Where to Learn how to Dive in St. Thomas

When you arrive on the beautiful island of St. Thomas there are a few things that you absolutely need to do. The top being heading to the beach, ziplining (of course), and exploring under the water!

Now most of us have done some snorkeling before. Some are able to go from the beach and swim out to the closest reef. For others, a great day-trip on a boat can bring you closer to the gorgeous underwater scenery where you get snorkel masks and fins on and then overboard you go.

However, there is only one way to truly get up close and personal with amazing coral and unique Caribbean Sea life and that is Scuba Diving.

Thousands of divers each year head to the Virgin Islands to experience the incredible discoveries in temperate waters. From vibrant reefs teeming with life to shipwrecks and rock formations, diving in the VI is a rewarding experience that many come back for year after year.

Some may think that getting into scuba diving is difficult, time consuming, and expensive. Well if you are on vacation on St. Thomas you can get started quickly, easily, and inexpensively.

In fact, many of the resorts on island have dive shops where you can try diving for free or a reduced price in the pool.

Once you see if you like it you can get your certification and head out to open water!

Below are a few of our top picks for dive shops on STT:

Coki Dive Center

St. Thomas Diving Club

Red Hook Dive Center

So next time you’re in the Virgin Islands and want to make your vacation a memorable one, think about getting yourself certified! You’ll open a door to a whole new way of looking at the Caribbean.

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How EWG Can Help You Control Your Life

In a world where fast food is king and profit margins are more important than the quality of what we feed the children, it’s nearly impossible to tell the good from the bad. This is not a scare tactic persuading you into buying more expensive food, but a wake up call to take action and decide for yourself instead of letting the media deciding for you.

This is bigger than just what you eat, but down to the ingredients in your cosmetics, where your energy source comes from, and what’s in every day products you may buy for your home… that’s barely scratching the surface. At Tree Limin’ Extreme, we promote healthy living in an eco-friendly way!

Luckily, there is a group out there that is a great reference for anyone looking to educate him or herself on what’s really going on in this world. They are called Environmental Working Group or EWG. Their goal is to educate and empower the average consumer and unmask the wrongdoings of widely popular products to create a healthier tomorrow.  We strongly believe in what EWG has to say and what they are doing for the world.

How can you have access to this information you ask? Well it’s incurably simple! Here are a few ways you can do so, sitting at home or on the go.

If you’re just lounging around and want to have a good read and dive deeper into the multiple facets dealing with health and environmental issues, check out their website at www.ewg.org

If you can’t get enough and want regular updates about what’s going on in the world, sign up for their e-mail newsletter. They can then bring the news to you whenever it breaks.

Now, if you’re on the go, you can visit their mobile site, or you could do one better. They have 3 free apps you can download directly to your smartphone that can give you all the information about a product right then and there.

On their “Food Scores” app, they have a bar-code scanner that allows you to take an in-depth look into any product. They have a unique system that tells you how it compares to similar products, and gives you an additional option to check out those products. With this powerful tool, you can make the best and most educated decisions when it comes to you and your family’s health.

Their app “SkinDeep” is much like the first app, with the bar-code scanner and scores, but rates products all the way from make-up to sunscreen.

Their third app is called “Dirty Dozen”. This is a shoppers guide to pesticides in products. It labels all the fruits and veggies that are more susceptible to pesticide residues and which aren’t. While eating organically has grown 11% from 2013 to 2014, it may be hard for every family to afford a purely organic diet. With this app, you will be able to see what you should buy organic and what products are safe from pesticides.

 

Also has advance options like newsletter sign up, FAQs, and Reports

By educating ourselves on what is good and what is bad, we will be able to create a better and brighter tomorrow! With these useful tools, you can easily become an advocate for safe and healthy products for you and your family.

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Interesting Facts about Sargassum Seaweed

Legend has it that the Caribbean Seaweed appears once a year in the form of massive amounts of seaweed from the Sargasso Sea. Although it's nearly cleared up this year, it's still good to understand where this comes from.  Hailing from the North Atlantic, the Caribbean Seaweed warms the water and sends low winds to push the Sargassum seaweed into the tropical currents.  On occasion, it sends close to 10 million metric tons of Sargassum to the Eastern Caribbean Islands.  Along with Mother Nature’s help, the seaweed washes ashore.  Scientists, a.k.a. Environmental Super Heroes, are constantly working on new uses and ways to deal with the wrath of the Caribbean Seaweed Monster.  

