I left my corporate job of 8.5 years to pursue something bigger. Something better for me. I chased my dream of helping others live happier and healthier lives. And guess what? I’m doing it. Sure, sometimes it gets tough. Change can sometimes be hard. Putting yourself out there can be hard. But, so worth it. I get beautiful notes from clients who willingly give testimonials after working with me.  I look back at my Farwell to 2011 post where I recall what I have accomplished since leaving and it keeps the fire in me lit to keep me moving forward.  Although I don’t post as often as I like, I am so grateful that you continue to check in on me and hope that in some way I inspire you to chase your dream.

Fun stuff going on around the web:

Gena  has a book give away!  Check it out here!

Rawpalooza is going on! If you haven’t hear about this amazing virtual conference, please check it out. There are still a few days left to listen free to some of the top raw food experts share their knowledge.

And while we are on the topic of changing lives and chasing dreams…check out Adoley Odunton’s Wellness Revolution. Another awesomely free (well temporarily free) virtual conference.

Have a wonderful weekend!

xo,
Ryan

Whether it’s the latest diet you are on, an issue at work or a relationship you are in, there are going to be times that you want to give up and throw in the towel.  You may have second thoughts on a decision you have made or have something happen to you that makes you wonder “Why the hell is this happening to me?” Life can sometimes be hard, right? But, then something amazing may happen. Like finally getting into a graduate program you have worked so hard for or finally getting recognition at work when all this time you have been thinking that no one noticed.

When I left my corporate career to pursue my passion for nutrition and helping others live a healthier lifestyle I had no idea how hard it would be to start a business and there have certainly been times that I question myself or compare myself to others. But, then there are times when I receive little notes from clients saying “I wanted to really let you know what a difference you’ve made for me in this course. I am so grateful for you being there!” or “Thank you so much for your encouragement.  I want to tell you that you are a very good coach.  (-:  Your words really were what I needed to hear.  It was a very difficult week.  This was harder than the trying times with the breast cancer diagnosis.   There are still very challenging times ahead.  I appreciate your grace and understanding more than you can imagine.” I received both of these notes this week and I can’t tell you how much this means to me. This rocks my world…and even tear up a little. It reinforces that I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

So, when you start to feel down or depressed know that someone out there is noticing, they just haven’t told you yet. Or re-evaluate your situation and approach it differently. Lastly, pay it forward. If someone is being supportive, encouraging or has helped you out in some way. Don’t let it go unnoticed. Let them know the difference they are making in your life.

I want to encourage you to set your goals and pursue your passion! It may be a goal to lose weight, reduce stress, go back to school. Whatever!  The sky is the limit and this is YOUR life.  You just need to decide who you are living it for….

xo,
Ryan

I remember as a child listening to my parents talk about resolutions and as I grew older listening to friends and family vow to lose weight and join gyms.  I get it. I was on the band wagon, too. I have always been one to resolve to do something at the beginning of a new year, a new month or a new week. Every year I have a list and this year, I guess you could say that I am somewhat throwing that out the window or at least I am taking an entirely different approach than I have in the past. I think it’s good to have goals and to be clear on those goals is even better. But, if you write those goals at the first of the year and never revisit them or throw in the towel mid January well that just leads to thoughts of failure and who the heck wants to start out the year with a negative mindset??!! So, if you are a New Year Resolution-er (not really a word, but you totally know what I mean) I’d like to share with you my approach/advice for the upcoming year.

1) Get super clear on your goals. (Write them in a place you can see them daily…I just bought a cute zebra print journal for mine!)
2) Revisit your list daily.
3) Set daily intentions which should be steps to help you reach your goal. For example, my main goal is to live in the present  moment. My daily intention would be “I intend to focus and live in the present moment and live today to the fullest.” (Again, I will be doing this in my journal)

What are your tips for resolution success??

xo,
Ryan

Happy New Year Everyone and Welcome Twenty Twelve! I  just know you are going to be one amazing year!

