If you having been trying to lose weight unsuccessfully, are tired all the time, and just feel lousy over-all, you may be suffering from hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism, a condition in which the body lacks sufficient thyroid hormone, is incredibly common. And although it is not typically tested on routine check-ups, it should be. Millions of people are living with an undiagnosed thyroid condition. If you take anti-depressants, but have not had your thyroid checked, call your doctor today and get it checked. Hypothyroidism, or an under-performing thyroid, results in symptoms very similar to depression.

The main role of thyroid hormone is to manage the body’s metabolism. Therefore people with hypothyroidism suffer from all forms of maladies associated with a slow metabolism. If you can answer yes to any of the statements below, you need to have your thyroid checked.

I often feel depressed
I often feel mentally sluggish
I often feel confused
I have a poor memory
I often feel fatigue
I have a low sex drive
I have brittle hair
I have dry skin
I am often puffy around the eyes
I often have cold hands and feet
I sleep more than eight hours a night
I am susceptible to colds and infections

If you suffer from hypothyroidism and depression, I would love to hear how you have successfully overcome this daily life challenge. Let me know about natural remedies you may subscribe to.

Original Article Written for AOL’s ThatsFit.com. You can view it by clicking here.

Do celebs benefit from dancing in ways other than just having a good time at some of the coolest clubs around? As a person who loves to dance, yet one who is also interested in how positive thoughts and feelings can impact our lives, I have pondered if celebrities who frequent the nocturnal world of dance clubs may use it as a means to not only stay fit, but to also stay in a positive frame of mind.

Now why would I want to ponder that idea? Because I am a firm believer, along with many others like Bob Proctor, John Assar, Louise Hay and even Joel Osteen, that being in a positive frame of mind can affect what you attract into your life. I cannot help but believe that dancing and movement in general makes you feel happy, and can help you to not only burn calories but also help you attract positive people, circumstances and opportunities into your life.

Now, I may be biased. I danced all my life, beginning with classes when I was seven years of age. My dance teacher, Jackie Longchamps, had a studio in her basement in upstate New York. Let me tell you, it was the most fantastic awakening I have ever had. When I learned how to isolate my ribs from my hips and groove to popular music, I fell in love with dancing. Being a “fit chick” already, dance added a new dimension to my world of movement and my level of fitness. And the mental rush it gave me honestly is indescribable. And it still does to this day.

Recently, I went dancing with some great friends to celebrate a birthday, and I can tell you I did not stop dancing for almost three hours. Stopping a few times to drink water and a trip to the ladies room were my only breaks. I left feeling euphoric, alive and, well, positive! When I am in a good mood, it just feels as if the world is my oyster. I feel I can accomplish anything. Is this a secret to success? I guess some would say I am fairly accomplished — I’ve written books, I have a television show on the Veria Television network, and I recently worked with Montel Williams on a few new TV shows. I feel when I am in a “good” space, I attract great opportunities. And dancing and moving in general, especially if I am listening to great music, ramps up my mood dramatically.

Research shows those aged 75 and older who dance are less likely to experience dementia than their non-dancing counterparts. Also, did you know scientists have identified actual genetics related to dancing? Two genes in particular were identified to be prevalent in “creative dancers.” And those with dancer genetics are more social and passionate people, with researchers linking this propensity to a higher likelihood to survival in primitive humans. They speculate those who could “dance,” if you will, were better communicators and probably better at procreating too! And the most interesting fact? “Creative dancers” had higher levels of the two brain chemicals serotonin and vasopressin. Higher levels of serotonin in the brain can correlate to being in a happier state. Vasopression is related to being more aggressive. Both are correlated to increased sexual activity. You can read more about that study here.

We know dancing can help you burn fat. Look at the celebrities who start out on Dancing with the Stars a bit more fluffy in the beginning, and then, before our eyes, tone and shape up as the weeks go by.  There is no doubt dancing six hours a day can get one in great shape, especially if combined with a healthy diet.

