September 2012 B-Metro Article:Healthy Choice: Eat Right, Feel Better

Healthy Choice

Eat right. Feel Better.

By April Jones

It never fails that as the temperature shifts and school begins, so do the many colds and coughs that we and our children must endure. As we go from a season of longer days in the sunshine to one spent indoors, we are once again exposed to that which is constantly recycled in the air around us. A diet of fresh fruits ripened by summer’s kiss many times shifts to easily prepared, often pre-packaged or fast-food meals as we return to busy fall schedules. Unfortunately, a weakened immune system if often the result.



Most of us never receive the same break our kids do from the tiny constraints of our offices and cubicles. Many times the germs we bring to the office are those we obtained from our children. Children have no choice but to be indoors for school, and we have no choice but to take them there. When they are surrounded by 20-30 other children in a room not much larger than a crayola box, it is inevitable they are going to come into contact with some germs. But there is a way to protect them — and your entire household.



One of the greatest defenses you can provide is that of a strong body nurtured and defended by healing foods, vitamins and herbs. Just like soldiers who prepare for battle before they come to the perimeters of the field, we must prepare our immune systems in advance for the onslaught of contagious viral infections. Often it is only a minor deficiency of various micronutrients that can affect the bodies’ ability to resist disease and infection.



We all know the importance of eating a variety of healthy fruits and vegetables. I also want to reinforce the importance of providing yourself and your family with clean, living food throughout the day. It is so easy to throw in a lunchable or pre-packaged snack because of its ease. These foods are expensive but have only minimal vitamins and minerals. They are often loaded with high levels of sodium, which affect blood pressure, and large amounts of sugar (in particular “false sugars”), which causes an increase in blood sugar and weakens the immune system. Stabilizing the blood sugar not only improves focus but decreases moodiness and frustration. Consider providing your children with creative leftovers from the previous night’s meal, some homemade trail mix, veggies, mixed fruit or frozen yogurt — which should be about perfect come lunch time. Ditch the juice boxes and throw in some water. When purchasing foods and snacks, take the time to read the labels and see if you can stick to foods with six ingredients or less. You’ll find this to be quite a challenge but one worth doing. If you don’t recognize an ingredient and can’t pronounce it, more than likely you don’t need it. You’ll not only spend less but you will be forced to get creative and rethink what you are ingesting.



There are many natural immunity builders, and I would love to share just a few of my favorites, but please note that many of the herbs suggested need to be discussed with your family physician if you currently take other medications or contend with allergies and other medical conditions.



Foods that have been shown to have great impact on strengthening the immune system are those high in protein. Even vegetarians require this building block for healthy anti-bodies and white blood cells. Consider Greek yogurt (preferably plain and sugar-free), fish, beans, Brazil nuts, chicken and eggs. When selecting your produce, consider the fruits and vegetables of the season as your best choice for building the immune system. Nature has an incredible way of providing exactly what we need at exactly the right time. Blackberries, blueberries, celery, raw onions, garlic, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, kiwi, oranges, grapefruit, lemons and pineapple are all powerful healing foods. Consider a variety of brightly colored produce in order to receive more types of anti-oxidants.



Probiotics, zinc, echinicea, golden seal, cayenne, ginger, bee pollen, rosemary and green tea, and A,B,C and E vitamins (including folic acid), are also powerful dietary herbs and supplements that can strengthen and defend the immune system.



There are many components to maintaining our health, and we cannot overlook the need for proper hydration, adequate rest and play time, along with exercise. But one of the greatest and simplest ways to build our defense is through our food choices. Take the time to be intentional when planning your meals and see the benefits it brings to your overall health. When your body is properly nourished, you will find you are able to enjoy your fall and winter with fewer interruptions from sickness, and more time indulging in the many fun things you can only experience when your body is vibrant and strong. Sit down with your family, create a list of some favorites and bulk up that fridge with healing foods that will feed your body and your spirit!

August 2012 BMetro Article: Dare to Dream

Dare to Dream 

The journey forward.

