Suzy Levi's Daily Dose

Instant Face Lift

    My Aunt used to tell me that you get stuck with the face that you deserve. She also told me that my face would freeze up that way when I scowled. Back then I was too young to give her words any thought but now in my 40s I find myself making faces in the mirror.

    I heard somewhere that it takes 4 times more muscles to frown than smile. I don't know how accurate that is on a scientific level but I believe the theory.

    So there I was alternating between a smile and a frown and I realized that it was much harder to frown. Almost painful. Try it... See. What do you think is easier? I know people with permanent frown lined etched into their faces. I believe that they can be changed. Yes I believe that gravity can be defied!

    How? You ask, just make a concentrated effort to smile...A lot! A whole lot! Don't worry about looking fake because the trick is that the more you smile, the happier you are. It is naturally occurring. It is also extremely contagious. The more you give the more you get.

 
    As I was thinking about how I cant give what I don't have I was practicing smiling in the mirror. Now it's hard to smile when you are criticizing all of the lines and new wrinkles but a miracle happened. When I smiled, Poof...All the lines and wrinkles totally disappeared!

    I marched into the living room and announced to my husband that I would be sporting a permanent smile and that should make him happy because it was going to save him thousands in plastic surgery and botox. Not to say that I would go that route but hey let him think that he was getting a deal.

    Well that made him smile and Poof... He had an Instant face lift!

   

It's a great day for a walk!

A Nice Walk is Always Perfect

    After my 2nd plate of Thanksgiving dinner yesterday, I realized that if I didn't move, I couldn't move. The turkey was not helping my dilemma.  I was tired. I had just cooked dinner for 8, ate, then cleaned up. My husband promised to help but he got distracted by the game. When all was done it was time for my food induced coma! Ah.

    There she was just staring at me with her bright eyes full of anticipation. The dog. I am sure that she would have got my coat for me if she could have. I desperately looked around the room for relief. Nada. I got up and grabbed her leash and off we went.

    Even though I had a million reasons and excuses for not taking that walk I am very glad that I did. In the crisp clean air I was feeling more alive than had I stayed beached in the couch. I cleared my mind and reflected on all that I had to be thankful for.  I think that the dog was feeling thankful too!

    The walk was not too long. It was the perfect length that I could forgive myself for stuffing myself. As I reflect on my gluttonous eating habit I see that I should always punish myself after with a brisk walk. There is absolutely no excuse to say no to one. The pace can be set according to ability. The length can be gaged by feelings.

    Speaking of feelings, I always feel better after a nice walk.

    That said I think that from now on, I am going to make a walk part of my diet! Join me?

    Thanks for reading,

    Suzy Levi

Confessions of a Buff Wannabe.

    After eating 2, not 1 ice cream cones I decided to really push myself in the fitness center. So I started with my usual 10 minute warm up. Then I lifted weights and lots of ab work. Then for my grand finale 30 minutes of pure treadmill cardio. Bye bye ice cream!

    As I was congratulating myself on my ability to run at intervals of 2 minutes at a time (with a 5 minute break) the door opens and in bounds "Pin Thin" from across the way. She is a 20 something with no children and it shows. She stripped off her sweatshirt jacket revealing her bare buff midriff and hops on the elliptical at break neck speed. I seriously don't think that she broke a sweat.

    My husband Paul showed up right then and lumbered up on the bike next to me. He has a good habit of showing up just when I need encouragement. I turned to him and asked him why I did not start doing this 20 years ago? He looked thoughtful and then replied " At least you are doing it now."

    Ahh the perfect band aid to my wounds. Is it still possible to get washboard abs at my age with 3 children?

    I bumped up the speed and incline. Sweating off the pounds and listening to oldies. Richard Simmons would be proud! Speed up 3 minutes slow down for 3. My heart was going "Boom Boom Pow".

    Just as I was really starting to feel good about my self again (Yeah I was doing something positive) in comes "Stride Right". He couldn't be more than 19 years old. He glides up on the treadmill next to me and immediately launches an all out run. As my insecurities came flooding back I wished that I could lengthen my speed interval. No use my lungs were burning.

