tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22686139333404628442012-01-22T12:30:10.403-06:00Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.comBlogger821100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-71671681194621106592012-01-22T12:30:00.000-06:002012-01-22T12:30:10.419-06:00

One of the most popular New Year's resolutions is to lose weight. There has been no shortage of ads promoting weight loss since the beginning of the year. The choices are endless and may be overwhelming. Before you invest in prepackaged meals, start counting points, or join extreme bootcamps, turn your attention to nutrition. Barring any medical issues, weight gain is tied directly to what you

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-32540930346930631472011-12-31T11:55:00.000-06:002011-12-31T11:56:40.328-06:00

This is the last day of 2011. Like many of you, I had an action-packed year. I am sure that each of you has had just as many triumphs as failures. It is not unusual to take a moment and be reflective about all of the things that you did or didn't do, things that did or didn't happen, the people who came into and went out of your life, the people who loved you and hated on you, the people who

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-69864392211740706452011-12-13T10:00:00.002-06:002011-12-13T10:00:59.297-06:00

Briefs analyze factors contributing to Latino childhood obesity, recommend policies to help prevent it Published: Dec 07, 2011 Related Read the brief: Influence of Media on Overweight and

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-58842561173249729012011-12-07T08:50:00.001-06:002011-12-07T09:31:51.863-06:00

This article written by Jane Lowe of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (http://www.RWJF.org) stresses the importance of keeping fun,constructive, character-building playtime in lower-income schools. Our children are under attack due to rapidly increasing poverty rates and the resulting instability of home life. These factors adversely affect children's ability to focus in the classroom as

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-54176359241138671002011-12-06T09:16:00.001-06:002011-12-06T10:56:09.278-06:00

This article speaks for itself... MYTH: Muscle Weighs More Than Fat FACT: One pound of muscle actually weighs the same as one pound of fat: They each weigh one pound! There are, however, two important differences between muscle tissue and fat tissue that are important to recognize. For one, fat tissue is more bulky than muscle tissue, so it occupies more space under the skin. Thus, one

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-49074796317994463202011-11-28T08:13:00.001-06:002011-11-28T08:58:56.656-06:00

Buy Fit Girls Like You! Buy Fit Boys Like You! The debate over who is ultimately to blame for childhood obesity heats up with yet another removal of a child from the parents' care in Cleveland, Ohio. While there are many contributing factors to this epidemic (food industry, marketers/advertisers, Big Pharma, growth of technology and the subsequent reduction in physical activity, etc.),

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-60249043148680952322011-11-16T06:06:00.001-06:002011-11-16T06:33:13.517-06:00

"A study done by researchers has shown a correlation between overweight and obese children and the development of high blood pressure. Over 1100 children averaging 10 years of age were followed for 5 years. Researches assessed their body mass index and blood pressure at least 8 times during the course of the study. Researchers found that when BMI exceeded the 85th percentile (obesity is the

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-33152849976076891882011-10-28T22:11:00.000-05:002011-10-28T22:11:43.818-05:00

The official release date for Fit Girls Like You and Fit Boys Like You is Tuesday, November 1, 2011! Both books will be available in my CreateSpace eStore as well as on Amazon.com, Amazon Kindle, and Barnes & Noble NOOK! Watch the preview trailer NOW!

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-72949931503396967732011-10-05T13:07:00.000-05:002011-10-05T13:07:46.310-05:00

It is no secret that Americans are fatter than they have ever been. Sadly, the number of children who are obese continues to rise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted some alarming statistics regarding childhood obesity on its website: Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. The percentage of children aged 6–11 years in the United States who were

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-45484854953078829422011-10-04T12:07:00.000-05:002011-10-04T12:07:04.892-05:00

Too often, the quest for weight loss is tied to vanity. And granted, your perception is your reality. When you see fit, vibrant individuals, it is not uncommon to want to emulate what you see. You may want to wear the same brand of jeans they wear or rock the same hair style. You could be drawn to that confidence or covet the attention they receive. You may long for the waistline you used to

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-71311552651961607852011-09-26T09:27:00.000-05:002011-09-26T09:27:31.227-05:00

