Sugar Kills! How to break your habit
cleanse, diet
2nd Apr 2012
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Bad news sugar lovers – you’re slowly killing yourselves with your sweet treats.
Even worse? The more you have, the worse it gets, and the more you need.
We are all in big trouble…unless we do something about it.
See this report on 60 minutes:
I grew up in a family that had a severe sweet tooth, and I caught it, too. Worse for me was that I was the only one who looked like they liked it.
Mine got out of control when I went to college and was able to eat what ever I wanted. I learned pretty quickly that “whatever” wasn’t always what I needed. But late hours and laziness took over and I gained the freshman 15 (or so).
So, how do you break a crack-like addiction to sugar?
Here’s what I did:
I learned what sugar was doing to my body, besides making me fat. I got scared.
Decided that I needed to change dramatically, so I worked with a practitioner to do a cleanse – it changed everything for me.
All kinds of symptoms – things I didn’t even realize were happening to me, or didn’t know how to fix – cleared up. Here’s just a few things:
No more 3pm energy
Flat stomach – no more donut of fat around my middle
No more stomachaches
No more chronic headaches
Soft hands – no more cracked, bleeding eczema
No more acid reflux disease
And that’s just the beginning.
If you want to join me, now is the time. I have all the details for you here.
How I lost 5 pounds while still eating chocolate
cleanse, diet, mindset
26th Mar 2012
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As a health coach, I always feel like I need to be perfect when it comes to food. But let’s face reality here – I’m not.
In fact, I’ve had a habit of eating when I’m not hungry, but tired, angry, sad or lonely. I used to eat giant chocolate chip cookies every day (no longer for several years now).
And even as I’ve been coaching people to overcome unhelpful eating habits, I’ve been struggling with my cravings for chocolate and peanut butter. I knew there was something going on in my mind that had me overindulging, and I couldn’t figure out what it was.
Then I discovered Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), which helps you make rapid breakthroughs in areas of your life where you feel stuck. It works by helping you interrupt thinking patterns that lead to a behavior that’s not working (i.e., eating chocolate) to create a new thinking pattern that results in a new behavior.
I took Joel Elfman’s NLP and Weight Loss class in February, and I made some amazing progress in this area. I discovered that eating chocolate was a way of an indulgent escape, or like taking a mini vacation. Once I realize that I was eating it to create a form of pleasure, I discovered how to create pleasure without eating chocolate.
Joel and I co-taught an eating meditation to the group, which had us practicing eating our favorite foods mindfully. Combining mindfulness eating with NLP techniques easily helped shift the habits of the group by practicing enjoying a small amount of the food we loved, getting enjoyment out of each moment, and then stopping, fully satisfied, after just a couple of small bites.
Here’s the most amazing part: because we practiced savoring our favorite foods so fully, I learned how I can embrace my desire for chocolate and just eat one little square (I used to eat almost a whole bar at a time). And I’m happy to report that even though the class is over, I’m still not craving chocolate like I used to.
And yes, it’s true: I did lose 5 pounds while eating chocolate (mindfully) during the class, and I’m slowly continuing to shrink.
Did you know that you can also learn the eating meditation technique (and much more) in my new 4-week Button Fly Jumpstart program? Take a look at the Skinny Jeans Sexy cleanse page, and see if that program appeals to you. If you’re not sure, request a 15-minute breakthrough session with me to decide.
Delicious Life Cleanse Gets Rave Reviews
cleanse
18th Mar 2012
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If you’ve ever wondered if a cleanse would work for you, or if it’s even a good idea, I have to tell you that – I hear you. I never wanted to cleanse until I learned how to do it without starving or fasting (and I didn’t know that it was even possible to cleanse that way).
Now I’ve led dozens of cleanse classes for clients all over the country. Some have never cleansed before, while others were experienced at it. All of them have enjoyed the process, especially the foods that I recommend.
Just last week I got a rave review from one of my former clients. I’ll let you hear his story:
Olympic athletes never make a move without consulting with their coaches, who become accountability partners in crystallizing and achieving goals. We could all benefit from this kind of coaching partnership in our business and personal lives. Coaches offer invaluable and personally applied expertise. I’d like to speak up for two coaches I know well, whose work has affected m in business and in my everyday life.
