I took a bit of a holiday from personal blogging (and the comment spam) to concentrate on other writing. However, I thought I would start again, just in time for the beginning of the 2011 new year. 

A few updates on the health front:

Healthy choices in food and vitamins can go a long way.

Juice Plus+ - I tried Juice Plus+ and as a consumer, I can honestly say I'm undecided. I can't vouch for its benefits, but I don't believe it's a waste of money, either. I like their business model and even a little effort as a distributor can reap the equivalent in rewards.

Vitamins - Usana vitamin products have proven to be a good choice for me personally. I especially like the BioOmeg (Omega 3) product. I physically felt the effects which reduces inflammation better than many over the counter and prescription drugs, but without the side effects. After researching and learning about the health benefits of Omega 3, I decided to try brands other than Usana. After all, omega 3 is omega 3, right? Well, sort of. I have to admit the brands that I tried over the months were those that I could conveniently pick up at health food or vitamin store chains. However, I also have to admit that they were not as effective. I could tell the difference. So, I'm back to ordering Usana and I highly recommend the vitamins (Essentials) and BioiOmega. I have a post on the benefits of Omega 3, things I found out through my research and doctor feedback.  Vitamins are a good place to start for overall health, but just make sure they are potent and effective. Besides Omega 3, antioxidants are another great choice for getting on track for a healthy body.

Hair - I found a new hair product that has been great for me. Wen Hair Care. I like the Fig cleansing conditioner, which I chose because of my specific hair type. I also followed directions completely. I really, really like it. I also purchased the Sweet Almond Mint, but I haven't tried it yet. I'll report back when I do. Check out the Wen website and if you chose to try the product for yourself, just make sure you match your hair type with the correct product.

Weight Loss - I heard about HCG from a friend who had lost about 30 pounds in two and half to three months. She had always be a little heavy and was ecstatic about losing this weight so easily. Another person lost about 70 -80 pounds in about five months. However, this person looks a little sickly. Perhaps she lost it too fast. Plus, I don't think she's taking enough vitamins. I want to try this, but as with any weight loss program researching it is critical. Everything is not for everybody. Also, finding out it is the hormone produced in pregnant women and is harvested from the urine of pregnant women, was a bit of a turn off. As well as the unfortunate side effects and health risks. The total daily calorie count on this diet is around 500.

Now, for the record, there is a synthetic version of this hormone available for purchase and use in the HCG program. Also, for the record, some of the side effects can be minimum and/or emulate those of pregnancy. I'm backing out of this for the moment, but I have a friend on a quest to lose 100 pounds and has decided to commit to this program. I will certainly give my account of my friend's journey. I'm making them take Usana and raise their calorie count to 800 since I've learned this can be an acceptable number. 500 is dangerously low - like pass out low. Personally, I will keep up with Zumba, Usana vitamins (needed more because of Zumba is hard on my knees!!!) and cutting out sugar while adding more veggies and fruit. However, I told my friend that I will keep an open mind about HCG.

Skin - I tried the line of Isomer skin care which is supposed to help with signs of aging amongst other things. I personally had zero changes in texture, clarity, freshness, elasticity, or within the eye area. I do mean zero..nothing..zilch. I cannot express my complete disappointment after using this line of products for months and spending hundreds of dollars. Right now, I'm using skin care products that I would label as "ok". I'm still looking for a product line that I love, love, love so much that yes, I will want to marry it. Of course, first I have to find it. My expensive quest continues.