For a thirty-day period every year, Muslims around the globe observe the holy month of Ramadan. During this period, we abstain from eating and drinking during the daylight hours, keep up prayer, avoid unclean behaviors, and engage in random acts of kindness. For athletes, maintaining their training and competition schedules can be challenging, but not impossible. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-18060544500397239892011-09-07T10:20:00.000-05:002011-09-07T10:20:53.693-05:00

Should children exercise everyday? If so, for how long? How much is enough? How much is too much? In a New York Times article, Gina Kolata reports that these questions are not easily answered: "You're a parent and you want to do your best to be sure your children are healthy. So you worry about physical activity. How much exercise is enough? Will being active protect them against diabetes,

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-88036910814660155742011-08-17T08:10:00.000-05:002011-08-17T08:10:35.476-05:00

As-Salaam Alaikum! Ramadan Mubarak! For many who are fasting and praying this month, a daily routine has been established and are enjoying the benefits of Ramadan on every level. However, some of us may be struggling for balance. We may have trouble staying hydrated in this heat. Our bodies are detoxifying and we may be experiencing a myriad of symptoms. The following excerpt from Making the

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-63757181226735425592011-08-04T09:05:00.001-05:002011-08-12T10:32:13.112-05:00

"Fear has been instrumental in setting your course whether your parents are alive or dead. Whether you grew up happy or sad, wealthy or poor. Whether you know it or not. Fear has developed your likes and dislikes, picked your friends, and raised your children. Fear has limited your potential, excluded possibilities, and controlled your choices." Rhonda Britten, author of Fearless Living: Live

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-72110274319813822082011-07-29T14:48:00.000-05:002011-07-29T14:48:54.959-05:00

Available in paperback and electronic download! Excerpt from Chapter 6 Hydration: "The average individual requires 96 ounces (3 quarts) of water per day. For individuals who are participating in a weight loss program, an additional 8 ounce glass of water for every 25 pounds over ideal bodyweight is required. Extra hydration is also needed for those who live in warmer humid climates as well

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-6890685019983958622011-07-25T14:42:00.000-05:002011-07-25T14:42:47.800-05:00

Ramadan begins in just one week. Hopefully, you have already started your preparations. If not, there is still time. Here are some of my annual rituals that set me and my family up for a successful fast. 1. Eliminate unhealthy foods from your diet. It is critical that we eat nutritionally-dense foods during Ramadan. Processed foods, fast food, junk food, etc. typically do not contain

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-65780713763643098052011-07-18T06:44:00.006-05:002011-07-18T07:16:00.906-05:00

According to Dr. Bill Hettler, wellness is comprised of six dimensions: occupational, physical, social, intellectual, spiritual, and emotional. To be considered "well", one must strive to enhance areas of his life that take away from overall happiness and (ultimately) peace. This model proposes the following tenets for living a healthy, balanced life. Occupational Wellness:• It is better to

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-31707946977506659672011-07-08T13:10:00.005-05:002011-07-08T13:27:30.797-05:00

Here are the links to all of my recent literary efforts:Children's Books:Little Boys Like You https://www.createspace.com/3635562 Little Girls Like You https://www.createspace.com/3627241 Books for New and Expectant Parents:Dear Mommy, You're Pregnant! http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/raychellemuhammadDear Daddy, Mommy's Pregnant! http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/raychellemuhammadThank you in advance

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-35260639311849158032011-07-06T07:17:00.007-05:002011-07-06T07:29:39.519-05:00

Dear Daddy, Mommy's Pregnant! is the companion to Dear Mommy, You're Pregnant!. It takes a humorous look at navigating through pregnancy and fatherhood through the eyes of a wise (yet sometimes irreverent) baby-in-waiting! Buy it now in hardcover!Also available in paperback! Thank you for your support!Be good to yourself! More next time...