To sum it up, dancing can put you in a better mood, help you to be smarter, slimmer and more fit, and can even help you become more confident sexually. Do you think it can actually help you to attract good things into your life? What are your thoughts?

And to give you a bit of inspiration to get your groove on as well as the urge to laugh out loud, check out this video called “The Evolution of Dance.”

Original article written by Laura Lewis for AOL’s Thatsfit.com. To view click here.

Her infectious smile, contagious energy, keen intellect and passion for facilitating positive change in people’s lives illustrates the fact that Laura Lewis is a memorable “media-genic” force to be reckoned within the realm of life enhancement categories.

Founder of the Crazy Beautiful ™  Lifestyle brand platform, Laura, for over twenty years, has been uniquely directing individuals all over the world to not only take control of health and lifestyle issues, but also generate lasting positive change within their entire lives. With a firm belief in creating a healthy foundation from which one may create an optimal life, Laura’s gift of combining education, motivation and inspiration is pervasive in all of her endeavors. A national spokesperson, television host, eminent writer and motivational/inspirational speaker, Laura holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Food and Nutrition from the University of North Texas.

Known for her uncanny ability to create profound inspiration, Laura became a popular guest expert and successful motivational speaker through overcoming great personal struggles of loss and challenges and then sharing her uplifting, moving and often humorous stories of rebuilding her personal and professional life. In the midst of a media tour for her first book 52 Ways to Live a Long and Healthy Life, Laura experienced the sudden death of her husband “Bob,” the loving father of her girls Tarah and Victoria, who were only three and six years of age at the time. Laura decided to turn her personal life lessons into victories for herself and others. She desires to help others build the same resiliency and positive energy that it takes to make necessary changes, no matter how large or small. Laura is a firm believer that challenges can be turned into strengths. And that you can create the life you have always dreamed of, no matter what obstacles appear in your path. Laura’s passion is about touching people’s lives, giving them hope and making them laugh–and reminding her audiences that they deserve nothing but the very best in all aspects of their lives. Laura believes everyone deserves to know that they have the freedom, the choice to “step into” living their own Crazy Beautiful lives–to “do” life differently!

Laura Lewis is the host of the healthy living television series, Empty Nesters currently broadcast on the Veria TV Network seen on Verizon FIOS and Dish Network. The show also airs on Vision TV’s Brand New ONE Channel in Canada. Laura is the featured healthy living expert on the national beauty and wellness television series, Simply Beautiful (season 2) also of the Veria TV Network. An award-winning executive producer and host of the national television series Net Talk Interactive (2001), host and producer of several talk radio platforms including Body Talk as well as Body Mind and Beauty, Laura has also been a popular guest on numerous television and radio shows. She has appeared on media venues including: Living Well with Montel Williams, The TV Food Network; The Discovery Channel; The Healthy Living Channel; Fox & Friends, Fox 8 WJW in Cleveland; NBC’s WBAL in Baltimore; the Los Angeles’ CW station KTLA; Sacramento & Co on ABC News 10, Belo; WB, The Talk Radio Network, Success Talk Radio, the Talk America Network and hundreds of radio and television shows across the nation.

A strong background in fitness, Laura is an active member of the American Council on Exercise and was one of the first ACE certified fitness instructors in the United States. After traveling coast to coast attending trainings with many of the top names in the fitness arena including Karen Voight, Molly Fox, Ken Alan and Denise Austin as well as taking classes with the former Olympic trainer Radu  and instructors with The Alvin Alley American Dance School and the Martha Graham School in New York City, Laura created her unique style of dance and fitness workouts which became  known to be the “toughest” in Dallas, Texas according to the Dallas Morning News and  BELO television network. This ultimately led her to conducting highly successful workshops geared towards her peers in the industry, most notably through conferences for the International Dance Exercise Association.

In her media career, Laura innovated and hosted the successful radio program Body Talk. Parlaying her experience as a trusted international Fitness Consultant and Director to national health spas and clubs, she designed the Body, Mind, and Beauty program, which made the subject of spiritual and physical fitness matter to thousands.

