Eat, Pray, Love ~ Part 1

January 30, 2010 at 9:07 am (Health and Wellness)
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Hello, readers and subscribers! Many of you have wondered where I’ve been. After my last post, I really dug deep and spent some time pondering the idea of training my brain (and body), being a person of integrity and sticking to my plan. I have spent the last few weeks on an internally focused journey, incorporating excercise into my daily life. (Yes, I said daily.) For many women, especially those of us who are full-time working mothers, the very idea of finding the time to exercise every day is ridiculous. (Unfortunately, this is why we are where we are, girls.) While it did and does require a certain amount of integrity to begin an exercise plan, work it into the family schedule and stick to it, the real gem here is the part about the internally focused journey. This is the part we’re going to talk about here.

My one year journey on the Clean Living path really got started in December, when my husband and I did my 14 Day Clean Living Cleanse together. Every day we talked about how we were doing, journaled, weighed in and measured our success. After the holidays, I did another cleanse and a 7 Day Weight Loss Cleanse. I also incorporated excercise. (!!!) For me, this is big. I have not exercised on a regular basis since before I met my husband nine years ago. At that time, I was a big runner. I ran every day and loved it. Unfortunately, life comes at you fast, and two kids later, I’m overweight and out of shape. I’m also turning 42 in a few short months. Wow. Where did the time go, and what the hell happened to my body? I’ve contemplated these and other important questions, and begging the universe for answers.

What I discovered is this: I am not alone in this. Most of the women I know are feeling like the low man on the totem pole of life. Keeping up with the demands of work and family is rigorous and exhausting. Just getting everyone up, dressed, fed and out the door in the morning requires military drill sergeant skills. For years I have dreamed of carving out some time for me. I’ve examined the schedule and just never seemed to find a way to make it work . I know women who exercise regularly, and who also happen to look fantastic in a bikini well into their 40′s. So I sat and pondered the question: what’s the difference? Other than a waist, flat stomach and great thighs…what do they have that I don’t? The answer: Internal Focus.

I found mine. We’re going to find yours, too. According to my daily journal, I have exercised 18 out of the last 23 days. I am stronger, thinner, and happier. I didn’t change anything about my life, or my schedule. I just did it. At first, my family was a bit suspicious of all this new “me time”, but I stuck to my plan (integrity) and pressed on. About ten days in, my husband sat down and watched me do a 55 minute intense weight loss yoga workout. I got the best motivation and validation of my life! My husband told me how proud of me he is, how he admires my dedication, strength and focus. Wow! That’s almost better than a waist!

The big truth, here is that most of us have a host of reasons why we just can’t work in a regular work out. We can. We just need to be told that it’s okay to take our eyes off the laundry for one hour. It is okay, and it is a requirement if you’re going to succeed in getting the health and the body you want. You must focus on you. For me, this was a big realization. I really noticed this focus during my last Cleanse…every day I spent journaling my every move, thinking about my day, how I felt, what I ate…It was all about me. And I liked it. I really started to notice and appreciate how great it felt to think about ME so much.

This is part of the Clean Living program, and it will become part of your life. Start today. Get a journal, start writing every day about you. What you ate, how you feel, what you did today. Start to feel how good it feels to think about you for a few minutes. Wait till you see how good it feels to eat well, exercise and discover the body you were in nine years ago!!

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Set yourself up for success…right now.

January 12, 2010 at 12:02 pm (Health and Wellness)
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I subscribe to and absolutely love T. Harv Ecker’s blog. For those of you not familiar, he is an author and wealth trainer. His book Secrets of the Millionaire Mind is an amazing read, all about mastering the inner game of wealth. I received my weekly email from Harv today:

Secret #2: The Habit that All Millionaires Have

The most successful millionaires I know all have absolute INTEGRITY. Integrity simply means doing what you say you are going to do.

When you make commitments to yourself that you don’t keep, you train your mind to not do what you say. You’re setting yourself up NOT to succeed.

Eventually, that lack of commitment extends out toward others, and you DO NOT want to build a reputation of not keeping your word. That goes for business partnerships and personal relationships as well.

On the road to wealth, your integrity will absolutely matter to potential allies, mentors, customers and others who can help you.

Most importantly, though, the strength of your word matters to yourself.

Think back to a time in your life when you set out to do something—maybe you were even absolutely passionate about meeting this goal—but you didn’t follow through.

How did you feel … like you let yourself down? And how easy is it to meet any goal when you doubt yourself? Not very easy at all, is it?

Noelle, if you say it, do it. If you start it, finish it. Otherwise, don’t say it or don’t start at all. Stay true to your word, and build a track-record of integrity.