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-29982096179968893722011-07-05T16:36:00.004-05:002011-07-05T16:46:55.778-05:00

Little Girls Like You is the companion to Little Boys Like You! This book encourages family, high self-esteem, education, and leadership. Written as a read-to-me book, Little Girls is intended for mothers to share with their daughters. I hope that you will support my efforts to provide positive, uplifting stories to children everywhere.Buy it now! https://www.createspace.com/3627241Be good to

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-11525236252873330262011-07-03T23:00:00.007-05:002011-07-04T11:16:41.614-05:00

If you are looking to buy a great gift for a mother-to-be, take a look at my latest book, Dear Mommy, You're Pregnant! Excerpt: "Motherhood is truly a labor of love. Whether or not you are a mother in the traditional sense, this role is a huge responsibility carried out by instinct, intuition, and the heart...I wrote this book through the eyes of an insightful (and somewhat irreverent)

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-20307708702545998252011-06-30T20:47:00.006-05:002011-06-30T21:11:23.597-05:00

Well, I have certainly missed you all! In addition to completing my B.S. in Sports Management-Wellness and Fitness concentration (Summa Cum Laude) and obtaining my NASM personal training certification, I have self-published my first children's book: Little Boys Like You. I wrote this book for young readers and it focuses on education, family, building a positive self-image, and dreaming big!

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-77431586492106958072010-12-04T04:57:00.005-06:002010-12-04T06:06:14.920-06:00

Greetings, All!I am taking a break from my studies to share an interesting article with you about the effects that unfermented soybeans have on our health. The soybean is widely used in packaged foods from breads and cereals to salad dressings and meat alternatives. It is listed in the ingredients as soybean oil, soybean flour, soy lecithin, soy protein isolate, etc. Consumption of soy-laden

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-56775731310243586982010-05-18T06:49:00.007-05:002010-05-18T07:30:04.151-05:00

Many of our health woes, including obesity, cancer, heart health, diabetes, and emotional distress, stem from what we eat. Processed foods are full of chemicals and hormones. Even if they started out as living organisms, they are a far cry from that once they hit your dinner table. How can you ensure that the foods you eat are locally-grown, organic, and disease/chemical-free? GROW IT YOURSELF!

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-3986373693551043822010-04-10T07:12:00.005-05:002010-04-10T08:39:02.411-05:00

"Friends...how many of us have them?" "One love...you're lucky just to have just one."Today I want to share some thoughts about life, love, family, friends, and our duty to ourselves and others. Thanks to RVT, MJ, AW, LCA, GM, RAJ, RDJ, and DHG for being an inspiration to me. I love you all!If you pay attention to the role that someone plays in your life when you experience a trial, it will be

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-46743689130189297992010-02-08T08:26:00.006-06:002010-02-08T09:42:55.406-06:00

Dr. Roni DeLuz, a naturopathic doctor, registered nurse, and owner of the Martha's Vineyard Holistic Retreat, offers the following insights and tips on prevention as a deterrent to disease. The facts"The swine flu epidemic that stroked Mexico a few months ago has become a serious public health threat both in United Sates and the rest of the world. According to the World Health Organization’s (

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-58040117615887845702010-01-15T09:00:00.002-06:002010-01-15T09:08:08.360-06:00

Help Haiti TodayThis could be any one of us or all of us. Do something for your fellow man today. Enough said.

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-48358781402651250462009-12-24T04:40:00.004-06:002009-12-24T06:43:04.586-06:00

This year is rapidly coming to a close. Looking back, I can definitely say that that I learned a lot about the people in my life. More importantly, I learned a lot about myself. Like many of you, I am reflecting on everything that has happened, but with gratitude. I am grateful for all it-- the good, bad, and especially the ugly. The "good" has given me hope and affirmation. The "bad" has pushed

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-49687597862316366772009-10-12T09:33:00.004-05:002009-11-03T05:07:15.576-06:00

Even the most disciplined person can fall off the fitness wagon. One of the simplest things that you can do to get back on track is to keep a food journal. Writing down EVERYTHING you eat, the size of each portion, and daily water intake for just one week will lead to the discovery of why your weight or health condition isn't what you need it to be. Don't restrict your journal entries to

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-10157246402563139962009-07-26T05:00:00.003-05:002009-07-26T06:05:05.585-05:00

Life offers many challenges on the road to self-discovery. Every individual is presented with a unique set of circumstances. The way that these challenges are handled will determine success or failure, happiness or sadness, growth or stagnation, and more. I remember many years ago hearing the following quote: "When you find yourself at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on tight." Just

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-76732109884600834222009-06-12T09:40:00.004-05:002009-06-12T10:22:22.840-05:00

According to Dr. Susan Lark on www.drlark.com, chemical imbalances are the root cause of weight gain in women over 40. These imbalances include a sluggish metabolism which accompanies aging, food allergies that trigger an inflammatory response, and mood swings that intensify food cravings. "False fat" is the accumulation of inflammatory fluids in body tissue caused by food allergies. Where excess

