A Smokers’ Resolution

Another New Year is almost here and most cigarette smokers think about quitting this time of year so here is a herbal formula to help you quit that nasty and expensive habit: Mix equal parts of the following herbs: Wild Oats; Lobelia; Rose Hips; Cayenne. This herbal formula helps reduce the desire for tobacco. The lobeline content of lobelia is similar to nicotine but is non-addictive and non-stimulating. The wild oats calm the nerves and the rose hips and cayenne support the body nutritionally. (Dr. Christopher’s formula) Supplies to make your own capsules: http://www.capsuleconnection.com/capsule-machine
HAPPY & HEALTHY HOLIDAYS TO YOU!
Sonia Platz, Certified Holistic Nutritionist & Family Herbalist
Visit: www.aholisticway.com & www.livingwelldallas.com

FAQ - www.AHolisticWay.com

What is Holistic Health & Holistic Nutrition?

This involves viewing individual health in a holistic fashion. Holistic means considering and encompassing body, mind, emotions, and spirit. Factors involving physical wellness/illness, mental/thought patterns, emotional expression and stability, and the individual’s spiritual beliefs all have significant roles in maintaining good health and should be addressed.

What is Holistic Medicine?
It is a medical model that focuses on the whole person, not just the body.

What is Integrative Medicine, Complementary Medicine or Alternative Medicine (CAM)?
Used interchangeably, these systems integrate traditional, allopathic methods with nontraditional methods and can form a complementary medical system.

What is Natural Health?
It is how we live in our bodies by maintaining good health naturally through the air we breathe, the water we drink, the foods and fluids we consume, and also through our daily body movement/activities, rest, sleep and interactions with other people.

What is Natural Healing?
This involves moving the body from a state of non-health to a state of health using only natural (non-synthetic and non-invasive) means. Examples including fasting to cleanse the body of mucus, massage therapy to ease aching and painful muscles, and the use of herbal formulas to soothe an irritated throat.

What is Herbology or Herbalism, or a Herbologist?
One of the oldest sciences in the world—the study of plants and their physical attributes as used for healing, food, flavoring, scents, and dyes. The study of the effects of plants upon the body (stressing the use of whole plants, but may include a part of the plant that is used, plant gathering, methods, and preparations of the plant). It is practiced in all forms of traditional healing worldwide. The philosophy of Herbalism is directed at supporting the body’s healing processes with the use of plants and foods used, and also uses exercise techniques including breathing exercises/techniques, and various body/mind techniques. Herbalism views the whole person: body, mind and spirit.

What is Detoxification (Detox)?
The body creates and is exposed to may toxins simply through the normal process of living. Under ordinary conditions, body systems such as the liver, kidneys, intestines, lymph and circulatory systems, eliminate toxins without a problem. A poor diet, poor lifestyle habits, and excessive exposure to environmental toxins can overwhelm the body’s natural processes and allow toxins to accumulate internally. Signs or conditions that may indicate you may be suffering from toxicity are: headaches, digestive disorders, increased allergic reactions, fatigue, to name a few. Various methods are used to stimulate detoxification such as forms of fasting, using herbs, or a cleanse program.

What is Hydrotherapy?
A therapeutic use of water of any temperature or form: hot, cold, steam, or ice in order to promote healing. Depending on the temperature and form of the water, it can address a wide range of problems including sore muscles, injuries, fevers, burns, skin problems, etc. Warm or hot has a relaxing effect; cold water reduces inflammation; and alternating hot and cold water is a stimulating aid to the circulatory system. Water may also stimulate the immune system.

What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a system of bodywork in which the practitioner applies finger pressure to specific points on the feet and/or the hands, and the various organs and areas of the body. Pressing on these reflexes aid in healing by stimulating a return to homeostasis (state of balance in the body).

What is Therapeutic Touch?
It is a non-evasive and, in fact, non-touch system of energy work where energy is transferred from the practitioner to the energy field of the individual receiving treatment. Major effects include relaxation and accelerating healing. The autonomic nervous system is sensitive to this form of therapy, followed by the lymphatic and circulatory systems as well as the musculoskeletal system. Lymphatic drainage massage involves a very light touch and is a highly beneficial aid in removing toxins from your body.

