Yes we can – help Obama reform health care
food, inspiration, news, self care
21st Jan 2009
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“Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Yesterday marked a major milestone in American history. It’s amazing how the world was captivated with the inauguration of President Barack Obama. As I watched it on TV, it was was uplifting to see so many hopeful faces out in the crowd, tears streaming down faces as the new President took the oath and give his speech.
It was quite an inspirational speech, too, and yet grounded in reality. There was no denying that our country is in trouble, and that Obama’s new job is huge. But Obama also called on Americans to actively participate in creating the change that needs to take place in order to turn the country around.
What can you do to create change?
From a health perspective, there are many things that we can do as Americans to lower our country’s health care bill. If you truly want health care reform, you can start at home – right in your own kitchen.
Lower your own health care bills by taking better care of yourself. Love yourself by feeding your body with healthier foods that give you energy, allow you to heal and make you feel good. Take up the food philosophy of Michael Pollan (author of In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto
Make sure that you drink your water. Did you know that 70% of our bodies are made of water? Keep yourself healthy, hydrated and balanced by drinking plenty of clean water with nothing added – no drink mixes, sugar, or flavorings. You deserve it.
Get more rest and relaxation in general. If you’re tired, get more sleep instead of relying on caffeine. You get a quick, short-term boost from caffeine but the false energy hurts you over the long term.
Slow down and listen to your body. When you get in tune with your own rhythm, your body can heal itself naturally. It’s when we deny our own wisdom that we become sick.
We are used to turning to quick fixes instead of asking, “What does my body want?” We rely on others to tell us what we want to eat, or which pills we might want to ask our doctors about. We forget that our own bodies have knowledge of what we need to heal, and our cravings are signals to tell us which nutrients we’re missing.
What can you do today that will help you get vibrantly healthy?
If you’re ready to learn how to live a delicious life , contact me. If you want to learn more about how I can help you, start here.
Renew and revitalize with a cleanse
cleanse, food, mindfulness, self care
29th Dec 2008
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If you feel like you’ve had too much to eat over the holidays, it’s fine to take a break from eating. As long as you have no serious medical problems that would prohibit you from doing so, taking a day or two to cleanse your body with a fast is a healthy way to give your body a rest from processing large amounts of heavy foods, sugary treats, and strong alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
If you have truly overindulged, you may want to do a pre-cleanse before you cleanse. You can take a few days or more to eat low-fat meals – consisting of light foods such as steamed vegetables, whole cooked grains, lean proteins, and fresh fruit – and cut out alcohol and coffee. Pre-cleansing will make your cleanse that much easier because you will likely not experience the more extreme symptoms of cleansing and detoxification – headaches, flu-like symptoms, and generally feeling ill – since your body will have already started discharging toxins.
If you are interested in doing a guided cleanse, contact me for details.
Clear clutter out for new energy
career, environment, fun, happiness, relationships, self care
27th Dec 2008
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Want to get ready for the new year by bringing fresh energy into your life? Start by cleaning up a portion of your home.
Feng Shui is the art of creating harmonious flow in the house – making sure that the energy within is good and that no area gets stagnant. Each area of the home represents a different aspect of your life – career, family, children, love, money, etc. So if one area gets stagnant with clutter, it’s likely that area of your life is also stagnant.
Your cleanup doesn’t have to be a big project – you can do something as simple as cleaning off a bookshelf or organizing your desk. You might choose a corner of a room or your closet. Whatever it is, getting rid of clutter will help you reactivate that space and give it new life.
If you want to work on a particular aspect of your life, you could work with a Feng Shui consultant or get a simple Feng Shui book – I have not read this one yet but it looks good.
Plan for success: have fun and stay on track
exercise, food, happiness, self care
16th Dec 2008
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Ah the holidays. The endless bounty of treats and sweets, and the annual gatherings and parties that go on all December and into January can leave you feeling worn out, tired and stressed.
Some people feel it’s either all or nothing – indulge in everything, go to every party, and throw your health goals totally out the window for the season OR stay at home, hibernate, turn off the phone and hide until it’s all over. You don’t have to sacrifice your social life to keep your health goals on track. It just takes a little planning ahead.
Schedule your workout: In busy times, make sure that you schedule in your workouts and stick to your schedule. For example, if you know you won’t work out in the evening because you have events to attend, take time to work out in the morning. If you have to, get up a little earlier so that you can make sure you have time to work out.
Plan your meals: If you know you’re going to be attending three parties in a week, make sure that you’re eating healthfully at other meals. Have a healthy snack or small meal before you go out to a party to ensure you don’t overdo it with high-calorie, low-nutrient hors d’oeurves or sugary drinks. Plan to leave the party early enough that you can get enough sleep and be ready for the next day.
Take time for yourself: While it’s important to attend holiday gatherings and see people you haven’t seen in a while, make sure you don’t overdo it. Schedule in some down time for yourself – take certain evenings off during the week when you go home, relax and eat a home cooked meal. Schedule in some time over the weekend when you can stay in, take a nap or get things done around the house.