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-73874010013441305692009-05-11T07:33:00.007-05:002009-05-12T08:35:24.528-05:00

My daughter, Halima, has recently inspired me to be more environmentally responsible. When I was growing up, the "Don't Mess With Texas" and "Adopt a Highway/Park" campaigns were a big deal and made quite an impact on my attitudes about about pollution. To this day, I still don't litter and I can't stand it when others do. But, my daughter has taken this ideal to a whole other level. During Earth

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-31554827182835855952009-04-19T07:28:00.005-05:002009-04-19T09:30:11.798-05:00

The benefits of a good diet and exercise regimen reach far beyond the number on the scale. In less than one month, both blood pressure levels and cholesterol levels can be brought within healthy ranges. How? Consuming a low-fat, high-fiber diet and walking for 45 to 60 minutes daily will reduce blood cholesterol levels and help clear arteries. According to the American Council on Exercise,

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-28977681631208812752009-04-01T09:12:00.005-05:002009-04-24T17:35:49.917-05:00

Losing a loved one is often one of life's most difficult experiences. The manner and duration of the grieving period is unique to each individual. Each loss affects the bereaved differently. Most people associate grief with the loss of a family member or close friend. There are many types of loss that one may experience including the loss of a job, divorce, financial setbacks, death of a pet, etc

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-29956629729102226932009-03-30T08:16:00.003-05:002009-03-30T09:31:54.736-05:00

Along with the onslaught of fad diets on the market comes a lot of confusion about the best ways to get fit. There are simple formulas that anyone can follow to lose weight, gain muscle mass, or support training regimens for athletes. A balanced diet is critical to achieving and maintaining overall health and wellness. Today, I'd like to take a look at the role that protein plays in each of these

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-30725481178602254612009-03-29T12:49:00.006-05:002009-04-05T09:17:51.047-05:00

The most predictable question that a child will ask while on a seemingly long journey is: "Are we there yet?" Because adults may underestimate a child's ability to grasp the mechanics of travel, they often withhold important details about the trip. Children have to grow into an understanding of time, rates of speed, geography, etc., but the more information that they have, the easier it will be

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-21010166715534254092009-03-19T08:36:00.006-05:002009-03-20T21:57:05.122-05:00

Your attitude about gaining weight and your understanding about how the human body works will determine your number on the scale. Many people believe that exercise alone will fix the problem of being overweight. Others believe that if they go on a diet for a period of time, they can resume "normal" eating habits once they reach their goal weight. Some believe that they are destined to be fat

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-56418283333803228662009-03-03T08:35:00.002-06:002009-03-03T11:09:44.255-06:00

There are many benefits of eating fruit. Fruits are generally low in fats, calories, and sodium. They contain no cholesterol. Coupled with high amounts of dietary fiber, fruits are heart healthy. Some of the nutrients contained in fruits include potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin C, and folate (folic acid). Potassium helps to maintain a healthy blood pressure. Dietary fiber, obtained from eating

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-89595447344230572202009-02-14T07:29:00.002-06:002009-02-14T09:16:42.822-06:00

At GlobalGrind.com, Russell Simmons has placed a call to the blogging community "to think about the importance of inspiration." They are featuring a special editorial theme around the fundamental question, “What inspires you?” Please read Mr. Simmons' post at:http://globalgrind.com/content/408806/Russells-Blog-What-Inspires-You/To inspire means:1. to fill with an animating, quickening, or

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-55987384087895469782009-02-12T12:39:00.012-06:002009-02-12T19:11:17.226-06:00

In a previous post entitled "Lessons from my Life Coach", I made the following statement in my closing remarks:"Each of us is entitled to being wildly happy, having vibrant health, fostering good relationships, being wealthy and successful as defined on our own terms,..."(http://journeysfit.blogspot.com/2009/01/lessons-from-my-life-coach.html)At the time I wrote that piece, I was reflecting on

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-7662877936225972752009-02-07T08:43:00.007-06:002009-02-07T10:03:35.995-06:00

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?" Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-50577946140687468872009-02-02T11:03:00.005-06:002009-02-03T09:24:37.451-06:00

