Are you eating to heal your body?

This week we are looking at the Steps to Freedom. Don't get overwhelmed. Follow The Daily Healing Journal and it will all be done for you.

The first few steps are all about healing your body. If your body is not strong, how can you expect your mind to be? It all works together. Remember this is all about getting you in the best shape physically & mentally. The more you put in, the more you get out.

Eating Clean - Feeding our Mind & Body
The month of April we are focusing on Clean Eating. Our diet is also a big part in healing our bodies & giving much needed support to our brains.When was the last time that you considered the food you ate & the reaction it could have on how you feel? We all think about having too much sugar or caffeine, the effects can be felt almost immediately. But have you thought about the way the food could affect your mood too.

A few years ago I switched my thoughts to feeding my body rather than stuffing my face. The healing journal was a big help with that. It keeps me accountable & I can also see how different foods are making me feel.


In my daily diet, I don't count calories. I choose to load my plate first with lots of veggies and salad, and a third of my plate will have lean protein. I try to watch carbs that are not beneficial and replace them with complex carbs such as brown rice, whole grain bread, fruit & vegetables.
I know I love bread and potatoes as much as anyone, and I was a sugar addict too. But it wasn't working for me and I felt terrible. Feeling better, sleeping better, and no panic was worth giving it all up to me.Eating healthy is not always the cheapest way to shop, manufacturers don't often print coupons for romaine lettuce. I have found that I have not been sick in a long time & my last doctor visit was last spring for a physical. My physical and mental health have benefitted from it.


So today's challenge is to look at your diet. Where could you make some improvements? Can you replace one meal this week with 2/3 veggies & salad, 1/3 lean protein? Eat off of a salad plate rather than the giant dinner plate? Skip Taco Bell & order a "big" Salad?


Want to know what I am eating today? You can follow me on my Spark Page. It shows my food & exercise. Remember I don't count calories, so I don't always enter the calorie portion. It's all about feeding my brain & body what it needs to be strong.You can do this! Treat yourself once a week to a dessert or yummy junk meal - but just one! Keep track of your moods & food in the daily healing journal. In a short amount of time you will be amazed at how great you feel. Oh, and weight loss is a bonus too.


Make sure you have printed out the sheets for the daily healing journal. Enough for a few days to start. Find a great binder, one from the Garage is fine. Dust it off & let's get started. I am right here with you! Don't worry.

1st page of your Binder should be The Contract for Freedom. Have you signed one yet? You can find that one here.

Here is the link for the Healing Journal. Don't want to waste ink & paper? We have them bundled up for you in the Egg Shop & they are ready to ship to you today. Each book contains 31 sheets for the month.

Make sure to read Your Daily Egg each night this week as we look at the Steps to Freedom.

Keep me posted on how you are feeling or if you have any questions. I love hearing from you!

Wishing you a peaceful day,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"We are indeed much more than what we eat, but what we eat can nevertheless help us to be much more than what we are." -Adelle Davis

Bonus Egg Notes on Water

***Amy Here: After talking to our R.N. Patrice (Hatch into Health), she came up with more great thoughts on water. So today you are receiving blogs from both of us.

Hatch into Health -
Patrice McArthy, RN, BSN

It's important to remember that water is a nutrient. Water is the most essential of all nutrients. And although we might think feeling thirsty is the first sign of dehydration it is not. We may be up to 75% dehydrated before we feel thirst. Likewise, often when we think we're hungry it's really just thirst in disguise. This is why water is so helpful for weight loss and weight maintenance.

Our brains must keep hydrated to function. Because the brain is dependent on water it will find ways compensate for water loss. When the brain lacks water the body will seek to replenish it from other areas to do whatever it takes to provide the brain the hydration it needs. It is well known and documented that there is a correlation between water consumption and health and disease in the human body.

So it seems what we need to do is drink more water. But it's not that simple. Just as important is limiting beverages that deplete our bodies' water stores. Most of what we drink as Americans doesn't provide hydration at all. Drinking sodas for instance actually cause a loss of water in the body. If you drink a soft drink and feel you still need more you are in a never-ending cycle of craving hydration that cannot be met by soda. Your body is craving water. Likewise with such drinks as coffee, tea and any sugar-containing drinks.

I'll never forget one of the first elderly patients I had that was admitted to the hospital for dehydration. She was lifeless and poorly responsive. I assumed this was just her natural state as she came from a nursing home. I was off for the weekend and came back and she was out of the bed, sitting in a chair and talking!! I thought I was in the wrong room. Nope, I just learned what simple rehydration can do. It was truly remarkable. Of course by now I have seen this transformation countless times in my 13 year career.

We Peeps are entering our Healthy Eating Challenge month. The first step is water so we will be drinking up, right? Don't worry about those extra bathroom trips, your body will compensate some after time. Use these trips to remind yourself how your are nourishing your body and brain!

To Your Health,
Peep Patrice

Quote

"I never drink water. I'm afraid it will become habit-forming." - W.C. Fields

Steps to Freedom Week: Getting Enough Water?

This week we are looking at the Steps to Freedom. Don't get overwhelmed. Follow The Daily Healing Journal and it will all be done for you.

The first few steps are all about healing your body. If your body is not strong, how can you expect your mind to be? It all works together. Remember this is all about getting you in the best shape physically & mentally. The more you put in, the more you get out.

