The Amazing Cucumber

Lets start with a commonly asked question: is a cucumber a fruit or a vegetable?

Technically it is a fruit because it contains the seeds to reproduce, but typically cucumbers are grouped with veggies due to their use. The fruit is commonly harvested while still green, and eaten as a vegetable, whether raw, cooked, or made into pickled cucumbers.

Cucumbers are a great digestive aid and have a cleansing effect on the bowel. With just a handful of calories per cup, cucumbers have always been the dieter's dream.

I received this email today. Although I don't normally participate in email forwards, I really like this information!

This information was in The New York Times several weeks ago as part of their "Spotlight on the Home" series that highlighted creative and fanciful ways to solve common problems:

1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day.
Just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon?
Put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower?
Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds?
Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area. (WOW)

5. Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool?
Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!! (DOUBLE
WOW)

6. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache?
Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge?
Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don't have enough time to polish your shoes?
Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.

9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge?
Take a cucumber sliced rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don't have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa?
Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students
during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don't have gum or mints?
Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

12. Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel?
Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but is won't leave streaks and won't harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a pen and made a mistake?
Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!

Pass this along to everybody you know who is looking for better and safer ways to solve life's everyday problems.


Now I want to stock up on cucumbers!

Check out these adorable Heart Shaped Cucumbers I discovered today. Stars too!

How perfect for the month of love and Valentine's Day! Just think of how beautifully decorated your salad would be with these tasty babies.

Anyone know where to purchase them?

Au revoir!

Jus: Dream in Color

Ever since my massage therapist introduced me to Jus I knew it was something that I wanted to be a part of. Jus is composed of 23 superfoods and has an amazingly high ORAC value.

I take 1 ounce of Jus a day (sometimes more if I feel like I need it) and can really tell a difference in energy levels and quicker healing. Plus, I have no more dark circles under my eyes!

1 ounce of Jus a day to keep the doctor away!

The best part is that it tastes good! With other types of juices, like Noni and Mangosteen, I really had to try to get used to them. Not with Jus! It was love at first taste. ♥ Everyone I have given a sample to loves it as well.

This comparison chart says so much about Jus!

I was able to attend a Jus Meeting in Clearwater last month. Meeting the people involved was wonderful. They are all full of energy, friendly and helpful. I learned a lot at that meeting and it really inspired me to want to join Jus International as an Independent Business Owner (IBO).


Check out this video to learn more about the power of Jus.

Dream in Color from Jus International on Vimeo.

Yesterday, with the help of Lauren, I signed up! We ordered enough of the 1 ounce gel samples for everyone to try at the T-Tapp Fitness Retreat next week. I'm so excited to share this amazing product with others, especially T-Tappers! Jus will help us power through the many workouts we do next weekend.

I am the type of person that doesn't talk about or promote products that I don't believe in. That's one of the reasons why I've been working at T-Tapp for over 10 years. I highly value the product, have felt the results personally and believe in sharing the wealth of knowledge with others. The same goes for Jus. This is great stuff!

If you're interested in learning more check out my Jus page, comment on my blog or email me directly at casey@t-tapp.com anytime!

Follow me (@Casey_Leigh)and @Juscorp on Twitter!

RealAge on Ribose

I found this article by RealAge on Ribose, a supplement Teresa recommended that I take to help with my energy levels. I mixed it with my hot tea (like a sweetener) for about a week and could feel a difference, but I ran out of the supplement today. I was taking Jarrow Formula's Ribose Powder.

What does Ribose do?

Ribose is one of the necessary building blocks for the formation of ATP, the “universal” energy molecule in the body. Physical stress can deplete ATP stores in cardiac and skeletal muscles. As the rate-limiting substrate in the synthesis of nucleotides, including ATP, ribose plays a vital role in replenishing ATP, thus, enhancing energy production and improving workout recovery.

All my health care professionals think I still have some adrenal stuff going on as a result of the accident. Now that I've been consistently T-Tapping my energy has improved, but I still have my days. Ribose is a great way to sweeten up your drinks minus the calories and plus the energy.

Anyway, just thought I'd share!

Earth Hour Tonight!

EarthHour.org

Turn off the lights and unplug your power sucking appliances for 1 hour tonight!