Did you know that it can take up to eight hours to digest one meal? If you ate breakfast at 6 a.m., your body won't finish metabolizing it until around 2 p.m. this afternoon. If you eat lunch at noon and dinner at six, you might be creating a bit of a traffic jam in your intestinal track. Not to be crude, but have you ever paid attention to a baby's elimination habits? They seem to pass what they

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-75827939816619436212009-01-29T10:34:00.004-06:002009-01-29T11:39:33.945-06:00

Are you keeping your New Year's resolutions? The end of January is days away and some of us have yet to move off the couch and do something to improve our health and quality of life. Why? Consider the following:1) Did I set a realistic goal?2) Did I really commit to it?3) Did I adequately prepare?4) What was my motivation?5) What am I waiting for?6) Do I believe that I can achieve my goals?

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-62177654197249416452009-01-25T08:58:00.003-06:002009-01-25T10:18:15.358-06:00

Self-talk is the conversation that man has with himself. It is the internal feedback that he conveys to himself based on his thoughts and feelings about his appearance, intellect, emotions, health, morals, and actions. Your perception is your reality. It shapes every decision that you make and everything that you do. It can help you to move your mountains or cause you to trip on speed bumps. Mary

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-24983615881611183092009-01-24T09:49:00.004-06:002009-02-11T08:49:07.196-06:00

Some people work really well from lists. I am one of them. Generally, I start my days early because it affords me uninterrupted planning time. In our daily lives, there are many mundane yet necessary tasks that must be accomplished just to keep life moving. It is easy to get caught up in chores, errands, and work. These tasks often dominate one's "to-do" list and they take the attention off the

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-84426974069178324052009-01-17T09:25:00.005-06:002009-01-17T12:24:07.166-06:00

Yesterday, I had a rather cathartic conversation with one of my dearest friends of over 25 years. The topics of discussion ranged from our families and personal growth to our journeys through adulthood and our future aspirations. The most significant part of our discussion tackled how easy it is to "get stuck in a rut" and how difficult it can be to get free. The biggest lesson that I learned is

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-60131956469775484982009-01-12T08:20:00.004-06:002009-01-12T13:06:33.583-06:00

"The difficulty of life is in the choice." George Moore"Statistics are no substitution for judgment." Henry ClayIt is difficult to fathom that man once lived to be hundreds of years old. The oldest living person in the U.S. died recently at 115 years of age. Was it luck? Was it modern medicine? Why is it now such a challenge to live long, productive lives? Well, I believe that it has everything

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-75699680226685448932009-01-08T08:43:00.004-06:002009-01-12T22:04:27.251-06:00

With every new year comes thousands of resolutions to finally lose the weight. Every year there is a new diet or exercise fad that promises the instant results we didn't achieve the previous year. Every year we fall just short of the goal. For some reason, our plans don't get the results. Sooner or later something has got to give...How do we make 2009 the year to get fit and stay fit? We have to

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-90668891395377744082009-01-03T12:59:00.007-06:002009-01-03T22:11:46.969-06:00

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration website provides some enlightening, yet alarming, insights into the lack of supervision over the manufacturing and sale of nutritional supplements. Manufacturers of these products are allowed to produce, market, and sell these supplements with minimal government regulation. The following statement is posted on their website: (http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-7886873447138611882009-01-02T08:11:00.002-06:002009-01-02T09:33:38.755-06:00

At the end of my 6th grade year, my elementary school principal shared with me a quote from Irving Berlin that said:"Life is 10% of what you make it and 90% of how you take it." Life is a fascinating journey of difficulty and ease, struggle and concession, victory and defeat, joy and pain, and errors and perfection. Whether or not you believe that your existence is part of a divine plan, I think

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-21384590703419242272008-12-26T08:37:00.002-06:002008-12-26T10:15:09.839-06:00

I read an extremely timely message this morning that highlights an aspect of wellness:"Good morning. "I try to have an easy attitude about everything. You have to be able to get along although something may come and upset you. Don't hold on to things that will affect you. It's damaging to anybody's life to walk around with something in them." --Rev. Charles LeonardGod is LoveRev Run (http://

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-90373366698434359512008-12-24T07:27:00.004-06:002008-12-24T08:56:32.790-06:00