If you visit the Caribbean and enjoy the beaches, you may find that this particular type of seaweed has struck your favorite beach.  Luckily, trained Environmental Super Heroes are finding a variety of uses for the Sargassum seaweed and they have been trained to take it off the beaches in a responsible manner.  “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade” or “When the Caribbean Seaweed Monster gives you seaweed, make a multitude of uses”  There are many potential uses for seaweed, including: a medium for landfill, help build up dunes and beaches to combat erosion, fertilizer and compost, weed control, and some have incorporated it into their cuisine. 

So what should a vacationer expect?  Sargassum can have an unpleasant odor if left in the sun for too long, which is just the seaweed decomposing, and this is non-toxic to humans.  The Sargassum does not sting, but has pointy pods.  When it decomposes on the sand, you may see a layer of black underneath, no worries, it is just Mother Nature doing her job.  Removal should be done by a trained professional, aka Environmental Super Heroes.

If you have any beach concerns or would like more information on Sargassum, here is a fact sheet with general information.

http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/habitat_conservation/documents/pdfs/hcd_pdf/gcfisargassumfactsheet_2015.pdf

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For The Health Of It: Part 5 "Mental Health"

Although often overlooked, mental health is a major factor when it comes to your overall health. Most people think they can tell if someone is healthy or not by their outer appearance, but it is much more complicated than that. You can eat right, exercise, and keep your life organized to a T, but if you’re constantly stressed out or depressed, you need to address that immediately. If you’re like most people, you feel stressed from time to time, but if you are in a constant state of anxiety, the long term, and even short-term effect can be damaging.

On a day-to-day basis, it is always important to be selfish in the matter of taking care of yourself first. For those of you who need some quick advise to ease anxiety and stress in your life, here are my top 5.

Deep Breathing

When you’re caught up in the moment, it’s a good idea to take a step back and breath. Chances are, if you’re overcome with emotions, your breathing has increased rapidly, and the easiest way to get in control again is breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. This will help you calm down and grasp the situation.

Get Active

When you’re having a bad day and nothing is going your way, take some time to get active. Exercise releases endorphins in the brain, which naturally puts you in a better mood. It takes about 22 minutes for you to start feeling the effects of endorphins once you start working out. Why not test it out right now to see?

Go Outside

When you go outside, you are exposing your skin to vitamin D, which most of us in todays society is very much lacking. When one is deficient in vitamin D, they feel “blue”, so to speak. The Virgin Islands is sunny all year round, but in places like the Midwest, many may experience something called “seasonal depression”. One of the greatest factors of this phenomenon is the lack of sunlight everyone is getting due to the cold weather. So, even during the winter, try to make a habit of going outside and even take advantage of those sunny winter days!

You could always plan a mid winter trip down to sunny St. Thomas too. ;)

Do something you enjoy

This may sound obvious, but when you’re not feeling yourself, one of the best things you can do is do something you enjoy. If you enjoy painting, video games, trying new restaurants, movies with friends, anything that tickles your fancy, just go do it! Even if you have to work, try doing something fun before or after, or in extreme circumstances, take a personal day.

Like Kayaking or SUP Boarding

Get enough sleep!

I know when I don’t get enough sleep I can be pretty crabby the next day. You can stay up later and have a fun night, but just keep in mind what time you have to get up in the morning. Getting enough sleep is important for your body and if you don’t get enough of it, you wont be able to function to your full ability. Most studies show 7-8 hours is enough, but everyone’s body is different, so try to do what feels best for you.

These tips are quick and easy fixes for every day anxiety and stress. For those of you who suffer from chronic anxiety or depression, don’t hesitate to consult with a doctor. Mental health should be taken very seriously and contrary to some people’s beliefs, it’s not all in your head.

Thank you for checking out our blog series “For the Health of it”. For those of you who missed out on a previous article, check out the links below to read more.

