Blog - Superior Self

Maintaining Your Eating Style At Work

9/28/2014

In our modern society, most adults work, take care of the family, exercise, clean, cook, shop, etc.

The time we spend away from the home is great. Some of us spend more time at work than anywhere else. We have the majority of our meals there. Many work places have snack tables provided by the company, full of things we do not want to eat. Temptation is everywhere!

So, when we have changed our eating protocol to a health giving one, how do we keep our choices firm in the work place?

I suggest we keep lots of healthy snacks in baggies nearby. I suggest we keep grass fed, grass finished Jerky, raw nuts, raw seeds, and healthy protein bars in our purse or backpack. Dried fruits and veggies with no added sugars or industrial oils are a good bet, too. If you have access to a refrigerator, keep your own proteins and salads there.

You are in your own lane. Don't allow others to derail you and cut you off from your goals. Breathe deep and clench your fists. Say to yourself, "I love myself more than I love this food." Say this ten times and smile. You made it through another moment of avoiding temptation to eat something that is not in your goal template.

Well done! What do you do to avoid temptation at work? I want to hear from you!
Blessings,
KJ Landis

Stress vs Pleasure

9/16/2014

Sometimes, despite the efforts we make in eating whole, real foods, we still cannot lose the unwanted extra fat. We exercise, sleep well, and work at moving a lot during the day.

Why can't we meet our goals?

The answer my friends, is stress. Stress plays an important role in our vitality and health, our longevity and attitude. How can we have a good attitude towards the world when we feel like sh#%t? How can we live a long time when our sugar levels in the blood spike due to our stress? How can we release body fat when the stress hormone cortisol is telling our brain and body to hang on to dear fat because we are in a real emergency?

I suggest that you take ten minutes and write down everything that causes you stress on one side of a paper. Draw a line down the middle.Then on the other side, list the things that give you pleasure. Remember, this is for your eyes only, so do not be shy. Little or small, the pleasures and stressors affect every other area of our lives. If the stress list is longer than the pleasure list, take action about how you can reverse that, one little bit at a time.

Let me give you an example: I feel stress when the house isn't in perfect order before I go to sleep. I know it's late. I know I just worked a late shift at the restaurant. When I get home, if I see dishes in the sink, shoes not in the closet, blankets left on the couch, mail out of the mail basket, etc....I CANNOT WIND DOWN! Then it will be impossible for me to sleep. So, I can take two roads to release the stress and get to sleep. I can stay up an extra hour and clean up, or I can throw everything away in the trash, and damn it all. If the family misses it, they should not have left the items laying around in the first place. I have employed both solutions to releasing that stress in the past, and it worked very well. Writing a note on the kitchen table for them to see how upset I was also serves my communicating purposes so that they may not be so sloppy and cluttered in the future.

What can you do to lessen your stress? What can you delegate to other family members to assist in the tranquility that you need to thrive? What can you give up? I gave up grocery shopping, except for my special raw dairy items. I order a lot of things by internet now. I made an agreement with my husband that we would stop arguing about whose turn it is to deep clean the entire house. We acquired a cleaning service every two weeks. Argument over.

Stress less, less cortisol. Then the things you are doing in diet and exercise can take full effect, and you will see the fat finally release from your body.

Now it is time to add more pleasure to your life. Little moments of laughter, joy, sunshine, singing in the car, whatever gives you joy, go and do it!

It is sad that when we get older, many of us lose our short and long term memories. We need to play games that stimulate the memories. We need to add pleasure to our lives so that if we do have memory loss, the memories we recall from time to time will bring us joy and happiness.

What things truly bring pleasure to your life? Write them down and vow to do them. Then make a bucket list. Look at these lists daily to remind you that no matter what age, we can still have goals.

You deserve the best that life has to offer . I know it and believe it. Please comment or post. Join my mailing list.

Blessings,
KJ Landis

Food Affecting Age Related Disorders

9/8/2014

FOOD AFFECTING AGE RELATED DISORDERS

As I write this, I am feeling a whirlwind of emotions: Angry that I didn't know enough of the correct scientific data about nutrition earlier on in my life, grateful that my mama made it to 87 years old so far, selfish that I want to have her around for a few more decades, happy that I figured out how to heal my own broken metabolism so that I may live longer with full vitality, and sad that my mama doesn't live closer to me so that I could perform a full nutritional healing of her conditions.