What is Vegetarianism?
It is a plant-centered eating style that excludes meat. There are 4 or more variations of vegetarianism: (1) Lacto-vegetarian: only vegetables, grains, fruits, and dairy; (2) Ovo-vegetarian: vegetables, grains, fruits, and eggs; (3) Pesco-vegetarian: vegetables, grains, fruits, fish/seafood; and (4) Vegan: vegetables, grains, fruits, no animal products whatsoever. Some consider this a way of life that extends beyond food and strict vegans tend to avoid products derived from animals such as leather or silk. Some of these variations can be combined. Many people achieve optimum health from a well-balanced vegetarian diet, high in micronutrients and fiber, generally low in saturated fats. Plant-focused eating is recommended for everyone; however, there are some people who do not respond well to a diet in which there is no animal protein.

Living Well Dallas - Be Well Circle Membership Explained

A new year is approaching and this is naturally a good time to start with a fresh slate to begin integrating healthy habits. Living Well Health & Wellness Center is currently promoting a new membership program called the "Be Well Circle". The "Be Well Circle" affords you access to core services at membership level rates (Nutritional Coaching / Massage / Licensed Professional Counseling / Acupuncture). This is a way for you to benefit from any of the services at reduced rates on a 6 month or 12 month plan.

Please contact me should you wish to take advantage of this opportunity (I will provide you with the membership pamphlet and sign-up form). Be sure to mention my name when you sign up, or when making appointments for nutritional counseling. My contact information for the Be Well Circle Membership is below, or e-mail me www.aholisticway.com. Click HERE for my profile on the Living Well Dallas website.
Wellness is a journey, not a destination.

Join the Be Well Circle™
and begin your journey today.

Live well. Feel well. Be well.
Be Well Circle™ has membership levels to meet your specific health & wellness goals.

As a Be Well Circle™ member, you will discover how to get “Me Time” effortlessly with the rewards of stress reduction, relaxation, finding balance, improved nutrition and weight loss. Joining the membership allows you to take advantage of our 4 core services at significant discounts (single services prices range from $80-$125 an hour). By just taking advantage of the membership, you can save from $21 to $250 a month in valuable services.

Create your membership with monthly sessions of nutrition coaching, counseling with licensed counselors, life coaching, therapeutic massage and acupuncture. Join the Be Well Circle™ to be nourished and motivated so you can live, feel and be well.

Your membership may include any combination of the following Core Services:

Weight Loss Nutrition Coaching with your Certified Health Coach - a healthy body requires healthy food. Don't navigate nutrition changes alone. Our certified dieticians and health coaches have been trained to help you achieve lasting weight loss.

Therapeutic Massage - massage is more than just for relaxation. Massage can help the body heal, relax and rejuvenate. Whether you just want to relax or get the kinks worked out, our massage therapists can take care of you.

Individual Counseling with Licensed Professional Counselor - coaching and counseling give you a chance to talk through lifes big and small challenges. Let us help you get unstuck.

Acupuncture - The acient art of acupuncture can assist the body in healing from the inside out. From improving immune function or reducing pain, acupuncture can be your little healthy secret.

Be Well Circle™ Diamond
$159 per month with a one-time initiation fee of $39
15% discount on supplements and functional foods

Monthly Diamond Services To Choose From
One 60-minute session with health coach
One 60-minute therapeutic massage
One 60-minute Be Well Circle™ service of your choice
All additional 60-minute Be Well Circle™ services available $50.

Be Well Circle™ Emerald
$109 per month with a one-time initiation fee of $39
10% discount on supplements and functional foods

Monthly Emerald Services To Choose From
One 60-minute session with health coach
One 60-minute Be Well Circle™ service of your choice
All additional 60-minute Be Well Circle™ services available $55.

Be Well Circle™
$59 per month with a one-time initiation fee of $39
Monthly Circle Services
One 60-minute Be Well Circle™ of your choice
All additional 50-minute Be Well Circle™ services available $59.

Be Well Circle™ Shared
Available to Diamond & Emerald Members
Diamond and Emerald members have the additional option of sharing their membership with one household member. The shared membership includes one additional Be Well Circle™ service each month with unlimited Be Well Circle™ services at membership pricing. All individuals selected to share memberships must be listed at the time of enrollment. Requires a one-time $29 second initiation fee.

