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Jan 27, 2012

Now Here’s Fitness: 5 Tools To Help You Love Your Body AND Your Life

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Hey there everyone! Wow…I am so excited! I am writing for 30 days consecutively, here on the blog, in celebration of my new website, the year of the Dragon, and 2012. What a transformational year this is going to be for us all!!

This is day 4 of 30 posts, so make sure you type in your email at the very top of this page, where it says “Subscribe to Erin Lanahan Method by Email.” This way you can follow along for the ride and each time I post a new article, it will get emailed directly to your inbox! How cool is that?? So coooool  :)

I am actually looking for new writers to come be a part of E.L.M., and help me on the blog. I want to make sure Erin Lanahan Method is bringing you daily love, inspiration, and wisdom. However, I am only one person and cannot do this all by myself. I am busy coaching, creating products, and collaborating with other amazing companies so that I can ultimately provide you with even more opportunities to get the information and guidance you are seeking.

But that means I need some help.

So, if you have a passion for writing, and want to share your story, experience, strength, and hope, please shoot me an email at transform@erinlanahanmethod.com.

Ok, let’s get down to fitness shall we??

Here are 5 Tools To Help You Love Your Body AND Your Life:

1) Get VERY connected to the way it feels when you visualize your goals as if they have already happened for you.

Write down 5 reasons WHY you want to transform your body. Get very specific. Do you want to feel sexy when you’re lying next to your boyfriend? What does it feel like when he puts his arms around you when you feel amazing? Do you want to feel excited in the changing room at the bathing suit store because you love the way you feel and look in a bikini? Perhaps you want to feel confident and comfortable every time you walk into a room. Get really connected to that feeling. Feel what that feels like inside of you when you visualize your goals as if they’ve already manifested. Then allow the way THAT feels to be the very feeling that pulls you to the gym, drives your healthy choices, and keeps you motivated

2) Eat WHOLE, organic, chemical free foods.

The foods you eat will determine your mood, your energy, the willingness you have to make transformational decisions, your courage, and the quality of your relationships. By eating higher quality foods, you CAN and WILL transform your body and your life. Start by adding in 1 large salad a day. Make sure it has lots of dark leafy greens in it such as kale, spinach, swiss chard, collards, and rocket. Make sure it is organic. Although organic foods may cost a little bit more upfront, they will save you a lot of time, money, and poor health in the future. It is best to stay away from pre-packaged foods. Stick to the foods that grow directly out of the earth and have not been processed.

3) Put your right hand on your heart, your left hand on your belly, and send love to yourself.

It may sound silly or pointless, but showing up for YOURSELF is one of the most powerful healing and transformational tools I know. I personally have healed many addictions, eating disorders, body image issues, depression, and anxiety from using this tool alone. You can too.

Begin to practice self-love with this tool. Do this daily.

4) Use a combination of different types of exercise.

The key to living a life you love in a body you love, is to love your life and your body!!! Exercise is more than just something that gets you leaner or skinnier, or hotter. Exercise has the ability to bring  joy, peace, balance, and love into your life. Stop thinking of exercise as a one size fits all remedy. You must find the recipe that works for YOU. Try some yoga, pilates, boxing, tai chi, resistance training, running, etc. Each form of exercise promotes different types of energy and emotions in the mind, body, and heart. Choose exercises that bring joy to your day and love into your life. When you are happy…your life AND your body will be easier to love!

5) Meditation

Did you know that you can basically meditate your way to your best body? Nope…I am not joking you around. I am alive and dead serious! Meditation increases the flow of oxygen to the body, and well…it takes oxygen to burn fat! Also, the power of silence relieves the body of stress and quiets the mind, thus calming the nervous system and supporting the body to function optimally. When there is so much noise going on inside of us, we use anything to try to numb it out. We use people, food, drugs, alcohol…whatever it takes. But guess what…none of those things work for long, and at the end of the day we are still unhappy.

Do yourself a favor and start with 5 minutes a day 5 days out of the week. As you get comfortable with 5 minuets, begin to increase your time.
Ok everyone, that’s a wrap! Let me know what you are going through!

Love,

Erin

If you are ready to transform your body and your life, email me at transform@erinlanahanmethod.com to inquire about my coaching programs. Serious inquiries only please. Thank you!