Taking care of yourself means eating right, exercising, and getting the rest you need. Simple, right? Well, we know it’s not always simple at all. That’s when an expert in nutrition and wellness like Christy can bring her experience to your individual needs. Christy’s down to earth style makes these concepts easy to understand as she coaches you. Her technique does not involve starving, but rather a diet change, timed to the seasonal availability of fresh food, and our individual seasonal body needs. One size does not fit all, but many of us can end up a size or two smaller by eating better.
You can read the whole review at Rainbow Movers’ website.
Now, are you considering what a cleanse could do for you? I’ve made my programs better than ever – and if you join the next one, you’ll be in perfect shape for the unofficial kick off of summer, Memorial Day. You can get all the details on the Skinny Jeans Sexy Cleanse in the Programs section.
Skinny Jeans Sexy: review of USANA’s Reset cleanse
cleanse, diet
14th Sep 2011
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This week I’m on my Skinny Jeans Sexy cleanse and I’m using the Zipper version. If you haven’t visited my cleanse page, the Zipper is the RESET program from USANA. I haven’t cleansed since spring, and I was feeling a little run down and like I had gained a few pounds, so I wanted to get a fresh start into fall. Right now I’m on day 3, and I’m feeling terrific! Here’s what I like so far about the Zipper version of my detoxifying cleansing programs:
Cleansing is helping my stomach get flatter
It’s day 3, and I’ve definitely lost a couple of pounds. What I’ve noticed so far is that my stomach looks flatter. I usually eat pretty healthfully, but the past few weeks have been uneven. Now that I’m back on track, I can see that my clothes are fitting better and I’m looking more compact. I like the way that I feel.
I’m more aware of what I need to eat
You would think that a health coach would be hyper aware of her own nutritional needs. But I’m still human. Sometimes I am not as healthy as I could be. Sometimes I know what to eat, and yet I eat something that I know won’t support my health. Perhaps you know someone like that, too?
Cleansing is making me more aware of how much food I actually need compared to what I eat. Now that I’m eating smaller portions, I feel the difference. And it feels great to be getting what I need and feeling energized and strong. On this plan, I notice that I’m not hungry, but I’m not getting too full either – just perfectly satisfied.
I have more energy
My energy levels are high. I’m getting enough nutrients to stay focused and productive when I am working. I don’t feel spacey or disconnected like I might if I were on a juice cleanse, a fast or a Master Cleanse. That’s why I chose USANA – because of the quality ingredients and the fact that I would be getting enough nutrients to keep me feeling good.
It’s easy to do even if I’m busy
Another bonus for busy people – you don’t have to worry about preparing any foods. The whole plan is based on Nutrimeal shakes and bars, and all you have to add is a fruit and a vegetable to each day. It sounds like not enough food, but it’s actually more than you would think.
Since I’m not cooking, I have more time to do things I want or need to do after work or at the start of my day. Which also leads me to believe that perhaps I could take more shortcuts in the kitchen to spend less time prepping.
Why should you try USANA’s Reset cleanse?
Many of my clients want to cleanse, but they just don’t have the time to shop, prepare and cook foods for my class. My goal is to make cleansing super easy for you, no matter what’s going on in your life. USANA has created a terrific cleanse product that is low glycemic, tastes good, makes you feel satisfied, and works well.
If you’re ready to join the next class, hop on over to my Skinny Jeans Sexy cleanse page. And feel free to contact me if you have questions!
Can we eat to starve cancer?
cleanse, diet, spices
22nd Sep 2010
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There are many people in my life – one or two degrees away – that have been affected by cancer. It makes me angry that so many people are suffering. I do believe that there’s more than just a pharmaceutical cure available. But it seems like that is the only option presented in the U.S.
So I was really happy to stumble on this TED talk from William Li, a doctor who presents a new way to think about treating cancer and other diseases. Anti-angiogenesis – preventing the growth of blood vessels that feed a tumor. The crucial first (and best) step: Eating cancer-fighting foods that cut off the supply lines and beat cancer at its own game.
