About us
Ole' School Meets New School
Throughout life, we have often found ourselves at war with a single perception. Call it ego, if you choose, or simply our attachment to old ways while living in changing times.
Today, we are encountering new technology that can benefit us in countless ways. With its assistance, we can shine a fresh light on how we create healthier eating habits—and develop the courage to embrace new possibilities when change is needed.
Life often exists somewhere between “too much” and “too little.” Even something good, when taken too far or held onto for too long, may eventually work against us.
Finding balance means becoming aware of what our bodies need today while remaining willing to adjust as those needs change.
UBEE SHINING is about awareness, balance, and the courage to evolve.
MY AWAKENING
What Is Agent Orange? Health Risks and History April 29, 2026 Agent Orange was a powerful herbicide used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War to destroy forest cover and crops. It contained a toxic contaminant, a type of dioxin, that turned out to cause cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and other serious conditions in people exposed to it. Between 1962 and 1971, roughly 11 million gallons of Agent Orange were sprayed across South Vietnam, affecting millions of soldiers and civilians whose health consequences continue decades later.
To understand the skin conditions caused by Agent Orange exposure, consider the following effects: Chloracne: A severe skin condition resembling acne, often linked to dioxin exposure. Rashes: Various skin rashes can develop, often itchy and uncomfortable. Skin lesions: Non-healing sores or lesions may appear on the skin. Hyperpigmentation: Dark patches can develop due to skin damage from exposure. Skin cancer: Increased risk of certain skin cancers has been associated with exposure. Other dermatological issues: General skin irritation and sensitivity may occur.
Linda, my wife, was furious that I could no longer use ordinary soap without irritating my skin. For a while, my skin became so sensitive that I bathed using only water. Even our tap water seemed to aggravate the problem, so we purchased a shower filter designed to reduce fluoride and other unwanted substances. That experience inspired Linda to create a gentler soap that I could comfortably use. Skin irritation from harsh soaps is common, yet often overlooked. Many commercial products contain strong cleansers, fragrances, dyes, and preservatives that can strip away the skin’s protective oils. This may leave sensitive skin feeling dry, tight, itchy, red, or irritated. Have you ever looked at the ingredients in your soap and wondered what they are—or how they might be affecting your skin? Sometimes, healthier-looking skin begins with simplifying what you put on it. Note: Standard shower filters may not remove fluoride. Look for a system specifically certified for fluoride reduction and verify its performance before purchasing.
How Stress Affects Your Health Stress can be brief and situational. In some cases, it can be a positive force that motivates you to act, solve problems, or perform at your best. However, when stress continues for an extended period, it can become chronic and negatively affect your health and well-being. Chronic stress develops when pressure begins interfering with your ability to enjoy and manage everyday life. You may feel tired, irritable, overwhelmed, or unable to concentrate. Over time, prolonged stress can also place wear and tear on your body, affecting your sleep, digestion, mood, immune system, and overall health. I realized that I had to change my point of focus. Instead of giving up on myself or everything I had worked for, I began looking for ways to improve what was no longer working. “Don’t Ditch It—Fix It!” became my mantra.
Understanding Nutrition Nutrition is the study of how food and beverages influence the body’s growth, energy, repair, and overall well-being. Sound nutritional principles provide a foundation for good health, improve quality of life, and may help reduce the risk of certain diseases. Good nutrition involves more than counting calories. It means choosing foods that provide the body with essential nutrients, including protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. For many years, carbohydrates—particularly breads, cereals, rice, and pasta—were heavily emphasized in nutritional guidance. Farming, food availability, affordability, and public policy all helped influence the way the traditional food pyramid was presented. As nutritional science evolved, I began to question whether a carbohydrate-heavy approach was right for everyone. My focus shifted toward nutrient-dense protein, nourishing fats, and carefully selected carbohydrates. The food supply may shape the guidelines—but your health should shape your choices.
Although nutritious foods cannot remove Agent Orange from the body, good nutrition can support overall health and help manage certain conditions associated with exposure, including type 2 diabetes. A balanced, nutrient-dense diet may support healthy blood-sugar levels, strengthen the body, and reduce additional health risks—but it does not replace professional medical care or recommended Agent Orange health screenings.
