Beyond Body Mind Spirit

One Dog’s Affair with Yogurt

Michele — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:56:29 +0000

Long before the current hype around yogurt, Shanti, our mascot, had a relationship or actually an obsession with one of his favorite yogurts, Brown Cow

He’s quite choosy, and knows that all yogurts are NOT the same.

How does he choose which brand to love?

He knows not to confuse sugary yogurts with the ones that give your body what it truly needs, like:

Probiotics – “good” bacteria for a healthy digestive system
Live cultures – like acidophilus and bifidus that are beneficial for human health
Nutrients- like Calcium, Vitamin A, D, B-2, B-12, Potassium and magnesium

Is good taste on your list? Shanti thinks so. Look at this passionate affair!

Then join Shanti and begin romancing your body with healthy, yummy yogurt.

See more of Shanti on Facebook-
http://www.facebook.com/beyondbodymindspirit

Summer Solstice + Self Love= Your Recipe for Happiness

Michele — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:04:48 +0000

The celebration of the relationship between our sun and planet is around the corner. Let’s emulate how ancient cultures show appreciation for this time by honoring the love within us.

Throughout time, songs have been sung, poems have been composed, and volumes upon volumes have been written about Love. Without a doubt, love is as critical as air and water.

So this Summer Solstice, Beyond Body Mind Spirit (BBMS) invites you to explore and expand your world of Love into Self Love. Try this exercise.

Right now close your eyes for a moment. Visualize your body as a gateway opening to release the thoughts and feelings within you. Now ask yourself, “What does happiness mean to me?” Take a few moments. Allow every thought and feeling to be expressed, using whatever device is at hand.

When I tried this exercise, I realized the majority of my responses were about my desire to help the other people in my life. I believe this is an admirable quality. Perhaps you, like me, were taught, “do onto others …” as children. Yet as I read through my list of answers, I realized what was missing was how I create my own happiness through my actions towards me.

And that’s what BBMS asks you to consider- all the ways to support you, care for you, make wiser decisions for you, have compassion for you, and unconditionally love you. As my experience suggests, learning how to love yourself requires these quiet moments and a teacher to help you explore what’s inside.

Self Love is just ONE aspect of happiness. At BBMS, we help you “Enjoy Healthy” in its fullest sense and add yoga, meditation, and nutrition.

Over the next few weeks, I will explore the other 3 aspects with you.

So begin by commenting about your thoughts on happiness to keep this conversation going. Then infuse your vision of happiness into your Summer Solstice practice and revel in your creation.

“Enjoy Healthy” with results that last a lifetime,
Michele & Annemarie

Michele Risa & Annemarie Bombardieri
Beyond Body Mind Spirit

P.S. Add your comments and let’s blow the roof off our experience of Self Love.

P.P.S. Like us on Facebook.

4 Steps for a Summer Body + Year ‘Round

Michele — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 19:57:14 +0000

Tired of struggling each summer to lose weight, exercise more, and eat healthier food?
Would you like a proven process that is easy to do, plus on-going support that guarantees your success?

Would you like your efforts to be MULTIPLIED?
MULTIPLY the benefits of exercise AND healthy cooking
MULTIPLY the tools so you save time AND money
MULTIPLY the results so they’re both immediate AND long lasting

If YES, here’s how with our Gourmet Fitness program.

You’ll start with “Yoga for Anyone, Anywhere.” You begin with a rigorous workout to lose those extra pounds, increase energy, and release all that stress no matter your weight or age. And after our class, you can easily do it at your home, your desk, or even on a park bench.

Then you’ll join our cooking class with quick, healthy and great tasting recipes. You’ll focus on the keys to weight loss, how to set and maintain healthy boundaries, and deal with challenging situations that trigger emotional eating. You’ll tap into your “inner-chef” and learn how to cook fabulous meals for you and your family.

Plus our approach guarantees success because rather than focusing on will power (which is usually the most difficult place to start changing your life), we focus on mindset that’s a whole lot easier and includes learning to be your best friend. You make changes from an inside-out perspective and create a lifestyle that’s long-lasting.

We all know change takes time. And research shows it takes 30-90 days to form a new habit. That’s why we’re providing support that is critical to your building a strong foundation and staying on track:

Hands-on Learning- do a workout, relax, and then help prepare a delicious meal that you can easily make any day of the week
Workbook, Progress Report, & Tips- you will have all you need to maintain the exercises and meditation, prepare healthy meals, and have nutritional alternatives to those empty calories and snacks
Daily Reminders- to keep you motivated and moving towards your goals
Private Call- make sure your practice is most effective and beneficial by having all questions answered in a follow up phone call with Michele

Our Promise: This program is tailored to your dietary needs and limited to only 6 people.