Water

Did you know the benefits
of drinking water are:

Healthy skin · Flushes the Toxins · Keeps you Regular · Regulate Body Temperature · Speed up Metabolism · Reduce Cancer Risk · Lube Joins and Muscles · Improves Energy · Increase Mental and Physical Performance · Keeps you more Alkaline

Are you drinking enough? Each person should have about half of their body weight in ounces. If you are working out, add more to rehydrate.

Therefore, if you weigh 200 lbs. - you should be drinking 100 oz. per day.

I like to put a little tick mark on the neck of my water bottle for each one I finish. I have a hard time remembering. Don't forget to add this to your healing journal.

Try to limit coffee, tea & soda to one to two glasses a day. I like to have 1 cup of coffee in the AM & 1 cup of green tea in the evening. Rest of the day it's water for me. If you find coffee or tea make you a little more nervous, cut back or try decaf.

I am not a big fan of artificial sweeteners, try to keep these to a minimum. Does not help with brain support. I currently use Stevia in my coffee.

Today take a look at your water consumption and see where changes might be necessary. Put it into full gear tomorrow. In a few days it will seem like no big deal. If you need some flavor add a little orange, lime or lemon juice to your water for variety.

Make sure you have printed out the sheets for the daily healing journal. Enough for a few days to start. Find a great binder, one from the Garage is fine. Dust it off & let's get started. I am right here with you! Don't worry.

1st page of your Binder should be The Contract for Freedom. Have you signed one yet? You can find that one here.
Here is the link for the Healing Journal. Don't want to waste ink & paper? We have them bundled up for you in the Egg Shop & they are ready to ship to you today. Each book contains 31 sheets for the month.

Make sure to read Your Daily Egg each night this week as we look at the Steps to Freedom.

Keep me posted on how you are feeling or if you have any questions. I love hearing from you!


Wishing you a peaceful day,
Amy

Making Your Health a Hobby

I think the best advice my husband ever told me was to make my health a hobby. I think after he said that he probably regretted it, because being "the Mom" it didn't only include me - it included the whole family.

After lots of searching and trying lots of different things, I was desperate to find relief. I think the key that really broke everything loose was putting all of the methods together & really having faith they they were the "solution". The amazing thing was they were.

Not only did these steps put me in physically the best shape of my life, they put me in the best mental shape of my life. It was all about making that commitment & knowing I deserved it.

I have told the story many times of a friend that I sat next to in church one Sunday. She bragged about the fact that she never did anything for herself. No time off, no haircuts, hand-me-down clothes, and a single pair of shoes. The sad thing was that she and her husband could afford it. She choose to be miserable, depressed, and resentful. She believed that it made her a better person. All I saw was a sad, depressed woman. That day I decided I was not going to be able to do anything for my family if I didn't take care of myself. And what was I teaching my children abut being an adult? I wanted to be happy for my kids & a great wife for my husband, but I had to "fix" myself first. That day I moved Amy to the top of the list.

Strong Body, Strong Mind became my motto & my new hobby & transformation begun.

Ready to start your transformation? Ready to move yourself to the top of that list & be the person your family & friends need. How about just doing it for you?

This week we will be looking at the elements of this hobby. It's not hard, it's not overwhelming. Just decide that you are worth it!

Make sure you have printed out the sheets for the daily healing journal. Enough for a few days to start. Find a great binder, one from the Garage is fine. Dust it off & let's get started. I am right here with you! Don't worry.

1st page of your Binder should be The Contract for Freedom. Have you signed one yet? You can find that one here.

Here is the link for the Healing Journal. Don't want to waste ink & paper? We have them bundled up for you in the Egg Shop & they are ready to ship to you today. Each book contains 31 sheets for the month.

Make sure to read Your Daily Egg each night this week as we look at the Steps to Freedom.

Keep me posted on how you are feeling or if you have any questions. I love hearing from you!

Wishing you a peaceful day,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"I can only think of one thing greater than being happy and that is to help another to be happy, too." -Jim Thomson

Musical Benefits

Have you ever noticed the changes that can be felt by the music you listen to? It's amazing how music can make me nervous or completely relaxed. I can even listen to a song from my childhood and be transported back to those feelings as a child.

Here is an interesting fact: Music can relieve stress, lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and depression and promote a sense of well-being. It can even enhance performance by increasing levels of certain beneficial hormones.Pay attention to the music you encounter, and see how it makes you feel. Do you feel empowered, relaxed, happy? Or does it remind you of someone, bad childhood or make you nervous. Once you have identified the ones that truly make you happy, keep them close at hand. They can make you change the way you feel. Have you tried to listen to meditation CDs or New Age Music? Check out this site for free MP3 guided imagery. I have downloaded them to my MP3 and I am going to spend sometime listening to them tonight. This is a great time to practice breathing.

Keep me posted on how you are feeling. I love hearing from you!

*Make sure you have our weekly radio show on your calendar. Can't make it? Send any questions, comments or topics to me at amy@thehatchedegg.com - RADIO in the subject line.

Wishing you a peaceful day,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." -Red Auerbach

Month is almost over...

How did you do with the Sugar Challenge?

The Sugar Challenge was our focus for the month of March, so how did you do?

I used to be a sugar junkie, so I know how hard it is to give up all of the yummy treats. I learned that if I wanted to feel better I was going to have to.

