There’s no denying it: summer is over. In fact, the weather report says New England might get its first frost tonight.

Are you the kind of person who dreads this time of year because it means the cold and flu season is quickly approaching? If you’d like a healthier winter this go around, I’d recommend beginning each day with a mug of hot lemon water.

It’s an effective treatment, and all you have to do is squeeze the juice of 1/2 lemon into a steaming mug of hot water, and drink it down.

Lemons contain high amounts of vitamin C, which fights colds and flu. It’s also a natural antiseptic, so it helps soothe and heal raw throats. Other benefits of lemon water include:

• Relief from heartburn, bloating and other digestion problems
• Cleanses and stimulates the liver and kidneys
• Rich in calcium, magnesium and potassium
• Relieves asthma

Guys, this isn’t just for the girls - crusty pirates (who could kick your ass) used lemons to prevent scurvy and other diseases while at sea.

1. MonaVie juice. This fruit extract supplement, gives me energy and makes me feel great! MonaVie is a blended juice that includes the Brazilian acai berry—a powerful antioxidant and nutrient. If MonaVie is a little rich for you the Goji juice is also a great buy.
2. Fruit and Protein smoothies–made with Soy Milk, and a sprinkle of protein powder or bee pollen!
3. Steamed endamame soy beans (sprinkled lightly with sea salt) and other great green veggies.
4. Almonds and walnuts
5. Poached and grilled fish, and of course sushi
6. Lots and lots of cool, clear water
7. The right blend of vitamins and supplements. Even though my diet includes most my daily quotas, I like to add a boost…

Have you lost it? The music that is.

When we were younger music was undoubtedly part of our fabric. For me it was a daily fix. My personal soundtrack was made up of a somewhat eclectic mix of reggae, soul, Barry White and Frank Sinatra and just about everything in between! Music made me very happy then, and today my iPod is my most stalwart workout and travel companion!

Music is nothing less than the soundtrack of our lives. It has the ability to stir up a memory, press an emotional button, bring a tear to your eye and heck, get that body moving like never before! My point? Get yourself an MP3 player. Load it to the top with the music that defined your life, and play it whenever you get the chance: in the car, on the treadmill, when running or walking, at home, in the office. Put music back in your life and feel yourself reawaken some of the feelings you had as a kid.

Check out iPod’s from Amazon