What: Gourmet Fitness with Love: Yoga & Healthy Cooking
When: Friday, May 3^rd, 6 – 9 PM
Where: 10 Park Avenue, the corner of Park Avenue and 34^th Street
Registration Fee: Only $120.00 (See Free Class Intro Below)
Includes a 14 page workbook, food, and all materials.

Space is limited to only 6 people, so register today at www.GourmetFitness.Eventbrite.com

“Enjoy Healthy” with results that last a lifetime,
Michele & Gabby

Michele Risa & Gabriella Potievsky
BEYOND body mind spirit www.BeyondBodyMindSpirit.com

P.S. Interested in seeing how to feel happier AND healthier 24/7 with Gourmet Fitness? Join our Free Class on Friday, April 26^th at 6:30 PM. Call 212 889-4986.

PLUS have a chance to increase your progress! Hear about our health movement where every month you have fun joining everyone to re-charge. With membership, classes are discounted. No health-loving folks will be turned away. More details on April 26^th or just call 212 889-4986.

Your Team of Instructors:
Michele Risa is an author, TV producer, corporate lecturer and the owner of Beyond Body Mind Spirit, a holistic lifestyle company founded in1989. She has helped hundreds of people navigate through the challenging process of change, with expertise in weight-loss, anti-aging, stress-management, and yoga.
www.BeyondBodyMindSpirit.com

Gabriella Potievsky has a passion for nutrition. She studied nutrition at Rutgers undergraduate, is continuing in their graduate program, and maintains a license as a Food Inspector. She has been exposed to the art of cooking throughout her life, and as a “sous chef” has created extraordinary cuisines- from authentic Russian borscht, from-scratch Italian pizza, to exotic sushi. She brings her wit and sense of humor that lights up everyone in the room.

Feel Great with an Easy, Proven Process- Guaranteed

Michele — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 18:04:08 +0000

Are you tired of having the same New Year’s Resolutions year after year- to lose weight, exercise, and eat healthily?

Would you like a proven process that is easy to do, plus on-going support that guarantees your success?

Would you like your efforts to be DOUBLED?

DOUBLE the benefits that include exercise AND healthy cooking
DOUBLE the tools to save time AND money
DOUBLE the results that are immediate AND long lasting

If YES, here’s how with our Gourmet Fitness program.

And you’ll cross off those year after year New Year’s Resolutions to “exercise, lose weight, and eat healthily” and finally create a permanent, long-lasting lifestyle change.

Plus our approach guarantees success because rather than focusing on a habit (which is usually the worst place to start changing your life), we focus on mindset that makes changes from an inside-out perspective.

We know change takes time. And research shows it takes 30-90 days to form a new habit. That’s why we’re providing support over 4 weeks that is critical to your building a strong foundation and staying on track:

Hands-on Learning- do a workout, relax, and then help prepare a delicious meal that you can easily make any day of the week
Workbook, Progress Report, & Tips- you will have all you need to maintain the exercises and meditation, prepare healthy meals, and have nutritional alternatives to those empty calories and snacks
Daily Reminders- to keep you motivated and moving towards your goals
Private Call- make sure your practice is most effective and beneficial by having all questions answered in a follow up phone call with Michele

Our Promise: This program is tailored to your dietary needs and limited to only 6 people.

What: Gourmet Fitness: Yoga & Healthy Cooking
When: Fridays, March 22, 29, April 5 and 12- choose any class or all 4!
Time: 6 – 9 PM
Where: 10 Park Avenue, the corner of Park Avenue and 34^th Street
Registration Fee: Only $120.00 per class (See Early Bird Discount Below)
Includes 6 page handout, food, and all materials.

Space is limited to only 6 people, so register today at www.GourmetFitness.Eventbrite.com

“Enjoy Healthy” with results that last a lifetime,
Michele & Gabby

Michele Risa & Gabriella Potievsky
BEYOND body mind spirit www.BeyondBodyMindSpirit.com

P.S. Reply by March 3rd for your Early Bird 20% Off or just $97 for everything!

P.P.S. Come join our health movement! No one will be turned away. Just call 212 889-4986 and hear about our sliding scale.

This Valentine’s, Be with the Love of Your Life (plus FREE Video & Recipe)

Michele — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 19:22:31 +0000

If you’re like me, February 14^th can be a reminder of how lonely we sometimes feel. Watching the TV ads for diamond rings can leave me feeling ”alone”- even if in a relationship.