I was struck by the realization that this principle applies to everything in life, not just wealth. In fact, it is the reason I started this blog. In order for my Clean Living Program to succeed, I have to train my brain to do what I say. I committed to A Year of Clean Living and to delivering to you, a full years’ worth of inspiration, ideas and personal sharing. I also committed to living the principles of Clean Living for an entire year. I set big fitness goals for myself this year, and if I’m going to stay on track, it’s going to require some serious integrity.

When it comes to food, I am (mostly) able to make good choices. Exercise, however, kills me. I have recently started doing Yoga (weight-loss yoga, the hard kind) and find that I actually love it and look forward to it. I am also using my elliptical trainer, which has gathered dust for years. My commitment to myself is to exercise at least 5 days per week, for the next 8 weeks. I will paste Harvs’ advice all over the house and train my brain. Your challenge today is to set a goal, share it, and follow through. It will require effort to get where you want to go. You will have to exercise and forgo eating and drinking  many of the things you love. Set yourself up to finally succeed this year by making the mind-body connection. Make a commitment to yourself today, and start training your brain to do what you say. Never forget, I am here for you…

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Try these 15 SuperFoods to Lose weight, fight disease and live longer!

January 10, 2010 at 9:04 pm (Health and Wellness)
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Would you  like to lower your cholesterol, reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer, stabilize your moods and boost metabolism? Here are 15 nutritional powerhouses to add to your menu:

  1. 1. F L A X: Loaded with Omega # fatty acids, flax helps your body respond more efficiently to insulin, which improves glucose absorption and helps stabilize blood sugar levels. Easily incorporated into your diet, flaxseed oil can be added to salads or steamed veggies. Ground flaxseeds can be sprinkled on any cooked food.
  2. N U T S: These babies contain minerals, fiber and protein and can significantly reduce your risk for heart disease. (Careful, they are high in fat and calories, so eat in moderation.) Walnuts are particularly good for lowering LDL or “bad cholesterol” and raising HDL, or “good cholesterol.”
  3. P U M P K I N     S E E D S: Also known as peptias, these “superseeds” contain zinc, magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorus, protein, and the Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids – all of which help to boost metabolism. Pumpkin seeds can help prevent against prostate cancer, protect against heart disease and have anti-inflammatory benefits.
  4.  S W E E T      P O T A T O E S: Loaded with beta carotene, and only 90 calories per potato. Fat free, loaded with fiber and carotenoids that help boost metabolism, stabilize blood sugar and lower insulin resistance.
  5. A S P A R A G U S: Contains inulin, which promotes growth and activity of good bacteria on your intestines. Especially beneficial to pregnant women because of high folate levels, which help prevent birth defects.
  6. Q U I N O A: This tiny grain is a complete protein – and includes all nine essential amino acids. Quinoa contains super high levels of lysine – essential for tissue growth and repair and is especially valuable for people with migraine headaches and diabetes. It is also a great source of potassium, magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorous, and B vitamins.
  7. G A R L I C: Known to lower cholesterol, thin the blood, boost the immune system, lower blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of some types of cancer, and fire up the metabolism.
  8. P A R S L E Y: Loaded with compounds that purify the blood and expel toxins. Also loaded with vitamins C, K and A, iodine, iron, and chlorophyll. Parsley contains more vitamin C than citrus, and is excellent for battling inflammation. It also contains volatile oils which have been shown to inhibit the formation of tumors, particularly in the lungs.
  9. C H I V E S: Include fresh, easy to grow chives in your diet for vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, calcium and iron levels. They also promote good digestion, reduce bad breath and can help lower cholesterol when eaten regularly.
  10. O L I V E S: delicious and nutrient rich, but the real miracle is in the oil of these little superfoods. Olive oil can reduce “bad” cholesterol in the blood, protect against gastrointestinal cancer and lower risk of heart disease. Olive oil also contains the metabolism boosters Vitamin E, antioxidants and beta-carotene.
  11. W I L D      S A L M O N: A primary superfood because it contains two types of omega-3 fatty acids that can drastically reduce heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and osteoporosis.
  12. B  L U E B E R R I E S:  The American Institute for Cancer Research says blueberries are “one of the best sources of antioxidants, substances that can slow the aging process and reduce cell damage that can lead to cancer.” Neuroscientist James Joseph calls the blueberry the “brainberry” and he sees potential for reversing short term memory loss and forestalling many other effects of aging.
  13. A V O C A D O S: This delicious fruit is packed with important vitamins and help the body absorb nutrients from other foods eaten with them. Avocados are able to lower bad cholesterol, decrease risk for cancer, and prevent heart disease. They are also high in magnesium and potassium.
  14. L O W     F A T     Y O G U R T: A great source of calcium, protein and probiotics, which live in the intestines. Probiotics protect against bad bacteria and aid in digestion. A recent study showed that people who ate three servings of light yogurt per day lost 20% more weight than those who reduced caloric intake alone.
  15. D A R K      C H O C O L A T E: We saved the best for last! Yes, ladies…chocolate is good for you. The darker the chocolate, the less fat and sugar. Just one ounce will provide valuable antioxidants and can help lower blood pressure!

