WATER SHORTAGE: OUR ROLE (ISSUE 162) MARCH 17, 2015

By Diane Gold

WATER SHORTAGE

The reason I wrote this article was because I saw myself wasting water, even in the face of knowing that there is a water shortage. It really hit me when I had my own water shortage. I knew I was washing the dishes in my sink with the water running the entire time. I began to think that using a dishwasher, which my current residence lacks, might be more economical.

(According to the Water Resources section of whitehouse.gov [http://water.usgs.gov/edu/qa-home-percapita.html], my activity of washing for 3 minutes 2 times a day using a new faucet but an old sink uses about the same amount of water as one dishwasher load at 20 gallons per day. Too much.]

A CLOGGED SINK TEACHES COMPASSION

So, here’s what happened to my sink. It clogged. So, my water consumption came to a screeching halt. And I would have had to wait for a drain fixer until the following day if I had sat tight. That’s when I got a miniscule taste of feeling water shortage in the way that so many people do every day, and that is, not having water at my disposal when I wanted it.

True, I wasn’t really without water. I could Valley Girl myself into the bathroom and use water from the bathroom sink. But, I did not have my regular access, and the bathroom sink was too small for me to fill a pot with water. In my panic, I decided to go to the store and get some horrible chemicals to put down the sink that were guaranteed to fix the clog and pollute the Earth.

Although I felt sad at having to pour pollution into the pipe that would reach wherever it ended up, I did it anyway. It was guaranteed to work in 15 minutes, even though it took 12 hours.

The result was I was forever more cognizant of my water waste and continue to be so.

WHY IS THIS MY PROBLEM, OTHERS MIGHT ASK?

Some of us may not see there is a global water shortage. We don’t see 840,000,000 people in front of us every day who have no water. We say,

“What does this have to do with me? I have never been without water.

“I don’t use much water.

“There’s so much water from oceans that we can desalinate it if we have to.

“Only a few people in the centers of a few countries experience shortage.

“And what does this have to do specifically with my habits. They don’t have an effect water shortage.”

My response to those statements is clear, not because I am the most diligent person, but because we are not alone.

THE HUMAN FAMILY

We forget quickly that we are part of one human family. If one part of our family is thirsty, then it is our responsibility to do something about it as if it were the people in our very house.

Remember the last hurricane, tornado, monsoon, tsunami that passed by?

People we never even spoke with before, who had lived in our village, on our street, right next door, up the avenue or field shared food, refrigeration, ice, concern, nurturing, and, yes, water. It was a magical transformation caused by our common environmental disaster.

Why are we so self-absorbed that we’re not like that every day? We all care about the people who are water insecure. Right?

FOOD CHOICE CAN WASTE WATER

Since life is so complicated, it is hard for us to think of water shortage unless it is right at our front door. It usually takes some heart wrenching photo of children’s misshapen bodies for our attention to be drawn to drought or lack of access to water. Imagine, though, that we are causing the continued water shortage by overuse. And how are we doing it?

According to the Water Footprint Network, 40 gallons of water are used to produce a pound of pulses (lentils, chickpeas, peas beans) compared to producing a pound of beef, which requires 45 times more water. So, our use of animals for food is one of our big wastes.

ACTION STEP

We could balance the water shortage by eating plants. That would allow everyone to have more water. According to everything I learned in my courses to become Certified in Plant-Based Nutrition, eating plants would prevent a bunch of chronic diseases and suffering; and it is not necessary to eat animal protein and most of us in the Western world are over-consuming protein.

If we were eating plants, we could be teaching developing countries who are emulating us to grow plants efficiently, save their bodies and save the Earth. They would be spared learning the hard way that the amount of water it takes for raising animals and the disease statistics associated with eating meat, fish, poultry, dairy and the land we destroy are reason enough not to do it.

HOUSEHOLD CHOICES CAN WASTE WATER

Those of us who do not have to walk a mile to the water pump, and that’s most of us in the United States, take water for granted. We use water regularly for oral hygiene, in our toilets, for washing ourselves and cleaning our houses, to prepare food within our single family structure and to drink. Are we diligent, though? Yes, the amount we use in household is miniscule compared with the amounts used in agriculture. But, it still matters.

I mentioned earlier my personal waste. It turns out I was letting the water run the entire time I was brushing my teeth. For no reason other than that I liked the sound, I liked the feel of the water trickling on my toothbrush; but, mostly, because I forgot to turn it off, I was being wasteful and socially unacceptable. I also kept it running before and after filling my name brand electronic water flosser. Again, the amount of waste was not huge, but it was completely unnecessary. I’ve decided diligent water use matters.

By being diligent and turning the water off more often, I can maintain my 360 gallons or less a day for a single person in an apartment. I am taking responsibility for 15 minutes of watering the grass outside since I get to see it.

What the chart at the US Geological Surveys Water Science School does not take into account is the amount of water used to prepare our food. I am a plant-based eater, so I am using a smaller amount of water to grow my produce than someone who eats animal products. But, if I forgot about morality and ate 1 hamburger for the day, my water consumption would quadruple. Too much to be sustainable.

Plants require water to grow, but it is common knowledge they require less than animal based foods. I’ve seen statistics that animal-based food (including poultry, fish and dairy) use from 2.9 X more to 13 X more water, but I just know the number is considerably more.

CONCLUSION

I have read some surprising statistics about water, including, according to the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (from a document prior to April, 2009), that 1.7 million people in the United States live without plumbing facilities.

According to the April 29, 2011 article by Laurie Ure for CNN, nearly 1 billion people walk 3.5 miles a day to fill their jerry can to bring water home for the family. How often do those people get to their water source only to find a water shortage or a source that is dried up, closed, contaminated, unavailable? Something to think about.

Let us be diligent to contribute positively to reduce water shortage by being connected to everyone in need, by considering our food choices and minimizing pollution, by composting and recycling, and, easiest of all, by reducing water waste that may be right in front of our eyes.

Although there is water shortage, there are areas worldwide that can access water with the right equipment. World Water Day, March 22 2015, celebrates water and our awareness that it is not forever. If you wish to donate to build a well so that 500-1000 people can have access to groundwater near their home in Africa for 10 years, please do it at: https://thewaterproject.org/community/profile/diane-gold.

If you wish to share your story, please hit reply in your email program to be contacted.

If you need habit help, go to warriorsofweight-consulting.

FEEDBACK

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Thanks.

DIANE GOLD, PUBLISHER AND AUTHOR

Diane Gold, Founder of Warriors of Weight, Turning Habits Into Health, is a mentor in tai chi, kung fu and meditation, a music, fitness and stress expert, dedicated mom, studying peaceful conflict resolution, habit replacement and certified in plant-based nutrition.

She cares about water. She says,

“I’m grateful for my sink’s having clogged. It gave me a great look at conservation of water in the kitchen. I’m grateful for noticing my toothbrush water, so I can reduce it.

“These are tiny things which, alone, amount to little, but, together, would be more meaningful. Let’s take a moment and consider that water is not renewing as quickly as we are using it. So, let’s use less. And let’s appreciate what we have more.

“Finally, let us all take good care of ourselves because we are so worth it!”

LEARNING HOW TO LEARN: OUR BIGGEST MISTAKE (ISSUE 169) MARCH 10, 2015

By Diane Gold

I can’t stress enough the importance of learning how to learn and how important it is to teach this from the start. Whether we are raised through education at home or by going to public or private school, one thing stands out: we each see through a different set of eyes. And our biggest mistake is not making first learners aware so they can decide for themselves the bias of their lessons. Learning How To Learn

LESSON ONE: THE PROCESS OF LEARNING

When we teach young people or mature folks for the first time, we sometimes throw information at them without orienting them to the process of learning. This process includes understanding how learning works. As first time learners, we trust everything we are given, unless we are taught to look at the educational provider. It is crucial that each elementary teacher ingrain in each student the idea that everyone, including teachers, judges, parents and ourselves, sees with new eyes. We give information with the color of what we believe to be correct and true. And, it’s hard to teach this because we want first learners to trust us.