Photo by Ambro

Instead I now make Valentine’s Day a “ME Day” by strengthening the relationship I have with myself and practicing more forgiveness and kindness. And instead of putting the spotlight on what I don’t have, I appreciate what I do have.

So, silence the advertisements that say you must give or receive “diamond” rings and instead give yourself the true diamond which is feeling loved.

(Was interviewed on radio by Mitchell Rabin- ABetterWorld- get the full story.)

OMG! This feeling uplifts your mood, spreads to everyone around you, and magically fills the space with love.

Don’t let another Valentine’s Day be a sad one.

Celebrate with the love of your life- YOU! Fall in love with who you are by coming to our special Valentine’s Day class, “Creating Self Love” and let cupid pierce your heart with deep acceptance and vibrant joy.

When: Friday, February 15th, 6-7:30 PM
Where: 10 Park Avenue, (corner of Park Avenue and 34^th Street), 3D
RSVP: MRisa@BeyondBodyMindSpirit or 212 889-4986
Cost: $18.00 (Bring a friend so you both enjoy TRUE LOVE and get 50% off!)

SPECIAL BONUS: Enjoy our newest “Relaxation Video, for Anyone, Anywhere” FREE. It’s our way of acknowledging your first step towards making love a constant in your life.

Happy, Hug-Your-Heart Valentine’s,
Gabby & Michele

Gabriella Potievsky and Michele Risa

Photo by StockImage

L-o-v-e at first bite!

Say “I love you” with this fabulous, healthy but decadent recipe.

Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries

1 lb fresh strawberries

8 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
chocolate chips (optional)
graham crackers (optional)

1. Rinse strawberries.
2. Cut off the stem. Hollow out a little of the center to put your cheesecake fluff.
3. Cut off enough of the strawberry tip so that your strawberry stands.
4. In a mixer, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until it’s nice and fluffy. Then fill a pastry bag (or zip lock bag) full of the cream cheese filling and pipe it into each strawberry.

OPTIONAL:
5. Chocolate: Add some chocolate chips to a micro-safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stir, and then repeat until it’s smooth. The amount of chocolate chips depends on how much chocolate you want on your strawberries. For example, to drizzle 20 strawberries, melt about 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. Then scoop your melted chocolate into the corner of a plastic bag. Cut off a tiny corner to squeeze out a small line of chocolate to drizzle on top of your strawberries.

6. If you want graham crackers, just smash them in a bag and sprinkle on top!

Important: place in the fridge to chill thoroughly and then serve.

**Tip: Don’t make these too far in advance or not more than 2-4 hours ahead of time. Otherwise, the strawberries sweat and can get soggy.

How to Stop Meals from Being a Never-Ending Guilt Trip

Michele — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 18:53:22 +0000

If you’re like me, you’re often on the look out for tips on how to cut calories and lose weight. So when I saw an article on Oprah’s website, “8 No-Brainer Tricks to Save Around 100 Calories in a Day,” I couldn’t resist.

Enjoy Food & Lose Weight

I am an Oprah fan. I say that because she offers so many ideas that improve the quality of my life. Yet today, I am saying NO to some of this article’s suggestions and instead saying what is rarely said- you can LOSE WEIGHT and ENJOY FOOD.

To clarify, here are 2 examples:

(Don’t) “Take a half-empty approach to breakfast”
Though the article suggests you “cut back on just 1/3 cup of cereal, (so) you can trim 100 calories from your breakfast,” I have found that breakfast is the MOST important meal of the day. As much research confirms, a healthy breakfast can give you more energy, improved concentration and performance, lower cholesterol levels, and even help with weight control! So if you want to cut 100 calories, I suggest:

1. Replace sugary cereals with whole grains. Since most cereals include sugar, check the ingredients for sugar’s many names- corn syrup, fructose, dextrose, sucrose, glucose, cane sugar (plus 50 more). If you crave something sweet, add fresh fruit like apples, pears, or bananas! (and in the winter, I add some strawberries and blueberries that I froze last summer.)
2. Choose a healthy breakfast. My typical breakfast includes protein (which keeps me full longer and so I eat less), multi-grain bread (which provides necessary fiber), a vegetable (tomato, carrot or cucumber) and some good fat (avocado to “sit” on my bread).

(Partial Don’t) “Treat Monday Lunch Like Friday Happy Hour”
I agree with the article and advocate not eating at your desk (or in front of the TV which is pretty much the same thing). I don’t agree with standing while you eat. Though it says you burn 40 percent more calories while standing, I believe it eliminates 3 compelling health benefits.