I did pretty good this month. I went 14 days with no sugar. Had a celebration piece of pie last weekend for my wedding anniversary & today I had a few girl scout cookies. Not too bad, but I have been working on being sugar free for a while. Don't beat yourself up if sugar was calling your name all month. You are a work in progress, you are still hatching.

Here are a few things to keep in mind about sugar:

·Vitamins and minerals can be stolen in attempt to process the sugar, depletion of your B Vitamins.

· Cause Weight Gain

· Give You Fluctuating Blood Sugar

· Increase Mood Changes

· Increase Nervousness

· Increase Loss of Concentration

· Increase PMS

· Suppress the Immune System

· Increase Anxiety & Depression Symptoms

·Make you more prone to panic attacks & increase them if you are already suffering

Next Month's Focus is Clean Eating.

With Spring Cleaning - toss out some of that processed food and try a new healthy dish each week. I'll share some of my favorites too. Remember, work in progress...no rush.This is a lifestyle change.

Keep me posted on how you are feeling. I love hearing from you!

*Make sure you have our weekly radio show on your calendar. Can't make it? Send any questions, comments or topics to me at amy@thehatchedegg.com - RADIO in the subject line.

Wishing you a peaceful day,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"Motivation is like food for the brain. You cannot get enough in one sitting. It needs continual and regular top ups." -Peter Davies

The Panic Monster - Paid Me A Visit!

This morning I was sitting at my desk listening to a story about an ill child. I think that I was not paying attention to my breathing & was so upset about this story. All of a sudden there was a tingle in my chest and I started to feel spaced out. Luckily, I have had this feeling before, and it was not going to take hold like it used to.

I quickly hopped into action and went to the kitchen. I grabbed a large glass of cold water & a piece of cheese. Then back to my office to find stuff to do that did not require me to sit down. Now one of the biggest tricks to recover is not to let fear enter. Now those thoughts try to, but you have to push them back out just as quickly as they enter.

..I am Ok
..I am not dying
..I am not going to loose control
..I am Ok

After a few minutes the heat on the back of my neck went away, I grabbed a piece of gum to keep my mind off the feelings.

Seems like something is going on in the air too. I have congestion way deep in my sinus cavity. So on my list for tonight is to use the Neti Pot. I should probably use it daily during allergy season as my Dr. suggested. I think the congestion is probably not allowing me to breathe as deep as I need to. Which adds to that lightheaded feeling.

Now a few hours later, I am all back to normal. I ate a healthy "big" salad with Chicken & LOTS of water. Supplements have been taken & I am working on my deep breathing.

See, it's all about learning to handle stress. My body still remembers the attack & can deal that way if needed. Only I have not had a full attack in 2 years. I now have the tools & the solution to make it all better. It's a life change, you don't want to go back once you find freedom.

All is well! Are you working on Hatching? It's so Eggciting to be in control & send that Panic Monster Packing!

Wishing you a peaceful day,
Amy

Quote of the Day
"Many of our fears are tissue paper thin, and a single courageous step would carry us clear through them."Brendan Francis

How's Your Breathing?

How's Your Breathing...
It's So Important!

Have you been under lots of stress lately? Are you taking a time out to focus on your breathing? Most of the day breathing is something we do without even thinking about it. It's amazing how this simple movement can completely change how you are feeling.A few years ago I realized that I am a very shallow breather. In times of stress I often hold my breath. That really messes up your body function. You are not getting enough oxygen & enough carbon dioxide is not going out. This can cause fatigue and brain fog. Deep breathing from the belly can start the relaxation response that will fight anxiety, stress and depression.Deep belly breathing will move the oxygen through the blood & help the lymphatic system move the toxins out. If your lymphatic system is slow or sluggish it could cause weight gain, muscle loss, high blood pressure, fatigue, and inflammation.Make sure you are practicing your belly breathing technique. In through the nose very slow, all the way to the bottom of our stomach and out the mouth. It amazes me that after 10 of these breaths how much better I feel. I wonder what would happen if it was an all time habit?Check on yourself every so often. Maybe as you fall asleep tonight focus on it before you drift off, I will be.Watch your posture too. No slouching.

Sit up, deep breath in, deep breath out......

Wishing you the best,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"For breath is life, and if you breathe well you will live long on earth." Sanskrit Proverb

All or Nothing

This weekend on our weekly radio program, one of our Peeps made a great point. She has started with babysteps, but has not mastered her eating so she hasn't moved on. Her point was, she is kind of an all or nothing girl. She is a girl after my own heart. That all or nothing probably helped increase my anxiety by trying to run myself ragged. But might have helped heal me, I like to jump in with both feet.

For me the all or nothing principal works. Truthfully, if you use the daily healing journal & the yahoo reminders it will really help keep you on track. The healing journal is available pre-printed in the egg store or as a free download in the egg printables.

You can also print out the Steps to Freedom - either take one step at a time or make a over-haul of your life and do it all together. It's a big life change, and it won't all be better overnight. Be prepared to be patient. I am always here if you have any questions or need any help.

Find out what method works best for you, babysteps or the All or Nothing Method. Actually, I like to call it the Total Package, "Nothing" was not an option for me...I wanted to break free. Do you? Are you ready to commit?