Here is a workout that I designed and use myself when my schedule is hectic. If you can grab 20 minutes out of your day three times a week, then this might be worth a try. You will need one set of dumbbells weighing 5-15 pounds each. The exercises require that you be able to perform 20 repetitions without stopping, so choose lighter weights than you might use when performing 10-12 reps per set. (

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-47950217697803142872008-12-17T11:44:00.005-06:002008-12-17T16:13:52.162-06:00

According to the USDA, "U.S. farmers have adopted genetically engineered (GE) crops widely since their introduction in 1996, notwithstanding uncertainty about consumer acceptance and economic and environmental impacts." The top three GE crops produced in the U.S. are corn, cotton, and soybeans. Proponents argue that to protect the food supply and ensure that it keeps pace with population growth,

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-40452796826533658472008-12-13T12:29:00.004-06:002008-12-13T13:05:36.271-06:00

Because of the women's civil rights movement of the 1960’s and 1970’s, Americans became engaged in the debate on sex bias in education. On July 1, 1972, Title IX took effect which ensures that “(N)o person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational programs or activity

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-24209749695890129042008-12-12T13:50:00.006-06:002008-12-17T15:15:40.526-06:00

During this holiday season, many will indulge in more alcohol than usual. In addition to all of the Christmas and New Years' celebrations, economic hardships are giving Americans the blues and yet another excuse to take a drink. But, before you do, ask yourself the following questions: Am I struggling with my weight? Do I suffer from irregular "eliminations"? How much alcohol do I ingest weekly?

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-27103136926633847392008-11-29T07:41:00.002-06:002008-11-29T09:51:38.941-06:00

Marketing and advertising are evil genius. You've seen the ads: "Got Milk?", "High fructose corn syrup is fine in moderation", and "Tyson chickens are raised with no antibiotics". Many Americans didn't grow up on a farm. We haven't the slightest clue about what it takes to raise poultry, livestock, and crops in quantities large enough to feed our communities and be sustained financially when

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-1797912492318078372008-11-27T08:52:00.002-06:002008-11-27T10:11:08.817-06:00

(Thanksgiving Day marks the official kickoff of the holiday season and, for many, the start of a whole lot of eating. Food becomes the center of social interaction at family gatherings and at school and office parties. Cooking comfort foods and holiday desserts are parts of family traditions. There are many social and emotional reasons to eat. Even the most disciplined eaters can fall off the

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-88214695157297027452008-11-23T10:36:00.002-06:002008-11-23T11:26:45.800-06:00

There is a causal link between what you eat, how you feel, and how much you weigh. The more good foods that we put into our bodies, the better our health and the easier it is to manage our weight. Consuming processed foods causes a volatile reaction caused inflammation. It manifests itself as food allergies, swelling, sickness, and weight gain. This is the body's natural response to foreign

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-10981474674939438322008-11-19T07:56:00.005-06:002008-12-03T07:53:41.631-06:00

It is likely that you have all seen the latest commercial that promotes high fructose corn syrup. It is sponsored by the Corn Refiners Association. Because Americans consume so many products that contain this processed sugar, the food industry has created its own marketing plan to counter the bad press it is presently receiving. Take a look:href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEbRxTOyGf0">http:/

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-6122132119230979672008-11-17T07:50:00.003-06:002008-11-17T08:39:44.971-06:00

There is a ton of information floating around about how to get healthy and stay in shape. As a society, we are often pushed into following the next big fitness craze or trying the latest diet pill or plan because we want instant results. I would like to offer the following advice to those who are looking for the best way to get and stay healthy and fit: Find a methodology that works for you.

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-82362740843241525892008-11-07T08:11:00.005-06:002008-11-10T08:48:10.178-06:00

"I'm asking you to believe.Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington...I'm asking you to believe in yours."--President-Elect Barack Obama"I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over again in my life--and that is why I succeed."-Michael

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-4203652558363937452008-10-31T08:04:00.005-05:002008-10-31T09:19:52.587-05:00

Yesterday, I came across an article about the Neenah Joint School District in Wisconsin and its efforts to combat childhood obesity which has reached epidemic proportions in the last decade. An expansion of the district's wellness program, Neenah has issued a ban on sweets. Here is the article: (http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/30887454.html)Neenah School District Bans Cupcakes, Sweet

