Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Let's Eat Local!!!!

Do you know where your produce comes from?  OR how long it has been in transit before it made it to your grocer and then to your table?
These are some important questions to ask...

Why buy & eat Local?
It is becoming increasingly difficult to trace produce to the growers now a days.
We do know the life cycle of non GMO'd fruits and vegetables can be defined by how long it takes to rot.  Depending on the type of fruit or vegetable we typically can tell when we have GMO or NON- GM, but that is for another topic.
What's important is knowing the basic life cycle of what you consume because this helps you determine where it came from or even how long it traveled to get to you.


  • We want FRESH food, RIGHT! and not only fresh, but fruits and vegetables that are harvested at the proper time and not before they reach maturity.  If they are harvested before they reach maturity you run the risk of missing ALL the wonderful nutrients and isn't that the whole purpose for eating healthy to begin with?
  • Get to know your local Farmers
    • Volunteer during planting and harvesting on the farms
      • learn proper cultivation
      • what pairs well with each other
      • you get to eat what you grow
    • Learn what to Grow and When to grow it
      • Find out from the locals what is in season and what grows best in your area
Where can you go to eat some Local Grown produce in the Dallas Area?
(here are a few I personally recommend)
  • Farmers Markets ( Growers only is typically what I prefer)
    • White Rock Local Market (3 locations)
      • visit - http://www.goodlocalmarket.org for locations and times
    • Four Seasons Market (2 locations)
      • visit - http://www.fourseasonsmarkets.com/ for locations and times
    • Edens Organic Garden
      • visit - http://www.edensorganicfarm.com/ for location and times
  • Local Stores around Dallas that sell Local Farmers produce
    • Cotton's Produce Market
      • 4200 Bdwy Blvd, Garland, TX
    • HerbMart 
      • http://www.herbmarttx.com/
    • Green Grocer Dallas
      • http://www.greengrocerdallas.com/
    • Central Market
      • http://www.centralmarket.com/
    • WinCo Foods
      • http://wincofoods.com/
    • Sprouts
      • https://www.sprouts.com/
    • Other local grocers ( check for signs in the produce isle.  they typically state if it is organic and grown locally)
Also when you go out to eat in Dallas check out http://www.eatwellguide.org/ for restaurants that buy produce from local farmers.

I hope you enjoyed these tips and try some local markets close to you.
Let me know where you go and if you'd refer them to others.

#GrowEatLive
~Ali
AliMBS
Be Animately Existent



Thursday, April 23, 2015

It's More Than Just H2O!! 4/8/15 by Ali

Why is it so important about water??
4 Simple Reasons...


  • Increases your energy - dehydration causes fatigue.  Fatigue can then lead to a lack of concentration.  The more water you consume the better your concentration and thinking.
  • Healthy Skin - water hydrates your skin and helps decrease the occurrences of blemishes and wrinkles because it flushes toxins from your system.  We all want clear, bright, healthy skin and drinking water is an easy way to attain that.
  • Weight Loss - Water increases your metabolism which allows you to burn more fat.  There are no calories in water so even more reason to drink more water....
    • ADD in some citrus like lemon, lime or orange slices for added flavor and a natural sweet and tangy.  Citrus is a great internal body cleanser as well.  Just put some pure water in a carafe or jug of some sort, add in the citrus slices and sit it in the window sill. It makes pretty art as well :)
  • We Just Need it- Water helps nutrients and oxygen travel through our body to our cells.  It helps regulate our body temperature and our kidneys NEED water.

You can't go wrong drinking water every day.  
Start with a glass first thing every morning to awaken your cells, skin, blood vessels etc...
Try to drink 1/2 your body weight in water daily and I am certain you will feel different.  You will naturally detoxify as well and that is GOLDEN My Friends!

#AliMBS
#BeAnimatelyExistent

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Importance of Sleep - 4/15/15 by Ali

Do we really need sleep?  I think we can answer that question with a resounding YES!!!!
Why though, our brains don't stop working while we sleep.  It keeps churning away and actually some studies say there a healthy among of brain activity during sleep.

