What is Yoga?

The word “yoga” means union – to connect with all living beings and finding balance within the body, mind and spirit. Yoga is an Eastern philosophy of health living that has existed in the East for thousands of years and is in no way a religion.

 Yoga will assist you in achieving unlimited possibility and discover your inner beauty and stillness. This practice will allow you to find the time for yourself, unlock your fullest potential and overcome physical, emotional, and mental obstacles to develop confidence in yourself and your body. Discover the delicate balance between creating harmony in your life and equalizing the mind and body. Align yourself with the universe, becoming conscious of your inner self as well as everything around you.

Yoga’s Effects On the Body:The following is only a partial list of yoga’s benefits:

• reduced stress
• sound sleep
• reduced cortisol levels
• improvement of many medical conditions
• allergy and asthma symptom relief
• lower blood pressure
• smoking cessation help
• lower heart rate
• spiritual growth
• sense of well-being
• reduced anxiety and muscle tension
• increased strength and flexibility
• slowed aging process

Yoga’s benefits are so numerous, it gives a high payoff for the amount of effort involved.

Here is a few of our favorite yoga studios in Atlanta:

            

 

 

 

Danger in the sugar bowl

It’s funny…I remember my mother being a total health nut when I was growing up. It was tough as a kid when your house was the one that was skipped on halloween due to the sesame honey candies that were passes out year after year. We never had coco puffs or even a sugar bowl sitting in the kitchen.

As a child all I could think about was getting a hold of a coke or gummy bears. My sister Kristen, now the owner of K Chocolat used to  attempt to make candy when my mother was not around. She would go next door to borrow cups of sugar….most parents are not aware of the sugar addiction that has taken a hold of their children.

And here I am years later operating a “Health and Wellness company”. I had to take a full a circle in my life to truly appreciate my mothers wisdom. Sugar is toxic and has so many harmful effect on our body and mind.

It is in everything…The average American consumes an astounding 2-3 pounds of sugar each week, which is not surprising considering that highly refined sugars in the forms of sucrose (table sugar), dextrose (corn sugar), and high-fructose corn syrup are being processed into so many foods such as bread, breakfast cereal, mayonnaise, peanut butter, ketchup, spaghetti sauce, and a plethora of frozen meals.

Because sugar is devoid of minerals, vitamins, fiber, and has such a deteriorating effect on the endocrine system, major researchers and major health organizations (American Dietetic Association and American Diabetic Association) agree that sugar consumption in America is one of the 3 major causes of degenerative disease. 

We all need to take a deeper look at our daily intake of sugar. You might just be surprised to discover how it has an effect on your mood.  Perhaps try to substitute with agave or stevia. Look, I love a good carrot cake and an occasional crem brule however; i keep it for very special moments in life and try to remember that, “my mother knows best”.

Kimberly

Feel great on Monday

Keep it up. Your healthy habits, that is.

We all tend to relax – or be lax – on weekends; that’s what they’re for, right? But loosening our grips on a healthy lifestyle, even just for the weekend, can sabotage our efforts to reach health and fitness goals.

Recent studies indicate that we tend to take in more calories on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The exact number varies from an average of 85 calories per weekend day to 115, and while that may not seem like much, it adds up. A pound is 3,500 calories, so 345 extra calories a week will lead to nearly a pound after 10 weeks — or an extra five pounds over a year.

You may think, “So I eat a little more on Saturday night, I’ll exercise that off on Sunday.” Sunday arrives, yet you find excuses not to exercise.

Keep yourself motivated, and remember you do not have to cut out the things you like just try to enjoy in smaller quantities….. Keep yourself moving, you will feel better on Monday!  
Be Well!!!

Be Well Atlanta Launches “The Wellness Revolution”.

We are embarking on a health and wellness revolution for Atlanta. Now when I use the word,”revolution” I am referring to our personal intention to put Atlanta on the map  as the Mecca for heath and wellness. I have consistently worked in the wellness industry for over 18 years and have followed the wellness trends in this country. Between the latest craze in dieting, newest form of exercise, to the most ancient spiritual practices becoming main stream I believe that we can a sense of direction in this ever changing world of wellness.

Be Well Atlanta

The birth of Be Well Atlanta was created with the motivation and need to bring the best of the health and wellness industry in our city to people of all ages and backgrounds. We have hand selected  like-minded fitness providers, business people, food manufacturers,restaurant owners, doctors, wellness product distributions, and integrative practitioners together to focus on three things disease prevention, anti-aging and involvement in our community. We are committed to educating the public of the most cutting edge treatments, services, programs and technologies under the wellness umbrella.  Have you noticed this wellness revolution happening in this country?

 

The general public is demanding healthier choices. For instance take a look at McDonald’s, they now offer fruit cups and juices to children in a happy meal which I am sure the movie, Super Size Me might have had a little to do with this change. It is all around us, companies going “green” offering customers wellness incentives, corporations integrating full health programs and doctors selling supplements.   It is clear to us that you, the consumer is tired of being forced to follow the trends and want to take your health and wellness in your own hands. We are here to support you! Have you ever noticed how it cost more to be healthy? Just compare the cost of a burger to a healthy salad. For years it has been a belief that only the wealthy can be healthy. This is one reason we wanted to bring our community affordable wellness.

With our lifestyle card you will now be able to live the healthy life you have dreamed of. We will continue to add to the card benefits daily.  We are paving the path for proactive health care, educating ourselves and our children, diving into the latest anti- aging products and treatments, connecting with others, and living happy healthy lives. So join us and “Be Well”! Kimberly Hard