Portions on Your Plate

Many of my clients want to know "How Much?" when it comes to what they are preparing to eat. I am not really stringent on that because what I am teaching them to do is eat the RIGHT things. That in and of itself works! But, I wanted to share a little guide in the form of a photo.

I suggest you have 65 - 75% of your plate veggies and the rest protein and complex carbs.

PS. This dinner was delicious. Thank you to my dear friend for the wonderful meal made with love!

F.R.E.E Preview Call - January 28th 7:15 PM CST

You're invited to a F.R.E.E preview call! I've had many inquiries about this exciting upcoming group program so I decided to set up a live session - that way you can get a sneak peak. Woo Hoo. Invite friends, family, neighbors - everyone is welcome.

If you are ready to make serious changes starting at the root of where the challenges in your life stem then jump aboard! The digestive discomfort, moodiness, lethargy, sugar roller-coaster, and binges will become a thing of the past.

Please join me next Thursday evening January 28th at 7:15 pm for this F.R.E.E Preview call: "3 Simple Steps to losing the last 5 lbs, kick the sugar cravings and create all day energy!"

 
To Register - click the link below!

Beautiful Options

UPDATE December 2010 - the Nature of Beauty has moved and they are now located: 

The Nature of Beauty

750 Main St., Ste 109
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
651-222-3127

Don't miss out on the New Year's Eve event at their new location (Dec 31st, 2010 11 am - 6 pm) for a free make up application as well as a swag bag. Maybe I'll see you there. 

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We don't often connect what we put on our skin to our overall health and wellness.  In fact, conventional cosmetics often include a number of synthetic chemicals and the potential for adverse side effects is not completely understood. In keeping with my goal of guarding my body against toxins, I've made the switch to completely all natural beauty products.  Where do I get these products?  For cosmetics, at the top of my list is Nature of Beauty located on Grand Avenue in St. Paul, Minnesota.  I recently had the opportunity to ask Terri Bly, the owner of NOB, some questions about her business and the importance of natural and organic cosmetics, in general.

ML: How long have you been interested in cosmetic/hygiene products?

TB: While working as a psychologist, I used to comment that once I was ready to be done helping women feel better about what was happening on the inside, I would become a makeup artist and help them address the stuff on the outside. I’ve been doing friends’ hair and makeup for as long as I can remember. I was in theatre for over 20 years, so makeup was something I had to learn. It just took a while for me to figure out how to incorporate my love of makeup with everything else I loved doing!

ML: Was there a pivotal moment when you decided to stop using mainstream beauty products?

TB: Reading Exposed really began the process, and Not Just a Pretty Face tipped the balance. It’s not that I’m “scared” of synthetic products, or believe that everything natural is good and everything synthetic is bad. But what became completely clear to me after reading those books was that no one was regulating all of the chemicals that are getting into our bodies. I switched not just for my own health, but to make a statement with my buying choices that we need more research and less interference from businesses only looking to protect profits.

ML: Why did you decide to start The Nature of Beauty?

TB: I am a licensed clinical psychologist and was working in two very separate areas, and they both came together to create Nature of Beauty. One of my jobs was conducting selection assessments for large companies like Target, and so every day I was speaking with some of the best marketing, merchandising and finance people in the retail business, from all over the country. I felt like I was getting my own mini-MBA in merchandising and I loved every minute of it. I never realized I would love retail so much, but with every interview it was becoming clear that this was something I was heavily drawn to. And then, for something completely different, I was working with gastric bypass surgery patients. My dissertation, actually, was on obesity and gastric bypass surgery, because I really wanted to understand what it was like to suffer from obesity and make the choice to have the surgery. Anyway, it was through this work that I stumbled upon some research showing that some of the estrogen-mimicking chemicals that are in our cleaning products and, as it turns out, in our beauty products - may be related in some way to both our physical health (meaning our weight) and our emotional health, since we know that hormones affect emotions. But it wasn’t until I read Not Just a Pretty Face and learned the extent to which we know nothing about what our beauty products are actually doing to us that I decided to start my business. It was such a perfect way to blend my growing love of retail with my passion for health education and my love of all things beauty-product-oriented. I was a Sephora junkie who has every “Best of Beauty” edition from InStyle for the past 10 years. And I have to tell you, I never imagined you could marry those three interests.