For the Health Of It: Part 1 "About Healthy Living"

For the Health Of It: Part 2 "Clean Eating"

For The Health Of It: Part 3 "Staying Organized"

For The Health Of It: Part 4 "Being Active"

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For The Health Of It: Part 4 "Being Active"

Exercise doesn’t have to mean busting your butt at the gym every day for 2 hours, it could be as simple as walking the dog. Today, we as a society aren’t as active as we once were. We are constantly sitting in front of a computer, TV, and cellphones or overindulging ourselves with work. Take a step back and think about what life is really about… living and having fun!

Yes, I too enjoy occasional movie marathons and binge watching TV shows on Netflix, but there’s nothing like some good, old fashioned outdoors fun. Go on a hike, play Frisbee in the yard, or even get some friends together and get a game of soccer going. If you’re one of the many people who feel they don’t have the time or energy to get active, here are some quick tips to help you get up and moving!

Only 30 minutes a day: Break it up during the day!

People with busy schedules might think they don’t even have 30 minutes a day to dedicate to their bodies, but there are many ways you can break this up during your day. Try waking up and doing a 15 minute cardio exercise and then when you come home, do another 15 minutes. This way, you start your day off right, and you finish strong too.

Anything that gets you moving can be a work out

Have fun and be active
at the same time!

If you’re moving, it’s a workout. You like to dance? Turn on some tunes and boogie with friends or solo. Live close to work? Get a bike and save some gas money by biking to work (not to mention it’s better for the environment too). There are many ways you can sneak in a little activity here and there. Some other examples are take the stairs, park further away, go on a walk, play sports, and going ziplining.

Get your friends involved

Sometimes (more often than not) it’s hard to feel motivated. If you have a fitness buddy, they could give you that extra push you need. You can sign up for a weekly yoga class, or hit the gym, go for a jog, really whatever both of you are feeling! Also, it will help you try new work outs and be someone you can share your progress with.

Hiking Trails are fun and often free

Do something fun you’ll look forward to

Ditch your old work out routine and spice it up with something new! Every week, plan something different for your weekend. This doesn’t have to be costly either! Most parks and trails are free. Sign up for that Zumba class you’ve always wanted to try, or go explore that hiking trail near by, chances are, you’ll be happy that you did.

Plan the day before

Some people are good at living one day at a time, but others, not so much. If you’ve been finding yourself caught in the same routine day in and day out, it might be time where you start planning ahead. Be realistic with your plans also. If you try to do too much, too fast, you might become overwhelmed and go back to your old ways.

Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m in the mood to go outside and try something new. I’ll catch you all next week where I’ll be talking about the most important health of all, mental health!

To read more about our "For the Health of it" Series, check out the links below:

Part 1: About Healthy Living

Part 2: Clean Eating

Part 3: Staying Organized

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For The Health Of It: Part 3 "Staying Organized"

Being organized can be fundamental to your life. Not only does it keep the house clean and tidy, but also it keeps your head clear and focused. Staying organized isn’t easy for everybody though, but that doesn’t mean you can’t obtain a more orderly lifestyle. Here are some easy habits and methods for you to follow to organize your life. 

Take Care of Things Right Away

There is nothing worse than having something you need to take care of weighing on your shoulders. This could either refer to physical items or tasks. Even though this idea may seem simple, it is easier said than done. The best way to take care of things right away is to just do it. You’ll feel much better once it’s completed!

Make a To-Do List

There are two kinds of “to-do” lists. One is a daily, and another is a long-term list. By breaking things up into categories, you’ll be able to prioritize and complete more tasks. Start with smaller things that won’t take much time or effort and then work your way up to larger tasks.

Out With the Old…

Letting go can be hard, but when you’re still holding onto your Britney and J-T inspired matching denim suite and dress, chances are they are better off not taking up space in your closet. Regardless of the size, homes should be a place of zen, and when it’s packed to the brim, it’s hard to unwind. Do yourself a favor and go through your things and start weeding out the old. Try tackling little portions of the house at a time to make it less of a hurdle.

Set a Deadline

Deadlines aren’t just for work, they can be used for any chore from as little as taking out the trash, or as large as renovating the basement. When you set a deadline for a bigger project, remember to not procrastinate with the smaller steps leading up to the end goal. Within each project, try to map out all the little responsibilities along the way. With this method, you won't be surprised when the deadline sneaks up on you when you haven’t even started.

Reward Yourself

When you complete something, go ahead and celebrate! Even if you just cleaned the house, go ahead and have that glass of wine, or whatever your guilty pleasure may be. By rewarding yourself, it gives you some incentive to complete whatever it is that you don’t want to do. 