 

Filed Under: Fitness, Fitness Tips, Food, Healing, Uncategorized · Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Apr 29, 2010

Who’s Hungry???

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Hi there! Man, I have missed you guys. I took a week off last week, from blogging and writing my newsletter, because I have had so much on my plate lately! However, as a result of  my mini break, I have a whole new appreciation for this delightful mug of peppermint tea I am sipping on…ahhhh :)   

Do you ever notice how difficult it can feel sometimes, to keep a healthy balance between work and play, or being productive and being productively lazy??? I must admit I am guilty of forgetting this on a daily basis. When we are so hungry to achieve certain goals, we can end up starving ourselves of other nutrients we really need and require in order to function optimally. I talk about life in nutrition terms because everything we need is a form of food for us. Are you familiar with the terms Primary Food and Secondary Food? I teach these terms to my clients because it’s important for them to understand that there is more than just one form of food and many ways in which we get hungry and need to be fed. Do you feel hungry??? What are you feeling hungry for?

You see, Primary Food consists of things like career, spirituality, relationships, exercise, intimacy, rest and relaxation, fun, etc. We must be fed in all these areas in order to be properly nourished. Secondary Food, is actual food that we eat, and it also must consist of all the nutrients we need for our bodies to maintain a functional existence. The last few months I have made the mistake of putting some areas of my primary food, such as rest, relaxation, and fun, on the back burner so to speak. As a result, I have grown extremely stressed out, overwhelmed, and full of tension. THIS IS NOT THE GOAL!!! I eat very healthily , fulfilling my secondary food requirements, I exercise regularly, I am growing and loving my business, have great relationships, and I am consistent with my spiritual practice. However, WHAT’S THE POINT of achieving all these things, if I am walking around on the verge of a breakdown all the time??? Seriously, at one point last week, my business coach looked at me and literally stopped our session dead in the middle because my face looked so distraught! Yes, we had a time out :-) She, among several others, told me that I needed to let go a bit and chill out. It was a bit shocking to me that it was that obvious, by taking one look at me, that I needed a break! LOL! So I decided to do what had been suggested to me by some very credible sources in my life. I am feeling so much better now as a result. I am so grateful that I have been reminded of the value that rest, relaxation, and fun can bring to my life.

My point is…we tend to forget that such a big part of being healthy is the way in which we ALLOW ourselves to ENJOY the fruits of our labor. It is so important that we seek out balance between healthy productivity and healthy laziness. They are both required if we expect to maintain a healthy state of mind and a healthy body. Sometimes, we can make ourselves sick by trying to be so healthy and perfect all the time.

What areas of your life do you feel you may be neglecting? How might you feed yourself in some ways other than with food? Many people  misunderstand their primary food hunger for secondary food hunger, and try to eat until they are full. The result…they consume more calories and NEVER FEEL FULL. Same thing goes for someone who is trying to fill their primary needs for fun by working too much…it aint gonna happen!!! Even when you LOVE your job, work and fun are two different nutrients, and we need them BOTH! Take a look at all the categories you consider to make up a ”FULL” life for you. Then write down the areas that may be lacking in your life. What are some things you can do to fill yourself back up again in those areas? If you ever find yourself eating yourself into oblivion on the couch…you may be trying to fill a hole that cannot be filled with food. If you are always go, go, go, trying to get to the place of being “happy,” why don’t you try taking a day or two off instead, and actually give yourself the time to BE happy. On that note, I’ll share the quote on my Yogi Peppermint Tea with you, lol. “Real happiness lies in that which never comes nor goes, but simply is.”

I encourage you to shop in the grocery store of life, and pick out the things that will feed your primary needs first. Please share your questions and comments here with me. I look forward to hearing from you. Here’s To Your Health, Wellness, and Vitality!!!

Please take a minute to review the Integrative Nutriton Food Guide Pyramid and Live a balanced life :)

Filed Under: Fitness, Food, Thoughts of the day, What I'm up to · Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Feb 13, 2010

WHY??????

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JUNK, JUNK, and MORE JUNK…WHY??????