By April Jones

You know, until you’ve been left to decide whether to stay or go, this idea of loving something enough to walk away doesn’t seem as complicated as it actually is. You hear it said all the time, but what does that even mean? Who does that? Until you’ve actually dared something more for yourself, it’s always easier said to “go after your dreams” than move past the comfort zone we must negotiate to obtain them. How do you do that? When you’ve wanted something, sought it out, worked hard, dreamed about, prayed for and even caught a glimpse of a dream — only to be redirected, delayed or even declined? Well, the whole thing can just make you completely sick! I’ve sure been sick about a few dashed dreams! It is agonizing to want something and not be able to have it. Or worse, someone says you can’t have it — that they won’t give it to you or that it doesn’t belong to you. Even worse still, that it will never be yours. That is excruciating! The death or delay of a dream can weigh heavy. But to see one come true and to believe in your own power as a catalyst, now that’s pretty encouraging!



What do you do when you find something and all the things appear to line up according to your ideas of your personal destiny? What if you catch a glimpse of something that appears to fit perfectly within your dream? Maybe it is a business. Maybe it’s a home. Maybe it’s a particular lover. Maybe it’s a child. How do you begin to direct your energy? Your time, attention and thoughts can become consumed: fantasy, conversation and even plans towards life in pursuit of that vision can easily become your constant state of “reality.” What if it comes to a screeching halt and plans get put on hold? You can’t get the loan. You can’t conceive. Your affections aren’t reciprocated. Your ideas are not well received. Whatever the case may be, what do you do? What is it you want with this dream and who is in charge here?



I have been presented with a few things I’ve really wanted, but either haven’t been able to have them or was simply denied. There have been many dreams I had to wait a really long time for, and some things I’m still waiting on! I try to approach all things with a spirit of prayer governing my direction and steps. I have a checklist of things that need to be in line for me, that would show whether or not this is something I should pursue. For some this comes through music, or poetry, through journaling, or gardening. Your answers might arise in the gym or on a motorcycle. We look for answers because we’ve got lots of questions! There is great risk and much uncertainty with dreams. When time is taken to ask for direction, be assured life will continue to unfold, and decisions made will either pull you closer to the vision or push you further away from it.



There isn’t a single opportunity in life that doesn’t present you with a choice to work towards a higher self and the life you wish to have. But I find the key to obtaining it is that it not be self-seeking but for the greater good of all involved. When we seek the blessings of space, time, circumstance and relationships, and when we seek the blessing of everyone involved in making the dream manifest, we create the energy needed to move toward it. If it’s something you seek that would benefit you only, you might obtain it, but I guarantee you will work twice as hard for it. This can most often be where and when we find delay, sometimes the denial — even the death — of the dream.



Sometimes you must walk away in order to regain perspective, tie up any loose ends and leave room for others to catch up. Sometimes you do have to leave the path you thought was taking you towards what you wanted. It isn’t that what you see isn’t meant to be, but that it simply isn’t time. Sometimes things come in a different package, in a different place and with someone else. Maybe you need more education. Maybe you need to improve your credit. Maybe you need be less demanding. Maybe you need develop some patience.



I believe when we desire to love, grow and serve others first, and when we are seeking the healthiest within and for ourselves, that we begin to see the blessings of our dreams unfold. Have you the courage to dream? And do you love (fill in the blank) enough to walk away, even though it may delay your dreams?



Manifesting can be a reality. Dreams do come true. Prayers are answered. And the inarguable perfection of God’s great and universal timing can all be known in you. But the dream can only be obtained as you place one foot behind the other on the journey. It is good to dream and it is good to pursue them. But what we set sight on and how we plan to impact the world of those around us is what really makes the dream worth having. And what we learn on the journey is what will prepare us to live it out. When we ask that the world be opened up that we can receive all that is meant for us, be assured, it will be!



Tags: Alabama, April Jones, aspirations, B-metro, Birmingham, healthy living, life goals, lifestyles, magazine, self help



July 2012 B-Metro Article: Pour Me Another...Water, that is!

