This was my experience every day for one week at The Sivananda Ashram YogaRetreat. It was a true sanctuary of peace and natural beauty located on a paradise-like island with crystal clear water and pure white sand just across the bay from Nassau.

My adventure began on a Saturday morning as I arrived on the island of Nassau earlier than expected. I gathered my luggage and took a 20 minute taxi ride to a dock. As I waited patiently for the boat to whisk me away to paradise, I encountered two lovely ladies and we made our introductions. Both women had traveled quite a distance to get to the Ashram. Anna came from Germany, Katie from Nova Scotia, and both were now part of the Teacher Training Course (TTC). They would be living and working on the ashram for one month. The TTC is based on “Karma Yoga”, also known as Buddha Yoga or the “discipline of action” and is based on the teachings of the Bhagavad-Gita, a sacred Sanskrit scripture of Hinduism. Of the four paths to realization, Karma Yoga is the science of achieving perfection in action. Karma Yoga is an intrinsic part of many derivative types of yoga.

Shortly after our introductions, the boat arrived and we were on our way – well not quite! First we had to lug bags and boxes of HEAVY produce onto the boat. I thought to myself, “You have to be kidding me. I’m on vacation! My poor back!” However, I actually didn’t mind at all. We all pitched in, and I reminded myself, “This is “Karma Yoga!”, although I noticed the two men on the boat were not practicing “Karma Yoga” – they were barely helping at all! Plus, the tiny walkway between the dock and the boat was making me plenty nervous that one of us was going to end up in the water! Needless to say, we all made it to the island in one piece and received some fruit for our effort. Thankfully, I caught on pretty quickly and adapted fast because the Ashram was not very organized and almost too laid back when it came to answering my pretty straight forward questions, such as, where is my room, and other basic questions one might ask upon arrival. Being resourceful, I went traipsing around the place and gave myself the unguided tour and finally found my room: “Hallelujah!” I thought to myself. “I’d best get to the beach fast and do some meditating before I lose it.” However, by the evening I figured out how it all worked and whatever I still didn’t know I would just learn as I went with the flow.

The Ashram is built around a semi-closed, outdoor meditation temple. There are spacious exercise platforms facing the warm blue-green waters of the Caribbean Sea, the bay and the gardens. I opted to stay in one of the private wooden cabins. The room had basic sleeping quarters, both rustic and unembellished, which worked fine for me. The other option was to pitch a tent in one of the quiet garden areas or coconut groves.

Daily Schedule:

The energizing program of the ashram is based on Swami Vishnudevananda’s (who is a disciple of Swami Sivananda the founder of the Ashram) five points for holistic evolution of body, mind, and soul:

• Proper Exercise

• Proper Breathing

• Proper Relaxation

• Proper Diet

• Positive Thinking and Meditation

My days would begin at 5:30 am when I would awaken to the sounds of the ocean, the palm trees rustling in the wind, the birds chirping and a light bell ringing every 10 minutes until 6am when the serenity of early morning meditation would commence. At the ashram they believe the clear sea air helps restore the rested mind to focus and the body to be still. Half an hour of silent meditation is followed by joyful chanting, a spiritual talk or reading, and closing prayers. Next, at 8am, came a 2 hour session of asanas (yogic postures) and pranayama (yogic breathing techniques to invigorate the body and mind). After these rituals, we would have a wonderful vegetarian breakfast/ brunch at 10am, where we all lined up just outside the kitchen with our trays to get our nourishment. I would quickly gather my food and head for the best seat in the house, right on the sand in front of the beautiful clear waters. There is time which you are free to study, to attend a special workshop, to swim, relax on the beach, or go snorkeling. At 4pm is the second asana/pranayama class of the day. Your body achieves maximum stretch at this time and great progress can be made. Dinner is at 6pm, and satsang (meditation, chanting and talk) is at 8pm which completes the day. During the evening satsang there would usually be a talk by one of the special speakers, a concert, or a performance. Lights-out was always around 10pm. All guests were required to attend both satsangs and asana classes but I have never been one to follow the rules. By the 4th day my body felt a bit achy from 4 hours of yoga per day and the long walks on the beach. I chose to sleep in a few days and practiced either the morning or afternoon yoga class instead of both. Most of the day I spent on the beach reading and writing and indulging in some wonderful and intellectual conversations with my new found friends. I found plenty of time for body work; I treated myself to a daily massage and an Aruyvedic body treatment all of which were amazing! I was lucky enough to be there for the Easter holiday and enjoyed a beautiful sunrise ceremony full of joyful praise to the Lord. I am not a religious person but this ceremony was lovely and uplifting and made me realize just how special it is to connect with Faith.

