"Believe you can and you are half war there." Such a statement of power. Such a statement of truth. The mind creates the world the appears in front of the eyes. "Whether you think you can or can't, you are right." Ever heard that before?  Henry Ford made a very spot on realization when he said that. That is because the most determining factor of an outcome is what you internally believe to your core. Therefore, if you BELIEVE you can, you will. If you BELIEVE you can't, you won't. Set a goal, focus on the end result and BELIEVE you will achieve it no matter what. 

Belief is a DECISION. 

Once you believe, you are half way there! The rest will fall into place by the Amazing Law of ATTRACTION. <3 

Raw Vegan seems to be the new "Thing". I have been doing lots of research on the whole concept, different lifestyles {because vegan is more than a diet} and recipes and it has been intriguing me for months. I did a detox the past 2 weeks starting with 5 days of only raw foods. My sister, Andrea, did it with me and we were both SOO impressed with how we felt. Eating loads of whole, natural, organic fruits and vegetables as well as some nuts and seeds, we were filled with energy and clarity. I am sharing my experience and further plans, feel free to join me. Follow my progress on instagram at @sammimcleod. I want to see your stuff by #rawvolution and tag me! 

I'm sure you've heard the saying "everything happens for a reason." Whether you believe it or not, it is really true!! Your thoughts and feelings are what create your reality, therefore, if you want a different reality, change your thoughts and feelings. If you think being "positive" is some hokey pokey dumb dream word thing.... you may want to open your mind and try it for yourself. The most powerful universal law we live with is the Law of Attraction. "What you think about, you bring about." So when you hear "Everything happens for a reason... it is 100% the truth. 

What is it that makes you smile so big? What is it that excites you?!  What is it that gives you drive? Makes you giddy? Makes you want to jump up and down? What is your passion? What creates your bliss? When you follow your bliss, magic will happen all around you. I am speaking from pure experience and I have hours of mind-blowing storied to prove how strong this simple concept is! Do what you love and enjoy everyday! Always remember, your only job in this life is to be happy! 

SMILE! It is good for your health! I don't think we smile enough. What are we afraid of!? You deserve to smile every single day. Did you know, if you smile for 5 minutes, your mood will automatically get better? Don't believe me? Try it! Start every day that way!! 

Do you know how many people in this world are feeling alone and unworthy? Many feel like they are invisible and unimportant. Imagine if your smile was the action between their decision of staying in this world or not. 

It is not something pleasant to talk about, but it is true! Imagine someone was feeling that they we're done in this world and you smiled randomly at that person and it triggered a feeling of acceptance and value. You just saved a life with your smile. 

Remember, a bad day doesn't mean a bad life. It will get better! 

The possibilities in the world today are endless. So many people have given up hope and faith for anything amazing in their life. People are focusing on the bad stuff out there. There is a whole lot of AMAZING stuff too, but if you aren't open to it, you won't see it!! SO, if you are looking for something to believe in, start with yourself! Self love is SOOOOO important. Everything starts from within!! If you don't love yourself, how will anyone else? If you don't respect yourself, how will anyone else? If you don't believe in yourself, how will anyone else!! The way you see yourself is the way other people will see you!!! Now, STOP that negative talk in that mind of yours!! When you look in the mirror, can you say, "I LOVE AND RESPECT AND BELIVE IN YOU!" ? It is a hard thing for most people to do but can I tell you a secret? 

What really determines your health is your mindset! What are you thinking? What are you feeling? What self talk do you have in that mind? Do you count your problems or your blessings? All of this can change the entire makeup of your body and health! Every thought is a creation! If you say "I am fat and ugly." That is how people will see you. If you say "I am beautiful and loved", that is how people will see you. 

I know it seems to simple to work, but I assure you, it is true! When you want to have a certain life, health, body and perception, all you have to do is change your thoughts! Every thought is a creation right... so think about what you want to create!! Fill your mind, surroundings with everything you WANT in life. Happiness, Joy, Excitement, Love, Health, Abundance!! You deserve all of it, never let anyone tell you otherwise.

Protein shakes are getting VERY popular for all sorts of reasons. Some use them for a meal replacement to lose weigh, some use them to help build muscle, some just because they are quick and easy! 

