounces) frozen or fresh kale, chard, or collard greens

4 cups low-sodium vegetarian broth

2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen black-eyed peas, thawed and drained or

1 sixteen ounce package of dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and soaked for 8 hours

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (18 ounces) vacuum-packed unsweetened sweet potatoes, drained, rinsed, and chopped, or 2 cups cooked

A few dashes of liquid smoke

I prefer fresh kale but if you can only get frozen thaw frozen greens in a bowl of boiling water. Chop and combine with broth, black-eyed peas, garlic, sweet potatoes, and liquid smoke in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring often, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.

Per serving (1/4 recipe): calories: 412; fat: 4 g; calories from fat: 8%; cholesterol: 0 mg; protein: 32 g; carbohydrates: 74 g; sugar: 1 g; fiber: 22 g; sodium: 127 mg

Recipe by Bryanna Clark Grogan found in Dr. Neal Barnard’s Program for Reversing Diabetes: The Scientifically Proven System for Reversing Diabetes Without Drugs by Neal Barnard, M.D.

Goal Setting

My wish to you is that you achieve all of your dreams and goals in 2012. If we want something bad enough, we will take the actions necessary to reach what we desire. This is day one of the rest of your life. Do you have your goals written down? If not, take action now!

Goal Setting

My wish to you is that you achieve all of your dreams and goals in 2012. If we want something bad enough, we will take the actions necessary to reach what we desire. This is day one of the rest of your life. Do you have your goals written down? If not, take action now!

1 ( 16-oz ) Package Yellow Split Peas, Rinsed
1 Quart Low Sodium Vegetable Broth
2 Cups Water
1 Package Dried Onion Soup Mix
1 and 1/2 cups Baby Carrots, Rinsed and Sliced
2 Large Vidalia Onions, Chopped
6 Stalks Celery, Trimmed and Diced
1 Large or 2 Small Leeks, Stripped of Outer Leaves, Rinsed, and Chopped
2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
2 Tbsp Grey Poupon Dijon mustard
3 or 4 Tbsp Tamari or Soy Sauce ( I use Braggs Liquid Aminos )
2 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
Salt and Pepper to Taste

1. In a large pot, combine peas, broth, water, and soup mix. Stir well. Add carrots, onions, celery, leeks, garlic, mustard, tamari, and balsamic vinegar. If mixture seems too thick, pour in a little more water.
2. Bring to a full boil over medium, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for about 2 hours, stirring and skimming surface occasionally.
3. Remove from heat and let sit for an hour at room temperature.
4. Puree, in several batches in a food processor or blender until smooth. Add pepper to taste. The sodium content made me decide to not add salt.

Serves: 10
Per Serving: 170 calories, 30g carbs, 11g protein, 1.5g fat, 0mg cholesterol, 1,060mg sodium, 9g fiber

This recipe is from Judy Collins along with consulting by Jeanine Sherry and was in the Sunday Parade on 1 January 2012

Goal Setting

My wish to you is that you achieve all of your dreams and goals in 2012. If we want something bad enough, we will take the actions necessary to reach what we desire. This is day one of the rest of your life. Do you have your goals written down? If not, take action now!

Just a short note tonight to all my blog readers from around the world. I appreciate your being a loyal reader and subscriber. I have added a goal of more interaction with my blogs in 2012. I am going to continue my focus on fitness, healthy living, wellness and health.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you or someone you know. I am not a medical provider. I am just sharing knowledge that I have acquired from my own efforts at living a healthy life. I wish you a safe, prosperous, and Happy New Year!

Just a short note tonight to all my blog readers from around the world. I appreciate your being a loyal reader and subscriber. I have added a goal of more interaction with my blogs in 2012. I am going to continue my focus on healthy living and health.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you or someone you know. I am not a medical provider. I am just sharing knowledge that I have acquired from my own efforts at living a healthy life. I wish you a safe, prosperous, and Happy New Year!

Made this delicious meal today while listening to the 2012 Rose Bowl game. A wonderful combination of flavors! Serve with brown rice or fat-free cornbread, with hot sauce on the side.