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-90504330139952626352008-10-28T07:44:00.005-05:002008-10-28T08:57:32.656-05:00

One of the most common concerns that dieters have is, "How do I get rid of my belly?" Both men and women (especially mothers)want to target this area of the body more than any other because it is probably the most difficult to reduce. Excessive belly fat is an indicator of potential health problems like heart disease, high cholesterol, a fatty liver, stroke, and diabetes. Excessive belly fat for

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-67195453362545712592008-10-26T22:08:00.004-05:002008-10-26T22:43:59.187-05:00

As far back as the 17th century, beans were regarded as a cure-all for ailments ranging from colds to hair loss. We know now that beans are a great alternative to animal protein. According to How to Eat to Live by Elijah Muhammad, man can survive indefinitely on the navy bean. While beans are low in fat and sodium, high in protein and fiber, and contain folacin (folic acid), vitamins, and

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-15088153842358323992008-10-20T08:50:00.002-05:002008-10-20T09:17:24.196-05:00

Year-round exercise can be a challenge with increasing precipitation, cooler temperatures, and the end of leisure time enjoyed during the the summer months. With increasing sedentary lifestyles in the U.S. and the decline of physical education in the schools, families must become more creative to incorporate physical activity into their family time. In a book entitled How to Eat to Live by Elijah

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-45773462887292040002008-10-19T09:54:00.005-05:002008-10-19T10:03:44.526-05:00

Please return here to watch the Holy Day of Atonement message by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan on Sunday, October 19, 2008. The FREE webcast starts at 2PM CST (3PM EST). If you would like to find a venue in your city please call 1-866-602-1320. Also visit www.finalcall.com or www.noi.org.

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-14731491048655548732008-10-18T07:54:00.004-05:002008-10-18T08:21:39.530-05:00

On October 11, 2008, I had the privilege and pleasure of interviewing Dr. Roni DeLuz, RN, ND who is the author of 21 Pounds in 21 Days http://mvdietdetox.com/ and owner of Martha’s Vineyard Holistic Retreat. While Dr. Roni’s story begins with a very personal battle to save her own life, it continues as she now helps people around the globe restore health and vitality to their lives with

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-39490877008025546732008-10-16T08:09:00.005-05:002008-10-16T09:24:58.387-05:00

Emotional wellness is defined by Dr. Bill Hettler as: "...a person being both aware of and accepting of a wide range of feelings in him/herself and others. He/She is able to freely express feeling and manage feeling effectively to arrive at personal choices/decisions based upon the integration of feelings, cognition and behavior." Emotional wellness is also described as self-awareness or

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-67767361720948201292008-10-09T08:07:00.005-05:002008-10-09T09:01:47.322-05:00

The next time that you watch a TV commercial ad about the newest prescription drug, pay attention to how much time is spent on detailing the SIDE EFFECTS that may result from taking it. Basically, taking the drug can alleviate the old illness while replacing it with a new one. The average American has long-suffered with disparities in the quality and accessibility of health care coverage and

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-35648270269147190942008-10-06T07:46:00.014-05:002008-10-06T08:51:58.971-05:00

(*Publisher's Note: This post was inspired by a message I heard by Dr. Alim Abdul Muhammad on Sunday, October 5, 2008. Dr. Muhammad has operated the Abundant Life Clinic in Washington, D.C. since 1986. Visit his site at http://www.abundantlifeclinic.org. Look for future posts to notify you once the DVD is available for this lecture as well as his upcoming publication entitled, "The Problem Is

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-47903762702604116352008-09-27T07:37:00.004-05:002008-09-27T08:20:12.494-05:00

Now that fall has set in, it is time to perform some maintenance on yourself. Cleansing one's major bodily systems every three months is a great way to give your temple a tune-up. Here are some of my favorite tips:1) Kick meat, sugar, bread, alcohol, nicotine, and refined foods for a week and increase your intake of fruits, veggies, and water. Eat your meals at fixed intervals.2) Drink fresh

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-14456544226226417272008-09-15T09:10:00.001-05:002008-10-02T23:23:34.101-05:00

This morning, I received an email form my sister, Raula, that she was participating in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Houston, TX on October 4, 2008. On the heels of the devastation of Hurricane Ike, she and her sister-in-law, Tracie, turned their attention to a cause bigger than themselves during a time when they could be more concerned about power loss and storm damage. I was