 

See how many of these superfoods you can work into your meals this week! All of these wonderful foods are regularly featured in my cookbook, Clean Cuisine. All are part of the Clean Living Program! Bon Apetit!

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My personal assessment – January 7, 2010

January 7, 2010 at 7:12 pm (Uncategorized)

December 2009

Hi, Folks! I promised you that I’d publish my own personal assessment this week, so here I go….

One year ago I started this journey. What started out as a desperate attempt to fight my way back to good health has taken on a new meaning for me, and may very well be my true calling. Since my first 14 day elimination (or cleanse diet), I’ve had  this idea that every woman needs to have this life-changing knowledge

While I did experience dramatic results after my first cleanse including weight loss and a total return to health, I spent the summer enjoying my spicy Italian sausage and  Hard Lemonade a little too much. As you can guess, I  gained back the weight and found myself ready to get back to looking and feeling great. I knew that I could cleanse again and lose the weight, but without a long-term plan, I would gain it back. I began to develop the Clean Living Program to promote better health and fitness as a lifestyle. The program incorporates the use of periodic cleansing as a way to boost metabolism, aid in weight loss goals and eliminate toxins, which bog the bodies’ natural filtration and elimination systems down.

I’ll be spending this entire year “Living Clean” and you’ll be part of that journey. From time to time I’ll be publishing my results, condensed into a summary. Before we start talking results, we need to talk about my starting point. I did a 14 day cleanse (not too strict) in December, and then relaxed and enjoyed the holidays. I felt great after the cleanse, but immediately noticed some blood sugar dips and a general loss of energy once I started in on the holiday cheer.

B I G    T H I N G S

I appear to be having a major hormonal imbalance which is causing severe PMS or PMDD, which lasts for several weeks each month. My period lasts less than 48 hours, and cramping is severe. This is relatively new, and appears to be getting worse. For that reason, we will discuss it here and track my results throughout the year.

Also associated with the monthly hormonal fluctuation are the two things which plague me the most: handfuls of my hair fall out every month about “that time” and I have somehow managed to hover on the brink of both perimenopause and puberty simultaneously. My skin is so crazy, I don’t even know how to describe it. Painful at times it’s so bad. Did I mention I am 41 years old?

Lastly, I weigh somewhere around 150 pounds. My scale is broken. Seriously. I’m not joking. Yesterday I got it out and the whole  family tried it. It’s one of those fancy digital ones. The first time I tried it: 124 pounds. The second time: 136 pounds. I’m thinking “I like this thing,” but I know it’s dead wrong, because when I last weighed in at the end of my December cleanse, before the ham and the cookies and the onion bread pudding…I weighed in at 146 pounds, down from 154 when I started. So, having gotten that out of the way, let’s have a strong shot of honesty: I should weigh somewhere around 135 pounds, and definitely need to tone, firm, and lose the back and belly fat.

L I T T L E      T H I N G S

Here we go. In no particular order: Eating too fast. Eating too much, not controlling the portions. Snacking in the evenings after dinner. Not getting enough water. Cheating on the weekends ~ pizza, hot dogs, chips, bread. LOW libido. No libido. Tummy feels bloated again. Exercise routine is too irregular.

O N      T H E        P L US     S I D E

I have started my daily journal, which will chronicle this whole next year,and allow me to track what’s working and what’s not. I’ve eaten well since the holidays, making better choices, and planning good family meals. I’ve exercised more  and I’m getting it in wherever and however I can. I have almost completely eliminated wine. My mood is a bit better, and the yoga is leaving me feeling calm…even when I have a stressful event. My energy has been better and consistent throughout the day.

I know this may seem like TMI, but it’s for the greater good. I know that you’ll see my progress for yourself and when you’re ready to achieve the best health and body you can have, you will call me. I’ll be right there for you, coaching and encouraging you every step of the way.

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The Way to Eat, The Way to Shop, The Way to Live!