A single Mom of three children, ages 23, 19 and 13, Laura is an advocate for better nutrition and daily physical fitness as a requirement for children who attend schools K through 12.  Laura resides in sunny Los Angeles, California.

By Laura Lewis

There is no end. There is no beginning. There is only the passion of life.
~Federico Fellini

Living unconsciously, sleepwalking through life is something that we have all done on occasion. And who can blame us? The daily grind can push anyone to the point of being disconnected and distracted.  Our modern day lives entail awakening to buzzing alarms, rushing to get out the door to drop the kids off, or racing off to work, or both. Life is comprised of getting there, getting the job done, returning home, going through the nightly routine and then getting up and doing it all over again. Sadly living, day in and day out, disconnected from life.

Yet, living each day in a more conscious fashion, living in the power of now as Eckart Tolle presents in his book of the same name, is indeed one of the most brilliant things you can do for yourself in order to improve the quality of your life. I have put my own personal twist on the concept and call it getting in touch with the magnificent moments of your life. I am not talking about the highest of the highs of winning $10 million dollars, although that would be nice. I am referring to the most simplistic concept of being in the moment—yet acknowledging its magnificence. Doing so may give you a fabulous rush or even just a small reminder as to what life is all about, the reason for living.

Experiencing your own magnificent moments can begin immediately. At this very moment, as you read this, tune in to the feeling of where you are. Standing or sitting, feel your body and all that it is experiencing. Are you cold? Hot? What is the position of your legs, arms, head and neck? What is your breathing like? Take a nice deep breath in through your nose then exhale slowly. Now, what is around you? What do you smell at this very moment? What can you hear? Taking in all stimuli with your powers of sensory perception, your senses, tuned in and turned on. Take complete notice of the moment. Interesting isn’t it? The sensation of being awake in the moment can help you bring everything into perspective.

The experience of tuning in to the now has such wonderful potential to be extraordinary, even magnificent. Here are a few suggestions for creating your own Magnificent Moments

• Your Top Ten. Make a list of ten things that you love to do. The key question to ask here is “What is it that I do where I lose myself in the experience, where I lose track of time?” Then make a point to do one of them every day.
• Snap to Strategy. Buy an egg timer and set it to go off every hour. When it does, take a moment or two and tune in to the moment. Making sure to take a few deep breaths in order to anchor you in that moment in time.
• Tweet without Twitter. Find a park bench, sit down and watch the birds. Or feed the ducks. Watch how they flit or move about and interact. Enjoy the experience.
• Feel the Vibe. Sit down at your desk, in your car or in a chair at home. Turn on an uplifting piece of music, close your eyes and lose yourself in the music and how it makes you feel.
• Shake that Booty. When was the last time you danced? Either go to a club or make your living room your dance floor. Put on some fabulous music and move to it, being aware of each step, each sweep of your arm or swing of your hips.
• Fidotherapy. Spend time with your pet or visit someone else who has a pet and connect with the animal. Stroke their fur. Look into their eyes. Listen to a cat purr. Or play fetch with a furry canine. Animals can bring so much joy into our lives and have also been known to have a healing effect upon those that are ill. For example, they have been known to calm down Alzheimer’s patients who are agitated.

What is my favorite thing to do that brings me into the moment? Dancing. Anywhere. In my car. In the grocery store. In my kitchen. Moving to music brings me great joy and directly into the middle of my most fabulous moments indeed.

Written for my blog on the Veria HD Television Website. Click here to see original post.

Nutmeg. You would have never thought that nature could produce such a powerful, passionate, mood elevating little spice, but it did! But first…you need some background! Pay attention if want to add a little “spice” to your love life!
As the quintessential holiday spice, it is no surprise that nutmeg is derived from a deliciously aromatic evergreen tree. This evergreen tree has yummy smelling leaves with tiny yellow flowers and apricot -sized fruits that split to reveal the sweet, spicy nutmeg seed and its aromatic companion, aril, which is the red, lacy coating.