Keep me posted on how you are feeling.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

amy@thehatchedegg.com

Quote of the Day

"It is not necessary to change. Survival is not mandatory." ~W. Edwards Deming

Who are you surrounded by?

Take a look around, who is around you? Who do you spend most of your time with? Are they positive, stress free?

A few years ago my husband and I were joking about some of our friends and I mentioned that "they weren't good garnish". If you have worked in the restaurant industry in your life you know that the most important part of the meal is the garnish. That little piece of parsley that really makes the dish look it's best. That's how I now look at the people around me.

I have had people in my life & actually I have just had to remove a few because they weren't good garnish. They didn't make me a better person, actually they were happiest when I was troubled or failing. Wilted parsley - gone.

Don't get me wrong, I am not shallow or quick to get rid of people in my life. If you know me I am actually the opposite. I usually walk around with people like these dragging me down. However, I finally realized that if I ever wanted a chance at healing - I needed to be around people who cared about me. People to make me shine.

Decide today that you deserve to be surround by strong happy people. Maybe even find someone that you admire & make them your mentor. It's your time to shine!

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy
amy@thehatchedegg.com

Quote of the Day

"People are like dirt. They can either nourish you and help you grow as a person or they can stunt your growth and make you wilt and die."
- Plato

Water is so important

How are we doing with our water?We should be drinking 1/2 an ounce for every pound we weigh. If you weigh 160 lbs. you should drink 80 oz. per day. I found the best thing is to carry a water bottle around with me all day. If I refill it I use a Sharpie to make a tick mark on the top so I can keep track of how many bottles I have had.

My mom loves to drink her morning juice in a frosted wine glass, maybe drink your water this way with lemon. If I drink it with a straw I can really blast through my water.

The benefits of drinking water are:
Healthy skin · Flushes the Toxins · Keeps you Regular · Regulate Body Temperature · Speed up Metabolism · Reduce Cancer Risk · Lube Joins and Muscles · Improves Energy · Increase Mental and Physical Performance · Keeps you more Alkaline

I have found if I don't drink enough water I bruise, am more anxious, tired, stressed, and have mild muscle spasms.

Drink a glass in the morning when you wake up to help flush the toxins from the night before and it also helps keep you from starting off your day dehydrated. When you are dehydrated blood is actually thicker and has a hard time circulating. This makes it harder for your brain to function properly. You cannot focus, you are fatigued, and worn out. Make sure you are not counting bottles of water with packages such as Crystal Light - these just add artifical sweeters/chemicals to your body & not the same as a large glass of water.

Our Spark Team is a great way to keep up with your water or write it down in the Daily Healing Journal. I personally use both systems.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy
amy@thehatchedegg.com

Quote of the Day

"Don't believe everything you hear-even in your own mind." - Daniel G. Amen, M.D.

Dream Big

Are you dreaming, planning for the future? Does the anxiety have you in such a dark place that you are having a hard time seeing anything that might be ahead?

Dreaming can be a great tool to help move you to the next level. I have developed a habit of dreaming all of the time. If I am "dreaming & planning" my future the negative thoughts don't have a place in my head. It's really too full.

I always carry a notebook in my purse. As these thoughts start in my head I like to jot them in the journal. Sometimes they really start a life of their own. It can be as simple as I would like to learn more about something, or future plans I would love to have. For awhile I have had a joke about spending my days at Starbuck's just hanging out with my laptop. I never get to do this, but it's my idea of having free time. Time to just hang out. When my life is running crazy I just sit and imagine myself at Starbuck's. Someday, that's where you will find me.

Having a plan can really give you a purpose. I always told myself as I was struggling with my panic attacks that I was gathering information because someday I would put it to use. I could see this plan, I was dreaming big of helping others like I needed help. I needed inspiration, now I am able to help others.

Dreaming seems to be a lost art. Our kids dream & sometimes they are punished for that wild imagination. What if you just let it run wild? What if the dreams you had could come true? Think of the things we could accomplish if we put that negative energy into something so powerful!

Dream of Freedom,
Dream of Happiness,
Dream of Security,
Dream of Feeling the Best You Ever Have
...it can all come true!

Start today, practice dreaming big! I can't wait to see your dreams come true, we are on our way!

Wishing you all the best,
Amy
amy@thehatchedegg.com

Quote of the Day

"A man is literally what he thinks." - James Allen

Anxiety can be a Growing Habit

Think back to when your anxiety issues started to show up. The symptoms were probably not as strong as they are today. Or if you are already working on your hatching..as there were.

Anxiety, stress and panic seem to have a mind of their own. I have always had this dark image of my anxiety/panic - it was a "thing". I have never seen it as a part of me. It always seemed like as my anxiety would increase if I didn't do anything to counteract it - it liked to change again and add a new element. The panic attacks would increase, I would develop a new fear, a new symptom would pop up. Your mind seems to adapt & the habit of being anxious and the way your body deals with stress can change. However, I found if I started putting steps in place to heal the anxiety would stop growing and changing and it slowly would become more manageable.

Have you decided that enough is enough? Have you signed that contract with yourself to do everything it takes to break free.? If you have not, stop by the egg printables section of our site and print the contract today. Prove to yourself that you are worth fighting for! I know you can do it!

I am always here if you need a shoulder to lean on. Feel free to drop me an email and let me know how you are doing. I always look forward to hearing from you.