The process of learning I refer to is the understanding that not every bit of what we are taught is correct, honest and offered with benevolence. Sometimes, teachers, judges, parents want us to think a certain way, so we teach the subject as if there is only one set of information possible. Most of us reach full adulthood before we understand the dangers of blind faith.

LESSON TWO: BLIND FAITH

I am the first one to have blind faith and that most of us are good, nurturing and positive. The faith I would blindly follow, though is the understanding that we are all human, and humans, sometimes, without even knowing it, have internal agendas. When we are just born, we have not been influenced enough to be deceitful. After that, we can trust that the human spirit can be fickle. We can be blindly faithful in knowing that we all do our best to pass on the lesson, although doing our best usually includes our being influenced by how we have chosen to perceive the world.

LESSON THREE: LEARNING HOW TO LEARN AND RELEARNING HOW TO LEARN BY CHOOSING AND SORTING OUT THE PUREST INFORMATION

The very purpose of martial arts training is to learn how to learn. It is usually appropriate to say relearn how to learn because the sad truth is most of us have to figure this out after we are grown, never having been exposed to this process of learning by most teachers’ being more concerned with disseminating their version of material than with the process of how to look at learning. We can use this martial arts systematic approach when learning everything.

So, the first thing we say in the martial classroom is,

“Become empty. Place any preconceived notions, movements, feelings outside the door.”

This is done so that the student begins the lesson with as little coloration or influence from knowledge we already have or think we have. Executing this directive allows us to remove some of the bias that may arise from old information. And, herein is the crux of learning (or relearning) how to learn.

AN EXAMPLE

Let’s say we are going to hear a panel on whether it’s a good idea to genetically modify foods. As at any debate, we would hope to have all views present. In this case, the head speaker is the director of genetically modified foods industry, one panelist is in that person’s pocket and the third panelist is known not to speak out about GMOs.

The listeners of this panel would think that, if this panel is at a large convention that is known for being socially conscious, all sides would be represented. If we are learning about GMOs for the first time, whatever is said on that panel would sway our understanding. And there will never be a sign saying,

“This panel does not represent all sides of this discussion.”

If we understand the process of learning as part of our repertoire, we will be informed, not manipulated because we will consider the bias that is built into the discussion.

EXAMPLE 2

Another example occurs when the teacher asks the students to close their eyes as they are standing on a boardwalk, low to the sand. S/he then removes two wooden boards right in front of them, which means, if they step forward, will land them on their butts in the sand. Because the students’ eyes are closed, they cannot see this board removal. The teacher then says that, for this exercise, the words “move forward” will represent the concept “stay still.”

The teacher then says,

“Move forward.”

All the students stay still, remembering the phrase “move forward” as meaning “stay still,” except one. This one student was busy daydreaming during the initial “move forward” instruction, and he loses his footing and lands in the sand.

Straying from focus, being distracted has caused this one student to falter.

CONCLUDING ACTION STEP RECIPE

In order to work this idea of emptying ourselves so that we can fill ourselves with knowledge, a basic learning how to learn principal; we must come up with some trust system by which we live. The one I live by is that we blindly believe that we all do our best, but we are not perfect and show understanding when someone else is not or when we, ourselves, are not.

Here is what I believe is a great recipe for learning how to learn or relearning how to learn:

BE TOLERANT.
BE FORGIVING AND LOVING.
TRUST IN HUMAN GOODNESS BUT KNOW WE ARE INFLUENCED EASILY.
BE DILIGENT ABOUT REALIZING BIAS.
BE ACTIVE IN TEACHING STUDENTS TO KNOW THEIR MENTORS.

If you wish to share your story, please hit reply in your email program to be contacted.

If you need habit help, go to warriorsofweight-consulting.

FEEDBACK

We value your feedback very much.

Please leave a comment below.

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Thanks.

DIANE GOLD, PUBLISHER AND AUTHOR

Diane Gold, Founder of Warriors of Weight, Turning Habits Into Health, is a mentor in tai chi, kung fu and meditation, a music, fitness and stress expert, dedicated mom, studying peaceful conflict resolution and habit replacement, certified in Whole-Foods Plant-Based Nutrition.

She believes that the most important thing we can learn is that we all look from our own eyes, and we are taught by people who are looking through their eyes. She says,

“It’s hugely important for first learners to realize that can trust people to be human. We will all tell our own story. And, though it’s paramount that children trust teachers, we have to find a way to teach them about their own view and the joy of questioning ours.

“Our goal is not to repress but to make thriving, thinking, creating scientists and social scientists. So, it should be our pleasure to spell out the art of learning how to learn. It also should be our thrill to be part of the art of relearning how to learn.

“In the meantime, let us all take good care of ourselves, because we are so worth it!”

BALANCE IN OUR LIVES (ISSUE 168) MARCH 3, 2015

By Diane Gold

Balance in our lives seems like a “played out” expression, verbal hype that marketers, coaches or therapists (sometimes hard to tell them apart until we look at their wall) use to lure us into buying their coaching programs. But the reason so many people seek out the programs (like warriorsofweight-consulting), even if advertising leads us to them, is that many of us don’t have a system that works.

THE BALANCE FORMULA

I believe that we each need some sort of balance formula, a set of categories within our systematic approach to living our best life. For me, today, I have included:
1)   body-mind rest and renewal, without which we are not good to ourselves or others;
2)   support and love from family and friends, without which we stagnate;
3)   a satisfying way to be creative, without which we leave our artist untapped;
4)   a satisfying way to self-sustain, without which we are less productive (please note that not everyone needs to have a job or career; some choose to trade services; others choose adventures other than the regular work model);

5)   something spiritually rooting, without which we look for a root;

6)   non-chemical, non-polluting nutrition, which means without plastic and metal leaching from cookware and dishware, which means no genetic modification in the seeds, which means no type of food that causes global depletion (such as methane run off from livestock, dead zones from overfishing, soil depletion and desertification of land from animal grazing in dairy farms or cattle ranches) which leaves us with organic plant-based food;
7)   ethics, music, art, without which we are not whole human beings;
8)   joyful physical activity, without which we do not stimulate our body’s systems to stay healthy.

Which ones of mine are yours?

PLEASE NOTE

This formula does not include shelter and clothing, although these are quite necessary. It also does include something spiritual which does include self-esteem and other things that do not have to do with our physical nature. It is a general outline.

Suffice it to say there is no one right way or best way. I prefer this way, you prefer that way, she prefers a completely different way and he prefers a combination of yours and hers. The idea is to have one, or, at least, think about developing one. It’s handy, not too tough to create and comes in, oh, so handy, on a daily basis.

We may have heard someone say,

“I’m missing something,”

or

“I feel like there’s a hole inside me.”

Even the expression,

“I have to get myself together,”

means a gathering of behaviors, reactions and choices so that we more clearly live our best vision of and for ourselves and others at that point in time and onward.

We all feel, at least, a little as if we have to make some adjustment at one time or other. It’s part of the process we go through where we reshuffle ourselves to become more (here comes the word again) in balance, where we make personal changes to become more supportive of our goals and ourselves.

THE WHEEL OF BALANCE

We can almost think of the formula as a wheel of balance with each category a spoke. What I would put in as the categories that we need to balance life are these. As I said before, each of us may differ; although, we, humans, are not all that different and most of us would include these in our list.

MAKING ADJUSTMENTS: OUR ACTION STEP

Now that we have an infrastructure, a framework, an outline from which to work; we can decide what to keep, what to add, what to omit. So let’s self-evaluate, slowly, consistently and on a continual basis. Once we get ourselves in balance, we change. And we actually do change daily. So, it would make sense to go through this process frequently to see whether the balance in our lives required major or minor tailoring.

A good example might be for us to look at an aircraft in the wind. Whether it’s a hang glider or a jet, as the wind changes, which it does continually, the pilot makes changes to accommodate it, from mini-changes all the way up to rerouting or not flying.

This adjustment is something we should look at daily. It will serve us well.

CONCLUSION

The balance in our lives is really a process. It’s not one place we obtain and stay. As with the wind, there are always new goals, new conditions, new feelings, new advantages, new obstacles for which or from which to adapt.

Whether we compromise to accommodate a loved one or change a spiritual outlook or activity; it is important to include the entire assortment. In the meantime while each person is figuring out balance in our lives, the outline above is a starting point.