During the 1970s and 1980s, fresh juicing grew from a counterculture health practice into a popular fitness movement. Pioneers such as Jay Kordich and Jack LaLanne helped introduce juicing to a wider audience, laying the foundation for today’s juice bars and home juicing appliances. At the time, we knew far less about the possible effects of consuming excessive amounts of oxalates. Many plant-based foods are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and other beneficial nutrients, but some also contain high levels of oxalates. For people who are susceptible, consuming large quantities—especially through concentrated juices—may contribute to calcium-oxalate kidney stones. I believed juicing was one of the healthiest things I could do. Unfortunately, my heavy consumption of high-oxalate juices contributed to a severe case of kidney stones. That experience taught me that even nutritious foods require balance and moderation. Juicing is no longer part of our diet structure; today, we focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods while being mindful of oxalate intake.
My bland diet consisted mainly of grains, vegetables, and fruit. Over time, I began eating less and less. Although I lost a great deal of weight, I also became weak, and my muscle mass seemed to shrink daily. My body became so fragile that I sometimes developed bruises simply from rolling over in bed. Humans are omnivores. Throughout history, we have survived harsh environments by adapting to whatever foods were available. Some populations went long periods with very little meat, while others relied heavily on animal foods when fruits and vegetables were scarce. My experience taught me that weight loss alone does not always mean better health. For me, a balanced diet that includes both animal- and plant-based foods provides the protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients my body needs to remain strong. The goal is not an extreme diet—it is balance, nourishment, and good health.
The 1970s were filled with diets built around one extreme or another. You were either this or that, with very little room for anything in between. Even those of us with a college education in nutrition could fall into this trap. We sometimes became preachers of our beliefs instead of teachers who helped people make informed choices. The field of nutrition often shifted quickly from “do” to “don’t”—and it still does today. One day, we are told to eat more of something; the next, we are warned to avoid it completely. This constant cycle creates confusion, fear, and frustration around food. The key is choosing nutrient-dense foods in smaller, appropriate portions. The UBEE Diet was designed to bring balance back to nutrition. Its guiding principle is that foods should be considered according to their proper place, portion, and frequency. Good health does not require perfection. Even an occasional day of enjoying less-nutritious foods can fit into a balanced lifestyle. Yes, you can “have your cake and eat it too” once your body is properly nourished, active, and functioning at its best. The key is not restriction or extremes—it is awareness, moderation, and balance.
We developed higher-protein vegetarian meals using whole grains. Although these meals offered greater nutritional value, they were still high in oxalates and vulnerable to contaminants associated with farming practices—even when the ingredients were organically grown. Our health continued to improve as we learned the value of supplementing our diet with vitamin B complexes, trace minerals, electrolytes, and other essential nutrients. We were creating what we considered a life-extension approach to vegetarian eating—combining whole foods, nutritional awareness, and carefully selected supplements. The improvement in our health was remarkable, and our work began attracting the attention of investors. They offered to help us open a nutritional restaurant. We accepted their support on one important condition: the restaurant would remain vegetarian. They agreed, and together we opened our first nutritional vegetarian restaurant in Las Vegas
Our New Quest Although our approach was built around mindful eating and regular fasting, I must admit that fasting was the most constructive part of it for us. Still, we continued to age and gradually regained some of the weight we had lost—nothing we could not manage, but enough to make us pay attention. We realized that we had slowly drifted away from our fasting routine and the mindful habits that once kept us focused. Aging is natural, and we learned to accept it without surrendering to it. We cannot stop the passage of time, but healthy eating, physical activity, proper rest, and appropriate fasting may help us remain stronger and healthier as the years pass. That realization gave us a new purpose: not to fight aging, but to improve how we age. We cannot stop the clock—but we can change how we travel through time. That became our new quest.
By then, I was in my early seventies and healthier than many people my age. I was overweight, but not obese. My hair had turned gray, and I was experiencing serious dental problems that I believed were associated with years of eating a high-carbohydrate diet that included sugar. I brushed and flossed after every meal, so I knew poor dental hygiene was not the whole explanation. I certainly did not want to accept the dentist’s discouraging words: “You’re old. This is to be expected.” He told me that two teeth needed to be extracted and warned that the remaining teeth might eventually have to be removed as well. Living on Social Security, I could not afford to have all the dental work completed at once. The situation left me worried—not only about losing my teeth, but also about what it seemed to say about my health and aging.
