"Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness.  How do you know this is the experience you need?  Because this is the experience you are having."

~ Eckhart Tolle

We dedicate our menu this Monday to Brian who will be turning 37 years old (yikes).  And, yes, that may be why we are offering two desserts in next week's delivery (both of which are chocolate).  When we met, he enjoyed the typical Army Captain's diet of Ben and Jerry's ice cream (by the pint), cheap beer (probably also by the pint), and Totino's pizza (if you can call it pizza).  A seemingly odd fit to own a health food business, he displayed tendencies from a young age to serve in this capacity.

It probably started back on a fall day in Springfield, MO where Brian and his cousin, both 7 at the time,  were climbing tall trees on the property of their grandparents house.  As Marissa recounts, the thrill of climbing kept them going higher and higher until they reached the top and looked down.  Scared (of both falling and getting in trouble by Grandma), she asked Brian, "How are we going to get down?" He simply said, "Just follow me and only step onto the branches that I step on first."  Eventually they both made it down safely.

Some time later, Brian's grandmother started offering him money for birthdays and holidays in lieu of a gift and would take him shopping to spend that $50 wherever he wanted.  Every occasion and every year, Brian wanted to go to one place only.  The bookstore.  Fifty dollars is a lot for a kid to spend, but particularly when it is only spent on books (which back in the 80's used to be about $5).  Sparked by curiosity about how the world worked and gifted with the kind of focus that not even an earthquake could shake, Brian always finished his books before the holiday break was over.

The instinctive willingness and courage to lead a loved one down a tall shaky tree made it all that much easier to leave a steady corporate paycheck in a time of "economic recession" and uncertainty to start a small business not necessarily knowing where each step would lead but confident in getting to the final destination.  Brian's huge appetite for knowledge combined with the kind of curiosity that kills cats has resulted in the quest for self mastery from some of our most important thought leaders, how to best care for the world, our country, our community, our CN team, and our family, and the detail of our menus and ingredients down to the quality of our olive oil.

Brian's 'highlight reel' includes many great moments:  graduating from one of the most competitive colleges, serving this great nation, working at the Fortune 1 company, marrying WAY up, and having two healthy and beautiful girls.  All of these moments served to prepare Brian to be working on your behalf in your health journey, but there's no replacement for being 50 feet up in a tree or amongst a sea of interesting minds and ideas that lay in books just waiting to be read.

Now the only question is, what book can I get him this year? 

Oprah's Going Organic

Oprah Winfrey is getting into the organic food business. Winfrey filed five trademark applications at the end of October with the US Patent and Trademark Office for names such as “Oprah’s Organics,” “Oprah’s Harvest,” and “Oprah’s Farm.”

Oprah, who owns hundred of acres of land in Maui, Hawaii, will reportedly have products such as salad dressings, sauces, soups, dips, frozen vegetables and beverages. The same brand name will also produces bath and body products such as soap, bubble bath, moisturizer, lip balm, hand cream, hair products and other personal-care items.

"The trademarks were filed for Oprah's farm on Maui to enable the farm to grow and distribute produce on Maui and throughout the Hawaiian Islands," Oprah spokeswoman Nicole Nichols said via email.

Only two percent of food produced in the United States is organic so Oprah’s brand can certainly make a splash in the industry. Large companies like Kraft, Smuckers, and Dean Foods have acquired small organic companies and have yet to fully tap into the industry.

Oprah is not the first high-profile woman to make a statement about organic foods. First Lady Michelle Obama planted an organic garden on the White House lawn back in 2009.

At Conveniently Natural, we hope that Oprah’s business helps organic foods become mainstream to promote healthier eating and living. Organic farming is less stressful on the environment, has a better effect on your body, tastes great and promotes the local community.

We believe that there should be strict standards for the food you consume.

While it may be awhile before you can buy Oprah’s organic foods stateside, you can purchase healthy organic and wholesome food at an affordable price at Conveniently Natural. Our locally sourced, non-processed food is lovingly prepared and available for as low as $8.50 per meal!

We do the dirty work and you can eat clean without the hassle, stress, or mess. Contact us today to learn more and to order by calling Conveniently Natural at (913) 766-2312 or e-mailing us.

