Getting Ready for Cold & Flu Season

Boosting the Body's Immune System With Interferon

Every day our bodies are under attack by pathogens, allergens, and dangerous microbes 

that infest our surroundings with an unseen, unfelt, yet undeniable health threat. Our 

body’s built-in immune system protects us whenever possible, but it’s under constant 

attack from poor nutrition, stress, pollution, and fatigue.                      

The human body is constantly under attack from millions of microorganisms with which we share the planet, which is why it is important not to take your immune system for granted.

What can you do to help keep your immune system healthy and ready to shield your body from infection? To answer this question, Shaklee Corporation recently formed the Center for Immune Research, which offers these important tips:

• Find ways to relax. Because stress produces many different effects on the endocrine system, scientists believe that immune function may be diminished by chronic stresses. There are a number of techniques to help you relax, such as deep breathing or yoga, which can reduce mental and physical stress as well as lower blood pressure and slow down your heart rate.

• Sleep matters. Besides leaving you feeling sluggish, irritable and forgetful, inadequate sleep can temporarily reduce the activity of certain cells in your immune system by up to 50 percent. Strive to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night.

• Feed your immune system well. Not getting enough calories and getting too much dietary fat may weaken immune response. This is one important reason why nutritionists recommend a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains.

• Get physically active. Regular exercise helps strengthen your immune system, cardiovascular system, heart, muscles, and bones. Being active also stimulates the release of endorphins, improves mental functioning, concentration and attention, and cognitive performance, lowers cholesterol, and blood pressure, and may lower cortisol and other stress hormones.
  
• Learn about interferon. Although most Americans have never heard of interferon, this natural protein helps protect the body from the daily exposure to millions of germs that can possibly lead to serious infection. Activated when an invading virus attacks a cell, interferon signals neighboring cells into action and triggers their resistance mechanisms. Interferon also activates other immune cells that kill invading pathogens.

Because interferon plays such an important role in immune health, Shaklee Corporation is raising awareness about NutriFeron™, a dietary supplement that increases the body’s production of its own interferon - naturally. The Japanese scientist who originally discovered interferon in the body - Dr. Yasuhiko Kojima at Tokyo University - developed NutriFeron after more than 40 years of research on natural interferon-inducing compounds.

NutriFeron is a powerful breakthrough in immune system science. It is a patented, 

clinically proven blend of immune-strengthening plant extracts. For daily use, it 

increases the production of your body’s natural interferon, a critical activator of the 

immune system. NutriFeron works at the cellular level in two ways: 

•Rapidly activates your immune system’s defenses 

•Mobilizes the immune system’s “search-and-destroy”teams

The Shaklee Difference with Nutriferon:

•NutriFeron is the only immunity supplement formulated by the discoverer of natural 

interferon, after an exhaustive review of 200 natural compounds. 

• Patented, Clinically Proven Formula 

In published clinical studies, NutriFeron's potent-yet-safe phytonutrient blend 

provided immune support right at the cellular level. It's the natural way to keep 

your immune system finelytuned and on ready alert. In essence, it takes the defenses 

you already have and makes them even better.

• Available exclusively through Shaklee, NutriFeron is a powerfully effective supplement 

that has exceeded a stringent set of scientific tests for safety, purity, potency, and 

clinical tests for performance. 

A recent laboratory showed that NutriFeron ingredients impact Natural Killer (NK ) cells, an important part of our frontline immune system defenses.

 

Who will benefit from NutriFeron:

Everyone over twelve years of age whose busy, stressful lifestyles place their immune 

systems under constant attack.

Those who want to be proactive in optimizing their immune response against 

environmental irritants and airborne pollutants.

Why Take NutriFeron:

• NutriFeron supports, regulates & stimulates healthy immune function.
• Prompts the body's own production of natural interferon
• Increase activity of neutrophils & macrophages ( the body's search & destroy teams )
• Protects against environmental irritants, airborne substances (allergens), bacteria & viruses
• Aids tissue healing
• Reduces frequency,duration & severity of illness
• No Known Side Effects 
• helps your body to respond to threats & invaders
• Optimizes your natural immune response process cell deep... without overstimulating
• Keeps your immune system finely tuned and on 'ready alert'
• Takes the defenses you have already have & makes them even better.

Do you need anymore reasons to take NutriFeron this cold and flu season?

