How?, What?, Why? TLC Juice Fast July 2011

Woke up this morning to start day #4 and I have lost a total of 7lbs!
I will begin to document each previous day from this point on because I really do not want to forget anything.  I have not given up Coffee, I tried to go 1 day without it on Tuesday July 19, the day before I was set to begin fasting and had the most painful migraine headache I can remember ever having in all of my 50 years of living.  I decided then, I would not try to give that up too right now.  Not sure if I ever will because I really do enjoy a good cup of coffee in the morning.  Anyway, point proven, everyone’s metabolism and tolerance is different because I am still losing weight with coffee and very little to no exercise.  I have always been a water drinker so I am also still drinking a lot of water everyday.  Here is what I can remember of the last 3 days:

Day 1- Wednesday, July 20, 2011

8am Coffee w/1 packet “Zero Calorie” made from Stevia sweetener & 1 tbsp Creamer

1pm - 5pm: Drank 20ozs Green Smoothie} Turnip Greens, Red Leaf Lettuce, 1 Cucumber, 1 Apple, 1 Grapefruit, 1 Celery stalk, 1 Tomato, 1 Avocado, 1 Banana

Added: 1 cup of Ocean Spray- 100% Juice/no sugar to the last half of my Smoothie to help with the thickness and bitter taste.

7:00pm- 2^nd cup of Coffee (same way)

7:30pm- Cheated with ½ Pork Chop – wasn’t hungry, just craved it too bad after cooking the family’s dinner.  Cravings can be a beast but it only takes a bite or two to make them go away.  No harm, no foul!

Day 2- Thursday, July 21, 2011

Repeat of day one since I make enough Green Smoothie for 2 days. I started this day with a 45min exercise session- a video from InShape4u on YouTube that had me running thru the house for 15-20 min and arm weight strength training.

I did not have my 1^st cup of coffee until 10-10:30am.

7:00pm- 1/2 cup of Coffee no sweetener, Raisins and 1 tbsp creamer (Yes, I put Raisins in my coffee).

7:30pm- Cheated w/Baked Chicken Wing & Back – again, wasn’t hungry, just craved it too bad after cooking the family’s dinner.

Day 3- Friday, July 22, 2011

Against everyone's suggestion not to, I decided to weigh myself.  I just don’t want to be wondering all the time about anything.  I like cold hard facts fast and want to know if I am losing any weight at this time and if so, just how much?  Is all this hoopla over fasting really all that?  Well YEAH!  I can see it for myself because I have lost 4.5lbs in 2 days!

8:30am Usual Cup of Coffee

1pm - 5pm: Drank 20ozs Green Smoothie} Spinach, Kale, 3 Carrots, 2 Apples, 1 Cucumber, 2 Beets-(stalks,stems,bulbs), 3 Celery Stalks, 1/8 section of Watermelon.

Added: 1 cup of Ocean Spray- 100% Juice/no sugar to the last half of my Smoothie to help with the thickness.  Tastes really good!

After 5:30pm I really started to feel full and bloated.  Not craving anything right now, not even my usual 2^nd cup of coffee.  I also realized that I had not had a bowel movement since the day before and since I am pretty regular with that daily I wanted to find something to get that moving. (Might be TMI but we're all adults and this is REAL TALK!)

7:30pm- Iceberg/Red Leaf Lettuce, ½ tomato, 1 small can of Tuna as a Salad w/1 Tbsp Olive Oil and 2 Tbsp Red Wine Vinegar.

10:30pm 1hr of moderate dancing, arm weights and stretch exercises.

*Note- Did NOT have a 2^nd cup of coffee this day but did have a successful void on the morning of day 4.  Again, sorry if this is TMI but I feel GREAT!

As GREAT as this rapid weight loss is, this process is more importantly about learning to eat properly, maintain and ultimately live a healthier lifestyle.  What I have accepted as TRUTH at this point in time is that the food we eat, what we put in (and on) our bodies makes a huge impact on our health.  I have never been a binge eater nor are sweet foods my crutch.  I am also not a Soda drinker.  I drink water all day everyday.  So why then am I overweight and not in my best of health?  Well, primarily, it's due to my sedentary lifestyle coupled with what is IN the foods I do eat, especially as a Salt addict.  “Knowledge is Power” but if we don’t use the knowledge we now have about food and exercise, that statement means absolutely nothing.