1. When you sit down, you are aware of the process of eating which impacts portion control, your pace, and ultimately how much you eat. So, YOU EAT LESS.
2. If you inhale your food while on the run, the body perceives it as stress. During the state of stress, insulin and cortisol production increase. As a result, your body doesn’t absorb the nutrients and burns fewer calories. To MAXIMIZE your METABOLISM, sit down and take five deep breaths before you eat.
3. You are more likely to enjoy your meal by sitting. This will lead to better WEIGHT CONTROL because you feel more satisfied and reduce cravings.

So have a seat, relax, and enjoy your meal.

If you’re ready to eat calories that give you energy, not fat and potential health problems, feed your body steady nourishment and eliminate sugar highs and lows, and finally lose weight without the struggle, check out one of our popular programs, Gourmet Fitness. Since I believe in the power of love, if you reply before Valentine’s Day, I’ll give you a $50 gift certificate.

Barack Obama, 2nd Inauguration, 2013- We were made for this moment!

Michele — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 19:21:49 +0000

President Obama savoring the moment

For the first time, I heard my President express the values, explain the journey and share a courageous vision that I feel in the depths of my soul. By the time Beyonce sang the national anthem, I was sobbing so deeply that my body shook.

There were many times during his speech, that I said his words before he did. And throughout his speech, I was a drummer, beating out the word, “Yes, Yes, Yes!”

He spoke about being treated as equals, having equal opportunity, receiving equal pay for equal work, and the sanctity of all love. He spoke about how the imperfect outcome must not stop us from acting, persevering and creating something better. And he reminded us that only we, together, can accomplish it.

Not only do I agree with his message, I saw the parallels between what he stands for and what we at Beyond Body Mind Spirit offer.

At Beyond Body Mind Spirit, you begin wherever you are. You expand your experience of self love, kindness, and compassion. You remember who you are, to be your word, and to enjoy living with courage and integrity. You become more comfortable with the journey that is often not a straight line but an adventurous zig-zag. And we support each other- day after day, week after week- knowing we’re interconnected and witnessing the miracles we create together.

So, if you believe it is important to preserve our individual freedoms, let’s join together and ACT. And if you believe it is important to attain your individual dreams, let’s join together and ACT.

As President Obama said, “We are made for this moment and we will seize it.”

Contact me to create miracles together: MRisa@BeyondBodyMindSpirit.com.

How to Stop the Killing and Hate We Saw in the NewTown Massacre

Michele — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 17:37:08 +0000

Since the massacre in Newtown, CT, the discussion about violence in our country has resurfaced. As we know, there have been many shootings – from Columbine High School, to Virginia Tech, to the movie theater in Aurora, CO.

Understandably, we’re searching for the cause and solutions. I endorse reducing the number of guns, banning assault rifles and high capacity magazines, and offering help to those mentally ill to lessen killings caused by guns. Nevertheless, we would still have hate and on-going wars- just as we have throughout time.

Another theme throughout time is the “power of love.”

Though many of us seek love from other people, places or things, it often ends in failure. Even for people with money, power and recognition like Michael Jackson or Marilyn Monroe.

Why? (drum-roll…) Because if we can’t love ourselves, we can’t believe anyone else can. And if we don’t feel loved, we literally freak out and act out. Love is as necessary to our life as are air, water, and food.

Are you interested in “being” love?

Love, like the rays of the sun, continually radiates from your core. And as demonstrated by the Dalai Lama, love flows as a smile and warmth to all people- even to the Chinese who have killed his people and destroyed Tibetan temples. Inner peace that can translate into world peace is the “power of love.”

(BTW, learning to love yourself unconditionally is what we at Beyond Body Mind Spirit offer- with kindness, compassion and courage.)

The movie below is a clear example of what un-loved looks like and how painfully destructive it is. (Even though he had two loving parents, money, etc.) Check out this trailer, “We Need to Talk About Kevin.” This movie mysteriously landed in my mailbox this weekend. Trusting the universe that now is the perfect time to see it, I pass it on to you.

Please let me know how you feel we can stop the killing and hate. I welcome the chance to collaborate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLRgAe2jLaw

How to Check Off 2 New Year’s Resolutions in 1 Shot

Michele — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:09:30 +0000

Are you working on your New Year’s Resolutions and striving for a healthier lifestyle?

Are you like most of us and set expectations only to be disappointed?

Would you like your efforts to achieve DOUBLE the results?

DOUBLE the benefits that include exercise AND healthy cooking
DOUBLE the tools to save time AND money
DOUBLE the results that are immediate AND long lasting

If YES, here’s how with our “Gourmet Fitness” program.

