Saturday, August 10, 2013

Love Yourself First

I continue to work on this and as a busy mother with little down time, I find that I am the best mom I can be when I take even 30 minutes each day for myself. This morning I got up super early before work because I knew I wanted to have family time after work. I did a work out video, had some breakfast, took my omega-3 supplement and sipped on a coffee on the way to work. It made me feel so much more fulfilled and energized, knowing I took time for me. I truly feel this quote summarizes me and probably for many of you too.. Reading this quote motivates me to first take care of myself so I can love myself and therefore, be the best mother and wife I can be everyday.

Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.
Lucille Ball

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Aronia Berry

What is aronia?  It is not our day-to-day fruit on the go like bananas or apples, but you may just want to include it on a regular basis after learning more about this super fruit. 

Aronia Berry (Ar-on-éa) is native to the United States and considered to be one of the most nutritionally dense fruits on the planet.  It also considered the ultimate Superfood based on scientific research and centuries of indigenous use.  The aronia berry, due to its phytonutrient complex, has a rich flavor and is distinguished by its signature, dark-purple pigment. 

Aronia berries have 2x the antioxidants of imported acai, 3x the antioxidants of blueberries and 8x the antioxidants of pomegranates. 


Here are some tips on how to use Aronia in your daily diet:
Aronia Flax - Shake and add one tbsp. to yogurt, smoothies, a drink, or right off the spoon. 

Aronia Concentrate - Just add one tbsp. to iced tea, smoothies, or your beverage of choice.

Fresh Frozen Berries - One cup of aronia berries is the antioxidant equivalent of 24 oz of blueberries.

Freeze Dried Powder - Two tsp. in yogurt, smoothies, oatmeal, or any other snack makes a meal for less than a dollar a day.

Sources:  Orenda International LLC 2013.
                Sawmill Hollow Family Farm.