Just to be clear on where I am from the start of this, I need to lose a minimum of 65Lbs before I can be considered at a Healthy weight so onward and upward with my mission of NOT living the rest of my life, “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead”.   ~PEACE and continued Healthy Eating!  Tina! 

Ooops! Forgot to mention the handful of  "Cranberries 'N More" that I snack on once or twice a day.  I got this from Walmart and it contains; Dried Cranberries, Sunflower Nuts, Cashews, Pumpkin Seeds-(no shell), Almonds and Dried Apples.

Imagine... Life Without A Paycheck. Can You Do It?

Unfortunately with the economy being what it has been for the last few years many don't have to imagine life without a paycheck because they are already living it right now but this question is not being directed to the unemployed.  This question is being directed to those who are currently gainfully employed via W2 or Self-Employment;  Can you even imagine your life, your family's life, your business life without your paycheck?

May is Disability Insurance Awareness Month and we, within the Insurance industry, are once again, bringing to the forefront the importance of "Protecting Your Paycheck" by investing in a Disability Insurance plan.

According to the National Safety Council, a fatal injury occurs every four minutes and a disabling injury occurs every second.  When a disabling injury or illness strikes, income stops. How would your life change if you suddenly had no money coming in to pay for things like food, rent or mortgage, utilities and other monthly expenses?  The good news is, with Disability Income insurance, you can protect your financial security -aka- your paycheck from the threat of disability.

The main source of disability income protection in the US is coverage provided by employers but if you have no coverage at all through your employer, then it is important that you explore the option of an individual plan.  The most flexible and reliable source of coverage happens to be a DI policy that you can purchase independently on your own.  An individual, privately owned DI policy is portable, meaning, you won't have to worry about losing coverage if you change jobs.

Disability Income provides a monthly benefit, most standard plans pay between approximately 45% - 60% of your gross income, when you suffer a covered injury or illness. It’s like continuing to receive a paycheck even though you can’t work.  Although there are several Insurance Carriers offering different, often customizable plan types to meet your specific needs, the basics of a DI plan are pretty much standard.  To get an idea of how much DI coverage you will probably need, here is a Calculator courtesy of LifeHappens.org.

If you would like to find out more about Disability Insurance coverage, please contact me.  I welcome the opportunity to assist you with planning for your financial future with Insurance.


Tina Little-Coltrane
Multi-State Licensed Insurance Advisor
Coltrane Insurance - 1-800-755-2896 x 101
Tina@TinaColtrane.com

ING Reliastar Insurance

Does the recession have you worried?  Life Insurance can be used for more than just death benefit protection.  It is often times used for estate planning purposes to pay estate settlement costs.  The ability of Life Insurance to deliver different benefits for different needs makes it a necessary must have.
Allow me to assist you with finding the right plan to fit your individual needs.  It is time consuming but so worth it and ING Reliastar offers something for just about everyone:

Variable Universal Life: If providing death benefit protection, flexibility and building potential cash is your preference but you would rather be in control of where your money is invested, then consider one of several Variable Universal Life plans offered by ING Reliastar.

Universal Life: For those looking to provide a guaranteed death benefit up to a lifetime or life insurance protection with potential to significantly accumulate cash value tax deferred, then one of these plan types needs to be considered.

Term: Offers traditional term coverage at inexpensive rates for 10, 15. 20 or 30 years.  Selecting the ROP-return of premium option guarantees you getting your premiums back should you outlive the term of your plan.

ING offers a broad spectrum of plans within each of these categories to address business owners', individual and family needs including supplement retirement income, wealth transfer and estate planning.
Visit their site to find out more about each plans specifics at: ING Reliastar

As a Licensed Insurance Agent, I am authorized to represent ING Reliastar's Life Insurance plans so contact me for additional information and application assistance.

Tina Little-Coltrane

Coltrane Insurance

1-800-755-2896

"Nothing Is Certain But Death and Taxes"

It's about that time of the year again and I am not talking about Christmas.  I'm thinking about Income Tax filing time.  Most Tax Practitioners start planning for the next filing season no later than September end and I am no different.  What sets me apart from many other Tax Professionals is my additional capacity as a Life Insurance Agent.  I am always thinking about what is in the best financial interest of my clients and their families and want to encourage everyone to think and plan wisely as we prepare to move into a new year.