Do you ever notice how much food convenience stores stock up on? I was in a gas station “market” today and I was hit by the shocking reality that there was so much food, but it was all CRAP. They have every kind of potato chip, candy bar, soda, and even supposedly “healthy” bars. They have nothing of any real value though. WHY??? Why is it that we have so much availability to food, but almost no availability to food that is actually food, and not just complete processed junk poison? This infuriates me! We have obviously become a society that needs convenience, but this is absurd. Why don’t we see any REAL FOOD in the gas stations and convenient stores? Something MUST be done about this. We the people, need to have access to food that nourishes our bodies and minds, yet also accommodates our busy schedules. It is my dream to make this a reality. It would make me so happy to see that myself and all of you, could grab something quick, yet nutrient filled, and not processed, to fuel our lives on a daily basis if we forget to pack food from home.

Anyway, I just needed to vent this. It really upsets me that there is so much food and temptation to eat junk that basically poisons our bodies, just because we are at the mercy of time. Something has to change. I will keep you posted on what I find out, because I am on a mission to make some real changes!!!

Please leave any comments or feelings on this topic you may have here. Thanks for reading.  Here’s To Your Health!!!

Filed Under: Food, Thoughts of the day · Tagged: , , , , , , , ,
Feb 11, 2010

In the Raw…and Loving It!

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YUM YUM!!!

Well as some of you may know, I have been in school at IIN , The Institute for Integrative Nutrition, since the beginning of October 2009. I am doing the distance learning program since the school is in New York. One major thing my school emphasizes is bio-individuality. You see, there are over 125 dietary theories, all can be proven effective or “right.” IIN is not there to teach us who is “good” or “bad” or “right” or “wrong.” Their main concern is that we learn about all of the different dietary theories, try them on for size, and decide for ourselves what works best for our own lives, and the lives of our clients, based on bio-individuality. Therefore, I have become fascinate with eating a RAW-Vegan diet. I may eat fish once every week or two, b ut for the most part, NO ANIMAL products in my diet. I absolutely love eating this way. I have lost almost 10 pounds and feel fantastic, which is most important of all.

I know that eating this way is not necessarily good for everyone, however, I am going to list 10 of my favorite healthy snacks, that you can blend into your day to see how they make you feel:)

1) Raw Revolution bars- buy at Trader Joes or Whole Foods

2) Pure bars- buy at Trader Joes or Whole Foods

3) 1/2 organic, raw cucumber and 1/4 cup of raw, organic mixed nuts

4) 1 small green apple with raw, organic almond or peanut butter

5) 2 stalks of organic, raw celery and raw, organic almond or peanut butter 

6) Sliced organic Cucumber, sliced organic tomato with lemon, olive oil, sea salt and chopped garlic or garlic powder

7) raw, organic sunflower seeds and dried organic cranberries mixed into a trail mix
8) 1-2 slices of lightly toasted Ezekiel bread or Ezekiel wraps dipped in organic humus

9) raw, organic kale chips or flax crackers (buy at Whole Foods) with organic humus

10) organic *blueberries, strawberries, mulberries, goji berries and bananas, mixed together with raw, organic oats and organic almond milk

These may sound extremely healthy nutty to a lot of you, but I challenge you to look for them at Trader Joes, Whole Foods, or your local health food grocery store. You’d be amazed at how good healthy can taste. Also, I use to be a sugar and carb-a-phobe, but I have since learned that if you eat the right kind of carbs and sugar, that are high quality foods, you really do not have to worry. Ok that’s all I got for now. Please leave your questions and comments here! Here’s To Your Health!!!

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Jan 8, 2010

It’s 2010- “New Years Resolutions”

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Hey everyone! I hope you all had a really nice holiday break. It’s now 2010 ans I know that there are hundreds of thousands of people who are kicking off another new year with another list of resolutions. Are you one of them? What are some of the things you wish to accomplish for yourself this year? How do you think you can make this year different, and actually see all your goals through to the end of completion? I think that it feels so great to actually make progress. Getting fit and healthy is definitely a process, so please remember that it’s always about progress, not perfection. You don’t want to stress yourself out. It’s important to set realistic goals, and to add in healthy habits that work well with your schedule and your life. By adding the good stuff in, the not so good stuff begins to fall away. However, being healthy is a main priority, because without it, we have nothing!