To afford the remaining dental work, I needed to earn additional income. I was familiar with the pizza business because I had once owned a pizza restaurant in Las Vegas, so I decided to take a job delivering pizzas. The physical demands of the job soon made me aware of how much strength and mobility I had lost. I experienced constant aches and pains, my ankles became swollen, and I frequently had headaches. Meanwhile, my stomach was often filled with the delicious free pizza available at work—but I knew it was not helping my health. Then an old message returned to me: “Don’t Ditch It—Fix It.” Around that time, I discovered the ketogenic diet and decided to try it. It worked well at first, but eventually I began experiencing constipation and persistent hunger. These symptoms were described as the “keto flu.” The explanation sounded familiar because, in our earlier nutritional work, temporary discomfort during a major dietary change was sometimes referred to as a “healing crisis.” However, I began to understand that ongoing symptoms should not simply be ignored. My body was telling me that the diet needed to be adjusted—not abandoned, but improved and better balanced.
I had lost some weight on the keto diet, but it had not resolved several of my health concerns. I understood the importance of exercise, and delivering pizzas provided plenty of walking. However, the physical demands became too difficult, so I decided that a less strenuous, seated job would be better for me. I became an Uber driver. By then, I had eliminated added sugar and greatly reduced my carbohydrate intake. I also began using xylitol—often called “tree sugar”—as part of my dental-care routine. I was feeling better and could drive around town without much difficulty. Still, I continued searching for a more balanced nutritional approach that might help relieve my joint pain. I believed years of eating sugary foods, pizza, grains, and other foods high in oxalates had contributed to the discomfort. Losing weight was an important step, but I wanted something more—a sustainable way of eating that supported my joints, teeth, strength, and overall health.
After a full day of driving, I was exhausted and often went to bed early. Then one night, I had an unusually vivid dream—almost an out-of-body experience. In the dream, I was a child again, standing on my grandfather’s dairy and horse farm. I watched him make meatball-shaped portions from carefully selected grains and nutritional supplements. They looked so interesting that I was always tempted to taste one. Gramps called them VitaBALLS. “The most important part of eating is the nutrition found in the food,” he told me. “I give these nutrient-dense VitaBALLS to the horses to provide what their bodies need while controlling their calorie intake. That is why our livestock wins first prize year after year.” When I awoke, the dream stayed with me. It reminded me of a lesson I had understood long ago: The body does not simply need more food—it needs the right nutrients, in the right portions, at the right time.
Learning From Gramps Horses can overeat when given unlimited access to rich pasture. Knowing this, Gramps would gently pull them away from their desire to keep grazing—not to punish them, but to protect their health. Human beings are not so different. In a world where food is always available, appetite can continue long after the body has received enough. Sometimes we must become our own guide, stepping away from the table before desire turns into excess. Self-control is not about deprivation. It is about recognizing when the body has been properly nourished and giving it time to rest, digest, and use what it has received. Know when to nourish—and when to pull back. That’s the wisdom behind the UBEE Way.
The dream encouraged me to think outside the box. Much of what my wife and I learned about nutrition in college seemed very different from what was being taught decades later. Even nutrition professionals do not always agree on what people should eat, and the advice often changes from one generation to the next. What we are told to “do” today may become tomorrow’s “don’t.” With the assistance of modern technology, we can shine new light on the way we approach nutrition. We can develop healthier eating habits while remaining open to new information, new possibilities, and new adventures when change is needed. Life, as we know it, often exists somewhere between “too much” and “too little.” Even something beneficial, when taken to an extreme or followed for too long without reevaluation, can eventually become detrimental. True wellness is not about rigidly holding on to one belief. It is about awareness, balance, and having the courage to evolve.