ANOTHER NOTE

I always say I am a better editor than I am a writer. In seeing the balance in our lives wheel, above, I immediately began to edit it. But, when we put too many things in, we get lost in the weeds.

So this is good for now. I’m sure tomorrow, I will see something new because I will be new. And so will you.

If you wish to share your story, please hit reply in your email program to be contacted.

If you need habit help, go to warriorsofweight-consulting.

FEEDBACK

We value your feedback very much.

Please leave a comment below.

Please LIKE us on the website and at

WarriorsOfWeight on Facebook.

You can also follow us on Twitter: @warriorsoweight.

Thanks.

DIANE GOLD, PUBLISHER AND AUTHOR

Diane Gold, Founder of Warriors of Weight, Turning Habits Into Health, is a mentor in tai chi, kung fu and meditation, a music, fitness and stress expert, dedicated mom, studying peaceful conflict resolution and habit replacement, certified in Whole-Foods Plant-Based Nutrition.

She believes that small, consistent changes in our lives mount to ever improving quality of life improvements. She says,

“If we are consistent and relaxed, we will make ourselves more fluid, more powerful, more meaningful, more healthy than the day before.

“We each look at life from a different perspective. Most of us require similar things, though: love from other people, creativity, productivity, music, art, fitness and a way to make some sort of difference. We each decide how to balance ourselves.

“And, then, there’s the great opportunity. We can make changes at any time. As we feel the need, we change to support our own balance.

“In the meantime, let us all take good care of ourselves, because we are so worth it!”

PLASTICS IN FOOD AND BLOODSTREAM (ISSUE 166) FEBRUARY 17, 2015

By Diane Gold

Most of us consume plastics in food. We don’t set out to do it, but some of our plastic technology disintegrates into our food and, therefore, into our blood.

We buy cellophane wrapped produce which leaches into our food. We warm take-out dinners in plastic containers which leach some of their composition. Almost every can we use is coated with plastic-like substance to protect us from toxic aluminum. Bottles from beverages leach toxins. And then, there is plastic dinnerware that is easier to use than any other. Sadly, it allows for plastics in food.

BISPHENOL A (BPA)

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical that has been studied to find that it can disrupt estrogen. It is found as one of the ingredients in many plastics.

Anila Jacobs, senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, says,

“Although most of the chemicals making the culinary crossing are considered safe, it’s not because they’ve been proven safe; it’s because no one has proven them unsafe.”

Laura Vandenburg, post doctoral fellow, biology, Tuft U, Boston, mentions the amounts of BPA that leach are small and says,

“Almost any plastic container can be expected to leach trace amounts of plastics into food,”
and

“The levels of BPA in people frequently exceed the levels shown to have effects in rodents in these studies.”

She also mentions that BPA can be found in the linings in cans.

The National Congress Of Legislatures lists the following:

FDA has “expressed some concern” about BPA.
FDA bans BPA from baby bottles and sippy cups as of July, 2012.
The following states have banned BPA in plastic bottles or baby food containers that are intended for young, ages and exact items varying by state:
CA, CT, DE, IL, ME, MA, MN,NV,NY,VT, WI.
Washington prohibits sale, distribution and manufacture of empty bottles that contain BPA.
DC has banned BPA empty bottles if they are to be filled with liquid.
3 years earlier, Suffolk County, Chicago and Canada had banned baby bottles containing BPA.

Another 2 notes on BPA: the U.S. Senate has banned use of thermal receipt and cash register receipt paper because its BPA absorb into the skin at high levels.

According to a Journal of Environment Int’l. March, 2014, issue; BPA disrupts endocrine function and may change signals in feeding behavior. This may directly be related to obesity as neural circuits do not tell the body it is full.

BISPHENOL S (BPS)

As a result of pressure to remove BPA from many of our plastics; on some occasions, we have substituted BPS, bisphenol S. People are just hearing about BPA, so companies know that advertising BPA free on items plays on the public’s ignorance.

According to the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science study , published January 12, 2015; both BPS and BPA have caused abnormal brain development in zebrafish, a species deemed to be a good medical models for studying prenatal brain development to relate it back to humans. It also caused hyperactivity later in the growth cycle.

Unfortunately, BPS may be no better than BPA. So beware of the next chemical that arrives and know its safety first.

PHTHALATES

Phthalates are chemicals used in plastic to make it softer or more pliable. Picture one of those IV bags up on a pole that we see on TV or have received in the hospital to get fluids or medicine. The ones in the hospital contain DEHP, diethylhexyl phthalate. It makes the plastic less stiff so bags can be made with thickness to insure non-breakage.

Although the substance does not leach a great amount if the bag is used right away, for those of us who use the 1000 ml sterile bag 100 ml at a time, as many of us do for our animals’ kidneys; DEHP free is always best and poses no phthalate danger.

So, in humans, phthalates can disrupt hormones, particularly testosterone.
They are found in PVC pipes, perfumes, glue, detergent, paint, kids’ toy packaging, shower curtains, food containers, liquid soap, milk, butter, meat. It leaches into our food.

It is banned in the EU as well as Japan, Argentina, Mexico and 6 more.

ESTROGENIC ACTIVITY – VERY IMPORTANT

Plastics can contain chemicals, like BPA and BPS, that cause estrogenic activity. These chemicals mimic estrogen and have effects on reproduction and health.

George Bittner, professor of neuroscience and CEO of two plastics companies, warns very clearly that consumers shouldn’t settle for products that were merely free of BPA. They should demand products that were free of any chemical with estrogenic activity.

LEACHING OF OTHER CHEMICALS INTO OUR FOOD

Although this article is about plastics, it may be worthwhile to research aluminum leaching from pans, a variety of chemicals getting into our food from the non-stick pans we use. Ceramic coated pans break down quickly and toxify, whereas pure ceramic pans last a long time. Glaze on porcelain is probably passing lead into your food and, therefore, your bloodstream.

I looked into buying an all ceramic pan to replace my $30 wok from the discount store. It retailed for $135.

PLASTICS IN FOOD RESEARCH

Why would no company or agency do research on whether or not plastics are safe? The answer has to do with, you may have guessed it, profit. If companies did research about plastics in food, chances are, someone would hear about it and publish the results The big D companies and the conglomerate cookware companies don’t want to do any research that might show their products are dangerous. They also discourage others from doing them.

How? They don’t donate money to any entity doing this type of study; and, even if they were to commission a study, they have full rights to the information done in every study so that the researchers MUST share findings with these study donors and approve or disapprove publishing the finds.

Or they may make a donation to a research firm, entity, school so that the team does research on some other project. This is perfectly legitimate though not ethical. But the game of business sometimes chooses money over the greater good.

If it happens that some brave soul funds the project herself or gets a benefactor for the research; these mega companies will somehow promise ongoing donations to the university research lab or government agency research lab so that results from the independent study do not go poorly in favor of how unsafe plastic is for our food because the lab wants its money for next year and next year and the next.

CONCLUSION

Plastics in food are a reality. Our super solutions, like water bottles with BPA, BPS or our canned goods with phthalates were great ideas. Testing them did not go on long enough. Telling the public did not go on at all. And educating the public to how to choose utensils, cookware, drinkware is just starting to happen.

We are responsible for the knowledge. We are also responsible to know that manufacturers’ labels are put there to sell product, not educate us. Therefore, for everything we buy, it’s always a good idea to do the research first.

ACTION STEPS

1) Research containers that hold your water. Make sure you don’t research from the seller. Research the entire class of bottle for which you show interest, and see what the most current papers say. Again, make sure they are not authored by the manufacturer or on the manufacturer’s website.

2) Know that it is not enough to ask your friendly, neighborhood mall worker what’s in the cookware. Most people have no idea other than that someone said BPA was bad and the manufacturers’ sign says BPA free. Do the reading so you can help educate that mall worker and buy the best product for you that is certified Estrogen Activity free. And be on the lookout for the next chemical replacing BPS that may, again, be unsafe.

3) Pass on what you learn. Someone will be grateful.

If you wish to share your story, please hit reply in your email program to be contacted.

