Lemon Water...Liquid Gold

Hot lemon water is all the rage now a days.  It's touted for so many benefits, some anecdotal and some scientifically proven.  I've loved lemons from an early age.  I used to peel them and eat them like oranges!  I believe you'll reap the benefits whether you prefer you fresh lemon juice in hot water or cold water.  We tend to make things more difficult than they need to be at times.  As long as you're drinking it...you're good!

A few months ago I started drinking fresh squeezed lemon in my water every day.  I generally use the juice of one lemon.  I also like to throw the half of lemon in my glass.  That way I'm getting the benefits of the oil in the rind as well!  The rind has its own health benefits like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. If using the rind or peel of any fruit always buy organic.

Although we consider a lemon 'acidic', in our body it has an alkalizing effect.  Which is great! Most systemic inflammation and chronic issues come from a chronic acidic environment in our body. Nutrition (and stress reduction) is key to reducing systemic inflammation and encouraging an alkaline environment in our body.  Below are some of the benefits to squeezing some lemon in your water on the daily, whether hot or cold!

• Detoxifies the body
• Promotes alkaline environment
• Enhances mineral absorption
• Helps ease stomach discomfort (especially right after a high-fat meal)
• Promotes clearer skin

Those are just a few!  But with health benefits like that what's stopping you?  So next time you get yourself a glass of water, go ahead and squeeze some liquid gold in it ;)

Your health will thank you!

XO  Joy

The Calm Before The Storm

Those who say they don't have time for some form of yoga, meditation, workout, or anytime to be alone to ground themselves are not understanding the importance of it.  I used to be one of those...well, honestly...sometimes I still am one of those people.  But I know how critical for my well-being it is so I make time.  Even if it's 20 minutes.  I make it a priority.  Sometimes I have to get up well before the rest of my family to fit it in but I do.  And when I'm regular with my yoga practice and meditation, the rest of my life, perceptions, and overall well-being feels it.  I'm so much more grounded and can see things clearly.  I'm more in touch with my intuitive feelings and ideas.  Life and life's decisions aren't as much of a struggle because I know the answers.

This morning, I brought my yoga mat outside in my backyard to practice and meditate in the cool morning air.  I could hear several kinds of birds, a frog, dogs in the background, and the rustling of the leaves as they fell off the two big trees in my yard.  No music.  Just nature's sounds.  It was amazing!  It just increased that connectedness feeling that yoga and meditation already grace you with.  Of course, I had moments where my mind would wander to things like "I have 5 loads of laundry to fold", "I have to go to Trader Joe's for dinner and shuttle kids to practice and work", "Oh, Joy, and don't forget to put that bill in the mail".  As I would catch myself thinking I would immediately take a breath and try to clear my mind.  This one time though, I thought "I don't have time for this today.  I gotta get going with my errands and chores".  What came to me after was not only intriguing but absolutely what I needed to 'hear' in that moment.

There is always a 'calm' before a 'storm'.  At first, the 'calm' was this moment of me on my yoga mat in the cool morning air and the 'storm' was the rush of my hectic day I know was awaiting me.  So, I need this calm period before my storm starts.  Then I realized...nature runs that way.  I think it's a Universal law!  There is always a calm before a storm.  Literally in weather there is a calm before a storm.  And how about when wild animals (or even a pet cat or dog) hunt their prey.  They freeze, zone on their target, focus...and then frantically chase their prey.  Calm before storm!  Even a sneeze. Your breathing slows, body functions seem to suspend...right before...ACHOO!! Calm before storm.

There are many other example but this was pretty compelling to me.  No matter how busy I feel I am, it is the law of Nature and the Universe to have a moment of calm before storm.  That is how we will stay grounded during our storms of the day.  Otherwise, we may experience turmoil and fly-off during our storm (which results in unhappiness, sickness, feelings of inadequacy...and the list goes on).  Taking time for yourself in whatever way grounds you and keeps you connected to your spirit, higher self, intuition is critical.  It's how you will be able to navigate yourself through this life and all the challenges being human brings with it, but still still have a sense of peace, happiness, and well-being.  So please, find the time and make the time for yourself.  Even if it's just 15 minutes a day.