I certainly did not want to return to a plain, restrictive diet that offered little more than survival. I wanted to thrive—to look forward to waking up each morning and to see and feel genuine improvements in my health. Modern farming has helped feed the world, but it has not always produced the most nutrient-dense foods. Both animal and plant foods can vary greatly in nutritional quality. I was also not interested in swallowing handfuls of supplements while constantly wondering whether I was getting too much of one nutrient and too little of another. I believed artificial intelligence could help me compare foods by their nutritional value and identify ingredients that might work against my health goals. With the assistance of my AI partner, we began developing what would become our best VitaBALL recipe. We considered adding small amounts of nutrient-rich organ meats, such as liver and heart. I was hesitant because I had never liked their taste or texture. However, blending modest portions into VitaBALLS allowed us to gain some of their nutritional benefits without letting their flavor dominate the meal. I also remembered something my grandfather once told me: “Where there is meat, you must balance it with calcium, or digestion may draw from the body’s stored reserves.” Inspired by that advice, we incorporated wholesome calcium sources into the recipe as part of a more balanced, nutrient-dense approach. VitaBALLS were becoming more than meatballs. They represented a new way of thinking about food: carefully selected ingredients, balanced nutrition, satisfying flavor, and sensible portions—all working together to help the body do more than survive.
Having already experienced the severe pain of kidney stones, along with ongoing aches in my shoulders and knees, I wanted an eating plan that was lower in oxalates—but not necessarily free of plant foods. Many plant foods also provide valuable vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that support overall health. With help from my AI partner, I learned which foods were higher or lower in oxalates. This allowed us to adjust portions, preparation methods, and frequency instead of eliminating every nutritious plant food. Our goal was to avoid an excessive oxalate load while maintaining a varied, nutrient-dense diet. We also learned about strategies that may reduce kidney-stone risk, such as staying well hydrated, limiting excess sodium, and consuming appropriate calcium-containing foods with meals. Dietary calcium can bind with some oxalate in the digestive tract, helping reduce the amount absorbed by the body. This became another important UBEE principle: The answer is not always complete elimination—it is awareness, balance, and proper portions.
My wife and I found ourselves at war with much of our past education. We chose to carry forward the lessons that still served us, release the beliefs that no longer did, and surrender our suffering to the present moment. Would this new approach work? Only time would tell. But we were finally willing to question old assumptions, embrace new knowledge, and move forward together.
A Cleaner, Clearer Choice Because of my history of Agent Orange exposure, I became deeply concerned about chemicals and agricultural residues. I noticed that certain vegetables—even some labeled organic—seemed to aggravate my symptoms. Since my diet was largely plant-based, I knew I needed to make significant changes. Over time, I also began questioning whether I was blaming Agent Orange for every problem I experienced. Others were experiencing the same issues, and they were not exposed to Agent Orange. Some foods in my diet were high in oxalates—natural compounds found in many plants that can contribute to kidney-stone formation in susceptible individuals. That does not make vegetables unhealthy for everyone, but it meant I needed to reconsider my personal food choices. I did not want to follow an entirely carnivorous diet. I wanted a more balanced, lower-oxalate approach that included adequate protein along with carefully selected plant ingredients. This is where VitaBALLS began to shine. They combine protein with selected nutrient-dense ingredients, providing a flavorful and practical way to build lower-oxalate meals without relying entirely on either vegetables or meat. Not one extreme or the other—a cleaner, clearer balance. That’s the UBEE Way.
I remembered that the number-one seller at The Garden Party was our veggie burger, made with nuts and brown rice. It had a satisfying texture, tasted delicious, and provided more protein and lasting nourishment than eating a salad alone. Although it may not have offered the complete protein and nutrient profile we were now seeking, it represented an important step in our nutritional journey. Almonds had always been near the top of our list of healthy foods. I was therefore surprised to learn that they are relatively high in oxalates. Because of my history of kidney stones, I decided to reduce or avoid them as part of managing my total oxalate intake. At first, I wondered whether rapid dietary changes—or what some people call “oxalate dumping”—were contributing to my skin irritation and joint discomfort. However, these symptoms can have many possible causes, and the concept of “oxalate dumping” is not firmly established in medical research. I learned that it was wiser to reduce high-oxalate foods gradually, stay well hydrated, consume suitable calcium-rich foods with meals, and seek medical advice for persistent symptoms. It was surprising to discover that several foods once promoted to us as “superfoods” might not be ideal for everyone. This reinforced one of our most important lessons: A food can be nutritious and still be the wrong choice for a particular person, portion, or circumstance.