If you need habit help, go to warriorsofweight-consulting.

FEEDBACK

We value your feedback very much.

Please leave a comment below.

Please LIKE us on the website and at

WarriorsOfWeight on Facebook.

You can also follow us on Twitter @warriorsoweight.

Thanks.

DIANE GOLD, PUBLISHER AND AUTHOR

Diane Gold, Founder of Warriors of Weight, Turning Habits Into Health, is a mentor in tai chi, kung fu and meditation, a music, fitness and stress expert, dedicated mom, studying plant-based nutrition step and scertificate course, peaceful conflict resolution and habit replacement.

She broke her last bowl the other day, Melamine, made in China. She says,

“I was graced to have broken my melamine bowl. In looking for another bowl for salad/dinner/etc., I realized there is very little out there that is leach free. When something says BPA free, it’s probably true. The formulation does not, however, tell me what it’s not free of, meaning what replaced the BPA.

“It’s probably time to replace the dishes; its definitely time to buy a few pots. All the new information has me doing research as to what might be the least harmful of each, with eye appeal and low enough price. It’s a fun adventure I look forward to sharing.

“Finally, let us all take good care of ourselves, because we are so worth it!”

OLIVE OIL SCIENCE (ISSUE 164) FEBRUARY 3, 2015

By Diane Gold

Olive oil science is much more elusive than discussions about how great olive oil is. There is lots of vague discussion about how it is bad for us when it smokes. Much like treated wood when it burns, the olive oil spits out toxins which produce free radicals, nasty suckers that cruise the body for a place to move in and couple. My goal in writing his article was to find the science behind all the generic verbiage about what happens to olive oil at smoke point.

MISINFORMATION?

We learned from someone’s grandma that sauteing garlic in olive oil is great for us to activate flavor and activate enzymes. True enough. But, there may be concern about the heat required to do this. And the browning of the garlic may not tell us we have smoked the oil. And what about lovely olive oil when baking vegetables in an oven higher than 350 degrees Fahrenheit?

THE BIG DEAL

Free radicals cause chronic disease, decay, damage, cancer as they change our DNA. So we have a duty to know about the cooking/heating process and what can happen to us, our friends, our wards, our customers and our families when we heat food. We have to be thoughtful to bake veggies at no more than 350 degrees and consider using other oil for stir fry veggies, grilling veggies, sauteing and roasting over the maximum temperature which is around 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

VERIFIABLE SOURCES

During my olive oil science search, I read about many TV chefs who use extra virgin olive oil for sauteing, roasting and grilling and lots of consumer opins about how, if the TV chef says it, it must be right.

This led to my personal search for whether or not I should I have soaked flax seeds, ground them, grind after soaking for flax milk. I came across this quote about verifiable, scientific reference,

“Nutrition mavens tend to recommend […]but never give any valid, verifiable, scientific reference(s) for their preference. If I can’t find independent research that supports their claims, why should I trust them?

“If you can enlighten me – especially if you can give me references to solid articles in peer-reviewed journals that I can access on the web – I’d love to hear from you (subfuscpersona, a member of the fresh loaf blog put out by the Federated Media Publishing Food channel).”

And there it is!

OPINION OR SCIENCE?

I found a 2007 online entry where someone from a university answered a query about olive oil smoke point. I would have much preferred it if, as business director of his university’s nutrition division, he had acknowledged that he is knowledgeable by training even though he raises money now since guessing is rampant.

Mary Flynn, PH.D., RD, Associate Professor, Clinical Medicine, Browns U., says that high quality extra virgin olive oil can be heated to 420 degrees F before it reaches its smoke point. If this is true, roasting at 400 degrees would be safe.

Canadian Center For Science & Education, article 21763-14350 says olive oil is

“resistant to oxidation because of its low content of polyunsaturated fatty acids and the presence of natural antioxidants.” That gives a piece to the puzzle.

Mark Sisson, a pop blogger with a BS in Biology, says that oil, when it’s overheated, literally deteriorates chemically. The rate of the breakdown (and total formation of toxic compounds) is dependent on the type of oil and temperature. To this, I say that so many unsubstantiated, vague comments are out there. (Please keep reading for the reference Mark has brought us.)

SCIENTIFIC EXPLANATION

Happily for all of us, Mark goes on to cite an article that explains what is produced and what is toxic about it, for which I thank him. It is from Science Daily’s June 17, 2005 article, sourced from Elhuyar Fundazioa (translated to Language Foundation), from U of the Basque Country Pharmacy Faculty.
Their studies explain that decomposition results in creation of hydroperoxides and, eventually, increasing levels of aldehydes. These structures are marked as toxic compounds because they have oxidized.

The article talks about how the oxidation process causes free radicals, incomplete anatomical structures, which don’t just hunt for chemical balance through theft. That would be bad, but they do more. They cause a chain reaction of “stealing” from previously healthy structures, altering DNA, causing chronic conditions (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/06/050617065306.htm).

Possibly the simplest explanation I saw was one by Henrik Hallberg Jensen, Master of Science at an oil filtration company, C.C. Jensen, in Denmark. I caution that he is talking about the oxidation of crude oil, but the process seems to be the same,

“Oxygen is reacting with the free radicals of the hydro-carbons, which, in turn, form hydro-peroxides. Hydro-peroxides are unstable and [are] soon broken down into ketones and water The ketones oxidize further, forming aldehydes or organic carboxylic acids.”

Jensen goes on to say that the acid causes corrosion, the sludge increases the viscosity and blocks valves as well as other system components. Can we compare his mention of blocked valves to clotting in our arteries caused by oxidation?

VITAMIN C PROTECTS AGAINST TOXIC CONDITIONS

A study published in the Proceeds of the National Academy of Sciences, Dec. 28, 2004, shows that Vitamin C can create a conjugate substance that will bind to the toxins mentioned in olive oil breakdown and render them benign. This process is, at least, one of the reasons Vitamin C is a great antioxidant.

CONCLUSION

The search for olive oil science has been educational and, I hope, ends up being informative. From vagaries to credentialed discussions; it has been a fun journey.

Although I do not have the credentials of the following commenter, she refers to credibility in commenting, and offers an unverified opinion,

“You cannot test oil for its smoking point on your stove. The so-called ‘smoking point’ is actually the point at which the molecules of your oil start falling apart. This happens long before there is any visible smoke above the pan. At the point where you can see the smoke, it is already too late.” (rumtscho at stackexchange.com)

So the conclusion to this article does not conclude olive oil – safe temperature for cooking. It does, happily, describe what happens to olive oil at breakdown. I would love to believe that I can continue to saute garlic for one minute and roast veggies at 400 degrees. But the jury is still out.

THE CASE FOR ELIMINATING OIL

I just finished a chapter by Caldwell Esselstyn, MD, who recommends we remove oil from our diet because it interferes with the endothelial cells’ production of nitric oxide without which our blood vessels do not stay dilated and with which our cells get sticky and blood more easily clots. I am considering this science.

ACTION STEPS

1) If you know a dietician, nutritionist, chef, natural doctor; ask about extra virgin olive oil and its smoke point. More than one answer may surface, but it’s always good to do the work.

2) Write back to us and tell us what you find about olive oil science.

3) Look for olive oil that is organic, with a recent harvest date that is cold pressed (that signifies no chemicals used during extraction, done by mechanical means while controlling the temperature.

4) Keep your Vitamin C levels up.

5) Follow a raw vegan diet for a day or a week. Obviously, when no heat is applied to food, the original nutrients and phytonutrients remain. Pick a favorite vegetable and search a free raw vegan recipe including it.

Article inspired by a discussion I had with my friend, Chef Collin Cook.

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DIANE GOLD, PUBLISHER AND AUTHOR

Diane Gold, Founder of Warriors of Weight, Turning Habits Into Health, is a mentor in tai chi, kung fu and meditation, a music, fitness and stress expert, dedicated mom, studying plant-based nutrition in certificate course, peaceful conflict resolution and habit replacement.

She is fascinated by our habits with food and is happy to correct mistakes she and others have passed on due to misinformation. She says,

“I’m still not certain about the smoke point of extra virgin olive oil, cold pressed and organic. What I do know is that there is enough information telling me that heating it past a certain point is definitely unhealthy. With this ammunition in hand, I will make better choices when using it.