Some of the foods that Dr. Li says they want to conduct further studies on are the same foods that I recommend eating during my cleanse classes. For example:
Berries – blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries – all high in antioxidants
Apples – high in fiber, perfect for the fall cleanse – and there’s a reason why they keep the DR. away (organic, please)
Artichokes – featured in the spring/summer cleanses
Bok choy and kale – dark leafy greens help clean the blood
Turmeric, genseng, garlic – antiviral and antibacterial – staples in my cooking
Nutmeg – anti-inflammatory and source of antioxidants – featured in the Fall Cleanse
Please do check out this talk – and if you’re ready to take the next step, sign up for my next cleanse
http://www.ted.com/talks/william_li.html?utm_source=newsletter_weekly_2010-05-18
How plants can heal you
cleanse, environment, news, self care
7th Jul 2010
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I’ve been on a healing journey over the past two weeks. The funny thing is that I didn’t realize that was what I was going on when I started out. It’s also part of why I have inadvertently been mostly offline for the past two weeks.
Let me explain…
The weekend before our Independence Day – the July 4th holiday in America, we were celebrating the wedding of two friends. The party was a weekend long fest that that was held just outside of the city at a rustic resort in a valley of a very green and mountainous area. As we drove to our destination, the buildings became shorter, the land was greener, and suddenly I realized I had no working technology at my fingertips.
No cell phone service.
No computer.
The following weekend was a long one because we took a couple of days off. Again, the same thing happened.
No cell phone service.
No WiFi.
No computer.
At some point during the second weekend, I turned my phone on to check (in vain) to see if I could get anything. And I must have left the phone on by accident, because by the end of the weekend, it was dead.
I have to admit that I freaked out a little bit in the beginning. What was I missing? What if I missed an important phone call or e-mail? What if someone needed to get in touch with me?
And two weekends in a row off – I haven’t had this much time off in about a year, so I was not used to relaxing fully. Yeah, I’m not kidding – I wish I was.
It took a day or so, but I finally started to relax when I realized that, well, I had no choice because there was nothing else to do.
And then finally… I was totally relaxed.
And you know what?
I’m sleeping better. I’m more calm. And while my back is a little stiff from camping, I’m breathing better than I usually do, too.
Then I found this article in the New York Times that talks about the healing power of nature. In studies in Japan, they found that people who took “forest baths” had better health stats than those who stayed in the city – lower concentrations of cortisol, lower pulse rates and lower blood pressure.
Of course, the healing I feel could also be from not sitting still at a desk for 8 or more hours per day. Or from getting eye strain from staring at a computer or a small phone screen.
But the plants and trees do seem to heal in some unquantifiable way as well. The whole calmness of mind, the breathing of fresh air, and the slower pace makes me feel so good.
You don’t even have to go away to get healing on a regular basis. Just take time off to go to a park near you. In New York City, we have Central Park and the green ways that run down the Hudson on the West Side and the East River on the East side. Not to mention the many little green enclaves around town.
Out with the old
cleanse, diet, environment, inspiration, mindset, self care
6th May 2010
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Recently I realized that my desk files needed a good purging, so I got a cross-cut shredder to get rid of those papers that I didn’t want and couldn’t just throw out. I spent a couple of hours happily shredding documents and recycling the bits that were taking up so much precious space in our New York apartment.
Once I was done, my office felt like a new space. I had breathing room again. That pile of papers that had been sitting there for so long was finally gone. I could put away all of those new papers that had collected on top of my file cabinet (do they multiply while I’m not there?)
It’s easy to get stuck in a rut. The familiar is comfortable. Eat at the same 2 places outside your office for lunch. Work out the same exact way, 5 times per week. Sleep late on Saturday mornings.
So much of what we carry around with us is habit – stuff that worked for a while, but doesn’t really work anymore. When we get rid of things in our lives that no longer serve us, we open ourselves up for new possibilities.
Some call it spring cleaning – I like to think of it as a recharging of your own energy.
You could clean out your files (like I did), get rid of old clothes that you no longer love, get rid of the junk food in your kitchen cabinets, or quit smoking or drinking diet soda on a daily basis.
Imagine the possibilities of having space in your desk drawers, uncluttered closets that hold only your favorite clothes, a pantry that stocks only the healthiest foods. How could that change your life right now?
What could you imagine giving up now that you used to think you always needed?
What would be helpful to get rid of in order to let new and good things into your life?