Fasting had often felt like my greatest source of relief. Whenever I experienced symptoms that I associated with Agent Orange exposure, I would begin a water fast, and the symptoms seemed to subside. Although this was my personal experience—not proof that fasting treated the effects of Agent Orange—it strengthened my belief in giving the body time to rest and recover. Extended water fasting can carry risks and should be undertaken with appropriate medical guidance. When it came to fresh, minimally processed foods, sprouting remained high on my list. Growing sprouts at home gave us greater control over how they were produced and allowed us to avoid genetically modified seeds and many agricultural chemicals. Because raw sprouts can harbor harmful bacteria, however, careful sanitation, proper storage, and suitable seeds are essential. Finally, I felt relieved. After questioning so much of what I had practiced and believed, I realized that I had also been doing some things right all along.
The time had come for our first taste test. To my surprise, the VitaBALLS were delicious—even without sauce. My AI partner also helped us develop a nutritious sauce made without added oil, sugar, or gluten. We called it VitaBALL Sauce. The name may not have been especially creative, but it was simple, memorable, and straight to the point. We also explored adding a carefully measured, food-grade calcium source to complement the protein-rich recipe. Because bone meal supplements can vary in quality and may contain excessive minerals or contaminants, any product used must be independently tested, properly labeled, and added only in safe amounts. The result was a flavorful combination designed around our central goal: nutrient-dense food that was satisfying, enjoyable, and thoughtfully balanced.
When people first see the name xylitol, they may assume it is a highly processed chemical that could not possibly support good health. Despite its scientific-sounding name, xylitol is a sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in small amounts in certain fruits and vegetables. Commercial xylitol is commonly produced from plant material. Xylitol tastes about as sweet as ordinary table sugar, but it contains approximately 2.4 calories per gram, compared with 4 calories per gram for sugar—about 40% fewer calories. It also causes a much smaller rise in blood glucose than ordinary sugar, although it is still a carbohydrate and is not calorie-free. This can make it a useful sugar substitute for some people managing their carbohydrate or sugar intake. American Diabetes Association Xylitol belongs to a family of carbohydrates called polyols, commonly known as sugar alcohols. Despite the name, it is neither table sugar nor the alcohol found in beverages. Its molecular structure simply shares characteristics with both sugars and alcohols. Xylitol does not provide meaningful amounts of vitamins, minerals, or protein. Its value comes primarily from replacing ordinary sugar, reducing calories and causing a smaller blood-sugar response. Research has also examined its possible oral-health benefits, although it should complement—not replace—brushing, flossing, fluoride, and professional dental care. Xylitol is found safe for human consumption, but It should always be stored safely away from pets.
My wife, Linda—our own “chemist of health”—worked with our AI partner to develop fasting drops intended to freshen the breath without adding significant sugar or disrupting our low-carbohydrate approach. Fasting remained part of our nutritional program, but our approach was changing. We wanted the drops to provide carefully measured nutrients and electrolytes without overloading the body. Vitamins and minerals can be beneficial, but more is not always better. Every ingredient needed to have a purpose, and the total nutritional value had to remain balanced. We also recognized that fasting drops could complement a well-designed diet, but they could not replace adequate hydration or nutritionally complete meals. Intermittent fasting gradually took the place of prolonged fasting. Because we were now eating cleaner, more nutrient-dense foods, we no longer felt that frequent extended fasts were necessary. We called our smaller daily meals mini-meals. Each contained fewer than 300 calories, while we considered anything above 300 calories a full meal. We usually ate two nutrient-dense mini-meals each day, leaving approximately six hours between them. This structure helped simplify our eating pattern and reduce unnecessary calories. Rather than promising effortless results, our goal was steady, sustainable weight management while preserving energy, strength, and nutritional balance. The principle remained the same: Too much of a good thing can still be too much. Every nutrient must have its proper place, portion, and purpose.
I love bread! With the help of AI—and plenty of experimenting—we developed a highly nutritious leaf of bread. It may resemble a tortilla, but its nutritional composition and purpose are very different. Each thin, flexible leaf is designed to deliver concentrated nutrition without the heaviness of conventional bread. Our bread leaves are easy to prepare using UBEE Tortilla Mixes, and I look forward to sharing the recipes with UBEE members. Each one takes only about 15 seconds to cook, making it simple to create a fresh, flavorful, nutrient-rich bread alternative. They are available in several distinctive varieties: Original Sprouted Red Radish Chicken Beef Bacon The meat-based varieties provide a unique option for people seeking additional protein. Whether rolled, folded, toasted, or used as the foundation for a mini-meal, the UBEE leaf of bread proves that nutritious food does not have to be plain, complicated, or boring.
