Your body eliminates about a third of its toxins through the skin. That means that leaving the dry skin in place is also leaving the toxins in place. Dry brushing simply removes the outer layer of dry, dead skin to make way for the new cells. It is essentially just helping your body out.

Follow these easy steps:

1. Purchase a long-handled brush with natural bristles.

2. Get naked. Or nekkid. Or nakey. However you say it. You will want to stand in the shower or tub to catch the dead skin…kinda gross, but you’re welcome for the heads up.

3. Starting at your feet and working upwards in long, smooth strokes, brush towards your heart and overlap a little bit of each previous section with the next stroke. The first couple times you do this, it may feel like sandpaper because you are not used to it. Do not scrub or harm yourself. These strokes are to remove a layer and to stimulate your lymph. Tender areas require less pressure. You will figure that out quickly.

4. Continue moving upwards. Some areas to focus on are thighs, booty, elbows, backs of arms (where there is sometimes chicken skin), and your back.

5. Do your best. Just remember that if you see dry skin floating around, you’re helping your body out and it will thank you.

6. When you finish brushing, you will want to hop in the shower. Some people recommend alternating hot and cold water to stimulate blood flow. This is your call. The hot will feel hotter after you remove a layer of skin.

7. After showering, pat dry and apply a healthy moisturizer like coconut oil or MSM lotion.

8. Repeat daily.

The post Eliminate toxins and generate new and healthy skin cells! appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

Vitamin B6 is a powerful little vitamin that affects both physical and mental health. It is very important in so many functions within our body like mood, hormone regulation, and even fat and protein metabolism. That is one reason we have chosen to offer it independently from the B-Complex formulation.

B vitamins are essential to skin and eye health, metabolism, and nerve function, and B6, also known as pyridoxine, is no exception.

It is a water-soluble, behind-the-scenes vitamin, quietly connected to the smooth operation of the cardiovascular, immune, digestive, nervous, and muscular systems. It is involved in the production of neurotransmitters (allowing intercommunication among brain and nerve cells), balancing blood sugar levels, energy production, and blood flow. It can even improve your mood, help with PMS, and create antibodies that our immune system can use to protect us. It is a pretty vital vitamin!

Although an actual deficiency in B6 is rare, the symptoms are depression, anxiety, confusion, muscle pain, low energy, PMS and even anemia. Some studies show a B6 deficiency connection with seizures, migraines, rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer’s.

Some medications may increase the need for B6 supplementation – like oral contraceptives, estrogen therapy, and antidepressants. Diuretics and drugs in the cortisone family can block the absorption of B6.

B6 is readily available in many common foods, but some of the best food sources of B6 are turkey, beef, pistachios, tuna, avocado and chicken. Some other sources are hazelnuts, potatoes, oatmeal, raisins, buckwheat, and walnuts.

We are happy to carry B6 both individually and in the formula for B-complex without any added hidden sugars!  You can order them here:

VITAMIN B6

B COMPLEX

Additional reading:

Dr. Axe has a very thorough article on the benefits and food sources of vitamin b6 click here.

The post Get Balanced With B6 appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

We’re all about making life straightforward and fun, so let’s call it MSM for short.

So what is MSM, what does it do, and why do you need it? There are many reasons MSM is beneficial for our bodies, but today’s lesson will be about skin health.

Let’s talk about aging.

Our skin is comprised of 3 layers – the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The dermis is where the connective tissue is contained; Collagen is a type of connective tissue and, essentially, it gives our skin its strength. Aging and wrinkles appear when our skin loses its strength or when there is a decline of collagen. This happens naturally with age, and can be exacerbated by too much UV exposure, poor nutrition, environmental toxins, or even just personal stress.

Let’s dissect the word methylsulfonylmethane. See the “SULF” in there? That stands for sulfur. Our brand of MSM is created by distillation, so it is very pure and contains a trademarked, patented product called OptiMSM, which is 34% sulfur.

Sulfur is an element that is necessary for our bodies to help maintain this pliancy or strength in our skin by assisting in the maintenance of collagen levels in the ______. If you said dermis, you’re right! You’ve been paying attention!

