10 Tips for Getting Rid of Excess Clutter
by Holly Tashian
1. Deal with your clothes. Clean out closets and dressers. Sell, consign, give away or toss anything that you no longer love or that no longer fits you. If it’s beyond repair, out of style, unflattering, or useless (like one sock only), then let it go.
2. Clear out your attic and cellar clutter. Let go of those old love letters, broken chairs, 10 year old tax records, old baby clothes, moldy rugs, useless tools, old towels and sheets, extra blankets, anything you no longer need. If you haven’t used it for the past 2 years, chances are you don’t need it, and perhaps someone else could make use of it.
3. Address the kitchen clutter. Remove everything from your kitchen counters that is not essential for every day cooking (blenders, mixers, jars of dried beans, rice, flour, etc.). These items should be stored in cupboards. Clean out the food storage areas and refrigerator to make sure nothing is expired, moldy or rotten. Clean out under the kitchen sink.
4. Organize your desk & office area. Keep your desk cleared off at the end of each work day. Create active files for all paperwork. Eliminate paper clutter by keeping one notebook for all notes, rather than post-its. Keep your Rolodex current. Handle mail once – toss catalogues that aren’t essential.
5. Recycle paper clutter. Magazines, junk mail and newspapers should be tossed out weekly. Books – especially paperbacks that you’ve read can be donated to the library. Keep only books that are essential and irreplaceable. Old textbooks, paperback classics, children’s books (when your children are grown) can be given away to book fairs, garage sales, libraries and friends.
6. Clear away garage clutter. Broken items, scraps of wood, rusty tools, parts of appliances, electrical equipment that no longer works are all candidates for the recycle bin, trash bin or Goodwill. Fix it, use it or let it go.
7. Put consciousness into bathrooms. Clean out medicine cabinets often. Keep a minimum of towels out. Make sure the linen closet is up to date and neat. Toss out any "dead soldiers" (empty shampoo, hairspray, and cologne bottles stored on the shelves). Keep magazines to a minimum of 1 or 2.
8. Stop clutter at the front door. Only buy what you need and have a predestined place for. Stop going to garage sales, throw out junk mail before it settles on the kitchen table. Accept other people’s stuff only if you really need it. If you acquire a new piece of furniture, let go of a piece of furniture that someone else can use. Recycle cans, bottles, papers, and plastic at least monthly.
9. Clean out your car. Since most of us spend considerable time in motor vehicles, it is wise to apply these guidelines to the car, RV or truck.
10. Ask yourself these questions:
o Do I love it?
o Do I need it?
o Is it essential?
o Does it enhance my life?
Then: Sort your things into 3 piles – (boxes)
o Yes – I love it and I need it, it works and it’s useful
o No – Someone else can have it
o No – Toss it out
Saturday, February 28, 2009
8 Foods to Keep Your Brain Young and Healthy
Senility, Alzheimer's, and age-related memory loss: these conditions of mental decline that come with aging can be delayed or even prevented. Besides engaging in daily activities that work out your brain, a regular and balanced diet rich with essential amino acids, omega oils, minerals and vitamins will ensure a vibrant and sharp memory. Eat these foods to give your brain the nutrition it needs.
1. Fish
Protein, an important component in the making of neurotransmitters, is essential to improve mental performance. Aside from being an excellent source of high quality protein, fish are packed with essential oils, such as Omega-3, which protect the brain and supports its development and functioning. Deep sea fish have the highest amounts of fatty acids, and they include salmon, sea bass, halibut, mackerel, and sardines.
2. Blueberries
These delicious berries are full of powerful antioxidants, which eliminate free-radical damage that causes aging, and they also possess neuroprotective properties that can delay the onset of age-related memory loss by guarding brain cells from damage caused by chemicals, plaque, or trauma. And they combat inflammation, the other factor in aging.
3. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are wonder foods for your brain. Packed with protein and essential fatty acids, nuts and seeds are also chock full of the amino arginine, which stimulates the pituitary gland at the base of the brain to release growth hormone, a substance that declines quickly after age 35; this is a real anti-aging boon to your brain!
Whip up a batch of my "Anti-aging brain mix" to bring with you anywhere and eat a small handful in between meals as a daily snack. It will nourish and support your brain. Pack in sealed container or zip-lock bag to preserve freshness.
