Love thyself

For someone that struggles to love her nicely padded body every day (yep, thats me!), Anne Lamont's words are a godsend:

I do not live in my thighs or in my droopy butt. I live in joy and motion and cover-ups. I live in the nourishment of food and the sun and the warmth of the people who love me.

To read it all, click here.

Ever wanted to start your own business-perhaps in coaching?

As you know, I'm a graduate of the world's largest nutrition school, the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. My own time at IIN changed my life--it helped me improve my relationship with food, achieve my highest state of health possible, and share this knowledge with others.

Registration for the October Distance Learning program is closing soon. Enroll by October 30 to join the Fall session. This is also the last year of the live Professional Training Program--there only 100 seats left! As a graduate of the school, I am able to offer a $500 Fall Tuition Scholarship to either program if you mention my name when you enroll this month. And tuition for the live program increases by another $500, so NOW is the time to enroll for the biggest discount ($1000 by Oct 31).

So if any of this intrigues you, I highly recommend you call (877) 730-5444 for a free career counseling call. An Admissions Advisor will walk you through the basics:

your iPod and personal health counselor
your personal website to launch your practice
support to start seeing clients while you're still in school
University and National board certification
schedule, testing, curriculum, finances

You can also find out more information about IIN with new videos at their website, www.integrativenutrition.com. When you sign up to become a student this month, you'll receive a $500 Fall Tuition Scholarship just by mentioning my name! (Offer valid for new enrollments from October 19 through November 16; cannot be applied retro-actively or combined with other offers.)

And, as always, please call me if you have any questions about IIN. It changed my life and health, and maybe it will change yours!

Yours in health,

Kelly

Become your own Superhero

From the artistic genius of Keri Smith...

Concerned about the Swine Flu/ Vaccine?

If so, you have to read this article:

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/10/20/Mild-Swine-Flu-and-Over-Hyped-Vaccine.aspx#

And if you do receive a flu vaccine and suffer any side effects, make sure you report them even if your doctor does not:

www.vaers.hhs.gov

I will not be vaccinating my children with this vaccine, despite both of them being classified as high risk (infant under 1 and child with asthma). I think the risk of the vaccine side effects are so much greater than their risk of getting a serious enough case of the swine flu to cause serious harm. I will be making sure they wash their hands often however, and are getting enough sleep, and are getting adequate doses of vitamin D, and taking all the other precautions warrented this flu season.

What are you going to do? What do you think about the vaccine?

Control that stress, weigh less

From the Yoga Journal Daily eNews:

In response to stress, levels of the hormone cortisol rise; for people who continue to worry, those levels can stay high. Elevated cortisol levels not only stimulate eating, they ensure that any additional calories are efficiently converted to fat. Worse, under the influence of cortisol, that fat tends to get deposited in the abdomen, a particularly unhealthy place. Big bellies are linked to insulin resistance—a precursor to Type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes—and heart disease.

What can YOU do to control your stress and weight less? Contact me if you need suggestions or would like to schedule a complimentary 1/2 hour health assessment($75 value).

Normal food is crazy enough

Jurriann Kamp, editor of Ode Magazine states in his June/July editorial:

It’s better not to manipulate food. It’s healthier to eat it as it is, without additions or subtractions, without artificial ingredients, colors or other craziness. Tomatoes are healthier than ketchup; sugar—in moderation—is better than the substitute aspartame, which has been linked to cancer. Flour, too, is better the less it’s refined; it’s more nutritious with vitamins and minerals intact. Even fat isn’t as bad as we’ve been told, which our cover story makes clear. We need fat, the good old-fashioned stuff we’ve been eating for centuries, not the manipulated variety. Ordinary fat (again, in moderation) is healthy.

The simple message is: Stick as closely as possible to the original food. That means no chemicals, such as fertilizers or pesticides. It doesn’t mean there’s no place for convenience. You can make a pizza without odd ingredients; check out your natural foods store. The trick is to eat “normally”- which is crazy enough.

I definitely agree, don't you?

Read the whole editorial by clicking on the title link...

