Too many food opportunties

Last summer, after discovering Bam Bam Bakery – a gluten-free store in Portland, Maine – I gained ten pounds. They have pizza, sticky yeast buns, Whoopie-pies, and the most decadent, delicious dessert squares, including my favorite -- a truly unique one that is made with blueberries and rosemary. Everything in this bakery is gluten-free.

It took me 6 months to lose the extra pounds, since I tend to gain weight whenever I even think about dieting. I chose instead to focus on feeling better, eating smaller portions, and not feeling deprived when I had to forgo dessert.

With so many daily food opportunities distracting us almost everywhere we go, it can be difficult to avoid foods we should only eat in moderation. We have to pass pastry and coffee shops on our way to work, pizza and sandwich stops, fast food restaurants, home-made food in slow restaurants, and ice-cream stands.

 In a grocery store, on the way to the fish department, we are distracted by pies, cakes, and muffins. On the way to Dairy one can find new goodies on the end caps of the aisles. When we look for a bag of frozen peas, low and behold, there are all kinds of interesting hors d’oeuvres just a few glass doors away. Near the checkout are candies and chips, and if one turns around to avoid looking at them, specialty ice-cream cakes in the end of aisle freezer beckon. Even the magazines sport covers with great big honkin’ chocolate cakes. Some publications show a Photo-shopped skinny model with headlines that we can look like her, then the sub-headings mention easy-to-make wonderful desserts on the inside pages.

How to deal with this? Wear blinders in the grocery store, take a deep breath, and relax. We’ll all be okay without the extras. 

Of course a Maine Warmer will relax tense muscles. Curl up with a back warmer and good book as an alternative to baking a cake or eating dessert. Maine Warmers' Cozy Critters offer comfort without the calories.

PS 

I still go to Bam Bam Bakery to buy bread and an occasional dessert.

Aromatherapy for keeping the mind alert and in shape

The aroma of peppermint may help with memory and alertness, according to a study published on the and a study done at Wheeler Jesuit University.

Variegated Peppermint in my garden

International Journal of Neuroscience

There are conflicting reviews on this subject and one study showed that aromatherapy had no significant impact on health. Maybe the smell of mint will help one become more alert if the mind is set to believe. Like taking a placebo, it could have a psychological benefit.

Common sense tells me that learning new things, interacting with people, remaining physically active, and maintaining a healthy diet are the best and most natural ways to stay alert and keep the mind in shape. 

One thing is for sure. When one is rested one is more alert and physical and mental well-being are more apt to be at optimal levels.

Sleep doesn't always come easy when we are stressed. Medical professionals all agree that heat helps relax tense muscles. A heating pad offers a way to chill out before bed. Maine Warmers Comforting Creatures are unique and whimsical and are microwaveable or freezable. A Dachshund Neck Warmer wraps around the neck, soothing away tension. A variety of Back Warmers may also help relax tense back muscles. They do not have fragrances -- mint or otherwise.

By the ways, a good use for mint is to place snips of fresh mint leaves over a plate of fresh orange slices and dates (pitted and sliced). It makes a healthy, easy dessert.

Dealing with Chronic Back Pain

Pain makes us appreciate life more when we are pain-free. Any pain is the "worst pain" whether it is a toothache, a headache, a hang-nail, or something else. Pain can be our best friend, when it stops us from taking action that causes more damage. As our worst enemy, it becomes an anchor, dragging along with us everywhere, and keeping us from the things we like to do most.

Because Maine Warmers' microwave heating pad are used as a home remedy for pain, I often receive phone calls from people who experience chronic pain. When I met Andrea Bowen, the creator of an audio CD, The Art of Living with Chronic Pain, I never dreamed I would soon have a personal need for her materials. After a back spasm that left me with terrible back pain, I listened to her CD. It helped me confront and deal with a nagging pain, that like a cranky child, had hold of my leg and would not let go.

Traditional Microwave Back Warmer

Andrea's CD on living with pain does not offer a cure, but provides awareness and help in dealing with chronic pain. I was lucky that back surgery has given me the freedom of living normally again with a few minor adjustments in lifestyle. 

I am also pleased to say that my trusty Maine Warmer microwave heating pad for the back brought soothing comfort during the journey to recovery. After surgery, I kept it in the freezer for gentle cold therapy to help reduce swelling. It was soft and gentle -- not harsh like ice cubes -- and made icing more pleasurable than not.

If you know of someone who is living with pain, or is recovering from back surgery, the gift a fun extra large Whale Back Warmer may be just the thing to bring relief and a smile.

Extra Large Microwave Heating Pad for the Back

Kicking the Sugar Habit

We love it in chocolate chip cookies, in ice-cream, and a whole range of delectable desserts. Go to Pinterest as see what gooey beautiful confections make your mouth water and send you clicking through to find the recipes..

White sugar, found in most recipes, comes from sugar cane, a tall grass that is grown in tropical climates. Large quantities of refined sugar can also be extracted from sugar beets, a crop once grown in Maine where the climate is anything but tropical. Small quantities of unrefined sugar can be enjoyed naturally in veggies and fruits.

The health benefits of sugar are zero. It packs energy in the form of carbohydrates, but lacks any nutritional value. Mixed with other foods, sugar adds appeal.

In small amounts sugar adds to quality of life. In large amounts it adds to the risk of diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, tooth decay, possibly Macular Degeneration, skin issues, and more. Some claim that sugar is as addicting as heroin. Sweet alternatives to refined sugar are pure maple sugar, agave, and honey. But even with these, moderation is key.

If you find yourself craving sweets, nicotine, alcohol, or some other type of addictive substance, try some relaxation techniques instead – deep breathing, meditation, Yoga, exercise, or even a heating pads to help you physically relax muscles.

Maine Warmers Cozy Panda Bear Heating Pad

Maine Warmers offers microwave heating pads that are portable and safe to use, especially for those with diabetes. Their products range from traditional Neck and Back Warmers  to Hand Warmers a variety of attractive and fun Comforting Creature Warmers.

They offer easy, online ordering, or one may order by phone. 888-735-7485