We have begun to receive inquiries from clients who are trying to determine what, if any amount might be refunded to them next year if they have overpaid taxes to the government this year.  My guess is, they are already planning what they are going to do with their refund money next year.
If you are someone who normally receives an income tax refund and you do not have an active Life Insurance policy in place, please consider this.  Plan on purchasing a Life Insurance policy with a portion of your anticipated Income Tax Refund in 2011.

According to an article published in USA Today, "Households With Life Insurance Hits Lowest Levels in 50 Years", there are far too many families without financial protection.  Albeit, there are many factors to why this is so, money, or lack of it probably topping the list, Life Insurance today is affordable, easily obtainable for most and a critical financial protection to have in place for those who depend on you.

If you are someone without coverage or have coverage but the benefit amount is not enough to protect your dependents financially at the time of your death,  please consider using a portion of your tax refund to pay for a Life Insurance policy.  If you commit, at least, $300-500 of your tax refund to an annual payment on a Life Insurance plan, you will not only be insured without the responsibility of a monthly payment, the family that depends on you will be protected financially should something happen to you as well.

 Remember, "nothing is certain but Death and Taxes" so what easier way to pay for the expenses surrounding your death than with your Income Tax over payment refund.  Paying premiums one time annually avoids adding to your monthly expenses.  It's a convenient, easy and responsible thing to do with your refund!
Contact me to help you find an affordable Life Insurance plan to put in place.

Tina Little-Coltrane

Coltrane Insurance
Life and Health Insurance Consultant

ASK ME About Medicare!

Yes, please ASK ME about your Medicare Healthcare options.  Especially now as we are just days away for Medicare's Annual Election Period.

Beginning November 15 thru December 31, 2010 existing Medicare recipients will have the opportunity to change their existing health care coverage for 2011.  If you or someone you know is on Medicare and not happy with your/their current health care plan, right now is the time to begin the review process.  Insurance companies have put their new plans for 2011 in place so learn about what other options are available in your/their area(s).

This year's Health Care Reform Bill brought about several changes which prompted many insurance carriers to pull certain health care plans out of specific areas leaving many Medicare recipients with the task of finding new coverage before 2011.  The Annual Election Period will be the last opportunity for these seniors to select a new Medicare Advantage plan for 2011 or they will automatically return to their Original Medicare coverage as of January 1, 2011.

For new Medicare recipients, that is, anyone who just turned 65 within the last 3 months or anyone who is going to turn 65 within the next 3 months, you are in your Initial Enrollment Period.  ASK ME about Medicare.  Let's talk about what your health care coverage options are now that you have Medicare.  During this 7 month period surrounding your 65th birthday you are eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare Supplement plan without being subject to a health history exam or review. (note: exceptions apply- i.e. End Stage Renal Disease,etc.).  You also have the option to stay with Original Medicare and enroll in a stand alone Prescription Drug Plan.

Selecting the right Medicare plan can be very confusing not only for Seniors but for anyone this is why there is so much assistance available, you just need to know where to find it.  I am an Independent Licensed Insurance Professional who is Certified to sell Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug plans in several States.  As an authorized selling agent for a few major insurance carriers offering Medicare Healthcare plans, including Medicare Supplement plans, I am available to assist anyone that resides in one of the States I am Licensed in who wants to learn about the Medicare healthcare choices in their area.

Call today to schedule a time to talk about your Medicare options.  Now is the perfect time to be asking about your Medicare Health coverage so please ASK ME!  Visit TinaColtrane.com for more info.

Tina Little-Coltrane
Life and Health Insurance Consultant

Coltrane Insurance

1-800-755-2896 x 101
336-675-5280 Mobile
TinaColtrane@AOL.com
TinaColtrane.com

Life Insurance Awareness Month 2010

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month

Each September the insurance industry turns it's focus on promoting the importance of carrying Life Insurance.  Life Insurance Awareness Month-(LIAM), coordinated by the nonprofit LIFE Foundation is an industry-wide effort and campaign created in response to the growing concern about the large number of Americans who lack adequate life insurance protection.  Approximately 70 million adults in this country have no life insurance and most of those who do, have far less coverage than their family will actually need.