Elizabeth Gilbert on TED

Women-Get Empowered

Here are my amazing friend Eileen Lunny's (Empowered Women in Action) commitments to get empowered...what are yours?:

To live the life of an Empowered Women, I have found a few concepts that I needed to commit to, for me to embark on this journey of self discovery. Each one has been vitally important to my overall well being and an important part of my daily routine. Without any one of these, I would not have the clarity to listen to, honor and acknowledge that still small voice within. These important steps are:

1) Surrender any compulsive behaviors that are preventing you from being still/ living the life you love.
For me this meant everything from sugar, caffeine, alcohol, diet soda, and the list goes on – for you it may be some of these or things like excessive shopping or working, a relationship –anything which causes an obsession for you and what you know when you are still is something that is blocking you from living your best life. If you have tried to do this on your own and haven’t been successful –join a support group or ask your close friends and family for support. Your well being is worth it.

2) Exercise. It is not negotiable.
Years ago, I was a “non-exercise snob!” I had lost and maintained a 45lb weight loss for over 5 years and I was proud to tell you I did it all without exercising. I thought I didn’t need it –until I heard my still small voice say “it’s time for you to give up caffeine.” It actually took an ulcer for me to be willing to take that important step, but once I wasn’t using caffeine I discovered that I had absolutely no energy any more. I then heard my inner voice calling me to exercise and my reply was always, “no not that! I don’t exercise, I don’t like to sweat, I don’t have time…” Finally I felt so run down that I had no choice but to try following my inner guidance. At the suggestion of a friend, I started with yoga because I was told it doesn’t feel like exercise. I moved slowly towards a more rigorous workout, and now I currently weight train two days a week and I do intense cardio training 3 days a week. I have found that not only does exercise move oxygen through my body, but it gives me more energy and helps my psyche. Take it from me – I know. Find the time – as if your life depends on it because it does.

3) Commit to some quiet time each day– sitting with yourself in stillness.
They say the only wrong way to mediate is not to do it and I agree. I had to start with 5 minutes on the oven timer, and if you find yourself facing resistance to this practice then I would suggest you do this too. I still struggle today with getting still and getting quiet, but when I make that commitment it makes such a difference in my day. It is impossible to follow our dreams and move forward with our inner most desires without making time to listen for what they are and learn about who we really are.

4) Make time for myself in my day or my week.
I am trying to block off a chunk of time each week just for me. This is not a time for errands, chores, being helpful to others– it is really me time – to do the things I love or just nap, watch tv whatever my spirit calls me to. I have a girlfriend who blocks off half of the time her son naps and that is her time. Put this on your schedule as if it were a work meeting or a kids event – in other words treat it with the care you would that – no cancelling or not showing up. Again, you are worth it.

5) Get a support network I could not have done this work if I did not have the love and support of the incredible honest, loving woman in my life. This journey is not meant to be travelled alone. Join our support group of Empowered Women (click here to learn more) or create your own!

Egg Replacers

Here are some replacement foods for those that want to avoid eggs in their recipes:

2 tbsp corn starch = 1 egg
2 tbsp arrowroot flour = 1 egg
2 tbsp potato starch = 1 egg
1 heaping tbsp soy powder + 2 tbsp water = 1 egg
1 tbsp soy milk powder + 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water = 1 egg.
1 banana = 1 egg in cakes
Egg Replacer" by Ener-G Foods Inc-gluten and diary free

This is info from the Sneaky Chef, Missy (thesneakychef.com)

Enjoy!

Thrive in 30 with Brendan Brazier

Lesson 1: Stress and Diet

Lesson 2: Nutrient Density and High Net Gain Nutrition

Lesson 3: Myth Busting: the whole truth about protein, fat, and carbs

Lesson 4: Alkaline vs. Acid

Lesson 5: Digestion

Lesson 6: Superfoods

Lesson 7: Food Sensitivities

Lesson 8: Superfoods + Fitness =

Lesson 9: Activity

Lesson 10: Mental Health Hat-Trick

Lesson 11: Get Connected with our planet

And coming soon:

Lesson 12: Now What?

Go to Thrive in 30: 30 days to optimum health and vitality with Brendan Brazier to register for the whole series.

Amazing Results through Certainty and Visualization

Here is a great video from Tony Robbins.
http://tonyrobbinstraining.com/320/interview-with-frank-kern-and-john-reese/

You will learn the following:

The "4-Square" System For Creating Massive Action TODAY.
The number one thing that's holding you back...and how you can banish it from your life forever.
The subtle mental shift that millionaires use to get a financial jumpstart.
A short exercise that destroys your nagging skepticism and builds your momentum to succeed.

Enjoy!

Grocery Store Wars

REAL FOOD NOW!