January 6, 2010 at 12:31 pm (Health and Wellness)
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Who doesn’t want to save money and eat well??? Today I’m going to share with you my favorite tricks for meal planning, grocery shopping and saving money on food! For many years, I went to the grocery store every week, bought whatever I thought we needed (mostly the same “staples” and a whole lotta extra stuff) and NEVER planned a single meal. My grocery bills were ridiculous, and I always ended up making several extra trips to the store every week to get things we were missing. This resulted in unnecessary purchases and more money spent needlessly. When I started my Clean Living Program, one of the big elements of the program itself is the planning. I have become the best planner and shopper ever!

P R E P A R A T I O N

Anyone who has ever attempted to start a weight loss regimen or even tried to eat healthier, especially those with children, knows that the very first thing that must be done is to clean house! Go through the fridge, pantry and cabinets and get rid of anything which may tempt you. But how is this possible when your family isn’t on your diet, you ask? Guess what? Everyone can benefit from your new eating plan, and most of the foods you have been purchasing will no longer be entering your home. Rather than toss everything, we’ll just start phasing them out and gradually start phasing in the good stuff. To get yourself prepared for your Clean Living Program,  here’s my solution: a simple reorganization of the pantry into zones will create the mental “divide” you” need. You can use a separate shelf, cabinet or area to separate your foods into the following zones:

  • Breakfast foods and Cereals
  • Kids’ food – Peanut butter, soups, Mac N’ Cheese, Chips & School snacks
  • Clean Living foods: beans, canned beans & vegetables, nuts, seeds, supplements, granola
  • Canned soups, tomatoes, olives
  • Snacks – Place these in a basket where they will not be visible, at the back or bottom of the pantry
  • Pasta, rice, noodles, couscous, quinoa
  • Baking supplies – flour, sugar, brown sugar
  • Spices, condiments, vinegar, oils, cooking spray

When you are cleansing, it is helpful to move all the condiments and foods you are restricting to one area of the fridge to remind you of the “no’s” and keep you on track. Once you move onto maintenance, there are still some foods and condiments  you will not be enjoying, so be sure to “re-zone” the cabinets and fridge. Gradually phase these items out or make a special section just for the kids.Move all the items you are not using to the bottom of the fridge and keep the ones you use regularly near the top.

Keep an area clear just for water. You’ll be drinking lots of it, and will want to keep some cold. Store a big pitcher of decaf iced green tea , sparkling water and V8 here, too.

P L A N N I N G

You’ll be planning your meals a week in advance, shopping once, and preparing as much as you can on weekends and evenings. Before you head out to the grocery store, do four things:

  1. Take an inventory – start with your proteins, vegetables and pantry items
  2. Clean out the fridge, get rid of anything you will most likely not eat (also a good time to wipe out the fridge!)
  3. Decide what proteins you have on hand that you can use this week and start building your dinner menu from those. Mix them up, don’t eat fish or meat several days in a row. Also, be sure to try to add 1-3 vegetarian meals every week. You’ll not only save money, you’ll automatically be eating healthier! Browse my recipes or your own cookbooks for inspiration. I keep a three-ring binder in my kitchen I use to store recipes I find in magazines!
  4. Make a grocery list of only what you need to prepare the 7 dinners you have chosen, then add lunch items for the kids, breakfast items, fruit and veggies. Viola! DO NOT buy anything not on the list.

You’ll be amazed at how easy it really is to eliminate the foods from your diet that are not supporting your health and fitness goals! For a very long time, we ate sandwiches and chips every day for lunch. When I first started my Clean Living Cleanse, I could not imagine what I would do for lunch! Now I no longer eat chips, nor do I buy them. My kids never complained once and because I phased these items out (while adding new ones in), I doubt they even noticed! I don’t buy lunch-meat (one of the worst things you can eat), sliced cheese, chips or soda. In fact, my family eats pretty much what I eat with very few exceptions.

My youngest started to get a little chubby in her belly area a few months back. She seemed tired all the time and begged for sweets constantly. I started giving her lots of water, steamed veggies (she loves carrots and cauliflower) and started taking her to the pool regularly. She has slimmed down a bit and is less moody; her energy has returned to normal.

E L I M I N A T I O N

What should you eliminate right away to start your Clean Living journey? When you order your Clean Living Cleanse, the complete list of foods to eliminate and foods to enjoy will be available. If you just want to be healthier, and eliminate some extra calories, try these:

  • Salad dressings – Don’t buy this stuff! I have always made my own! I use olive oil and fresh lemon juice with a dash of Italian seasoning when cleansing
  • Ketchup/Barbeque sauce – Loaded with sugar! Avoid sauces. Let your foods’ natural taste shine!
  • Alcohol – high in sugar and calories
  • White flour – bread, pasta, rolls, sweets – instead try brown rice, quinoa, cous cous
  • Dairy – omit yellow cheeses, limit white cheese
  • All meats except lean protein – Beef, ground beef, pork, sausage, processed meats – add more chicken, fish and beans!

