Getting a Good Night's Sleep

Sleep is as important to a healthy lifestyle as eating properly and exercising. Studies suggest that not enough sleep (over long periods of time), could increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity and depression.
And guess what? A relaxing bath and warm milk really WILL make you sleepy!!

If you're having trouble falling asleep, check out the following tips to help you wind down.

Get into a Routine: I know this is a tough one....especially on the weekends and while on holidays. Experts say try going to bed at the same time every night. Also, try getting up at the same time.

Go No-Tech: All the experts say your bedroom should be reserved for sleep and SEX! So get rid of the TV, cellphones and laptops.

Stop Worrying: If your head is spinning, get up and try doing something calming (like reading)!

Exercise Regularly: Physical exercise done early in the day may promote deeper sleep. Careful of exercise right before bedtime....that can give you an energy spurt!

Use Noise: If you're a light sleeper (studies show women are more prone to this), try a little white noise. A fan (especially in the summer) will help block out traffic noise or a snoring partner.

Getting back to warm milk and relaxing baths....try it before bed. The warm bath will raise your core body temperature (that'll make you sleepy). Dairy products are a good source of tryptophan an amino acid that will help kick starts your body's sleep inducers (melatonin and serotonin).

Happy Sleeping!!

Erin

Superfoods!

Feel GOOD about consuming the following "superfoods"....some that you may have thought aren't so great for your mind and body.

Wasabi: Japanese horseradish has many potential health benefits. It's said to prevent everything from asthma to ulcers and also has antibacterial properties.

Pumpkin: this highly nutritious fruit contains antioxidants and other ingredients that help prevent eye disease.

Avocados: another fruit that we all know is high in fat BUT the "good" fat....monounsaturated fat....the kind that doesn't clog the arteries. It also contains potassium AND Vitamins B, E and K.

Buckwheat Honey: Unlike light honey, dark honey doesn't cause a spike in the body's sugar levels. It's also an anti-inlammatory packed with anti-oxidants.

Tomato Paste: no-salt or low-salt tomato paste has the highest concentration of lycopene of tomatoes and tomato products. It's a natural blood thinner and a stong defense against certain diseases like prostate cancer.

Spices: in general, most spices are "superfoods" (most are calorie-free and anti-inflammatory). For example, Cinnamon. It helps slow down the rush of sugar to the blood, and that helps prevent weight gain. No, this doesn't mean we can all pig out on cinnamon buns!! Cinnamon is also an anti-inflammatory which COULD help delay the onset of aging.

Healthy Eating!

Erin

Birth Order and Personality....

With the impending birth of my third child, I've been thinking a lot about birth order and whether or not it affects personality. I must admit, I've often noticed that first borns tend to be "people pleasers".

I've heard OTHERS say the following...the oldest child is responsible, the middle child is diplomatic and the "baby" is the rebel. And what about the "only" child? Some may argue, forever spoiled.

Personality is apparantely the result of a number of factors. Genetics, education, social and economic environment. Any number of life experiences all play a part in shaping who we are.

So why do so many people think birth order has an effect on who we are today? Most psychologists agree that personality has something to do with what went on when we were kids.

How do your personailty traits compare to those associated with certain birth-order positions? Read on!

First Born:The oldest are the only kids in the family (for a little while anyway). Because Mom and Dad are new to the game of parenting, they tend to have high expectations. That can rub off on the first born. (Remember, I mentioned "people pleasers" earlier on). It's said that oldest kids tend to stick to family rules and they tend to be conservative and responsible.


Middle Child:"They", say the typical middle child is the good-natured, empathetic peacemaker.


The "Baby":Last borns, are finding a way to assert their individuality. It's all about finding your own way because you're coming into the world where your surroundings have already been created for you. It's said, that the youngest tend to be more rebellious and more likely to take risks.


I laugh over the youngest kids "taking more risks". That's my baby brother, who took more risks because he knew he could get away with it. He never had a curfew, but I did! Maybe that's cuz he's a boy....and a whole OTHER topic!

Have a great week,

Erin