Today I want to keep it simple. I want to leave you with 5 nutrition tips that you should begin implementing into your life immediately if you want to get healthy and look and feel better. Start with these 5 things, and when you are consistent, then you can take the next step and get even healthier and hotter!

1) ONLY BUY ORGANIC!!!!! Especially if you eat dairy and meat, only buy them if they are organic. Produce as well. This is so important I cannot stress it enough. Foods that are not organic are either full of poisons from pesticides and chemicals, or they are genetically modified with hormones, antibiotics and steroids, or all the above. If you read the lists of what is found in non-organic food when tested, you would be appalled. Believe me…you do not want that stuff in your bodies!!!!! You really “ARE what you eat.”

2) Eat one large organic, raw salad per day. That means a salad with nothing cooked in it. So for example: Lettuce, spinach, celery, cucumber, tomato, carrot, radish, maybe apple or berries (all organic ingredients of course) with olive oil, lemon, pepper, garlic powder and sea salt for flavor.

3) Get in tune with your body. PAY ATTENTION to how you feel after you eat everything!!! It’s so important to do this because your body knows what it needs and the more you tune in and pay attention to what it feels, the more you will begin to understand its communication with you about what to eat and what not to eat. Our bodies are magnificent and brilliant and when you tune in, your intuition  will be your own personal nutrition guide!!!

4) Drink Water!!!! Most people these days are walking around dehydrated. Do not drink tap water either. Buy bottled water or install a filtering system. Water from the tap cannot be trusted. Drink water from a bottle for a week, and then try to drink tap water. You will taste a huge difference! Try to drink at least 1-2 liters a day. Also, *recycle your plastic bottles if you buy bottled water :-)

5) Stick to eating mostly or all WHOLE FOODS. Foods that are still in their natural form, have not been processed and tinkered with by man, and are the most nutrient rich foods. That means our bodies know what to do with them, and can break them down and use them for fuel much easier. Packaged, processed foods will encourage disease and fat storage in the body. Stick to the outsides of the grocery store…fruits, veggies, whole grains.

If you have any questions please leave them for me here. I am really serious about this. People must realize what is happening to them as a result of the food quality they are consuming. It is killing us. Please take your health seriously. You are too beautiful and special to waste away on junk! Here’s To Your Health!!!

Below are some good resources to check out:

http://www.living-foods.com/articles/davidinterview.html

http://www.foodpolitics.com/

http://www.foodincmovie.com/about-the-issues.php

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Nov 25, 2009

Workout Wednesday- “Changing From the Inside Out”

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It’s that time of year again…the leaves are fall colors, we are almost ready to dig out our winter wardrobes, we are eating more sweet potatoes and pumpkin, and Christmas is all over the television. Personally, I LOVE this time of year. With Thanksgiving tomorrow, and Christmas not far behind it, we are faced with all kinds of temptations that make it difficult to stay healthy. It is ok to indulge in pumpkin pie or Christmas cookies and fudge once in a while, but the truth is, most of us do it more often than not, and we slowly but surely STOP WORKING OUT as well! Am I right?

My colleague Devon Crabtree and I are fully aware that our clients, as well as many others, maybe even you, need more education when it comes to food and exercise. We feel that if you all really understood how to approach nutrition and fitness, especially through the holidays, it would become a way of life that comes naturally to you, rather than a forced routine you only stick to January-April consistently, then on and off again for the rest of the year. We are doing a talk next Thursday 12/03/09 called “Changing from the Inside Out.” We will be covering 4 main topics: Prevention, Energy, Stress Relief, and Fat Loss. Our bodies and health are so important because without them, we can not have much else. Therefore we are really focused on helping those who attend, create healthier relationships with food and exercise, so that they feel more motivated internally, and therefore are pulled into action, and thus begin the journey to a healthier way of life. I do hope you will join us if you are in L.A. or the surrounding areas. We look forward to sharing this amazing information with as many people as we can, and sending you into the new year with awareness and the tools you need to live a FIT Life!