“Researching this article was fabulous. It took a lot of opinion reading before I actually got to some science for my sake and the health of others.

“Let us all take good care of ourselves, with this information, because we are so worth it!”

WHO PAYS? OUR HABIT OF NOT PAYING FOR OUR FOOD (ISSUE 163) JANUARY 27, 2015

By Diane Gold

Our habit of not paying for our food is common. Since most of us are basically moral and would not thoughtfully take food without growing it or compensating the grower for it, this statement needs further discussion. We’ll start with the upfront premise that it is our duty to preserve our humanity and whatever else lives on our planet with good food.

DEFINING “PAY”

To start, let’s consider what we mean by “who pays.” To pay is to compensate or trade someone for a product or service. One of the ways we pay is through consequence for an action, or through some type of suffering, which is the focus of this article.

WHO PAYS FOR OUR FOOD?

Who pays for the land, oceans, water, soil, pollution of our resources used to produce our food? We may think that all is well because the farmer legally buys the land or section of ocean from the state or previous owner in/on which to cultivate; s/he then pays to prepare the topsoil or the ocean area; s/he then pays the water company for all the water needed for growing and slaughter (for non-plant farms); s/he then pays the workers to work the land or ocean. Neat and tidy, right?

It seems as if it’s OK that no one is paying for all the resources because we work hard and pay a price at some market for the end result. We probably think that the cost of resources is included in the price.

Newsflash! Currently, no one pays a monetary price for this. Everyone’s grandchildren will pay for it.

Strange as it may seem, the farmer doesn’t pay money to deforest forests or to desertify land or to dead zone oceans or dirty rivers. Nor does s/he pay money for lack of water which occurs due to overuse. Nor does s/he pay money to place carbon, nitrous oxide or methane emissions produced from the farm or for depletion of oxygen and marine life due to the fishing/fish farming industry.

This means no one pays financially for the circumstances we create, and no one pays to clean what we dirty.

So, who pays? Our grandchildren pay. They pay by being handed our situation multiplied by a great deal. Not a nice gift, even if we are able to gift them money to begin to clean up our mess.

Because species are obliterated, our air supply is not clean, our land has been stripped of its usefulness, our rivers are polluted and our oceans have become sick or dead zoned, money we give to our grands cannot fix everything.

(If we wanted to look from a health perspective, we also pay because eating meat, fish, fowl and dairy cause health issues. So, we pay with our health.)

EDUCATION

And why aren’t we fixing it now? I choose to believe we don’t know any better. That’s where education comes in.

Miseducation is a way not to pay for our food. But, someone pays. When we are not teaching about how farming overuses land, soil, air, oceans, water and deletes certain species (that we have not yet even discovered); we contribute to deforestation. We are going around as if we have the right to continue the way we are. If we’re breaking our original edict, to preserve humanity, uh-oh.

If we don’t educate ourselves because we listen to Big News which is close friends with Big Agro which miseducates us or omits how agriculture drives global depletion fueled by our gluttony; we are closing our eyes and failing to learn. Many teachers are not yet aware of the vast differences in land, oceans, air, soil used to farm animals or plants. Even if we don’t mean to do it, if we don’t investigate how we are not paying, we perpetuate the hurt.

LAND, OCEANS, SOIL, AIR, WATER AND SPECIES

We use up our land, oceans, soil, air, water through farming. It is even approximated that we use up species by using rainforest for farming.

There are 8 million estimated world species of which we have catalogued about one-eighth. Many of these species are in the rainforests. Western medicine gets as much as 25% of our wonder drugs from the rainforest. So, it might be fair to say we are throwing away a hefty amount of potential cures by making extinct about 100 species a day for deforestation which works out to 1-2 acres per second for agriculture.

NOT PAYING: ANIMAL-BASED AGRICULTURE VS. PLANT-BASED AGRICULTURE

Unless we are in one of the agriculture businesses or are investigating the topic, we might be surprised to know that animal agriculture (including fish, fowl, dairy) and plant agriculture have different environmental and health effects. Here are some facts that might be eye opening:

1) The U.S. Government subsidizes the cost of meat, fish, poultry, dairy; so we don’t really know its real cost, even excluding global depletion costs. If the demand does not provide livelihood and we are finding severe health issues with this type of consumption, why are we subsidizing these industries?

2) If we had to pay for the depletion of land, soil, water and oceans; we would only be able to afford to buy the lettuce, tomato, pickle and hamburger bun that goes with the hamburger at the fast food restaurants around the world. And this wouldn’t include paying for endangering or making extinct any species from deforestation. Aren’t species priceless, though? (Comfortably Unaware, Richard Oppenlander, p. 108)

3) 1.5 acres produces 37,000 pounds of plant-based food but only 375 pounds of meat. That’s about 1,000 times as much plant-based food as animal-based food on the same land. (Food Choice & Sustainability, 2013, Richard Oppenlander)

According to http://cowspiracy.com/facts’ compilation,

4) It costs 18 times as much land to farm animal food as it does to farm plant food.

5) Plant-based eaters use 50% as much carbon dioxide, 9% as much oil (for manufacturing and processing), 8% as much water and 6% as much land as meat-based eaters.

6) It is estimated that plant-based dieters save one animal’s life daily.

7) For every pound of fish caught, it’s estimated that 5 pounds of unintended fish are caught and thrown away plus 650,000 whales, dolphins and seals and are killed accidentally each year by fishing boats.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

8) “Of the top 15 causes of death, a plant-based diet can prevent nearly all of them, can treat more than half of them and in some cases even reverse the progression of disease, including our top 3 killers.” (Michael Greger, M.D.of NutritionFacts)

CONCLUSION

Based on these concepts, our habit of not paying for our food is hurting us (most of all in the health department), because who pays? We all do. Most of us, even in the food industry, are not concerned for what we don’t pay. We are interested in what we do pay and look for ways to reduce this. Here are some action ideas to consider. It is true, when we do anything, we affect something. Thus, it’s our responsibility to act.

ACTION STEPS

1) TAKE COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY

John Perkins told a story about the Shuar Tribe in Ecuador. One of the community came back to the elders with news that a plant along the trail was healthy when he went by, but 72 hours later, when he came back, the plant was sick. The elders had a council meeting, conferring with a wise one who said the plant gave a sign that the path was overused. They decided to take community responsibility and ruled to close the path.

Sounds right to me.

2) PAY THE PERCENTAGE

Everyone could join in paying for the resources. The farmer and finishing company or slaughterhouse/processor would have to pay for the percentage of destruction or global warming caused. The end user/consumer would pay a higher price for the product.

3) REQUIRE EDUCATION run by a team that can never work in any of the industries or a government position on which the education focuses, so there’s less chance to slant the truth.

4) REQUIRE TRANSPARENT, ONGOING STATISTICS configured by scientists who can never work in government, farming, lobbying, consulting so their stats are not swayed by bonuses or future opportunities.

5) CREATE PERCENTAGE ENFORCERS who get paid extra for finding violators.

6) EAT PLANTS,
for health and planet.

If you wish to share your story, please hit reply in your email program to be contacted.

If you need habit help, go to warriorsofweight-consulting.

FEEDBACK

We value your feedback very much.

Please leave a comment below.

Please LIKE us on the website and at

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Thanks.

DIANE GOLD, PUBLISHER AND AUTHOR

Diane Gold, Founder of Warriors of Weight, Turning Habits Into Health, is a mentor in tai chi, kung fu and meditation, a music, fitness and stress expert, dedicated mom, studying plant-based nutrition in certificate course, peaceful conflict resolution and habit replacement.

She loves talking about our habits with food. She says,

“So much of the way we eat has to do with the education process. Whether from our families or in school, it has influenced us greatly. We would never suspect that either of these places could misinform us.

“We now know that a lot of our family foods may not be healthy for us. We know more than previous generations, including how our bodies interact with food sources and what, from the past, is untrue. As with every generation, our parents or grandparents did not have what we have, nor the speed with which to share it.