    I slowed down and began my cool down. Glancing at Paul I started to wonder what was wrong with me. He could care less about "Stride Right". He was in his own world just happy that he had 2 legs that enabled him to exercise as he watched the game.

    Why had I made fitness competition? Does that feeling keep some people out of the gym because they are afraid of all the pin thins and stride rights? Was I treating exercise as a means to an end?

    Maybe I blew my chance of ever being pin thin again but I sure do feel good. Maybe I will never stride right compared to all the buff people half my age but at least I'm striding!

    When I got home and scooped myself another Ice cream cone (just kidding) I realized that fitness is not a sprint. It is better to view it as a steady paced marathon. Everything that I do counts. I am getting stronger and stronger.

    So the conclusion of the matter to me is that I am not a fitness freak trying to get buff anymore... I am simply and consistently practicing!

    Thanks for reading,

    Suzy Levi

   

Can this Deficiency be Keeping You Up at Night?

    Shh... I have a secret. There is a star mineral that you may be deficient in and it may be reeking havoc in your life. Alright I'll come right out with it but it is so much fun keeping you in suspense!

    Here it is..Drum roll please... Magnesium! That is right Magnesium is a key player in the rest world. It has the ability to calm you down. And that's not all, it is also vital to the regularity of your ticker.

    Now I must state that this is my educated opinion, but the base of most aspirin is magnesium. People who take aspirin daily for their heart may also be benefiting from the added magnesium.

    And that's not all, I have a compiled a list of other benefits that a Magnesium supplement may cause. My friend Tammy Roesch 's Better Than Green's catalog has made this easy for me. Thanks Tammy!

    PMS, Hormonal Imbalance, Low Energy, Fatigue, Weakness,  Sleepless Nights, Muscle Tension, Anxiousness, Abnormal Heart Rhythm (Palpitations), Nervousness, and my personal favorite, Irritability.

    Not all forms of Magnesium are equal and I must state that it is best to get it from your diet. Foods that are rich in Magnesium are: Nuts, Grains, Beans, Dark Green Veggies, Fish and meat. In a perfect world that would suffice.

    The best form of magnesium I have found is Natural Calm. It is in a powdered form and mixed with warm water. Just like a comforting warm beverage. You can order this from Better Than Greens. www.betterthangreens.com 1-888-332-6343.  I suggest that you request their wonderful informative catalog.

    And there you have it. A true healthy secret!

    Thanks for reading,

    Suzy Levi

Fasting Part 3 ( My 3 day easy does it fast )

Are you ready for clear skin and vibrant health? Are you ready for crystal clear vision, a closer relationship with God and a STRONG feeling of well being? This fast is designed as an easy introduction to a fasted lifestyle. No need to buy fancy juicers or crazy cleansing herbs. I do, however, suggest cutting back on processed foods and alcohol a couple of days before you start. Coffee is optional. If you choose to fast from coffee I suggest stopping 2 days before so you can take a pain reliever for the headache while you are still eating solid food.

    Lets get started. You will need a large pot of vegetable soup. See my recipe in the archives. 3 lemons, Herbal tea,  fresh juice if you have it, and a journal. I also feel that it is important to have a prayer / meditation subject. This could be a request for a closer relationship with God or a loved one, a financial problem ( Who has those these days?), a prayer for a spouse or child with an addiction or specific problem. I could go on but I think you get the point.

    At the top of your journal write your main focus. Then you can list your secondary problems. Use your journal to record your journey. You will experience a vast range of feelings inside and out. Some negative effects you will notice is a headache, coated tongue, slight fever, and possible irritability. The hunger pangs come and go. These symptoms are normal as your body is getting rid of all kinds of toxins.

    Each morning begin with a glass of filtered water with the juice of 1 lemon squeezed into it. (You can add honey to taste.) This tones up your liver and gall bladder to get them ready for the job ahead.