Chicks and Peas

The average American consumed 4,500 calories and 229 grams of fat on Thanksgiving, according to the Calorie Control Council.  (Yep, evidently there's a council for this sort of thing. The cameras on your smart phones were probably taken over by the council to watch every bite of stuffing ladled with gravy you ate.)  Who knows, but nonetheless, if you're feeling a bit bloated and even your fat pants are tight this week, check out our delicious menu powered by veggies and whole grains!   

I'm still dreaming of those smoky toasted chickpeas on the Sweeter than Life Salad.  So, I decided to dedicate our blog this week to one cool chick whose alias is the garbanzo bean.  Naturally low in fat, high in fiber, and rich in vitamins and minerals, I think even the Calorie Control Council would give this bean the nod. 

Pumpkin Spice-Roasted Chickpeas

*Taken from Sarah Matheny's "Peas and Thank You"

Ingredients:

14-oz can of chickpeas, rinsed, drained and patted dry

2 tbsp maple syrup

1 tsp canola oil

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp ginger

1 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2.  Combine all ingredients into large mixing bowl until evenly coated.

3.  Spread chickpeas on cookie sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

Lemon Rosemary-Roasted Chickpeas

Ingredients:

14-oz can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp dried rosemary, chopped

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2.  Combine all ingredients into large mixing bowl until evenly coated.

3.  Spread chickpeas on cookie sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

Spiced Chickpea Nuts

*Taken from Eating Well magazine

Ingredients:

14-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp dried marjoram

1/4 tsp ground allspice

1/4 tsp salt 

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2.  Combine all ingredients into large mixing bowl until evenly coated.

3.  Spread chickpeas on cookie sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

Veg'N Seven Layer Dip Recipe

We love the versatility of our organic, healthy prepared meals!  Try making a Veg'N Seven Layer Dip with our Mexican Burrito Bowl.

Ingredients:
-Mexican Burrito Bowl
-1 cup Daiya Cheddar or Pepperjack Cheese
-2 avocados, pitted and sliced thin
-1 cup Toffuti Sour Cream
-1 tsp Organic Taco Seasoning
-1 cup diced tomatoes
-1/4 cup sliced black olives
-1/4 cup sliced green onions

Steps:
1.  Saute' a 24 oz serving of our Mexican Burrito Bowl in your skillet for 6 to 8 minutes.
2.  Mix sour cream and taco seasoning together in a bowl.
3.  Spread in the bottom of an 8 x 8 dish.
4.  Then, follow with these layers:  1 cup Daiya Cheese, avocado slices, sour cream mixture, diced tomatoes, black olives, green onions (and any remaining cheese you wish)

Do You Want to Know a Secret?

This past week, we have been in the presence of greatness.  We had the tremendous honor of participating in Dr. Michelle Robin’s 20 Year Celebration of Wellness, beginning Wednesday night as she launched her second book, The E Factor:  Engage, Energize, Enrich.  I have admired Dr. Robin ever since I first listened to her speak nearly a year ago.  She has literally touched and healed thousands and thousands of people in her chiropractic clinic , but it is her commitment to compassion and human connection that makes her impact stretch far beyond those who walk through her doors.  

We had the opportunity to spend time with the funny and charming Frank Ferrante and listen to his inspiring story about transformation from a life of drugs, alcohol, depression, and obesity to one of health, clean living, compassion and most importantly love and human connection.  Kansas City has the privilege of two showings this weekend of his movie, May I Be Frank.  (Click here for more details.) 

We were also fortunate enough to spend time with a wise and brilliant soul, Tess Masters (Healthy Blender Girl).  As the face (and faux-American voice) of Vitamix and Healthy Blender Girl and uber-successful blog, Healthy Blender Recipes, we were entertained and humbled by her personal journey of finding “the perfect diet” (which, by the way, is a farce).

We have been awe-struck by these amazing personalities listening to not only what they have accomplished but where they are going next!  (To the top…)  Admittedly, we’ve spent this week on a complete high – totally energized, ready to ‘do’ and ready to ‘be.’

But do you want to know a secret?

I remember every single one of you hundreds of people who came out to these events and stopped by our booth to receive a sample of our delicious Faux Chicken Salad and Sour Cream and Onion Kale Chips.  Yes, YOU, the couple who won the Excalibur dehydrator looking for the first clue on how to use it…and YOU, who ate tofu for the first time in your life last night and loved it…and YOU, who has been free of ocular migraines since going gluten-free a year ago…and YOU, who doesn’t even miss cheese after becoming a vegan…and even YOU, who turned your nose up at our organic, vegan fare.  (We love you.)  I have this bizarre ability to recall names (Brian once likened me to an elephant, who evidently have good memories…the analogy still didn’t go over very well).  I loved meeting YOU, our customers of past and present who stopped by to say hello.