Now get going! It’s a new year! Resolve to get your kitchen organized in a way that supports your fitness goals! Go through magazines and pull out healthy recipes! Start a special area  in your fridge, pantry and cabinets for all the healthy foods you’ll be eating.  Bravo! You’re on your way to succeeding in your health and fitness goals!

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An honest assessment for the whole family – January 5, 2010

January 5, 2010 at 9:05 am (Health and Wellness)
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Today we’re going to take a hard look at ourselves, our husbands and children. We’re going to look at some of our dietary habits which rob us of energy and leave us all feeling drained and depleted. Almost every woman I know complains of feeling tired on a regular basis. (Many of you look tired. Sorry, girls.) Most regularly consume caffeine , some throughout the day. Sweet snacks and afternoon naps are the norm for some, too. This cycle of bad nutrition and exhaustion is leaving some of you longing for the energy you once had. Add in some stress, and you’ve got a full-blown recipe for belly fat, sickness, fuzzy thinking, insomnia, irritability and overall exhaustion! Sound like you? What about your family? Do the kids bounce out of bed full of energy? Does your husband?

I  spent years trying to convince my husband that his poor diet habits were causing him to feel exhausted, unable to concentrate and more. I was  able to look at his habits and identify things he could easily change in his diet that would cause major changes in his overall health and wellness. Like most people, he was unable or unwilling to change. I finally convinced him to try my 14 day Clean Living Cleanse. He eliminated caffeine, alcohol, and sweets. He re-hydrated, added supplements, juiced every day and ate small meals throughout the day. At the end of the 14 days, he looked and felt like a different person. He no longer drinks 6-8 cups of coffee every day, he is energetic throughout the day and has adopted some good habits for life. I know it can be traumatic to even think about changing your diet and eating habits, but I promise, even a few small changes can bring about big results.

If big results are your goal, start right now by assessing your current eating (and drinking) habits. For the next five days, write down everything you consume. This is the best way to really assess the damage. Using the data you collect, we’re going to put together a plan to get you and your family on track, eating clean and filled with energy and vitality!

Want a few ideas to get you started feeling better TODAY? These tips are a great way to prepare your body and your mind for the 14 day Clean Living Cleanse we’re about to start. Try any or all of the following:

  • Start drinking water. On the cleanse you’ll be drinking  80 oz per day. Start with at least 3 – 4 16 oz glasses a day for now.
  • Drink a big glass of warm water with juice of 1/2 lemon and a tablespoon of honey first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach to aid in elimination.
  • Eat breakfast! Even if you’ve never been a breakfast eater, start now. Try a small Yo-Plus yogurt with Probiotic sprinkled with a little Bear Naked Fit granola.
  • Have a mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack. Nothing sweet!We’re trying to keep your blood sugar level throughout the day.
  • Eat nothing after 7:00 PM
  • Add Green Tea to your diet. Avoid bottled tea drinks. Buy tea bags (try Celestial Seasoning Decaf Green Tea) and make your own iced tea. Drink hot or cold, as much as you like. Avoid sugar and other sweeteners. Try Truvia.
  • Get in bed at 9:00 every night. Read, relax, meditate and prepare for a deep, restful sleep.  Get the kids to bed by 8:00.
  • Add a multivitamin supplement to your diet every day.
  • Avoid alcohol and salt.
  • Limit processed and packaged foods.

Get going on your assessment. Buy yourself a big notebook to use as a journal. I use a three-ring binder so I can add pages, recipes and useful articles. Start tracking your current habits and the new ones you’re adding in. Within a week you will be ready to begin the 14 Day Clean Living Cleanse! The Cleanse is the first step towards achieving your health and fitness goals, and a valuable tool you can use throughout the year to boost energy and metabolism, get you back on track and get you past weight loss plateaus.

SPECIAL NOTE FOR MOMS: I am a Mom to two daughters, 5 and 7. Some of you may be worried about how all these dietary changes will fit into your family routine, or whether you’ll have to go this alone. Let me assure you, that my entire family is on this journey with me. From the very first beginning as I was developing the Cleanse and the Maintenance and Weight-Loss portions of the Clean Living program, my family has enjoyed every part of the Clean Living lifestyle! They love the foods and we eat the same meals together, every day. When I am cleansing, I continue to feed my daughters from the Maintenance section of the Clean Living cookbook, but all the meals are easily modified to make life easy for you. These meals were designed for you and are meant to be fast and simple. As a Mom, I understand the importance of what I like to call “Cheap and Easy.” I learned how to make “cheap and Easy” into “Clean and Delicious” and you will, too.