All the best,
Amy
amy@thehatchedegg.com

Quote of the Day

"Whatever the struggle, continue the climb. It may be only one step to the summit."Diane Westlake

What Are You Doing Before Bed?

Do you have a bedtime ritual that you do every night in order to wind down? Over the last few years I have developed a routine I do every night, no matter what time I go to bed.

I have found that knowing what my evening is going to consists of gives me great peace. I also don't get that dreaded worry about panic attacks at night anymore. Every night is the same & last night I was OK.

"My Time" usually starts an hour before bed.

· I make sure everything is prepared for tomorrow.

· My list is started for the next day & on my desk waiting to help me through my day.

· My room is clean and clutter free. Clutter makes me nervous when I try to sleep. I seem to think about everything I should be doing.

· I like to take a warm shower and I use lavender lotion after I get out.

· Cozy jammies are a must & clean sheets.

· I never read or watch anything that is going to give me problems through the night. No Cops, medical programs, or the news. Truthfully I never watch those. No true crime books at bedtime either.

· I like to read a devotional page, write in my journal & focus on my visions for how I want my day tomorrow to go. Make sure you are not addressing worries before bed, no balancing the budget either. No worries at bedtime.

· Sometimes if the voices in my head are too loud, a tape of the ocean, a meditation, or I like to watch TV on captions. The captions force my brain to work and the voices have no time to come in. Before I know it I am fast asleep. Thank goodness for my TV timer.

· If you are going to sleep in a dark quiet room this is a great time to work on those deep breaths all the way to your belly.

· I also keep a glass of water by the bed. If I start getting that nervous feeling - a large drink of water seems to help.
What works for you? Come by the forum and give us some ideas. It might really help another Peep have a great night's sleep.

Sweet Dreams,
Amy

Quote of the Day

A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book. ~Irish Proverb

Always be Ready for "Plan B"

I have become so used to being on routines that I seemed to forget about preparing for "Plan B".

This last weekend was the launch of our Hatched Egg Live. I thought about it all week & made notes of things I wanted to talk about. I was so excited. I made sure I was home in plenty of time. I got my little area all ready - tea, laptop, phone charged - planned for everything that could go wrong. So I thought.

I logged in at 2:15 to open our chat room & call in. My laptop wireless would not work! I think at that point I really started to panic, my poor husband just stood back. I am usually pretty calm, but that overdrive in my personality started to come out. My kids were home, dogs - I couldn't go to my desktop in the family area. Finally I had to shoo them all in the bedroom to watch a movie & I slid in at the last minute to call in. Luckily I was on in time. However, I was out of breath and scattered. Great way to start your first show. Great for a girl with anxious and panic tendencies.

So the show started & all was Ok, except I had my list that was suppose to last an hour and lasted about six minutes - I couldn't focus. Then the unthinkable happened, I was disconnected. I still think maybe I was rattled and I hit the hang-up. I will admit for 1 second I panicked & thought about not calling back in. But I did & I got a great call from Natalie. It turned out fine. I have to start somewhere and I am not there as an expert, just a friend that knows how you are feeling. I want to be able to offer support in person too.

So for all of you that tuned in, thanks. I look forward to living outside of my box and connecting with you every week. Just know I am as anxious on the inside at times too. It's just how we choose to handle it.

Try something out of the box where plans could change. I think it's a great test to our healing. It's a life-long process.

If you would like to download this week's show
the link is: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/stations/flylady/thehatchedegg/2009/03/14/The-Hatched-Egg

I look forward to the growth and development of our program. Thank for all of the support you send to me daily as well. You are such a big part of my life & your health and happiness is so important to me.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"Those at the top of the mountain didn't fall there." -- Marcus Washling

It All Starts in the Gut!

Hatch Into Health -
Patrice McArthy, RN, BSN

It All Starts in the Gut!

Hello peeps!

As you may know, Amy (The Hatched Egg) and I are on a journey together. I loved her quote yesterday:

"If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things." -Albert Einstein

Our goal is to achieve our highest state of health and wellness naturally. She has tackled and slayed the panic and anxiety issue - she tells you how at The Hatched Egg and she shares with you the tools to do it yourself.

We have been busy together. Last weekend we took a girls mini-vacay and went to a health seminar on detoxification and gastrointestinal (gut) issues. We learned a lot! The host of the seminar provides free education for health care professionals. They are an amazing company and design pharmaceutical grade health supplements. We are working on getting these available to you soon.Our toxic environment affects our health. We are continuously being bombarded by chemicals and the burden is increasing. Exposure to these chemicals have been implicated in almost every disease. Although much of this assault is out of our control there are many things we can do to minimize the damage. Amy shared some detoxification tips with you in her recent blog on March 8th, you can find that here. Stay tuned for more tips on easy ways to increase your body's ability to detoxify and ways to decrease your risk.

It may surprise many people that healing begins in the gut. In fact our GI tract has it's own nervous system called the enteric nervous system. This is different from the brain's central nervous system. I won't bore you with details but it really is quite fascinating. Here are a few gut facts:

· There are over 400 species of microbes in the human GI tract totaling over 15 lbs. that exceeds all other organs in the body other than skeletal muscle.

· There are more microbes (microscopic life forms like bacteria, viruses, algae and protozoa) in the human intestinal tract than there are STARS IN THE GALAXY, exceeding all other cells in the body combined!