Sulfur is responsible for holding the collagen bonds together for healthy, firm, strong, and pliant skin.

If that isn’t enough of a benefit, read on.

Sulfur is also required for the production of glutathione which is an antioxidant known for protecting our skin and providing a healthy skin defense. OptiMSM will actually increase the amount of glutathione in the blood plasma and drastically reduce the amount of oxidative stress in our skin cells, which means what?  LESS AGING AND WRINKLES!

So, to review, so far, we learned that sulfur helps produce collagen which is a fundamental component of healthy skin from the dermal layer, PLUS, sulfur (in the same fashion) sulfur helps produce keratin which is like a building block for the structure of hair and nails.

More sulfur means more collagen, glutathione, and keratin.

More collagen, glutathione, and keratin means healthier skin, nails, and hair, less wrinkles, and more evidence of our youthfulness shining through our radiant skin!

Little Choices Matter realizes the importance of this compound in the realm of healthy skin, graceful aging, and more (stay tuned for other “lessons” on MSM). We will come back and link to these articles when they are published on littlechoicesmatter.com.  NOW AVAILABLE:  MSM For Joints, Muscles, and Recovery

For now, we leave you with the following links for more information on OptiMSM:

More on the science behind healthy skin and OptiMSM products, click here.

More on how OptiMSM and the aging process, click here.

To order your bottle of MSM lotion or gel for topical application, or for the supplemental capsules, click here.

Use Coupon Code OptiMSM and receive 10% off your order!

These all contain the world’s purest MSM component, OptiMSM.

The post MSM Series – Part One – Skin, Hair & Nails appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

Typically this time of year we see a few colds and a few people who catch the flu. This season however there has been many outbreaks of sickness. One of the more serious has been the stomach bug, better known as the Norovirus. There seems to be a stronger strain this year according to WSLS10, Click here to read the full article. I have seen so many of my friends and family hit by this bug this year and some have landed in the ER with vomiting and diarrhea. Just this week communities and schools closed because of this attack.  (Click Here) I am sure many of you heard of the cruise ship attacks earlier this year.

If you are on protocol and you get these symptoms just stop and wait until you are through it before trying to stick to protocol. It is that bad. I want to post some tips I have researched that will help you combat the symptoms. You can resume protocol after your symptoms have all passed.

Combating Symptoms Naturally:
1.  Replenish fluids with electrolytes not just plain water.
2.  Suck on fruit such as a orange to help get natural vitamin c and sugar.
3.  Rest as much as possible
4.  Use good hygiene and keeps hands washed.  Any exposure is extremely contagious and spreads rapidly.
5.  Ginger without a doubt, ginger is the best stomach woe cure. Taken in any form, it will relieve nausea
6.  B6 taken on onset will help boost immunity.

The average time is just a few days. Anyone in the vicinity is susceptible to exposure.

There is also a horrible cold, cough and sinus bug spreading too. The cough seems to last for a longer period than normal lasting 3-4 weeks. For this I would stop protocol only during the worst days. There is about a 3-4 day period of achy flu like symptoms. High dose vitamin C and rest is recommended.  

Try the immunity, eucalyptus and Ginger Ice Chips, they are easy essential oils to help boost your immunity and fight symptoms that arise. (Click Here)

I cannot stress enough the importance of prevention and hand washing. Building up your immunity will help you avoid getting sick. I recommend the use Apple Cider Vinegar daily. Apple cider vinegar serves to flush the system of toxins. Sipped as a tonic, comprised of water and apple cider vinegar, this compound cleanses the system without depleting nutrients from the system.

Spicy Apple Cider
8-10 oz hot water
2 tsp. of Apple Cider Vinegar
8-10 drops if liquid stevia
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon and optional spices such as cloves, nutmeg, allspice or apple pie spice.

The post Sick on Protocol appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

There are eight individual B vitamins and all are essential for human metabolism, growth, reproduction, general health, appetite, digestion, nervous stability and blood cell formation.