“It’s our responsibility to investigate what’s nutritious, whether the stories that meat, fish, fowl, dairy are unhealthy and whether eating plants can stop starvation and preserve us. It is ours to care for ourselves, our planet, our sisters and our children. The perfect reasons to run right out and do research for ourselves on everything I’ve said in this article.

“Finally, let us all take good care of ourselves because we are so worth it!”

6 WAYS TO BE MORE PRODUCTIVE AND LOVE IT MORE (ISSUE 162) JANUARY 20, 2015

By Diane Gold

To be more productive and love it more, (1), because we actually will be making a critical difference and (2), because we will be having a great time doing it, is a common aspiration. Who can make that happen, though? There are so many compromises and lots of complicated layers to everything.

True, life is multifaceted, but we can set ourselves on a path of productivity, combined with one of ethical action and awesome happiness. To follow are 6 distinct ways we can do this, any one of which may enhance our lives. We are all unique and worthy. Loving what we are doing is part of it. Contributing through productivity is another.

1) MANAGE A PROJECT

Let’s say we wish to manage a project, but no one has assigned us this role. We can create our own project so that we create our own role as project manager. This can be done as part of what we do for our daily livelihood or as our own personal project. It can be for 1 minute a day. Everyone has that much time. It can also be for an hour.

In doing so, we feel satisfied that we have begun a project. Our actions lead to experience in the particular area of our project which lead us to being more productive as we become more familiar and thus more efficient at the project process. We engulf ourselves in work we love because it is our project. If we work for someone else and that someone else finds out about the project, that someone may get to see our project management skill. If we work for ourselves, we accomplish something directly related to our own passion or objective.

2) TAKE A CLASS

No matter what we are doing in our lives, taking a class makes us more productive. We will be around someone else who is passionate about the particular subject which excites us, raises our focus, raises perceived value on the competition grid of industry and usually makes us happy. One of the biggest reasons we get happy is that, during the interval of time when we are studying, whether online or onsite; we are not washing dishes – our own or someone else’s; we are not thinking about daily living items such as finance, relationship and we are in a different mental environment. We are increasing our ability to focus, and we are drinking from the well of knowledge that exists in the classroom. Learning new material about our subject may also enhance our livelihood. This spans courses from janitorial techniques to peaceful conflict resolution role playing to executive training on how to choose a productive team member more efficiently.

If we work for ourselves, we will branch out in course knowledge for ourselves or our business. If we work in the hierarchy of a company, we will bring more to the table and see the job that we do with new eyes.

3) COOK OR RAW A NEW MEAL

When we make our own food, we are caring for ourselves. We get to create nutritious art plus we get to make ourselves healthy by choosing ingredients that include vitamins, minerals, nutrients and phytonutrients that fortify us from harm and make us strong.

Making this meal, we have a chance to be super productive by choosing to use ingredients that have been sustainably grown with no pesticides, herbicides, fungicides or genetic engineering; without rainforest destruction, without soil depletion, without using excessive land or water, without human exploitation for labor, without taking an animal’s life.

4) USE A VIDEO CAM, MIRROR AND VOICE RECORDER

Whether we are working on self-esteem or want to gain more from the way we sound; the camera and the mirror always help us see ourselves as others see us. The voice recorder allows us to hear what we sound like. We can go to the webcam or the mirror once a day and tell ourselves how amazing we are. We can start by saying,

“I’m wonderful. I’m kind. I’m happy. I’m helpful. I’m hopeful. I love my life. I love where I live. I love my team. I love the animals in my house. I love my town. I love you. I love myself. Thank you, self, for being who you are.”

But any words can be used. As long as we’re consistent, we’ll get great at it.

If we’re using the webcam, we might also get proficient at making videos for family greeting cards or making videos for marketing our product or service. If not, and, if possible, let us record what we say so we can hear our great message to ourselves.

Here’s a sample video of a young girl doing it some 5 years ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR3rK0kZFkg

5) MEDITATE, DANCE OR RUN

There are a few choices when choosing to meditate. They fall into the category of moving or not moving as in doing tai chi or sitting in the corner.

Dance comes in many styles. We all like a different one.

Running can mean in place or moving distance. We can do it in place, on a track or on the street.

These methods all have one thing in common. Meditating, dancing, running all teach focus. This means grabbing the mind so that we control what it does. The better we get at this, the more time we’ll have because we won’t be thinking about a different task as we are doing our initial task. This makes us more productive.

These activities also recharge us so we can be fabulous and productive in anything we do. All we need is 1 minute a day to succeed. To meditate, we can stand with knees slightly bent, feet shoulder width apart, butt tucked. For dancing and running, we can pick our favorite style, as long as we are moving the body nicely. For all three, we can watch the breath we breathe in and the breathe we breathe out. All we need is 15-60 seconds.

6) ENOUGH REST

This one seems easy. Because we have such full days, we sometimes tend to overdo it before settling down to sleep. At these times, we might find we have not left enough sleep time to feel rested and awesome for our next day.

A quick trick that can give us enough rest if we should awaken and need more sleep, is to do one single liquid-like tai chi movement for 30 seconds, focusing the attention on the center in front of us. This exercise will make us feel as if we have just napped. I have even experienced the feeling that I have taken a 5 hour nap from one small tai chi experience.

When we have enough sleep, negative attitudes disappear; and we are in better condition to produce and love it.

CONCLUSION

Our 6 ways to be more productive (and love it) are action steps in themselves. They create a type of clarity through focus and self-nurturing that develops drive which causes productivity which leads to enjoyment and satisfaction. Simple steps, all less than a minute.

Here’s the review of the ACTION STEPS:

1) CREATE A PROJECT to manage and complete.

2) TAKE A CLASS in something to self-enhance.

3) COOK OR RAW A NEW MEAL for power, purpose and health.

4) SPEAK TO YOURSELF IN THE MIRROR OR WEBCAM for 15-30 seconds/day.

5) MEDITATE (standing or sitting with straight back), DANCE OR RUN, focusing on our breath.

6) REST ENOUGH.

If you wish to share your story, please hit reply in your email program to be contacted.

If you need habit help, go to warriorsofweight-consulting.

Border 5ffb17

FEEDBACK

We value your feedback very much.

Please leave a comment below.

Please LIKE us on the website and at

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You can also follow us on Twitter @warriorsoweight.

Thanks.

DIANE GOLD, PUBLISHER AND AUTHOR

Diane Gold, Founder of Warriors of Weight, Turning Habits Into Health, is a mentor in tai chi, kung fu and meditation, a music, fitness and stress expert, dedicated mom, studying plant-based nutrition in certificate course, peaceful conflict resolution and habit replacement.

She is grateful to be focused. She says,

“If we take on what we want someone else to give us, we will get our wish without waiting, and we will gain experience. If we take on a project that we have interest in, we will be fulfilling a dream. Either of these actions make us productive, the acts themselves as well as attitudes about them. They also make us love the productivity. And all we need is a minute a day. So, let’s begin.

“Finally, let us all take good care of ourselves because we are so worth it!”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE (ISSUE 160) JANUARY 6, 2015

By Diane Gold

Making a difference is certainly subjective. There’s no disputing, though, that every move we make changes something. While one person might plant spices to get personal produce, someone else might be a mentor in a literacy program and another someone else might create a way to keep food stored more efficiently. Yet another person might be the clerk in a grocery store or someone’s car washer.

Everyone makes a difference. We each define how we will make that difference during the time that we have on this earth.

Here’s my list for 2015. I know that if I say it out loud to all of you, not only will I be transparent and committed out loud, but all of you will help me achieve these things on which I am working. And I always say pick one target, focus, goal. These are all part of the same goal, which is to educate on what we eat, deplete and wear to motivate replacement of old habits.

1) INCREASING FOOD LABELING AWARENESS

Food labeling is big, because, in order to notice what we eat, we have to know what’s in and on our food. And, our regulating agency, the Food & Drug Administration, has a slow and archaic way of labeling so that most of us don’t know what’s in and on our food. The chemical name for an ingredient doesn’t tell us if it is derived from animal, plant, microbe or a synthetic substance, and, wax coatings on produce don’t have a requirement to be as specific as I would like.

