Non Toxic Choices – Christy's Non Toxic Lifestyle

Probiotics 101

It seems like you can’t turn around these days without hearing something about probiotics. Haven’t we all seen Jamie Lee Curtis in a magazine or on television touting the benefits of Activa and the probiotics contained therein? But what are probiotics, really, and why should we care?

Twelve years ago when I started taking probiotics, not many people were familiar with them. Certainly it was new for me. I participated in an herbal healing weekend in 2003 and was officially introduced ...

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31
MAR

0

Allergies, Alternative Therapies, Healthy Eating, Healthy Lifestyles, Immune System, Inflammation, Non Toxic Choices, Prevention

Skin-tastic Coconut Oil!

Posted by: Christy Begien

Puxatawney Phil saw his shadow on February 2^nd which means six more weeks of winter. Skiers, snowboarders, snowshoe enthusiasts, and ice climbers are thrilled. Those not so thrilled — those people NOT in the above populations and those slipping, chipping and digging out from the mounds of snow in the Boston area. Many parts of the United States are experiencing unusually cold temperatures this winter and lots of people are just plain “over it.” Whether you’re enjoying the winter months ...

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3
MAR

4

Allergies, Alternative Therapies, Beauty Products, Healing, Healthy Lifestyles, Inflammation, Non Toxic Choices, Parabens, Prevention, Skin care, Skincare

Just Say No… to Toxic Yoga Mats!

Posted by: Christy Begien

Are you a yoga enthusiast? According to a 2014 article in The Huffington Post, more than 20 million Americans practice yoga. Yoga Journal estimates that practitioners collectively spend nearly $27 billion dollars a year on classes, clothing and accessories. For many practitioners, a yoga mat is their first purchase. Last spring I learned that many yoga mats, including the one I had purchased, are made from toxic chemicals that can pose a significant health risk. The next time you’re doing ...

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24
FEB

23

Allergies, Alternative Therapies, Exercise, Healthy Lifestyles, Non Toxic Choices, Plastics, Prevention, Toxic Overload

Happy Feet: The Health Benefits of Foot Reflexology!

Posted by: Christy Begien

Did you know that the human foot and ankle contains 26 bones, 33 joints, more than 100 ligaments, muscles and tendons? The bones in both of your feet added together make up about 25 percent of all the bones in your body. Our feet carry an incredible load everyday and yet are typically the least pampered parts of our bodies. Many cultures have practiced foot massages for years as an alternative to medicine in promoting good health and wellness. And ...

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3
FEB

0

Alternative Therapies, Healing, Healthy Lifestyles, Immune System, Inflammation, Non Toxic Choices, Prevention, Skincare, Stress Management

The “Power of Two” for 2015!

Posted by: Christy Begien

I believe that the reason most New Year’s resolutions have failed for me have been because my goals have been unrealistic. I too have been caught up in the fast and furious New Year’s endeavors of joining the health club with lofty goals of weight management along with the overachievers club regarding the overwhelming all day projects that surround many of us.

I’ve also been an active member of the avoidance and procrastination clubs. They just don’t work. But I have ...

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6
JAN

2

Clothing Alternatives, Exercise, Healthy Eating, Healthy Lifestyles, Non Toxic Choices, Stress Management

Top Ten Reasons to Love Celestial Seasonings Teas!

Posted by: Christy Begien

Last week I had the privilege of touring the Celestial Seasonings facility in Boulder, Colorado with my friend, Susan!

This remarkable company has been dedicated to providing health, wellness and delicious teas and other products to the consumer for more than 40 years.

Founded by Mo Siegel, Peggy Clute and Wyck Hay in 1969, they are the largest herbal tea company in North American, producing 1.2 billion cups of tea per year. Their first tea was Mo’s 36 Herb Tea and they ...

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16
DEC

4

Healthy Eating, Healthy Lifestyles, Holidays, Non Toxic Choices, Prevention, Stress Management

Top 10 Travel Tips for Staying Healthy

Posted by: Christy Begien

“Let the games begin!” We all have heard that Thanksgiving and Christmas are the busiest travel times of the year. So is the spring and summer! While the beginning of the holiday season brings us together for joyful times with family and friends, we are also at a higher risk for getting sick when we jump on an airplane to visit them.

In the spirit of recognizing how busy we all are, and wanting to simplify this post, here are my ...

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18
NOV

6

Alternative Therapies, Exercise, Healthy Eating, Healthy Lifestyles, Immune System, Non Toxic Choices, Prevention, Travel Tips

The Perils of Parabens!

Posted by: Christy Begien

It is a fact that 60 percent of whatever we put on our skin goes into our bloodstream.

Nineteen years ago, following nine months of breast cancer treatment, I attended a weekend retreat sponsored by Natural Health Magazine. That began my journey into the “non-toxic” world of new choices and options that I would embrace and share with my friends and anyone who wanted to know. My biggest “AHA” moment came from learning about parabens, which I had been slathering most ...

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4
NOV

6

Allergies, Alternative Therapies, Asthma, Beauty Products, Cancer, Healthy Lifestyles, Non Toxic Choices, Parabens, Prevention, Skincare

Cleaning Products in Your Home

Posted by: Christy Begien

One of the first areas I explored after my cancer diagnosis was the cleaning products I was using. Years ago I thought I was being a super mom in that I was keeping a really clean house. Little did I realize that behind the “sparkle” I was exposing my family and pets to toxic fumes from most of the cleaning products I was using. One of the worst was bleach. Boy did my toilets and ceramic bowls shine but at ...

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8
OCT

5

Household Products