Healthy Living Tips

Is Your Skin Ready for More Time Outdoors?

As we look forward to warmer weather and enjoying more time outside, it is wise to first consider what that means for our health, especially our skin.

While sunlight, or more specifically its ultraviolet B rays, is important for boosting our skin cells’ ability to produce vitamin D, it is only needed in small doses. A fair-skinned person in shorts and a tank top, unprotected by sunscreen, soaking in the midday summer sun for just 10 minutes can produce more than needed.

If you are going to spend an extended amount of time under those powerful rays—no matter the time of year (UVA rays penetrate clouds and glass)—protect the largest organ of your body from cell death, premature aging, immune system suppression and DNA damage that can lead to cancer. Cover up with UV-blocking clothing, hats, sunglasses (UV rays damage your eyes too) and sunblock or sunscreen with broad spectrum protection (against both UVA and UVB rays) and an SPF of 30 or higher. Seek the shade when you can, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is at its strongest.

In addition to these external measures, we can help our skin year round from the inside out to deal with UV damage and other skin health issues like dry skin, laxity, wrinkles, wound healing and aging by making sure we get the nutrients our skin cells need to function well and fight back.

Pycnogenol®
Pycnogenol, in addition to many other health benefits, is a natural antioxidant that has been shown to inhibit damage caused by UV radiation.

Food Sources: The active ingredients of Pycnogenol can be found in peanut skins and grape seeds, but not many of us tend to eat those.

Reliv Sources: Reliv Now® with Whey or Soy and Fit3™ Active

Retinoids
Retinoids refers to vitamin A (a.k.a. retinol) and the compounds that are derived from vitamin A such as retinoic acid. Skin is highly responsive to retinoids, but both UVA and UVB destroy Vitamin A.

Vitamin A is also critical for a healthy immune system because it maintains the integrity and function of skin and mucosal cells, our first line of defense. A lack of sufficient vitamin A has been linked to inflammation of the skin and, for some people, taking vitamin A supplements could reduce the inflammation that contributes to acne. Additionally Vitamin A is important for wound healing.

Food Sources: sweet potatoes, raw carrots, mangos, cantaloupe, spinach, broccoli, kale, milk, eggs, and cod liver oil.

Reliv Sources: Reliv Now® with Whey or Soy, Reliv Classic®, Reliv Now® for Kids, FibRestore®, Innergize!®, and Fit3™ Active.

Selenium
Selenium is an essential trace mineral that has been shown to protect skin cells from UV radiation. Selenium deficiency can also impair the immune system.

Food Sources: Plant sources include brazil nuts, puffed wheat, whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, tuna, halibut, sardines, shrimp, beef and turkey.

Reliv Sources: Reliv Now® with Whey or Soy, Reliv Classic®, Reliv Now® for Kids.

Zinc
Zinc is another essential trace mineral in the body. It is found mostly in the skeletal muscles and bones, but it is also stored in the skin. By stabilizing skin cell membranes, it protects against oxidative stress and toxins. A deficiency in zinc can also delay wound healing.

Zinc oxide is a common sunscreen ingredient because it absorbs and reflects both UVA and UVB radiation.

Food Sources: wheat germ, pumpkin and squash seeds, cashews, cacao, beans, oysters, beef, crab and lobster.

Reliv Sources: Reliv Now® with Whey or Soy, Reliv Classic®, Reliv Now® for Kids, Innergize!®, and Fit3™ Active.

These are just a handful of the many essential nutrients our skin needs to function well and protect itself. The best approach to skin care, as in all areas of our health, is a proactive one, so be sure to take care — inside and out.

This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. Reliv products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Sources

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/heart/articles/2008/06/23/time-in-the-sun-how-much-is-needed-for-vitamin-d

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/news/20140130/vitamin-d-faq

http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/uva-and-uvb/understanding-uva-and-uvb

http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/prevention-guidelines

S. Iravani and B. Zolfaghari, PhD. Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical effects of Pinus pinaster bark extract. Res Pharm Sci. 2011 Jan-Jun; 6(1): 1–11. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3203267/

http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminA/

McKenzie RC. Selenium, ultraviolet radiation and the skin. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2000;25(8):631-636. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11167979

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Selenium-HealthProfessional/#h3

http://jn.nutrition.org/content/130/5/1360S/T2.expansion.html

Mitchnick MA, Fairhurst D, Pinnell SR. Microfine zinc oxide (Z-cote) as a photostable UVA/UVB sunblock agent. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1999;40(1):85-90. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9922017

[xxviii] http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/#h3

Nutrition

To Be or Not to Be Gluten Free?

