Weekly Challenge

For some this week's challenge may be simple, while others may have some shopping to do! We challenge you to eat at least one fruit or veggie with two of your three meals every day this week! You got it—everyday. We're going to go out on a limb here and exclude French fries as a vegetable on this one. We're talking real life good for you produce. If you already struck out with breakfast this morning be sure to stick to the challenge for lunch and dinner. Enjoy!

Weekly Challenge

Food Diary Time

This week write down everything you eat (even that small handful of trail mix as you run out the door). This could be a great opportunity to pat yourself on the back for good behavior. It also could be a chance to analyze your eating habits and make some necessary changes.

Remember to keep a small notebook with you at all times to so you don't forget to log everything.

Too Many Hats...

Women wear a lot of hats. While this may be literally true for some of us I'm speaking in symbolic terms today. Some of us work, some of us stay home with the kids, and some of us do both. Add to those duties the role of spouse, housekeeper, friend, Doctor, Teacher, Woman, Chef, Trapeze Artist, Handy Repair Woman, Laundress, Stylist... oh the list goes on.

I'm willing to bet that given the time (and energy) to focus your efforts in just one of these categories at a time you would be a professional. However, we as women are not given that luxury. We get push the envelope and take it all on.

This morning I found myself practicing the art of trapeze as I navigated over the pile of my son's toys that were conveniently placed right at the bottom of the stairs. Had I not been holding my 25 lb. child in one hand and a heaping laundry basket in the other I probably would have noticed the remote control car containing the laughing chimpanzee and thus would not have performed a serious juggling act to keep myself, small child, and laundry from landing in a heap with the rest of the toys.

But alas, we get the exciting job of achieving the impossible everyday. We take fairly normal tasks that most can do with a bit of instruction but we manage to do them all at once! The problem with this incredible feat is... we don't give ourselves enough credit for it. I'm sure we can all think of at least 10 times in the recent past that you have been accomplishing more household tasks then you can count on fingers and toes all in the same moment.

Sigh. It's quite amazing what we can accomplish

Every now and again I find myself getting frustrated with doing everything mediocre. Today I was an ok mom, my house looks ok, I at least got a shower so I look ok too... the problem is I can be an excellent mom, an exquisite house keeper, and I'd like to think I clean up nice. When balancing all tasks at once sometimes it's just too much to be amazing at everything and when you think about it, doing everything even half way is amazing in and of itself (let's not forget that).

This is my tribute to say women are truly amazing. Give yourself the credit you deserve; especially on those days when it feels like everything is only half done. Be a glass half full kind of gal and remember when wearing all your hats at one time it's impossible to show each of them off in their finest glory.

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Weekly Challenge

Let the Good Times Roll!

Call an old friend you haven't talked to in a while just to say hello. Correspondence from an old friend can be just what you need to put a smile on your face. Go ahead... make someone's day (and possibly your own in the process).

Weekly Challenge

No Remotes!

You got it... If you want to change the channel on the TV you have to get up off the couch to do it. We aren't stopping just at the TV here... anything you have a remote for must be done the good ol' fashioned way this week.

Weekly Challenge

This week we'll dive into core strength a bit. Let's all flex our stomachs for 30 seconds three times a day. You choose when (I'm going to do it just before breakfast, lunch, and dinner so I don't forget). Don't forget to breath while flexing... we don't want anyone passing out on us. Good luck and enjoy!

Weekly Challenge

Challenge: No sugar for a whole week. We're talking refined sugar here. You got it... that means no soda, candy, dessert, etc. It's just a week, we can do it!

Be sure to post comments after about your experience.

Weekly Challenges Are Back!

This week we're keeping it simple...

Challenge: Park in the last spot in the parking lot ALL week long. A little extra walking never hurt anybody.

100 Days of No Sugar!

Last September I decided to eat no sugar for six weeks. I went cold turkey the next day, and I did it for eight weeks. I got a little off track from Thanksgiving to New Years, but I am ready to get back on the wagon. This time I will be joined by my older brother and by Unicty's Global Marketing Manager Ann Schreck.

The 100 days begins today. We can't eat candy, desserts or soda. Join is if you dare!

Bios Life Slim™ Blog

I hope you've been following our Bios Life Slim™ blog lately. Lucy does a great job in keeping us updated on the latest news with the Get Slim Challenge as well as healthy recipes, Slim™ promotions and more. http://bioslifeslimblog.blogspot.com/

If you have gmail, I recommend that you put this blog on your Google Reader, so you can be updated every time we post!