I hope everyone had a wonderful night! I’ll be posting a bit later, so make sure to come back!

xo,
Ryan

As I sit here counting down the last hours of the year 2011, which has been amazing fore me,  I can’t help but be super excited about Twenty Twelve! I really think it will be the best year yet!

In the last year I…
Completed my health coaching certification.
Completed my Living on Raw Food Teaching certification.
Left my corporate job to follow my passion for helping people and creating delicious food with excellent nutrition.
Participated in my first Vegan Bake Sale with Compassion for Animals.
Traveled to conferences in amazing places  like Miami, Orange County, CA and Philadelphia.
Teamed up with another amazing health coach in the planning of the Take Back Your Health Conference.
AND SO MUCH MORE!!!!

2011 has been great, but I am welcoming Twenty Twelve with open arms!

See you in the New Year!

xo,
Ryan

Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas!

xo,
Ryan

My Top 5 Tips to Surviving the Holidays

Do you ever dread this time of year? Endless baked goods at the office, holiday parties, the stress of out of town guests and long shopping days? I am here to share with you my top 5 tips for surviving the holidays! I too, used to dread this time of year. It was almost a double edged sword because I love the holidays! The decorations, the music the family gatherings, but the amount of food and the weight I would gain during this time of year would put me in a tail spin trying to lose it all come New Year’s Day. Did you know that the average American can gain anywhere from 6-10 between Thanksgiving and New Years? YIKES!! No wonder everyone has “Lose Weight!” at the top of their resolution list. If losing weight is always at the top of your resolution list, let’s make sure it’s real weight that you need to lose and not holiday weight caused by too many cookies, too much stress and not enough exercise because you are tired! Sound good?

Tip #1 Don’t deprive yourself! This time of year is known for it’s food. Are you seriously going to try and sit there and not enjoy your grandma’s famous mashed potatoes or your aunt’s snicker doodles that she only makes at this time of year? Just like when you try to “diet’ any other time of year and you put rules on yourself you end up driving yourself crazy and eating more than you would have if you would have allowed yourself to enjoy it in the first place. Same things will happen at this time of year even if you aren’t on a “diet”.

Tip #2 You have heard this one for years…never go to a holiday party hungry! Drink a green smoothie on the way or eat a big salad, steamed greens, or a warming vegetable soup before you leave. You will feel good knowing that you have fed yourself something nourishing and healthy since this time of year isn’t exactly known for it’s holiday salads, ya know?

Tip #3 It’s ok to say “No.” Often times at this time of year, we are surrounded by food pushers. You know, the aunt that asks if you want dessert and hands you a plate of 3 pieces of pie. Your family/loved ones who are preparing this food typically get satisfaction over watching everyone devour their plates. Simply tell her how delicious it was, give her a huge hug and thank her. Trust me, she really wants to hear that you are full and that you loved her food.

Tip #4 Exercise! Set a goal of exercising 2-3 times a week. Set a low, reasonable goal. The key is not to set yourself up for failure. I hear clients all the time say “I’m picking my exercise up during the holidays because of all the food I am going to eat.” Really? If you can’t find 5 days to exercise during your usual work week, what makes you think you can do it during one of the busiest times of the year? Set a goal that is reasonable and fits your lifestyle.

Tip #5 Take a time out! Yes, i am telling you to take time to yourself. Give yourself a break. You are already a busy bee with your normal schedule and for you to add the stress of holiday shopping, cooking, parties, etc. you need to know that it’s ok to take a break. Whether it’s a few days off from work, getting a massage, taking a hot bath with candles or turning off your smart phone for an hour a day, know that it’s ok to take a break. Your body will thank you.

xo,
Ryan

*Note* These tips were sent out before Thanksgiving to my newsletter subcribers. I received such positive feedback that I wanted to share it with you as well! If you are not a subcriber of my FREE newsletter, sign up here. As a special “Thank You” for subscribing, you will have exclusive access to tips, new programs and specials before they are released on my website.

CRAZY!! That’s right….it has been one crazy month!!  I went to Philadelphia, am planning new programs to offer in the new year and wrapping up with clients before the holiday rush starts. Note: I will not be seeing any private clients until January 1, 2012. However, I am offering new programs and people have already starting signing up to start off the new year in the right direction!  An awesome deal went out in today’s newsletter. Not on the list? Sign up here!!