· The surface area of the gut, if all spread apart is approximately equal to that of a regulation singles tennis court!

· It's mind-blowing actually ... And 75% of the body's immune cells (those cells that fight infection and disease) are located in the gut. No wonder it's easy to be out of balance and ill.The good news is that it's possible to heal ourselves by healing and maintaining gut health. How?

Lifestyle recommendations include:

· Controlling stress and avoiding extra obligations.

· Engage in exercise and stress reducing activities such as deep breathing, yoga, tai chi, walking.

· Practice good sleep habits and get 8-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep a night.

· Fill up with fiber - consume high fiber foods and increase your water intake.

· Consume a healthy, balanced diet that include 5-10 servings of vegetables and fruits daily.

· Take a good quality multi vitamin. More on supplements to come!

· Avoiding or minimizing possibly allergic foods like grains and dairy.

· Drinking enough pure, filtered water (1/2 your weight in ounces) - the less plastic bottles the better!

· Minimize alcohol, caffeine, acidic things like soda and overly spiced foods.

· Stay informed and be proactive - make a choice to take care of yourself!

· Take advantages of coaching tools and supportive places like The Hatched Egg.

These changes may seem overwhelming but take heart. I think it's clear we are trying to strike a balance in our lives. Even small changes can make a big difference! Start small, take babysteps on this journey, don't overwhelm! We are not sprinting to the finish but keeping steady for the long haul. You are worth it! We are hatching together and it is eggciting!

Signing off now ... and wishing you wellness!!
Patrice
Hatch into Health
my blog here

Don't miss Amy's radio show tomorrow!

tune in here

Quote of the Day

To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear. " ~Buddha

Are you waiting?

You are Not Waiting for

Someone Else to Make you Happy,
Are You?

I am a natural caretaker. I always want to make sure that everyone else is happy and taken care of. It was really hard for me to realize that most people don't think this way. They are not out to make me better.

Right now, I want you to realize that no one is going to make you better or happy. It's up to us! If we want or need something in our lives we are going to have to be vocal and let it be known.

I hate for anyone to know that I am having a hard time & I am weak. At the same time I want someone to swoop in and rescue me. I remember wondering "Where are they....when are they going to rescue me?" Not knowing who they were, suddenly I realized I had to save myself.

When you wake up in the morning as you open your eyes know that today is a choice. I can continue on the path I am on, or I am willing to make all of the life changes I need to to break free.

I am always here to help support you, but your freedom is all up to you! Time to make yourself happy & leave the darkness behind.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts,

Amy

-Hatched Egg Live starts this weekend on blogtalkradio.com 2:30 pm central time. We will be on for 1 hour - call in! I would love to hear your story, it's all about you. Can't wait to speak to you all in person!

Click Here for More Information

Quote of the Day

"If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things." -Albert Einstein

I love this stuff!

As you know when I find something that I think will help us I just have to tell everyone! Especially when it feels like a reasonable deal.

The other day I was wandering around the drugstore checking out what they had. You know that could be dangerous, the odd things I usually come home with.

I decided that it was time I had a home spa night. I went in search of soaps and scrubs. Down on a shelf I found some new products I have not seen before. They are plain labeled bath products called c. booth. Each of their products ran about $5, but the bottles are large. I purchased the Lavender Mineral Bath Soak & Walnut Shell Body Scrub & Cleanser. They did not disappoint! Great Spa Night!!

I look forward to trying their other products. Check their website for locations you can find them. www.deliciousbrandsllc.com

Time to look at those calendars and plan a spa night. Guys too :)

If you run across other great products, please let me know I love to share.


Wishing you peaceful thoughts,
Amy

- 16 days no/limited sugar for me!!! How are you doing? Have you joined the Great Sugar Free Challenge?

Quote of the Day

"Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness. Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing. Use the pain as fuel, as a reminder of your strength." - August Wilson

Finding Time to Relax

Life is crazy isn't it? Carving out a little time everyday is really hard. Seems like we are always rushing somewhere.

The time has come to make sure that you are taking care of yourself. When was the last time you chilled out? Really did something to make you happy.

My week has been very hectic, I am ready to unwind. I am writing this message to you from my backyard. I wish I could take a picture and show you. It's dark, I have Christmas lights that surround my patio turned on. It's about 70 degrees here in Houston & I am chillin out with my laptop, music & hot tea. How cool is that - the world is so quiet with the only sound being the planes flying overhead & my music. Love it! Feeling better already. When was the last time you were still to really enjoy your surroundings?

I have also been working on my breathing exercises anytime I can. The car, standing in line at the store, right before I go to sleep. Really helps me relax.

I just want to make sure you are taking the time out for you. Everything else can wait. Your health is a priority, right?

Look around happiness doesn't have to come in a box, on the TV, or at the mall. It's all around you.

Enjoy tomorrow.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts,
Amy

Quote of the Day
" The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature." -Anne Frank

- 15 days no/limited sugar for me!!! How are you doing?

Have you joined the Great Sugar Free Challenge?

You should feel proud!

You should feel very proud of yourself. You have decided that you no longer want to live the life of anxiety, stress & suffer from panic attacks. You have decided enough is enough...that's why you are here.