Tips for Eating Healthy During the Holiday Season

Drink a glass of water at least 30 minutes before your meal to fend off hunger & overeating

When eating meat like turkey or ham, skip the skin and cut off any fatty parts

Chew your food thoroughly to get the best digestion and to assimilate the most nutrients

Slow down and enjoy the meal and the company you are with, take pauses between bites

Focus on the veggies, salads and fruits first so you’ll eat less of the fattier & more filling foods

Take smaller portions of stuffing, meats and sweets

Stay hydrated with water (alcoholic and caffeinated beverages are dehydrating)

Avoid sugary beverages such as sodas, sweetened teas and sports drinks

Limit your servings of deserts/pies, cookies and candies, just pick one

Take a relaxing walk with family/friends after the meal before settling in for the night

HAPPY & HEALTHY HOLIDAYS TO YOU!
Sonia Platz, Certified Holistic Nutritionist & Family Herbalist
Visit: www.aholisticway.com & www.livingwelldallas.com

Sprouting - Recipes & Instructions (Follow Up to Get Kidz Fit Sprouting Demonstrations)

Hello Everyone. Thank you to all who were able to attend my "Sprouting Super Healthy Kids" sprouting demonstrations yesterday at Dallas Market Hall. Here is a link to some sprouting recipes with a handy chart you may refer to in helping you to sprout from a jar or using the tray method.

Go and get your sprout on!

http://www.handypantry.com/files/1847860/uploaded/LaminatedHowtoGrowSprouts.pdf

Feel free to contact me with any questions. Enjoy!

SPROUTING SUPER HEALTHY KIDS (from my Food Demo @ Get Kidz Fit Fest)

The following is a brief summary of benefits & instructions; this flyer does not include of all the positive facts and reasons a person should add sprouted foods to their diet.

Sprouting preferably ORGANIC seeds, beans & grains are ECONOMICAL, ECOLOGICAL & FREE OF TOXINS, EASY TO STORE, LOW IN CALORIES/FAT plus they TASTE GREAT, they are EASY & FAST GROWING, plus they are SUPER SOURCES OF NUTRIENTS; the sprouting produces Vitamin C and increases carotenoids and Vitamin B, particularly B2 (riboflavin), B5 (pantothenic acid) and B6 (pyridoxine). The following antioxidants, vitamins and minerals are found in various sprouting seeds, beans and grains: Provitamin A (carotenes) boosts immune system and protects against radiation; Vitamin B Complex (energy & immune system); Vitamin C (detoxifier & immune system); Vitamin E (immune system); Chlorophyll (a potent antioxidant & blood purifier, fights infections); Calcium (rids body of heavy metals, regulates pH & electrolyte balance); Iron (immune system & prevents absorption of heavy metals); Magnesium (counteracts aluminum toxicity & balances calcium properties); Potassium (detoxifies kidneys & maintains acid-alkaline balance); Selenium (immune system); Zinc (aids in production of T killer cells); Antioxidant Enzymes (aids body in eliminating free radicals, enzymes are needed to absorb and digest nutrients—enzymes do not exist in processed, pasteurized or heavily cooked foods).

Sprouting list: alfalfa seed, barley, broccoli seed, brown mustard seed, buckwheat seed, chia seed, Chinese Cabbage; crimson clover seed, fenugreek seed, garbanzo, green pea, lentil, mung bean, radish seed, red clover seed, red lentil seed, red winter wheat, soybean, sunflower, and wheat grass seed.

Beginner’s tools: sprouting jar (large mason jar: quart, ½ gallon or 1 gallon size) (about $4), seeds, & water!

Important Tips: rinse 3 or more times/day; keep seeds moist but not wet or drippy; sprout at room temperature away from sunlight or heat or keep them covered with a kitchen towel; don’t put too many seeds in container; let sit to sprout in ventilated area. You may put them in sunlight on a windowsill on the last day of sprouting to increase chlorophyll (greening).

1: Soak seeds: put 1 -2 tablespoons of seeds into jar, add water and swirl to rinse and drain, then cover the seeds with lukewarm/cool water so that there is at least 1-2 inches of water over the seeds, gently swirl the water in the jar so that seeds are submersed. Soak overnight or at least 12 hours.

2. Drain/Rinse seeds: gently rinse seeds with running water (careful not to use too much water pressure as the seedlings are tender), swish and drain gently so that all water runs out; store at a slight angle and cover with a dishtowel for about 3-5 hours. Do this 2-4 times each day until they are ready to refrigerate.

3. Removing seed hulls: when the hulls are thrown off from the seeds they can be removed from the jar; by filling the jar with water, the hulls will float to the top, you can skim them off with a spoon. It is not necessary to remove all of the hulls, but you can skim off the easy floating ones if you want to. Not to worry…they are safe to eat.