The gift that gives back
happiness, love, self care
15th Dec 2008
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Humans need to be touched. Studies show that touch is a critical means of communication between mothers and their babies – and babies who are touched by their mothers have reduced stress and more positive responses. Other studies show that babies need to be held in order to grow stronger and be healthy. Premature babies who are held or touched tend to grow stronger more quickly.
But touch is beneficial for anyone, no matter how old you are. If you haven’t had a hug lately, go give someone you love a hug – what you’ll likely get in return is a big squeeze and a warm feeling in your heart.
You've got to move it
exercise, fun, self care
13th Dec 2008
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I’m so grateful for growing up with parents who taught me how wonderful exercise can be by leading by example. My dad used to run a 5k most days of the week, and he’s still running. My mom used to leave my sister and I with the other kids just outside the dance studio where we could watch our moms Jazzercising. As a teen, I though watching Lilias Folan, the 70’s leotard-clad yogi, demonstrate asanas was funny – that is, until I started doing the classes along with the program and discovered how wonderful I could feel after a half hour of yoga.
Our bodies are meant to move. When you start a regular exercise practice, you’ll see how much better you feel. If you already have a workout routine, you know what I’m talking about.
If you’re just beginning – take it slow, but not too slow. Go a little beyond your comfort level. If you can walk a few miles, try walking a few miles faster than you usually do. If you’re a beginner runner who can run a mile or two, see if you can step up the distance or the speed. Get a personal trainer if you are not sure where to start. If you live in the New York area, contact me for personal trainer recommendations.
If you’re experienced, try something new. If you do yoga, why not try weight lifting? If you run, how about biking or swimming? If you lift weights, why not try pilates? Mixing up your routine will help break through plateaus and keep your muscles and metabolism guessing.
Eat these to feel calm, cool and collected
diet, food, self care
12th Dec 2008
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Are you feeling a little tense lately? Is all the running around getting to you? Addled by too much caffeine, sugar and holiday hors d’oeurves?
Eating too many extreme foods can make you feel tense, angry or spacey and tired. To balance yourself out, you can try eating more energetically-neutral foods. One of the best foods you can add into your diet to cultivate a sense of calm, relaxed and focused energy is dark leafy green vegetables.
Go for the heartier ones in the winter – broccoli rabe, bok choi, mustard greens, kale, collard greens, Brussels sprouts, and cabbages are all good. You can steam, sauté or braise them with some spices, garlic and/or onions for great flavor. They’re rich in vitamins and phytonutrients and they can also help boost your immune system.
Why you need more ZZZZs
exercise, happiness, news, self care
8th Dec 2008
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Sleep is essential to our well-being – in fact, we cannot live without it. But many of us suffer on a regular basis from sleep deprivation. But did you know that lack of sleep can make your brain function more slowly, hurt your athletic performance, increase your stress levels and is linked to some long-latency diseases such as cancer?
It is critical that you take your ZZZs seriously and get more sleep. To fall asleep more easily, try turning down the lights at an earlier hour, relaxing and turning off the electronics at least 30 minutes before bed. Make sure your bedroom is sufficiently dark and cool enough so that you can sleep. Read in bed only if what you’re reading isn’t so exciting that it keeps you up late.
End hunger now
self care
7th Dec 2008
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Starving – or dying of thirst? Half the time we think we’re hungry it’s a sign that our body needs water. Before you go for that snack – or extra meal – have a glass of water. Wait 10 or 15 minutes and see how you feel before you decide to eat.
And if you don’t drink water regularly, you may want to consider carrying some around with you. Use one of these attractive new eco- and health-friendly water bottles
Last year I wrote one post per day in December and called them 31 Days of Self Care, and I’m continuing the tradition this year. If you are ready to learn how to take great care of yourself every day of the year, contact me to discuss coaching options.
Ask the coach: How to cure a cough?
self care
17th Nov 2008
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Dear Christy,
Any ideas on how to get rid of a nasty, hacking cough?
- Coughing My Head Off
Well, I’m not a doctor, and I don’t give medical advice. If you have a really bad cough that’s in your lungs and is not going away, definitely see a qualified medical professional.
If you have a simple, common cold, though, your doctor is not going to have anything that can help you – there is no cure for the common cold. It’s a simple virus that you tend to catch in the colder months because the virus thrives in cold, dry conditions.
One thing I did find and have used in the past to get rid of a cough from a common cold is Mullein.
“Wildman” Steve Brill, the nature man who’s famous for foraging for herbs and edible plants in New York City’s Central Park, says about Mullein on his website:
People use the tea as a beverage, but it’s best known as one of the safest, most effective herbal cough remedies. Mullein is an expectorant, and a tonic for the lungs, mucus membranes, and glands. An infusion is good for colds, emphysema, asthma, hay fever, and whooping cough. Strain the infusion through a cloth, or the hairs of the plant may get stuck in your throat and make you cough even more.
If you don’t have the wild herb like Steve Brill has, your local health food store should carry Mullein extract or a cough tea that contains Mullein.
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