If you won’t be able to make it, we will hopefully have a recording of it (still working on the details). If that works out well, I will be posting that up here on the blog so you can purchase them for yourself as an early Christmas gift and life long blessing! Also, please let me know any questions you are having. Whether you want to join us, cannot due to location, or have other plans, please know your feedback is encouraged and appreciated. If you were going to attend, what would you like us to cover? What do you feel is something you could use some guidance on? Please leave all your questions and comments for me here on the blog! Here’s To Your Health!!!

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Nov 24, 2009

Nutrition Tuesday- “Healthy Shopping- Part 2″

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Hey all! I am back this week with part two of how to shop healthy for you and your family. Here’s the thing…it just fascinates me to learn how I can literally look better, age slower, heal myself, and feel amazing, just by knowing what to eat and doing what I know. The things we eat effect the way we think, and the way we think effects EVERYTHING in our lives!!! If you want to live a fitter life, you must start by changing what you eat, and that will then begin to make bigger shifts in you internally, and result in the manifestation of a life beyond your wildest dreams today. Is that something you want??? I’m going to assume that’s a yes, and continue with the 2nd half of how to shop for good quality, healthy produce, what to look for, and why to eat certain fruits and veggies.

Fist of all, fruits and veggies are seasonal. It’s important to eat the produce that is in season for a few reasons. Eating in season will assure you get tastier produce, and your body will get much more of what Nature intends for you at that time of year. Also, in season foods are less expensive. Depending on where you live, and the climate, there will be certain foods to look for to compliment your environment, thus giving your body everything it needs. Check out this link to learn more : http://blog.integrativenutrition.com/2008/04/16/seasonal-eating_43/

For example, spring time fruits and veggies are lighter, uplifting, and refreshing. They are meant to balance out the heavier foods we eat in the winter. Some foods that come into season for the spring are avocados, asparagus, lettuce, and sprouts. In the summer, it is best to eat foods like watermelon, peaches, raspberries, blueberries, and cucumbers. Some fall foods are sweet potatoes, pumpkin,  collard greens, brussel sprouts, butternut squash, acorn squash, apples, cranberries, and pomegranates. For winter, we are best off eating foods that warm us up (if we live in a colder climate) like wild mushrooms, turnips, potatoes, and onions.

Using herbs to flavor your food is also a great, healthy way to add flavor without salt. Fresh is always better to use and make sure you buy all different textures and avoid buying anything wilted looking.

Sweet veggies like yams, sweet potatoes, carrots, and onions, are great for adding the sweet taste into your diet and usually help people who have sugar cravings. Adding sweet veggies into your diet will almost guarantee the elimination or reduction of refined sugars such as cookies and cakes by curbing the sweet tooth.

Also, make sure you take advantage of the full flavor and healing properties of ginger and garlic. They are great for adding a zest to any dish as well as adding anti-biotic qualities. Ginger also helps sooth the stomach when it is upset.

As you can see, there is so much variety as far as fruits and veggies go. If you eat what is in season, then all throughout the year you will be feeding your body with the best nutrients, as well as keeping variety in your diet by switching it up and trying new things every few months.

Has this sparked any curiosity in you? I’d love to hear what you are thinking! Leave all questions and comments here for me on the blog.  Here’s To Your Health!!!

SEE BELOW FOR A GREAT FALL RECIPE :)

Stuffed Roasted Acorn

Posted on November 20th, 2009 by Integrative Nutrition

It’s that time of year.   Are you planning your Thanksgiving dinner menu?  Here is a recipe that is healthy and delicious!  Enjoy!

Stuffed Roasted Acorn

Prep Time:    10 minutes
Cooking Time:    45 minutes
Yields:    4 servings

Ingredients:   
2 acorn squash
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
Sea salt and pepper
½ cup toasted pumpkin seed, chopped
½ cup parsley, chopped

Stuffing:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, finely diced
1 tablespoon curry
¼ cup golden raisins or currants
1 cup cooked whole grain (quinoa, brown rice, millet, barley)
½ cup parsley, chopped
1 zucchini, diced
   
Directions:
1.    Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
2.    Cut acorn squash in half and clean out seeds and fibers. Cut a very thin slice off bottom, so that acorn squash halves can sit flat like soup bowls.
3.    Brush with olive oil and distribute garlic evenly over 4 halves.
4.    Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper, place on a baking sheet and bake for 35 minutes.
5.    While squash is baking prepare stuffing.
6.    In a skillet heat oil and sauté onions, curry and raisins for 3 minutes. Add cooked grains andstir   for 5 minutes.
7.    Remove skillet from heat and mix in parsley and zucchini.
8.    Fill each squash cup with stuffing and top with chopped pumpkin seeds.
9.    Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the squash is soft (when a butter knife sinks into the squash with ease).
10.    Garnish with parsley and serve.