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-11823427206566658352008-09-03T07:47:00.000-05:002008-09-08T08:20:14.911-05:00

In my current course of study on the components of wellness, I am getting a better understanding of how fitness and wellness are interrelated. To be considered "well", one must strive for balance in every area of his/her life. In addition to proper diet, exercise, and rest, it is important to achieve mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. I am learning to value my contributions to the

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-11169908583979320942008-08-17T09:12:00.000-05:002008-08-21T18:04:50.704-05:00

If you suffer from high cholesterol, heart disease, obesity, or high blood pressure, then you have probably been told by your doctor to make some changes in your diet. Some common recommendations are eliminating table salt, pork, and red meat while increasing whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. So is it a coincidence that shifting toward a more vegetarian diet will help cure these ills? Hey,

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-73028354781652166392008-08-16T08:48:00.000-05:002008-09-08T08:21:13.607-05:00

I hope that you have been enjoying your summer by eating well and staying active! Family reunions and vacations often interrupt our diet and exercise routines--and then along comes the dreaded rut. Staying motivated can be a challenge. Taking breaks from your normal workout routines is okay as long as 2 weeks doesn't lapse into 2 months. You'll start to lose muscle (which will slow your

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-44832425342668876642008-06-28T08:55:00.000-05:002008-07-10T08:23:11.646-05:00

Searching for the most effective fitness programs can be overwhelming. The ads for the latest and greatest products are everywhere and all they claim to achieve the fastest results: get 6-pack abs, tight glutes, and lose 30 pounds all in just 10 days! Trying to weed through all the hype is enough to make you want to quit before you get started.To help you get moving without spending a cent, I

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-64224309360648891492008-06-04T12:24:00.000-05:002008-06-20T08:33:41.713-05:00

I wanted to take a moment to recommend some great books to read on cleansing the body. You will find that they emphasize a shift toward more organic food choices, increased water intake, a reduction of processed and fast foods, and weight loss. If you heal the body and treat it well, it will take care of itself.Here are some of my personal favorites:1) The Master Cleanser by Stanley Burroughs2)

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-35825051564924606662008-05-16T07:31:00.000-05:002008-05-16T08:54:28.653-05:00

Many of us indulge in the typical American diet of sweet, salty, fried, refined foods on a daily basis. We have never been exposed to more environmental toxins. When you add that to prescription/over-the-counter medications, vaccinations, personal care products, and cleaning supplies in our homes, you get toxic overload in the body. Our bodies now have to work even harder to eliminate the excess

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-70560664648358997262008-04-24T14:49:00.000-05:002008-09-08T08:23:54.209-05:00

As promised, here are my top 10 simple tips:1) See your doctor for testing *Before you start any diet and exercise program, you have to know your overall health condition. Your doctor can determine the condition of all major organs and systems as well as conducting stress tests and evaluating blood work. Your doctor's recommendations will point you in the right direction.2) Clean up your diet

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-5110428163808570112008-04-11T12:34:00.000-05:002008-04-11T13:32:56.293-05:00

"If A, then B...""For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." "Inputs equal outputs." We have all heard the Law of Cause and Effect paraphrased a million different ways. Whether or not we are conscious of it, this law is applied to our lives everyday. Some call it Karma. Some recognize it as the results of hard work or treating others the way they want to be treated. It is evident

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-87966341299431124122008-03-31T11:38:00.000-05:002008-09-08T08:22:29.664-05:00

Do you eat when you are happy? Sad? Anxious? Stressed? Grieving? Depressed? Bored? When in the moment, trauma, bad news, and misfortune can be paralyzing. Many of us eat to soothe what ails us. While it's true that time heals old wounds, one is still required to take deliberative action toward healing. The events in our lives have only as much power over us as we give them. It starts with

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2268613933340462844.post-24996972514151921212008-03-19T05:40:00.000-05:002008-03-19T06:07:57.908-05:00

How different would your life be if you really considered your options before making a decision? Too often we walk through life mindlessly following what everyone else has accepted as standard practice. Our blueprints of behavior are created when we are very young. We did as we were told: "Clean your plate!" or "You have to go--everyone is expecting you". From our clothes to our choice of

Raychelle Muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16028455247294499884noreply@blogger.com0