The food was delicious however, but by the last day of my stay I was tired of the same food and the temptation of going across to Nassau or to Atlantis (which was on the other side of the beach) was sounding great for a farewell dinner. My new friend Kathy and I decided to have our final dinner at NOBU. I had no desire to see Atlantis but some of the guests at the Ashram kept talking about it and I didn’t realize until after a few days that it was it was literally in plain sight. I walked through one day on my own to go see the Aquarium everyone was raving about. It was interesting to see the dynamic of the guests at The Atlantis resort compared to the Ashram. It was certainly like walking through Disneyland. After leaving the aquarium I couldn’t wait to get back to the tranquility of the ashram. How ironic that these two different worlds can be physically so close yet spiritually so distant!

Lastly, my yoga adventure confirmed the importance of simplicity, balance, and community. The journey helped restore my faith, strengthened my yoga practice, enhanced my mind and purified my soul. It was a dynamic voyage that I look forward to taking again and again. I enjoyed the warm companionship and the connection with like-minded people from all around the world, which included sharing food, life stories, beliefs, and dreams. It was a truly holistic, revitalizing experience that left me recharged physically, mentally and spiritually!

Until next time

Claudia~

Why a detoxification and cleanse program is an integral part of a healthy skin regimen:

Last week, I conducted a new patient interview, and with palpable frustration my patient said “ I don’t understand, I eat so well, but still feel like crap. I am always tired, feel like I am dragging my feet, and no matter what the hell I do, I CANNOT lose weight”. I can’t even count the number of times a patient has uttered these words. This patient, like most people, assumes that if you have a clean and healthy diet, it is a guarantee that you will feel good and have energy to get through the day. I believe that it is very important to eat well, but unfortunately in the world we live in that is often not enough.

We live in a toxic environment and our bodies are overwhelmed and bombarded by toxins everyday. Toxins enter the body through the digestive tract, by food additives, contaminated soil (heavy metals; especially cadmium), and soft drinks etc.. The average American consumes 15 lbs. of additives and 200 lbs. of sugar per year. The U.S. allows over 10,000 chemical additives to our food supply. Another way that toxins enter the body is through the skin. Skin penetration is achieved through everyday groomng products, like perfumes, hairsprays etc.. The lungs is also a route that toxins can find their way into the body( exhaust, toxic fumes , second hand smoke etc.). If you live and work in New York City like I do, you can imagine what our bodies have to manage, day in and day out. The body has three options when dealing with toxins: It buries them in body fat, deposits them in tissues, or removes them. Our organs of detoxification( LIVER, blood, skin, kidneys, colon, AND LUNGS )are working 24/7 to clear the body of toxins. Unfortunately, our bodies weren’t designed to handle the exponential amount of toxic elements that modern day life has gifted us. Many people are in a state of toxic overload. Our bodies can only handle so much before inflammation and disease appear.

A cleanse is the perfect way to safely detoxify the body. Not all cleanses achieve this goal safely, gently, and effectively. A cleanse that claims to detoxify the body in under three weeks is usually too good to be true. The key factor in an effective and safe cleanse is that it supports phase 2 Liver detoxification. Phase 2 liver detoxification is essential for the actual removal of toxins from the body. Many cleanses only support Phase 1 Liver detoxification, which is when toxins are packaged and moved to other parts of the body. The problem with simply having phase 1 liver detoxification is that toxins are moved to other parts of the body, but not eliminated from the body. It is like redecorating with the same old furniture. Things may appear different or feel different, but they are simply rearranged. Toxins or xenobiotics are generally fat soluble, meaning they are stored in fat cells of the body. Phase 2 liver detoxification allows for the conversion of the most harmful toxins into a water soluble form, so they can be eliminated effectively.

