“Live In Your Heart, Not Your Head!”
by Amanda Moxley

Did you know that the magnetic field of your heart is 5,000 times stronger than the brain’s magnetic field?  I learned this last week at a seminar with Gregg Braden – a scientist who links spirituality with science in a fascinating way.

If you are like most of us, you are in your head WAY too much!  My coach’s challenge for you from today forward is to begin living in your heart rather than your head.

Here are some tips to get you started:

1) Do only what FEELS good.

2) Get quiet, close your eyes, relax, breathe and focus on something you are grateful for, appreciate or care about for 3 minutes, multiple times a day.

3) Break up with your ego.  Stop comparing, criticizing, blaming, feeling guilty, “shoulding” on yourself, worrying, doubting and living in fear.

4) Focus on what you are truly committed to creating.  Visualize it, sense it, allow it to come to you while taking the necessary steps to manifest what you are committed to.

5) Continuously get out of your own way, stay in service in passion to your heart’s desire.

6) Forgive and let go.

7) Breathe and be in the present moment.

We are a very exciting time in the history of the world.  You have two choices in every given moment: to choose fear (false evidence appearing real) or to choose LOVE.

What do you choose?  Let’s all live in love in our hearts!  Remember that your heart’s magnetic field is 5,000 times stronger than your brain!  The heart is the first organ to develop in a human body.  Your heart is powerful beyond measure so please USE it!  It all starts with you!

Amanda, Body and Soul Coach, publishes the energizing and inspiring “Breath of Fresh Air E-Zine” every other Thursday for healthy people everywhere.  If you are ready to discover your perfect body in a way you’ve never learned how to before, get your FREE articles, tips, tools and recipes at www.AmandaMoxley.com

For a limited time, I am offering a F.R.E.E. analysis of the supplements that you are currently taking.  In this analysis I will be looking at the strength of the brand and the ingredients including any fillers.  I have absolutely NO ties to any supplement companies (however I do have some favorites!) and do not belong to any multi-level marketing companies so you can be assured that my analysis will be fairly straightforward.  Continue reading for this very special offer that I think will open your eyes to the lack of quality control that exists today in the health industry.

Magical Multivitamin?

Taking a multi-vitamin is a good idea or…is it?  What if your multi contains food colorings; possible allergens like soy and dairy; or does not contain what the ingredient label says it does?

The plain truth is that the supplement industry greatly lacks manufacturing standards.  Often there is little quality control so that what they say and market to be in your product is not actually there.  Or if it is there, it is in such small amounts that it won’t actually do much if anything for you except drain your pocketbook.

Major Confusion Abounds

Making smart decisions around your supplement purchases is tricky.  Who can you trust?  Does the health food store have any better supplements than your local pharmacy?  Maybe your hairdresser now sells supplements and you are thinking about giving those a try because they are touted as the best of science.  No matter what, you need to do your research first to make sure they are safe and contain bioactive ingredients.  Just like you would want the best fuel for your car and quality food for your body….your supplements must also be superior, not just the latest and greatest claim but something that works & is helping you be at your best health.

You want to know that the bottle you pick up today is going to contain the same nutrients that you had in the bottle that you purchased six months ago. Sadly, incorrect amounts can happen…often.

Powders, Pills, Capsules & Tablets

If you are taking any type of supplement, I’d be happy to give it a viewing and let you know my thoughts.  I don’t have all of the answers and I definitely don’t know every company out there BUT I do have a general idea of what to look for.  And my special limited time offer will help you to start learning what to look for yourself.  If I can, I’ll even recommend a better alternative.

These alternatives may be professional brands (meaning ones you can only get from a nutritionist, doctor, RD, etc) just because many of these (not all!) tend to have a much higher rating in terms of quality control.  But I am in no way here to sell you product.  Instead I am here to help you get better nutrients into your body and have thriving health.