Are you on Twitter? Follow @earthhour for frequent updates!

T-Tapp Christmas in July Nutritional Bonus

Surprise! T-Tapp is offering a nutritional bonus along with each purchase of any T-Tapp starter system through July 31st! These nutritional bonus items will help keep your energy up and inches down this summer.

July 2008 Nutritional Bonus:

• 15 Minute Basic Workout Plus receives free Immune Boost sublingual (bonus value $19.95)
• Basic Plus and Step Away Set receives free B-12 Plus sublingual (bonus value $19.95) + FREE SHIPPING (US only)
  
• T-Tapp More Rehab Program receives free B-12 Plus and Immune Boost sublinguals (bonus value $39.90)
• Total Workout receives free B-12 Plus and Immune Boost sublinguals (bonus value $39.90)
• Total System receives free B-12 Plus, Immune Boost and Pyruvyl Glycine+ sublinguals (bonus value $79.85) + FREE SHIPPING (US only)
• CRT System receives free Immune Boost and Pyruvyl Glycine+ sublinguals (bonus value $59.90)
• SUPER CRT System receives 2 free Immune Boost sublingual and 1 B-12 Plus sublingual and 1 B-12 Plus spray (bonus value $79.80)
• Step Away the Inches Walking Workout is 50% off at $9.95 + WhiteBrite Teeth Whitener spray + FREE SHIPPING (US only)

How to use Sublingual Nutritionals:
The Sublingual option for the B-12 Plus, Immune Boost and Pyruvyl Glycine products means that instead of a Spray to take the supplement a measured eyedropper is used. Sublingual and Spray are both the same size and formula, so it’s a matter of preference on how you like to take supplements. For each supplement, you may split up the serving and take half an eyedropper several times a day until the serving size.


B-12 Plus
Serving Size: 6 sprays or 1 eyedropper full

• Contains: B1, B3, B6, B12, Folacin and Grapeskin extract
• Helps to maintain energy throughout the day
• Helps the body convert carbohydrates to energy rather than fat with B6 and Folacin (Folic Acid)
• Helps lower homocystines, which is very important for cardiac health
• Helps to diminish dark circles underneath eyes
• Helps to replenish the B vitamins lost due to working in front of a computer or near fluorescent lighting, increased stress and offsetting summer heat... so beat the heat with B-12 Plus!
  

Immune Boost
Serving Size: 6 sprays or 1 eyedropper full

• Contains: Vitamin C, Zinc, Selenium, Niacin, Echinacea Extract, Grapefruit Extract, and Vitamin A
• Helps prevent a cold and/or shorten the duration
• Instantly kills rhinovirus, use anytime you are exposed to others coughing/sneezing
• Immediate assimilation with optimal delivery system - more effective than Vitamin C + Zinc lozenges
• Helps the body resist bruising and tighten the skin due to Vitamin C
  

Pyruvyl Glycine
Serving Size: 12 sprays or 2 eyedroppers full

• Helps the body burn 48% more fat, lose 47% more weight, and offset those simple carbs - even without exercise!
• Maximize your workout with endurance and fat loss by boosting your body's Krebs cycle - not its nervous system
• All ingredients are natural, non-toxic and will not increase heart rate or blood pressure
• This proprietary formula contains over 27 years of clinical research and Pyruvyl-Glycine is up to 200% more effective than regular Pyruvate
  

WhiteBrite
Serving Size: Spray 4 times each time you brush

• Contains: Hydrogen Peroxide, Peppermint Oil, Stevia, Purified Water and Carbopol
• Reverse nicotine, coffee, tea and red wine stains within 1 week just by spraying 2 times a day
• Use each time you brush to whiten teeth and freshen breath without any sensitivity.
• Safe for veneers, braces, partials, dentures and bonding
• Carbopol, the secret ingredient, protects your gums so they don't become inflamed or sensitive to cold or heat like other teeth whitening products.
  

We hope you enjoy this special bonus. Have a great summer!

Teresa Tapp & T-Tapp Staff

Cellfood Drops

I recently started taking Cellfood again and don't know why I ever stopped. This stuff is amazing! Most of us don't get enough minerals, amino acids or enzymes in our diet... Cellfood is a great way to supplement. Here's a newsletter that Teresa Tapp sent out in 2000 about the benefits of Cellfood.