Pour Me Another…Water, that is!

by April Jones

Water was designed by its very essence to comfort, cleanse and nourish. It is powerful, essential and often highly undervalued as a part of our diets. With the ability to hydrate, rejuvenate and promote healing, water is not only a sustainer of life, but a provider. It is no coincidence that our bodies are made of 60 to 95 percent water by weight (this includes body mass, cellular composition and other physiological factors and varies amongst individuals), that 70 percent of the Earth is covered by water, and that consuming 2.4 liters of it daily has been shown to improve performance, transport waste and maintain proper hydration for optimal brain and bodily functions.



The earth craves the purity of a fresh drink from heaven. When the skies open, all of life receives a shower and soak. The earth is cleansed, the ground draws up the nutrients, mountains send it forth, and so goes an endless push of abundance and refreshment. Our body’s needs are not much different from that of the earth. We require hydration from pure sources to fuel our delicate systems. It comes as no surprise the heavens do not pour down diet or energy drinks, tea or coffee.



“Now,” you may say, “April, I drink de-caffeinated, diet beverages and sports drinks. There is no sugar in my drink, fewer calories, less caffeine and added minerals and vitamins. They all contain water!” OK, let me be a voice of truth. You have been lied to. “Sugar free” is not as harmless as you believe. There have been a great amount of studies run on the effects of various artificial sweeteners, and guess what? The results aren’t positive. You would be better off consuming the real sugar (in small doses, of course) or eliminating it entirely than you would be to fool yourself in thinking you are making the “healthy choice.”



So let’s break a few of these things down, shall we? We all know our bodies need hydration. As the temperature rises, our bodies begin to require even more water to stay hydrated. Again, you may consider this a given, but I have found very few adults actually consume water throughout their day. We have been led to believe that sports drinks, flavored waters, energy drinks, sodas and even beer have a sufficient amount of water to supply our needs and satisfy our thirst. But every additional chemical that is added to your water is one that your body must assimilate. I am not saying there is no value to adding electrolytes and minerals to your diet. Our bodies have been shown to function at an optimal rate when such chemicals are present in our system. But sugary beverages bring on additional thirst, while pure water brings instant hydration. Your body is not confused about what to do with it. It begins to immediately absorb and distribute the water to feed your body and eliminate the unused and unnecessary waste items found, not only in your gut, but in your other organs and even the blood.



Many people drink only when they have moved past the point of dehydration. When you begin to thirst, your body has already moved to that state. It has depleted the reservoirs necessary to satisfy the need and sends the signal that you’re parched. Your body will even send the signal of hunger, for it is incapable of discerning the difference between the two sensations.



One great way to ensure you don’t dehydrate is to begin hydrating in advance. If you know you are going to spend the day in intense activity, whether indoors or out, begin to hydrate at least two to three hours in advance. If you really want to do it right, begin hydrating the day before.



According to Danielle Ratliff-Fryer, RD/CFT, the average sedentary body requires half its body weight in ounces of water daily to properly hydrate. This amount only increases with activity and exercise. Read it again, peeps, half your body weight. Can you honestly say you regularly provide that to yourself?



As the temperatures and your activity level increase this summer, consider your body’s needs when you reach for a drink. There is absolutely nothing wrong with consuming a variety of beverages (believe it or not, even I will reach for the occasional soda), so long as you get the water you need to function properly. You may begin to find your body runs a little longer and feels a little stronger. You may also find your body begins to look and feel a little better. You may even notice some weight loss. And best of all, you might even begin to develop a taste for the stuff. Bottoms up!



Tags: Alabama, April Jones, B-metro, beverages, Birmingham, dehydration, h2o, health, hydration, magazine, water

June B-Metro Article: Wanted: Strong Men & Present Fathers

Wanted: Strong men and present fathers.

 

By April Jones

Since June is a time to honor fathers, I thought it appropriate to encourage the men in our lives. This is, however, just as much for women as it is for men. I’ll warn you this piece comes from a true “Daddy’s Girl.” I know everyone doesn’t have a father in his or her life, and for many, the relationships are lacking. But I’ve been blessed with an incredible man I still call “Daddy.” My father has been an ever-present figure of love, support and wisdom. I wish everyone had a dad like mine (or at least a similar man in their lives). He set a standard that has allowed me to understand the characteristics of what I think of as a “true man” and the traits I wish to see present in a partner and father in my own home.