Offer & What I’ll Need From You

In order to take advantage of this limited offer, please send me the following information OR email me for a form that includes all of the information that I will need from you:

Up to 2 products (no more please!) that you would like me to review.  Again, these can be capsules, tablets, or powders (like whey protein).

Send me the name of your product and ALL of the information contained on the label.  You might be able to peel the label off and scan me a copy.  If not, you’ll need to type this information out for me.

Please also let me know why you are taking this product.  What is your motivation? Was it recommended to you by a doctor or other practitioner? Do you notice a difference taking this product?  How often do you take it?  Are you on any medications and if so, which ones?  What other supplements are you taking with this?  How long have you been taking this?

Deadline for the offer is June 30th so be sure to send everything in by then. I will try to get back to you within 7 days of when you send your information in but this will depend on the response I get.

What You’ll Get Back From Me.

I will send you back  my own thoughts on the product based on what I already know through my training & what I find doing additional research (if needed).  I will also include tips for what to look for if I feel that you need a better product.  And,  if possible, I will suggest an upgrade suggestion to what you are currently taking

Please note: I am just making suggestions and recommendations.  I am not diagnosing or giving you a prescription.

If you have any questions regarding this offer, please post here.  And if you want the whole world to see my response/analysis, you may also post everything here.  I am happy to share my thoughts with everyone.  In fact, if I get a good turnout, I may select a few as examples for a future blog with your permission.

In Health,

Alison Held, M.S. CMTA
Clinical Nutritionist

If you aren’t eating grass-fed meat, it’s time to.  In a future post I will share the many health benefits and the dramatic nutrition comparison to grain-fed cattle .

For now, I leave you with food for thought!

Yours in Health,

Problem Solved.

The Gimme 5 program at Whole Foods and other select stores helps turn your extra “garbage” into reusable items!

Since most towns do not accept the #5 plastics, it may sometimes seem like your recycling efforts aren’t doing you or the planet much good.  However, remember, that every little bit you can do is helping….and now, you can take one extra step to lighten your garbage bag and Mother Earth.

Here’s How It Works.

The company Preserve will turn your containers into perfectly new toothbrushes, razors and cutting boards….all of which are made here in the U.S.  By the way, I love their tagline, “Nothing wasted. Everything gained™”

In order to make this transformation possible, Whole Foods and other select locations provide you with drop off boxes. Click here to see the complete list.

Aren’t near a drop off box?   No problem, mail your #5s to:

Preserve Gimme 5
823 NYS Rte 13
Cortland, NY 13045

If you are concerned that the mailing would also contribute to environmental waste, give their side note a read.   Or you can see just how much of a difference Preserve is really making.

There’s More?

Oh yes, there is more!  You can now recycle your britta filters too!

I am no expert in recycling but I feel it is just one more way we can care for our Earth.  After all, the earth supplies us with all of our nutrients so recycling is one of the most thoughtful thank you gifts!

A special thanks to my client whose coworker sent her an email about the #5 program.

Alison Held, M.S., CMTA
Clinical Nutritionist

If I could have learned all about biochemistry through music, I’d have retained 99% of the material.  Oh well….today we get to learn the fun way!

These rap artists sing that eating healthy is an important part of our freedom…from disease.  So sit back AND pay attention….we want you to get an A+

A special shout out to B-Boy Super Inlight and D-Nick The Microphone Misfit – thank you for making nutrition hip!

This video was entered into an online film competition that ended on May 9th. All videos submitted were to tell the stories of people from different backgrounds of Chicago, “working together for the common good.”  According to the entry site, finalists will be announced soon.

While I have not viewed any of the other video entries, in my opinion, this one takes the cake…oops, I mean apple!

Alison Held, M.S., CMTA
Clinical Nutritionist

The Full List.

One of my favorite organizations, The Environmental Working Group, compiled all this data into a few nifty formats. To me the most fascinating is, The Full List which ranks the 49 fruits and vegetables  included in the testing.