ML: From my experience with the make-up I have purchased from The Nature of Beauty, I have been very pleased with how great it stays put. Tell us more about the quality of these products compared to mainstream products.

TB: There is a persistent myth that natural makeup will come off your face with the first slight gust of wind. Natural cosmetics have come such a long way even in just the past couple of years. You can get vibrant colors, and high-quality products that perform beautifully. Sure, you’re not going to get the waterproof properties you’ll find in plastic-filled makeup, considering what’s in most makeup, having to reapply your lipstick after you eat just doesn’t seem like a big price to pay.

ML: How many product lines do you carry?

TB: We carry over 20 brands, including 8 color lines. Many of our brands- like Revolution Organics, Couleur Caramel and rms beauty – earn rave reviews in top fashion magazines on a regular basis, but aren’t found anywhere else in the Twin Cities.

ML: How are the products made? Where do the ingredients come from?

TB: These are questions that could take hours to answer!! In general, we have strict criteria about which brands make it into our store. Safety is the first concern. I do my best to stay up to date on the latest research (what little there is), and err on the side of caution. Transparency is next. I look for companies that are open and honest about what is in their products, whether it’s natural or synthetic. I have lengthy conversations with the creators of the product lines, to get a sense of how much they know and how well they understand this industry. Then I rule out all companies that engage in any animal testing, including the companies from whom the brands source their ingredients. Other things you won’t find in our products: synthetic fragrance, parabens, petroleum-based ingredients, formaldehyde-releasing ingredients, or sulfates (like sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate).

ML: How do your products differ from conventional products found at the local big box?

TB: Quality is the first difference. Because the companies whose products I use are privately owned, they are not under the same kind of pressure to cheapen the ingredients. Also, when you use only natural and organic ingredients, the feel, the taste, and the performance actually improves. Synthetics are nearly always created to mimic natural ingredients cheaply. You will find that skin care, hair care and, yes, even some cosmetics work better because they use nearly all natural and/or organic ingredients.

ML: Tell me why you think your products are superior.

TB: When you use ingredients sourced from the earth, your body recognizes them, just like it does with fresh fruits and vegetables. And just like with nutrient-dense whole foods, your body benefits more from nutrients that come from nature than nutrients that are synthetic. I explain it like this: What’s better for your body: 1) Really tasty gourmet chips and a multi-vitamin or 2) An organic spinach salad with nuts, berries, and olive oil dressing? Your skin – being just another part of your body – is no different.

ML: Can you define what you mean by Natural & Organic Beauty Products? 

TB: Oh, another tricky question. Well, organic is the word I use when a product or ingredient is certified organic. Natural is harder to define. For marketing purposes, it’s even trickier. But the true meaning of natural, with regard to ingredients, is best defined with another analogy. With ingredients, you have 3 categories, not two. Most people think an ingredient is organic or it’s not, the end. But you have organic, natural and synthetic. So if ingredients were grapes, you’d have organic grapes, conventional grapes, and grape kool-aid.  Well, and then there is mineral makeup. Minerals, by their very nature, cannot be organic, but you would be amazed at how many times I have to clear that up because retailers throw out the name “organic” without having any real understanding of what that means. They just know customers like hearing it.

But it gets really complicated from there, and there’s no way I can capture that here.  And there is so much misinformation, it usually takes an hour just to clear that up!

ML: Have you noticed increased interest in your products recently?

TB: Absolutely. As women start to learn just how little protection they have from the government when it comes to ingredients, beauty products, and their health, they realize it just isn’t worth the risk. Then they see how beautiful my products are, how well they work, and how much better their skin and hair feel than they ever have before. Really, it’s just getting people to try the products that is the challenge. Once they have, and see the difference – plus the difference that comes with knowing your products are clean not just for you, but for the planet as well – they keep coming back.

ML: In an article from blogger Zem @EcoFabulous you were noted as the “Sephora for eco-conscious consumers.” How do you feel about that characterization?