The skin is the largest organ of the body and is a mirror into what is going on internally. We have all had the dreaded hangover and seen first hand how our skin reacts. If the body is functioning sub-optimally, the skin will reveal this with inflammation and problematic skin conditions. The right cleanse will stop the chronic inflammatory process. This is why most people look fresher, younger, and less inflamed during and after they complete a detoxification/cleanse protocol. I have done my share of research and have found the Standard Process Purification Program meets the goals to safely, gently, and effectively detoxify the body. What I like about this program is that it lasts for three weeks ( this time frame is great for changing habits), is not based on deprivation( you are given parameters on eating certain foods and are still eating a good amount), is a phytonutrient, whole food based program with nothing synthetic or processed, and IT SUPPORTS BOTH PHASES OF DETOXIFICATION. It has been peer reviewed in a journal, and the conclusive results showed an average weight loss of 9-15 lbs. for men, 6-9 lbs. for women and a significant reduction in cholesterol lipid profiles.

If you decide to do a cleanse/ detoxification program it is a great idea to use it as an opportunity to get rid of all things in your life that do not serve you anymore. As you clear away the old, toxic energy, you are making room for healthy, positive, and bright new energies to take their place. Some of the practices I do when going through a detox is get body work (acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, facials- as this helps support the detoxification process), do yoga, meditate, journal, and use it as a time for reflection. The connection between the mind, body, and spirit is so apparent as you go through this process. Many people experience emotional releases during a detox, which can be challenging, but aid the person in moving them to a more grounded space. I have had many epiphanies while going through the detox process. As you clear the body of toxins, the mind, and spirit develop a greater sense of clarity.

If you would like to find out more information about the Standard Process Purification Program , I will be hosting a free lecture on April 12, 2010 at 7 P.M.. It will be in my office at 1133 Broadway (at 26th st), Suite 1023.

Happy Spring cleaning and cleansing!!!!

Dr. Lou~

Dr. Lou Granirer is a Nutrition Response testing practitioner, Chiropractor, and Energy healer. You can visit his website at www.drlouchiro.com for more information.

This winter  was a difficult one that left many feeling exhausted, overwhelmed  and blue (common symptoms of  the “Winter Blues.”) Clearing your skin, mind and body with a cleansing  for the change of the season is a great way to regroup. One of the best ways to feel lighter and put a little spring in your step…and your life is by ridding the body of toxins. Abstaining from some food, drink or fasting for a short period of time is important to regain energy and uplift your mood. Many of you have expressed feeling lethargic, bloated and tired all the time. Spring is the best time to re-energize your diet and never feel tired again. Let’s get your body in training for the season ahead!

I’m not suggesting deprivation or starvation. Every time I make the suggestion to do a cleanse or detox I see the look of panic in the eyes -don’t worry you will  see food again! Purging toxins and awakening from the sluggishness that winter brings is a good idea. During the season our bodies will crave serotonin, so it’s easy to reach for refined carbs and sugars that give you that good feeling. But those foods will only set you on a cycle of ups and downs with a negative effect on both your mood and your weight. It also creates unhealthy food cravings, fatigue and reduced mental clarity. These dietary habits also create  acid waste that is then deposited in our organs and tissues, leading to inflammation, disease and a thinning skin. (see my post “The Sweet Truth” which discusses Acid/Alkaline/Inflammation Diet.)

Most people today are over acidic, including most vegetarians, but especially those following (SAD) Standard American Diet or whose health is challenged. Cleansing and fasting release toxins and can be stressful. That’s why people often feel wiped out at the end of a fast or during a cleanse. You want to make sure during any cleansing/detox to set some time aside as part of your total body renewal. For example take time for reflection, maybe a walk in the park, do some form of exercise like yoga, get a massage and facial. Think of it as your time to renew mind, body and spirit!

There are many cleansing programs and in the age of information overload all you have to do is use Google and you will find something. It doesn’t mean you are getting the correct information for your body type. One thing I dislike is when people say to  my friend told me this product, cleanse, etc  is great. Are they a professional? Do they know your  skin or body? Most of these programs are poorly designed and ineffective-containing many laxatives that make you think something is happening. You don’t want to waste your time or money  on a program  that has no impact and even worse can weaken your immune system.