First, I want to make sure you know this will not change overnight. I bet the anxiety didn't start last night or even the night before. Have faith & give yourself time to heal. Step by step you will start to see the little signs that you are getting better. Celebrate all of the small victories! Then let us know, so we can all celebrate with you!

Second, make sure you are journaling, drinking water, getting all of your nutrients, exercising & practice relaxation.

I am so proud of you for allowing me to be a part of your journey...there is freedom....I promise! I am proof, I was in the darkest hole & found my way out. Take your time, hatching is a delicate process.

Your happiness is so important to me. Keep me posted on your struggles and triumphs. I am always here for you.

Lots of love!

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,Amy

- 14 days no/limited sugar for me!!! How are you doing? Have you joined the Great Sugar Free Challenge?

Quote of the Day

"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage." - Lao Tzu

How are you feeling?

How are you feeling? Are you taking care of yourself?

My weekend has been very busy. Patrice (Hatch into Health) and I attended a health seminar this weekend. We locked the world out Friday Night and made plans for The Hatched Egg - we have lots of great things coming to help you.

We learned lots of great things this weekend that will improve your health.

Here are a few things to try:

Drink a cup of hot water with 1/4 lemon and 2 pinches of cayenne pepper first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. It's suppose to be really great for you.

Rub Epsom salt with a warm washcloth in the shower for a great exfoliate.

Use a dry brush or loofa to massage your entire body before getting into the shower. Use a circular motion and and work toward the heart. Then shower or bathe - facilitated circulation & elimination of toxins through the skin.

Jump on a mini tramp for 3-5 minutes at a time. Sakes up your body & great for stimulating your lymph drainage system & moves toxins out.

Try "hydrotherapy" in the shower by alternating hot & cold water. It's suppose to be very invigorating.

Sounds like some great ideas. I am going to try them all this week. Let me know how they work for you.
Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,Amy

- 13 days no sugar for me!!! How are you doing? Have you joined the Great Sugar Free Challenge?

Quote of the Day

"You can be a beacon of inspiration by doing no more than your daily routine. And, yes, it must be a different routine than what you have now."
- Rodney Lovell

It's Saturday!

What are you doing today?

I love Saturday. It's a day I try to chill out a little & make my plan for the week.

Are you treating yourself right today? Maybe watching a favorite movie, calling a friend, or cooking your favorite dinner. I love to have spa night Saturday Night. Sometimes my husband likes to pamper himself as well, although he wouldn't admit it.

Today you might want to:
· Plan your meals to ensure that you are able to stay away from cookies and snacks.
· Check to make sure the laundry is done for this week. Helps to reduce stress in the morning.
· Check you budget. Make sure all of this week's bills are paid.
· Double check those calendars. Nothing worse than missing a conference. Can't tell you how many times I have done that.

Tonight:
· Pamper yourself
· Make sure you are filling out the Daily Healing Journal.
· Work on your Gratitude Journal.
· Relax

All of this will help you from feeling overwhelmed & lower stress. My anxiety level really increased when I feel like my life is out of control. Have a great week!

Wishing you all the best,
Amy

amy@thehatchedegg.com

Quote of the Day

"The time to relax is when you don't have time for it." -Sydney J. Harris

Yoga Does the Body Good

This exercise plan is not only for the hip and trendy. Yoga is a wonderful way to improve your posture and breathing techniques.

However, finding the right class or DVD is most important. For a while I was teased about my Yoga class that it was too "fluffy", so I invited my husband to participate in my class. I have to say that was a great time full of laughter as I watched my husband struggle through the class. I never heard another word about my yoga class again.

Many DVDs have programs based from beginner to advance & you can progress at your own pace. I decided to do the yoga class at my gym because it was away from home and I didn't get interrupted.

Finding the best fitness regimen is so important to changing the way you feel. But try yoga at least a few times, don't give up after the first time. You will be amazed at your relaxation and the health benefits.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,Amy

- 10 days no sugar for me!!! How are you doing? Have you joined the Great Sugar Free Challenge?

Quote of the Day

"The yoga mat is a good place to turn when talk therapy and antidepressants aren't enough." -Amy Weintraub

The Hatched Egg Live!

Our radio show is coming!!! Our first show will be Saturday, March 14th at 2:30 central time. I couldn't be more excited.

This show is all about you & I get to speak with you personally. As much as I love all of the emails it will be wonderful to hear your voice & offer you encouragement in person.

Please put our show on your calendar - I hope to hear from you. If you can't make it on the 14th we will be on every week at the same time. Shows will also be available for download too.

I have taped a little segment about our site - stop by and listen.
Click Here to Listen

We will have lots of guest & experts stop by to help us in our "hatching". I look forward to hearing from you!

Call in number is (347) 215-8779
Chat will be open - at blogtalkradio.com
A reminder will be sent the morning of the 14th.

Wishing you all the best,
Amy

- 9 days no sugar for me!!! How are you doing? Have you joined the Great Sugar Free Challenge?

Quote of the Day

"Do you remember the things you were worrying about a year ago? How did they work out? Didn't you waste a lot of fruitless energy on account of most of them? Didn't most of them turn out all right after all?" -Dale Carnegie

You're Not Complaining Are You?

I have a confession to make, I have picked up a terrible habit lately....complaining. I have a feeling I know where it came from, but it's funny how we adapt to our surroundings.