You’ll start with “Yoga for Anyone, Anywhere.” You begin with a rigorous workout to lose those extra pounds, increase energy, and release all that stress no matter your weight or age. And you can do it from your home, at your desk, or even on a park bench.

Now, most of us know that change takes time. And research shows it takes 30-90 days to form a new habit. That’s why we’re providing support so you can build a strong foundation and stay on track:

DOUBLE- 2 weeks of our easy, delicious “Recipe of the Day”
DOUBLE- 2 weeks of daily reminders to keep you motivated and moving towards your goals
DOUBLE- 2 weeks of unlimited email support
DOUBLE- 2 follow up phone calls- with Michele and Rachel- to maintain your progress

Plus 3 hours of hands-on learning and nutritional information- from gluten-free diets, to vegetarian staples, to good-fat specialties.

Our Promise: This program is tailored to your dietary needs and limited to only 12 people.

What: Gourmet Fitness: Yoga & Healthy Cooking
When: Friday, January 18^th 6 – 9 PM
Where: 10 Park Avenue, the corner of Park Avenue and 34^th Street
Registration Fee: Only $120.00 (See Early Bird Discount Below)
Includes 6 page handout, food, and all materials.

Space is limited to only 12 people, so register today at www.GourmetFitness.Eventbrite.com

P.S. Reply by January 14^th and get Early Bird 20% Off or just $97 for everything!

Your Team of Instructors:
Michele Risa is an author, TV producer, corporate lecturer and the owner of Beyond Body Mind Spirit, a holistic lifestyle company founded in1989. She has helped hundreds of people navigate through the challenging process of change, with expertise in weight-loss, anti-aging, stress-management, and yoga.
www.BeyondBodyMindSpirit.com

Rachel Fritz, The Food Fairy Godmother, helps busy families move from a takeout lifestyle to a more wholesome cooked-at-home lifestyle, which creates better health, success, and more bonded family relationships. She received a certification in holistic health coaching from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in NYC in 2010, and lets her creativity and artistic sensibilities inspire her in the kitchen. www.thefoodfairygodmother.com

Skip Your New Year’s Resolutions. I Dare You to Try These Instead!

Michele — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 16:33:25 +0000

Research shows that most of us never keep our New Year’s Resolutions. In fact, most of us stop doing 50% of them after just 4 weeks.

So, I dare you to go to the ROOT of all action that creates all new behaviors and results in changes that translate into a lifetime of happiness and success.

Thanks to Rick Beneteau, www.ModernDayMastery.com for sharing these.

Dare to… Change yourself. It’s the easiest way to change things around you.

Dare to… Know more about the things you desire than the things you fear.

Dare to… Ask the universe, for every solution you seek is out there waiting to be invited into your life.

Dare to… Have every word you say and every thought you think make greater the silence which they fill.

Dare to… Find the holes in your heart and fill them with grace.

Dare to… Let ego go and let wisdom flow.

Dare to… Listen to the silence. It’s amazing what you can hear!

Dare to… Let go of that which you cannot control for it will bring you much inner peace.

Dare to… Make a difference in the life of someone every day for it makes a difference in your life.

Dare to… Look at how much we are alike so that our differences disappear.

Dare to… Stop running from things that aren’t even chasing you.

Dare to… Believe that the heaviest loads deliver the greatest rewards.

Dare to… Traverse the lowly valleys as they are part of the high road.

Dare to… Guard the most sacred place in the universe – your mind.

Dare to… Add up your blessings for that is the only arithmetic that matters.

Dare to… Travel outside your comfort zone for that is where the real magic of life exists.

Dare to… Discover the inner peace of the child you were.

Dare to… Be student and teacher and have the wisdom to know when to show up as each.

Dare to… Live your purpose for you will never lack passion.

Dare to… Realize that wherever you are you can be in heaven.

Dare to… Never go wrong by doing anything for the right reason.

Dare to… Look from your heart for that is perfect vision.

Dare to… Use your last ounce of effort, as it will usually tip the scale of success.

Dare to… Find the balance between letting it happen and making it happen.

Dare to… Keep curious as the learning curve never flattens.

Dare to… Love you as your first love should always have been you.

Dare to… Care but also to act!

Dare to… Become all you can be for isn’t that all there is?

Dare to… Climb that mountain and risk a fall.

Dare to… Stop taking sides and start creating solutions.

Dare to… Lift another for you will raise yourself.

Dare to… Laugh lots and live large!

Dare to… Be fearless and flourish!

Dare to… Have your walk through life leave a trail!

Hope you enjoy having these in your life as much as I do!

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