When you’re ready, e-mail me your assessment: cleancuisine@gmail.com

P.S.

I’ll be publishing my assessment this week!

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Goals, Resolutions and Dreams! How to get there…

January 4, 2010 at 8:50 pm (Health and Wellness)
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It’s a new year! Hopefully you’ve taken some time to set some goals for 2010! My husband and I have an annual “meeting” to discuss our goals, hopes, dreams, and resolutions for the coming year, usually at the beginning of January. We keep notes from our meetings in a notebook, and it’s always fun to look back and see how far we’ve come. We each work on our goals individually and then share them, using the following categories as a guideline:

  • Personal Goals
  • Health & Fitness Goals
  • Professional Goals
  • Family Goals
  • Relationship Goals
  • Home  Goals
  • Fun Goals
  • Money Goals

In the last few years, I’ve had the pleasure of ending my year looking at the things on our lists and checking off all the things we accomplished. It’s been a huge boost to see just how powerful we really are! I found that the more specific my goals were, the easier they were to achieve. It’s never really worked for me to say “Read more books”, but if I said “Read two books per month”, I usually had good success.

A few other things which have really worked for me:

Set a specific date for things you want to accomplish. Create a special schedule to break things you’ll have to do down into smaller increments. When I decided to get my brokers’ license in Wisconsin, I gave myself 30 days to study. I scheduled a specific time for study each day and posted the calendar on the fridge. My family supported and encouraged me, and respected the gravity of my decision to select a tight time-frame.

Practice gratitude daily. Make it a family event. Every night after dinner, we pull out our gratitude  journal. Each member of the family gives thanks, draws a little something, puts a new wish out into the universe…I am mostly grateful for the loving connection I experience with my family as a result of our daily gratitude ritual. Start one of your own, express gratitude for what you have and what you want to have and watch your dreams come true.

Accountability is crucial. Don’t set a really big goal and not tell anyone. My blog is my way of staying committed to a full year of Clean Living. I also have some other goals and hopes for myself and my family I’ll be sharing with you in the coming weeks as I embark on a mission to finally lose the 20 extra pounds I’ve been (unsuccessfully) trying to hide under ski pants and big sweaters. Just TELL SOMEONE! Tell me! Post your goals here and I’ll hold you accountable.

Never Quit. Real, lasting results are never an overnight deal. There are a hundred different diet pills out there, all promising that you’ll get thin in a jiffy, WITHOUT EXERCISE!!! Yeah, right. Here’s what I think: set your goal, move in the right direction using the 90/10 rule (90% of the time you’re right on track, 10% of the time, not so much.) If it takes years to lose the weight, get back the bikini body or run the marathon, so what? Take the advice of super famous producer Mark Burnett and NEVER QUIT!’

Find your inspiration, then share the wealth. Kind of like paying it forward. If you want to achieve anything big, look for a mentor or a source of inspiration. I’m a book junkie. I swear, if my house was burning down, I’d go for my books first. I have found everything in books. I am a self-taught human. When I need an answer, I go to my books. When I am running on empty, I get lost in a book and stop thinking about me for a while. When you find something that works for you, share it! Share it with your friends, your family, even me.

Now, get going! Set some big goals. I can’t wait to hear all of them. I’ll post my complete list later in the week, hoping you’ll hold me accountable. I’ll be looking to you for inspiration, too. We’ll get there togeher, I promise.

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How Toxic is YOUR Load?

January 3, 2010 at 8:57 am (Health and Wellness, Uncategorized)
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My Toxic Load

I promised to be honest, right? Three days into a brand new year, a year of Clean Living for me and I would give myself a score of seven out of ten on the toxicity scale. My office looks like the county dump. This is where I am supposed to write, create, manage, work and make a living??? In order to avoid the massive pile on my desk, which may cause an avalanche at any minute, spilling my hot tea into my keyboard, frying my Mac  and ending my career on the spot, I have been working from the kitchen, AKA the “Stevens Expressway.” Christmas is still in full swing in our household, and at this moment, the pizza and red wine I had last night is burning a giant hole in my stomach lining…I told you I was human!

Assessing your toxic load will be a combination of many factors, including diet, exercise, weight, body fat, all the things you’re putting into your body, and all the other “environmental” factors affecting your load. For some, we may have become the load, so to speak. Negativity alone can be very physically taxing. Of course, stress is a gigantic factor affecting your body’s ability to eliminate toxins. You may have reached the point of toxic overload or adrenal fatigue already. Dragging yourself through the motions of your daily life, barely able to stay awake, cramming in coffee and sweets for an afternoon pick me up are all indications that your body may need help releasing some toxins so that you can experience life feelling the way you should…filled with energy and feeling great!