Get advice and support from those getting the results you seek. Make sure you go with a company that will support you by phone if you have questions or concerns. If consulting a holistic practitioner, find out if they: follow a healthy diet; do their own cleanse often; rarely get sick themselves; and are vibrant, enthusiastic, compassionate, and energetic. You want help from people who are living examples of the benefits of the program they are offering.

I always do some form of fasting/detoxing this time of the year and this April  I will be engaging in  a total spring renewal purification. I will first start by taking a much needed respite to the Bahamas, where I will be taking a truly holistic revitalizing break- recharging physically, mentally and spiritually! You can learn more about my yoga vacation in my April Posting. Upon my return with my mind and body ready to go I  will start “The Purification Program” guided and supervised by my friend Dr Lou Granirer. The 21-day purification program is a very effective way to detox, lose weight, reduce cholesterol levels, improve lipid profiles, and support all of your organ systems that play a role in purification. The purification program is more than just a diet. It encourages you to adopt a healthier lifestyle, which, in turn, helps you look and feel better. The program emphasizes whole, organic, and unprocessed foods; whole food supplements; and water. Vegetables and fruit are eaten from days 1-10, with select proteins  added at day 11.

If you aren’t willing to do a 3 week cleanse I suggest following some of my “Body In Balance” tips to get you on the right track and you should definitely be incorporating raw foods and juices to your diet. A ” juice fast” can be another good way to jump start a healthier routine and purge some toxins. I believe adding juicing to your regular diet all year round. However, even taking a few days of just ingesting raw juices(see some of my juice recipes here) can aid in this process!

Taking some  initiative between the urge to get outdoors again and the desire to clean out winter’s gloom, it’s a great time to promote the idea of spring renewal — outside and inside.

Until next time

Claudia~

Healthy eating is not about strict nutrition philosophies, staying unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, and keeping yourself as healthy and attractive as possible – all which can be achieved by learning some nutrition basics and incorporating them in a way that works for you. You may be reluctant to add new foods if you are not sure of the taste but besides avoiding processed foods, anyone who is interested in improving their health, quality of their skin and preventing disease should consider the benefits of adding raw foods to their diets and expanding  healthy choices to include SuperFoods.

What Are SuperFoods?

Superfood is a term sometimes used to describe food with high phytonutrient content. Raw plant foods are simple and contain thousands of health-giving nutrients, and conform to the biological design of the human digestive system. In ancient times, primitive people were more prone to eating algae,marine plankton and seeds. However, that practice became dormant but our generation  has re-discovered and re-named it as a superfood or raw food movement. There is solid evidence that a living plant food diet eases digestion, boosts energy, and eliminates carcinogens. Eating a balanced mix of raw plant foods can restore health on a molecular level by building strong cells, raising alkalinity, and detoxifying and re-mineralizing the body, therefore reducing the aging process.

Mainstream media and food industries make the SuperFood claim only to foods available in local commercial supermarkets. According to WebMD and Dr Nicholas Perricone these include berries, broccoli, salmon, spinach, nuts, pomegranate, beans, soy, tomatoes. While  these foods are healthy they are not even in the same league when it comes to the most nutritious and highest quality form of foods that are available from around our world.

My Favorites

Goji Berries:

The most nutrient-dense fruit on the planet and the #1 Anti-Aging Superfood! As we age, we produce less and less Human Growth Hormone (HGH). The decreasing levels of HGH have been linked to symptoms of aging. Goji Berries are the only food known to help stimulate the human body to produce more HGH naturally.

• Contain high levels of  antioxidant 2-4 times the amount  found in blueberries.
• A complete protein source.
• Contain 18 different amino acids  and  all 8 essential amino acids (such as isoleucine and tryptophan).
• Contain up to 21 trace minerals (the main ones being zinc, iron, copper, calcium, germanium, selenium, and phosphorus).
• Contain vitamins B1, B2, B6, and Vitamin E.

Raw Maca Powder:

As an adaptogen, Maca can provide more energy if it is needed, but will not overstimulate the body.This Superfood of the Incas is a nutrient-dense ancient medicine that has been prescribed for centuries by holistic Native American healers.