• 1 cup walnut
• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/3 cup of dried goji berries (also known as lycium berry, and easily found in health food stores)
• 1/2 cup dried apricots
4. Cruciferous Vegetables
Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are all rich in choline, an essential nutrient for memory and brain health. Choline is a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which contributes to healthy and efficient brain processes. As we age, our body's natural choline output declines, and its neurochemical action weakens. You can eat choline-rich foods to increase your production of acetylcholine, which will improve your brain power.
Other sources of choline include: eggs, soybeans, peanuts, cabbage, black beans, and kidney beans.
5. Oil: Monounsaturated Fats
Monounsaturated fats contain essential fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which are crucial for brain development and function, among many other excellent benefits for your health. Olive oil, sesame oil, canola oil, almond oil, flaxseed oil, and fish oil are rich in monounsaturated fats and are good choices for brain health. Population studies show that people with a diet that is high in unsaturated, unhydrogenated fats may have a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease, whereas those with a diet that is higher in saturated fats and trans fats have an increased risk.
6. L-carnitine Foods
Age-related memory problems are many times caused by plaque buildup and diminished blood supply to the brain, compromising the delivery of nutrients and oxygen. L-carnitine, an amino acid manufactured in your liver, increases circulation in the brain — among a myriad of powerful benefits for your health. Also, because it prevents fat oxidation in the brain, L-carnitine shows some promise in preventing Alzheimer's disease. Good sources of L-carnitine include: meats, fish, poultry, wheat, avocado, milk, and fermented soybeans.
7. Microalgae
Microalgaes from the ocean and uncontaminated lakes, including blue-green algae, spirulina, chlorella, seaweed, and kelp are easy-to-digest, high protein and high-energy supplements-and contain over a hundred trace minerals! Available in your health food store, microalgae are simple to incorporate into your diet to ensure a good, strong brain function. Look for powders you dissolve in juice or flakes you can sprinkle on your food.
8. Green Tea
Green tea prevents an enzyme found in Alzheimer's disease and is also rich in polyphenols, antioxidants that help prevent premature brain aging. Drink two cups a day to get the brain benefits. To decaf tea, steep for 45 seconds and pour out the water, add fresh hot water to the leaves or tea bag — 95% of caffeine will be eliminated.
Herbal Boost
There are many Chinese herbs that support healthy brain functions, including ginkgo biloba and gotu kola. For support of healthy brain function I recommend our family formula called Enduring Youth, which contains Chinese herbs such as Chinese yam, goji berry, schisandra berry, Asian cornelian, China root, Cistanches, sweet flag, Chinese senega, dipsacus, anise, and Chinese foxglove. For more information, click here.
I hope you get the brain benefits of these foods. I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.
-Dr. Mao
1. Fish
Protein, an important component in the making of neurotransmitters, is essential to improve mental performance. Aside from being an excellent source of high quality protein, fish are packed with essential oils, such as Omega-3, which protect the brain and supports its development and functioning. Deep sea fish have the highest amounts of fatty acids, and they include salmon, sea bass, halibut, mackerel, and sardines.
2. Blueberries
These delicious berries are full of powerful antioxidants, which eliminate free-radical damage that causes aging, and they also possess neuroprotective properties that can delay the onset of age-related memory loss by guarding brain cells from damage caused by chemicals, plaque, or trauma. And they combat inflammation, the other factor in aging.
3. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are wonder foods for your brain. Packed with protein and essential fatty acids, nuts and seeds are also chock full of the amino arginine, which stimulates the pituitary gland at the base of the brain to release growth hormone, a substance that declines quickly after age 35; this is a real anti-aging boon to your brain!
Whip up a batch of my "Anti-aging brain mix" to bring with you anywhere and eat a small handful in between meals as a daily snack. It will nourish and support your brain. Pack in sealed container or zip-lock bag to preserve freshness.
• 1 cup walnut
• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/3 cup of dried goji berries (also known as lycium berry, and easily found in health food stores)
• 1/2 cup dried apricots
4. Cruciferous Vegetables
Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are all rich in choline, an essential nutrient for memory and brain health. Choline is a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which contributes to healthy and efficient brain processes. As we age, our body's natural choline output declines, and its neurochemical action weakens. You can eat choline-rich foods to increase your production of acetylcholine, which will improve your brain power.
Other sources of choline include: eggs, soybeans, peanuts, cabbage, black beans, and kidney beans.