Some B vitamins help cells convert carbohydrates into glucose for energy, metabolize fat and proteins, help produce serotonin and some even lend a hand with the production and repair of DNA.

Since B vitamins are easily depleted in our bodies by sugar, processed foods, alcohol, caffeine and even stress, deficiency is common. Some signs of deficiency are: mood changes, irritability, nervousness, depression, fatigue, insomnia, headaches, dizziness, trembling, loss of appetite and sugar cravings.

Since they are water soluble and excess with be eliminated through the urine, B vitamins are safe to supplement daily within recommended doses.

Although specific B vitamins may be taken individually to treat specific issues, taking one or two of them alone improperly could cause imbalance and affect your metabolism; B vitamins should be taken together in a balanced and complex supplement.

A proper formulation can potentially lift depression, lessen PMS, reduce anxiety, and boost your energy, among other benefits.

Ultimate B-Complex formula contains all eight B vitamins plus minerals and herbs that will increase resistance to stress by relieving tension and provide support to the adrenal glands and immune system. It’s time to get happy! Click Here for B Complex formula. 

You can also get a liquid formula at Sprouts if you have that local. Always check your ingredients. B vitamins are one to almost all have some hidden sugars so choose wisely.

The post The Importance of B Complex appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

One of the best supplements you can add when you are protocol is Magnesium.  When combined with calcium you will increase the benefits.  These two supplements are essential for helping with food cravings and assisting in hormone fluctuation side effects.  Make sure and check the ingredients for no hidden sugars.  The most common hidden sugars in supplements are maltodextrin, dextrose, sucrose or sucralose and maltitol.

Other benefits of these two supplements while on protocol.  They will help you sleep better.  Magnesium taken at bedtime will help you rest and also helps keep bowel movements regular.  This is highly recommended to try if you are dealing with the side effect of constipation.

The ying to its yang, the salt to its pepper, the ping to its pong…you see where I am going with this.

Here are a few of the reasons that calcium and magnesium go hand in hand:

• Calcium stimulates the muscles; Magnesium relaxes the muscles and helps to reduce pain.
• Calcium maintains proper nerve and muscle function; Magnesium prohibits cramps and fatigue.
• Magnesium helps with the formation of strong bones and teeth; bones and teeth are comprised of calcium.
• Calcium regulates the rhythm of the heart; magnesium maintains healthy heart rhythm.
• Calcium helps regulate nutrients in and out of cell membranes and helps blood to clot; magnesium converts blood sugar into energy and is involved in many enzymatic reactions.
• Magnesium aids in the absorption of calcium; ingested calcium without magnesium is flushed right out of the body so both are required in the proper proportion. (2 Cal:1 Mag)

In fact, when a diet is lacking in magnesium, the calcium is not absorbed into the blood and bones but is taken in by the soft tissue which causes arthritic pain. Many believe that it is the lack of calcium causing arthritis when, actually, it is the improper absorption of the calcium.

They are imperative. They are powerful. They are available.

Here is a good clean formula (click here) capsules

Or if you like liquid for try Calm below.

Calm CALMAG is a good choice (Click HERE)

The post Importance of Magnesium appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

We often get asked when to start your round in relation to “time of the month”.  Dr. Simeons says the best time to begin a round is right after TOM or at least 10 days before.  It is to your benefit to follow this schedule.  It is also recommended you do not end your round at your period time as this will give you an inaccurate last dose weight and it can cause the scale to be unstable and hard to pinpoint your stabilization range.

There are some tips for TOM while on protocol that we have shared before and I will link those here.  (Click Here)

The best things you can do to help while having TOM on protocol:

• Do not get emotional- the scale will likely stall during TOM and you will usually see a spike up during ovulation.  This is all normal responses for women and their hormone cycle and they will not interfere with your overall results.  Remember it is not about your daily weigh in but the average loss at the end of the round.  You will have stalls throughout the protocol.  They are common and should be expected.  Here is more information on stalls (Click Here)
• The necessary supplements that will help with cravings, water retention and overall TOM symptoms are Magnesium and B6.  Make sure and have these on board at least a week before starting your period.
• Having red meat and spinach will help you prepare your body for TOM.  While PMS I recommend having this at one meal each day.