 

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Nov 16, 2009

Nutrition Tuesday- “Healthy Shopping- Part 1″

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What’s up guys and girls! Today I want to talk to you a little bit about Healthy Shopping. There is a lot to cover so for now, I just want to cover as much about PRODUCE as I can in one blog :)

First of all you want to look for 100% certified USDA organic fruits and veggies. Most regular supermarkets will not carry it, so I suggest shopping at your local health food store or farmers market from now on, if you want fresh, organic produce. The reason why organic is so much better is because there is no radiation, no bio-engineering (which is when the food is genetically altered with steroids and hormones), there are no pesticides used on the food, and the food has been grown with NON-synthetic fertilizers. You know how the saying goes…”You are what you eat.” So be aware of what you are putting into your body, and treat yourself with respect. If you cannot find organic, or it is just a little too pricey for your budget right now, then it’s ok. Eating an array of non-organic veggies and fruits is better than not at all. However, make sure you look for the PLU code on the food. Organic foods have a 5 digit number and begin with a 9. Conventional fruits/veggies, that are not organic, but aren’t bio-engineered either, have a 4 digit number. WATCH OUT for any fruit or veggies that has a 5 digit number beginning with an 8!!! This means they have been bio-engineered, which means they have been pumped with hormones and chemicals to make them grow bigger and faster. These have been proven to be cancer causing. Stay away from foods with a PLU code of 5 digits that begin with an 8!!!

The next thing I wan to talk about is color. It is important to fill your cart with an array of colors because each color serves our body in a specific way. We need all the colors in order to function the best.

Green Foods- some examples include: kale, collard greens, and mustard. Greens are the #1 missing ingredient from American diets today. They provide our bodies with calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, vitamins A, C, and E, fiber, folic acid, and chlorophyl. They purify the blood, strengthen the immune system, and LIFT THE SPIRIT :) Experience an array of greens, but especially the dark leafy kind!

Red Foods- Red foods are rich in phytochemicals that reduce free radical damage, and support heart health and memory function. Some examples are: tomatoes, pomegranates, and red bell peppers.

Orange Foods- some examples include: oranges, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Just like our mothers said…orange foods help us see better! Orange foods support night vision, and the deep orange foods are rich in Beta Carotene and Vitamin C.

Yellow Foods- some examples include: yellow squash, yellow peppers, bananas, and pineapples. Yellow foods are great for improving our circulation and strengthening our immune system!

White Foods- some examples include: artichokes, fennel, parsnips, and onions. White foods are known for being like  “Nature’s Pharmacy.” They help reduce blood pressure and LDL cholesterol (the bad kind). Also, ginger, garlic, and onions have anti-viral and anti-bacterial phytochemicals so they can be used as natural antibiotics.

Blue and Purple Foods- some examples include grapes and eggplant. These foods are rich in very powerful antioxidants that prevent early signs of aging and heart disease!

Another thing to be looking for when shopping for produce is the TEXTURE. Different textures will ensure you are getting a variety of nutrients as well as a more interesting eating experience. Pick delicate and leafy textures, dense and strong, and others that are light and crispy. For example pair some arugula with sweet potatoes or roasted red peppers. This will make eating not only more interesting, but your meals will feel more filling as well.

Next week I will continue on the subject of Healthy Shopping. I intend to cover Seasonal Eating, Dairy, Meat, Fish, Sea Vegetables, Herbs and Spices, Cereals and Snacks, etc. over the next couple weeks. It is my goal to help create awareness among Americans about how to really shop and eat healthy for themselves and their families. As you know, I am attending New York’s Institute for Integrative Nutrtion, so I am learning just how much information there is that very few people are aware of. This makes it difficult for Americans to know what the truth is about how to feed themselves and others. Stay tuned! Also, if you have your own, personal questions about how to eat and shop healthy, please leave them here for me on the blog and I will be sure to address them!