The other night I realized that I had been walking around talking about all that I had done, and what tomorrow held for me .... waahhh waaahhh. Yuck! Who would want to listen to that, I didn't even want to listen to myself.

I think in the last month I forgot to keep an eye on all that goes right in my day. Instead I seem to want everyone to know what isn't.

Well this habit is gone as of right now! Tomorrow listen to how you interact with people - make a conscious effort not to whine or complain. Just think if the thoughts in your head are really focused on the gratitude, the stress will ease up. People are more willing to help someone in need rather than a complainer.

Happy thoughts!!!

Wishing you all the best,
Amy

- 8 days no sugar for me!!! How are you doing? Have you joined the Great Sugar Free Challenge?

Quote of the Day

"Learn to accept in silence the minor aggravations, cultivate the gift of taciturnity, and consume your own smoke with an extra draft of hard work, so that those about you may not be annoyed with the dust and soot of your complaints." ~William Osler

How is your Exercise Routine?

Are you exercising? Are you pushing yourself a little bit?

Getting up and moving around is great. However, pushing yourself a little & breaking a sweat is even better. When dealing with anxiety, stress, panic or depression moderate exercise is best.

Do you have a goal in mind? Have you thought about how the physical exercise could actually make you mentally feel better?

People used to laugh at me when I told them I was working out for my mind, not to squeeze into smaller pants. Truth is that along the way I lost 40 lbs. in 8 months - great bonus! And it really changed the way I felt.

Here are some interesting facts about exercise
benefits for mental health:

· Exercise will increase Serotonin, Dopamine, Endorphins .

· Research has shown that as little as eight minutes of exercise can reduce anxious feelings & reduce sadness.

· Will increase energy & stimulate the relaxation response in the body.

· Exercise can regulate sleeping patterns and reduce insomnia.

· Researchers at Duke University studied people suffering from depression for 4 months and found that 60% of the participants who exercised for 30 minutes three times a week overcame their depression without using antidepressant medication. Same percentage as those who only used medication.

Dust off those sneakers and make a plan. Can you commit to 3 days a week? Fitness time is a great place to practice your focus & living in the moment. It will quiet those loud voices in your head. Have any questions or need support? I am always available to you - amy@thehatchedegg.com

Wishing you all the best,
Amy

- 7 days no sugar for me!!! How are you doing? Have you joined the Great Sugar Free Challenge?

I am putting a link on our site tonight. If you make it through the day with no sugar or minimal sugar - log into the challenge. Great way to be accountable!

Quote of the Day

"Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional, and mental states." ~Carol Welch

One Step at a Time

Today I received a call from a good friend of mine, she felt as if she was falling apart. She remembered what I had gone through a few years ago & called for my advice.

She started by telling me everything that was going on in her life & that she did not feel like she wanted to turn to medicine. She was ready to get rid of the anxiety she was feeling. Crying all the time, feeling like she was loosing control & not sleeping....it was enough.

I was so thankful that she thought enough of me to call and seek my advice. First thought that came to mind was that she was talking about everything that was going on. My answer to this is to Make a List. I start everyday with a list, it keeps me grounded. I have a chart that has my daily routines that I can check off. Then there is a daily list of the unusual tasks that I have for that day. Sometimes I have a list for big problems and the steps needed to "fix" it. I know it probably sounds like a lot of work, but it really keeps you from freaking out. They laughed at me at work today, because I made a list of my daily tasks. Again, keeps me from becoming overwhelmed.

When you are facing lots of problems it's best to list them all out on paper - this is a great brain dump. Get's it out of your mind and into the world. I list them by importance & promise myself I will not look at the next one until the task at hand is completed - no skipping ahead.

The other day my husband asked me about Easter plans, he looked confused when I told him I wasn't there yet. Truth is I have a few other issues on my list before Easter & haven't even thought about it.

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Don't know where to start? Decided today that you are a list maker. Wake up in the morning with me and look over your list for the day. After I check emails that is the first thing I do, make sure it is in my bag for the day & ready to go.

I am always available if you ever have questions, suggestions or need a shoulder. Have a great tomorrow!

Wishing you all the best,
Amy

amy@thehatchedegg.com

Quote of the Day

"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve. "
- Dr. Napoleon Hill

Are your Rotines on Auto-Pilot?

How is your day going? Feel like there is a million things to do and you don't know where to start? It's frustrating.

There are a few things that I love about routines - everything usually is completed, you feel like you are making big accomplishments & feel less stressed. Seems really simple doesn't it? Do you have a routine in place?

I have found that if the majority of my daily life is set in a routine, it gives me time to focus on healing, having fun & handling the big things life throws at me.

My day is divided into a morning routine, evening routine, a day I pay bills, and a day I handle household issues. I also have a daily list to keep me focused - I use the Egg Notes.

The key is one step at a time & only focus on the task at hand that moment. If you start thinking about what your day holds you will easily stress out.

Lately I have felt like there are not enough hours in the day. My plan today is to update my routines & see what I can change that will help my day flow better. Treat yourself right! Make sure you have plenty of time & are not getting stressed out.

Wishing you all the best,
Amy

amy@thehatchedegg.com

Quote of the Day

"He, who every morning plans the transactions of the day, and follows that plan carries a thread that will guide him through a labyrinth of the most busy life" - Victor Hugo