As an Insurance Professional it is my responsibility to impress upon everyone to think about a few very important facts before the worst happens.
If you died today, how would your loved ones fare financially?  I realize this is not a very comfortable subject to think about but not doing so can have very serious financial consequences for your family.
Life Insurance Month is the perfect opportunity to think about your life insurance needs and to put plans in place to make sure that your family will be protected if the unthinkable were to happen.

Life Insurance provides cash to your family after your death.  Known as the death benefit, it can help your family pay for the funeral and final expenses, mortgage and other credit debt balances and provide income for your family to live on for a period of time after you are gone.
How much Life Insurance a person needs depends on their current financial status and what their future objectives would be for the dependents they leave behind.  LIAM is the perfect time to review your life insurance needs so please take a few minutes out of your busy schedules to make sure that you and your family have adequate Life Insurance protection.  To get a general idea of your Life Insurance needs, take advantage of the online calculator provided by the LIFE Foundation at  LifeHappens.org

Insurance is here because LIFE happens and so does DEATH so the bottom line is this, if anyone depends on you financially, you need Life Insurance- plain and simple.
Allow me the opportunity to help you secure your family's financial future with Life Insurance coverage.  Please visit my site: Coltrane Insurance to request your free Life Insurance quote today.

Tina Little-Coltrane

Life and Health Insurance Consultant
1-800-755-2896 x 101
TinaColtrane.com
Watch:  A Legacy Of Love

Insurance: What About The Children?

For the average parent, just the thought of losing a child sends a rush of emotions that so quickly paralyzes the heart and the mind so much so that we cannot even complete the thought.  But we must.  Not so much for the children's sake but more for ours.

If we cannot even think about the loss of a child for a minute, then you have to know that if this inconceivable occurrence were to happen and unfortunately it does, most of us would be rendered incompetent to function, make arrangements or important timely decisions.
I have forced myself to think about it long enough to know that if something were to happen to any one of my children, my mental state would be such that I would be of no assistance to my husband with trying to find money for anything at a time like that or for a long time thereafter.

Some would argue that Life Insurance's main purpose is to replace an income and since most children do not earn an income which contributes to the household finances, "children don't need life insurance", but I beg to differ.
A working family with little or no savings will need money to pay for the final arrangements.  Where is the money going to come from if there is no insurance plan in place to pay for the expenses surrounding a death in the family?  Where?

This is a difficult and uncomfortable subject to think about but again, you must, not only for your sake but for your remaining family's sake.  Low to middle income working parents think about this and ask yourselves these questions:

1. How will you pay for the final arrangements if your child dies? (please, God Forbid)
2. How long do you think it will take you to recover, if at all?
3. Will your Health Insurance plan cover Bereavement Counseling or Psychiatric Care? (which I know for a fact I would need.)
4. Do you think you will be able to return to work after your 1 week bereavement time off is up?
5. How will your household function financially if you are unable to return to work right away?

These are critical questions and genuine concerns that need to be considered when thinking about Life Insurance for your family.

Adding a Child Insurance Rider-(Policy) to your Insurance policy or purchasing a stand alone Insurance plan for your child is so very inexpensive.  Depending on your Final Arrangement and Insurance Benefit choices, there are policies available for less than $10 per month.  We insure our houses, our cars- no hesitation, but when it comes to the most important beings in our lives, our children... we hesitate.  Why?

There are different types of coverages available for children.  Term Life Insurance is a lower premium policy which typically is guaranteed for a specific period of time.  Whole Life Insurance is generally a higher premium plan but can last for the rest of their lives and provides the opportunity to build a cash value savings over the life of the active policy.  Regardless of your choice, they both provide options to fit your budget.

I am a Licensed Life and Health Insurance Agent and Broker/Owner of Coltrane Insurance.  If you do not have Life Insurance on yourself and/or you children, please contact me for a free quote and assistance with planning for the unexpected should it happen.  Life happens and so does Death, so please, be prepared.

Tina Little-Coltrane - Life Insurance Advisor
Coltrane Insurance - 1-800-755-2896
Tina@TinaColtrane.com