Tuesday, March 31, 2009

It's been a minute...



Sorry I had to take the week to prepare a few things but know I missed stopping in and updating. Tomorrow 4/1/09 WTLS will update the master site www.wherethelightshines.com so visit the website and join the email list so you get the weekly emails, the monthly updates as well as the daily blogs.
Take some time in April to visit a church for Easter, it's such a great time to see people who you may not see often. Cook dinner, enjoy, do something!

Monday, March 23, 2009

Weight loss benefits..


Give it your 50%. Research has shown that obese individuals can bring their blood pressure down to normal by losing just HALF of their excess weight. Other studies indicate that high cholesterol starts to fall with just a 10% decrease in body fat. One of the most pressing reasons for losing excess weight is to control life-threatening diseases. So start seeing significant health improvements with a modest amount of weight loss.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Sunday, 3/22/09 - The Celebrity Apprentice


CHECK YOUR LISTINGS for Sunday, 3/22/09 - The Celebrity Apprentice on the East Coast NBC @9PM
I think we can all agree it doesn’t get much bigger than prime time television! And it doesn’t get much more exciting than a technology that allows you to see the person you're talking to…with every conversation! Albert Cancela (a personal friend of mine)is involved in a business opportunity that's allowing him to share that technology with people. It's being featured on an upcoming episode of The Celebrity Apprentice. Take a look at the information in the link below. Hop you'll join in watching this exciting episode.
Click or copy the link below to view the video:
http://powertogetwealth.acnrep.com/v.asp?I=1117456D5A0D

Thursday, March 19, 2009

And the answer is....

Glaceau's various Vitamin Water drinks contain about 50 calories per 8-ounce serving. Per 20-ounce bottle however, that adds up to 125 calories for what would be 2-1/2 servings of water. Still, it's a lower-calorie alternative to the fruit-sweetened tea. Tazo's Juiced Tea contains 84 calories per eight ounces. At just 13.8 ounces per bottle, it still outnumbers Vitamin Water, weighing in at 145 calories per bottle. Is it worth it to get your vitamins from calorie-filled water instead of your diet? You be the judge. Just be careful, as calories from beverages, including flavored waters and teas, can add up quickly!

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Let's do another...Which "healthy" drink is lower in calories?


These days, water is "enhanced" with plenty of ingredients---from electrolytes to herbal infusions, sugar-free flavoring to added vitamins. If you have a need, you can find a water to meet it. Take these two drinks. Glaceau's Vitamin Water contains both added vitamins and herbs to help you meet various needs: energy, revival, immune support, and more. Tazo's flavor comes from green tea and fruit juice. Per serving, which tasty water alternative is lower in calories?

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

And the Answer is....

Tortilla soups vary greatly in ingredients and nutritional values, but Baja Fresh did a good job with this one. One serving, with chicken added, comes to 320 calories, 14 grams of fat (4 grams saturated fat), and zero trans fats (which everyone should try to avoid completely). Despite using charbroiled chicken instead of fried, the Chipotle Glazed Chicken Salad is not diet-friendly choice. This salad contains 700 calories, more than twice the fat (31 grams), 7 grams of saturated fat, and 1 gram of trans fat. Grab the soup instead and round out your meal with Baja's side salad, topped with Salsa Verde instead of dressing. Together, you'll consume a total of 401 calories, 17 grams of fat, and a filling 8 grams of fiber and 20 grams of protein. Excelente!

Monday, March 16, 2009

Baja Fresh: salad or soup?


Baja Fresh...even the name sounds good and healthy. This company, which many people think is a "healthier" version of Chipotle, likes to toot its own horn about the freshness of its food. Great, but does fresh mean healthy? How does the nutritional breakdown of "fresh" ingredients compare to Chipotle or any other fast food chain? These two selections are from the Soup/Salad section of the menu, which is described on their website as "the lighter side of the menu." Option 1: Tortilla Soup, which is topped with avocado (high in fats, but the healthy kind), tortilla strips, cheese, and chicken. Option 2: Chipotle Glazed Charbroiled Chicken Salad, with fruitful additions like grilled pineapple, avocado, cheese, and veggies. Which "light" menu item is as low-calorie as it claims?

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Fighting that last flu....