Growing up, we five children had lots of homemade foods, with recipes handed down for generations from Russia, Hungary, Rumania, Moldovia, China, Spain, Israel, and England. Add to that the newly created convenience foods of the 1970s and 1980s, and we thought we were eating well,growing stronger, and living healthier. The abundance of cheap and convenient foods, manufactured industrial vegetable oils, processed packaged, canned items were adding to our health problems. This was just the opposite of the promises the USDA, FDA, and AMA made to us as they marketed these items to the world.

It is my belief that the canned foods and horrible oils my parents ate for decades, and cooked in aluminum pots and pans, were large contributors to their age related disorders.

My papa is almost 93. He lives in a wheelchair in a nursing home. He has had memory loss for decades. His dementia is so severe that when I call him on the phone, he thinks the phone is a chocolate bar and the nurses have to take it away from him. I finally was able to catch him awake on the phone for the first time in almost a year and he didn't really know who I was. I kept saying my name and spoke of the moments we had together during my life and his, but he really was not present. I kept saying, "I love you." Two times in an hour-long one-sided conversation, he replied, "I love you, honey." I knew that spark was him, truly him, for that moment. Or maybe he was just repeating what I said. Either way, it made me well up with tears of bittersweet energy.

My mama has rapidly declined in her memory recently. She cannot make sense of digits or instructions. She thinks that she must pay the government back her social security check and she is worried "they" will take her away if she doesn't give it back. Her memory loss creates her to not remember which of her medications she has taken or not, so many days she will overmedicate. Then that creates her to sleep about 20 hours, not eat or drink water, and the vicious circle of health decline continues.

Since they are so aged, what would the quality of their life have been if they had been eating only grass fed, grass finished meats, wild caught fish, healthy dietary fats, and non-GMO green leafy vegetables? What if Twinkies, Ho Hos, Fanta, Coke, TV dinners, bagels, and other highly processed foods were not part of their lives? Maybe at this age they would have been still thriving instead of surviving on a thread of the majestic tapestry they once were. Hindsight is always 20/20.

My dear readers, this makes me even more passionate about helping others reach their superior health state. Eat well, and we can fix the insides. Then the outsides pretty much take care of themselves. We will look better because we will feel great, and we will have the energy and health markers to prove it. That being said, we still may get hit by a bus when crossing the street to put the letter in the mailbox.

So, before you leave the house, say I love you to everybody there. Before you go to sleep, say I love you to everybody there. Life is a huge challenge, and nobody gets out alive. Spread love and joy like splatter paint wherever you go, so that when you do go, the world is painted with your essential colors.

Blessings,
KJ Landis

Organic vs Non-Organic Foods

8/31/2014

Sometimes we just cannot afford organic produce and meats. I get it, I totally do. I am a server in a restaurant relying on the generous tips to provide for my family's needs.

When we are making changes from processed, refined foods to a more natural and healthy eating protocol, keep in mind that the best quality food that you can afford is what counts. You do not have to give up your goals if you cannot buy butter that is raw, organic, and $18.99 for a tub. It is far healthier to buy veggies, fruits, meats, and seafood within your budget, than the former Standard American Diet.

So, we can let go of the guilt that we cannot afford all organic all the time. There are many farmers who grow organic and sell at farmers markets, but they cannot afford the organic stamp on their products. Ask around the next time you go to a farmers market.

Make small steps. Perhaps the focus for your shopping will be non-GMO foods. When we stop buying packaged, processed, refined foods, we may find ourselves with more money to buy some things organic. After all, when cereal is $5.00 or more a box, and it lasts less than a week, we can see how processed food costs can add up very quickly, even if we buy in bulk.

Swap out unhealthy oils for one healthy oil. For example, stop buying peanut oil, canola oil, soy oil, corn oil, regular butter, etc. Then replace those with one super food, like coconut oil. Coconut oil has medium chain triglycerides for fuel (and fat burning!), can handle high heat, mixes well with vinegar for dressings, and is very inexpensive, even at the raw, organic level. That's one oil replacing many, therefore saving you money in the long run.

