ZenPowerFitness

take a moment

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 18:25:00 -0800

Take a break. Take a deep inhale for a count of 6 and let it out for a count of 6.

Repeat with your eyes closed.

Now read:

“At the center of your being you have the answer: you know who you are and you know what you want.”

-Lao Tzu

Be well and be true. Namaste.

What are we eating? It’s their job to make packaged foods...

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 16:38:02 -0800

What are we eating?

It’s their job to make packaged foods taste so good that you can’t stop eating them. Did you think that “natural flavoring” meant not processed or manufactured in a laboratory and therefore healthy? Watch this

My Post Valentine

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 23:31:48 -0800

When we interact with others are we really connecting? Can we honor the beauty of vulnerability between us when we share our self heart-to-heart, face-to-face and voice-to-voice? Can we allow that connection?

Are we hiding behind a text message when maybe it would be a warmer, easier interaction to call? Are we using phone calls for business and not so much in our personal life? Have we lost the human connection? How is the sea-saw tilting in our life?

What is it about a text message that can be sweet like a post-it on the fridge “thinking of you :)” to the opposite, “you are not important enough for me to call”. Are we sending the right message? Are we even aware?

Find the child inside you that was not afraid to express your heart to others. It feels good to hear a child tell you they missed you, does it not? Connecting matters.

Remember, this could be your last day together.

Say the good things everyday to others.

Everyday.

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:36:11 -0800

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

Keep Going!

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:50:00 -0800

It’s almost two weeks into the New Year. How are you doing? Is life starting to challenge you? Are you feeling fear creep in, trying to pull you back??

(Reference: Merriam-Webster) BECOME: To come into existence, to come to be, to undergo change or development….

Keep going!!! It’s the darkest part of the hour before the light starts to glow; the stillness in the morning’s dew before the flower begins to bloom.

…become your best you…

Remember why you set your goals…(maybe this song will help)

Holiday Reflections

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:05:10 -0800

This is the time of year for reflection and goal setting.

Around the world people celebrate holidays that bring light into the darkness.

If the room is dark, turn on a light.

Bringing visual light into a room where you are feeling scared or overwhelmed can calm you. The warmth of a candle this time of year holds many great qualities for a space and the people in it.

What do children need when they have a nightmare? A nightlight.

Finding your “light” (your talents and passions) and sharing them with others really does expand your joy for life and helps ignite more light in others too.

It is only one small flame that is needed to light many candles.

Sometimes all you need to do to find your “light” is to remember what brought you joy as a child. What did you lose time doing? What was your childhood hobby?? Have you tried that activity recently? Just doing that activity can loosen the feeling of being stuck, and here begins the playfulness needed to brighten your light.

You may not see how your light can light others, so think of this:

In receiving a kind smile from a stranger, you feel warmth. You feel a brief connection to another person. You are not alone, you have been acknowledged. Haven’t you experienced this? Perhaps you were having a difficult moment and a stranger passed you with a warm smile, and you smiled back and then you felt lighter, you took a breath, you got back in the moment; all because one person shared light with you.

“I am a part of all that I have met.” ~Alfred Lord Tennyson

Safe Core Training

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 10:37:46 -0700

Even with the best intentions, it is important to understand the anatomy of movement to prevent stress, strain, injury or to prevent wasting your precious time doing activities that lack benefits. Learn to listen to what your body is saying before you move. Remember the goal is to support a long term healthy and active lifestyle!

Here is a short overview video on protecting your lower back while performing core exercises.

Relationships

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 22:59:13 -0700

“Kabbalah teaches universal principles that apply to all peoples of all faiths and all religions, regardless of ethnicity or where you come from. The beauty of studying Kabbalah is that you can’t be forced to think in a particular way.

We’ve all been resigned on a certain level to the ups and downs of life. But does life have to be so rocky? Can situations start at one point and just continue to improve everyday? Is it possible? Is there a way to achieve what I want in my life? Yes, there is a way.”

Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy & Mirrors

Wed, 04 May 2011 23:30:33 -0700

Here is a wonderful video by my colleague speaking about the healing process and how the therapist supports the client into awareness and wellbeing:

Food Additive Concerns

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:19:00 -0700

Eating nutritionally dense foods are something we all need to be mindful about for maintaining a healthy and active body. Research on children should also give pause to what any adult considers consuming.

I ask, “If this is not healthy and beneficial to feed to a child, why would I feed it to myself?”

Prescription Pain Medication and Infants

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 10:36:00 -0800

Recently in the news there were some disturbing statistics about infants suffering from prescription pain medication withdrawal upon birth. It turns out this was reported last year ( Watch Video ) and is gaining attention again because the numbers of infants suffering has been rising at a very fast rate.

Here is a summary of the current news ( read the full article ):

“[Janet] Colbert, a registered nurse in a neonatal intensive care unit at a Broward County hospital, said more often than not the babies at her hospital are testing positive for oxycodone and other prescription drugs.

From 2006 to 2009, there was a 173 percent increase in newborns treated at Florida hospitals for drug withdrawal syndrome. Doctors, nurses and social workers say cases of “crack babies” are dwindling, while cases of prescription drug dependence are becoming more prevalent.

Former state Sen. Dave Aronberg, a Palm Beach County attorney now leading Attorney General Pam Bondi’s new anti-pill mill initiative, called the newborn drug withdrawal statistics ‘horrifying’.

From her experience, Colbert said, the numbers sound low. That may be because some doctors classify cases as maternal drug abuse rather than neonatal drug abuse.

Officials say the increase in drug-dependent newborns is further evidence of Florida’s — and the nation’s — growing use of prescription drugs.

From October 2008 to March 2009, 49 of the nation’s top 50 dispensing doctors of oxycodone were in Florida, with the majority concentrated in Broward and Palm Beach counties, a grand jury reported. And according to one national study, the use of prescription pain medication increased 400 percent from 1998 to 2008.

‘It’s like a side effect no one’s seeing,’ [Colbert] said. ‘Every time we admit another baby like this, I wonder, why isn’t somebody doing something about this.’”

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Harmony

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 19:03:00 -0800

You are what you eat and what you do today is the foundation for your tomorrow…In this video The Prince of Wales brings to light a deeper meditation, “Isn’t it terrible to be given this gift and then to go and wreck it.”…what are your daily choices?

You may feel powerless when really your choices matter.

Learn more:

Biomimicry Institute : The science and art of emulating Nature’s best biogical ideas to solve human problems

Center for Health and the Global Environment : Harvard Medical School Program to help people understand that our health depends on the health of the environment

Forest Ethics : To protect Endangered Forests, wild places, wildlife, and human wellbeing

Coastal First Nations : To protect the coastal rainforest

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Fall Fiesta Chili

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 22:21:00 -0700

There is something so romantic about the changing colors of the maple and elm trees, the fresh smell of a cool dew grass morning, the subtle chill that makes snuggling under a blanket by the fireplace in the evening a welcoming home that I love.

In the practice of Ayurveda our routine of living is honored by a dance that matches the change of time during the day and the change of seasons to ease the body, mind, and spirit into maintaining health and balance with the earth.

When September comes there is that last burst of summer foods like melons and peaches which come October are replaced by crisp tart apples and savory squashes. One of my favorite meals of this season is a hearty bowl of vegetarian chili; a complete nutritional meal with a little heat to warm the body inside.

It is simple and affordable to make. It freezes well, so it can be portioned for future meals you might need when you are too busy to cook. If you know you have a busy day coming up just take the frozen chili from the freezer into the fridge the night before and warm over low heat when you get home for dinner the following day. You will have a home cooked healthy meal in a few minutes. It is a heart healthy treat for yourself and those you love at the dining room table. No excuses!! What a gift to take the edge off your day by relaxing together over a home cooked meal.

Here is my recipe which blends the end of summer harvest with the early fall flavors. As always, use organic and local produce when possible. My preparation is low sodium and mild, I prefer to offer the seasonings for each person to add individually for dietary and personal taste.

Fall Fiesta Chili

Ingredients:

2 onions, chopped

4 cloves garlic, diced

½ cup water

1 Tablespoon ground cumin

1 1/4 cups fresh mild tomato salsa from your grocer’s refrigerator

2 green peppers, chopped

1- 16oz bag “7 bean and barley mix” prepared (You can find this item in the dried bean or soup isle of your grocery.)

1 quart cherry tomatoes, whole

12 oz. frozen corn kernels, defrosted

1 Tablespoon hot pepper sauce

1 cup Brown Basmati Rice

Salt

Fresh Cilantro, chopped (or substitute Italian Parsley)

PREPARE 7 Bean and Barley mix. This can be done the day before. Follow the directions on the package for soaking and simmering times.

GET STARTED Get the rice into a rice cooker and start it cooking. Chop all vegetables & garlic and put frozen corn in a bowl on the counter to defrost.

COOK ON STOVE TOP IN LARGE STEW POT on medium high heat the water with onions and garlic for 5 minutes * stir frequently. Add cumin, salsa, bell peppers & lower heat to simmer for 5 minutes, stir occasionally. Add bean and barley mix, cherry tomatoes, corn, Hot pepper sauce & simmer for 10 minutes.

Buen Apetito! Serve with Steamed Brown Basmati Rice & Fresh Cilantro, salt and hot pepper sauce for those that want to add more spice.

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NEWS ALERT

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:24:25 -0700

“The diabetes drug Avandia will be suspended entirely in Europe, while patients in the United States will be allowed access to the medicine.

The differing paths taken by European and American drug regulators reflect, in part, their differing powers. In Europe, drugs never gain permanent approval, and sales can rather easily be suspended. The F.D.A. does not have the power to give drugs conditional approval or to suspend sales. Restricted distribution programs, on the other hand, are becoming increasingly common in the United States but are rarely offered in Europe.

A study by Dr. Steven Nissen, a Cleveland Clinic cardiologist, found that it increased the risk of heart attacks. An advisory committee in 2007 decided that Avandia did increase heart risks but voted to keep it on the market.

Also on Thursday, the F.D.A. ordered GlaxoSmithKline to conduct an independent assessment of the Record trial, a landmark study of Avandia’s heart effects that an F.D.A. medical officer found was riddled with what he said were unpardonable errors that seriously biased the trial’s conclusions.

Senate investigators found that GlaxoSmithKline spent years hiding from regulatory authorities clear indications that Avandia increased heart risks.”

-The New York Times (full article)

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The Power of Presence

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 15:47:00 -0700

Learning about the message you send from dogs. This episode of Dog Whisperer focuses on the human. Cesar is brilliant.

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Skin Care Safety

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 00:08:00 -0700

Did you know that there are no government regulations on beauty products?

This means that the manufactured products you put on your body can have any chemical in them; chemicals that do not have to be tested for safety.

The human body absorbs about 60% of what is put on it; this is why some drugs are now being applied in patches on the skin, because what the skin absorbs goes directly into the blood. Look for body care products that are organic and ALL natural. Even better make it yourself; it’s more affordable and safer for your body.

Ayurvedic preventative medicine involves many body treatments that saturate the body from head to toe in oils such as sesame. If you like scent, add organic aromatherapy oils to almond or sunflower oil which absorb scent best. For more soothing and moisturizing treatments try Extra Virgin Olive Oil blended with avocado, walnut, and/or grapeseed oils. For a real tropical treat, put some pure coconut oil, which has a sweet mild scent, in a bottle and set it in a bowl of hot water until it liquefies; applied warm oil is very soothing to the body.

Shop smart and always buy your oils from the food isle. Anything you can eat will be the safest and purest product for your skin AND it will be much cheaper than anything labeled “massage oil”.

Always pat dry after a shower to keep some of the water on your skin then apply the oil which will lock all that moisture into your skin, plumping it back to life. If you have dry skin, exfoliate daily in the shower with a loofah, wash cloth, or my favorite, a salt scrub:

My recipe for exfoliating salt body scrub:

One Cup Sea Salt in a bowl (option: mix half granular and half course)

Pour your choice of oils over the salts until the oil is to the same level as the salt

Mix with a spoon. This is enough for about one or two full body treatments.

Watch this video to learn more about homemade skin care, and creating a healthy living space:

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EATING IN AMERICA

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 18:53:00 -0700

I have had many conversations with International friends trying to solve their questions about eating in America and obesity. In return, I asked why food tastes better abroad and do they live more active lifestyles back home.

Perhaps the entrance of GMO foods and corn syrups into the market is part of the answer. Watch the complete documentary The Future of Food (commercial free online).

Wired Magazine:

“To the average consumer, GM [genetically modified] crops are invisible, especially because you don’t have to label them in the US…A big chunk of all that genetically modified corn and soy go right into our processed foods and into feed for the animals we eat. So chances are, unless you are a raw or organic foodista, you ate a GM food derivative this very day.”

Sierra Club:

“High-quality food is better for your health. When you go to the grocery store, you find that the cheapest calories are the ones that are going to make you the fattest—the added sugars and fats in processed foods…If you have organic Coca-Cola you’re still feeding people junk and making them fat…We would never be as careless choosing an auto mechanic or a babysitter as we are about who grows our food.”

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LAUGHTER: IT’S ALL GOOD!

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:23:00 -0700

“Laughter is the best medicine”. Yes, and it is free! Ayurvedic Medicine teaches an important component for good health: relationships. It is vital to be surrounded with people that provide positive impact. Being mindful to surround ourselves with people and activities that help us release the tension we accumulate each day is a wonderful priority to have; bond with good humor. Laughing from the gut with someone, now that is part of a joyful life!

With our new cultural acceptance of emailing and texting to communicate it is very easy to pile on stresses and issues due to lost messages, misunderstandings, time pressures, and multitasking; something that a good old fashioned face to face meeting or phone call probably could have helped to avoid. We cannot forget our basic need for human contact and other cues for good communication.

The benefits of touch, I have found in my work, extend to include the spiritual part of our being. It is not just what we say but what we think. It is not only that we are touched but also the intention behind the touch given or received. This determines if we are helped, hurt or neither from the experience.

When was the last time you were touched by a moment of laughter?

Try this auditory prescription from Dr. Glick and Dr. Phillips to help lighten your day. Faking a smile and laughter help to stimulate the real thing plus it is contagious. So get out of that gloomy mood, watch some comedy, and make some laughter happen! Cheers!

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Beach Body Drinking Tips

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:55:00 -0700

One of my favorite ways to relax is with a light cocktail on a beach feeling the warm salty breeze off the ocean…. I can hear the criticism, “how can you promote wellness and drink alcohol?” My answer: life is short and life is meant to be enjoyed. Let’s enjoy the moments we have together while we still have them and prolong our health with wise choices, moderation, and modification; that is how to maintain a beach body. I want to focus on one diet issue that needs awareness: Alcohol is empty calories. Empty calories are a quick way to gain weight, and when removed to lose weight.

Compounded behaviors over time make a physique what it is today. There is a fear and a pull of opposites people seem to have like they must choose between celebrations or a rigidly planned “health conscious” lifestyle. Here’s a thought to consider: Healthy living is simply doing what brings you enjoyment. Ask yourself: “Am I going to be hurting myself or someone else with this?” Clearly, it is not wise to go about hurting yourself or others. Please, if you ever feel out of control with a situation or behavior, ask for help from a professional. There is never anything shameful about asking for help. No one achieves success alone.

Here are some easy to remember calorie cutting tips:

1. The lower the proof the lower the calorie content.

2. Choose a drink that will maximize the liquid volume for the calories. Keep in mind serving size: 1.5 oz hard liquor, 4 oz of wine or 12 oz of beer are around 100-120 calories each. How many shots are in a cocktail? How many ounces are in that beer or wine glass?

3. The sweeter the drink the more sugar, and calories, are in it.

4. Mixers can add significant calories. Creams, syrups, regular sodas, and Tonic water add many more calories than a squeeze or splash of fruit juice, seltzer or diet soda.

5. Late night munchies can creep in with late night drinking; snack, don’t feast before bedtime if you must.

6. Follow each drink with a glass of water. This will help hydrate and slow down or minimize the beverages consumed.

Here is a recipe I created as a light summer cocktail:

BEACH BODY (Total Calories: 75)

In a High Ball Glass filled with ice cubes pour the following:

1.5 oz Coconut Rum

Top off with Perrier (club soda)

Juice of one fresh lime wedge

Gently mix with a straw

Garnish with a sprig of Fresh Mint

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AVOCADO SPOONABLE SMOOTHIE

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 21:45:00 -0700

I hope you enjoy this recipe. I created it for myself as a healthy alternative to ice cream. It is sure to satisfy that craving for something rich and creamy!

Nutrients that will make you feel and look good:

Avocadosare full of nutrients such as B vitamins, and minerals. Plus they are full of healthy monounsaturated fats, which are proven to lower cholesterol, and contain high concentrations of lutein, a powerful carotenoid. This is my favorite food for circulatory and nervous system health!!

Yogurt contains calcium, which studies have shown helps balance the metabolism in addition to supporting healthy bones, plus various live active cultures that benefit the digestive and immune systems.

Maple Syrup is a natural plant sweetener that contains trace minerals and lots of flavor.

TOOLS:

A must have for the kitchen to make great smoothies is a hand held blender. My Cuisanart hand blender came with a mixing cup which I use for this recipe.

INGREDIENTS:

One Organic Ripe Haas Avocado, peeled and seed removed

One cup Organic Low Fat Plain Yogurt (or substitute with non-dairy soy-gurt)

One tablespoon Maple Syrup

Place avocado and yogurt into the mixing cup and blend until smooth, then add maple syrup and blend until combined. Serve immediately; makes two servings.

*Extra Health Tip: Skip butter on toast and try spreading on avocado with a pinch of salt.

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