4. Harvesting! When your jar fills with sprouts, usually after 3-4 days, it is time to do the final rinse and drain to remove any remaining hulls. You can pour the sprouts into a large bowel or pan to do this. Drain all water, and then you can eat them right away or store them in a baggie or jar inside the refrigerator until you are ready to use them. They will stay fresh and crisp for about a week or more (you may want to rinse them after about 3-4 days to keep fresh). Do not freeze.

Dandelightful

The poor dandelion gets killed off by so many who are fixated on having a weedless yard of grass. Grass that will provide them with nothing in return. Dandelions are a precious source of numerous vitamins and minerals and can be used in so many ways for healing and nutrition as well as being packed with antioxidants making it a cancer fighter. I drink the tea regularly and it is dandelightful. The root is also very delicious in a stir fry or in bean soup! I made it just a couple days ago with my lima beans and it was to die for. Dandelions have more usable calcium than milk and fights osteoporosis. That fact alone is enough for me. It is a blood purifier; lowers blood pressure; helps with digestive disorders; help with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis; helps acne conditions; it's an energy booster; liver tonic and diuretic plus its a good source of soluble fiber.

You can find dandelion tea in most herb or health stores as well as the root, or you can harvest it yourself as long as you know for sure that it is a dandelion that has not be contaminated with herbicides or pesticides or fungicides. Harvest from the wild not along a polluted, highly traveled roadway--or from your very yard that is untreated.

If you have a will, there is A Holistic Way. www.aholisticway.com Eat to be Healthy and Happy.

Free Sample Friday, March 25, 2011 from 11 am to 1pm

Invitation to my friends and associates: Free Sample Friday, March 25th from 11am to 1pm at Living Well Health & Wellness Center. This is your chance to try a variety of health services from nutritional counseling, massages to acupuncture and more for FREE. Call 972-930-0260 to register for this free event. FREE SAMPLE FRIDAY - you will love our offices and our health practitioners. http://www.aholisticway.com/be-well-circle.html

MY LATEST ARTICLE: Read and share and "like" my latest article found here: http://www.examiner.com/holistic-nutrition-in-dallas/making-time-for-wellness-not-healthcare-1

Texas Health Freedom ALERT - Health Freedom Bills in House AND Senate

From time to time some important things will come through and I will need to post them on my blog, and this is one of those times. I really hope you will read this and take the appropriate action if you are a Texas resident.

"Colleagues and Friends of Texas Health Freedom,
In a development that can only be described as Divine Providence, there are now companion safe harbor (health freedom) bills in the Texas Senate and House! SB 1084 was filed by Senator Jeff Wentworth, and HB 1716 was filed by Rep. John Garza. These bills were filed primarily due to the efforts of naturopath Michele O'Donnell. Michele is one of the four naturopaths recently investigated by the Texas Medical Board. Michele has decided to fight back. We congratulate her on persuading her elected representatives to take up her and our cause.
After reviewing the language of the bills, the Texas Health Freedom Coalition executive committee has unanimously endorsed them, and will work with Michele's team and lobbyist to help enact them into law. You can help, too. Here's how:

1. Find out who your Texas state Senator and Representative is by going to the www.texashealthfreedom.com home page and fill in your address info in "Who Represents Me?" The first names that come up under "Texas State Senator" and "Texas State Representative" are your legislators. Remember, you are NOT contacting members of the US Congress!

2. Call them at their Austin office (area code 512). Tell whoever answers the phone that you would like to speak to the health policy advisor. Tell that person "I am a constituent of Sen. (Rep.) (Blank). I want him/her to sign on as a co-author of SB1084 (HB 1716). This bill protects my right to choose how and from whom I receive my health care. I want it enacted into law this session." Please note you will be making TWO calls, one each to your state senator and state representative, about SB 1084 in the Senate, and HB 1716 in the House, respectively. Expect to be asked for your address information, to verify that you are a constituent.

3. Please stay alert for future e-mails about these two bills. We will ask for your additional support as they make their way through the legislative process.

Please circulate this message widely, to all Texans on your e-mail list. This may be the best chance we have had in the last three legislative sessions to enact health freedom in Texas. Please lend your voice to help make it reality.