The skinny on fast food

The Meatrix I and II and 1/2

Organic Centers Response to FSA *study* that found organics not better for you...

Organic Center Response to the FSA Study
July 2009
Author(s): Charles Benbrook, Ph.D.
Chief Scientist
The Organic Center

Donald R. Davis, PhD.
Retired Research Scientist
University of Texas at Austin

Preston K. Andrews
Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architechture
Washington State University

An advance copy of a study appeared today that will be published in the September edition of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." The published paper, "Nutritional quality of organic foods: a systematic review," was written by a team led by Alan Dangour, at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and funded by the United Kingdom's Food Standards Agency (FSA).

In their written report, the London team downplayed positive findings in favor of organic food. In several instances, their analysis showed that organic foods tend to be more nutrient dense than conventional foods. Plus, their study omitted measures of some important nutrients, including total antioxidant capacity. It also lacked quality controls contained in a competing study released in 2008 by The Organic Center (TOC). Last, the FSA-funded team also used data from very old studies assessing nutrient levels in plant varieties that are no longer on the market.

The London team reported finding statistically significant differences between organically and conventionally grown crops in three of thirteen categories of nutrients. Significant differences cited by the team included nitrogen, which was higher in conventional crops, and phosphorus and tritratable acids, both of which were higher in the organic crops. Elevated levels of nitrogen in food are regarded by most scientists as a public health hazard because of the potential for cancer-causing nitrosamine compounds to form in the human GI tract. Hence, this finding of higher nitrogen in conventional food favors organic crops, as do the other two differences.

Despite the fact that these three categories of nutrients favored organic foods, and none favored conventionally grown foods, the London-based team concluded that there are no nutritional differences between organically and conventionally grown crops.

A team of scientists convened by The Organic Center (TOC) carried out a similar, but more rigorous, review of the same literature. The TOC team analyzed published research just on plant-based foods. Results differ significantly from the more narrow FSA review and are reported in the study "New Evidence Confirms the Nutritional Superiority of Plant-Based Organic Foods."

The TOC findings are similar for some of the nutrients analyzed by the FSA team, but differ significantly for two critical classes of nutrients of great importance in promoting human health – total polyphenols, and total antioxidant content. The FSA team did not include total antioxidant capacity among the nutrients studied, and it found no differences in the phenolic content in 80 comparisons across 13 studies.

Unlike the London study, The Organic Center review focused on nutrient differences in "matched pairs" of crops grown on nearby farms, on the same type of soil, with the same irrigation systems and harvest timing, and grown from the same plant variety. It also rigorously screened studies for the quality of the analytical methods used to measure nutrient levels, and eliminated from further consideration a much greater percentage of the published literature than the FSA team.

While the FSA team found 80 comparisons of phenolic compounds, the TOC team focused on the more precise measure of total phenolic acids, or total polyphenols, and found just 25 scientifically valid "matched pairs." By mixing together in their statistical analysis the results of several specific phenolic acids, the FSA team likely lost statistical precision.

Instead, the TOC team focused on studies reporting values for total phenolic acids, and also applied more rigorous selection criteria to exclude poorer quality studies.

The TOC team found –


Twenty-five matched pairs of organic and conventional crops for which total phenolic acid data was reported. The levels were higher in the organic crops in 18 of these 25 cases, conventional crops were higher in 6. In five of the matched pairs, phenolic acid levels were higher in organic crops by 20% or more. On average across the 25 matched pairs, total phenolics were 10% higher in the organic samples, compared to conventional crops.

In seven of eight matched pairs reporting total antioxidant capacity data, the levels were higher in the organically grown crop. Of 15 matched pairs for the key antioxidant quercetin, 13 reported higher values in the organic food. In the case of kaempferol, another important antioxidant, the organic samples were higher in six cases, while five were higher in the conventional crops.

In the TOC study, there were an ample number of matched pairs to compare the levels of 11 nutrients, including five of the nutrients in the FSA review. For the five nutrients covered in each review, the TOC team was in general agreement with the FSA findings for two (nitrogen and phosphorus).

The London team did not assess differences in key individual antioxidants, nor in total antioxidant activity, important nutrients that have been measured in several more recent studies.

Across all the valid matched pairs and the 11 nutrients included in the TOC study, nutrient levels in organic food averaged 25% higher than in conventional food. Given that some of the most significant differences favoring organic foods were for key antioxidant nutrients that most Americans do not get enough of on most days, the team concluded that the consumption of organic fruits and vegetables, in particular, offered significant health benefits, roughly equivalent to an additional serving of a moderately nutrient dense fruit or vegetable on an average day.

