Tag Archives: New York

Creative Visualization: Create Your Heart’s Desire

In September & April I roll out new programs based on my work as a nutritionist & health coach. September makes sense- it is the start of a new school year- but why April? Well April is my birthday month and I get to start a New Year. I LOVE change and starting new opportunities so April makes sense to me!

My partner (Ron) is excited to hear me talk about and create new ideas. Others ask me: How do you get inspired to create something new?  The answer is simple: Nature! Sometimes it’s a leisurely bike ride near home or time on our boat; other times I need to go “full guns” and search for Truffles in the hills of Tuscany or hike Maccu Piccu. But that is not the only thing that inspires me.

I am a fan of the book “Creative Visualization” by Shaki Gawain.  I have used it for over 20 years and the ideas are never old. This book offers many techniques (love the meditations for healing) and focuses on the concept of “Form Follows Idea.” As Shaki describes people tend to live their lives backwards. They try to have more things (e.g. money) in order to do more so they will achieve happiness. She feels happiness works in reverse which means first- be who you are, second- do what you need to do and third- have what you want. The four basic steps for creative visualization are: 1. Decide what you would like to have 2. Create a clear idea or vision 3. Focus on it often (post it somewhere) and 4. Give it positive energy and receive and achieve it. In this way you can accept and have what you are seeking. Often times we achieve what we set out to do but fail to acknowledge our own success! Lastly, Shaki hits the nail on the head with the concept that creative visualization is not just a technique but is a state of consciousness. She states “manifestation through creative visualization is the process of realizing and making visible on the physical plane our divine potential.”  Hope you create your heart’s desire and share with me your success!

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Planning & Prep to Eat Right!

Clients often ask me-“What is the secret to success for fitness and health?” Well the truth is there is no one secret, but there is one common characteristic shared by people who do reach their goals: planning and preparation. And when it comes to weight loss, the first step in preparing for success is to be stocked with food in your frig and freezer to fuel and nourish your body to help you reach your goals. You may not want to or need to purchase all of the foods listed to keep on hand for a healthy more vibrant life. Mix it up. Some of the ingredients- especially the produce will vary depending on your work, travel and social schedule.

Fresh produce. An essentail to healthier living is to eat more fruits and veggies. A few staples include: baby spinach, lettuce, salad fixings like cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, onion, peppers, mushrooms and herbs. Salads can also have some berries, apples, dried fruits, oranges or other citrus. Fresh fruits such as bananas, apples, peaches or whatever is in season will facilitate healthier snacking choices.

Quick Produce alternatives: If you never seem to have the time to wash and cut up your produce you could purchase more “ready to use items” such as pre-cut and pre-washed produce including baby carrots, lettuce, other greens, mushrooms and steamable frozen veggies.

Additional Foods to stock the fridge with: eggs, liquid egg whites, non-fat greek yogurt, reduced fat milk (either cow, rice, almond or soy), reduced fat cheeeses, guacamole, trans-fat free margarine, light butter spreads, tofu noodles, salad dressings with moderate sodium and lower carbs (less than 6 gms per serving), 100% fruit spreads, natural peanut butter or other nut butters, vinegars, hummus and your favorite condiments such as mustards, mayo, spreads and sauces such as low sodium soy sauce.

Freezer Essentials: A well stocked freezer will ensure that you have foods on hand to whip up a healthy meal. Here are a few recommendations to keep on hand.
Frozen veggies (stock your favorites), unsweetened fruits such as berries or mixed fruit varieties (great for smoothies), boneless, skinless chicken or turkey breast, 95% lean beef or ground chicken/turkey, frozen shrimp, garden burgers, frozen fish, bagels & waffles, sorbet, gluten free bread (for those in need of GF), frozen pastas.

Carve out some time and take inventory of what you have and then stock up on what you need! Planning is the key to success!

7 Nutrition Principles for Olympic Performance

The Summer Olympic games are being held for only two weeks but athletes spend years training for and mastering their sport. Becoming an Olympic athlete not only takes a lot of hard work, time and dedication but requires good nutrition to enhance workouts and maximize performance.  While most of us are not training to be Olympic athletes, we can learn from the nutrition practices these star athletes implement on a daily basis.  Continue reading →