Tuesday, July 7, 2015

The Opportunity of Adversity



Adversity comes to us in many forms throughout our lives. In most cases, we have no choice but to learn how to deal with life's battles, even if it feels as if they are literally killing us. However - pain, loss, sorrow and all the feelings we hope never to feel are what allow love, joy, and happiness to be real. Without pain how could we know what love is? How could we identify it? Would you be willing to give up the feeling of love so that you would never have to feel pain? Life wouldn’t be much to live in that case. Depending on how you choose to look at adversity, even the hardest of times can be a blessing in disguise. 
         
          I’ve had the pleasure of dealing with such an adversity at a young age in my life. I was diagnosed with Crohns Disease/Ulcerative Colitis at the age of 23.. right about the time my modeling and acting career was taking off. I started having symptoms in my teenage years, but it was not diagnosed until later on. For those of you who are unaware of what Crohns Disease is, it’s an auto-immune disease which effects a persons digestive tract. It can be so destructive that in extreme cases it can lead to death. Seven months ago, after being in remission for 2 years, I had the worst episode I’ve had in the past 5 years. This one nearly took my life and left me bed ridden at 128 lbs from my naturally lean weight of 170 lbs. So drugged up and delusional, I was barely coherent. I spent my birthday and Thanksgiving in that hospital. I spent Christmas at home with my mother and sister Melanie. They helped me wean off of pain killers, sleeping pills, antivirals, steroids and antibiotics, while rubbing my legs which were to weak to be of any use to me. My body was so stressed I was unable to watch Disney movies because the minimal conflicts in the movies caused me pain. At that point, I remember death being less scary than the idea of living in this pain forever.
         
          Since then, I’ve gained 40 lbs of lean body weight and continued my career in holistic nutrition, modeling and acting. Holistic therapies have been the number one reason for my recovery, and I attribute much of my success to the power of the human body, love, and the nurturing ways mother earth has to offer us. When I encounter someone who has similar issues in their life or has someone close to them with similar issues, they are usually looking for a “secret formula” to recovery. I’m here to say there is no secret formula except to become a student of the human body, mind, and soul & apply the knowledge you learn to your own life. You will find the rewards are abundant in every facet you could possibly imagine. 

I consider myself lucky to deal with such a thing early in life. Most of us don’t face any real health issues until later on. When I think about “what’s good” about this tremendously testing and painful experience, I feel proud. I feel like a warrior who has an inner light so bright my energy and love brings great value to those around me. I know shame. I know discipline. I know faith. I know loss. I know pain. I know what it takes to succeed and I carry that with me everywhere. I carry that into an interview, to a date, to my loved ones, and to my choice to eat the Dorrito or not eat the Dorrito!!
         
          My teacher and naturopath doctor likes to say that the greatest energy always prevails and I agree with him wholeheartedly. No matter the issue in life, come at it with discipline, an open mind and open heart, willing to fail but also willing to love. I believe one of those doors you peak through will have an amazing gift which will feel much like Christmas morning. I must warn you if you are going to take on a giant, you are most likely to get squashed as I did…many….many….many times. The most important part of changing your reality is the ability to learn from your failure and try again. It’s also one of the hardest. But if you can, once the light is yours, you will forever be a changed person with a new understanding and appreciation for what life is in all its glory. You will be a warrior and your own kind of Michael Jordan in your own right.
         
          For those of you who struggle with your health and are looking for answers I do suggest a few things to give the life energy within you the utmost strength to recover. One of them is clean organic food and supplements. I also recommend you get a delayed food allergy test from a reputable company immediately. Even a food which seems very nutritious can be very toxic in the wrong body. I personally found things containing lectins hurt me (grains, potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant). I can have them in small doses but only if cooked correctly and if the grains are repeatedly germinated to lower the lectins count (gluten-free as well). I rarely consume any diary, alcohol, caffeine, refined sugars, gluten and legumes. I find them all disturbing to my system. To live like this does an INCREDIBLE service to my life. Imagine what you would look like, feel like…How connected you would be to “you” if you discovered which foods serve your best health and which foods don't. Self empowerment is the great gift God gives us and I intend to learn how to use it to its maximum. I’d also like to point out the healthier I get the more my body can handle a variety of foods and stresses. So for those of you who are dreading this idea, I have found that once you are in a healthy state, you are able to have these things on occasion.
         
          As an avid fitness enthusiast, it’s been a huge struggle to find supplements that can help support my lifestyle without causing reactions. I was blessed to meet a nice young women by the name of Errin Smith at the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) 2 years ago who introduced me to NANOS I was reluctant to even give it a try as I had tried every supplement I could find at every health food store, and all of them seemed to hurt more than help. However, she seemed to know her stuff.. and after looking closer at the ingredients and treatments used to create their products, I became more intrigued. Vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, no added sugar, a formula to increase digestive capabilities called SuperSorb and most impressively I could actually read and interpret every single ingredient! Now if it’s possible to ingest a natural and clean supplement, these guys have surely got the closest that I’ve seen! 

          Once I gave it a try, I noticed my body did very well at absorbing their Vegan protein, fishoil, and omega 3. I use them independently of food as I do not mix liquid with food to increase digestion. I’ve been using these products for 2 years now, and they have been a great asset in the difficult task of adding muscle back onto a body, which has extreme issues absorbing food. Six months later, I’m still not fully healed and I assume it will be at least another six months to find my strength, energy, and digestive system fully recovered. But as long as I’m going up, you’ll catch nothing but smiles on my face =D.

          When I become impatient or frustrated at my progression in any of my ambitions, I remember the story of the Tortoise and the Hare. Success is found when things are done correctly, even if the process is slower. When I start to lose faith, I remind myself that those who say they can’t and those who say they can; are usually right. When I’m overwhelmed I drop everything and celebrate the whole purpose of all this- Life.

Stay connected with Dane Johnson's journey on Instagram!





Wednesday, June 17, 2015

30 Summer Staycation Ideas That Won't Break The Bank!


Who's ready for a summer getaway?!  While visions of being served craft-cocktails and room-service all day long on a tropical island bounce around in my head.. realistically, it may not be in the budget this year.  TGFS - that's Thank God For Staycations!  Without them, we might go a little crazy.  A staycation can be just as fun, relaxing and enjoyable for the entire family.. and besides, spending time with the one's you love is what matters most! 

Here are 30 summer staycation ideas anyone can enjoy, that won't break the bank!


1.  Go to a water park
2.  Play a round of mini golf
3.  Spend a day at a city pool
4.  Find a trail and go hiking or for a walk
5.  Go for a bike ride/wagon ride with your family
6.  Go to a children’s museum
7.  Go to a drive in movie theater (don’t forget to bring snacks from home!)
8.  Go camping
9.  Find a cheap hotel and stay a night (make sure it has a hot tub or swimming pool)
10.  Rent a canoe and go for a little ride
11.  Rent some fishing poles and go fishing
12.  If your city has public transportation, take a ride around town
 13.  Park hop – go to 3 different parks in the same day and vote on which one is the best
14.  Go to the zoo
15.  Visit a national park
16.  Go to a baseball game
17.  Find free movies in the park (they are usually put on by the city)
18.  Many cities have a special day to celebrate the city (for example: Bear Lake, Utah celebrates Raspberry Days)
19.  Visit a farmer’s market and make a meal
20.  Take a historical tour of your city
21.  Rent a tandem bike and go for a bike ride
22.  Visit an amusement park
23.  Take a tour of your city’s capital building (call before you go)
24.  Go to a science or space museum
25.  Rent a trailer and have a fun sleep over
26.  Visit an aquarium
27.  Build a fire pit and cook your dinner over the fire
28.  Set up a tent in your backyard and have a slumber party
29.  Go star gazing.  Find maps and look for constellations
30.  Go on a scavenger hunt.  Let your kids make a list of items to search for.

Think of the amazing memories you will create!  Happy Summer friends!

Tammy Fodrey & Biopharma Scientific



x

Monday, June 1, 2015

Nanolean For Natural Weight Loss + 5 Weight Loss Tips That Work


Hey nanolean fans! 


We are shaping up for summer here at Biopharma HQ. There's no need to starve yourself to lose those extra inches off your waistline.. we want you to look & feel your best this swimsuit season, without having to sacrifice your happiness. 


Here are a few easy tips to get you on track:

  • Stick to eating whole, unprocessed, nutrient-rich foods. 
  • Get movin! Go for a walk, run, hike, hit the gym or take a yoga class. Move your body!
  • Work out with a buddy, personal trainer, or coach, or consider joining a fitness challenge group. You'll have a built-in support system & daily motivation.
  • Drink nanolean between meals to satiate your appetite, increase your energy for workouts and keep your metabolism humming along.
  • Get adequate sleep. Aim for 7–9 hours of high quality, uninterrupted sleep every night to feel refreshed, focused, and to optimally burning fat. 
Enjoy the way your body looks and feels this summer & visit us at nanogreens.com to save on nanolean through the month of June. Because we nanolove you!

Yours truly,
Biopharma Scientific

Friday, May 29, 2015

7 Tips To Help Moms Stay Happy & Healthy When It Feels Like There's No Time


By Dawna Stone

If you’re a mom, your world most likely revolves around your children. And although being a mom brings incredible joy, it also brings sleep deprivation, stress and a constant stream of worry. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t worry about my kids!
As the mom of a four-year-old and a six-year-old, I sometimes feel overwhelmed. My kids are the most important things in my life, but I sometimes get so caught up in trying to be the best mom possible that I forget to take care of myself in the process. That self-neglect can make me feel worn out, stressed and unhealthy.
It took me years to realize that ignoring my needs wasn’t actually helping me take care of my kids’ needs. In fact, the less I focused on my needs, the less vibrant and healthy I felt, and the more difficult it became to deliver on my kids' wants and needs. When I did finally take the time to take care of myself, I not only had more energy, which translated into better interaction with my kids, but I felt so much happier. A healthy mom is a happy mom and a happy mom is a better mom!
So how do you stay healthy — and happy — when you’re struggling to manage it all and be the best mom possible? Following these seven simple tips can help:
1. Find some "me time."
You deserve a break. Carve out some alone time, walk around your local farmers' market, cuddle up somewhere quiet and read a book or your favorite magazine. Give yourself a facial or simply take a long hot bath. Focusing on just you — even if only for a short period of time — can really help you stay calm during an otherwise hectic life.
2. Exercise.
Don’t let your workout get pushed off. Schedule your exercise just like you would an important work meeting or a parent-teacher conference. Also, schedule your exercise first thing in the morning, because it may help you stick to a regular routine.
3. Have a night out.
Whether it’s a date with your husband (or significant other) or a girls’ get-together, make reconnecting with loved ones and friends a priority. A night out without kids can really be a relationship booster. In fact, a study released by the National Marriage Project reported the couples who spent time together at least once a week were three times more likely to report being “very happy” in their marriages. And women who participate in a weekly or monthly girls’ night out often say that the time with their girlfriends makes them a better wife, mom and person.
4. Get enough sleep.
Getting adequate sleep is not only important to your health, but it also boosts your mood, improves creativity, reduces stress and makes it easier to lose weight. If you have to get up early for work or to get the kids off to school, try going to bed just 30 minutes earlier — that 30 minutes could make a huge difference in your day and your happiness!
5. One-on-one time.
Children want to feel special. If you have more than one child, try to spend one-on-one time with each of them. Not only will your child love the attention, but it will also give you tremendous joy. Whether you have one child or five, make sure you have special “mommy and me” time with your kids.
6. Eat right.
Providing your body and mind with the nourishment it needs can increase your energy, improve your mood, help you sleep better and reduce stress and anxiety. Steer clear of highly processed foods and excess sugar and focus on a diet that's fresh and wholesome. Increase your consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and, if possible, eat organic.
7. Be positive.
Sadly, we're often the ones who sabotage our own happiness without even realizing it. Negativity can bleed into many other aspects of our lives, preventing us from reaching our full potential and hindering our overall happiness. Change your thinking from negative to positive and you can change your life!
If you’re a mom, how do you stay healthy and happy?

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Morning Detox: Lighten Up with Nanogreens




If you're feeling a bit lethargic, having difficulty concentrating, and have an overall 'heavy' sensation in your body and your mind, a morning detox is the sure-fire way to lighten up. Even just one simple morning detox-flush can do wonders for digestion & elimination, and feed your body the nutrient-rich foods it's most likely craving. Nanogreens vegetable & fruit superfood contains the top 10 food for detoxifying your body through healthy, plant-based nutrition. No need for a fast.. nature provides everything the body needs to naturally cleanse and rid the body of harmful toxins that weigh you down. Below are 10 detoxifying superstars, all found in a single scoop of  Nanogreens superfood:


1.Beets


Beets are awesome. They are full of nutrients and are a great source of vitamins B3, B6 and C, plus beta-carotene, magnesium, calcium, zinc, and iron. They assist our liver and gall bladder in breaking down toxins, and their fiber is great for digestion and elimination. 

2. Lemons 

Lemons jump-start digestion by stimulating the release of enzymes and Vitamin C helps convert toxins into a water-soluble form that can be easily eliminated from the body. Lemons also help stimulate the liver and purify our blood.

3. Apples

Apples give our bodies lots of fiber and nutrients and help stimulate bile production, which the liver uses to release toxins. The soluble fiber in apples, pectin, is helpful in removing heavy metals and food additives from our bodies. Be sure to eat only organic apples, as conventional apples are some of the most heavily-sprayed foods around.

4. Leafy Greens


What we want from green veggies is chlorophyll. Chlorophyll rids the body of environmental toxins, heavy metals, herbicides, and pesticides. Aiding in detox, increasing oxygen content, and purifying the blood, greens are the essential building blocks of any healthy and vibrant diet. Nanogreens includes the nutrient-dense plant protein Spirulina, which contains a powerful blend of vitamins and minerals that boost energy, remove toxins and could even ward off serious health problems like cancer. 

5. Sea Greens


Sea veggies have antioxidants that help alkalize the blood and strengthen our digestive tract. The alginic acid in sea veggies absorb toxins from this digestive tract. They also have the broadest range of minerals you can find in any food! 

6. Broccoli

Broccoli contains important phytochemicals that aid in the detox processs. These phytochemicals stimulate detoxification enzymes in the digestive tract. They, too are extremely high in antioxidants!

7. Green Tea


Speaking of, you should all know by now that green tea is a great big source of antioxidants, one of which are catechins. Catechins increase liver function, which we want. Plus, drinking green tea aids us in hydrating our bodies. 

8. Artichokes


Artichokes increase bile production and both purify and protect the liver. They also have a mild diuretic effect on the kidneys, which aides in toxin removal once the liver breaks them down. Some studies have shown that artichokes may actually regenerate liver tissues (It is seriously all about the liver!). They are also super duper high in fiber, which, as we know, helps us with elimination. 

9. Parsley

Parsley is extremely rich in a wide number of nutrients, chlorophyll, and carotenes. It has been used for treating urinary tract infections, kidney stones, various gastrointestinal disorders, osteoarthritis, and anemia, among other conditions.

10. Cabbage

The king of the cruciferous vegetables, cabbage is full of fiber, which is good for our digestion and helps feed our gut bacteria. They are also celebrated for their anticancer benefits, as they contain more phytochemicals with anticancer properties than any other vegetable. These phytochemicals both increase the antioxidant defense mechanism in the body and help with detoxification of chemicals and hormones. 

So the only question is: If you can get all of these amazing detoxifying foods from one single source, feel lighter, healthier and more vibrant.. why wouldn't you? The Nanogreens superfood solution starts here www.nanogreens.com.

Tammy Fodrey & Biopharma Scientific


Friday, May 22, 2015

Peaches & Cream Oatmeal Smoothie


Mmmmm peaches! There's nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a fresh, perfectly-ripe, juicy peach. Peaches are loaded with vitamins & mineral, low in calories and help satiate the belly to feel fuller longer, but did you know peaches are also known to relieve stress and anxiety? In Hungary, they refer to peaches as 'The Fruit of Calmness'. In China, this fruit is a symbol of good luck, protection and longevity. We've paired them in this delicious smoothie recipe! Peace and longevity to you!

Peaches & Cream Oatmeal Smoothie:

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups almond milk
1/4 cup gluten-free oats
1 whole frozen banana
1 cup peaches (frozen or fresh)
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 scoop nanopro vanilla protein powder

Blend all ingredients & enjoy!

Tammy Fodrey & Biopharma Scientific

Monday, May 18, 2015

Chunky Monkey Chia Pudding



I love chia pudding but this just takes my love to a whole new level. You will try to convince yourself over and over that this couldn't possibly be good for you, that this has to be over the top in calories and will surely blow your clean-eating plan.. but trust me, in this case you don't want to be right! Dead wrong and loving it is more like it!

Chunky Monkey Chia Pudding

Ingredients:

2 cups almond milk
3 tbsp. chia seeds
1 whole banana
1 scoop Chocolate Nanopro protein powder
1 tbsp. almond butter
1 tbsp. cacao nibs
1 tbsp. sliced raw almonds

Directions:

In a blender, liquify the banana, almond milk and Nanopro protein powder. Poor liquid into a storage container, adding chia seeds. Stir and refridgerate overnight or up to 3 days. When ready to serve, top with almond butter, cacao nibs and sliced almonds. Makes 2 servings at 225 calories per serving.
*Gluten free/Dairy-free

Tammy Fodrey & Biopharma Scientific