Lucy also figures out fun facts about Bios Life Slim, like that the average person sheds 20 lbs with consistent, long-term use of the product. That's pretty impressive!

Hope you had a Merry Christmas and that you are looking forward to a bright New Year! Good things are happening with you and with Unicity International. Keep up the GREAT work!

Unicity Holiday Packs!

We kicking off the holiday season with our Holiday Promotional Packs! Give a healthier gift this season - Click here for more information!

Happy Thanksgiving

With all the wonderful holiday traditions and associations with family and friends, let's not forget the fantastic health benefits we can glean from this time of Thanksgiving.

Turkey is a terrific source of healthy protein. According to Wholefoods.com;
"A four ounce serving provides 65.1% of the daily value for protein, along with 11.9% of the daily value for saturated fat, about half the amount of saturated fat found in red meat."

Turkey is also a good source of the trace mineral, selenium, which contributes to "thyroid hormone metabolism, antioxidant defense systems, and immune function." It also has been shown to help with cell repair and may contribute to cancer prevention. So eat lots of turkey and save some for later meals!

Turkey's not the only thing good for you. With over 200 varieties in the US, yams are a great source of vitamin B6 and potassium and fiber! Wholefoods reports "Yams' complex carbohydrates and fiber deliver the goods gradually, slowing the rate at which their sugars are released and absorbed into the bloodstream. In addition, because they're rich in fiber, yams fill you up without filling out your hips and waistline."

Combine yams with Bios Life Slim, and you'll really show your body how to control the sugars it releases. Yams have also been shown to help with menopausal systems. (Read more)

Let's not forget cranberries! The Cranberry Institute reminds us that they are loaded with anti-oxidants! "Recent scientific research shows that cranberries and cranberry products contain significant amounts of antioxidants and other phytonutrients that may help protect against heart disease, cancer and other diseases." (Learn more)

These aren't the only healthy foods in the Thanksgiving feast, so post your comments about other healthy foods you are eating this season.

Women Need Networking

Last Tuesday I went home with a case of the stomach flu. I spent the next three days as a kind of hermit, connecting with the world only through phone lines and internet connections. Friday I came back into the office rejoicing! I can talk to people face to face, connect with them and feel like a human being. I realized how much I need networking and social interaction and I would think many women and men need the same.

One of the unique beauties of this business is the opportunities it provides to create meaningful networks. Not only do we share products that improve health, but we get to interact with people on a personal, face-to-face level and create networks. Just another way that Unicity helps to Make Life Better, in my opinion.

- Katharine

Congratulations to our New Presidential Ranks!

Qualifying in October, we have two new female Presidential Club Members and one new female Presidential rank acheived! Go Unicity Women!

Gemma Gomez
Presidential Diamond Club Member

Not only has she worked hard to achieve this prestigious rank, but she did it in record time! Within six months of becoming a Franchise Owner, Gemma skipped both Presidential Sapphire and Ruby Ranks and jumped straight to Presidential Diamond. Congratulations!

Judy Gilman
Presidential Sapphire Club Member

Judy is a faithful Franchise Owner with Unicity International. She has qualified for multiple Bonus Pools and earned many Paradise Reward Trips. She has a passion for helping Make Life Better for others, especially for those with diabetes. Congratulations Judy!

Waynella McNeil
Presidential Sapphire - First Month

Waynella is on her way to becoming a fully qualified Presidential Club Member. She enjoys building the business through networking and introducing Unicity's products that truly help people live a healthier, happier life. Congratulations and best of luck on your Presidential journey!

Election Day tomorrow!

If you are a citizen of the United States, tomorrow November 3, 2009 is your election day! No national elections to race to the polls for, but local elections are around and just as, if not more important.

Why vote in local elections?

• Your vote really counts. With a smaller population putting in their say, your vote can really make a difference on who gets elected.
• Local officials make decisions on important items such as snow removal, garbage pick-up, recycling and in short, how each city is managed.
  
• Local officials are also responsible for public safety laws and enforcement of them.
  

I found a website that's awesome for helping us find where our local election offices are, who the current national and state elected officials are and more. Project Vote Smart

You can also visit Smart Voter - a site run by the League of Women Voters which will also help you find voting information.