Now these are just small steps to your journey to live happy and healthy. If you apply these tips to your every day life, you can achieve a more productive day and a much more organized life!

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For the Health Of It: Part 2 "Clean Eating"

The concept of clean eating has been around for a while, but has recently received a lot of attention by the average consumer.  There are a lot of different definitions of “clean eating” floating around out, but the basic principal is all the same: a well-balanced, natural, nutritious diet.

Cut Down on Processed Foods

Many may argue that all processed foods are bad, but that isn’t necessarily the case. The definition of processed food is simply food that has been altered from its natural state. Even though not all processed foods are unhealthy, most aren’t good for you either. Many companies add ingredients like sugar, salt, and fat to their produces to increase the shelf life and taste. Your best bet is to read the label and use your best judgment when you do need to purchase processed food.

Read more about processed foods

Understand Good Fats From Bad Fats

Most of the time, when you hear the word “fat” you automatically assume it’s bad. Our bodies actually need fat; it plays an important roll for our heart health along with giving us the energy that we need. Being able to decipher between the good and the bad is very important. Trans fat and saturated fat can increase your chances of clogged arteries and developing type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Examples of good fats are avocados, eggs, nuts, and fatty fish. 

Read more about good and bad fats

Eat More Fruit and Veggies

Being an independent adult means you have to make decisions for yourself. Eating your daily-recommended fruits and vegetables might be harder said than done for some people. We should be eating 1.5-2 cups of fruit and 2.5-3 cups of veggies every day and a majority of us aren’t. Both fruits and veggies can be delicious and eating them doesn’t have to be a chore! They are packed with vitamins, high in fiber (which makes you feel fuller), and helps control blood pressure and a healthy immune system. Plus fruit are naturally sweet, and can be a great substitute for any dessert.

Read more on how to add more fruits and veggies into your every day life

Eat Less Meat

Meat isn’t bad for you per se, but we tend to eat more than the recommended portions. A single serving of meat is only 3 ounces, which is about the size of a deck of cards. Eating more than a serving can add extra saturated fat and sodium to a meal that could be avoided. If more protein is what you crave, try adding tofu, beans, or tempeh to your dish. It should be more about the quality of the meat, rather than the quantity. Famous chef Nikki Dinki has a wonderful philosophy called “meat on the side”. For some of her innovative recipes, click here.

Reduce Salt and Sugars

The daily recommendation of sugar is no more than 6 teaspoons for women and 9 for men and the daily recommendation for salt is 2,300 mg of sodium (1 teaspoon) a day, but there is a good chance we are exceeding these numbers without even knowing it. Many processed foods, for example, have added sugar to enhance taste and salt to help preserve the food to increase the shelf life. Try to take a moment and looks at the ingredients before buying products with excess amounts of salt and sugar.

Replace Refined Grains with Whole Grains

We hear that whole grains are better for you, but most people don’t really know why. Whole grains are unrefined and haven’t had their bran and germ removed by milling. This makes whole grains a great source of fiber and other nutrients like selenium, potassium and magnesium. Refined grains are milled which gives it a finer texture, but strips it of most of its nutrients and fiber.

Limit Alcohol

Recent studies have shown that a glass of red wine or beer can be good for your heart, but overindulging can leave you dehydrated and sick. They recommend one drink a day for women and 2 for men, but having a few more every so often is okay. Watch out for some mixed drinks, as they are packed with empty calories and sugar.

Snack Smarter

When you think of snacking, most likely potato chips and chocolate bars come to mind, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Some people, myself included, feel better eating 5-6 small meals a day rather than the traditional 3 large ones because it keeps your blood sugar consistent and prevents over eating. Try snacking on sweet fruit, lightly seasoned veggies, nuts, or even a little bit of dark chocolate.

Read more about healthy snack ideas

Learn How to Cook

Learning how to cook can open the door to a whole nother level of food opportunities right at home. Restaurants tend to serve larger portions and lather everything in salt, grease, and sugar… that’s why everything tastes so good. Let’s be honest though, it doesn’t really make you feel all that great afterwards. Cooking from home can help you take control of your favorite dishes down to every last spice.

Read more about benefits of cooking from home

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