During Phase 3 when you are not on protocol it is not uncommon to see much larger gains during PMS and ovulation.  Typically the average for PMS is 3-7 lbs and 2-3 lbs during ovulation.  This is completely normal and should be expected.  There is inflammation and water retention that occurs and is part of the normal bodily functions.

I highly recommend getting a period tracker on your phone or computer.   Fertility Friend has a great app for I Phone and Android (these are located under the left side menu mobile applications on their website) and it is highly recommended you track your cycles.  This helps you keep track and make notes about your hormonal changes and moods.

As women who do get hormonal, it is not uncommon to feel fat and bloated when hormones are moving around.  We also can sometimes (wink) be irrational and feel emotional.  Keeping good records will help you manage these emotions and not jump the gun on doing a correction day, another round or making rash decisions regarding protocol.

Remember there are many women who experience similar symptoms but at varying levels.  Always come ask for help if you would like a second opinion or review of what you are doing and let one of the admins help you make a plan that will be beneficial for you.

The post When to start your round? appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

Health benefits of oranges
Source Jen Reviews

Oranges are loaded with healthy vitamins, fiber, folate, potassium, copper, and calcium. This juicy, tangy, citrus fruit is a nutritious goldmine.

Besides, oranges are easy to eat and are good sources of energy boosters, so enjoying them as a snack shouldn’t be a problem for you. The healing properties of oranges are plenty and it’s one of the best fruits for immune support and a healthy heart.

Oranges are brimming with vitamin C that play a major role in contributing to iron absorption in the body. Even though iron is digested in small amounts from a variety of foods, it needs to be well absorbed in the bloodstream. Only nutrients such as vitamin C can increase iron intake.

The post Always Pack an Orange appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

Eating a variety of raw or slightly cooked veggies and fabulous fruits can boost your body’s fat-burning ability substantially, especially if they are “zero calorie” foods.

It does not mean that there are no natural sugars or fructose in them (or no calories); it simply means that the particular food requires your body to spend more energy (calories) on processing and digesting it than the food itself contains; in other words, the thermic effect is greater than its food energy content.

The following list of zero calorie fruits and vegetables may surprise you:

Vegetables:

• Zucchini, Turnips, Spinach, Radish, Onion, Lettuce
• Green beans, Garlic, Garden cress, Endive, Cucumber
• Hot chili peppers, Dandelion, Celery, Cauliflower, Cucumber, Carrot
• Green cabbage, Broccoli, Beets, Asparagus

Fruits:

• Watermelon, Tomato, Tangerines, Strawberries
• Raspberries, Pineapple, Papaya, Peaches
• Oranges, Mango, Honey dew melons, Grape fruit
• Cranberry, Cantaloupe, Blueberry, Apples

So, enjoy some delicious fruits and vegetables and let them do the work for you!  When these foods are used in addition to a healthy and balanced diet, you will feel the difference – and your body will thank you for it!

The post What is a Zero Calorie Food? appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

There are four phases protocol.

Phase 1:

Phase one is preparing for the diet. This is a preparatory phase that is very important but many skip. We recommend at least reading Pounds and Inches and trying one of the detox methods as you await your shipment. You can use this time to read Pounds and Inches, do your measurements( check out the myotape) and work on detoxing your body to prepare for the diet. Try the Health Pro Detox Plan. Click here for all your Phase 1 information.

Phase 2:

When you start taking the drops is the beginning of phase 2. The first 3 days of phase 2 you will be eating a high fat diet while taking your drops 3x a day. Hold the drops under your tongue for a minimum of two minutes to absorb sublingually. On Day 4 you will begin your start of the VLCD diet.