We were in the presence of greatness, not because of the people and accomplishments of those up on stage.  It was because of YOU, your courage, your passion, your gratitude, your failures, your forgiveness, your energy, your stories, your LOVE.  I believe in the power of “Being Present” and I often put it on my daily list of things to do, right between doing laundry and picking up the kids from school.  (Forgive me for my left brain knows not what else to do…)  These past two days, I have been more present in each encounter, soaked in this experience, and witnessed what is available in each moment that was shared with all of you.  Nothing short of a miracle.

There are times when Brian and I get hung up on believing that we are in the food business.  Don't get me wrong ~ our chefs make exceptional food!  But we are in the people business.  Thank you for allowing us to serve you and come into your homes and onto your dinner tables each week.

Who Moved My Cow?

Are You Wondering Who Moved Your Cheese?  Or rather, who moved your cow and replaced it with this? 

In his 1998 book, Who Moved My Cheese, Dr. Spencer Johnson features four creatures in search of "cheese," a metaphor for happiness and success.  Moo-ving with the cheese is about anticipating and adapting to (yikes) change. You know those habits, behaviors, labels, beliefs, and accusations you make about "those people" who vote 'this' way, work 'there,' belong to 'it,' and eat 'that' kind of food?  You never know when this cow will look so darn good that you'll be ordering the leanest cut of his veggie rump.  You (or friends you know - wink) may be popping $0.87 Totino's pizzas in the oven tonight, having date night at Chick-Fil-A, or baking your loved one a 2-dozen-egg-5-package-sour-cream cheesecake for her birthday.  We know.  We've been there before too.  We've moved physical addresses 6 times in 9 years of marriage.  But we've moved a hundred times to find our cheese, and in this case, our 'tapioca flour, pea protein, coconut oil' cheese.  

"If you don't like how things are, change it!  You're not a tree."~ Jim Rohn

5 Ways to Use Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast is one of the only non-animal sources of Vitamin B-12 (and it only takes 1/2 - 1 tbsp to get in your recommended daily dose)!  Nutritional yeast is also an excellent source of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, chromium, and other minerals as well as 18 amino acids, protein, folic acid, biotin, and other vitamins. OH, and it tastes DELICIOUS!  For you non-dairy eaters who are missing that cheesy flavor, give this a whirl.

Check out these 5 ways to use nutritional yeast to upgrade your meals!

1.  Sprinkle onto some plain popcorn for a cheesy touch.

2.  Use in place of cheese on a home-made pizza (or on top of our Socca Pizza Bake from this week).

3.  Saute' veggies and give a few shakes of nutritional yeast (especially on some of those less palatable greens!).

4.  Use in place of bread crumbs on any recipe to cut out the gluten/carbs.

5.  Mix in with your mashed potatoes (or our Buttery Mashed Cauliflower).

Top 3 Most Nutrient Dense Foods

NUTRIENT DENSE KALE

Ever heard of the ANDI scores?  No, I'm not talking about Olypmics or doping results.  Aggregate Nutrient Density Index (or ANDI) is a scale that measures vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxident capacities on a scale of 1-1000.  (One being the lowest and 1000 being the highest amount of nutrients possible.)  Created by Dr. Joel Fuhrman, these scores are based on:  Health = Nutrients/Calories.  For example, that Snickers bar in your freezer would be a 1. Without giving you an exhaustive list of nutrient dense foods that get the most bang for your bite, I give you...the short list.

Top 3 ANDI (Nutrient Dense) Foods:

1.  Kale:  ANDI Score = 1000 (This is like gold medal, winner of the all-around, top dog food.)
2.  Collards:  ANDI Score = 1000
3.  Bok Choy:  ANDI Score = 824

Give our Szechuan Broccoli over Herbed Rice a try this week!  Kale AND Bok Choy - double whammy on your ANDI Scores.

CONVENIENTLY NATURAL SZECHUAN BROCCOLI

How To Eat For Optimal Energy

On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your energy level?  If it's somewhere between "I'm-Alive-Because-I-Have-a-Pulse" and "I-Caffeinate-to-Feel-Normal," then read on!