The Importance of Oxygen for overall Health and Fitness
T-Tapp Newsletter: July 30, 2000

The following newsletter is condensed from an article by Dr. Svet Boulatov, a medical doctor and homeopath. Dr. Boulatov lectures and consults in classical homeopathy, iridology, colon and tissue cleansing, and nutrition.

Most people don't realize how nutritional deficiencies can lead to diseases. Because our soils have been depleted of necessary minerals, many of our fruits and vegetables now have less than 12 minerals out of the over 70 minerals we need that were present in our foods 100 years ago. Furthermore, growing pollution has led to the depletion of oxygen in our atmosphere – from above 38% to less than 21% today. Our bodies are not designed to breathe air with only 21% oxygen in it. When oxygen drops to 6%, we suffocate. Without oxygen, a person can only live for a few minutes.

Our bodies need oxygen, water, minerals, enzymes and amino acids. With reduction of oxygen in the atmosphere, cellular oxygenation decreases, which results both in our metabolism slowing down and in toxins not being oxidized and expelled from our bodies. Chronic oxygen deficiency at cellular level leads to the accumulation of toxins and waste matter in our systems, resulting in some form of cellular mutation. Otto Warburg, twice Nobel Laureate, stated "the primary cause of cancer is the replacement of normal oxygen respiration of body cells by anaerobic cell respiration."

The heart never gets cancer. Why? Because the coronary heart vessels deliver­ to the heart muscle­ blood that has the highest concentration of oxygen, which comes directly from the lungs. Thereafter, the slightly less oxygenated blood goes through the aorta to all the other parts of the body.

Water is needed for life. Without water, a person can live for only a few days. Water forms between 72 and 80% of the body. Minerals are needed for the proper composition of the body fluids, the formation of blood and bone, the maintenance of healthy nerve function, and the regulation of muscle tone. Lack of a single mineral can cause mental and physical problems. Enzymes break down foods so nutrients can be absorbed by the body (digestive enzymes), and build the body from proteins, carbohydrates and fats (metabolic enzymes). Amino acids make up the proteins that the body needs. These proteins are not obtained directly from the diet. Dietary protein is broken down into amino acids, which the body then uses to build the specific protein it needs. We can see how these five elements sustain life in our bodies, but is there a dietary supplement that can supply us with all of these?

Fortunately, there is. It's called "Cellfood". This highly concentrated and super-energized liquid contains 78 elements and trace minerals, 34 enzymes, 17 amino acids, in a special dipole/dibase full aqueous solution which causes water molecules to split into hydrogen and oxygen, and supplies the body with these elements at the cellular level. Oxygen is used for oxidizing metabolic waste and for stimulating cellular respiration, and hydrogen is used for solidifying tissue cells. As a most complete nutritional supplement, "Cellfood" can offer tremendous benefits to humans, animals and plants. It both detoxifies and supplies essential micro-nutrients to balance any living tissue.

"Cellfood" boosts the immune system. In 1991 Dr. Aristo Vojdani, Vice President of Immunosciences Laboratories USA observed significant increases in T-cells with increasing dosages of "Cellfood". It's rapidly absorbed by the body because it's delivered directly into the blood stream through the mucous linings of the mouth, throat and esophagus; many other nutritional supplements are absorbed through the digestive system.

"Cellfood" scavenges free radicals at the cellular level. When "Cellfood" causes the splitting of a water molecule, the single oxygen atom that is released has a negative electromagnetic charge. A free radical is a positively charged atom that is damaging the cell because of its inability to bond with something. When this free radical encounters the negatively charged oxygen atom generated by "Cellfood", it bonds with it. The result is an oxygen molecule, which is used by the cell for cellular metabolism.

"Cellfood" increases the bioavailability of other nutritional supplements or medicines. That's why doctors must regularly monitor people who are on medication and take “Cellfood”. The need for medication can often be gradually decreased as the body cleanses, and gets stronger and more balanced. "Cellfood" can also be applied externally on the skin. It can be used undiluted on bruises, warts, moles, corns, scars, etc. If there is an open wound, dilute it from 1:10 to 1:20 with distilled water and apply it to the wound. For eye infections, it can be used as eye drops diluted 1:40 with sterile distilled water, and for sinus problems, it can be used like nose drops diluted 1:30 with distilled water. In an emergency, such as oxygen deficiency, a car accident, or shock a couple of drops can be put directly under the tongue.

