“The successful person makes a habit of doing what the failing person doesn’t like to do.” Thomas Edison

Edison had something here, but there’s more to it than this success equation suggests. Like those who fail, most successful people also dislike what they make a habit of…at first. What truly sets them apart is they find a way to enjoy it .

They’ve found the secret to turning difficult into easy . Habits are easy because they are default behaviour. They become second nature only through repetition but it’s against human nature to repeatedly do something that causes you pain, either mentally, emotionally or physically.

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Spring is officially here, which means we have 3 months to prepare for the hot weather…and less clothing. If you’re slightly worried about peeling back the layers and baring skin, then this Bodacious Beach Bod Series is for YOU.

T he next six posts will uncover a 6 step approach to weight loss that can easily fit into any lifestyle. Along with the tips at the end of each post, this series will help you develop tenacious, healthy habits. I know because I did it myself! I discovered this approach last year when I lost 25 pounds in 3 months and to this day continue to lead a healthy, active lifestyle. Actually, not only have I managed to keep the weight off, I’ve lost a total of 43 pounds and 43 inches to-date!

This Bodacious Beach Bod Series focuses on nutrition and fitness (leaving out the cleansing for those who don’t believe in it). This 6 step approach will help you shed the gigglies and firm up those flabby muscles so you can take on the world! It will also increase your metabolism for long-lasting effects.

So get yourself geared up to take 6 steps closer to your health goals and make the most out of Spring…the beach bod is just a really cool side-effect.

Step #1
Step #2
Step #3
Step #4
Step #5
Step #6

Did you know that 6 to 8 months from now, depending on your activity level, your body will have regenerated almost all of its tissue at the cellular level? It uses the nutrients from your food to do this so when they say you are what you eat, they aren’t exaggerating!

Here are 8 nutrient-dense foods for you to put on your grocery list (source: Vega ):

1. Dark Green Veggies. Mom knew where it was at. Canada’s Food Guide suggests one dark green veggie a day! Try broccoli, spinach, swiss chard, kale, collards and romaine lettuce. Read the rest of this entry »

Try this Asian inspired smoothie and let me know what you think. It’s low in calories and ginger is delicious as well as a great food for cold prevention…considering we just got more snow overnight here in Toronto!

Oh, Spring! Thou hast forsaken me!

1 medium pear
½ small avocado
3 tsp finely grated ginger
½ serving Vega natural flavoured protein powder
3 ice cubes
½ cup vanilla soy beverage

Blend until smooth. Makes 1 serving, about 20 oz.

Smoothie nutrition facts here…

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An artistic and incredibly ingenious method for reducing calories consumed over this long weekend full of family and food.

Happy Celebrations, Live Lighter Readers!

Today marks the end of Nature’s long winter sleep and the reign of night. Welcome the first day of Spring ! It is also called the Vernal Equinox , when day and night are nearly equal. Everyday from now until the summer solstice, we bask in ever increasing daylight.

Spring is the time for new beginnings. The sun awakens the dead - so remember those New Year’s resolutions that you broke ? Well they were just hibernating, percolating in your brain until the right moment. The time is now to get what you want out of life.

Start at the Beginning

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“Your beliefs become your thoughts. Your thoughts become your words. Your words become your actions. Your actions become your habits. Your habits become your values. Your values become your destiny.” Mahatma Gandhi

Have you ever continued to do something even after you became aware that it was self-destructive? Isn’t it frustrating to know that an otherwise intelligent human being is being controlled by some unseen force? While it is invisible, the good news is that it is within us. Which means that we can control it!

This unseen force that appears to control your actions is your subconscious mind. You know…that automatic part of your mind that allows you to operate a lawn mower while thinking about the rest of your evening? It stores your beliefs and, according to Gandhi, your beliefs predict your behaviour.

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Happy Irish Day, Folks! To help all you health conscious people join the festivities without a guilty conscience, I thought you’d be interested in knowing your healthiest choice out of all the beers on the market.

First, just to let you know, beer is healthy for you (well, for some people)! The benefits of beer are numerous, from battling cancer to raising your metabolism. Studies have also shown beer (in moderation, of course) can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and improve mental health. Plus, it has a wide repertoire of nutrients to boot!

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This smoothie recipe was inspired by the fast approaching Easter weekend and the chocolate bunny daze that it has become. The raspberries are just crazy yummy and combined with the chocolate, the decadent taste reminds me of forbidden pleasures, like éclairs and affairs!

1 cup - raspberries, frozen
1 cup - Rice Dream vanilla milk bevvy
1/2 serving - protein powder, chocolate-flavoured by Vega
1 small - banana, freshly sliced
1/2 cup - yogurt, plain, low fat

Blend until smooth. Makes 1 serving, about 20 oz.

Want this smoothie’s nutrition facts? Follow the link…

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This post is for those who have been following Live Lighter’s detox and cleansing articles and who are still unclear about the reasons why we should actively help our body detoxify.

Here’s an interview between Total Health magazine Editor and a Wholistic Rejuvenist that explains how our body’s toxic load turns into health issues, such as allergies, skin conditions, digestive issues and life-threatening chronic illnesses.

The video also suggests that YOU have the power to heal yourself by simply unloading this toxic burden, which reverses the aging process so you can live a healthier, happier and longer life.