Let's talk about what sleep is..
Sleep is described as time when our bodies slow down and we are in a subconscious state.
There are 2 components of sleep and those are REM and NON- REM sleep.

REM stands for Rapid Eye Movement.

Non- Rem sleep has 4 stages
  • Light Sleep - our bodies are winding down, we can easily be awakened in this state
  • True Sleep - this is when our breathing slows down and is know to be the longest phase of our sleep cycle.  This normally kicks in 20 mins after we enter light sleep.
  • Deep Sleep- when our body is functioning at its slowest.  

REM sleep occurs about 3-5 times during Non-REM sleep.  It tends to start somewhere between 70-90 minutes after falling asleep.
Most of our dreams happen in this stage.  our muscles are more awakened in this phase.  During the rest cycle our bodies are paralyzed so to speak and this is said to be natures way of keeping us from acting out our dreams.  This is the phase where sleepwalkers will walk or possibly even talk.

Those are the basics of sleep, now how does it benefit us??

Improves memory, Increase brain development which help maintain normal levels of cognitive skills like speech and innovative thinking, body repairs itself during sleep, sharpens attention, affects quality of life, helps with weight loss, lowers stress levels which decrease blood pressure, normalizes mood, spurs creativity, improves overall physical performance and curbs inflammation which potentially can cause heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis,and blood levels.
Now if those arent good enough reasons to ensure you are getting the sleep you need, then I don't know what is :)

The amount of sleep each person needs varies.  I think you gauge it based on how you feel.  You should be able to tell the difference when you oversleep versus not getting enough sleep.  If you have any sleep issues related to health consult a physician.

GET YOUR SLEEP My Friends!!
AliMBS
Be Animately Existent

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Physical Activity...You Gotta Have It!! - 4/21/15 by Ali

We get up everyday, Breath fresh air and go about our daily routine or finish tasks on our list.......
Do me a favor and check to see if physical activity is on your list.... (I'll wait) ..... .(whistling).... :)

Do you know why I am waiting... because it is important!  Yes, regular physical activity is crucial to our quality of life and here's why...

1. Weight Loss - Physical activity helps burn calories which can aid in weight loss or actively managing weigh gain.  The more you increase your heart rate the more calories you will burn.  Effective activity is important. GEt that HEART rate up HIGH!!!!

2. Improves Your Mood - Physical activity stimulates brain chemicals leaving you feeling happier and more relaxed.  Now who does not want that??
This is the way to be more effective with our "NO Negativity" challenge :)  When you are physically active and you are feeling good and possibly losing weight or maintaining a healthy body a crazy thing happens usually....your confidence levels increase and you typically feel a boost of your self esteem!!!
Now that is awesome

3. Decrease occurrence of negative health conditions - Physical activity keeps your blood flowing which decreases cardiovascular disease.  It boosts good cholesterol levels and decreases unhealthy triglycerides.  Triglycerides is a type of fat found in the blood. Our body takes any unused calories and converts them to triglycerides. Too high of a level of triglycerides increases risk for heart disease.  Other common conditions that are decreased by regular physical activity are high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression and arthritis to name a few.

4.Energy Booster - Ever struggle with not having enough energy? Well regular physical activity delivers oxygen and nutrients to our tissue to improve our cardiovascular system. This in turn improves muscle strength and endurance.  GOOD HEART, GOOD LUNGS....more ENERGY!!!

5. Who wants to sleep better? - Get some regular exercise in  and watch your sleep patterns regulate.  Note - try not to exercise too close to bedtime.  This could have an adverse effect on the body and awaken you like caffeine.

6. Spark up your SEX Life -  Physical activity boosts energy and increases endorphins and can enhance arousal for women and decrease ED (erectile dysfuntion) in men. You've got your confidence so spark it up!!

Having a hard time getting some sort of physical activity in??
Well let me assure you it is not necessary to work our for hours. Actually studies have shown working out too long can have an advers affect on your body.  Typically a good 25-30 mins is sufficient 3-4 times weekly.  Everyone is different so you can monitor your body reaction and consult a physician if you are concerned or starting a new workout.