My approach to this whole toxic load thing is to look at the picture as a whole. So today, I will assess my personal load, take down the Christmas decorations, squeeze in some yoga and clear off my desk. I’ll steal a few minutes today for myself to enjoy a big glass of hot water with lemon and honey, which will help me to flush out last nights’ pizza and Red Zin. I still have 362 full days left in my journey, and I have promised myself to be as mindful as I can and as gentle with myself as I can.

If you’ve got a few big goals and dreams for yourself this year, take a few minutes right now to assess your toxic load. It’s much bigger than your diet alone. If you want to lose weight, regain excellent health and boost your  energy, look around you. Look at your body, but also look at your environment. Look in your purse, your car, your living room. Before you start your physical detoxification, begin to detoxify your environment. Make a promise that until reach your goals, you will work to detoxify your mind, your home, your relationships. Treat everything in your environment as a whole. Don’t attempt to detoxify one area while another may be crashing down on you right now.

Detoxify something today, the last day before the kids go back to school, the last day of the holiday break. Maybe you could start by detoxifying all that leftover party food languishing in the fridge…Throw out the cookies and place a giant bowl of fruit on the kitchen counter for your family to see. Today’s Goal: Clear out or detoxify one space in your home today.

When you’re ready, email me at cleancuisine@gmail.com and I’ll forward you my exclusive Toxic Load Assessment. It’ll help us to understand where you are physically, mentally, emotionally and environmentally. Next, we’ll get started detoxifying YOU!

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Clean Living Defined

January 2, 2010 at 7:31 am (Health and Wellness)

Now that we’ve met, let’s talk about Clean Living. What is it? Why do I need it? How can I get it?

Clean Living is a three-step process by which you can and will achieve many of your fitness and health goals. It is not a fad diet. There are no pills to take (hence the title: Clean Living), and the program is not intended solely for weight loss, although I found it to be an incredible side benefit. It is intended for anyone who needs to feel better, have more energy, look better, lose weight and rid themselves of years of toxic abuse from alcohol, nicotine and medication. It is for anyone who has had medical treatment and has never felt quite right since then. It is for anyone who suddenly finds themselves experiencing a host of random symptoms and is finding the stress of not feeling well overwhelming and depressing. Trust me, I’ve been there. I know how awful awful can feel. The Clean Living Program is not just for women. It is also for families, for men, for couples and for friends to challenge each other. The Program can be used over and over and indefinitely. It is safe for long-term use and never requires you to purchase anything other than the Clean Living Program. We’ll start by conducting a detailed health and body assessment and creating some goals for you.

You will know by now, if you have read my story, that I came upon some basic information while researching alternative solutions for panic attacks. In my research, one thing kept popping up over and over: food sensitivity. I can tell you point-blank that I never would have believed that I could be experiencing all that  physical pain and suffering as a result of what I was eating. Like many people, I was just desperate for a solution. I’d have moved to India and stood on my head for ten hours a day to get well. Fortunately, I did get well…right here in Wisconsin. Not exactly the spa cuisine capital of the world, but I made it work. So, the first part of the three-step program is a 14 DAY ELIMINATION DIET which will help you to identify and eliminate  potential irritants from your diet. If you do nothing else for yourself for the rest of your life, do this. This is the 14 day miracle that changed my life. At the end of the 14th day, I no longer suffered from panic attacks, my skin was radiant, I dropped 8 pounds and felt better than I had since before my children were born!

This blog is a very active part of the program and should be followed and used in tandem with your goal. I will be sharing my daily journey here and have committed to a one year consecutive term of Clean Living. I’ll also share all the things I am learning every day which may be beneficial for you and your health goals. This is where you will come to stay motivated and on track. You’ll also get personal coaching when you need it! I will always be available and I’ll make sure you are using the program to achieve your specific goals.

The final part of the Clean Living program is the Clean Cuisine recipe book. This is where you’ll get inspired about healthful eating and cooking! It is a great guideline for healthy eating and contains recipes I’ve created or borrowed, even some classics I’ve modified. I promise you this: You will never think “Diet” a single day while you are on this program. My husband did a 14 Day Elimination Cleanse with me recently. He was stunned when he realized how good he was eating while cleansing! (By the way, he continued on to the Maintenance part of the Program, while I enjoyed a powerful All Fruit Cleansing Day and moved on to the Weight Loss part of the Clean Living Program.) From time to time I’ll share a recipe with you here than can be downloaded, printed and added into your Clean Cuisine Cookbook.