I would love to take full credit for these outstanding, nutrient-dense morsels called VitaBALLS, but that credit belongs to the wisdom of my grandfather, combined with the possibilities of modern AI technology. My role was to bring the two together—and, of course, enjoy the results. For me, VitaBALLS became a satisfying and practical way to manage portions, increase protein, and support strength while losing excess weight. They represent the heart of our message: VitaBALLS — Trim Down. Power Up.
One of my nutrition teachers used to tell me, “The best thing you can eat for breakfast is soup.” I don’t believe he was referring to heavily processed, commercially prepared soups. With the help of AI, I developed a convenient UBEE instant soup mix that can be enjoyed at home, at work, or while hiking. Simply add 12 ounces of hot water, stir, and enjoy a warm, satisfying mini-meal. Our soup mix contains real meat and nutrient-rich bone broth. It is designed to provide concentrated nourishment in a simple, portable form without requiring hours of preparation. Yes, it’s another UBEE Superfood—not available in ordinary stores and offered exclusively through UBEE SHINING.
Linda’s true passion has always been caring for the skin and hair. Her early studies in the 1970s continued to evolve as she responded to my needs and those of others dealing with environmental stress and sensitive skin. The skin is the body’s first protective barrier, so Linda believed it should be cleansed, nourished, and protected—not treated as an afterthought. With assistance from AI, she explored ingredients such as aloe vera, wine-derived antioxidants, collagen peptides, minerals, and other carefully selected compounds used in modern skincare. Although wine-based ingredients are not proven cures for skin disorders, their antioxidant components inspired a new direction for her formulas. Her goal was to create clean, thoughtfully formulated cosmetics without added oils, artificial dyes, or unnecessary harsh ingredients. Rather than temporarily hiding dryness or irritation, she wanted to support the skin barrier and address the factors contributing to discomfort. Our guiding principle became: Don’t simply cover up the problem—care for the skin beneath it.
I once paid good money for a home gym, believing exercise alone would transform my body. But I eventually learned that muscles need proper nourishment, adequate protein, sufficient recovery, and consistent training. My diet was not providing what my body needed to rebuild and grow stronger. Despite exercising regularly, I made little progress. Instead, I often felt sore, tired, and weak. Discouraged by the lack of improvement, I eventually stopped lifting weights. That has changed since I began eating nutrient-dense VitaBALLS and following the UBEE Cleansing Diet. Combined with sensible resistance exercise and adequate recovery, this approach has helped me achieve results I can see and feel—even at 79 years old. My experience has taught me that age does not have to end the journey. Begin gradually, respect your limits, and keep improving what you already have. It’s never too late to say: “Don’t Ditch It—Fix It.”
It’s time to stop thinking about life as though the clock is running out. We are not simply growing older—we are also growing wiser. In retirement, learning new ways to remain fit, trim, active, and healthy can become our most important full-time job. This stage of life is not meant to be spent sitting around, watching the clock, and waiting until it is time to return to bed. We may not be able to stop time, but we can change how we experience it. By nourishing the body, exercising the mind, staying active, and remaining open to new possibilities, we can make every year more meaningful. Don’t watch the clock—take charge of it. Trim Down. Power Up. Keep Moving Forward.
Instead of reaching for another handful of popcorn while watching television, I reach for a pair of dumbbells. Every commercial break becomes another opportunity to move, build strength, and invest in my health. Don’t snack through the show—strengthen as you watch!