Having two children from two very different fathers, I can safely say no two men parent the same, nor “man” the same, for that matter. Our home has been both with and without a male leader. These variables have exposed me to dynamics of the ever-present void that is inevitably felt by all of us. My parents have always been married. I‘ve never known the experience of living between two houses, two parents and two lives. I always knew my father would be home for supper, sleep under the same roof and be present for family activities. And the men my parents brought into our lives were men of integrity. Not just anyone was invited to our home, and the men that were usually had their own families. They were men my family trusted. I strive to do the same for my own children as I befriend or date men. The ones I invite into my children’s lives are those I consider worthy examples of a gentleman, friend, partner and spouse.



It isn’t easy to see the desire and longing in your daughters for the presence and security of a man in the home. Despite the feminine propaganda, I believe all women desire a loving relationship with a father figure, a man who comes home daily to tell her she’s amazing, beautiful, worthy and valuable and who cherishes and protects her. When that isn’t available, be assured, it is sought out, one way or another.



Boys also need male affirmation and affection, but they also need a man to teach, guide, encourage, and inspire them. A woman can love her son, but she can never teach him how to be a man. And a woman can assure and affirm her daughters, but young girls develop confidence in how to love through the encouragement and gentle love of a father.



Men have a heavy load. I have such respect for my babies’ daddies! They are very different, with different lives, careers, zip codes and temperaments. Between these two fathers are two children with two schedules and two life experiences that will forever shape their own understanding of a man and, one hopes, a husband (when they are both 35). I see the longing and desire they have to be close to their dad. Many times, the comfort they seek I simply cannot supply. As strong as I am, I am not the strength they need. They desire the assurance only a man, a daddy, can provide.



I know it’s ideal to have two partners in the home. I believe God designed a family unit it its Yin-Yang complexity for a variety of reasons. As this concept of masculine and feminine properties of balance suggests, it takes both to provide a well-rounded example. You must know both man and woman to understand those relations within the self and be able to healthily approach the same in others. To have too much of either can be confusing and cause great imbalance. But the reality is that not all homes have a mother and father. In fact, most homes today don’t. But even if that’s the case, it is still possible to bring those dynamics into your child’s life. It is possible to bring incredible male energy and emotion into your home by adopting great men in your lives. Not all women have nor want men in their lives. But may I encourage you, for the sake of your children, to seek out strong, responsible men who exemplify the traits you want your son to emulate and who are like the man you’d want your daughter to marry. And men, may I encourage you to set the same example for the children in your lives, even if they aren’t your offspring.



There are some men that are doing the right things: supporting the mamas, making time for their children, extending themselves in order to be present and seeking to shape their kids’ lives. We all know there are plenty that aren’t, so let’s not even bother with that bashing session. Men, you know who you are, and for those that are stepping up, on behalf of all mothers, thank you. It takes strength and courage to be a man today. Just as media bombards women with ideas of who they should be, the same is done to men. Men, you are worth more than your pocketbook, car, career or politics, or even your abs, haircut or wardrobe. You are valued as the example you were designed to be. You were created to embody strength, courage, compassion, wisdom and honor. Today, more than ever, we need you to be the warrior men you were designed to be.



There are young boys looking to you to understand how to be a man. They need you to show them how to be a gentleman, hero and leader. There are young girls hungry for you to show them how to be a lady. They need you to show them how a gentleman behaves, what a hero does and how to lead alongside her partner. This father business is for the brave, relentless and courageous. The role you play in their lives today will be the role you see them portray tomorrow. As you enjoy this Father’s Day, consider the impact you are making in your home. And for those of us without your presence, consider the impact you are making in ours as well. Men, you are loved, honored and cherished.Thank you for raising us up, providing the backbone to our homes and inspiring us to be as strong as we believe you to be.



Tags: Alabama, April Jones, B-metro, Birmingham, fathers, Fathers Day, health, living, wellness

May 2012 B-Metro Article: Mother May I?

 Mother, May I?
Reflect the best parts of yourself in your children.

By April Jones

Mother, may I? May I have another cookie? May I go outside and play? May I stay up past bedtime? Out past curfew? Watch one more show? Play one more game?”



Although endearing, today we rarely hear “Mother, may I?” but more like, “GIVE ME, GIVE ME, GIVE ME!” The relentless cries and requests of children that echo in the ears of all mothers rarely contain words of appreciation and support. They are also rarely requests for things they can do for US, but more like things they want for themselves — and now! So Mothers, may I take a moment to express gratitude and encouragement for ALL you do — EVERY moment of EVERY day through your entire lives, and the lives of your children. Motherhood comes with great reward, but it is rarely expressed in the home from the lips of those we work hardest for. And it is rarely acknowledged by those who’ve never known the task of full-time caretaker for the home or the herd.



I know how difficult it is to be a mother. I am a single mother of two amazing children. And as great as I believe them to be, there is no denying the demands they make on me daily. These demands are not just physical but emotional and psychological. I believe my children to be the very best and worst of me, little mirrors that constantly reflect not only the nature of who it is I am shaping them to be, but who it is I am, or have been, when I am with them.



It brings great satisfaction to see your child demonstrate the characteristics you’ve strived so hard to engrain, like manners, generosity and affection. It also brings great pain to see them demonstrate the less noble characteristics they kearn from us—impatience, judgment, anger and even hostility. There is so much to learn from our children, especially when they play. You can hear them mimic life and experience in the voices of their dolls, the clamoring of their kitchens and the ways to which they communicate to one another. I have many a reality check when I listen to the various ways my oldest (being the ripe, young teenager of 16) speaks to her little sister (at the tender age of 6). There are times when the voice is soft and endearing. She is eager to listen, play and be present with her sibling. And then, there are times when the voice is so condescending, aggravated and completely disinterested. She wants absolutely nothing to do with her sister, because EVERYTHING she does “gets on her nerves.” I know a lot of this comes with the age and sibling territory. But if I get completely honest with myself, at times a lot of it comes from me. When I am patient with my children — eager to listen, fully present and engaging — my voice is soft, tender and loving. When I am not, well, let’s face it, the tones are sharp, short, distracted and irritable. I just want everyone to get out of my face and out of my way (holler if ya’ hear me, mamas)!



Not only are we responsible for teaching, protecting and providing for our children, we are responsible for demonstrating character, exemplifying integrity and communicating respect in both our words and actions towards them and others. Everyone knows walking speaks more than talking. And everyone has known the “Do as I say, not as I do” parent. But what is it we are truly demonstrating to our children? What do they see in us when someone cuts us off in traffic? Rushes to get in line ahead of us with a full buggy when we only have three items? When someone gives us too much change? When someone needs a helping hand? When someone straight up pisses us off? Our kids also see when and where we shop. When and what we eat. How and with whom we spend our free time. What do they see or hear? And what are they learning?



I know we all want to believe ourselves Mary Poppins -— practically perfect in everyway. I joke all the time in my home that I am. But we aren’t. We never will be, nor are we supposed to be. But we can be present and aware. We can be intentional about who we are raising by the character we demonstrate to our children. We can set standards in how we react and respond to others. We can show them discernment with how we spend our time and our money. We teach with every choice we make. Every act teaches one; every word leads to a conversation. We have great power in our homes to raise our children in “the ways that they should go.” The question is, what direction are you sending them in? What tools are you equipping them with? And how strong do you wish to make them with all that you have given?



Dedication and diligence reap great reward, not only in the character of our children, but the quality of their lives. There is no greater desire of a mother than to see her children be happy and successful. It brings pride to see our children demonstrating and honoring the values we worked so hard to teach. These are the legacies we leave behind. The inheritance of your words and wisdom are taught daily. The question is, are you leaving your children pearls or plastic baubles?