The Program can be used over and over, for the rest of your life! You are not required to continue with the Program once you have reached your goals, but you may go back to it anytime you feel you need to. Once you’ve “overindulged” for a few weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years, you may find The 14 Day Elimination Diet to be just the thing to get you right back on track. Use it as often as you like! I typically use the 14 Day Elimination Diet four times per year. It’s a fantastic way to cleanse my system and rev up my metabolism!

Now that I’ve shared what the program is and why you need it, let’s talk about where you can get it. The complete program will be available for purchase here within the month. Right now, if you feel you just have to get started, please email cleancuisine@gmail.com and I’ll forward you the beta-test version of the program. We’ll do an assessment, set your goals and get you started!

I look forward to sharing this journey with you and sharing our results later in the year. Remember, I’ll be there to encourage you, keep you on track and mentor you until you have achieved perfect health and balance in your life! Bon Apetit!

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A Year of Clean Living ~ January 1, 2010

January 1, 2010 at 4:29 pm (Health and Wellness)

For many of us, the first day of the new year is a day to reflect on the past year and resolve to make this one better, different. Did you know that the number one New Years resolution in our country is to eat healthier? In fact, all the top resolutions are all about health: quit smoking, quit drinking, lose weight. This year, I have resolved not to resolve. For me, this year is all about living a few dreams. I can’t change the past, why resolve to try? I won’t spend a minute looking back, trying to figure out how to change what is done. Instead, I will use what I have learned and apply it this year. I will share with you what I know and hope that you will enjoy the journey.

Welcome to my blog: A Year of Clean Living. I can promise only one thing: I will be honest at all times. I am human, and humans sometimes have too many Jello shots at the New Years’ Eve party. We also eat four cookies just before bed. My goal is to practice what I preach or walk the talk. I have a big dream, and you are a big part of that dream. Let me explain: You’ll have to read my full story to get all the details, but in short, I had some really intense health issues about a year ago. I was overweight, losing my hair, suffering from debilitating panic attacks, low libido and chronic back pain. There were other things, too…strange things, which did not seem to be related. As the intensity and randomness of the panic attacks increased, I came to the realization that I needed help. I can tell you that as a mother of two amazing little girls, I felt it was important to consider the family unit when making decisions about my health, and subsequently decided that spending my days doing the Thorazine Shuffle was out of the question. I began a desperate search for answers, and found one that changed my life. It ultimately ended all of the health problems I was experiencing and probably prevented a few as well. I never medicated and never will. I lost weight and looked and felt better than I have in ten years. You can learn all about my life-changing program here, and even get started on your own Clean Living journey, but this blog will be all about the next 365 days of my life. I have challenged myself to a year of Clean Living so that I may share with you my own personal transformation.

As I start 2010, I feel pretty crappy if I’m honest. I’m still 15 pounds away from my goal weight and I don’t look or feel as good as I would like. I have back fat. Also, I have developed a new issue as of late: PMS. (I know, TMI…but I promised I would be honest.) I am 41 years old and find myself often praying for menopause these days. For the last six months, I have spent about 18 days of the month living with PMS so intense that the 48 hour period that follows feels like the let-down that follows a wedding that’s been planned for a year. I share this only because I have always been the no PMS, no big deal about the period thing girl. Now, it’s a big deal. I know it is for many women, and I feel it’s important to address it here, because if I can teach even one woman how to feel good, I will have succeeded in my goal. This blog is not about PMS, this is about overall health and well-being. It is about eating and living in a way that makes us feel good. It is about sharing the euphoric happiness that comes as a result of Clean Living. It is about no longer accepting feeling bad. It is about taking control of your life, your weight, your health and the health of your family. I will be your resource, your coach and your confidant for the next year. I’ll share my life and my program with you with the hope that you will achieve your New Years’ goal of better health in the most amazing way!

Welcome to a New Year, and new chapter in your life. I know that every woman I have ever met can relate in some way to my story. We have all felt horrendous on occasion, and often for long periods of time.  I will teach you the simplest, most delicious thing you can do to alter the way you look and feel. You will never need to take anything other than vitamin supplements, and you won’t need to hire Oprah’s personal chef to make a single meal! We’ll do it together, and I will be there for you every day. You will not only alter the way you look and feel, you will alter the lives of your family and even your friends. All of this you will do with food. I promise, you will love every minute of this journey. Happy New Year! Let’s get started…I’m going to wake up my family with fresh squeezed orange juice. How are you starting your brand new year?

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