What Are the Benefits of Sunlight? Spending time outdoors in daylight can support both physical and emotional well-being. Many benefits come from bright visible light reaching the eyes, while vitamin D production results from ultraviolet B exposure to the skin. Sunlight and outdoor activity may help: Regulate the body’s internal clock Improve nighttime sleep Increase daytime alertness and energy Support a more positive mood Encourage physical activity Support healthy vitamin D levels Help maintain strong bones through vitamin D’s role in calcium absorption
A Better Way to Raise a Glass When it comes to alcohol, the debate can quickly become a battle: Is moderate drinking beneficial, or is that simply a message used to sell more wine? We ask a simpler question: Do you need alcohol to enjoy a refreshing, cocktail-style drink? UBEE Cider Wine Mocktails provide the pleasure and ceremony of raising a glass—without alcohol. Made with from Spanish Cabernet Red Wine or French Lavender Wine and other carefully selected ingredients, they offer a flavorful alternative to traditional wine. All UBEE Cider Wines also include vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, and ingredients commonly used in joint-support formulas. They help with digestion, and we make it a part of our mini-meal at least once a day. Cider Wines are low-glycemic and fit n perfectly with those reducing or eliminating sugar from the diet. Add 16oz. of sparkling seltzer water or plain water, with one package of Cider Wine. Ice makes it cold and nice. Enjoy.
Too Much or Too Little We learn as we go—and go where we learn. Successful weight management is not only about losing pounds. It is also about changing our appetite for the foods, portions, and habits that contributed to the weight gain. Body fat is primarily stored energy. When we regularly consume more energy than the body uses, some of that excess is stored in fat cells for later use. Certain fat-soluble environmental pollutants can also accumulate in fatty tissue, and moderate fasting can help eliminate them safely. Overeating does not automatically turn nutritious food into toxic waste, but even wholesome foods can contribute to weight gain and poor digestion when the body is overloaded. More is not always better. Smaller, nutrient-dense mini-meals make portions easier to manage and reduce the discomfort that can follow a large meal. Creating a period of rest between meals can also assist in better digestion, utilization, and even elimination. With this balance in mind, UBEE developed its product line around a simple principle: Not too much. Not too little. Just enough to Trim Down and Power Up—the UBEE Way.
Aging, Antioxidants, and the UBEE Approach Aging is a natural part of life. We cannot avoid it entirely, but growing older does not mean we must stop supporting our health, strength, and vitality. Antioxidants are compounds that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals—unstable molecules that can contribute to oxidative stress. This cellular stress is associated with aging and several chronic health conditions. Antioxidants are naturally present in many nutritious foods, although they do not stop or reverse aging by themselves. Scientists also study senescent cells, sometimes called “zombie cells.” These are damaged or stressed cells that stop dividing but remain in the body. When they accumulate, they may release inflammatory substances that can affect surrounding tissues and contribute to age-related decline. This evolving knowledge helps guide the UBEE Diet Structure and the thoughtful selection of ingredients used in UBEE products. The goal is not to promise a cure for aging, but to encourage nutrient-dense eating, sensible portions, regular movement, and healthier daily habits that support the body as it ages. We cannot stop the clock—but we can improve how we travel through time.
The Book of Life Each day is a new paragraph in the Book of Life. Like a cliffhanger television series, we may not always know what will happen next—but as the story unfolds, we can begin to connect the dots. We are shaped by what we contribute to life. The more we give our time, energy, and attention to what is positive, the more opportunities we create to experience its benefits. Life is interwoven within a delicate field of balance—between too much and too little. Understanding this balance is crucial to how we travel through life’s journey. Life is always rolling forward, and each day we help create the path along which it travels. By keeping that path open—and approaching life with an open mind—we keep the channels of learning, growth, and positive change flowing. We learn as we go—and go where we learn
Force and Surrender Just when we think we have found the answers to all our troubles, life can sweep us in another direction, leaving us more uncertain than ever. There are two ways of responding to life: force and surrender. Most people choose force. They push harder against closed doors, only to find that the doors become even more difficult to open. Perhaps that is because the doors of life open inwardly—not outwardly. Surrender does not mean giving up. It means recognizing what is needed in the present moment and responding with patience, awareness, and purposeful action. Instead of going to war with our own stubbornness, we become willing to think beyond force and move toward a more peaceful solution. Eating should also be enjoyable. However, not everything we enjoy eating supports our health and well-being. The UBEE approach is about adjusting what we eat regularly—finding satisfying, nourishing choices that help us remain fit, trim, and strong without taking away the pleasure of eating. Enjoy what strengthens you. Trim Down—Power Up. That’s the UBEE Way.
