Lighten Up

Calotren® is a dietary supplement intended for weight loss. However, unlike other weight loss aids, the essential active ingredient in Calotren® is actually good for you. 

It is collagen protein, the second-most abundant substance in the human body (with water being the first). This ingredient, along with amino acids and other all-natural nutrients, helps to promote healthy lean muscle and weight loss and does so while being stimulant- and drug-free.

After the age of 30, you may have started to notice a few differences in your body, a few wrinkles here, a little more weight there, and of course energy starts to dwindle.

 Proper skin care is incredibly important at any age, but as we get older how you take care of it needs a bit of adjustment. With just a few changes in your skin care routine, you can have great looking skin at any age. Here are our Top 5 Tips For Better Skin For Women Over 40.

Collagen is essential in bone/joint/tendon health.  When collagen naturally diminishes with age, this in turn decreases the natural “padding” in joints.  This directly affects everything including, obviously, your level of activity due to pain which just makes it more difficult when it comes to successful and healthy weight loss.

Maybe you’ve heard of collagen for your skin and hair…maybe as an ingredient in shampoos and face creams, but did you know that collagen supplements have a wealth of other benefits? This amino acid is actually the most abundant protein in your body, and is used by virtually every part from your head to toes; however collagen production drops off as we age. Adding supplemental collagen back into your body could help with the following:

Let's talk about collagen in regards to sleep, energy, and weight loss.

Maybe you recognize the deep, yellow hue and earthy scent of turmeric from your favorite Indian dish or curry. Or perhaps you know that this Middle Eastern spice is what gives mustard it’s yellow color, but did you know that it it’s also been used medicinally since the 13^th century?

You may be suffering from Candida Albicans overgrowth- also known as "excess yeast." An overproduction of yeast in the body can block the absorption and effectiveness of any weight loss or dietary supplement. To see a list of common signs of too much yeast in the body, click here. However, there is a simple way to test yourself by taking the Candida Saliva Test (or Yeast Test). 

Here's an odd question - is it possible that a dietary supplement like collagen can help you get a better job? Or even a promotion?

Maybe you’ve heard of collagen for your skin and hair…maybe as an ingredient in shampoos and face creams, but did you know that collagen supplements have a wealth of other benefits? This amino acid is actually the most abundant protein in your body, and is used by virtually every part from your head to toes; however collagen production drops off as we age. Adding supplemental collagen back into your body could help with the following:

We all love to get outdoors to enjoy the warmer weather, but if you suffer from joint pain, you may be a little more hesitant to take that afternoon stroll or take the kids to the park. It can really be disappointing and debilitating. Here are a few things you can do to prevent and alleviate some of the pain and discomfort:

If you have asked yourself, “why am I gaining weight?” lately, you are not alone. If you feel like you are gaining weight for no reason, you know you haven’t really changed your diet or workout routine, and it seems the scale numbers won’t stop creeping up, then this is for you.

Maybe you got on the scale and were shocked at the number. Maybe you just noticed that your clothes are getting a little tight.  Maybe you have known for a while that you have been gaining weight, but you just don’t know why.

All-natural remedies like Apple Cider Vinegar are the rave these days. Most people would rather try something natural than resort to a medication or drastic change in diet to look and feel better; and with so many success stories out there, why not see why everyone is talking about it?

What are digestive enzymes?

Simply put, digestive enzymes break down food into particles your body can absorb and use.  They are found throughout the gastrointestinal tract and should be abundant in the stomach. There are 3 primary enzymes that break down food:  protease (breaks down proteins), amylase (breaks down carbohydrates), and lipase (breaks down fats).  When you are lacking in any of these, your ability to break down food into useable parts is compromised. It can also cause digestive issues.

If you suffer from digestive health issues, you’re not alone. A recent survey of 2000 Americans revealed that 72% have experienced some form of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms a few times a month or more. These include diarrhea, gas, bloating, stomach pain and frequent bowel movements. While this study didn’t go so far as to determine the cause, many experts agree that those symptoms closely match those associated with Intestinal Permeability – also known as Leaky Gut Syndrome. Fortunately, there are natural ways to combat Leaky Gut and possibly eliminate GI distress.

One of the keys to looking younger is beautiful, smooth, dewy skin. Here are 3 small steps to achieve great looking skin at any age.

If you are reading this while snowed in – congratulations! You get a day off of work! A day stuck in the house can be lots of fun and/or relaxing, but it can also wreck your diet. Here are 9 DOs to help you NOT gain weight today, and 2 DON’Ts.