The first three items on the list are onions, avocados & sweet corn.  If you’re pinching your pennies, according to this list, it’s o.k. to go commercial.  However, as a side-note, I advise anyone purchasing corn to opt for organic since it is one of the most genetically modified foods around.

Celery, peaches and strawberries are among the worst.  So enuf said, go organic without a doubt!

The Real Problem.

Research confirms that pesticides have been linked to a host of problems including:

• Cancer
• Hormonal Imbalances
• Neurotoxicity
• Skin & Eye Irritations

In my  21-Day Purify Your Body program, I educate my clients on the importance of going organic and reducing their exposure to toxic chemicals. During these 21-days, one becomes very aware of how these toxins can accumulate over the years…..and how important it is to get clean!

It is not a harsh program, just one that helps to eliminate the toxic build up and build awareness towards better health.  When skin clears up, medications are reduced, eye clarity is restored, weight loss is achieved, braig fog dissipates it is a reminder to me and my clients the power that these toxins can hold over us.  We must begin to take care of our bodies or the toxins will take care of us!  (ouch, it hurts me to even say that but it is true)

The Dirty Dozen.

Among the “Dirty Dozen” list are 7 fruits to watch out for and 5 veggies. Even when purchasing organic, it is a good idea to rinse everything before consuming.  In a future blog I will share some of my favorite remedies for getting your produce clean (without having to buy those expensive washes).

Fruit:
Peaches
Strawberries
Apples
Blueberries (domestic)
Nectarines
Cherries
Grapes (imported)
Veggies:
Celery
Sweet Bell Peppers
Spinach
Kale

The scary truth is that peaches and celery registered as having up to 67 different chemicals!  The sweet bell peppers were not much better at 63. Next was Kale at 57, then Strawberries at 53 and apples at 46.

This is no joke.  Go organic when you can to reduce your toxic exposure.

The Clean 15.

The more uplifting list is the “Clean 15.”  While both of these lists may change over time, for you now you are a little safer if you consume the conventional varieties of these:

Fruit:
Avocados
Pineapples
Mangoes
kiwi
Cantaloupe (domestic)
Watermelon
Grapefruit
Honeydew
Veggies:
Onion
Sweet Corn (remember what I said about GMO!)
Sweet Peas
Asparagus
Cabbage
Eggplant
Sweet Potatoes

Refresh My Memory.

I know it’s hard to keep close tabs on these lists.  My solution is to print a personalized list that you can keep handy in your wallet.  This way you will never make a mistake or regret your purchase.  My two favorite pocket guides are:

• EWG’s Shopper’s Guide To Pesticides : simply enter your information and voila, a handy pocket guide!
• The Dirty Dozen Cheat Cheet: Click on the link, print & laminate!

Organic labeling does not solve all of our health woes but as stated above, it can dramatically reduce our overall exposure.  We are constantly breathing in fumes from the air which we often to do not have control over.  What we can monitor is how we feed our bodies.

Go  cleaner, purer and as nature intended!

Alison Held, M.S., CMTA
Clinical Nutritionist

Think twice when reading your labels!

While many nutritionists and dietitians as well as so-called healthy cookbooks and magazine articles promote canola oil as healthy, there is a flip side.   You, the consumer, need to hear this and chances are, you haven’t yet…..

Canola oil originates from the rape seed which is a member of the mustard family.  It is used in many baked goods, mayonnaises, salad dressing, and butter substitutes.  Canola oil, like soybean oil, is found practically everywhere.  In fact,  it is hard to avoid without disciplined label reading.  Even Whole Foods Market uses it in almost all of their prepared foods both in the case and at the salad bar.

“Heart-Healthy” ?

The most disturbing fact about canola oil is that it often contains more trans fatty acids than many vegetable oils on the market.  Trans fats, such as those found in margarine, have been shown to contribute to cardiovascular system complications including elevated LDL’s and the lowering of beneficial HDL’s.  They in no way promote good health.