    Take it easy. Pamper yourself with home spa treatments, dry skin brushing, nice walks, or get a massage. try not to do hard work. Eat the soup when you get hungry and drink lots of water and tea. If you drink juice limit it to three 8oz servings at least 2 hours away from the soup.

    Thats it! Get ready for something wonderful to happen.  Please be careful when breaking this fast. The first couple of days stay away from processed foods and heavy meats. I usually have a little steamed rice and vegetables the first day adding heaver stuff slowly through the next couple of days. You may be surprised that you have no desire for junk food at all! Hurray!

    Once more I am not a doctor. I suggest that you get advice from a doctor you trust before beginning this healthy detox fast.

    Please drop me a line and let me know your unique results. I am sure that you will feel better inside and out!

    Thanks for reading,

    Suzy Levi

Fasting for a Clean Inside. (Part 2 for the spirit)

    I recently fasted in a most eager attempt to get closer to The Lord. I was doing quite a bit of soul searching and I realized that my faith was totally not up to par. You can say that I needed a miracle. When I "peeled the layers of my onion" I found quite a bit of anger and bitterness. I also found one large helping of proud entitlement! Yikes what a piece of work. I would be nice as pie to everyone and then shower my wrath on a poor gas company employee about a bill glitch.

    I started thinking, is that the way I want to invest my short time on this earth? Was I making a couple of dollars more than that poor employees spirit? Where did I get such a proud nature? So what if I am right. (I always am, right?) What is at steak is my inner peace! Enter fasting.

    People in many religions fast. The Jews are commanded to fast on Yom Kippor. (The Day of Atonement.) Muslims make a regular practice of fasting. In the Christian faith Paul tells us that he puts his flesh into submission constantly. See Romans 8:7-8, Galatians 5:16-17.

4 very important fasts to study in the Bible are Moses"s 40 day fast. He completed 3 fasts but this one he came back with the Commandments and he was glowing. (Exodus 34:28-35)

     Daniel's 10 day vegetable only fast. Notice how it states that they were healthier than those who ate the Kings dainties. Probably junk food.  (Daniel 1:5-20)

    Esther's 3 day fast for deliverance and protection. (Esther 4:16)

    And most importantly Jesus's 40 day fast where he was tempted by the devil. He was fasting for power to complete the ministry that he was about to start. (Matthew 4:1-11) Does anybody else have trouble finishing what they start? I do Thank God that Jesus did Finish His job!

    I encourage you to study these fasts on your own and make your own conclusions. I do, however, strongly believe that the spiritual benefits of fasting can mainly be believed by experience.

    Here is my suggestion. Read the 4 fasts that I mentioned. Write down a list of things that you would like to fix about yourself. Pray about them. Then meet me here tomorrow for my easy to follow 3 day fast.

    Get ready for some major miracles!

    Thanks for reading,

    Suzy Levi

Fasting Cleans the Inside 2 Ways (Part 1)

    The subject that I am about to broach is one of many opinions. I respect all views on the subject and can only speak from my own experience and study. I know that there are 2 main reasons to fast, Spiritual and physical. I fast for both. I am also sensitive to medical conditions preventing this practice and encourage you to check with your trusted doctor before you start one.

    I will start with physical reasons today and The spiritual reasons next. Part 3 will be my 3 day easy does it program.

    I usually do a broth/juice fast. Sometimes I do a Daniel Fast which is only fruits and vegetables.

    Fasting is particularly good for you because it gives your digestive system a much needed break. The American diet calls for 3  meals a day. Day in and day out. That is 1095 meals a year excluding snacks. Think about it, The only time our gut gets a rest is when we are sleeping. Add to that all of the pre-packaged food with nitrates, MSG, and hydrogenated oils and it is no wonder that we have a big national health care bill!

    Here is the good news: When our digestive system gets a rest from digesting, it starts to clean house. That's right, it detoxifies itself, the organs and the whole body. Bye bye poisons, hello health!