Every January millions of people across the globe decide to mentally beat themselves up over things they did, said or ate the previous year. This form of ritual masochism is more commonly known as making a New Year’s Resolution. And no…just because I’m making fun of it does NOT mean that I’ve been above it all these years. I’ve done the “exercise more” resolution…the “eat less” resolution…the “lose weight” resolution. Heck, I’ve even done the “no more resolutions, resolution.” This year, though, I’m officially done. I’m taking a cue from an old friend from college and picking a single word for the year. “My” word for the year. This process is based on My One Word (http://myoneword.org/), but I went a slightly different path. I chose one on my own – from my heart. My word this year is “better.” It’s not perfect. It’s not great. It’s not even good. It’s better. I want to be a better wife…a better daughter…a better person. I want do better with my eating habits…better with getting more exercise. That feels – well – BETTER to me than a scary resolution that I’m likely to break within the first week of the year. Less guilt involved. I just want to do better this year, and that’s all any of us can really do. So instead of beating yourself up this year over how much you ate during the holidays and VOWING to eat only salads and fish, how about picking a single word to encompass what you want to accomplish this year. Believe me – WAY better than a resolution.

The holidays are an exciting and busy time of the year, but don't get so busy that you forget your furry family members. They need a little extra consideration, especially if you're planning on lots of decorations or having family and friends over for parties. These ten tips can help keep the holidays jolly for all members of your family - including those with four legs.

1. Be sure to secure your Christmas tree. If your pet is allowed in the same room with the tree, be sure it won’t tip over easily if bumped by a swishing tail. If you go in for a live tree, be sure they can’t get to the water reserve. Preservatives to keep the tree alive can poison pets, plus stagnant water is a breeding ground for bacteria.
2. Don't skip your healthy routine. Just because it's the holidays, that doesn't give you an excuse to skip out on your health routine - or your pets'. One of the best stress relievers for either of you is to just get out and go for a walk. (Plus, you get a chance to walk off that extra holiday cookie.) Even though things may be crazy at home, be sure to give them the exercise they need. Not only will they be more calm, they'll rest better at night.
3. Avoid tinsel. If you have furry friends, it’s best to forgo the tinsel on the tree for a couple of reasons. First, that shimmering glow attracts your pets’ attention – as does the movement. They might want to investigate further and tip over the tree harming themselves or causing damage. Also, though it may look harmless, it can twist and bunch in their intestines if eaten.
4. No mistletoe, holly or poinsettias. All of these plants – though festive – can harm your pet. Poinsettias can cause severe stomach upset, while mistletoe and holly can be deadly.
5. Don’t leave lit candles unattended. There are two sets of dangers with this. One, if the candle is low enough a furry tail could accidentally swipe too close to the flame. For another the scent, the flickering light and the warmth all attract your furbaby’s attention. If candles are up, out of harm’s way and not left unattended you can avoid dangerous accidents.
6. Keep table scraps and “people treats” out of reach. There are several dangerous foods lurking around your holiday table that can be harmful and even deadly to your four-legged family members. These include turkey skin, bones, chocolate, raisins, grapes, onions, garlic, sugar free baked goods (especially those with xylitol), currants, alcohol, macadamia nuts and coffee. Keep these foods out of reach and warn guests not to feed them anything but pet treats.
7. Give them a safe place away from festivities. This isn’t just for pets that are easily excited. Older pets can get anxious with too much activity going on – especially young children if they aren’t used to them. Give your pets a safe, secure area away from the party to rest and/or hide.
8. Keep medications and supplements out of reach. You know that your medications should be kept out of reach of children and pets, but don't forget about vitamins and supplements, as well. For example, many of us reach for appetite suppressants this time of year and tend to leave them on the counter as a reminder. This isn't a great idea with curious pets around. Store them up and out of the way until needed.
9. Keep electrical cords out of reach. If you have a young pet who still likes to chew, be sure to keep all electrical cords well out of reach.
10. Don’t hang pet stockings up too early. If you like to give your pet a treat and/or toy in his stocking each year, be sure to wait to fill it until the last minute. They could cause damage or injure themselves climbing up to see what’s inside. If you’ve used the same pet stocking in years past, you’ll want to avoid hanging it up early even if it’s empty. The smell of treats can linger, and your furbaby might try climbing to check it out.

Everyone is always looking for that quick fix to drop 5 or 10 pounds overnight. Let’s just say patience doesn’t come easy, and so many try the latest crash diet in hopes of speeding up the weight loss process. Unfortunately, most of those plans are neither safe nor effective. For healthy, lasting weight loss you’ll want to stick with the tried and true methods. In a pinch, however, you can LOOK thinner with these easy tips.

1. Don’t eat bread, pasta, and dairy for 24 hours. They are not only filling, but eating just a serving or two can cause belly bloat.
2. Take a candida yeast ridding supplement. Excess yeast is a common cause of belly bloat so taking a supplement like Candida Complex will help your body eliminate the overgrowth and bloat.
3. Stand up straight and roll your shoulders back. Bad posture can make you look bigger than you really are.
4. Take a B-6 supplement. It is a natural diuretic that also helps your body metabolize food and convert it to energy.
5. Avoid sugar free gum. Chewing gum causes you to swallow air and artificial sweeteners can make you retain water causing bloat.
6. Drink lots of water. It sounds counterproductive, but your body will not hold onto water when it has plenty of it, and it also helps to keep your digestive system flowing smoothly.
7. Get a spray tan. You can even ask them to add some extra to the outside of arms and legs to create a more narrow look.