My way of making a difference with regard to food labeling is to continue calling retailers, wholesalers, produce finishers and the FDA to talk about better labeling. I will also call my senator and chat.

2) USING FABRIC FROM SOURCES THAT ARE SUSTAINABLE

Recently, after interviewing my friend, Danielle, I realized that I have not been conscious of the sources of my clothing. I always buy cotton day-to-day clothes because I want the fabric to be porous, which, I know, is good for my skin. I just learned that most cotton is genetically modified. Oy! So, my goal is to buy fabrics that are organic cotton or bamboo or hemp which grow back quickly. I’ll look around for good sources and spread the word.

3) SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT WHAT WE ARE DEPLETING

One of the most important things to me is to make certain people realize that every time we make a choice, we effect something. This includes the space in which we live, the air we breathe, the water we need, our forests and jungles and the other creatures with whom we share the planet. When we farm animals, we are using their lives at our whim. Plus, if all we care about is human advantage, animal agriculture depletes more resources than anything else. So we are not protecting our own interests.

It’s our responsibility to make better choices and more knowledge driven choices.

BONUS) COMPILING A LIST OF COMPANIES THAT ARE RUNNING SUSTAINABLY AND WHOSE PROFIT IS MADE THROUGH THE SALE OF SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

This compilation is very important to me. I am not looking to list every company, individually, although that would be great. I want to make a list of, at least, one company in each category, so that we, the people, can start to use these companies and to see that it’s possible to make a difference through our buying, the type of educations we choose and our eating choices.

HELP ME BY SENDING ME THE NAMES OF ANY ORGANIZATIONS OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES YOU KNOW THAT FIT INTO THIS CATEGORY. AND, IF YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO RUN OR WORKS AT ONE OF THESE ORGS,
PLEASE CONNECT US.

CONCLUSION

We all are making a difference every day with everything we do. Let’s make a concerted effort to shape the differences we make so that we:

(ACTION STEPS)

restore rainforests

clean up polluted lakes

provide sustainable food for all people

create a food production system where health & environment trump profit

actively pursue human rights

arrange health care for all people, regardless of their financial standing

provide for the elderly to live in dignity, regardless of income

use all our waste materials to produce new goods like shoes and fuel

compost and recycle daily (and have mandatory laws like San Francisco does)

require tai chi, meditation, kung fu and conflict resolution training in school systems beginning at age 5 to cause peaceful social behavior throughout life

require every school through high school to have music, art, physical education programs to advance creativity and sensitivity

cause a criminal justice system to evolve that is not based on revenge

purchase responsibly

run corporations, societies and universities with safe and healthy delivery of all goods, services and their production where providing for society trumps profit motive (with each entity generating healthy profits)

clean up after our sisters and brothers, even if we get no financial gain

___

Finally, some of us think it’s a joke that we don’t recycle, that we eat without concern for animal welfare or our own health, that we collect toys that are not sustainable. Thinking we are cool or have the right is not cool and not a joke. Each of our actions matters. We, not only, are involved in making a difference; we always make a difference. Let’s bow to the mistakes we have made through our education, industry and technology, and let’s adjust our mind set in light of our knowledge as of January 1, 2015 to be conscious of making a difference in a way we admire.

I wish us all love. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GGRjxSJF4M.

If you wish to share your story, please hit reply in your email program to be contacted.

If you need habit help, go to warriorsofweight-consulting.

FEEDBACK

We value your feedback very much.

Please leave a comment below.

Please LIKE us on the website and at

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Thanks.

DIANE GOLD, PUBLISHER AND AUTHOR

Diane Gold, Founder of Warriors of Weight, Turning Habits Into Health, is a mentor in tai chi, kung fu and meditation, a music, fitness and stress expert, dedicated mom, studying plant-based nutrition, peaceful conflict resolution and habit replacement.

She is grateful to be writing these words. She says,

“It’s true, we are making a difference all the time. How many times a day are we living our truth as we make that difference? HopefulIy, it’s many times a day. Hopefully we are making good food choices, using less plastic, using less water, being creative, becoming still daily, forgiving our aggressors, getting educated daily.

“Whether we focus on it or not, we matter. What we do matters. What resources we use matter, including using other creatures, both human and animal, to do it.

“Let’s tighten up our ship so that our planet sustains, so that our oceans aren’t toxic for our grandkids, so that everyone has health care, hygiene and a decent standard of living. Let’s create the luck that we surely have if we have enough freedom and health to read this. Let’s act as if all children are our children. Because they are.

“Finally, let us all take good care of ourselves because we are so worth it!”

THE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION – HOW TO SUCCEED (ISSUE 159) DECEMBER 23, 2014

By Diane Gold

The New Year’s Resolution time of year is here, and our habit of setting one is age old. For this year, I’d like to offer a simple way to succeed that is easy, works for any goal and requires no self-esteem and no self-motivation.

HABITS

We all have habits, which are created from consistent repetition of the same action. We (1) get an urge by a trigger’s going off within (the urge to write music, eat, take drugs, swim) or we create our own trigger through external stimulation (leaving the running shoes next to our bed which triggers our putting them on and, possibly, some day, running in them which may trigger the urge to go out and show our newly exercised body off). Some habits add to our lives; others, take away more energy than they give.

THE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION

There is a ritual of creating the New Year’s Resolution. This ritual is popular, so it turns into a habit by the very nature of peers questioning,

“What’s your New Year’s Resolution?”

Once upon a time, we set goals for ourselves whenever the time to do so was appropriate. Now, we do it as the calendar changes. So, we are peer pressured to have a resolution to announce to others and ourselves.
Motivating? Maybe, or this may just keep us in that box of doing things for others and neglecting ourselves. Unless we put the opinions, gossip, judgments of others in perspective, we may not live with honor to ourselves.

PEER PRESSURE – INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL

It is crucial to understand the difference between personally subscribing to peer pressure and externally accommodating the rules of peer pressure to be in harmony with society. We can decide that we, personally, do not put much value in the group ethic or what the group of peers is saying, or I may care about one group, and you may care about another. It’s important to act our truth. We may decide to act in a particular social manner so that peers can enjoy interacting with us and eventually understand our focus. We choose how far we compromise our ultimate truth, if, at all.

Example of peer pressure to look good:

Let’s say there are two kinds of clothing to wear, and, for today’s example, we don’t have the opportunity to make or obtain any other kind. One kind is stylish and looks runway-model-like. It is made from a combination of genetically modified cotton (which most of our cotton is) and a petroleum based fabric, polyester.

The other kind of clothing is made with sustainable bamboo that is more casual, is not genetically modified, is not sprayed with pesticides and whose crop replenishes at a rate faster than it is used.

(Note that genetic modification is completely different from plants sprayed with pesticide. Just because something is not sprayed does not mean its seeds were not genetically manipulated. And vice versa.)

People judge us. To that, we act from our own core values. Some people would immediately use the runway clothing because they would value looking stylish, glamorous and impeccably fashioned. I’m the first to say that dressing up can add happiness to the environment, stimulates the senses, makes the wearer feel exceptional and the wearer can get into more parties. I, personally, would like to look runway-model-like. But, more important to me (now, in my life) is my ability to educate about sustainability and genetic modification. So I would choose the bamboo clothes to send my message.

HOW TO SUCCEED (THE ACTION STEPS)

Whatever leads us to originate the New Year’s Resolution, we may choose this time of year to pull out a goal that feels right to us. Let’s look at the method for success:

1) PICK 1 TASK.

2) WRITE DOWN the very first action step you have to do to begin the task.

3) RESOLVE TO DO THAT TASK. Once this one step is completed, you will have completed your resolution. That’s it. Congrats.

EXAMPLE

Let’s say my giant task is to learn French. My resolution would be either to get a language book or find a course online. It would not include beginning the book or course, reading pages or producing sounds. Those would be tasks for another day.

CONCLUSION

We have discussed that our habit of setting a New Year’s Resolution may come from our habit of responding to peer pressure which may have come from our desire for recognition which may have been nurtured into us. So, looking right in front of us, without looking down the 5-year path or the 5-step path, concentrating on one step is all that matters.