TB: Well, that is the thing to say, right? Sephora embodies what we view as the Disney World of beauty products, so I guess in that regard it is clearly a compliment. But I view my company as entirely different, and not just due to the ridiculous difference of scale. Sephora promotes the glam part of makeup, nothing more, and they certainly aren’t about encouraging mindful consumerism. My company is about encouraging women to think before making any purchase, especially when buying beauty products. I want them to get excited about learning, about asking questions, and about demanding change.

ML: Everyone loves to try makeup on (I know I do!)  Can you share with us how customers can receive testers with your fantastic sample program?

TB: We offer free makeovers, and have testers of all of our products in the store. Online, we have a fairly comprehensive samples program, offering hundreds of samples of our facial care, body care, hair care and makeup.

ML: Let’s talk about your tag line – “Safe. Healthy. Beautiful.” Why is there a need to talk about safety with respect to the cosmetics products you sell?

TB: That goes back to the misinformation, and the lack of misinformation. Chemicals in beauty products have been linked to cancer, infertility, obesity, and a host of other illnesses and diseases that are on the rise. But rather than testing these chemicals to see if they are in fact hazardous, the beauty and chemical industries spend their billions of dollars making sure that doesn’t happen. They argue that it is too costly, too cumbersome. But if they took the money they devote to lobbying against regulations, they could probably do thorough tests on just about everything.

ML: Why is it important to get the word out about natural cosmetics & hygiene products?

TB: So that people realize these products are not regulated, have not been tested for long-term safety, and that you can find hundreds – thousands, even – of fabulous, affordable natural and organic personal care products that will work as well, if not better, than what you’re using now.

ML: NOB takes Green Living very seriously. Can you explain some other steps you take to reduce your carbon footprint or would suggest others to take?

TB: I think it’s just about deciding if you want to do it, rather than doing it because you feel guilty, or like you should do it. Because it’s actually quite easy. It just involves thinking more, challenging yourself to pay more attention to what you do every day. And then after a while, it becomes second nature, and fun.

At the store, we really think about every aspect of our operations. Can we reuse boxes, packaging, paper? Can we improve the cleaning products used in the store? We are always thinking about ways to reduce our consumption of energy and materials. 


ML: Thank you Terri Bly!

Nature of Beauty can be found online www.NatureofBeauty.com

Or visit them in person in St. Paul, MN

1045 Grand Avenue

St. Paul, MN 55105

651.222.3127

Let me know if you check them out online or go visit them! 

Loving Kindness

My earnest request is that you practice love and kindness whether you believe in a religion or not - HH the Dalai Lama

To sum up, to bring about the complete happiness of others it is necessary to become enlightened yourself. When you understand this and resolve to see enlightenment for their sake, this is called the altruistic intention toward enlightenment, or bodhichitta.
-HH the Dalai Lama


What do these quotes have to do with Diet & Lifestyle? I believe there needs to be more effort focused on numero uno. I mean YOU, of course. I challenge you to treat yourself with the utmost respect. This is a challenge for many. In fact, it is supremely important for you to cultivate a positive relationship with yourself if you are going to have meaningful relationships with others. Sounds a bit hippy dippy doesn't it? I know it. In high school I would have been rolling my eyes and looking at my watch. Then I would start bashing my entire self worth. Yippy - let's see how many rounds I can do before I feel totally defeated!


Think about how you treat those around you. Do you snicker under your breath, or laugh at them, or curse them when they are trying to be the best they can? Probably not. How many of us pick away at a loved one's food choices, exercise regime, or spiritual practice, as if its the only activity to participate in? Not many. Think of the respect you would give to a best friend, mother, father, co-worker etc. Stop using negative self-talk. No one-including you-is deserving of such criticism. Stop placing guilt or shame on yourself for something you ate, or are about to eat, or something you did, or did not do. I cannot imagine insulting someone with the same sort of talk I would easily (unconsciously) say to myself.


Instead, treat yourself as you treat others. You are a blessing and if you have a hard time believing it then this tip is for you. Treat yourself with kindness today. Everyday.


Check out the Kathleen Show - grabbing life by the ovaries for great interviews, podcasts, posts...

Total Yuck.

Not sure if you know this or not, but I like to make things up in the kitchen. Most of the time it works out. Sometimes, as in this case, it does not. Actually, this time it was really gross. This usually does not happen to me and so I thought I would share. I even took a few pictures because I thought that while I was making it it had to be delicious. Really. Look at the pictures and tell me it wasn't pretty?