Make Life Better and participate in your local elections tomorrow.

Recently my boss, Ann Schreck, shared with me a very interesting article called, “Out of Energy”. It listed several things that can zap your energy.

They were:

1) Being Addicted to Email
2) Visual Clutter
3) Being Bored
4) Poor Posture
5) Toxic Indoor Air
6) Eating Too Much at Once
7) Living in Artificial Light
8) Listening to Negative Nellies
9) Holding a Grudge

Guilty, anyone? I know I am. To read about how you can rectify this problem read the article, here.

I think the article did forget one major thing that zaps energy, having too much to do and only 24 hours in a day. This is where Bios Life E comes in!

10 Healthiest Cities for Women

Sheila Monaghan and Kelly Mickle report on their findings:

From exercise to diet, health care to air quality—we've got the scoop on the spots where healthy women thrive.

Women everywhere are making healthy changes. Now we’ve found the people doing it best: With the help of an expert panel and BestPlaces.net, we crunched 7,700 bits of data from 100 metro areas to find the 10 top spots for women.

Click Here to read the article.

Enjoying Utah Weather

Ann, Kari and I enjoyed breathtaking views today at the Sundance Resort. It was gorgeous weather, the breeze moved the leaves on the trees and the colors were stunning. We're glad we took the time to enjoy the fall. Hope you do too. - Katharine

Barb Schuman Takes First Place!

The 2009 Fall Fling 5K Race
Tradewinds Park
Coconut Creek, FL
September 19, 2009

Top Three Grand Master FEMALE
Place O'All Bib First Name Last Name Age Finish Pace
1 41 275 Barbara Schuman 56 00:25:24 8:11
2 53 151 Pamela Richardson 56 00:26:19 8:28
3 61 39 Celia Sweet 52 00:26:59 8:41

Reuters – September 21, 2009 - This just in off the wire service:

On Saturday, September 19, 2009, at 7:00 AM, Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek, FL was the site of “The 2009 Fall Fling” 5K Race (3.1 miles) sponsored by The Greater Fort Lauderdale Runners Club. (Yes, we know it was Rosh Hashanah, but she is not Sandy Koufax and the whole thing was over long before services started. Furthermore, the event turned into its own high holiday-equivalent religious experience.) 117 male (75) and female (42) competitors from throughout Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties assembled for battle in the Over the Hill (ages 40+) division.

In an unprecedented and unforeseen turn of events, Barbara Schuman, running her very first race ever – a true newbie – pulled off a monumental upset, claiming first place in the Grand Master Female (age 50 – 59) division hotly contested by 18 athletes.

When adding in the 21 runners classified as Master Female (age 40 – 49), Schuman finished 4th overall of the 39 women, a mere 17 seconds out of the third position. Of the 117 total male and female competitors, Barbara finished 41st overall in her initial foray into the world of competitive track.

Her 25:24 time (8:11 minute/mile pace) was accomplished after only 5 weeks of running training in preparation for her appearance in the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) sponsored ½ marathon (13.1 miles), taking place December 6, 2009, on The Strip in Las Vegas. Barbara typically runs 3x/week with 3 to 6 mile jaunts on Tuesdays and Thursdays and longer Sunday runs. She is scheduled to tackle 9 miles this weekend.

Having been bitten by the racing bug, she is madly scouring upcoming 10K and 15K events, plotting her next appearance and conquest. Now, truth be told, lest you think Barbara is carried away with herself after this one stunning success, full disclosure dictates we acknowledge that she was bested by an 80-yr old man, who finished the race in 24.26 or a 7:52 pace!

As you know, Barbara has undertaken this challenge to raise critically needed funds for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America. You can read her reasons for running on her website at http://www.active.com/donate/lv09florida/BarbaraSchuman. For those of you who have already generously supported Barbara’s efforts by making a contribution, we are very grateful. For those of you who have yet to contribute, we hope you will consider this worthy charitable cause and the tremendous amount of time and effort Barbara is investing on behalf of the CCFA.

Contributions can be made online on her website, or for those not wishing to use the online service, you can send a check made payable to CCFA to us at 6692 NW 25th Way, Boca Raton, FL 33496 and we will hand deliver it to the local CCFA office.

Again, thank you all for your support and we will keep you informed of Barbara’s progress.

Cordially,

Barbara Schuman & Neal Kaye