5. Oil: Monounsaturated Fats
Monounsaturated fats contain essential fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which are crucial for brain development and function, among many other excellent benefits for your health. Olive oil, sesame oil, canola oil, almond oil, flaxseed oil, and fish oil are rich in monounsaturated fats and are good choices for brain health. Population studies show that people with a diet that is high in unsaturated, unhydrogenated fats may have a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease, whereas those with a diet that is higher in saturated fats and trans fats have an increased risk.
6. L-carnitine Foods
Age-related memory problems are many times caused by plaque buildup and diminished blood supply to the brain, compromising the delivery of nutrients and oxygen. L-carnitine, an amino acid manufactured in your liver, increases circulation in the brain — among a myriad of powerful benefits for your health. Also, because it prevents fat oxidation in the brain, L-carnitine shows some promise in preventing Alzheimer's disease. Good sources of L-carnitine include: meats, fish, poultry, wheat, avocado, milk, and fermented soybeans.
7. Microalgae
Microalgaes from the ocean and uncontaminated lakes, including blue-green algae, spirulina, chlorella, seaweed, and kelp are easy-to-digest, high protein and high-energy supplements-and contain over a hundred trace minerals! Available in your health food store, microalgae are simple to incorporate into your diet to ensure a good, strong brain function. Look for powders you dissolve in juice or flakes you can sprinkle on your food.
8. Green Tea
Green tea prevents an enzyme found in Alzheimer's disease and is also rich in polyphenols, antioxidants that help prevent premature brain aging. Drink two cups a day to get the brain benefits. To decaf tea, steep for 45 seconds and pour out the water, add fresh hot water to the leaves or tea bag — 95% of caffeine will be eliminated.
Herbal Boost
There are many Chinese herbs that support healthy brain functions, including ginkgo biloba and gotu kola. For support of healthy brain function I recommend our family formula called Enduring Youth, which contains Chinese herbs such as Chinese yam, goji berry, schisandra berry, Asian cornelian, China root, Cistanches, sweet flag, Chinese senega, dipsacus, anise, and Chinese foxglove. For more information, click here.
I hope you get the brain benefits of these foods. I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.
-Dr. Mao
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Chicken Salad
As we had some very delicious Chicken Salad Croissants at our Enrichment activity I thought I would include it for this month. In talking to Sister Brown, who made the salad, it seems that she uses a cooking technique I call ASM – “As the Spirit Moves”. However, I did find some interesting recipes for inspiration.
This one uses canned chicken – which is not only good for speed and ease but, since canned chicken is a good storage product (and a good change of pace from tuna sandwiches) would be a way to practice the UWYSSWYU(use what you store – store what you use) method of food storage.
http://www.campbellskitchen.com/SpecialtyRecipeSearch.aspx?specialty=swansonchunkchicken&searchText=%2bchicken+salad+sandwich&keyword=chicken%20salad%20sandwich
I included this section because it shows roasting a chicken and then gives some interesting ideas concerning using the left-overs.
http://simple-green-frugal-co-op.blogspot.com/2009/01/roast-chicken-dinner-uses-for-leftovers.html
Then I decided to include one site that had quite a few choices of recipes. Within a very useful recipe file source ‘Recipe Source’ I found (along with a myriad of other recipe types and catagories) the following Chicken salad recipes
http://www.recipesource.com/fgv/salads/index7.html
On this page recipes are from 332 to350
http://www.recipesource.com/fgv/salads/index8.html
Recipies 351 to 380 on this page
Bon appitite
This one uses canned chicken – which is not only good for speed and ease but, since canned chicken is a good storage product (and a good change of pace from tuna sandwiches) would be a way to practice the UWYSSWYU(use what you store – store what you use) method of food storage.
http://www.campbellskitchen.com/SpecialtyRecipeSearch.aspx?specialty=swansonchunkchicken&searchText=%2bchicken+salad+sandwich&keyword=chicken%20salad%20sandwich
I included this section because it shows roasting a chicken and then gives some interesting ideas concerning using the left-overs.
http://simple-green-frugal-co-op.blogspot.com/2009/01/roast-chicken-dinner-uses-for-leftovers.html
Then I decided to include one site that had quite a few choices of recipes. Within a very useful recipe file source ‘Recipe Source’ I found (along with a myriad of other recipe types and catagories) the following Chicken salad recipes
http://www.recipesource.com/fgv/salads/index7.html
On this page recipes are from 332 to350
http://www.recipesource.com/fgv/salads/index8.html
Recipies 351 to 380 on this page
Bon appitite
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)