Chocolate Is GOOD For You

Happy Valentine's Day, Friend!

When you have a craving for a something special to eat, what is it?

The typical food treats (of cookies, cakes, candies, chips, etc.) that tempt others are not my weakness. When I crave something, all I want is chocolate... and to know that chocolate actually has health benefits allows me to consume small portions guilt-free!

Studies have shown that chocolate is rich in flavonoids, friendly compounds that act as antioxidants, preventing inflammation and cell damage. These health building flavonoids can also be found in fruits, vegetables, certain teas and red wine, too... yum!

How do they help? Flavonoids increase blood flow and good cholesterol, while lowering the likelihood of plaque formation in the blood stream, too. Who would think that eating chocolate could act like repair-persons in our cells, protecting us from damage and environmental toxins. What a GREAT design!

For sure, it is important to consume chocolate in moderation because it is saturated with calories and high in fat. For health benefits reach for the darkest chocolate possible... milk chocolate contains the smallest flavonoid content, compared to dark.

In addition to the health-enhancing benefits, chocolate is also a mood-booster! It replicates the feeling of being in love because of its PEA - phenylehtylamine - a compound that stimulates the nervous system and revs you up. Another chocolate chemical is NPY, which (like tryptophan) creates a blissful sense of wellbeing, releasing seratonin and endorphins for a feel-good glow. Finally, there's the caffeine content... which everyone knows offers a perky alertness.

I, personally have found my all-time favourite brand of dark chocolate... Ritter Sport, the Fine Extra Dark 71% Cocao Chocolate variety... which is not shown in this display of chocolate options. (And, no, I do not receive royalties for this little commercial.)

I've already have my little Valentine's Day chocolate "fix" today. Go on, give yourself permission to enjoy it modestly, knowing that you'll also be helping your your overall mood and health! Luscious food and SO good for us, too.

Warmly, Carolyn

Inner Fitness(R) Programs
www.innerfitness.ca

Return To Affordable, Homemade Gift Giving

Six days to Christmas... wow!

If you are still not clear on what to gift your loved ones, consider avoiding the usual hype of commercialism and assemble or craft a few homemade gifts and give them instead of store-bought gifts, knowing that they will be happily received... because you took the time and energy to make them yourself.

You might be thinking, “What kinds of gifts could I possibly make before Christmas?”

Well, here are a few ideas for you to have fun with!

- make a batch of jam, dressing each of the jars up with ribbon
- make a few dozen cookies, fancying up each plate or tin with holly or nice paper
- frame a lovely photograph of yourself and give it to your loved one
- visit your local dollar store for token gifts, such as a perfectly shaped coffee mug, then fill it with a biscotti or two to dip
- buy a magnetized notepad & attach a pen for someone’s fridge door
(include a happy message on the notepad!)
- calligraphy out your favorite quotation or poem and frame it
- bake your most delicious banana bread and “pretty it up”
- make loaves of homemade bread and give it with one of your jams
- dry some nice flowers and make an arrangement, tied with ribbon
- write a heartfelt letter to someone you have been out of touch with
- or make a handmade Christmas tree ornament!

These are a few token gifts that we have had fun making and giving over the years. Undoubtedly, you have created special little gifts, too…
let me know about some of them, I’d love to hear from you!

If your budget is such that it will allow you to give a little more substantially and you are looking for something unique, here are a few more suggestions to consider;

- a subscription to a health magazine
- an appointment for a massage or pedicure
- a self-help book, audio book or video
- a beautiful houseplant
- a gift basket filled with tasty food items
- aromatherapy bath and massage oils, soaps
- a gift certificate for a house cleaning service
- tickets to a play, concert, comedy show or opera
- a garden ornament or accessory
- a yoga mat and video
- exercise equipment
- or a donation to a favorite charity... or another idea is...

• Our guided meditation CDs are available online through CD Baby at http://cdbaby.com/cd/crclarke4 They make GREAT gifts.

A few years ago, Richard and I had the inspiration to make up “Sensuality Baskets,” filling them with taste, sound, smell and touch treats…a great CD, scrumptious cheeses and crackers, the very best chocolates, candles, bath essential oils, incense, etc. They were quite affordable to put together and were received with tremendous thanks.

So, there you are... a few ideas to give original and affordable gifts.

Make it a great holiday!

Warmly, Carolyn
Inner Fitness(R) Programs
www.innerfitness.ca
http://cdbaby.com/cd/crclarke4