Green Juice Recipe
cleanse, drinks, food
13th Apr 2010
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When you’re green inside, you’re clean inside. Drinking green juice is one of the easiest ways to get your plant foods and help cleanse your system.
Greens help heal the liver, the master organ of digestion, detoxification and elimination. Adding vegetables and fruit such as cucumbers and green apple help improve your eye health, protect against clogging of arteries and can help fight free radicals and reduce the chance of developing cancer. Parsley can help freshen your breath.
Try this green juice for a refreshing and healing drink:
Serves 2
1 whole cucumber
4 stalks celery
2-4 handfuls spinach
8 lettuce leaves
a handful of parsley
Juice all ingredients and mix 50/50 with pure filtered water. Add some fresh squeezed lemon juice to taste.
You can also try these other juice recipes. See what you like best and let me know.
Five steps to cleaning out your diet
cleanse, diet, food
12th Apr 2010
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I’m in the middle of my first April cleanse class, and I feel amazing. I’m feeling lighter and more energized, though I’ve also noticed that I had a couple of days of allergies.
One thing many people ask me about cleansing is whether they will be hungry. I always recommend to people that they stick with the meals and portions that I suggest, but that if they’re more active than average, they adjust the amount of food to meet their own needs.
Many people also mistake a cleanse for a fast. They think that it’s all juice or water – not so. You don’t have to cut out all food to have a good cleanse and get healthy. Depending on your own constitution, you might opt for a day of juicing – but most people shouldn’t juice for more than a couple of days. It all depends on how well your body can handle not eating.
Want to start cleaning your diet before cleansing? Here are my top five tips on getting started:
1 – Eliminate caffeine – the hardest for most people. Caffeine is a legal psychoactive drug that gives you the false energy and subsequent crash. By cutting it out, your physical and emotional energy will become more even and stronger overall
2 – Eliminate sugar – a national addiction, sugar is in just about every food that you can imagine, and even some you can’t. Sugar also has psychoactive properties and use of it is attributed to over 100 different kinds of ailments. Getting it out of your diet alone may be enough to make you feel 100% better for many aches and pains.
3 – Cut out the dairy – Milk is made to fatten up baby cows. It’s not meant for consumption by adult humans. Yet we still consume tons of dairy in milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and other products. There are plenty of other sources of calcium out there, and you don’t reallyneed dairy. I’ve had many clients cut dairy out of their diets, and tell me that they suddenly can breathe better and don’t have as many allergies.
4 – Ditch the wheat – it is one of the most overused grains in our diet. The problem is that it has become so pervasive that many people have a sensitivity due to overexposure. Others are walking around suffering from undiagnosed cases of Celiac Sprue, an allergy to wheat. If you give this up and discover you’re suddenly less bloated, itchy and have better moods, it might be wise to keep it out all together.
5 – Ban the meat – As Americans, we over consume our proteins. It’s important to have enough protein to sustain muscle mass and get healthy amino acids, but we really overdo the meat. Eating too much meat causes acidity in the body – which is the catalyst for many different diseases. Getting the heavier, building meats like beef, lamb, pork, and chicken out of your diet before cleansing can help you overcome acidity and balance your hormones.
Just announced – fall cleanse classes
cleanse, diet, events, food
30th Sep 2009
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Fall is here, and that means it’s time for the Fall Cleanse! For those of you who have never experienced the joy of fall cleansing, let me tell you a little bit about it.
Cleansing was one of the ways that I started getting into holistic healing. When I did my first cleanse a few years ago, I couldn’t believe how great I felt. Eating nourishing foods (my cleanses don’t require fasting), reflecting and taking extra special care of myself, I felt completely balanced and centered once I completed it. Once I learned how to keep myself healthy, life became more exciting and fun.
I landed a more lucrative job and that was more challenging but also fun. I fell in love with my then-boyfriend (now husband). And I got clear on what I wanted.
But don’t just listen to what I’m saying – see what other people thought of it.
If you’ve been feeling stuck or tired, want more energy or get rid of sugar cravings, I urge you to try one out. The first one starts October 13 – Just 2 weeks away.
Want to sign up for my cleanse classes? Check out the Cleanse Classes pages for the latest dates.
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