Over the past decade, gluten-free diets have moved from a relatively unknown concept to a mainstream way of life. Even Oprah went gluten-free for a while – and if she’s doing it, you know it’s only a matter of time before everyone is. But even with an increasing awareness of gluten and the FDA’s recent gluten-free labeling guidelines, many people are still confused about gluten.

Why Go Gluten-Free?
Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye. Most notably, gluten causes inflammation of the intestines in those with celiac, a genetic disease. People with celiac disease, gluten allergies or even gluten sensitivity can experience intestinal discomfort, diarrhea and unhealthy weight loss. The protein can even cause reactions in the skin, mouth and lungs of people with a gluten allergy. The best way to alleviate these symptoms is to simply avoid foods containing gluten.

Gluten-Free Risks
Nutritionists do not recommend eliminating gluten from your diet unless you absolutely must. This is because eliminating wheat and related grains can mean missing vital nutrients. Unless these vitamins and minerals are replaced through other foods or nutritional supplements, a gluten-free diet can be risky. These nutrients include:

  • Calcium—necessary for bone density and prevention of osteoporosis.
  • Folate—contributes to healthy blood glucose and blood pressure levels and helps the body ward off fatigue.
  • Iron—necessary for many body functions such as oxygen transport and metabolism.
  • Niacin—shown to help the body maintain healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
  • Riboflavin—necessary for normal cell function, growth and energy production as well as cognitive function.
  • Thiamin—involved in numerous body functions, including nervous system and muscle functioning.

Wheat Substitutes
You can substitute wheat flour with rice or corn flour in many recipes. Also try incorporating gluten-free grains like quinoa and amaranth into your diet. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to avoid fiber deficiency as well.

Supplement Solution
One of the easiest ways to ensure you’re getting enough of each nutrient is by supplementing with one of Reliv’s core nutrition formulas. Reliv Classic® and Reliv Now® with Soy are both loaded with protein, vitamins, minerals and super-powered antioxidants to support a healthy gluten-free diet.

These targeted solutions from Reliv are also gluten-free: CardioSentials®, GlucAffect®, Innergize!®, Reliv Now® for Kids, ProVantage®, ReversAge®, SoySentials®, Fit3™ Active, 24K®, LunaRich X™, Fit3™ Burn and Fit3™ Purify.

Enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle with Reliv. Order now.

Nutrition

Keep Your Joints Healthy for the Long Run

Joint health is becoming an increasingly important issue for adults of every age. In the US, more than 30 million adults have osteoarthritis—a condition which causes severe joint pain when cartilage around bones wears down and makes bones rub together.

It is very difficult to repair cartilage, so most doctors recommend prevention through nutrition and an active lifestyle.

Work It Out
Exercise is vital to maintain healthy joints. For those with joint pain, low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, tai chi and dancing are best. Strength training should also be incorporated in exercise since it helps strengthen the muscles surrounding the joints—protecting them from wear and tear.

Balancing Act
A balanced diet is also a key component of joint health. A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can help maintain bone strength. Foods with high omega-3s also help keep your joints in tip-top shape. Other important joint health nutrients include:

  • Glucosamine: a natural compound proven effective in building cartilage
  • Boswellin: an herb used in Eastern medicine to help with joint and muscle swelling
  • Borage oil: a powerful anti-inflammatory

Keep Moving with Reliv
Reliv’s Arthaffect® contains glucosamine, boswellin, borage oil and a variety of other nutrients to help aid in joint health. Another key ingredient in Arthaffect is Arthred®—a hydrolyzed collagen protein with the same series of amino acids required for cartilage generation. A combination of exercise, a well-balanced diet and a scoop of Arthaffect can help keep your joints healthy and keep you moving for a lifetime!

The statements contained in this material have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Reliv products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Sources: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/spring09/articles/spring09pg14.html

http://articles.cnn.com/2007-02-27/health/CL.joint.health_1_osteoarthritis-joint-pain-sharon-kolasinski?_s=PM:HEALTH

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/maple-salmon/detail.aspx?src=mer316

http://arthritis.webmd.com/ss/slideshow-keep-joints-healthy

https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/osteoarthritis.htm

Nutrition, Science & Health

A Closer Look at Eye Health

Every day starts the same. You wake up, open your eyes, look at your bedroom ceiling and start your day. Your morning routine might be repetitious, but the gift of eyesight should not be taken for granted. Your eyes cannot properly function if denied the proper nutrients. Understanding how your eyes work and remain healthy is crucial in maintaining both eye health and overall wellness.

Your eyes are susceptible to many health problems throughout a lifetime, particularly that of macular degeneration as we age. Whether eye issues have yet to become a problem for you, the fact is that your eyes demand good care over time in order to function properly.

Stay active by exercising regularly
Exercise is a key part of any healthy routine, and is especially important for eye health. In fact, regular exercise has been shown to help reduce the risk of eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Physical activity increases heart rate, making heart muscles work more efficiently for better blood circulation to the entire body. This includes reduced pressure to nerves including the ocular nerve within the eye. Excess ocular nerve pressure can lead to vision disorders, and in extreme cases, irreversible blindness.

In a study conducted by Tufts University, a direct link was found between healthy weight maintenance and healthy eyes. Diet and exercise naturally fight the trend of obesity, which is a contributing factor to type II diabetes. If left untreated, diabetes deteriorates vision in adults and can eventually lead to blindness.

Reliv’s Fit3™ program can help you commit to staying active on a daily basis and maintain a healthy weight to support long-term eye health.

Maintain a diet high in nutrients
It may seem obvious, but a diet high in nutrients naturally helps your eyes remain healthy. Leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli, for example, contain important nutrients known to combat the risk of cataracts. Reliv’s core nutrition products go way beyond the minimum daily requirements giving you more of the essential vitamins and minerals needed for healthy vision.

Core nutrition: Reliv Now® with Whey or Soy, Reliv Classic®, Reliv Now® for Kids

Beta-carotene and Vitamin A
Beta-carotene can be found in carrots and other fruits and vegetables. It is converted into Vitamin A once inside the body and offers natural protection to the cornea, which is essential for good vision.

Found in: Reliv Now® with Whey or Soy, Reliv Classic®, Reliv Now® for Kids, FibRestore®, Innergize!®, and Fit3™ Active.

Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are vital to eye health, especially in early development. Found in breast milk and also added to infant formula, omega-3 fatty acids support normal and healthy vision in newborn babies. The presence of omega-3 fatty acids in pregnant women is central to healthy vision development for their infants.

Found in: Reliv Now® for Kids, 24K®, GlucAffect®, and ReversAge®.

Zinc
Zinc is known as a “helper molecule” for the body. It transfers Vitamin A from the liver to the retina to produce an important chemical called melanin, a protective pigment in the eye. Zinc is heavily concentrated within the eye and is also associated with improved vision in low light environments.

Found in: Reliv Classic®, Reliv Now® with Whey or Soy, Reliv Now® for Kids, Fit3™ Active, and Innergize!®.

This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. Reliv products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Sources

http://www.allaboutvision.com/nutrition/vitamin_a.htm

http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/diet-and-nutrition

http://www.allaboutvision.com/nutrition/supplements.htm

http://www.allaboutvision.com/nutrition/nutrition_summary.htm

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-positive-effects-of-nutrition-and-exercise-on-ones-vision-244771331.html

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Daily-multivitamin-supplement-may-decrease-cataract-risk-in-men-RCT-data/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily&c=HL0OlOmWuYkQ7

Uncategorized

How to Grow Your Business Prospects Through Facebook

You’ve logged in, set up a profile and learned how to follow, post updates, and engage with others. Facebook can be a powerful resource for connecting with family and friends, but what’s the best way to use it to grow your business?

  • Should I use my personal profile to talk about my business?
  • Should you also have a business page?
  • Are Facebook groups useful for business?

It all boils down to this: How can you maximize the time you spend on Facebook?

Because there are so many options for how to use Facebook for business, it can feel overwhelming. Even more importantly, two of the above options are useful, while one can be a big waste of time. Let’s break down some of the options and best practices you should consider when using Facebook.

Your Personal Profile
Let’s start with your personal profile. It’s the page that you create when you join Facebook for the first time. Everyone who uses Facebook has a personal profile, even those who moderate business pages or groups. On this page, you set up a profile picture, cover photo and add some information about yourself. This is your most important Facebook asset, because it’s where people will come when they want to get to know you.

Talking Business
To answer the first question above, yes, you can talk about your business on your personal page. However, as with any social space, there are some rules you should follow, and Facebook has some guidelines. When you talk about your business, the content should be natural and conversational, not like an advertisement or “spam.” Posting this kind of content will result in people “unfriending” you (unfollowing your profile). Facebook is clear about this: your personal profile is for sharing updates, not pushy business promotions. If you fail to adhere to these standards, they can shut down your profile.

What to Share
What sorts of posts are good to share that will promote your business? Think about your Reliv lifestyle! Share pictures of your shakes, create recipes, and talk about what positive changes Reliv has brought to your life in the areas of health, wellness and finances. Your posts should be educational, entertaining, interesting—or all three! Ask questions, and take a real interest in what your followers are talking about. This will provide you with a natural way to build relationships with your friends, followers and their networks.

Note: Facebook limits you to 5,000 friends, but you can have unlimited followers. That’s a wide enough audience to make this your primary online space for building your business.

Business Pages
If creating a personal page is like inviting someone to your home, creating a business page is akin to inviting them to your office. This is the space where you can make your business the primary focus, and you can speak directly about Reliv products and the Reliv opportunity. For many, it is the page that they direct their prospects to for more information.

Business pages have waned in effectiveness because of the Facebook algorithm (the way Facebook determines who sees what content in their news feed). Business pages no longer have the same reach or engagement that they once did. It is estimated that around 1% of the people following your page (likes) actually see your updates in their news feed. That means that you’re taking the time to create thoughtful posts, and very few people are seeing the content.

Advertising on Facebook
Why would Facebook do this? Although it is known as a social platform, Facebook makes money through selling ads. They encourage businesses to purchase advertising to ensure their content shows up in users’ feeds. If you want to create and run ads, a business page is the only place you can do it. These can be effective for reaching your ideal customers through targeted ads, but you must have an advertising budget for your business. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune! Even $5 can go a long way if you put the right message in front of the right audience. Add a note here about checking out our Facebook ads video tutorial to learn more at reliv.com/success-training.

Facebook Groups
The best, most cost-effective way to reach prospects and potential customers today is through Facebook Groups. These spaces are like a club that you invite people to join, and then the group can have discussions, answer polls, share photos and more all within a private space. It’s like an online shake party where you select the guests! These groups look like business pages, but they function very differently.

There are groups for nearly any interest you can imagine, and they are a great space to find other like-minded people. Think of a Facebook Group as a space where people connect with each other, share wins and tips, encourage each other and seek answers to their questions. It’s a great place for lead generation because the group is focused on a theme (e.g. fitness and weight loss, healthy living, entrepreneurs, nutrition). Because group members have elected to join, you can safely assume that they want to see your content and participate.

Facebook favors the content posted in groups because it encourages users to login and use the platform more often. That means that when you post things in a group, members are more likely to see it than they would on your personal or business page. When you post, Facebook sends them a notification that invites them to come view the update! It’s a win-win for business builders!

Where to Begin
Start by creating a robust personal profile online, and share as much as you’re comfortable about yourself. Then, consider using Facebook Groups to share content with your prospects and network. Remember that they will check out your personal profile when they want to learn more about you, so it’s the best place to start. A group that is based on a theme that is relevant to your Reliv business will attract people who are interested in learning more about what you offer. However you choose to use Facebook, remember to be positive, share your story and encourage others.

Business, Business Builder Tips, Business Success Stories

Top Skill Set for a Network Marketer

By President of Sales & Marketing Tom Pinnock

People ask me all the time what the number one skill a professional network marketer needs to have. Well, it’s really pretty simple—people need to know that you care. There’s an old saying that puts it this way: “People don’t care about how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Think of it as relationship creation. The more friends you have, the bigger you can grow your network. It could even be said that high earners get paid for the relationships that they have with their top leaders. Don’t think of it as “I need to sponsor,” but rather, “I need to make a new friend, and I want to help them to a healthier and happier life.”

By recognizing this very important step, you will go from “salesie” to sincere. The most successful Distributors quickly find out what people want and go to work immediately to see that they get it. In other words, find out what their needs are, offer them a solution, and show them how you can help. This simple action is essential to starting a relationship with your customers and Distributors, and it’s these actions that will show them that you care.

Isn’t it true that in the beginning all of us wanted to know what Reliv could do for us? That’s why the more personal and engaging the conversation is the more effective it will be. If you don’t develop meaningful relationships with others, you’ll never know what’s on their minds. “Our greatest resource is our people,” says Reliv CEO, Ryan Montgomery. “Reliv will always be a people and relationship business.”

With that said, doesn’t it make sense to find out what people need, offer them a solution, and show them your willingness to help? Indeed, our unique conversational advantage is our greatest resource to beating the competition. It’s the caring and the personal touch that sets us apart from everyone else and all the other ways people sell products.

After all, we are about using our brilliant products and our simple business to build up an ever-growing community of amazing people. To do that, we must continue to focus on helping others, getting them to believe in themselves, and coaching them up so that they can achieve their dreams. Sometimes I think of myself as a bridge builder, building the bridge between people’s goals and showing them how Reliv can help them achieve those goals. 

I think we can all agree that our core beliefs in Reliv are to help other people and add value to their lives. If we all do that, we’ll all be rich in relationships and in growth. As our founder Bob Montgomery taught me many years ago, “Help enough people get what they want, and you’ll get what you want.”

Business, Business Builder Tips, Business Success Stories, Reliv ambassadors

How to Face Your Fears as an Entrepreneur

By Reliv Ambassador Joyce Ferguson

What was I so afraid of? Have you ever asked yourself that question, and isn’t is usually once you’ve tackled something and pushed through it?

A character in a novel I’m currently reading just spoke these words of advice to a young friend: “Don’t follow fear. Fear makes you stupid.” I thought these words were poignant, especially given the context. The character spent twenty years of his adult life walling himself off from fear and risk. His fear was the risk of loving, and it made me think that often times our fear is the risk of doing.

No doubt, fear and risk are our partners when we start our businesses or take action to actually build them. When we risk believing in ourselves, our products and business model, we fear the outcome as we step into the unknown and take chances with our future.

We fear the unknown.

What appears to be the easier, more secure way tempts us back into the known with every step we take. It invites us back into the box we’ve made for ourselves, even though it may be a box we’ve long outgrown and often hated.

It seems such an easy choice to return to that box…to take a job and give over our future career and professional life to some corporation’s keeping. For some of us, “the known” may mean working for someone else, and for others, “the known” may involve not having worked outside the home. That’s our box, and we know it well. Who wants to chance living outside of it?

Many, if not most, of the spoken and unspoken excuses thrown my way from prospects and Distributors over the years revolve around the fear of the unknown path that network marketing seems to represent. The business of working with and through others to reach joint goals just seems too risky. The business of growing oneself and helping others do the same seems too fearful. Many of us crave the seeming security of a job that rarely pays us what we’re worth or provides the long term security we seek. We’re afraid to take the step, chase the dream, and choose freedom.

Funny, once we’ve taken steps away from fear and dared the unknown, we find there’s a path to follow and a clearer direction for our future than we expected. We realize there’s a large company of wonderful friends for our new journey.

Fear can indeed make us “stupid”— unaware of our prospects, uncertain of our steps, unsure of our own value. Action in the face of that fear … refusing to follow it … awakens us to knowledge and growth and purpose. Our future success becomes our own to build.

Business, Business Builder Tips

Keep It Short & Sweet: How to Form Your 1-Minute Reliv Story

By Reliv Director of Marketing Erin Koch

When you get great health results on Reliv products, you can’t help but want to share your story with the world — and you should! After all, that’s how you’ll build your business as an Independent Reliv Distributor. But because we have incredible products and a fantastic business opportunity, it can be easy to overwhelm a new person with your excitement. If you’ve seen the deer in headlights look, you know what I’m talking about.

In fact, thanks to technology, our attention spans as humans are getting shorter and shorter. According to a study by Microsoft, we’re now clocking in at a whopping 8 seconds. But there are some smart and easy ways you can shape your story so that you do catch someone’s interest. Here are my top tips:

• Write it down. If you’ve never written down your story, this could be a really good practice. What are the main points you want to get across? Try putting them in bullets, which will make you stay more focused. Whether you lead with the products, the business or both, have these stories formulated on paper to make sure you’re staying on track. Remember to keep your health or business story focused on benefits. For example, “My product 24K® helped me get the energy I needed so I could tackle my to-do list.” Or, “The Reliv business opportunity helped me work from home, so I didn’t have to feel guilty about dropping my kids off at daycare every day.”

• Be relatable and compliant. This is a big one. You may have the most incredible health results that you’re dying to share because of Reliv products, but not everyone is going to relate to your specific health history. What people can relate to are more general health benefits like needing more energy, improving their digestive health and anti-aging just to name a few. In fact, use our product wheel for ideas on this! And remember, Reliv products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, so don’t mention any specific health conditions. The same goes for your business story. People relate to things like getting out of debt, having more time, flexible work schedules and being their own boss. That’s going to resonate with them much more than spectacular income claims that can feel like too much of a stretch for them to ever reach.

• Be flexible, not rehearsed. If you’ve been sharing your story for a while, it can be a challenge to not sound rehearsed — after all, you’ve probably shared your story a million times. But when you talk to someone new about Reliv, they’re going to give you clues about the things they care about. Use these clues to work them into your one-minute story. For example, if you’re talking to a mom who shares that she’s exhausted all the time, be sure to weave in how Reliv products gave you energy to check off everything on your to-do list. This way you’re reflecting back to HER needs while using your own personal health results.

• Time yourself. Get out your phone or stop watch and practice your story out loud. When writing marketing scripts for videos and audio, we use this method all the time to make sure we’re staying focused on the main points. If you’re going over the one-minute mark, you need to be more concise.

What tips do you have for sharing your one-minute story? Comment below or on our Facebook page and let us know how these tips worked for you!

fit3, Healthy Living Tips, Nutrition

Have Fit3 Will Travel

By Director of Product Development & Fit3 Trainer Tina Van Horn

Many of you are getting excited about your spring travel plans, but here at Reliv we want to make sure you have a plan for staying healthy while you travel. We’ve all been there. You plan a relaxing vacation, but when you return home your souvenirs include digestive issues, icky infections or viruses and maybe even some extra pounds. The good news is that with a little bit of preparation you can avoid these common health hazards typically associated with travel.

How to Avoid Calorie Bombs

Regardless of whether you are flying, driving or using any other mode of transportation, be sure to check out menus online for dining options near your destination. This will help you avoid the temptations of the sights and smells once you sit down to order. Identify places you want to try that may have fresh local fare that is typically far healthier than the standard chain restaurant choices.

If it’s available, look at the nutrition information for enticing foods. You don’t have to analyze every macro and micronutrient, but you will make better choices if you have a general idea whether your salad is 500 calories or even 2500 calories! Yes, salads can be bigger calorie bombs than many entree options! And don’t be afraid to make special requests, such as sauces and dressings on the side or substitute fresh vegetables for french fries.

Hydrate with H2O

Many of us have a tendency to get dehydrated when we travel, especially if we are flying. Typically we don’t drink enough water because we don’t want to make pit stops or use the airplane lavatory. But dehydration not only contributes to some of the gastric upsets that are common to travelers, but it also zaps your energy and can cause irritability. Headaches and muscle cramps are some other common symptoms.

And don’t be tempted by sodas, sugary beverages and cocktails. The easiest strategy is to carry a water bottle with you everywhere and refill it often. Even at the airport, you can carry an empty water bottle with you through security and then fill it from a drinking fountain at the gate.

Healthy Snacks and Nutrition

It’s also a good idea to pack some snacks and small meals, just in case you get delayed or the available options are limited to vending machines or fast food. Some travel-friendly items include nuts, dried fruit, low-sugar nutrition bars, fresh veggies, and of course, your Reliv products. They’re portable, simple and convenient to take with you. Fit3™ Purify is a must-have for any trip because it’s a metabolic supporter, probiotic and liver cleanse in one. It’s a great way to keep your body in peak performance even when you travel.

If you happen to get stuck in the airport on a long layover or delay, all of the major airports now have a really great variety of healthy options… if you can get past the smell of Cinnabon, which has about 900 calories for the average cinnamon roll. Remember that tip about looking up nutrition content? Is that cinnamon roll worth 900 calories and the sugar coma that is going to drag you down for the next few hours?

If you have a road trip coming up, you have a little more freedom to pack your own food, so use that to your advantage. Baby carrots and other raw veggies are great because they are relatively low-calorie, loaded with fiber and help keep you hydrated. Not only are these healthy suggestions, but they may also help combat boredom as you pass the miles.

Even convenience stores now stock a surprising selection of healthy choices like yogurt, nuts, fresh fruit and veggies. You just have to get past the mile-long candy display.

How to Sneak in Some Physical Activity

During a layover, get up and move around the terminal for some exercise and check out all of the food options. You will be pleasantly surprised by the variety of healthy foods that are available, such as fresh fruit, hummus cups, deli-style salads and sandwiches. Some in-flight magazines even include simple exercises you can do from your seat like leg lifts to keep you from getting too stiff. Of course if you’re on a road trip, take stretching breaks each time you stop to refuel.

With Fit3, everything you need is accessible online. Take 30-45 minutes to get in an online Fit3 workout and keep up with your fitness buddies through the Fit3 community to help motivate you during your trip.

Remember to Rest

Travel can certainly take its toll on your immune system, so make sure to schedule some down time into your itinerary. Naps and vacation just go together!

Have some tips of your own for staying healthy during your travels? Comment below!

Business, Business Builder Tips, Business Success Stories, Reliv ambassadors

Why Listening is Key to Good Communication

By President of Sales & Marketing Tom Pinnock

For many years, I have written and spoken about the importance of communication and how it is the single most significant thing to master if you want to become a professional network marketer. After all, it’s what our business is all about. Reliv makes our amazing products, and it’s up to us to tell the world about them.

In my experience, there is no better way to present our products than to wrap it around a human being. When we talk about the Reliv difference and present it from our hearts, it comes off as it should — authentic. Good communicators tend to spread the word quickly and reap the financial rewards of this industry at rocket speed. However, after being in this business for as long as I have, I’ve found that new Distributors have a tendency to over-communicate or talk too much. If you see your neighbors skedaddling out their back door when they see you coming, you’re probably overdoing it. Or, if you’re “that someone” who brings a flip chart to Thanksgiving dinner and starts showing the compensation plan, you probably need to reconsider your tactics.

It’s impossible to become a great leader without being a great communicator. Notice I didn’t say great talker because there’s a big difference. To be a good communicator you must first become a good listener. That’s why God gave you two ears and one mouth. He expects you to listen twice as much as you talk. Good listeners are worth their weight in gold. They understand that they can never learn anything while they are talking. The key to being a good listener is to take a sincere interest in the other person. People enjoy talking about themselves and their families, and while they’re talking, it’s the perfect opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge — by simply listening. In other words, find out what people want and then go to work and help them get it. If this becomes your strategy, you will build an organization that stretches around the globe.

Many times, people will tell you that they’re unhappy with their jobs, or that they work too much, or that they don’t like their boss, or that they don’t have enough money to send their children to college. Such comments give you the perfect lead-in to talk about the opportunity available to them in Reliv.

Never forget that what you say is never as important as how you say it. If you’re excited, you’ll never go wrong. People are always attracted to people who love what they are doing. Learn to talk from your heart and not your head. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care, so never miss an opportunity to zip it up and listen! The greatest form of discourse takes place within a conversation, and not a lecture. And let’s also remember that good communication skills include letters, emails, and texts.

Most people have not been taught how to properly communicate the value of products and opportunity within our industry. Focus on the benefits 80% of the time and the details 20% of the time. Most people have this reversed. Talk in ways that personalize solutions:

• “My products can help you lose weight and feel great!”
• “My products can help you fit into your skinny jeans, sleep better and have more energy.”
• “My business can help you to retire early.”
• “My business can help you spend more quality time with your kids and be a hands-on mom.”
• “My business can help you quit that job you dread getting up for every morning.”
• “My business can help you make a real difference in people’s lives.”

In other words, sell the destination and not the airplane. People want to know what Reliv will do for them. The more personal and engaging the conversation is the more effective it will be. If you don’t develop meaningful relationships with others, you’ll never know what’s really on their minds.