Sit down for a minute and list five types of foods that you want to swap out. Research local grocery stores, food co-ops, and the internet for cheaper, but healthier alternatives. Believe me, if I can do this on a server's salary, then anyone can do this!

Write to me! Tell me one thing that you did to shift into a more healthy lifestyle, and how long it has been assisting you on your journey.

Blessings,
KJ Landis

RESOLUTIONS vs PROMISES

8/4/2014

We all have made resolutions over the years, for New Year's Eve or for the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. What usually happens is that we hold tight to our dreams and focus for a little while, but then life gets in the way. We slip and err, forget, or just don't care anymore because we are too stressed out, too busy, too whatever.

This past year I have tried a promise to myself rather than a resolution. the word promise means to me that I value myself so much that I will keep my word, just as if I made a promise to another person that I care about. My experience shows me that I can keep my promise without feeling like a failure. I can err and still get back up and continue on my path without self degradation.

Make a list of some new action you would like to do, some old habits you would like to forget about. Rather than say, "I'm going to give up cupcakes forever," think about promising to make a swap out for a week or a month. "I promise to swap out cupcakes with home made coconut flour cupcakes with a full-fat, creamy butter icing." If out and about when the craving hits you, promise to hit a gluten free-sugar free bakery or store. Remember the promise is to yourself. You do not have to announce it to others unless you want their help in keeping on track.

The promises are not for eating and exercising only. The promises are for whatever you desire deeply that will enhance your experience in this lifetime.

I promised to try new fitness activities this summer. I did bungee jumping on a trampoline and did the trampoline fitness jumping for an hour at the House of Air a few times. When I get some money saved I am intent on joining cross fit. It is way out of my budget right now. But, I do have a plan! That is key to any promise made to oneself.

What promise do you want to make to yourself? How will you make that happen? Let's start a conversation!

Blessings,
KJ Landis

Self Love Is Not Selfish

6/23/2014

SELF LOVE IS NOT SELFISH

Take a little moment to breathe during the daily rush. Inhale the glorious smells, exhale self hatred and doubt.

Love yourself a bit more. You deserve everything in abundance.

When we take time for our desires, regardless of what others think, it is a self loving moment. If we feel no resentment or guilt when we take time for ourselves, we have the opportunity to grow as a human spirit.
This includes our food choices. When I choose raw butter, or raw cashew butter over Skippy and margarine, I am taking care of my body that my spirit is inhabiting while here on earth. When I choose leafy greens and fresh air with movement and laughter included, rather than stuck in a cubby hole inside (hunched over), my creative ideas may flow freely. Then I have abundant energy!

Conscious cheating is called a treat. Unconscious cheating is self sabotage. Know the difference, acknowledge it, and move forward. Stop the negative self dialogue. We eliminated them with the NEGATIVE THOUGHT POT last week, remember?

This health and wellness thing is a lifelong journey. It will never leave you bored!!! LOLOL
Blessings,
KJ LANDIS
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OMG!!! They're GMO!!!

6/2/2014

Genetically modified foods are all over the place! What to look out for in the stores is so important. Knowledge is power.

1. Soy-Up to 90% of soybeans in the market have been genetically modified to be naturally resistant to an herbicide called, Round Up. This increased resistance to the herbicide allows farmers to use more Round Up to kill weeds. However, this results not only in a genetically modified food product, but also a food product loaded with more chemicals. The long term effects are not yet known.

2. Corn-Half of the US farms growing corn to sell are growing GMO corn. Most of this corn is going to be used for human consumption. Genetically modified corn has been linked to health problems, including weight gain and organ disruption. Even if the farm grows organic corn, nearby farms growing GMO corn can cross pollinate in the air and create the organic corn fields to become GMO without any knowledge of the organic farmer.

3. Canola oil-Canola oil is derived from rapeseed oil. It is considered one of the most chemically altered oils sold in the US. Canola oil was originated in Canada. Canada+oil=canola.