    Here are some of the main benefits of a detox fast: General cleaning of the digestive, lymphatic and glandular systems; Toning of all cells and glands; Eliminating hardened material from joints (arthritis); weight loss; weight gain; vitamin assimilation; blood cleansing; and finally my favorite, skin rejuvenation.

    When I fast I feel scrubbed clean. I am much less likely do dump junk back in to my clean body. I also appreciate eating again when I resume my normal meal schedule.

    In Part 2 I will present information on the spiritual aspects of fasting. I look forward to meeting with you then!

Thanks for reading,

    Suzy Levi

Baby Steps Achieve Big Dreams!

    Is there anything more healthy than living with purpose? The sheer joy of doing what you know you were created to do has to be better for me than any crazy smoothie I can blend up and knock back. (Wince!)

    All of my life I harbored the big dream to talk to the world. In retrospect, everything that I have done has been a step towards that.

    Big or small the drive has been there all along. Just recently I realized what the dream really was. For years I thought that my big goal was to be a rock star. That is right sold out arenas, no 1 records, and abundant paparazzi!! I even went to broadcasting school to be a Disc Jockey so that I could play my songs on the radio! I quickly learned that it does not work that way at all!

    Still I kept going. I formed a band with my supportive friends and family. We had a blast. We hit the Cleveland venue circuit and thought that we "made it" when we were asked to open up for LA Guns and then Steven Adler. Wow next stop The Hit Factory in NYC!!! Nope.

    There was another problem, As the lead singer, I learned that I do not have a great voice! Ouch! My 2 brave friends ( I won't mention names ) told me that I was flat and atonal. Double ouch! Next step? Fix the voice.

    My good and talented friend Mike Calhoun whom I have been writing with for years gave me a few pointers over the phone. Yippee! Now I was on my way to stardom. Never mind that I was in my 40's by then.

    My point is that I was pursuing the wrong dream. That is why God didn't bless it. What I really am is a writer. That is where my true passion lies. It was the songs that I wrote , not sang, that brought me the most joy. You can hear one that Mike and I wrote (and he sang) at myspace.com/suzyleviwhelan.

    Revelation, I am a writer, not a rock star!! But how do I get my writing out there? With your help dear readers! Thank you for reading and passing it on. This Blog is my baby step towards talking to the world. As I sit here and talk to you, I feel the most alive. That is the feeling of health and well being that I have been craving all my life!

    Well that and being a famous drummer...  

   Thanks for reading,

    Suzy Levi

How to Loose 100 Pounds in 1 Day!

    I think that the state of my house directly affects the state of my health. Especially emotionally. I get particularly frustrated when my husband or children are digging for something they need and I know that we have at least 5 of.

    When I read "Clutters Last Stand" by Don Ashlett, I think that I laughed for 2 days straight. It was sad but hilariously true! I had hung on to the most ridiculous stuff. By looking at the things that I had hoarded, you would think that a Commandment would be "Thou Shalt Have Lots of Junk". Thank God it doesn't!

    As I read I realized that it really came down to money.Yep I hung on to all of this garbage because I was greedy! The conversation in my head went something like this: "I may need it one day. It may be worth something in the future. It was on sale. It was so cheap that I bought 2. One day I will fit in those size 3 jeans again and meanwhile they are proof that I once did. Ha!"

    And so on went the conversation/argument with myself. The way that it came down to money, I realized, was that if I got rid of a particular item and then I needed it in the future... eek... I would have to buy it again. Never mind that when I get back down to a size 3 (and I will) I just might want to buy some new jeans. Maybe ones that aren't stonewashed with bows and zippers on the ankles!

    So I am grabbing 2 boxes and a garbage bag today. I will start at the front door and go around each room. Throw away goes in the bag, Give away in box 1, I don't know in box 2. I will stow box 2 away and if I don't touch it for 6 months I will know that I don't need any of it. Then I will directly give it away.

    I am quite sure that my emotional health will skyrocket! I wont stop until I have lost 100 pounds today!

    Who knows, I may find something that I need!

    Thanks for reading,

    Suzy Levi