Okay so far doesn't it look great?

I know that this looks like a smoothie, but my goal here was to make a raw soup.

Here is what's in the blender thus far:

• Red Cabbage
• 1 small Yellow Onion
• 4 Cloves of Garlic
• 2 Turnips
• 8 oz veggie stock

Then I added the kale - and I LOVE kale. So then the beautiful mixture turned a very putrid greenish/brown.

I figured that it wasn't a big deal I would just eat it even though it looked really undesirable. All I can say is I tried. I ate a small bowl, but that was all I could take. I had to pour the rest into our composer...

I'm happy to report that although this was a disaster - now I know that blending meals is quite different from regular cooking. It will just be a matter of time before I figure it out and I won't have to mess with recipes and I can make it up as I go along.

In the mean time anyone else have a kitchen disaster to share?

Side of Parsnips with Cinnamon

Let me just say "ILOVE PARSNIPS". Really I do. And I can tell you that when I saw that I got an entire bag of parsnips in my CSA box I was truly pleased (thank you Harmony Valley Farm). It might be because they are shaped like a carrot, but yet not at all. These hearty root veggies are high in potassium, have loads of vitamin C and have a decent protein content (all foods have protein). Of course, the real reason is probably because they are so darn sweet when cooked. Its like a treat! At least I think so. So today when I decided to saute a few I decided I wanted them to seem more dessert like. Try this recipe and let me know what you think.

Parsnips with Cinnamon

Ingredients:

• 5 Parsnips
• Tsp of ground cinnamon
• Ground Pepper
• 1 tbsp + 1 tsp of virgin coconut oil

Directions:

1. Scrub the parsnips (they can be peeled , but it is not necessary)
2. Chop the parsnips into similar sized chunks
3. Heat the coconut oil in the pan @ medium heat
4. Toss the parsnips in and stir to coat in oil
5. Cook for 6-10 minutes - test with fork. You want them to be firm, but have a little give. 
6. Add a grind of fresh ground pepper - stir
7. Add the cinnamon - stir
8. Serve as a delicious side for breakfast, lunch or dinner! 

Yummy!

Dr. Greene's New Year's Resolutions

I really like Dr. Greene's approach on many natural health topics - relating to families. He is a pediatrician who takes a BIG interest in organic foods, the environment, and tackling these issues using a holistic health approach. I thought this newsletter was worth sharing:

1.   Learn the Food Rules:   

I've already memorized all 64 of Michael Pollan's fabulous Food Rules, a book he wrote with simple, straightforward tips to help us all navigate our food choices. Which ones are your favorites? Discover my favorite rules (and which were made to be broken) by clicking here...  

2.   Make a switch to organic:  

You don't have to dive into organic food 100 percent... Check out my Organic RX to discover the most important organic choices you can make for your family - in order of importance! 

 

3.   Cut down on the boxes, bags and containers: 

Convenience foods are frequently full of preservatives, artificial ingredients and unnecessary chemical additives. This year, concentrate on reducing the number of pre-packaged foods that sit in your pantry. Making the switch from a berry-flavored fruit snack to fresh berries cuts down on calories, increases nutritional value and eliminates many harmful additives.

4.    Resolve to plant a garden 
          (or at least a windowbox, or some basil in the kitchen): 

Research shows that kids are more likely to enjoy fresh vegetables if they are able to see them grow and help in the process. It's too early to put tomato seedlings into the ground in most areas, but it's not too early to get your family involved in plans for a spring garden. Ask your children to help you pick out a garden plot and decide what to plant. When the spring flowers start to bloom, your kids will be excited to get started, and by summer you'll all be enjoying beautiful fruits and veggies you grew yourselves! PS - I love little kid-friendly gardening sets like this one...

Big Industry Fats - aka Cheap Fat

I taught my Healthy Fats class last night. It was a lot of fun. I was lucky to have great participants with fabulous questions.

Anyway, I wanted to share a little bit about Trans Fat/ Hydrogenated Oil/ Partially Hydrogenated Oil. I know many of you reading this might think that this is such old information. However, there are still lots of trans fats lurking in your prepackaged foods - its sly and smarmy and has a way of getting around the red tape. So, it is still an issue and if not in your home, then when you are dining out.

The reason I want to share is because there is a lot of confusion about good foods and bad foods, which is why I think my job is really important work.

To give you an example of how hydrogenated oils are created I am going to walk you through how margarine is made:

picture from

1. Use a polyunsaturated vegetable oil - corn, soybean, safflower, cottonseed.  These oils are created through a chemical process (ever try extracting oil from corn in the kitchen?!). Extracting the oil requires extremely high heat, which breaks down the oil - meaning it is oxidized. The oil is turned rancid (creating free-radicals when consumed).
2. Now add tiny metal particles (usually nickel oxide) and mix.
3. Then place in a high temperature, high pressure reactor.
4. Add Hydrogen gas (Hydrogenate)
5. Add some emulsifiers (soap-like) to get it creamy
6. Then clean it (steam clean) by removing the metal particles as much as possible (because they are toxic).
7. Then artificially flavor and color it so that the grey-like substance that is created can look more like a traditional food, hence more appealing.
8. Package.  Market.  Get people to eat it....YUM!

Actually, the way that this process was discovered was by chance. Procter & Gamble was trying to come up with cheap sources to make candles. Lard and tallow were too expensive, so they needed to find a new way to be resourceful. Once they realized what they created, and how cheaply they did it, they figured they had a new product to introduce into the market. And since they were trying to come up with something that imitated lard, why not market it as a lard alternative? They named it Crisco. Check out the link for a full story.

What are the problems with these man made fats?  Well, the process sounds pretty disturbing, but besides that there are serious health risks associated with these supposedly "Heart Healthy," imitation food alternatives, such as:

• Coronary Heart Disease
• Infertility
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Liver Disease
• Cancer
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Belly fat

Where are these trans fats usually found?

• Pastries and cakes
• French fries (unless fried in lard / dripping)
• Doughnuts
• Cookies / biscuits
• Chocolate
• Margarine
• Shortening
• Fried chicken
• Crackers
• Potato chips
• Prepackaged Foods (check your cupboards)

Even if you are being careful, it is a challenge in many restaurants. New York City banned all trans fats. Let's hope that the rest of the country jumps on this bandwagon. The sooner the better. In the mean time, be aware that when you eat out you should ask if the restaurant uses trans fats in preparing whatever dish you want to eat.

Another point to make is that you must read food labels. The product may claim it has 0 trans fat, but indeed when you turn it over - it has a smidgen. The industry is allowed to claim 0 trans fat provided that it has less than 0.5 grams. BOOOO. Anyway now that you know tell EVERYONE! Check out this label.

NOTE: A new fat on the market you want to be aware of is called: interesterified fats. These fats are showing up and they are similar to trans fat in their negative effects. If you can't pronounce an ingredient on a packaging label or the label has too many ingredients, then my advice would be to set it down.


Books of Interest:
Cereal Killer - The Unintended Consequences of the Low Fat Diet by Alan L. Watson
Real Food by Nina Planck
Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon
What to Eat by Marion Nestle

What can I release or make peace with?

I wanted to share a question that I pose to my clients & friends. What can you release or make peace with? The last few months have been rather busy for me. Running a small business is still a "process" and there is much to learn. Though sometimes doing everything myself overwhelms me and stresses me out (I do like a challenge). Then these little things in life start getting to me. Sound familiar? It isn't fun. These are things I thought I had conquered, but are resurfacing. Lovely right?

These challenges or obstacles we face are really more of a reminder to us on how we can live our best life. How can I say that? Well these challenges are just like when your body let's you know that you are sick - this symptom/challenge is telling you something.  Maybe it is asking you to slow down and relax. Maybe you should be getting more sleep. Maybe you need to be eating better, maybe exercising outdoors in below zero weather needs to be put on hold for a bit. Whatever the symptom/obstacle is if you pay attention you will know what you need to do.

One of the many fantastic things about my health counseling business is that I am blessed to work with people who have similar challenges to my own. Which means the frequent tips & recommendations I give out to my clients, which are close to my heart, are revisited daily. We all know the the saying, "do as I say and not as I do." I don't believe that this saying applies in my particular field (or any really). I never recommend that my clients try certain foods that I am unwilling or uninterested in trying myself nor do I request that they adjust certain lifestyle behaviors without knowing that I too am either in the same process or have done it before. I think (for lack of a better saying right now) that is hogwash! When I speak with someone in any field I want to trust them and know they have the experience to back up their recommendations.

So to the point. I was speaking with a friend who gently reminded me of my own message (really a shared message between both of us) - What can you let go of or make peace with? Here is my current challenge - I would like to let go of certain internal/unrealistic expectations I have for myself. This pressure leads to tremendous amounts of stress and negativity in my life. There I said it - BIG sigh. Thanks for letting me share.

I ask you now to think about this question and determine what you want during this wonderful time of renewal and rebirth. What do you want? What can you release? What can you make peace with? What can you do more of?

Cheers to you and your best life!

5 Simple Steps to Lose the last 5 pounds, kick the sugar cravings and create all day energy!

Finally, there's a simple system that will help you lose the last 5 pounds, kick your sugar cravings to the curb, and create lasting all day energy...guaranteed!

• Are you tired of being sick & tired?
• Do you binge or overeat frequently, feeling like you are out of control?
  
• Do you want to learn how to cook?
  
• Are you so busy (with work, school, travel, family, whatever) that you are neglecting yourself?
• Do you constantly crave sweets, caffeine, or cigarettes to get through the day?
• Are you looking to improve your health?
• Do you eat emotionally? 
• Have you learned to live with digestive discomfort (bloating, gas, constipation)?
  
• Are you sick of making resolutions and not following through?
  

I know first hand how stressful it can be....

up until a few years ago my life was a a series of up and downs whether it was my mood, my weight, my energy, or my skin. One minute everything would be great and I would be eating "healthy" and then suddenly like a freight train I couldn't control myself and my will power went missing. I would polish off pints of ice cream, inhale baked goods, or eat an entire small(ish) pizza without EVER feeling satisfied. It was like I was always empty, but STUFFED with "healthy" junk foods.

Not only was my weight hard to control, but my skin was a mess. I hated to look in the mirror. 

This picture isn't the greatest, but I tend to delete all evidence so that people (ok me) don't happen along a photo like this - because I was so embarrassed. Actually looking at this picture right now makes me really sad to see how unhappy I was. I also want to ask who the heck thought this picture was a good idea? 

Can anyone out there relate?

If so, then this group program is right for you! You will learn how to:

• Boost your energy
• Get quality sleep
• Improve your mood
• Learn fast, tasty, easy recipes
• Weight-loss will be a natural outcome of the changes you will make

There won't be calorie counting, weigh-in's, or fad prepackaged foods to buy!

• Learn to shop for delicious and healthy alternatives 
• Feel fantastic in your body
• Clear up your skin
• Know what to order when dining out, business lunches, dinner parties or at the bar
  

Making changes to your diet & lifestyle can be daunting. Take charge of your health with a fun and supportive group program. Working with a Certified Health Coach who’s been in your shoes will help you make lasting changes that give you the RESULTS you desire.

What will you get from this EXCLUSIVE group program: 

• Sessions conducted over the phone from the comfort of your own home! (as I type this we have blizzard like conditions)

• Sessions will take place in the evening. (no worries about missing work!)

• Sessions will be recorded so if you have can't make it you can still benefit from what is discussed. (or for repeat listens to pick up on new tid bits)

• Group forum where you will get continued support and the place to celebrate your successes! (everyone needs support, especially during a life changing program)

• Fast Track: 1-on-1 coaching session with me (50 minutes) at the beginning of the program

• Maintenance Plan: 1-on-1 coaching session with me (50 minutes) wrap up session at the end of the program
  

PLUS to accelerate your success - 3 incredible bonuses:

• BONUS - Done for you MATERIALS you can use OVER and OVER 
• Menu Plans, Shopping Guides, Recipes, etc 

• BONUS - 3 additional talks - one new MP3 released per month to keep your momentum going...

• BONUS - Discounted rates with fabulous holistic practitioners in the Twin Cities area (acupuncture, massage, etc)
• Recharge your fabulous self with nourishing bodywork!

Dates - February 7th & 21st, March 7th & 21st, April 4th & 18th - all calls are at 7 pm CST on Sunday evenings.