Until we replenish our environment with sufficient oxygen, unpolluted water supplies, and soil balanced with all the elements and minerals in it, we'll need to use a nutritional supplement like "Cellfood" on a daily basis. By cleansing, nourishing and balancing our bodies, we are making a meaningful investment in ourselves – ensuring prevention of disease, quick healing if we do get ill or hurt, and improving our quality of living at every level.


My opinion: I knew about "Cellfood" approximately 5 years ago but it's just now arriving at general health food stores. In my opinion, "Cellfood" is the most comprehensive, nutritionally dense, most economical product I have ever discovered. Its unique oxygenating process and ionic delivery system enables it to deliver dissolved oxygen, electrolytes, 78 ionic minerals, 34 enzymes and 17 amino acids to every single cell. Talk about getting your money's worth! This super-concentrate comes in a 1 oz bottle and makes over 22 quarts of super-energized supplement! Its unique time-release delivery system ensures that all vital nutrients are rapidly absorbed by the body at the cellular level. And to top it off, it is created from all-natural plant substances. It retails for $24.95, but I've seen many health food stores price it at $26.95 or $29.95... you can get it on special for only $22.46. Order online on my web store yet or call 1-800-342-0717 (free shipping too). I mentioned this product months ago in a "Shared Secrets" article in Women's Fitness International magazine and the response was unbelievable... testimonials of increased energy were the most common with majority saying that they felt the difference within the first day!

The most amazing thing about this product is its ability to oxygenate from within the body. Most oxygen boosting products have infused oxygen (like water), but the oxygen escapes every time the bottle opens so the amount of oxygen assimilated by the body is minimal. No other delivery system is as effective as "Cellfood". It actually splits the H20 molecule from within our body to H (hydrogen) and O (oxygen) like Dr. Svet Boulatov explained in his article. So after you take this supplement, it continues to work within your system slowly reaching its peak 6 to 12 hours later.

Oxygen is a carrying agent and is necessary for the overall health of our bodies. Many celebrities/models frequent "oxygen bars" and drink special health tonics while sitting around with tubes in their nostrils (really!) to ensure youthful appearance and glowing skin texture. I saw one in Los Angeles nearly 10 years ago; it looked like a Star Wars set! Many professional make-up artists carry special "oxygen spritzers" to mist actor's faces while filming so their faces look smoother with less lines. Jennifer Anniston from the TV show "Friends" even admits to doing this – but most all actresses do. Then for those who can afford it, lie in an oxygen tank for 20 minutes or more for ultimate oxygenation. Remember all those bizarre stories how Michael Jackson would go in an oxygen tank on a weekly basis? Well, he's not the only celebrity! On a more common level, we've all seen many athletes intake oxygen to accelerate rebound time to get back into their game with renewed energy. Well now, we ALL can receive the benefits of oxygen with "Cellfood" ­ plus it's cost effective.

The Cellfood company also has a Cellfood Oxygen Gel for the face and neck. It's also a great product. If interested in purchasing either Cellfood Drops or Cellfood Oxygen Gel T-Tapp retails them online!

Life... again.

EXERCISE

PBS (morning)
HD (after breakfast)

SKIN CARE

Brush AM: yes

Nivea Good-bye Cellulite Gel-Cream: yes (morning)

SUPPLEMENTS

Alfalfa (6 caps): 3
B12 Plus (6 sprays): 3
Fibertox (1-3 caps): 1

Priority Women's Complete (8 caps): 2

Nivea Good-bye Cellulite Dietary Supplement (3 caps): 1
Pyruvyl Glycine (12 sprays): 4

Water (8 glasses, 8 ounces each): 6

FOOD
B-fast: Smart Start Antioxidant cereal with 1% organic milk, grande nonfat vanilla latte
Lunch: ceasar salad with croutons, Pacific Roasted Pepper Tomato soup
Snack: Bear Naked granola, 1/2 green drink
Dinner: turkey taco salad (turkey, seasoning, lettuce, a little cheddar cheese, low fat sour cream)

JOURNAL
Okay, so I woke up this morning with another eye infection!! Grrrr! This is bad. Very bad. Still not sure why this keeps happening considering that I tossed all my makeup. Went to the eye doctor and got some drops, but when this happens it wipes me out! I just lay around in the dark with my eyes closed until I go to sleep. Not up to exercising really and thought it would be best to listen to my body versus pushing through a workout that I don't have energy for.