For more information on NutriFeron go to http://healthnetwk.myshaklee.com/us/en/welcome

If you have any questions please call or send me an email.

Have a beautiful and healthy day!

To your health and wellness always,

Lisa

LQ WELLNESS

lisaquinnwc@embarqmail.com

973-383-0955

"As I see it, every day you do one of two things: build health or produce disease in yourself."

                      Adelle Davis

        

MEATLESS MONDAYS

Did you know that Meatless Mondays are a world wide event? Restauranteurs, chefs, celebrities and food producers are all on board.Mondays get a bad rap but here’s your opportunity to turn it around. Participate in Meatless Mondays -- the movement that dedicates one day a week to eating meat-free meals – and use it as an exercise in making positive changes. You might actually begin to look forward to Mondays. 

According to Meatless Monday, studies show that, if you start a new behavior on a Monday, you’re more likely to continue with it throughout the week. Mondays are easy to remember -- most of us have to bid farewell to the weekend and head off to work or school. It’s the beginning of a week full of potential new adventures, and why not start the week off right!?

Meatless Monday Recipes: Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers (from Brooke McLay )
     Ingredients

• 1 small can green chili's
• 2 cups instant brown rice, uncooked
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 red, green, or yellow bell pepper
• olive oil

      Directions

Preheat oven to 400. In a large pot, combine green chilis, rice, tomato sauce, and broth.  Bring to a boil and cook until rice is tender, about 12-15 minutes.  While the rice is cooking, clean the bell peppers, then slice the top 1/3 off of the peppers.  Remove and discard all seeds and pith.

Take the pot of rice from the stove and stir in the black beans and cheese.  Spoon the rice mixture into the center of the peppers.  Set the stuffed peppers on a cookie sheet, replace the tops of the peppers, drizzle lightly with olive oil, then put the cookie sheet in your preheated oven.  Allow peppers to bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the exterior is soft and slightly browned.   Allow to cool slightly before serving.


If you're looking for a simple, delicious way to make dinner, these stuffed peppers deliver! Filled with rice, beans,vgreen chili's and cheese, then roasted to perfection, this is a truly filling vegetarian meal.  It's also uber healthy and full of flavor.  A perfect dinner for eat-at-home evenings. Enjoy!


Healthy Monday Motivator: Squash Your Produce Slump
Add some healthy variety to your diet this week by enjoying fall’s bounty! Stop by your local farmer’s market and add fresh beets, squash, okra or pumpkin to your plate. These hearty vegetables are full of fiber and make a great Meatless Monday entree.


A better tomorrow starts with what you eat today!


Have a great week!


LQ WELLNESS
973-383-0955

MEATLESS MONDAYS

Five Strategies to Maintain Normal Blood Sugar

With the rise of overweight and obesity, it is no surprise that blood sugar (glucose) levels follow. Elevated blood sugar can lead to an increase risk for Type 2 Diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and elevated blood lipids.

Here are some simple strategies to consider and discuss with your healthcare practitioner in regards to keeping your blood sugar (glucose) at bay. Keep in mind that some herbs and spices may interfere with medications.

1. Exercise. Exercise stimulates the utilization of free flowing blood glucose and also helps with insulin metabolism. Of course, it also burns calories and helps release endorphins which are the feel good hormones.
2. Consider cinnamon. Cinnamon has been shown to help increase insulin sensitivity and quell blood sugar from spiking. As little as a 1/4 tsp. per day may help. Add it to rubs, sauces, in cereal/grain dishes, sprinkle on toast, and add to baked goods.
3. Add some vinegar to your meal. Vinegar has been shown to help with blood sugar levels. About one ounce is what was utilized in studies. So, if you are having a high carbohydrate meal, add some balsamic vinegar while enjoying bread with olive oil, use some rice wine vinegar with rice or grain dishes, have a vinaigrette salad dressing (or just plain vinegar) on your salad or fruit dishes.
4. Enjoy magnesium containing foods. Over a 20 year period, researchers studied 4,497 healthy adults. Results showed that those who consumed magnesium on a regular basis (about 200 mg per 1,000 calories) were 47% less likely to develop diabetes. Magnesium is found in halibut, almonds, cashews, spinach, and soybeans.
5. Chromium is another mineral that plays a role in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. It’s also been linked with blood glucose metabolism. Chromium can be found in meats, whole grains, and in some fruits and vegetables, such as broccoli and grapes. The Adequate Intake (AI) for chromium is 20-25 micrograms (mcg) for women aged 19-50+; the AI for men aged 19-50+ is 30-35 mcg.