What can you do that is easy??? (won't even need a gym membership)
  • Go for a walk- Not just a walk where you are talking the entire time... Go for a BRISK walk. Use your arms to push you and get that heart rate soaring! you should be breathing harder and find it hard to hold a conversation. Remember you can chat during your cool down and afterwards over your protein smoothie. :)
  • Jump rope - Simple but effective.  Good for arms, legs, heart rate etc.... (find an inexpensive one at a local sporting good store like Academy or retail store like Target, Walmart etc...)
  • Jumping Jacks - These have same affect as Jumping rope.  If you can't jump due to knee injuries do a modified jack with a knee lift instead.  Just as effective.
  • Push-ups - Do you want to get your heart rate up and build strength?  Do you dream of having those arms you see on tv or in magazines and wonder how do they look like that?  Well an easy way is push-ups.  Our own body weight is a terrific workout machine without needing a gym.
  • Take the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator into the office or store.
  • Park your car further from the entrance and take that brisk walk
  • Run/Jog- Go for a run if you are inclined to.  Make sure to push yourself at the end with a nice sprint.
  • Do Sprints - find a track or an open paved area and do 50+meter sprints at least 8 times.  Making sure to run through the end.  Sprints are an awesome way to get a good workout in and effectively work every part of your body.
  • Biking - If you have a bike, dust it off.  Pump up those tires, adjust the seat and have at it.  Try a spin class if you have a gym membership.  
  • Hiking or other outdoor activities - Speed up that hike, challenge yourself! Get that blood pumping! If you are anything like me, you love to be outdoors and in the element.  Natural air is an amazing detoxifier.  But we'll hit on that in another blog:)
  • Household chores - Spruce up those household chores. Add some squats and lunges when you are moping or sweeping.  Do some calf raises when you dust or vacuum. Do leg lifts while doing dishes or cooking dinner.  

There are so many ways to get some physical activity in... Now you just have to do it :)

Auf Geht's!!! No stop! let's do it becuase we love ourselves enough to :)

AliMBS
Be Animately Existent

                                       

Thursday, April 2, 2015

First Radio Interview for my all natural product line Zoetic Essentials - 4/1/15

Interview at Tha Afterparty Radio Station in Dallas, TX 4/1/15 on 
Jazz and Stuff Radio. @ thaafterparty.com

Hey Friends!!! so I got a great opportunity to be a feature on a radio show called Jazz and Stuff Radio at Tha Afterparty Radio Station on 4/1/15 (NO JOKE!!)
AND boy did I have a great time!  Listening to some great Jazz music, chatting with JB (host) and Mike (technician) and owner Montanna.

Let me back track a second and say I love what Montanna has goin on with her studio.  I loved the atmosphere and enjoyed shooting the breeze while we got set up and after the show.  Beautiful people.....

Thanks to JB and Mike for showing me the ropes and making me feel at home.  We talked a little about my product line Zoetic Essentials, how I started, how I ended up in Big D (Dallas) and took a number of calls from our listeners. I had a super great time!!! and the time went by like hot cakes!!! Oh my!!  

It was such a fun show, that I was invited to co-host with JB weekly on Jazz and Stuff radio!!!!  YAY!!!! not expected.  How I ended up on this road is a whirlwind.  I will say we NEVER truly know where our paths will lead us and all I can say is take the path less traveled.... The things you will discover along the way are sometimes priceless...

So tune in weekly... JB will bring the Jazz and Ill bring the Stuff!!!☺( bout to be crack-a-lack-in!!).  

HUGE thanks to everyone who continuously supports me. Ya'll keep me pushing forward. This is a crazy blessing i didnt see coming..


We will have some prizes and giveaways for listeners, new and hot topics each week and love to have ya'll call in.

Please check out the Tha Afterparty radio station and listen to some of the other shows. There are a great group of folks there!! 
Check back often for updates for upcoming shows.
Till next week my friends I love ya'll 
MZ Ali

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