These are all good reasons but with the growing increase in protein shake popularity, the quality is decreasing. Companies want to make BIG BUCKS. So they add in cheap ingredients that may not be so beneficial to your health. Branding and marketing has made everyone think that they need "WHEY" protein. Well, whey comes from milk. It deteriorates and goes bad faster, and most people have a hard time digesting whey. If you are lactose intolerant or vegan, you want to avoid whey always! This is not the only problem with whey. In many of the most popular protein powders on the market, they have found overloads of heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, arsenic and mercury. These are shakes that are branded as HEATHY and SAFE... even for pregnant women.

Studies show that MOST people already get enough protein in a regular balanced diet. I have 1 Arbonne Protein Shake a day. Why?

1. Because I LOVE them
2. Because it ensures I have 20 grams of vegan protein (Easiest to digest from peas and brown rice)
3. Because it ensures I have 22 grams of essential vitamins and minerals
4. Because it acts as a full meal replacement so it can help with weight loss
5. Because it is Botanically-based, vegan and gluten free
6. Because it contains extras like flax and its sweetened naturally 
7. Because it contains natural ingredients that help curve and satisfy hunger.
8. Because it satisfies my craving for CHOCOLATE :)
9. Because it keeps me full for hours
10. Because it when I'm on the go, this is the easiest option!!

There are so many benefits and uses to Apple Cider Vinegar. Make sure you get Organic, Unfiltered, unpasteurized like this one. The main ingredient that comes from this powerhouse is acetic acid which has many body boosts!! 
You can use this stuff for shiny hair, clearer skin, weight loss, internal body balancing and detox and even allergies! What I do is put 1 tsp in a glass of water with a sprinkle of cinnamon, stir it up and drink it as soon as I wake up. I don't have breakfast for another 30 min to an hour. It helps balance your body's PH which can help you cut your fat. It contains enzymes that help kill Candida Yeast. By adding the cinnamon, you have a natural boost to the metabolism to start off the day!  

Apple Cider Vinegar also has antibiotic properties and can help sooth tummy issues and indigestion! It's a great thing to add to hot water to kill a sore throat or sooth a stuffy nose. With it's potassium, it will give you a boost of energy to fight fatigue and lactic acid buildup. It can even whiten your teeth and clean your toilet!! Magic stuff! 

This picture right here from my Instagram is the reason from Sammi's Secrets to come alive. I decided on July 4th, 2013 to make a change in my diet. I was always feeling bloated and I had trouble getting rid of excess fat from my midsection, thighs, booty and upper arms. Sound familiar? I was sick and tired of feeling sick and tired! I decided I was going to find my solution and stick to it. The first row in the picture is me on DAY 1 of my new lifestyle. After 1 week and a half I took the second row of pictures. After 3 weeks, I took the last row of pictures. I have never had results like this. I felt amazing! I still do!! I can literally notice everyday less and less fat in all of those problem places!! 

I had about 30 people message me asking for what I did so I decided this is my COMMITMENT. I will CONTINUE to post and share my transformation and this is JUST the beginning!! I want to share this with as many people possible! I want to help you reach the goals you want and to get the body you've always dreamed of with me! Once you start following this plan and you find what system works for you, send me your results! I will be featuring some on this blog! Be proud of your accomplishments and share them!! :) 

DAY 1 I cancelled my gym membership. You are probably thinking "This girl is whack." I wanted to see results based completely on my eating habits. Instead of paying $60 a month, I decided to dedicate myself to at home work outs for the first few months. I will start working out again after 1 month, August 1, 2013!!  I will be sharing that progress too through the Fitness page! 

Most people only trust a traditional medical doctor when it comes to healing and treating health issues. I have always been interested, intrigued by and open minded towards alternate healing methods. Traditional Chinese Medicine practices have been around for 2000-3000 years. There are a large range of alternate healing methods from around the world including; acupuncture, aromatherapy, light therapy, reflexology, reiki, herbal therapies, acupressure, massage therapy, iridology, craniosacral therapy etc. The treatments are divided into a few categories; energy, herbal, manipulative, body-mind etc.