• As an adaptogen it restores the body’s homeostasis when undergoing stress, which means it has the ability to balance and stabilize the body’s systems (cardiovascular system, nervous system, endocrine system, musculature, lymphatic system, etc.)
• In women and men a powerful strength and stamina enhancer, as well as a libido-enhancing food-herb. Increasing  sexual desire and fertility. Check out Cordyceps (the chinese longevity mushroom too!)
• In women and men, Maca assists in creating hormonal balance while not having a direct affect on serum hormone levels.
• Improves mental clarity, focus and eyesight sharpness.

Today’s Most Sought After Superfoods:Blue Green Algae, Spirulina, Marine PhytoPlankton, Aloe Vera, Hemp Seed and Raw Cacoa Powder/Cacao Nibs, Goji Berries, Incan Berries, Maca, Gold Rush Collodial Gold, Sacha Inchi Oil, Cordyceps.

Resources/Learn More

fabulalife.com (Greens Supplement & Probiotics)
livesuperfoods.com
naturesfirstlaw.com
superfoodliving.com

Until next time here’s to good health!

Claudia~

Every weekday I receive an inspirational thought for a happy, healthy and fulfilling day. Today’s “DailyOm” is about Cause, Effect and Transformation. I believe the quest for spiritual and emotional growth is never ending and any tool that can help us achieve this and physical well-being  is worth sharing! This winter has been a difficult one that has  left many feeling exhausted, overwhelmed  and blue (common symptoms of  the “Winter Blues.”) In fact, many Eastern medical practices recognize that with the changing of the seasons, our bodies also change and have different needs than they do during warmer months. But modern society expects us to be upbeat and productive throughout all the seasons. Look out for my upcoming post on how to “detox” and prepare your mind and body for  Spring!

Daily Om:

There are times in our lives when it seems our bodies are running on empty. We are not sick, nor are we necessarily pushing ourselves to the limit—rather, the energy we typical enjoy has mysteriously dissipated, leaving only fatigue. Many people grow accustomed to feeling this way because they do not know that it is possible to exist in any other state. The body’s natural state, however, is one of energy, clarity, and balance. Cultivating these virtues in our own bodies so that we can combat feelings of depletion is a matter of developing a refined awareness of the self and then making changes based on our observations.

A few scant moments of focused self-examination in which you assess your recent schedule, diet, and general health may help you zero in on the factors causing your depletion. If you are struggling to cope with an overfull agenda, prioritization can provide you with more time to sleep and otherwise refresh yourself. Switching to a diet containing plenty of nutritious foods may serve to restore your vigor, especially when augmented by supplements like B vitamins or ginseng. Consider, too, that a visit to a healer or homeopath will likely provide you with wonderful insights into your tiredness. But identifying the source of your exhaustion will occasionally be more complicated than spotting a void in your lifestyle and filling it with some form of literal nourishment. Since your earthly and ethereal forms are so intimately entwined, matters of the mind and heart can take their toll on your physical self. Intense emotions such as anger, sadness, jealousy, and regret need fuel to manifest in your consciousness, and this fuel is more often than not corporeal energy. Conversely, a lack of mental and emotional stimulation may leave you feeling listless and lethargic.

Coping with and healing physical depletion will be easier when you accept that the underlying cause might be more complex than you at first imagined. A harried lifestyle or a diet low in vital nutrients can represent only one part of a larger issue affecting your mood, stamina, and energy levels. When you believe that you are ultimately in control of how you feel, you will be empowered to transform yourself and your day-to-day life so that lasting fatigue can no longer gain a foothold in your existence.

The key to chocolate’s super qualities is to consume this in it’s raw, natural state, “naked” if you will! Chocolate is made from the seeds of a plant called Theobroma cacao. The seeds are dried and roasted and then processed to form cocoa, the basic ingredient in chocolate and chocolate products. When the  Cacao bean is heated, melted, processed, chemicalised and added to dairy products, they lose key nutrient qualities. Dark Chocolate contains antioxidants, aphrodisiac qualities, mood elevation properties that the cocao beans possess but diminished by cooking and unfavourable properties appear in the chocolate like becoming allergic or having intense cravings and addiction also due to cooking.  Cocao has a wide array of unique properties and minerals, including high levels of sulfur and magnesium. It may increase your focus and alertness and contains nutrients to keep you happy. Chocolate and cacao are often associated with love. All this is due to phenylethylamine contained in the cacao. Anandamide can be produced in the brain when we are feeling great, cacao makes anandamide stick around longer. The cacao tastes similar to, yet better than, unsweetened bakers chocolate. A sweetener is often used like raw organic agave nectar in conjunction with your raw treat ingredients.