In our prior blog post, I told you that not all calories are equal...that it's not just what we eat that counts, but what we are able to use from what we eat. In order to feel better, lose weight, or heal a failing digestive system, we must free up energy.  Simply eating a whole foods (unprocessed), plant-based diet provides us with an optimal energy level, but we can also deliver foods in a certain order based on how it digests in our bodies.

Speed is the name of the game here.  Imagine a Porsche Panomera (I know Brian does!), a Honda Odyssey minivan, and one of those horse-drawn carriages on the Plaza.  Now imagine a one-lane highway during rush hour. Who would you want going first...second...last...creating the most efficient traffic flow?  

Your goal for optimal energy is to get nutrients to absorb quickly and the rest of the food to pass through.  Eat the lightest food items first and finish with the heaviest food items.  Fruit and vegetables pass through the stomach quickly (20-40) minutes. Starches may take a few hours.  Proteins are the slowest moving.  (A steak can take 2-3 days.)  Therefore, for optimal energy, eat fruit first (preferably on an empty stomach), then veggies, and so on.  Contrary to our belief about eating a big breakfast laden with protein, this can actually dam up our digesti on and cause a traffic jam!  Our carnivore friends are advised to eat meat at the end of the day which also allows time (overnight) for the food to move out of our stomachs.

Are All Calories Created Equal?

I'm a left-brained bottom-line girl who drools over spreadsheets, but even I can't bring myself to count calories throughout the day.  Perhaps because this takes the joy out of eating for me or that I don't want to take the time OR because I know that NOT all calories are created equal!

Consider this:  Two people who consume the same 2,000 calorie-a-day diet.  One we'll call Whole Food Harry who eats fresh fruits and vegetables, a variety of nuts and beans, combined with unprocessed rice, quinoa, and buckwheat.  The other we'll call Malnourished Molly who eats deli turkey sandwiches on low-cal bread, fat-free pretzels, 'skinny' popsicles, and an array of diet beverages and fat-free cappucinos.  Are they equally healthy? Heck, no!

Have you ever seen a nutritional label on a head of broccoli?

Many people try to eat small portions of low-nutrient foods and end up feeling hungry and deprived most of the time (all while wasting precious brain time counting calories).  Most processed food is incredibly calorie-dense, but low in fiber and nutrients so it's difficult to not overeat.  It's not just about what we eat that counts, but what we are able to use from what we eat.  In other words, we have to digest foods properly and completely to absorb the nutrients.  Most of us walk around with imperfect digestion, therefore, not getting the full amount of nutrition from our foods.  

Ditch the processed junk that tempts you with its appeal for being ever-so-convenient!  Stop counting calories and eat real food!  

Why Did the Chick-N Cross the Road?

Q:  Why did the chick-n cross the road?

A:  To get away from the MSG (Monosodium Glutamate), HFCS (High Fructose Corn Syrup), and PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) (an anti-foaming chemical used in caulks, sealants, and filler for breast implants)!

Many this week have gathered in protest of Chick-Fil-A and many have gathered in long lines in support of Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day.  Whatever your beliefs about traditional or gay marriage may be, please support the consumption of real food!  According to Chick-Fil-A's menu on their website (click here), their Classic Chicken Sandwich is hardly chicken.  MSG promotes neurological damage, PDMS is an anti-foaming chemical used in caulks, sealants, and filler for breast implants, and HFCS (and the GMO corn it was made from) promotes gout and kidney stone formation, destroys your liver, and contributes to diabetes, obesity, and aging.

Exercise your right to EAT REAL FOOD!!

Are You Consuming 50% More Calories by Doing This?

The Weekly Bite

Fast, easy, bite-sized ideas for healthy living.

If you're like most of us, you spend more time in traffic than in your own kitchen.  It's far easier to pick up dinner on your way home or stop in for a quick bite between meetings for lunch, but eating out has its costs (beyond your wallet)!  

Research shows that people consume 50% more calories, fat and sodium when they eat out.

This means that eating out everyday could lead to an extra 2.5 lbs gained per month!  Reintroduce yourself to your kitchen...if even for 10 minutes a night.  Why wait 182 days to make that New Year's resolution? Especially when we're serving up our Butternut Squash Enchiladas and Socca Pizza!  It might as well be carry-out.  Don't forget our new add-on's this week:  Kale Chips, Zucchini Wraps, and Spinach Cranberry Salad.

New Healthy Offerings

Happy Fourth of July!

As promised, we have added some new RAW, ALWAYS DELICIOUS, VERY NUTRITIOUS snacks and salads to this week's menu.  Give these a try to make your busy summer lifestyle a cinch!  Perfect to travel with, take to the pool, or keep at your desk.

Only $12 Each!  Get 'em while they're cold...

The Best Health Insurance Money Can Buy

The Weekly Bite

Fast, easy, bite-sized ideas for healthy living.

Insurance:  a form of risk management primarily used to hedge against the risk of a contingent, uncertain loss.

Risk…uncertainty…loss.  All words that can make us squirm in our seats and lose sleep at night.  What if, when it came to your own personal health, you understood your risks, felt certain about your future, and held no worry about potential loss?  I’m telling you the possibility of this kind of life exists if you believe it does.

“You don’t get what you want, you get what you believe”

-Oprah Winfrey 

The healthiest people in the world create an environment of health.  In studying longevity research,Dan Buettner identified the habits of the world’s healthiest people.  They reached the age of 100 at ten times greater rates than most of the United States, while suffering a mere fraction the rate of heart disease and cancer as the rest of the world.  Read more.  Specifically, the nine lifestyle habits they adopt are:

1.     1.  Move naturally.

2.     2.  Know your purpose in life.

3.     3.  Downshift (i.e., slow down).

4.     4.  Eat only until you’re 80% full.

5.     5.  Eat a plant-based diet.

6.     6.  Drink red wine.

7.     7.  Belong to a healthy social network.

8.     8.  Have a belief system.

9.     9.  Put your family first.

Adopt the best and most proven health insurance in the world.  Remove your risk.  Stop worrying.  You have permission to be healthy.

Confessions of a Junk Foodie

The Weekly Bite

Fast, easy, bite-sized ideas for healthy living.

So, I have a confession to make.  Though I own a health food company, I LOVE junk food like pizza and burgers.  But let’s face it…after seeing how they treat those poor cows and seeing pink slime all over Facebook, I can’t bring myself to eat what's out there in the way of junk food.  (I mean, it’s called JUNK food for a reason…as far as I’m concerned, we can drop the ‘food’ part of it and just call it junk.)  

In the spirit of summer and for all you fellow junk foodies out there, I've included two healthy, delicious recipes on our blog ~ Socca Pizza and Chickpea Burgers.  Both are under 500 calories and naturally gluten-free.  Check our Facebook page later for a short video.  

Want to Be 10 Years Younger?

About 5 years ago, I decided to live to age120...which would make today, my 35th birthday, the equivalent of the first 30% of my life.  According to actuarial science, the life expectancy for women is 85, of which the first 30% of your life is over on your 25th birthday.  What all this crazy Asian math means is that 25 is the new 35 for those of us who decide to live to 120!  (By the way, Brian decided he only wanted to live until age 100. Though he gave me permission to remarry, I felt like after what would be 74 years of marriage, I would want to just play the field for the last 20 years of my life.)

So, how you live to be 120?  

Answer:  Visualize.

Most of us who want to get from Point A to Point B think about A - where we're at now.  Here's how the pros do it (and by pros, I mean professional athletes, CEO's, musicans, actors, and rock star moms):  they start with Point B and work their way back.  I guarantee you that three and a half years ago, Michael Phelps didn't just get in the water and start swimming laps.  I'll bet you that he thought about being in London in August 2012 - each event, how fast, and who'd be in the next lane.  And then, I bet he thought about how to taper for this Olympics in the month leading up to it, what kind of nutrition to be getting the 3 months prior, and what kind of races he wanted to have at the qualifers in Omaha.  The pros start with their goal and illuminate the path all the way back to right now.  

On my 120th birthday, I'll likely be telling inappropriate jokes (still), enjoying a glass of Pinot Noir (still), and talking to my grandchildren's grandchildren.  What will you be doing at 120?  What kind of loving relationships will you have at 100?  What kind of exercise will you be getting at 80?  What will your cholesterol level and blood pressure be at age 60?  What kind of nutrition will you have at age 40?  What will you be eating next week? 