Makes 4 servings

1 package (10 ounces) frozen or fresh kale, chard, or collard greens

4 cups low-sodium vegetarian broth

2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen black-eyed peas, thawed and drained or

1 sixteen ounce package of dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and soaked for 8 hours

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (18 ounces) vacuum-packed unsweetened sweet potatoes, drained, rinsed, and chopped, or 2 cups cooked

A few dashes of liquid smoke

I prefer fresh kale but if you can only get frozen thaw frozen greens in a bowl of boiling water. Chop and combine with broth, black-eyed peas, garlic, sweet potatoes, and liquid smoke in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring often, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.

Per serving (1/4 recipe): calories: 412; fat: 4 g; calories from fat: 8%; cholesterol: 0 mg; protein: 32 g; carbohydrates: 74 g; sugar: 1 g; fiber: 22 g; sodium: 127 mg

Recipe by Bryanna Clark Grogan found in Dr. Neal Barnard’s Program for Reversing Diabetes: The Scientifically Proven System for Reversing Diabetes Without Drugs by Neal Barnard, M.D.

This is a very easy, attractive, and delicious make-ahead salad for
winter holiday meals. A blender makes the vinaigrette in a jiffy.

Makes 8 servings

Cranberry-Orange Vinaigrette

3/4 cup fat-free oil
substitute (1 cup cold water, 1 tablespoon low-sodium vegetarian broth
powder, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch)

1/2 cup orange juice

1/3 cup chopped fresh or frozen cranberries

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 1/2 tablespoons chopped chives or scallion

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon agave

1 large clove garlic, crushed

1 tablespoon salt

freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Salad

1 1/2  pounds red cabbage, thinly sliced (about 5 cups)

3/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

2 crisp sweet apples

For the vinaigrette: Blend the oil substitute, orange juice,
cranberries, wine vinegar, chives or scallion, balsamic vinegar, lemon
juice, agave, garlic, salt, and pepper in a blender. If making ahead,
transfer to a covered container and refrigerate.

For the salad: Combine the cabbage, cranberries, and vinaigrette in a
medium salad bowl and toss gently. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2
hours to allow the flavors to blend. When ready to serve, slice the
apples (with peel), add to the salad, and toss well.

Per serving (1/8 recipe): calories: 70; fat: 0.5 g; calories from
fat: 2%; cholesterol: 0 mg; protein: 1 g; carbohydrates: 18 g; sugar:
11 g; fiber: 3 g; sodium: 251 mg

Recipe by Bryanna Clark Grogan found in Dr. Neal Barnard’s Program for Reversing Diabetes: The Scientifically Proven System for Reversing Diabetes Without Drugs by Neal Barnard, M.D.

This Italian Panini will become a lunchtime favorite.

Makes 1 sandwich

2 slices rye or sprouted-grain bread

2 tablespoons Tofu Mayonnaise*

6 thin asparagus spears, steamed or roasted

6 fresh basil leaves

2 slices low-fat vegetarian bacon or ham, such as Yves Veggie Canadian Bacon

Spread each bread slice on 1 side with 1 tablespoon Tofu Mayonnaise
and assemble the sandwich with the rest of the ingredients the way you
like it, being careful not to overfill.

The easiest way to make panini is with an electric non-stick panini
press or closed indoor grill. Set the timer for 5 minutes, then check
the bread. If it is not as golden and crisp as you like, cook for a few
minutes longer. Cut the sandwich into triangles and serve hot.

If you do not have a panini press or grill, cook the sandwich in a
heavy non-stick skillet or on a griddle over medium heat, placing a
flat heavy lid on the sandwich as you brown each side.

*Tofu Mayonnaise

1 12.3-ounce package reduced-fat extra-firm silken tofu

2 tablespoons cider vinegar or lemon juice

1 1/8 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

1/8 teaspoon white pepper

Combine tofu, vinegar or lemon juice, salt, dry mustard, and white
pepper in a food processor or blender (or place the ingredients in a
medium bowl and use a hand-held blender) and process until very smooth.
It will keep in a covered container in the refrigerator for about 2
weeks.

Per serving (1 sandwich): calories: 308; fat: 4 g; calories from
fat: 11%; cholesterol: 0 mg; protein: 31 g; carbohydrates: 32 g; sugar:
0.2 g; fiber: 6 g; sodium: 825 mg

Recipe by Bryanna Clark Grogan found in Dr. Neal Barnard’s Program for Reversing Diabetes: The Scientifically Proven System for Reversing Diabetes Without Drugs by Neal Barnard, M.D.