Why the Different Results?

A review of the London-based team's methodology and study design points clearly to why the FSA and Organic Center studies reached some different conclusions.

Inclusion of Older Studies

The FSA review included studies over a 50-year period: January 1958 through February 2008. The TOC team included studies published since 1980. Most studies published before 1980 were found flawed for purposes of comparing the nutrient content of today's conventional and organic crops.

Most of the older studies used plant varieties no longer in use, and did not measure or report total phenolics or antioxidant capacity (since these nutrients were just being discovered). The older studies used analytical methods that are now considered inferior, compared to modern methods.

Further, since the 1950s, plant breeders and growers have consistently increased the yields of food crops, leading, in some cases, to a dilution of nutrients. In 2004, one of us (Donald R. Davis) reported evidence for a general decline in some nutrient levels in 43 garden crops between 1950 and 1999 (Davis et al., "Changes in USDA Food Composition Data for 43 Garden Crops, 1950 to 1999," Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol. 23(6): 669-682; a summary of the Davis paper is posted).

Similarly, an Organic Center report by Brian Halweil describes in detail the evidence linking higher yields and nutrient decline ("Still No Free Lunch: Nutrient levels in the U.S. food supply eroded by pursuit of high yields,").
Thus, results in the FSA study are likely confounded by the team's decision to include data from over three decades ago.

New Studies Support Greater Nutrient Density in Organic Foods

Since February 2008, the cut-off date of the London study, some 15 new studies have been published, most of which use superior design and analytical methods based on criticisms of older studies. The Organic Center is updating its earlier analysis with these additional studies. These new studies generally reinforce the findings reported in the March 2008 TOC report, particularly in the case of nitrogen (higher in conventional crops, a disadvantage), and Vitamin C, total phenolics, and total antioxidant capacity, which are typically higher in organically grown foods.

The Center's study finds that protein content and beta-carotene, a precursor of Vitamin A, are typically higher in conventionally grown foods, but since both are present at ample or excessive levels in the diets of most Americans, these differences do not confer a nutritional advantage nearly as important as heightened levels of phenolics and antioxidants in organic foods.

Exclusion of Studies Analyzing Results on "Integrated" Farms

The FSA team excluded studies comparing organic foods to "integrated" and biodynamic production systems, stating that "integrated" systems are not conventional. Most conventional U.S. fruit and vegetable producers are now using advanced levels of Integrated Pest Management. Thus, "integrated" systems are now a more accurate description of "conventional" agriculture in the U.S., than a definition grounded in monoculture, the calendar spraying of pesticides, and excessive applications of chemical fertilizers. The London team did not report in the published paper which "integrated" studies were dropped, but we suspect some important U.S.-based studies may have been eliminated.

TOC Study Applied Much Stricter Screens for Scientific Validity

The two teams agree that many published studies are methodologically flawed, and hence should not be included in comparative studies. But the FSA and TOC teams used very different rules to screen studies for scientific quality and to select matched pairs for analyses.

The FSA team cites five criteria: definition of the organic system; specification of the plant variety (i.e., crop genetics); statement of nutrients analyzed; description of laboratory method used; and, a statement regarding statistical methods for assessing differences. The London team states that they simply required some discussion of these issues in published papers, but did not set or apply any qualitative thresholds in judging scientific validity.

The Organic Center team focused on the same factors (plus several others) and used stated, objective criteria for assessing them. The TOC team reviewed the statistical power and reliability of the analytical methods, a process that eliminated dozens of results. Finally, the TOC team insisted upon a close match of soils, plant genetics (variety), harvest method and timing, and irrigation systems, all factors that can bias the results of a comparison study.

Inclusion of Market-Basket Studies

The FSA team included some market basket studies, for which there is no way to know the specific circumstances of the farm locations, the plant genetics, the soil type, or harvest method and timing. In the Organic Center study, market basket results were judged as "invalid" based on several quality-control screening criteria.

