Zapp! Gum

Aspartame. ASS PAHR TAH MAY. ASSPERTAYME.
However you say it, it is something I try to avoid consuming.
Aspartame is a sugar substitute found in everything from diet sodas, to toothpaste to sugarless gum.
I have succeeded at cutting out all sources of this artificial sweetener, except in the place I probably get it the most.
My pack a day gum habit.

I admit to having an oral fixation. I love to chew. And sugarless gum keeps my breath fresh and teeth sparkling while quelling my need to have a busy mouth.
But, a light bulb finally went off about the nastiness of this habit in terms of the mass quantities of aspartame I am consuming.

What are the options?

Gnaw on a piece of bark as traditionally done? Masticate some other chewy piece of nature?

That's where Zapp! Gum comes in.

Sweetened with Xylitol, Zapp! comes in five amazing flavors and actually helps to prevent cavities. Xylitol is also said to help boost the immune system and help allergy sufferers.

Zapp! is completely free of aspartame and other artificial sweeteners. It also contains the most xylitol of any other gum out there. Plus, it's made in the USA!

Zapp! Gum generously sent me samples of their flavors. I highly suggest the Apple Cinnamon as an after meal "dessert," and the Cool Peppermint for a refreshing, burst of minty goodness.

Learn more and purchase Zapp! Gum here: http://zappgum.com

(image from: zappgum.com)

Rise and Shine

There is nothing like getting a head start on the day.

Regardless of whether my schedule necessitates it, I make it a point to wake up between 4:30 and 5:00am each day to get my yoga practice and internetting done.

I have a ritual of setting the coffee maker (prepped with water and yerba mate bags) the night before so I wake up to a pot of hot yerba mate. I enjoy the steaming brew while I email and surf the web. Then I hit the yoga mat for "me" time.

On days I sleep in, I make sure I still allot enough time for this sacred, meditative time. If I get tired during the day, ideally I take a 10 - 20 minute rest or power through it and go to bed a bit earlier.

Ultimately, I fall asleep faster and my sleep is more restful and solid.

Getting up early allows me to work a full day and still enjoy time with my family, knowing that I took care of my needs first thing of the day.

Try waking up early to get tasks, workouts and whatever else you need to center yourself and motivate yourself for the day in. It will take 21 - 28 days for your body to get used to the new schedule, but your sanity will thank you for it.

(image from: shutterpoint.com)