Apples (and red onions, broccoli, and tea) are great sources of quercetin -- a flavonoid that may stave off the influenza virus when the body is under stress. In a recent study, quercetin did just that: The normal dip in immunity that comes with physical fatigue was pretty much cancelled out by the flavonoid. So as the weather changes grab what you need to keep the flu leaving with the winter weather!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Red Fridays.....



If the Red shirt thing is new to you, read below...
Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together. After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.
No, he responded..
Heading out I asked?
No. I'm escorting a soldier home.
Going to pick him up?
No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq , I'm taking him home to his family.
The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's fami ly and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days.I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, Thank you.
Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.
Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom.
'Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign.'
Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American.So here's a public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do so we can live the way we do.
Red Fridays.
Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority.' We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respectstarts this Friday -- and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that .. every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar, will wear something red.
If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Going Bananas.....


Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.
Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia : High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Monday, March 9, 2009

We each have this ability... are you using yours?


It's often stories like this that cause people to cling to doubt and fear in attending church for Sunday worship. That's not God's purpose but instead we should cling to worship and unity as it's that which gives us the strength to not only attend Sunday service but to live.
I am compelled to share this story with my coworkers as I know it will be a topic but use it instead of saying this is why you shouldn't go to church but instead confirm...this is exactly why I do go. I attend church to worship God and ensure my destiny
Pastor Killed In Illinois Church Shooting
Maryville, IL -- The pastor of an Illinois church was shot and killed during a yesterday's Sunday morning service, according to the Maryville Police Department.

CBS Affiliate KMOV reports that a gunman opened fire after 8:00 a.m. Sunday service at the First Baptist Church in Maryville, Ill., fatally shooting Pastor Fred Winters.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

March Merriness....


Join us as we celebrate the NEXT THREE DAYS! Though I'll be working the overnight I still have the joy of three great celebrations!
Today, March 4th is my spiritual brother's 40th birthday! Such a joy to see him make this milestone as an awesome man of God. Happy Birthday DW!

Tomorrow my cousin Lydia celebrates her 90something birthday. She said after 90 you only need to celebrate the 100th. It's not one of those elderly birthdays but the spice of Cuba as she'll share stories of her voyage here from the country and her many experiences in Harlem where she's lived since she came to the USA. Happy Birthday Lydia!

Then Friday WTLS spends the day on a Royal Caribbean Cruise ship to join with family and friends to celebrate the union of Steven and Tenneil at their wedding! This is WTLS first cruise coordination and I'm so excited they decided to use our services. They are such a blessed couple to have their parents marriages to lay the path of love, communication and longevity. God has shined on this couple to come together and let no man put asunder....Congrats Steven and Tenneil, we love you!

So as the blog gets happy join us as we MARCH into such a great time!

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Starbucks wins.....

Starbucks wins this round! Although many "diet" words can be deceiving, there's nothing shady about their Low Fat Blueberry Muffin. It contains 270 calories and just 4 grams of fat. Although it's not exactly a balanced breakfast, this sweet treat will fit into your diet once in a while. Caribou Coffee's Reduced Fat Mountain Berry Muffin is better than full-fat versions, but still contains enough fat (10 grams) to boost the calorie composition to 330. Don't kid yourself about muffins. Whether they're filled with fruit or chocolate chips, they're not much more than cake in a fancy shape and can contain up to 600 calories each!
So many times Starbucks gets the high fat vote but this time they are the winner!

Monday, March 2, 2009

Snow and Muffins....



It is snowy here in NJ and the school are closed. So curl up with a nice cup of love and blueberry muffin, but WHICH ONE???
Berry muffins are as American as apple pie. You can find them everywhere from gas stations to bagel shops, and even at your neighborhood coffee stand. Here are two similar choices, both from specialized coffee shops. These freshly baked treats might look (and smell) quite tempting in the morning as you're picking up your coffee, but one is clearly the low-cal winner. Caribou Coffee's Reduced Fat Mountain Berry Muffin contains three kinds of berries in its moist cake. Starbucks' Low Fat Blueberry Muffin is pretty descriptive itself. How much do "low fat" and "reduced fat" differ? Enough to make one of these berry-filled muffins the low-cal winner...
Check back tomorrow, we'll tell you which one should have been the better on this snow day......