The outer part of the fruit is fermented and used to create a brandy-type drink. The nutmeg and mace flavor sweet and savory dishes, popular throughout the world. Like the many other holiday spices, nutmeg has a variety of healing properties. Need help sleeping? Nutmeg is beneficial as a sleep aid, calms anxiety and muscles spasms. It can eliminate nausea (unless taken in high doses in which case it can cause nausea). Nutmeg can reduce diarrhea and ease indigestion. Are your joints stiff? Nutmeg has been noted as an anti-inflammatory for joint pain and gout and can also lower blood pressure. And this holiday spice enhances male fertility, as well as enhances–umm, how shall we say this–the organ associated with male fertility! Nutmeg can improve concentration (I am sipping a nutmeg, cinnamon, honey and steamed soy beverage as I type and am not remotely distracted by my kitty who keeps running across my keyboard!). Lastly, nutmeg is a wonderfully delicious spice that assists in lowering cholesterol. You MUST be careful not to overdo ingesting nutmeg though. **See below the recipe for specific guidelines of how little you really need and if you get too much, well, it’s simply not a good thing.

The essential nutmeg oil is used to aid in overcoming addictions, guilt and depression, which can make it a great spice for those who often suffer from the holiday blues.
Umm, can you say wow?! How about whipping up a batch of nutmeg cookies this season? I’m not exactly Betty Crocker however I am highly motivated to prepare these little gems!

These nutmeg cookies are a perfect recipe for enhancing the holiday cheer!

.5 cup butter, softened
one and one-third cup sugar, divided
two large eggs
.5 cup sour cream
one teaspoon vanilla
two and three-fourths cup flour
one and one-half teaspoons baking powder
one-fourth teaspoon baking soda
one-fourth teaspoon salt
one teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, divided

Beat the butter at medium speed in an electric mixer until creamy, Gradually add one cup of sugar and beat well. Add the eggs, sour cream and vanilla and beat well.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and three-fourths teaspoon nutmeg and stir well. Gradually add to the butter mixture and continue beating until well blended. Cover the dough and chill at least three hours.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Combine one-third cup sugar and one-fourth teaspoon nutmeg and stir well. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place two inches apart on lightly greased cookie sheets. Grease the bottom of a glass and dip the glass in the sugar mixture and then press each ball flat. Bake for eight minutes or until edges are slightly brown. Remove cookies to wire cooling rack.

Per cookie: fats, 2 grams (34% of calories); calories, 58; cholesterol, 12 milligrams; carbohydrate, 9 grams; fiber, 0 grams; protein, 1 gram; sodium, 44 milligrams

As mentioned in my previous blogs this week, highly concentrated forms of nutmeg, such as essential oils, should only be used under the direction of a certified aromatherapist or naturopathic physician. Please note that taking too much nutmeg (one to three nuts or less) can cause side effects such as hallucinations, swelling and shock.

Original article written by Laura Lewis for AOL’s Thatsfit.com. Read the original article here.

Did you know … For thousands of years ginger has been valued for its medicinal properties. Ginger is perhaps best known for its ability to assist the digestive system. Ginger contains both gingerols and shogoals, which are both substances that may help to calm stomach acid and tone muscles of the digestive tract. The thermoregulatory properties in ginger help regulate metabolism. Ginger may also assist in weight loss as it can boost the body in burning calories.

Ginger has potent flavor and is great for turning up the heat in your body while also adding a little spice to your food. Ginger can be taken medicinally to aid in the following discomforts:

• Soothes nausea, motion sickness and other stomach upset

• Relieves morning sickness

• Anti-inflammatory properties

• Eliminates intestinal gas

• Relaxes and soothes the intestinal tract

• Antioxidant properties

• Relieves dizziness

• Boosts the immune system

• Protects against bacteria and fungi

• Encourages bile flow

• Provides energy boost

• Aids in digestion and constipation

• Considered to be an aphrodisiac

• Promotes cardiovascular health

Cloves are another well known and widely appreciated “holiday” spice. Cloves have a potent but sweet and spicy, aromatic flavor. Cloves have been appreciated throughout Eastern cultures for over 2,000 years. Cloves are a great natural source for soothing tooth and gum pain, but are also used for the following medicinal purposes.

• Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties

• Relief from respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis

• Relief from muscle pains from injuries or arthritis and rheumatism

• Eliminates intestinal parasites, fungi and bacteria

• May encourage creativity and mental focus

• Excellent anti-inflammatory to treat bee stings

Both ginger and cloves are highly potent and should only be used as an essential oil under the direction of a certified aromatherapist or naturopathic physician.

Apricot & Ginger Fromage Blanc Recipe
Source: Crabtree & Evelyn Fragrant Herbal

Substitute Ginger Mint in place of Ginger-root for a refreshing and more subtle flavor.

What you need …

6 ripe apricots
Several sprigs of one of the following: peppermint, lemon balm, sweet cicely
1 cup fromage blanc
1 teaspoon grated gingerroot or ginger mint
unrefined sugar to taste

Bring enough water to boil to cover the apricots together with a handful of your chosen herbs. Poach the apricots in simmering water for three to four minutes or until tender. Drain, let cool and skin the fruit, and then halve and pit. Discard the herbs.

Put the apricots in the food processor with the fromage blanc, ginger and sugar to taste. Snip in a few more sprigs of the herb and blend. Serve chilled.

Original article written by Laura Lewis for AOL Thatsfit.com. Read original article here.

There is a certain smell to the holiday season … cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and ginger. The holidays are most definitely a feast for the senses. From yummy spice wine and peppermint spiced cocoa, to delicious potpourri simmering on the stove top, this time of year is packed full of nostalgic aromas.

I have heard something about how when we kiss someone we can tell if they are a good mate for us or not. I’ve also read your post on how humans are attracted to people who have genes that are not the same or are dissimilar to our own. Are these two somehow related? Since I haven’t been the best in choosing girlfriends, I need all the help I can get. Is it possible how someone actually smells and kisses influence who I end up with?

Signed,

Casa Nova, U.S.A.

Dear “Casa”,

You are correct. When you kiss someone you are actually taking a “taste test” to determine if someone is compatible with you or not as a mate…with the intent of having little critters of your own! Er, I mean kids. In this post I wrote about how women on the pill may choose the wrong mate due to how it can change their “ideal mate compass”, causing it to point in the wrong direction! It turns out, without any synthetic hormones involved, you ideally tune in to a potential partner’s chemistry by scent which relays their MHC’s or major histocompatibility complex. MHC’s are a “key” that relays genetic compatibility which in turn determines the success having healthy offspring. MHC’s are not only present as a scent but also in your saliva! Wow! When I read this article I was simply blown away! And then I started to think about the boyfriends I have had since I was a teen, how I felt about kissing them in relation to how the relationship went!! What a concept to contemplate. Here are a few rules to follow on your Kissing Quest for your ideal woman:

Remember, when a woman is on birth control pills she may not be the best judge of who her ideal mate would be. So proceed with caution (in all ways!). She may be perfect for you genetically…or maybe not!
When you kiss someone it does give you a chance for an “up close and personal” experience of your potential mate via smell, touch and more.
And kissing or the “taste test” typically tells both partners if they are right for the other!

And in closing, check out this bit of trivia. We humans are so sensitive to the biochemistry of the opposite sex that men can actually tell when women are ovulating! Men are known to become more protective during a female’s “fertile time”. But get this, a study was performed observing men who tipped strippers in a club as they danced for them. The results? The dancers who were ovulating made the most money in tips! Those who were menstruating? The least!

Casa, stay on your toes in your lovelife. Hopefully this info will help you find “the best” woman for you! Or maybe just make you think BEFORE you leap off into love once again!