Coke and Del Monte plot to deceive mothers & minorities about dangers of BPA

From the Environmental Working Group:

We're fighting back. Call now to demand no more BPA in their products.
June 2009

Share This!
Read the BPA industry's internal memos for yourself!
Call these toll-free numbers to protest Coca-Cola: 1-800-GET-COKE, ext. 2
Del Monte: 1-800-543-3090

Sample script: "Hello, My name is ______________. I'm shocked and disappointed in your unethical approach to business when it comes to BPA - placing profits ahead of my family's health and using fear tactics to placate consumers about a clearly dangerous chemical. BPA needs to go - NOW. Thank you."

After you call... 1. Tell us about it. Send EWG an email describing the conversation.
2. Get your friends to call. Send them an e-card to your friends today.
3. Donate to EWG so we can keep these big corporations from profiting off your family's health.
Take the quiz to see what the BPA industry is cooking up. It ain't pretty.
Last week food and chemical lobbyists met in Washington, DC to save BPA - they're desperate to block state and federal efforts to regulate their $6 billion industry.


We were shocked when we read their internal meeting memos, which revealed a dangerous and unethical strategy to keep your family eating and drinking from BPA-laden containers - despite the mounting scientific evidence that exposure to even extremely low levels of BPA can impact health, particularly during early infancy. Get the full story on Enviroblog.



QUESTION: Which of these tactics did BPA industry lobbyists concoct?
Employing fear tactics like threatening consumers with limited access to affordable baby food. (Guess they don't want to talk about the safe substitutes for bottles, cups, and formula cans already on the market).

Using a "pregnant young mother who would be willing to speak around the country about the benefits of BPA" as their 'holy grail' spokesperson.

Focusing fear tactics on historically exploited populations including "Hispanic and African Amercians and the poor."

"Befriending people that are able to manipulate the legislative process."

All of the above.


ANSWER: (E) All of the above. Ready to fight back? So are we.

Call these toll-free numbers to protest
Coca-Cola: 1-800-GET-COKE, then press 2
Del Monte: 1-800-543-3090

Sample script:

"Hello, My name is ______________. I'm shocked and disappointed in your unethical approach to business when it comes to BPA - placing profits ahead of my family's health and using fear tactics to placate consumers about a clearly dangerous chemical. The BPA needs to go - NOW. Thank you."


After you call...
1. Tell us about it. Send EWG an email describing the conversation.
2. Get your friends to call. Send an e-card to ask your friends to call today.
3. Donate to EWG so we can keep these big corporations from profiting off your family's health.

Print this page.
E-mail this page.

So Im an ambassador

for my alma mater IIN, and they sent me this great email about their new F.ree Career ToolKit:

This complimentary toolkit includes:

• An up-to-date analysis of the health coaching profession in a downloadable mp3 format. It's called, "Why Do Health Coaching," and features founder of IIN, Joshua Rosenthal. You'll learn about the emerging field of health coaching and how you could be an important player in the future of nutrition and health. This lecture will give you a well-rounded view of health coaching as a career (as well as the beneficial results you might just get with your own health.)

• An informative excerpt from the book Integrative Nutrition: Feed Your Hunger for Health and Happiness. It's titled, "Primary Food," and clearly explains how to find the work you love and love the work you find. (After reading this, you might find more peace and clarity in what you want to do with the rest of their lives.)
• Detailed Case Histories and stories of IIN graduates. Hear their intimate experiences about the impact they're making in their families and communities. You may even hear a story that resonates deeply with you.
• Options of how to work this exciting training into your life without sacrificing any of your activities (even if you already have a job). One of the most popular aspects of studying at IIN is the distance learning option so you can learn at your own pace no matter where you live. (AND you'll discover how much ongoing support is built into the program.)
• A complimentary one-on-one career coaching session with one of our trained Admissions Advisors. As a team you will design your potential, personalized career in the health and wellness field. (By the way, there is zero pressure or expectation in this session. It's simply an objective appointment to show you the possibilities and answer your questions.)

 AND The program at IIN is backed by sound scientific research and tons of happy, healthy success stories - one of them is MINE (I'm even profiled in the book "Integrative Nutrition"-look in Chapter 1!)

To download your F-R-E-E Career Starter Kit, please visit this link.

Whether you're looking for a new, significant career, want to reclaim your own health back, or simply coach others on how to make better nutritional choices, I believe IIN can do for you what it did for me.

P.S. If you have any questions you'd like to ask me personally by all means email me back. I'd love to help you get answers.  And make sure you mention my name to get a significant enrollment discount if you decide to attend...and you can do it all via distance learning...

And if you want to receive my monthly email for free, be sure to visit the contact page of my website: