Wishing you a Happy New Year!

A little story from a colleague:

Pic is from (http://www.firstpeople.us/pictures/wolves/1024x768/JLM-wolves-1024x768.html)

TWO WOLVES - One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle  is between two wolves inside us all. "One is Evil -  It is  anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt,  resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and  ego. "The other is Good -  It  is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy,  generosity, truth, compassion and faith." The grandson thought about it  for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf  wins?" The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."


As I was reading this little story passed on from a colleague I felt that I wanted to share this with you. The holidays can be a struggle sometimes no matter whether they are considered a wonderful time of year or a very hard time of year. I think its rather tough time of year. Not sure why it has to be that way, but for me this little story reminds me that my goal in life is to radiate loving kindness. It isn't always easy for me to do, but I feel I am my best when I stick to my goal.


Wishing you lots of joy, peace, hope, and whatever other blessings and abundance you require now and in the new year!

Holiday Tip: Sugar Plums!

Well I don't really mean visions of sugar plums I mean get some sweet dreams!

Don't forget to get some rest this holiday season. We keep running from gathering to gathering or shop to shop and we don't stop to take proper care of ourselves. Sleep is extremely important if you want to keep the weight off. Make sure to get whatever amount of sleep your body is asking for. Maybe that means you have to skip an early morning workout (I did today - it crushed me, but at the same time it was so luxurious getting to sleep in another hour and a half!). You are going to notice a difference when you get the rest you need. It will be less likely that you will be looking for energy in the form of cheap calories like soda, fancy coffee drinks, or candies to keep you going.

Nighty night!

Taking advice a bit too far?

I like to think I am a minimalist. Though I am probably fooling myself as I still have tons of "stuff." I was wondering if you think I am taking my minimalist approach too far?

When it comes to the Holidays we do not decorate at all. I did put the holiday cards in the living room. But, that has been my only "effort" nothing else (I realize that was no effort at all). We have not decorated once since moving into our house. In fact, every year in the summer I go through boxes in the basement and find a small box of holiday decorations. Each year I toss about half of what was in there sending it away to a charity. I have kept a few things - but I don't even remember what they are.

I keep thinking that if we have kids maybe we will start decorating a bit and get a tree. Plus, my mother says she is saving all my decorations for when I am ready. I wonder how many that is? And since we do not spend the holidays at our house we can enjoy what is going on elsewhere. I don't know. Maybe if I was more interested in decorating I might be more interested in the holidays as a whole?

Anyway that's my story right now. I wanted to share with you Jessica's tips for having a clutter-free holiday if that is an area you feel a bit challenged. I subscribe to her 3 tips. But, maybe I should start dressing my dog up as Santa and start planning a gathering next year to magnify the holiday experience?

Superfood - Chia Seed

If you are like me then you will find it supremely fascinating that chia seeds are considered a superfood. Seriously who eats chia seeds? I mean I grew up watching chia pet advertisements year round - this time of year was a big hit (I can only guess as a gag gift). Anyway I do not think that I would have ever thought to eat the chia pet start pack...but I grew up in a home that had cases of soda and candy bars. No one was thinking about superfoods. Oh actually it wasn't that bad. My mother was also a huge fan of vitamins, actually she still is. She is a very healthy woman in her mid 70's - who has never been on any medications (knocking on wood now). Back to the chia seed.

Basic overview of the awesomeness of the chia seed:

• Omega-3's
• Protein
• Calcium
• Iron
• Fiber
• Antioxidants 
• Easily digestible
• Prolonged energy endurance - make your carbs digest at a slower rate (great for athletes)

But, I have found that these little seeds are totally versatile and I love using them when cooking or baking. I like the way they get gelatinous like flax seeds when they sit in water and they don't have a specific flavor so you can use them in multiple ways (tossing in salads, smoothies, baking...) I got this idea from my friend Michelle.

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp of chia seeds
• 1 cup of organic coconut milk (you could use almond or rice milk too)
• 1 tsp. maple syrup (or agave, raw honey, brown rice syrup - depending on the level of sweetness you desire)
• 1 drop ocotea* (completely optional or add some dried cinnamon or cardamon or nutmeg)
• A few Goji Berries (and/or some chopped nuts, dried fruits, sesame seeds, flax seeds)

(Ocotea is an essential oil from the Amazon that has the same odor as cinnamon, and contains the highest levels of alpha humulene, a powerful anti-inflammatory. Cinnamon has also been used in studies to determine if it can help type-2 Diabetes. So I use the Ocotea to favor some of my cooking and baking...)

Directions:

Put the chia seeds into a bowl and add the coconut milk

Stir

Let the mixture sit for 5 mins. Then stir. Off and on for 20 or 30 minutes.

Once it is thick you can add your sweetener and berries or nuts (this is where I added the ocotea oil)

You can eat it at room temperature or put it in the fridge to make it more ice cream like...

Let me know what you think!

More details coming out later today on the group program starting in February 2010 that is going to rock your world! Woot. You are going to feel better, look better, and build on that momentum to create the life you want to be living.

Holiday Tip: Be Merry!

Be Merry!

 (click this link to get yourself a sticker of this picture)

Well after all it is the Holiday Season. What I want you to do is make sure you are making time to play and decompress from whatever stressors may be causing you extra burdens. Here are some ideas: go to the movies, build a snowman, comedy club, sledding, dancing, ice skating, meet up with family or friends and go caroling, or skiing - whatever strikes your fancy! Sound like fun? Good! Go have some fun. That's really all there is to this tip.  Relax and enjoy your favorite activities.

Why do I want you to play? The more stress you are under the more likely you are going to hang on to excess weight or cause other health problems. When you are calm and refreshed it is less likely you are going to over indulge on desserts or have seconds - total bonus! When you are stressed out your body produces cortisol and that cortisol is really efficient at sending sugar to your belly area which ends up getting stored as fat. So what sounds like more fun - pumping cortisol into your system really efficiently which might = excess fat. OR having fun with friends that make you laugh so hard your belly hurts? The choice is yours.

So I'd suggest not focusing on what is stressing you out. Instead find something you can do that makes you laugh hysterically during this holiday season.

Don't forget to check out my post on the upcoming group program starting in February...this group is going to seriously kick butt and you will want to be a part of it! There are more details to come - can't wait to tell you all the juicy details.