Thanks for your support of Texas Health Freedom,"

Herbs for Pregnancy, Female Health & Reproduction and Hormone Balance

Many people use herbs (herbal foods) and do not even realize the many uses they offer for supporting health. An amazing leaf is a major herbal aid for the woman who is planning for pregnancy, is pregnant or wants to strengthen or improve their reproductive health and for hormone balance: Raspberry Leaf and contains a multitude of essential nutrients. I actually have a raspberry bush growing in my back yard for the last couple years and didn't realize that I could be harvesting the leaves, root and the bark for therapeutic herbal health aids! Aside from the great benefits to female health, it is also used as a cleansing agent for canker conditions, sore throats, nausea, diabetes, diarrhea and soothes the stomach and the bowels (constipation), especially for children - and so much more! Ways in which you might prepare it are: decoction, fluid extract, infusion, powder or tincture. (You can get the leaves online for teas (buy organic) -- you may try up to 3 cups per day as much as 6 days a week until you notice results.

Laughter is Good Medicine

We all should be laughing all the time. Studies show that 20 seconds of really good laughing is worth 3 minutes on a rowing machine! I think that's pretty cool. I love to laugh. I intentionally surround myself with people with good senses of humor so we can play and laugh with each other as often as possible. I suggest that you watch comedy when possible and search out comedic entertainment. Animals and children are extremely excellent sources of comedy relief. Below is a link to a very funny video with wild animals that came across my Facebook newsfeed page.

Benefits of laughter include stress reduction, enhancement of the immune system, strengthening of cardiovascular function, and increased oxygenation through improvement of the respiratory system.

For a good laugh, watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7YIAWsyB1I&sns=em

There are a lot of things in this world that are not funny, but don't let it get you down. Look up and find the humor in life. Remember, laughter is good medicine...Based on Proverbs 17:22 "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."--I found the following, and had to share: "King Solomon left among his wise sayings a prescription for sick and sad hearts, and it is one that we can safely take. A merry heart doeth good like a medicine. Joy is the great restorer and healer. Gladness of spirit will bring health to the bones and vitality to the nerves when all other tonics fail and all other sedatives cease to quiet. Are you ill? Begin to rejoice in the Lord, and your bones will flourish like an herb, and your cheeks will glow with the bloom of health and freshness. Worry, fear, distrust, care-all are poisonous! joy is balm and healing, and if you will but rejoice, God will give power. He has commanded you to be glad and rejoice, and He never fails to sustain His children in keeping His commandments. Rejoice in the Lord always, He says. This means no matter how sad, how tempted, how sick, how suffering you are, rejoice in the Lord just where you are-and begin this moment. The joy of the Lord is the strength of our body, The gladness of Jesus, the balm for our pain, His life and His fullness, our fountain of healing, His joy, our elixir for body and brain. [Taken from http://www.sermonindex.net/modules/articles/index.php?view=article&aid=4427]"

Valentine's Day with A Holistic Way

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone out there. You don't have to have a sweetheart to enjoy this day. In fact, before you can love anyone else, you must first love yourself. I've written a couple articles for the month of February that will help you along:
1. "Keys to Keep the Pitter Patter in Your Heart" (http://www.examiner.com/holistic-nutrition-in-dallas/keys-to-keep-the-pitter-patter-your-heart); and
2. "Want Some Valentine’s Day Love & Affection: Think Feet and Hands!" (http://www.examiner.com/holistic-nutrition-in-dallas/want-some-valentine-s-day-love-affection-think-feet-and-hands).

Be kind to yourself, and enjoy the life God has given you.

Hello World -- Welcome to my Blog!

This is the beginning of my blogging journey as a holistic health professional. It is my hope that my posts will be enjoyable reading for all who find me here.  I am fortunate to have a professional holistic health practice that I find both rewarding and enjoyable.  It has been said, "If your work is something you love, you will never work another day in your life."  That is my blessing from God, and all the glory goes to Him.

Currently, I am promoting a new body movement program that I have created. It is called the Vitamin D Pep 'n Step©. 

This blog is an extension of my business, and the services that I offer to my clients. Here is the link to my business website: www.aholisticway.com.

You can find out more about me there as well as on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/AHolisticWay

My published articles may be found on my website as well as on Examiner.com at the following links:
http://www.examiner.com/alternative-medicine-in-dallas/sonia-platz  -or-
http://www.examiner.com/holistic-nutrition-in-dallas/sonia-platz.

"A cheerful heart is good medicine." Proverbs 17:22