On another note, I hope things are going wonderfully for you and you are gearing up to spend a long weekend with your family. In the meantime, some cool stuff for ya….

We are doing it again…the Take Back Your Health Conference is coming to Herndon, VA. Registration specials until December 31, 2011. Register here!

Last year I mentioned hat I usually adopt a Turkey this time a year…time to do it again! Looking to adopt a Turkey?  Check out this awesome project by the Farm Sanctuary.

Pumpkin Pie…Oh my!!  Check out this recipe by Mama Pea!

xo,
Ryan

Wow!  30 days!!!  If you have been reading along, you know that I took The 30-Day Vegan Challenge with Colleen Patrick-Groudreau. I have detailed the book by day, giving you a glimpse of what Colleen shares in her book. The last two days covered weight loss and fashion with day 30 discussing how not to get caught up in perfection. Day 30 may have been the best section of the book. While the other “days” were certainly informative, Day 30 covers “Intention, Not Perfection”. I think the idea of perfection may be why some are often put off by a  plant based lifestyle.  British activist and founder of the first vegan organization, Donald Watson said it best when he defined veganism as “a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude-as far as is possible and practical-all forms of exploitation of and cruelty to animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose.”  We live in an imperfect world and in my opinion, when we strive for “perfection” or a certain level of excellence we are often left with the feelings of failure. (I could go on and on about my feelings on ”perfectionism” but will save it for another post.) As with everything in life, why take an all or nothing approach?  Life is not about being perfect, it is about doing the best you can with what you have which is what I always try to convey to my clients. Maybe you aren’t ready to give up animal products, so maybe you will educate yourself on factory farming or maybe you have already started your journey by increasing your intake of plant based foods. Everyone knows we need to eat more fruits and vegetables, right? Where ever you are, be aware, set intentions and be concious.

I hope that if you are interested in becoming vegan or even vegetarian that you will consider purchasing this book and using it as your guide. You will not be disappointed with Colleen’s ability to educate with grace and positivity and most importantly without judgement.

xo,
Ryan

October has been hectic! I was asked this weekend at the Take Back Your Health Conference if I was managing  my challenge while living in the hotel for weekend. With Whole Food’s being a sponsor and serving up Kale Salad with a chickpea mixture everyday (oh and the vegan pumpkin bread didn’t hurt either) it wasn’t that hard!

Day 22 Keeping Things Moving with Fiber: If you know me, you know I have no issues talking about poop.  It is what it is and everyone does it, so let’s not be shy here. Colleen discusses the difference between soluble fiber and insoluble fiber, how much fiber we actually need and the raw versus cooked debate.

Day 23 Eating by Color: This section covers the benefits of a colorful plate of whole foods and explains phytochemicals. Your bag of skittles does not count !

Day 24 Eating Confidently and Joyfully in Social Situations: This sections touches base on how to eat vegan in social settings and how to not be ashamed to let people know that you are vegan. Be proud and be confident.

Day 25 Celebrating the Holidays: With the holidays right around the corner, what a great section!  Colleencovers every holiday from Halloween to Easter. She even gives ideas on how to keep the tradition of “Easter eggs” without real eggs!

Day 26 Finding Harmony Living in a Mixed Household: Collen covers how to live in households where you may be the only vegan, how to plan for meals as a family, prepping for parties and having vegan children in school. My husband still consumes meat, however he is making strides. For years, we have eating separate meals and he is now becoming more open minded and trying different foods. I mean, who could turn down banana-chocolate chip muffins?

Day 27 Dealing with Changes: Change is, well change is change. The unfamiliar. Different. You will start seeing changes in many aspects of your life whether it is physical, emotional or spiritual. All of the changes I have experienced on this challenge have been amazing and the support of the Vegan community has been more positive than I ever would have expected. Colleen covers how to deal with change positively.

Wow…only 3 days left. I have a surprise in store for you. Stick around!

xo,
Ryan