Once we take that first step, we have succeeded. We may choose to take another. We like success, whether this has been nurtured into us or whether we like advancing society for its own sake. Taking 1 step allows us to complete our New Year’s Resolution entirely. If it is a worthy action, we may choose to repeat the 1 step process. The important thing is that we have set and achieved our New Year’s Resolution. Our future acts can be framed by this.

If you wish to share your story, please hit reply in your email program to be contacted.

If you need habit help, go to warriorsofweight-consulting.

FEEDBACK

We value your feedback very much.

Please leave a comment below.

Please LIKE us on the website and at

WarriorsOfWeight on Facebook.

You can also follow us on Twitter: @warriorsoweight.

Thanks.

DIANE GOLD, PUBLISHER AND AUTHOR

Diane Gold, Founder of Warriors of Weight, Turning Habits Into Health, is a mentor in tai chi, kung fu and meditation, a music, fitness and stress expert, dedicated mom, studying plant-based nutrition, peaceful conflict resolution and habit replacement.

She is happy to be here. She says,

“We all have amazing ideas. Often, around a new calendar year, we create a goal for ourselves. Often, we plan multiple steps and multiple goals. It’s true, we may very well succeed at these. However, a sure fire way to the finish line is to have a small scope from which to focus, similar to using a microscope or a telescope. Both these tools allow us to hone in on one piece of the whole. That’s the method. Do one simple step. This is success. If another step is needed to proceed, do it. At least, in doing so, we will begin to become an expert at taking 1 step, which is all that is important right now.

“Thank you for all your support for WarriorsOfWeight.com. May we consider a little more social justice this coming year and realize how royal we all are.

“Finally, let us all take extra good care of ourselves because we are so worth it!”

THE AIRPLANE WORKOUT IS HERE: STOP IN-FLIGHT CLOTS (ISSUE 158) DECEMBER 16, 2014

By Diane Gold

The Airplane Workout, just in time for the holidays, can stop in-flight clots. With almost no effort on an airplane flight, we can do the simplest and most effective thing to protect ourselves from getting a blood clot while we’re on a plane.

Did you know that you could get blood clots from flying – and they are often invisible and come without warning?

As a matter of fact, according to the World Health Organization’s Research 1 in 6,000 healthy travelers will have a life threatening blood clot on a flight over 4 hours long as clotting enzymes increase. Frequent travelers are at much greater risk.

There are 815 million U.S. travelers per year (rita.dot.gov), meaning 135,000 are subject to clotting in flight . According to hopkinsmedicine.org, 3% end up with a pulmonary embolism that ends up in death. That’s 4,000 people per year in the U.S. alone who could die from a clot that originated on an airplane.

With similar statistics worldwide, this number would triple to about 12,000 people a year!

Furthermore, hopkinsmedicine.org says that people who suffer from obesity, use contraceptives, are extreme in height and have thrombotic blood (which points to those with clotting problems to begin with) multiply the calculation of risk. These added risks have been repeatedly corroborated in other research.

OUR EASY AND FUN LIFESAVING WORKOUT

But here’s the good news . . .

We can prevent this silent and deadly killer in its tracks just by doing certain exercise activities on the plane. We can significantly reduce chances a blood clot might happen to us.

Would deterring a possible life-threatening embolism be a good reason to do a workout when we fly?

ABSOLUTELY!

Now, if I’m thinking – I can just get up and walk to the back of the plane. Well the truth is, sometimes we can’t, with the food and drink service, and, other times, turbulence may have taken over and the pilot specifically asks us to remain seated.

ACTION STEP – DO A SAMPLE EXERCISE FROM THE AIRPLANE WORKOUT

That’s why, today, I want to share a fun and easy exercise you can start doing immediately. You will see that it moves a large portion of your body while you are seated.

1) Sit with your back straight and shoulders forward of the hips with space between the chair back and where you place your personal seat.

2) Place relaxed elbows against rib cage with palms on the thighs.

3) Place feet flat on ground, shoulder width apart.

4) Relax the shoulders and lower the chin.

5) Simultaneously, place left and right feet together, and lift the toes.

6) Then come through the flat foot and lift the heels.

7) Then come through the flat foot, and repeat the sequence 29 times, ending with the feet flat.

8) Keep the shoulders forward of the hips with elbows on the rib cage.

9) Relax, and say,

“Ah.”

This exercise will get you started, whether at home or in-flight.

This is just one of the simple exercises you can do on a plane. As a matter of fact, I created The Airplane Workout as an entire “workout” plan.

GET IT HERE, NOW!

OTHER BENEFITS

The other amazingly valid reason to do a workout on an airplane is to give us the energy and creativity we need to rock any business presentation, social event, family adventure at our destination.

PERCEPTION

Let’s talk about how we perceive the flight itself. Most of us figure we can get some rest, listen to music, engage in friendly talk with our neighbor, or do some business with no interruption. We could also dedicate our time to eating genetically modified peanuts, full of the worst kind of salt, as we progress along on our journey.

We don’t give much time to the idea that we, an integrated set of body/mind systems, have the ability to become more relaxed, more productive, more creative, more energetic, and more spiritually stable if we took the time to cultivate ourselves. And movement is the healthiest method to get us there.

WHY THE AIRPLANE WORKOUT IS PERFECT

When we think about it, airplane time is the perfect arena for tuning up on fitness. There isn’t the distraction of other gym goers with whom to compare or socially pursue. There isn’t a lot of space to divert our attention. We can’t leave. And we don’t need any equipment.

I use The Airplane Workout for inflight work. I know I need a set of exercises using multiple body parts and body alignment that will cater to an airplane. I want to be able to feel the body working from the very first exercise so that I know I’m making an effort to keep the blood coursing through my veins as best I can.

My workout offers a simple, concise, organized and fun way for us to systematically reduce the chances of our being victims of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Now that we know why it’s important to move, move, move inflight; all we have to do is do it.

Not only will we feel great from moving, but doing it with proper body alignment will reinforce correct posture for every other gym or fitness exercise we ever do. And being in a very small location, the airplane seat gives us the advantage of concentrating on this alignment. It will save our back from much of the pain we hear about from workout accidents. It will maximize any exercise we do in all our other workouts and sports activities as well as when standing, walking and sitting.

The inflight airplane workout idea offers a safe way to secure health and vibrant energy. The airplane is a natural place to work out to avoid those killer clots.

It also maximizes our time to the fullest and helps our creativity flow!

So have fun with the idea and get that advantageous edge!

ACTION STEP:
DON’T JUST SIT THERE: GET THE AIRPLANE WORKOUT.

The only workout specially developed for airline travel, this training gives you the finest workout for your airplane seat (or any seated space):

GET THE AIRPLANE WORKOUT!

This ebook, which you can get in minutes, includes easy directions and photos, designed specifically for the confined space of an airplane. Click the image of the book, or go to the access link below.

Moving the body increases blood flow, enhances respiration, works the abdominal muscles, and deters clots. So get moving today. Go get The Airplane Workout with one click:

ACCESS THE BOOK NOW!

P.S. You can use this workout even if you are not flying! You can do these exercises in the office, at your desk or in your favorite pajamas at home.

DON’T JUST SIT THERE! Get access to The Airplane Workout today.

If you wish to share your story, please hit reply in your email program to be contacted.

If you need habit help, go to http://warriorsofweight.com/warriorsofweight-consulting.

FEEDBACK

We value your feedback very much.

Please leave a comment below.

Please LIKE us on the website and at

WarriorsOfWeight on Facebook.

You can also follow us on Twitter: @warriorsoweight.

Thanks.

DIANE GOLD, PUBLISHER AND AUTHOR

Diane Gold, Founder of Warriors of Weight, Turning Habits Into Health, is a mentor in tai chi, kung fu and meditation, a music, fitness and stress expert, dedicated mom, studying plant-based nutrition, peaceful conflict resolution and habit replacement.

She is an expert at efficient and and no-stress body movement. She says,

“The airplane ride is a tremendous opportunity to move our organs around. Get The Airplane Workout to see how. Take every chance to make every minute count. If a tiny bit of movement can prevent a blood clot, can you spare the time?

You can. And, go ahead. Make my day. Get the book as part of taking good care of ourselves because, as we know, we are so worth it!”