Meatless Monday Recipe: Magic Lasagna  ( from Women's health Magazine)

                   Ingredients 

• 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1 cup 1% cottage cheese
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, divided
• 2 medium eggs
• 2 cups shredded carrots
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and well drained
• 1 package (9 ounces) no-boil lasagna noodles
• 3 cups fat-free chunky garden-style pasta sauce 

                     Directions

1.

 Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Coat a 13" x 9" baking dish with vegetable oil spray.

2.

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, cottage cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, eggs, carrots, and broccoli.

3.

Place 3 noodles in the reserved dish. Spread one-third of the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Drizzle on 1 cup of the sauce. Repeat the process two more times. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella.

4.

Bake for 30 minutes, or until bubbling. Allow to stand 10 minutes before serving.

              

 

This baked pasta dish is quick to prepare since it begins with no-boil noodles. Great for a fast weeknight meal and you could also use your own sauce rather than bottled sauce. Enjoy!

Monday Motivator: Rethink Your Routine

Fall is upon us- time to wind down from summer vacation and settle back into a regular routine. Take time this week to reevaluate your schedule and priorities for the coming season. Planning reduces stress and ensures that healthy habits find their way into your daily life.

Have a great Monday!

As always wishing you health and wellness from the inside out!

LQ WELLNESS

973-383-0955

"If it is to be, it is up to me.' ~ Unknown

Meatless Mondays

         Brighten the Fall Season with Winter Squash

Winter squash are part of the Cucurbitaceae family, also known as the gourd family, along with melons, cucumbers and luffas (or loofah), the spa sponge. Characterized by hard shells, hollow inner, seed-filled cavities, and sweet flesh, the many varieties include acorn, banana, turban, butternut, Hubbard, spaghetti, and Kabocha. Winter squash are harvested at a more mature age than their summer cousins. The hard shells can be stored longer and their vibrant yellow and orange flesh is richer in vitamins. Your winter squash are an important source of carotenoids, a group of antioxidants that include alpha and beta carotenes. One cup will provide you with more than double the daily requirement of Vitamin A which is important for eye health.

Carotenoids have also received much attention for their anticancer potential. Beta carotene was found to inhibit the spreading and growth of leukemia cells, according to a study published in the May 18, 2011 Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics.

As you slice into a winter squash the deeply colored flesh will brighten the gray of winter for you. The most flavorful squash will have a firm, smooth rind that allows most varieties to be stored up to six months. Cooked winter squash, whether steamed or baked, needs little more than a dash of seasoning to enhance flavor. You can try it pureed in soups, stuffed with sweet and savory ingredients or roast the seeds for a crunchy snack. One cup of baked winter squash will give you the following nutrients: dietary fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Potassium, Manganese and Beta Carotene.

 

Meatless Monday Recipe :   Winter Squash and Kale Risotto with Pine Nuts  

( from Fruits and Veggies Matter)

2 tsp olive oil

1c. yellow onion, diced

1c. Arborio or short grained rice

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbsp. pine nuts

2 (10 oz) cans low sodium, fat-free vegetable broth

1 (12 oz) pkg frozen winter squash thawed, diced

2 c fresh kale, finely chopped

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add salt, onion, garlic, and saute 2 minutes. Stir in rice and pine nuts and saute for about 2 minutes.

2. Add first can of broth, 1/2 cup at a time, cooking and stirring over medium low heat until liquid is nearly absorbed.

3. Add diced squash and second can of broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring often. Add the kale and cook until all broth is absorbed and kale is soft. Makes 4 servings.

Enjoy!

Healthy Monday TIP: Go the Extra Mile

Make an effort to boost your activity this week. Make moderate increases in the time, intensity, or number of your current workouts. Building on your usual exercise routine will result in more activity over time.

 Have a great healthy week from the inside out and if I can assist you or your family in any way to reach optimal wellness please don't hesitate to call me.

Keep moving with small steps and have fun! 

Best in health always,

Lisa

LQ Wellness

973-383-0955

Healthy Monday

Hospitals Put Health on the Menu with Meatless Monday

The connection between diet and disease is not lost on the medical community, which is why many hospitals have started offering Meatless Monday meals in their cafeterias. Each week staff, patients and visitors alike get a delicious lesson in healthier habits.