4. Cotton-Even cotton has been genetically modified to increase yield and resistance to disease. Most concern relates to the cotton oil. Cotton originating from India, and China, in particular, is considered higher risk for personal health. There are less regulations concerning GMO in those countries.

5. Milk-One fifth of the dairy cows in the United States have been given growth hormones to help them grow faster and increase their yield. These hormones can be found in some of the milk produced by these cows. These growth hormones have been shown to act inside the human body. We become larger more easily because the hormones made to make the cows bigger.

6. Sugar-Genetically modified sugar beets were introduced to the US market in 2009. These sugar beets are modified to resist Roundup, like corn.

7. Zucchini-Genetically modified zucchini contains a toxic protein that helps make it more resistant to insects. This introduced insecticide, has recently been found in human blood, including that of pregnant women and fetuses. This indicates that some of the insecticide is making its way into our bodies rather than being broken down and excreted. Long term effects have not been concluded yet.

8. Yellow squash-Yellow squash has also been modified with the toxic proteins to make it insect resistant. This plant is very similar to zucchini, and both have also been modified to resist viruses.

9. Papaya-Genetically modified papaya trees have been grown in Hawaii since 1999. These Papayas are sold in the United States and Canada for human consumption. These papayas have been modified to be naturally resistant to Papaya Ringspot virus, and also to delay the maturity of the fruit. Delaying maturity gives suppliers more time to ship the fruit to supermarkets. It also makes them have a higher sugar content, spiking our sugar levels when ingested.

These are some of the most prevalent GMO foods found in the supermarket. There are many others currently for sale and being grown for the market. GMO safety is not yet certain, so if you want to stay away from it always keep an eye out for a label that indicates food is organic or non-GMO.

Superior Self's Fast Start Guide to Wellness From Within

4/21/2014

You are welcome here! Some folks are not ready to make a drastic change all at once, so I have developed slower, smaller shifts in the dietary behavior that one makes with 100% commitment.

The plan for you is week by week. If this is still too fast, then change week 1 to month one, etc. Add the next week's shift to the one already in place. By the end of the program, you will feel great and look great, so that you may have more energy to do more and serve humanity more. It really is a win-win situation.

I suggest:

Week 1, increase water to a gallon a day.
Week 2, give up all wheat products and still drink a gallon of water a day. Week 3, give up all grains and still drink a gallon of water a day.
Week 4, reduce fruits to 1-2 times a day, always keeping previous changes.
Week 5, reduce fruits to 1-2 servings a week.
Week 6, change your oils to only healthy fats I mentioned in Superior Self with KJ Landis posts.
Week 7, no more added sugar, in any form: no honey or agave or date sugar, etc. Buy Lakanto or XYLA on amazon or Whole Foods.
Week 8, purchase raw dairy and pastured eggs if you regularly consume them.
Week 9, give up beans and legumes.
Week 10, write to me and share your experience! I know you can do this.
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In all of the weeks (or months), pay particular attention to how you feel rather than how you look. Sometimes flu and cold symptoms, headaches, and general fatigue may plague you. You may suffer acne or a rash for a little while. These are symptoms of the body detoxifying as it gets used to the cleaner fuel you are providing it with. Fear not, and keep moving forward with the process. Moving toward superior health can spur us on to our true superior self. Just think about how clear, attentive, helpful, and generous we can be to others we love when we have taken care of our own essential biochemical needs.

Practice, practice, practice. Eventually your eating choices and preparation of meals will shift to a healthier format and it will become easier. For me, it has not yet become entirely easy. It requires becoming present and conscious at each meal. remember that you do not have to feel alone. Surround yourself with like minded individuals. Seek out thought provoking materials to stimulate your journey and spark continued interest in your superior self.

Happy?

4/8/2014

What are some common things we see and feel when we are around happy people? I see and feel their intangible but very real radiant energy. It feeds me a little bit and I'm hungry for more.

Likewise, when we eat nutrient dense foods and move our bodies, we gain energy and begin to shift our world a little into a more positive space. Then we become the person with energy, energy, energy! The more energy we have, the more we have to give. Isn't that great? Share your thoughts on this.
Blessings,
KJ Landis
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