I'll try again tomorrow.

VideoJug.com: Detoxification & Juicing

I discovered Videojug.com! This website is sort of like YouTube.com, but every video explains "how to" do or make something. Most of the videos are done by people with English accents (which I love). This site is very educational!

I recently bought a juicer - LOVE IT! Here are some of the interesting and informative detoxification videos I like...

How To Detox Your Mind And Body


A Detox Menu


How To Make A Tums And Bums Juice


How To Make A Green Goddess Juice



How To Make A Hangover Juice


VideoJug.com: Detox

3 Tips for More Energy

I came across this article today. Energy is something I'm always looking for. Check it out...

3 Tips for More Energy
By Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS

Last summer I trained a Hollywood starlet who was in Toronto to film a movie. She was a model Turbulence Training client, doing everything I asked in each session including her first-everchin-up, except for the Sugar-free Red Bull she insisted on having before each workout. She said she needed the energy.

Everywhere you go people are looking for ‘energy’. Have you been seduced by the ads promising “such and such” beverage will “give you wings”, or by stores offering sky-high cups of coffee. Where do you go for your fix? And is it really a fix at all? Or just a patch that leads to an inevitable crash and burn?

In reality, the “energy” we’re chasing is simply mental alertness.

And it’s no secret that coffee and cigarettes contain drugs that stimulate your brain, giving you the mental alertness we mistakenly call ‘energy’.

If you are searching a better way of living, a life that doesn’t depend on chemicals - literally, drugs! - to keep you awake and motivated, if you are tired of being tired, then being wired, and then being tired again, then set the coffee cup down, step away from the supersized Diet Cokes, and turn to holistic living.

There are better, healthier ways to achieve higher levels of physical and mental energy.

Here are 3 ways to get more energy, naturally.

1) Exercise

It doesn’t matter what time you exercise, just be consistent. Fit it in based on your schedule and personality. If you have to do it first thing when you wake up, just do it. Don’t even let yourself think about it. Just get started.

Exercise is a drug. Like caffeine and nicotine, exercise causes the release of many chemicals into your blood, resulting in mental stimulation and an improved sense of overall well-being. Exercise just makes you feel good.

2) Eat smaller, more frequent meals

Skip the cycle of starving and feasting characterized by no breakfast, a high-carbohydrate lunch, and a huge dinner. Instead, eat breakfast and then continue to eat every 3 hours for the rest of the day.Research shows that a high-fiber breakfast helps control appetite and increases mental alertness all morning, and improves your ability to process information.Do not skip breakfast and rely on a coffee to get you through the day. Got no time? C’mon! You’re an adult, you can get up 10 minutes earlier to have a protein shake, some almonds, and an apple. You’re not in high school anymore. No excuses!

3) Eat only whole, natural foods

Such as fruits, vegetables, organic proteins, raw nuts (not roasted in oil), Green Tea, water.Trying to run on processed foods is a recipe for an energetic disaster. Stick to whole, natural foods during the day, snacking rather than binging on big meals, and you’ll never feel like dozing off.

If a food is from a bag or a box, it doesn’t deserve a place in your nutrition plan. Avoid all added sugars. Surely, you’re already sweet enough!

Bonus Tip!

Take mini-breaks during the day to work on your mobility.

Work environments zap our ‘energy’. From poor posture, to eye-strain from computer screens, your office, cubicle, and car seat will suck the life out of you.

According to Men’s Health magazine…

“British researchers recently found that when people exercised during their workday — regardless of the duration or intensity of the movement — they were less likely to feel fatigued, and that translated into a 15 percent improvement in job performance.”

Daily exercise breaks are essential to not only boost energy, but mobility. Each day, as your computer sucks you into its visual vortex, your upper body becomes rounded forward and tense. You need to reverse that movement.