“Each Monday, [Mt. Sinai's] Plaza Cafe serves more meatless products to encourage employees and visitors to reduce their risk of chronic preventable diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. Reducing meat consumption has been shown to; Limit cancer risk, including risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer; reduce risk of heart disease; fight obesity, curb diabetes [and] allows you to improve your diet and live longer.”

This week's Meatless Monday Recipe: 

Go To Pasta (courtesy of Chez Us )

• 2 cups fresh vegetables
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium shallot, minced
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1/2 lemon juiced
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 3 tablespoons of fresh herb minced, used thyme for this dish
• zest from one lemon, optional (it went well with favas)
• cheese, your choice, be creative
• kosher salt, to taste
• fresh cracked black pepper
• 1 lb pasta, cooked according to directions ( you can use multigrain pasta )

Bring water to boil and cook pasta according to directions.  If using fresh, it will not take as long.  After cooking the pasta, drain it very well, and then lightly toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.  In a large frying pan heat the olive oil over medium heat.  Add the shallots, stir and cook over low heat, until soft;  about 3 minutes.  Add the garlic, stir.  Add the vegetable of choice along with the lemon juice and white wine, cook until slightly soft but still a little crisp;  3 – 5 minutes.  Add the fresh herb, stir.  Season with salt and pepper.  Remove from the heat.  Toss with the pasta.  Sprinkle in the cheese, and gently stir.  Serve.  Eat. Enjoy!

Healthy Monday - Monday Motivator :  

Time for a Change of Pace? 

If you’re getting bored with your exercise routine, switch it up this week! 

 Varying your activity 

means you’ll work new muscle groups, plus you’ll be more likely to stick with it.

Have a great Monday and remember : One step at a time....we can achieve optimal wellness!

Keep moving with Small Steps and have fun!

Best in health always,

Lisa

LQ Wellness

973-383-0955

Wellness Thoughts for Thursday

Are you curious about things that you can do to build yourself a blueprint for wellness?  A blueprint for wellness can be done on a few different levels.  Perhaps you’d like to lose ten pounds, or just develop more stamina or better cardiac health.  This leads us into the first step of building your new plan.

Determine what you want to accomplish – Your job is to figure out, in detail, what it is you’d like to achieve.  Goal setting is a key factor in being successful at anything and this is no different.

Gain Knowledge – Once you have your goals figured out go online and find others who have accomplished what you’re trying to do.  If you’re not able to do as much as them, that’s fine, start at your own pace.  There are plenty of websites out there that will help you.

Put Yourself On A Schedule – Organization is a wonderful thing and that includes your time as well.  If you need to get up in the morning to get some exercise done to get it out of the way, give yourself an extra hour in the morning before you have to go to work.

Diet Will Make Or Break You – You’re going to have to get to it sooner or later, so why not now.  Start replacing at least one thing that you like to eat with something healthy.  Something I did was to eat vegetables with ranch dressing.  No the ranch isn’t good and you should replace it eventually, at least you’ll be eating vegetables instead of junk food.

Start A Journal – Documentation will serve several purposes.  It will make your goals seem more real to you, allow you track your progress, show you where you can do better and keep your eye on the prize.  A blueprint for wellness is exactly that, a visual representation of what you want to accomplish.

Take Your Lunch To Work – I know all too well how easy it is to fall into running through the drive through at lunch at work when you’re rushed.  Making your own lunch will be more healthy for you, save you money, and you’ll also find that you have more time to just slow down during the day and truly take a break.  Making your lunch does not mean a TV dinner or preservative filled box of stuff.

Tell Others About Your Plan – Telling your friends or relatives will give you some accountability.  Find at least one person that you can hold yourself accountable to.  Sticking with a program like this is almost the hardest part.  We can all do things for a few days, a week, or even a month.  If you want it to last, you’ve got to stick with it.

Building a blueprint for wellness isn’t a tough thing to do.  You’ve got to have a little creativity and the willpower to get those first steps done.  Steven Covey, author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” said it takes about 30 days to make something into a habit.  If you can stick with things that long, then you’ll be well on your way to a healthier, happier life.

One step at a time...I can help you develop a blueprint for optimal wellness.

Let me show you the way!

Please share this blog with your family, friends and coworkers.                                                                                                                                   

Wishing you health and wellness from the inside out,

Lisa
LQ Wellness
973-383-0955