Healthfully Yours,

Laura Lewis, Life Fit Expert

Laura Lewis is a television host, producer, healthy living expert, nutritionist, wellness coach and founder of the Crazy Beautiful tm lifestyle brand. A popular speaker, guest expert and coach, Laura’s mission is to help others step into their own best life– to fully realize their own Crazy Beautiful tm life!

Original post written by Laura Lewis  for AOL’s ThatsFit.com may be viewed here.

Photo by Tela Chhe  on Flickr.

I am an admitted member of the optimist club. As a matter of fact, a dear friend of mine claims that I am eternally optimistic. In spite of what appear to be roadblocks or hindrances that occasionally get in my way, I remain optimistic. I always believe in the most positive outcome. I don my rose colored glasses as I rise each morning to meet the day. Some may say I am crazy. Yet, I would rather hang out on the side of being happy, joyous and positive than being in a dark pessimistic space. The good news, according to recent research, is that I’m going to be happier and live a longer life. Alright!

Researchers consistently show proof that optimists do live longer and are healthier. Check out these interesting tidbits they’ve discovered.

In one review of a Women’s Health Initiative study with more than 100,000 participants, researchers found that optimists who expected good things instead of bad things to happen were 14 percent less likely to die than pessimists.
Optimists were 30 percent less likely to die from heart disease, which was discovered during eight years of follow-up to the same study.
Highly mistrustful or “Cynically Hostile” women were 16 percent more likely to die during the study period than those who were much more trusting. And the most alarming point: They had a 23 percent higher likelihood to die from cancer!
Harvard researchers studying positive and negative thinkers tracked students who at age 25 were optimists and found they were healthier at ages 45 and 60 than their pessimist counterparts.
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine researchers found that pessimists were more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease and dementia as compared to optimistic thinkers.
Pessimism has been linked with lower incomes, increased risk of disease, suppression of the immune system, higher stress levels and shorter lifespans.

The good news for pessimists: You can defect to our side! Yes, it is possible to change the basic nature of being a pessimist.

The ABC’s of Becoming an Optimist

A — Act “as if.” Remember how Clare from the film “Clueless” would say … “As if!”? Give the phrase a twist and “act” as if all is OK. Stop acting like the worst is going to happen. I know, your pessimist views might make it difficult at first, so I recommend you “pretend” to be a positive person. Slow down and become conscious of your thoughts and the words you say. As you continue to “act” positive, there is a good chance you will actually begin to feel positive.

B — Be a “Positivity” Magnet. Hang around positive people. If you are around others who are dragging you down, ditch them. Birds of a feather do indeed flock together. I remember one time I was scheduled to attend a conference with several other people. The event coordinator had found a huge townhouse we were all to stay in. I had arrived earlier and got there without a problem. The remaining seven people arrived separately but then congregated in the living area and began to share their nightmare travel stories of the day. One, after another, after another. Talk about feeding negativity. My optimist point of view was to get on with life and let go of the negative elements of the day. Be observant for these types of situations and either try to shift the focus or get the heck out of there.

C — Commit to Being Happy. Yea, yea. Easier said than done, you pessimists are saying. However, here is a simple exercise that might help you change your mind. I want you to find a rubber band that is somewhat “wide,” not thin. Place it on your wrist. Now, whenever you find yourself thinking a negative thought or saying something that feeds your negativity, snap your wrist fairly hard with the rubber band. You’re snapping yourself out of being negative. Now say either out loud or silently an affirming statement such as, “I am a positive and happy person, and I consistently attract wonderful people and situations into my life.” Or try, “Happiness flows into my life easily and effortlessly. I am happy and content.” Or make up something that works for you — just keep it in the present tense and never use terms like “I will.”

Are you an optimist or a pessimist? Take this quiz and find out now!

Original article written by Laura Lewis for AOL’s ThatsFit.com located here.

Photo by Pink Sherbert Photography on Flickr