I only have room for 20 in this group! Are you ready to change your relationship with food for good?

If you were to invest in each piece individually you would pay $1297. But, this year the investment will only be $537!!! that's a savings of over $750.

GUARANTEE:

I am completely confident that this program will change your life if you let it. However, if you do not feel that I have given you all the tools that you need to upgrade your life then the investment will feel too great. If that is the case then let me know personally and I will refund you out of my own pocket!

What are some of my clients saying?

I thought I was living a pretty healthy lifestyle before, but after working with Mary, I’ve realized that there are alot of things I can improve. I have also realized why I have certain habits –what the root of them is, and so now I can move beyond old patterns and experience new things, which is enlightening, and I feel a lot better.

Mary is a very good listener and I can tell that she truly cares about what I’m communicating. It’s great to have someone to listen and truly care about me and my health, and also to have a person to be accountable to. Mary gives me tons of great ideas for how to live my best life, and in a short time I feel like I’ve changed a lot of things – moved beyond what were habits (not serving me well) and experimented with new things that now become new ways of being. It’s been fun. Mary is so upbeat, creative and wise.

Doing sessions with Mary over-the-phone has worked out great for me. On the days I can’t fit travel into my schedule, it saves me time, money for gas, and I feel good about conserving resources andbeing environmentally friendly by not driving. Mary’s over-the-phone approach is similar to a face-to-face session, so I feel like we’re meeting together across the distance. It’s very comfortable.

~Jessica (age 30, MN)

Dear Mary,
Thank you SO much for talking with me about my health concerns.  After just one week of implementing some of your ideas, I have not only lost a few pounds but also have a ton more energy.  I used to take naps but no longer need to!  My skin is also clearing up and I've been having fun discovering new foods to add to my diet which I had never tried before.  I cannot thank you enough!

~Michelle (age 30, CA) 

Making Mary's soup was hardly more work than making a sandwich!

~Shannon (age 32, MN)

This program is going to be fantastic. I cannot wait to get started!

Peace, prosperity & abundance,

~Mary 

P.S. Please note that what you are going to embark on is not a diet fad. It is a new way of eating and thinking about food. If you are ready to make serious changes starting at the root of where the challenges in your life stem then jump aboard! The digestive discomfort, moodiness, lethargy, sugar roller-coaster, and binges will become a thing of the past.

So let's take a closer look at what we are going to cover each month:

Month 1: Foods to lose the last 5 pounds, 2 group phone sessions, 1 additional MP3 talk, Personal 1-on-1 session, Done for you materials: Menu Plans, Shopping Guides, Recipes

Month 2: Kick those Sugar Cravings to the curb, 2 phone sessions, 1 additional MP3 talk

Month 3: Create lasting Energy and a Balanced Mood, 2 phone sessions, 1 additional MP3 talk, Personal 1-on-1 session

How much have you spent on diets, books, pills and fads? Imagine never having to spend another dime on diet and weight loss products that DON’T WORK in the long run.

Invest in yourself and save hundreds – if not thousands – over time.

If you were to invest in each piece of this incredible, One-of-a-Kind program individually you would pay $1297. But, this year the investment will only be $537!!! that's a savings of over $750….and the peace of mind knowing that you WILL achieve your goals is PRICELESS.

Custom Bars

Checking my email today I ran across a Groupon for Element Bars. I've NEVER heard of them, but for some reason I was compelled to check out their site.

This website is really cool. Their philosophy sounds great:

"Our philosophy revolves around making the best-tasting, all-natural nutrition bars, which means:

• No artificial sweeteners
• No processed starches
• No new, fancy food technology

Rest assured, you will not find unpronounceable names of ingredients in the labels of these nutrition bars! "                                                      

I have no idea if the bars are tasty or not, but just having the ability to build your own bar is outstanding.

First, you pick your main ingredient, then you can add dried fruits, nuts, a sweetener like agave or maple syrup and even additional boosters like whey protein or omega-3's. Some of the products are organic and some are not and there are several boosters. Not only do you get to build it you can name it. Very cool.

I have been making my own bars lately and I am quite happy with my creations, but I want to know if anyone out there has tried this? Anyone? Let us know.