XO  Joy

Balance

Balance in your life is critical to health, well-being, longevity, and happiness.

• This means work hard and play hard
• Be selfless and a little selfish
• Exercise and rest
• Eat well and a little "bad"

Not everyone's 'balance' will look the same.  What balance looks like for me may be imbalance for you.  The point is to find your balance with everything in your life.  And I promise when you do...doors open, opportunities arise and you will achieve everything you desire.

XO  Joy

Perception Or Reality

This made me crack up!  Good example of perception I thought ;)

Sometimes it's hard to stay positive a midst what feels like so much negativity.  I mean, we're bombarded with it on the daily!! In the news, magazines, newspaper, and the water-cooler gossip we hear every day.  Besides Buddha, who wouldn't have trouble staying positive?!  But we have to.  It's an absolute necessity.

What we focus on grows.  What we dwell on dwells within us.  What we perceive becomes our reality. We have to be super selective and conscious of what we allow ourselves to be witness to as well as what we allow in our minds.  Our mind is so powerful!  What you allow to dwell or live in there is what your life will be.  If you focus on negativity or problems then guess what you will attract more of?  Problems and negativity!  And when we're so busy focusing on our issues or problems we miss out on the subtle blessings that cross our path.

Would you allow a thief to dwell in your home?  Of course not!  Well that's no different than allowing negative thoughts and self-talk to dwell in your mind.  Negativity will rob your life of joy and happiness.  Don't let them in!  I know it's easier said then done.  But actually, only at first.  It's only challenging AT FIRST to get out of the habit of thinking negative thoughts and being around negative people.  Once you start replacing those thoughts immediately EVERY time, I promise you that will become your new habit.  By 'that' I mean positivity. It's contagious!  And who wouldn't rather be happy than grumpy and negative?  Many years ago while reading, I came across a quote by Dr. Wayne Dyer that read "When you change the way you look at things...the things you look at change".  That quote changed my life!  It is the absolute truth.

Please try this, for the next 7 days, every time you have a negative thought immediately replace it with a positive one.  For example, "My butt looks huge in these jeans"...replace with "I'm so grateful this body gets me to where I need to go".  Every time, every day.  And then I want to hear from you any change or shift you've noticed in yourself and your life.  You can comment below or send me a private email at  FusionWellness3@gmail.com
Life truly is about perception.  There is no "reality" so why not perceive your life as abundantly happy, successful, and blessed?!  You have nothing to lose and EVERYTHING to gain.

XO   Joy

Never Stay In Your Comfort Zone

#FitspirationFriday

When you challenge yourself, it shows you where your weaknesses are.  It brings light to the shadows where your work needs to begin. Never stay comfortable or content.  Always look for ways to challenge yourself and try something "old" in a new way. 

Be YOU

Don't BE someone else for somebody

Don't doubt your worth

Stop questioning if you have something to offer

You are unique

There is no one on this planet like YOU

Believe in yourself

Be YOU....because YOU are enough

XO  Joy

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread

Those who say gluten-free doesn't taste good are just wrong! Now, it does take some experimentation with the different flours there are to use. And some of the alternative flours are better for baking while others are better for cooking. You just have to practice and decide what works best for you.  But I've found the balance for my baking. And just in time for the Holidays!! This homemade pumpkin spice gluten-free bread with cinnamon glaze is absolutely divine!! My family eats it so fast and my neighbors started requesting loaves. It's just perfect!! I've also figured out how to make my popular Peanut Butter  Cup Cookies gluten-free as well.  And you can't tell!! They're delish!!  My daughter and I both have a sensitivity to gluten which is why I switched to gluten-free about a year ago.  I'm so thankful there are so many flour options now in grocery stores. I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't bake. 

If you have a delish gluten-free recipe share it in the comment section below!  And if you want my Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Bread recipe, email me (email is on my About Me and Membership Page)!

XO   Joy