Phase 3:

This phase is one of the most important phases of the diet. The goal here is maintenance. You do not want to lose or gain during this 3 week period following your last dosage weight. Dr. Simeons says in Pounds and Inches you are resetting your hypothalomus to this new weight so your body will remember it and it will keep you from gaining back weight in the future. You do not want your weight do go above or below 2lbs. of your LDW. During this cycle you are to have 1500 calories including fats with no starches or sugars. If you need more calories to maintain (if you are still losing on 1500 increase your calories to avoid any weight fluctuations, men especially sometimes need to do this to keep their LDW). After you have reached stabilization you will want to slowly start adding in items one at a time to see how your body responds. You will monitor this by weighing daily and seeing if a new food has caused you to gain. Once you have stabilized for 3 weeks you can return to p2 (if you are taking injections this is 6 weeks) or you can move on to P4, which is the phase once you have reached your goal weight and are ready for lifetime maintenance. If you experience a gain during your stabilization period immediately do a Steak Day or Alternative Correction Day. Click here to visit the Phase 3 category for tips and recipes.

Phase 4:

Once you achieve your goal weight you are ready for phase 4. Phase 4 is the “forever” phase. We do not ever want to return to our previous weight and will want to maintain and stay at our LDW. Phase 4 is actually easy once you have stabilized correctly. If you happen to have an off day the weight comes right back off easily and you can continue this process. In Phase 4 you can begin to add back in limited sugars and starches. I know for me I love chocolate and have tested this in phase 4, while I do not eat it everyday I have been able to enjoy the “treats” in life i.e. Pizza, a donut, cereal etc when testing the phase 4 lifestyle with no gains. You will always want to monitor your weight so that if you have a serious gain you can correct it, but it is easier to have a treat in p4 and actually see no gain at all. Click here for all your Phase 4 category information.

I hope this information was helpful. I know the phases can be confusing. You need to know this terminology to get the correct recipes for which phase you are in. There is a category section on the right side bar of the blog for your convenience. We are here to help and you will be seeing more p4 information as Carol and I have been in phase 4 for months now. We are an interactive site so please share any tips or recipes you think others would find helpful and we will all be healthier and skinnier together. More information on Phase 4 click here http://miracleskinnydrops.com/2011/01/keep-it-off-in-phase-4/

The post Phases Explained! appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

The best ingredients for our skin come from nature. We come into contact with so many man-made toxins every day, that the best way to heal ourselves is by learning from plants that have a natural immunity to aging processes. MSM Rejuvenator With Topical Ester C contains a therapeutic blend of ingredients that rejuvenate the skin’s natural ability to protect itself against wrinkles and excessive dryness.

• Works with Vitamin C to help cells absorb nutrients from food
• Helps you grow new skin cells and reduce scarring
• Reduces the effect of free radicals and deters aging
• Puts MSM back into our diet, reversing the damage of processed foods
• Aids hormone production, enzyme activity and tissue repair
• Keeps hair glossy and smooth
• Promotes a clear, youthful complexion
• Aids in the synthesis of keratin and collagen
• Fights the root causes of acne and rosacea
• Promotes faster healing of sunburn

Carol and I have been using the rejuvenator cream for months.  One of the things we love about this formula it is for the face and body.  MSM and MSM cream are both a great addition to your Phase 3 protocol to help tighten your skin and keep it beautiful.

The post MSM Rejuvenator Cream appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

This week Carol talks about the battle with comfort foods during stressful times. While some foods may be “comforting” they do not provide the nutrition your body needs. Here are three quick and healthy foods to lean on during hard times:

1. Nuts–  Nuts are an easy food to grab and carry with you and can help satisfy hunger cravings.  They are loaded with vitamins, minerals, protein, healthy fats as well as very rich in fiber and they are also low in saturated fats and high in unsaturated fat which we need in our diets.  Click here to read about healthy ways to prepare nuts.
2. Greek Yogurt–  Greek yogurt is high in protein which can boost your metabolism.  As always, read the ingredient label to make sure you are getting one with only good, healthy ingredients.  Click here for the Choose Wisely that discusses how to make the right choice when buying Greek Yogurt.
3. Chicken and Cabbage Soup–  If you are on phase 2 your options become limited with what you can eat which can make it more difficult to resist the favored comfort foods but this Chicken soup recipe makes for a good substitute.  Click here for the recipe.

The post Comfort Foods appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.