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Nov 8, 2009

Nutrition Tuesday- “Food for the Soul”

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Hey everyone! Yesssss I am back on the blog, YAY! There have been a lot of changes in my life recently and I have a lot on my plate. However, I am embracing all of it, because it is all amazing stuff and I feel so blessed that I get to have this life and do what I love everyday with people like you!

Ok, lets get down to fitness shall we??? Lately I have been doing a lot of reading, a ton of studying, personal development and growth, and feel as though I am expanding every day. That is a very cool feeling. Remember when I talked about Primary and Secondary Food a while back (see article to refer to)? Well, I have basically been feeding my soul with the best nutrients around…wisdom, awareness, spirituality, and new exercises and healing methods. That’s right people, my soul is being fed. Food that we eat is definitely becoming a secondary food to me, as I begin to get more and more fulfilled in the other areas i n my life. As I have said in previous articles, it is sooo important to have balance between your leisure time, work time, exercise time, spiritual practice time, school time, relationship time, etc. Also, find out what really feeds your soul and start serving yourself the right portions of it each day or week.

I have to share with you all just how excited I am to be back on the blog. I needed to take a small break to get some other things situated in my life, but now I am back with new ideas, fresh knowledge, and pure inspiration:)  I have so much to share with you over the coming months about what I am learning at New York’s Institution for Integrative Nutrition, what I am learning from my guru Karl List, and what I continue to learn every day just by living my life in alignment with my highest passion and purpose. I look forward to helping to educate you on how to make better food choices, how to shop for whole foods that you can trust, and how to eat in ways that satisfy you as well as keep your body at an ideal weight. Also, we will be exploring all the ways in which you may be able to feed your soul!

What types of things feed your soul that you know of? For example, what brings you pure joy and happiness? What things make you feel so good, to the core of your being? What things pull you into action without you having to try? What is the language of your heart? Let’s start there! Please leave all your questions and comments for me on the blog.I can’t wait, and look forward to, hearing from you and all about the cravings of your soul! Here’s To Your Health!!!

The Circle of Life is a great tool to use for you to make sure you are achieving balance in your persoanl and professional life!!!!

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Oct 6, 2009

Nutrition Tuesday- “Primary Food/Secondary Food”

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You may have heard me talk a little bit about this before in previous posts, primary food and secondary food, and I bring it up again and again because I think it’s helpful. Once you have awareness that our bodies never lie, and that when we have cravings there is a legit reason for it, then you can start to deconstruct your cravings and feed yourself with what you really need instead of what you THINK you need.

We all are fed by Primary food as well as Secondary food. Primary food consists of Relationships, Career, Exercise, and Spirituality. Secondary food is the actual food on our plate. When a client is craving chocolate all the time, I usually start asking them questions about their primary food. Usually when someone is having massive cravings they feel they are being controlled by, it is more than likely because they are out of balance with something in their primary food. Bottom line is, we can eat all the food in the world, but if we are not being fed enough by our primary foods, we will never stop feeling hungry.  

Cravings can also be a result of  an imbalance in secondary food, for example too much salt or meat, causing a craving for colder, more liquid, sweet things. Our bodies are perfect instruments, that will always send us messages when we are out of balance, that make us do things to bring our bodies back into balance.

I urge you to look at every aspect in your life. Are you fulfilled in the relationship category? How’s your career and are you happy with it? Where are you spiritually? Do you have an outlet for practicing some form of spirituality or religion? Lastly, are you moving your body? All of these things will contribute to your overall sense of fulfillment. When fed by these things you will find you think of food a whole lot less.

At the same time, when you are really craving something in particular, like chocolate, or salty and/or savory snacks, start to deconstruct your cravings for such foods with awareness. Notice what you are  craving and also notice how you are feeling in that moment and what you are expecting that certain food to do for you. You must find out if you are eating because you need nutrients or if you are just trying to fill a void.

I hope I didn’t confuse you. If I did, please leave your questions and comments for me here. Here’s To Your Health!!!

Just to reinforce what I’ve said, see this short video

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