Become the CEO of Your Health Think of your life as a business, with your intelligence, wisdom, and motivation serving as its leadership. You are the CEO of your choices—and the decisions you make influence the direction of your health. The cells that make up your body should not be treated like servants under a tyrant. Think of them as citizens of a kingdom, depending upon wise leadership to provide the nourishment, movement, rest, and care they need to function well. This responsibility can be a double-edged sword. Many nutrient-dense ingredients have strong flavors or textures that some people may not enjoy. Fortunately, we can adapt our eating habits and prepare nourishing ingredients in more appealing ways. That is the idea behind UBEE SHINING. Selected nutrient-dense ingredients are combined with flavorful foods and prepared as satisfying VitaBALLS—making balanced nourishment easier to enjoy as part of a healthy lifestyle. Lead with wisdom. Nourish your kingdom. Trim Down—Power Up the UBEE Way.
You Are What You Support You are shaped by what you consistently support—and your diet helps determine what your body is equipped to build and maintain. When you provide adequate protein, nourishing foods, regular movement, and proper recovery, you support muscle strength. When you regularly consume more energy than your body uses, especially with little activity, you encourage fat storage. It may not always be easy, but the guiding principle is simple: Support your muscles—or support fat storage. Your daily choices help decide. Trim Down—Power Up the UBEE Way.
My Journey Beyond the Mainstream I believed I was eating a healthy diet for most of my life, yet I still gained weight and eventually lacked the energy to exercise. My experience taught me that eating foods commonly described as “healthy” does not automatically mean that the diet is meeting an individual’s needs. Nutrition knowledge continues to evolve. Advice once considered ideal may be reconsidered as new evidence emerges. Even well-intentioned food advocates can become attached to personal preferences or one particular way of eating. What works for one person may not work for everyone. I began seeing results only when I became willing to question my old habits and explore a different path. Artificial intelligence helped me compare foods, examine their nutrients, and organize available research in ways I had never considered before. AI is a useful research tool, but it is not entirely free from bias, cannot diagnose illness, and should not replace qualified medical care. It also should not be used to claim that a food or product can cure disease without reliable clinical evidence. UBEE uses this technology as one source of guidance when researching ingredients and developing its products and diet structure. That knowledge is combined with personal experience, careful observation, balance, and a willingness to keep learning. Question what you know. Learn what you need. Evolve the UBEE Way.
Linda’s No-Oil Approach to Softer-Looking Skin After years of trial and error, my wife, Linda, finally developed a formula that allowed me to enjoy washing my face without leaving my sensitive skin feeling uncomfortable. Her approach focuses on ingredients selected to cleanse gently and support the skin’s moisture needs. Many cosmetic products use oils because they act as emollients, smoothing the skin’s surface and reducing moisture loss. However, oil and water perform different functions: oil may help skin feel smoother, while water provides hydration that helps it appear softer and more supple. Think of a piece of dry, cracked leather. Applying oil may make its surface feel smoother, but oil alone does not replace its missing water. Healthy-looking skin similarly benefits from hydration along with ingredients that help the skin retain that moisture. This understanding became the foundation of Linda’s distinctive skincare approach: Hydrate the skin—don’t merely coat it. Real softness begins with moisture. The UBEE No-Oil Way.
The Real Deal at 82 My wife, Linda, is exceptionally healthy and beautiful at 82 years young. This photograph has not been altered—it is the real deal. You are never too young or too old to begin taking responsibility for your own health and well-being. Every person’s journey is different, but each positive choice can move us closer to where we want to be. “All roads lead to Rome,” as the saying goes. There may be many paths to better health, but the important thing is to keep moving, learning, and growing along the way. We learn as we go—and go where we learn. It is never too late to begin.
Life Is a Classroom Life is a classroom—make no mistake about it. Every experience offers us something to learn about ourselves and the world around us. Among life’s most important lessons are learning how to laugh freely and how to let go and cry when we need to. Laughter can lift the spirit, while tears can help release emotions that words cannot always express. Neither is a sign of weakness; both are natural parts of being human. Life is a balancing act. We cannot remain joyful every moment, nor should we carry every sorrow forever. Wisdom comes from knowing when to hold on, when to let go, and when to allow ourselves simply to feel. Laugh when you can. Cry when you need to. Learn through it all.