Eating on the Go: Organic, Plant-Based and Raw!

The Weekly Bite

Fast, easy, bite-sized ideas for healthy living.

I have never been a Boy Scout - not just for the obvious reasons, like not being a boy and having a dislike for camping.  Their famous motto, "Be Prepared," is not something that people who know me would say is necessarily fitting either.  I've thrived by the old "Fly By the Seat of My Pants" motto, so that's why I joined the Mom's Club and Entrepreneur's Circle.  As I approach my mid-thirties, however (sniff, sniff by the way), I am starting to appreciate those darn Boy Scouts.  "Be Prepared" means always being in a state of readiness in mind and body, like being physically strong and mentally thinking of every possible situation to do whatever needs to be done.

Well, my seat is growing and my wings are starting to atrophy, so I think now is as good a time as any to change my motto.  "Flying By the Seat of My Pants" has gotten me from where I was to where I am now, but I think "Be Prepared" will get me from where I am to where I want to be.  Part of being prepared is to plan. Ideally we'd all be sitting down at the table when we eat (and I don't mean in front of the computer) enjoying every last forkful.  We know that your busy, on-the-go lifestyle doesn't allow for such idealistic goals all the time, so starting in July, Conveniently Natural will start providing you with healthy, easy meal and snack options to take with you on the way to soccer practice, board meetings, or that Boy Scout camping trip.

Our healthy snacks will be Organic, Whole Foods, Plant-Based, and Raw! 

Included in these easy, on-the-go offerrings:  Kale Chips, Breakfast Bars, Salads, Crackers, and More!  Stay tuned for more information!

The Introvert's Guide to Accountability

The Weekly Bite

Fast, easy, bite-sized ideas for healthy living.

Bok!  Bok!  We've got a few new dishes this week, like our Chicken-Friendly Alfredo Pasta, Scallion Sweet Potatoes, and Asparagus Mushroom Risotto.  It's the first official week of summer and we're thinking about all of you at those backyard BBQ's and getting the kids off to a healthy summer.  (Think Sweet Potato Fries!) Look for suggested pairings and creative cooking ideas on our How to Eat page next week!

Chew on this

So, summer is officially here.  Is your (spiked) lemonade glass half empty or half full?  Are you thinking, "Hurray, summer fun, relaxation, longer days, and travel!" OR "Oh crap, it's swim suit season!"  Whether it's personal or professional, I can tell you that the key to health/weight/feel good success is accountability.  The gurus out there have great tips for creating accountability, but what about those of us that are a little more private?  If you at all read these weekly emails, you know that I'm not a classically defined introvert, but I also don't need all 297 of my Facebook friends to know how much I weigh or what I ate for breakfast just for the sake of accountability.  Nor do I feel comfortable or make time for meetings, support groups, or online community forums.  

So, here it is ~ quick and easy, down and dirty:  The Introvert's Guide to Accountability

 Take 5 minutes every night to track these 5 Daily Metrics:

1. How did I feel today?  (Rate 1-10):  This means physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, everything.  Take an average of the entire day, with 1 feeling crappy, pathetic, and depressed and 10 being Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah ~ Ain't life Grand!  You may have other health goals here, like weight loss goals or medical goals but I'm telling you, the more 10 days you have, the closer you'll be to looking good and healing fast.  As you progress in your tracking, make it a priority to find out how to get 10's (or at least close to it) for yourself more days than not. 

2. How much sleep did I get in the last 24 hours?  (# in hours)  

3. How much did I move today?   (# in minutes)  Note:  This can be exercise or even chores.  Light cleaning like vacuuming, changing sheets, and taking out the trash burns 86 calories per hour.  (One hour of Zone Defense for two toddlers burns 106 calories...how ironic...the exact number present in a glass of Pinot Noir.)  

4.  How many greens did I get today?  (# in servings)  Tracking all of your food can be overwhelming, so just count your servings of greens.  (One serving is the size of the palm of your hand.)  Aim to get over 7 each day.

5.  How much water did I drink today?  (# of ounces)  Optimal amount = your weight divided in half equals the number of ounces.  

So, here it is, my privacy preferring people.  It may not seem like much, but I promise you in 30 days, you will see results.  As we say, Conveniently Natural was born out of the idea that life, especially a healthy life, just doesn't have to be that hard.  See our menu below to keep riding the easy train.