History:

The use of cocoa for eating and drinking probably dates back several thousand years.The first evidence of cocoa use comes from cooking vessels containing cocao residue. Scientists have determined these pots to be from at least 460 to 480 A.D. Columbus discovered cacao beans in America and sent samples back to King Ferdinand. However, the beans didn’t become popular in Europe at this time. Several years later, Cortes discovered that the Mexican Aztecs enjoyed a type of bitter chocolate drink containing burned and ground cacao beans, maize, water, and spices. Cortes sent cacao beans and recipes back to King Charles V. The Spanish refined some of the recipes adding sugar and heating the ingredients to improve taste and texture. But because of the high cost of imported cacao, chocolate beverages were enjoyed mostly by the wealthy. “Cocoa” pronounced(coco) is a British slang term for cacao (kakow)

It is also said that the Aztec Emperor, Montezuma who was deposed by Cortes and his own tribe was a confirmed chocoholic. A soldier from Cortes’ army recorded in his memoirs an account of one of Montezuma’s great feast: “From time to time, they brought him, in cup-shaped vessels of pure gold, a certain drink made from cacao, and women served this drink to him with great reverence “…..over two thousand jugs of cacao all frothed up..” Rumor had it that Montezuma would consume 50 cups of the cacao drink before visiting his harem.

Chocolat Movie Quote:

Luc Clairmont: [at confession] Each time I tell myself it’s the last time, but then I get a whiff of her hot chocolate, or…
Madame Audel: …Seashells. Chocolate seashells, so small, so plain, so *innocent*. I thought, oh, just one little taste, it can’t do any harm. But it turned out they were filled with rich, sinful…
Yvette Marceau: …And it *melts*, God forgive me, it melts ever so slowly on your tongue, and tortures you with pleasure.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Claudia~

Ingredients:
3 Kale Leaves
Small handful parsley
4 -5 carrots, greens removed
1 apple, seeded

Directions:

Bunch up kale and parsley and put in the juicer. Add the carrots and apple last. Slice the apple before putting it in the juicer.

A little on the sweeter side!

Hardy Leafy Green Juice

Ingredients:
4 carrots
2 sticks of celery
handful of parsley (chopped)
handful of spinach
3 leafs of Romaine lettuce

Directions:

Process above vegetables in the juicer.

Stimulating Juice Recipe -Great For Beginners

Ingredients:
beet with the greens
4-5 apples (I like Fuji Apples)

Directions:

Cut the beet and apples into pieces. Process the beet and apples in the juicer. I also add 1/2 lemon and small ginger  nub to spice it up!

During this past Christmas and holiday season, I did my best to maintain an active schedule that included yoga, cardio and weight training. Despite my best efforts, I over-indulged and neither my waistline nor my body was too forgiving. However, now that I am back to a busy schedule and with a lot of self control, following my own advice and back to my daily rituals I am finally getting back to a balanced lifestyle.

Do you also find yourself running into road blocks on the way toward treating your body right? Do you feel a bit lost as you try to find a new outlook on healthy living?

There are a number of viable options and choices you can make. In developing some of the routines described below you can eventually eliminate some of the more harmful habits.

We all want to start the New Year on a healthful note. The number one resolution on most people’s list is weight loss. One way to jump start this process and to make a fresh start is by maintaining a healthy body from the inside out. We can do this by paying strict attention to our digestive system. If you have been over-indulging, I suggest letting the organs rest a bit in order to rid the body of all the toxins that have built up from the over-processed foods, the alcohol, caffeine, and sugar.

One of the first steps in making healthy changes is to cleanse the palate. If you have been consuming caffeine, alcohol, lots of sugar, and rich foods you will likely experience discomfort or cravings. These cravings can be severe and if you dive right into a rigid diet plan it could send you right back to the same eating patterns – which in effect will make you feel as if you have failed.

However if you go more slowly eventually your body’s load will feel lighter. Once you feel that you are maintaining a more regular routine, I urge you to find the proper exercise plan, diet and eating habits that suit your lifestyle and keep you motivated to complete your goal. Keeping both body and mind in balance is all about daily rituals. Below are some suggestions to jump start your fitness and experience the benefits of increased energy, an enhanced mood, stress reduction, and the enjoyment of a sound night’s sleep. Clean plumbing such as proper digestion and regular bowel movements will ultimately lead to weight loss, clearer skin and mental clarity.

For the best results, all of us can truly benefit from a unique and specifically laid out diet, an exercise program that specifically fits our needs and guidance on lifestyle and health issues. The path to an individual tailored regime is to schedule an appointment with me or any holistic health professional.

Suggested Daily Rituals:

• Upon waking in the morning, prepare a warm cup of water with the juice of half a lemon and a dash of cayenne pepper. Drinking lemon juice regularly will aid the bowels in eliminating waste more efficiently, control constipation thus creating a more alkaline state in the body.

• For breakfast try a smoothie or protein shake (I use Syntha -6) blended with almond or rice milk. Add a banana and a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries/ raspberries.

• Drink water throughout the day.

• Reach for Herbal Tea or Drink. My favorite is Kombucha Synergy Drink. I usually drink this tea 3-4 times per week in the late morning or early afternoon for a natural boost of energy. Forget the RED BULL and grab a Kombucha which is loaded with probitiocs, live active enzymes, tons of antioxidant benefits and a RAW food. By “raw” I refer to unprocessed, uncooked, and un-pasteurized. It is the closest state any food comes to the way nature intended.

• Juicing is the key to radiant skin and health. Also referred to as cellular cleansing, juicing is preparing and drinking fruit and vegetable juices. The many health benefits of juicing far exceed those of eating solid fruits and vegetables. At the most basic level, juicing gives us the opportunity to add far more vegetables to our daily diet. Juicing allows us to up the amount of raw food we consume which gives the body energy and boosts the immune system and the body’s cleansing process. Green juices contain lots of chlorophyll which is significantly effective in detoxifying our bodies. Chlorophyll can help make our bodies strong by detoxifying the liver. This detoxification will purify and help to rebuild our blood cells, remove mold, parasites and myco/exotoxins from the body. Many studies have shown that green juices containing chlorophyll can help prevent and remove cancer cells. 
  

Pressed for time? All the aforementioned recipes take only minutes to prepare. However if you are still trying to figure it all out  but still want to get all your fruits and veggies in try using “Greens Balance” from CosMedix: This energizing drink  serves up a blend of 44 fruit and vegetable extracts and 67 trace minerals in one wholesome option. Loaded with powerful antioxidants, this
pH-balancing “super greens” formula helps to neutralize oxidative stress and acid imbalance for better digestion and radiant skin.

“Restore,” another CosMedix product, is an essential fiber colon cleanse that detoxifies and literally “restores” the good bacteria in the colon.Promotes regularity and encourages a healthy inner environment. “Restore” is an invigorating blend of herbs and probiotics that work to improve immunity and nutrient absorption, which results in increased energy and healthy glowing skin.

Work it out:

There is no getting around the fact that exercise is an essential part of shaping up. Exercise stimulates the neural peptides in the brain, which help the brain make changes, such as growing new memory cells.

As we all know, the greatest challenge is sticking with an exercise plan. The key to staying motivated is having fun and making sure to mix things up. Try a variety of physical activities. Group classes always seem to get me motivated. Try yoga a few times per week while at the same time fitting in some cardiovascular type of exercise: running, hiking, cycling or dancing. More is better, but even as little as 30 minutes of exercise a week can make a difference! So get moving, and remember that a sedentary lifestyle will age you faster than those who are active!

Lower that white flag of surrender and up the flag that says “take action!” With so many reasons to stay healthy and the benefit of looking great as the years go by should be quite motivating. Remember to exercise, eat right, avoid too much sugar, consume quality whole foods, lighten up, spend time with others, and laugh. All these suggestions will work to diminish anxiety and depression, encourage sleep, and improve happiness. A perfect recipe for a healthy mind, body and spirit!

Love & Light,

Claudia