When canola is prepared, it often goes through a process of deodorization to preserve shelf-life.  During this chemical process  the healthy omega-3 oils are thereby altered to trans fatty acids.   While this might prevent rancidity and mold, it certainly won’t help your health or longevity.

Cooking with canola oil is not advised either.  When the oil makes contact with heat, it will oxidize and create free radicals.  Free radicals will add years to your life and may contribute to disease.

When you look at a bottle of canola oil, you will probably not see any trans fat listed on the label.  I’m not sure why this is.  My guess is that the components of the product have been placed on the label prior to chemical processing.  Does this mean if you buy a package of cookies that contain canola oil and the label reads “zero trans fat”  you can be assured that your body won’t get any of this nasty stuff.  My answer is no.

Nutrient Robber

There are many questions concerning canola oil and these include a study that confirms the consumption of canola oil creates a deficiency in vitamin E.  Interestingly, vitamin E is a heart healthy nutrient and canola oil is often marketed to contain healthful levels.

Good News

I advise you to keep your intake of canola oil on the very low side.  There are too many questions and controversy surrounding this oil and why take the risk?

Here are a few things you can do to protect yourself and your family:

• Read your labels carefully
• Purchase cold or expeller pressed organic, non-GMO only
• Ask your prepared foods counter to start making their dishes with extra-virgin olive oil and other healthful fats (or at least insist on the cold or expeller pressed organic, non-GMO only varieties)
• Make your own salad dressings and mayonnaises
• Use real butter or ghee instead of the fake, processed ones
• Request the labeling of GMO foods (this includes many canola oils)

Alison Held, M.S., CMTA
Clinical Nutritionist

The reason I adore my kitchen timer is because….

It Saves Me Time!

While something delicious is baking in the oven, I can leave the room with my kitchen timer in hand and feel confident that I will not set the place on fire.

The buzzer sounds off just in time for me to pull it out of the oven or give it a quick toss.

Preparing Dinner Just Got Easier & Quicker.

Instead of quitting my work day at 5pm to have dinner on the table at 6pm, I can thrown everything together, set the timer, and get back to my paperwork.  Or those busy mornings when there is little time for breakfast, the kitchen timer saves my day.

When my nutrition clients complain that there is not enough time in the day to prepare a meal and I beg to differ.  There is always time to whip up something healthy and delicious especially when one utilizes the kitchen timer.  Martha Stewart agrees on the necessity.

An Extra 5 Minutes Helps Tremendously!

I understand that not every meal can just be thrown into a big dish and left in the oven for an hour.  Many times cooking a meal requires multiple pots and pans.  However, even if you are not making that one-dish-wonder, try utilizing your kitchen timer even just for 5 minutes.

Unless something needs to be stirred constantly, there is no sense in standing over your oven wasting precious minutes of your day.  Instead, time it and…. step away!

4 Dishes To Make Using Your Kitchen Timer.

Baked Chicken with Roasted Veggies :: Approx. time saved = 30 min. – 1 hour

Brown Rice :: Aprox. time saved = 30 minutes

Oven-baked Salmon :: Approx. time saved = 40 minutes

Homemade Granola :: Approx. time saved = 40 minutes

These will get you started using the timer…..

What recipes are you currently making where you utilize your kitchen timer?  Or maybe there are some where you could be making better use of the timer?

How has your kitchen timer saved you time in the long run?

What other tools do you use in the kitchen that help cut time?

Alison Held, M.S., CMTA
Clinical Nutritionist

There’s Always Time To Celebrate Earth.

I thought it was appropriate to send out some link love today in celebration of Earth Day! Today and everyday there are free and inspiring nutrition education programs available to everyone around the nation.  If you have not found time to celebrate the Earth today, be sure to visit some of my healthy event suggestions.  May they inspire you to celebrate Earth Day everyday.

Watch Food Inc. For Pure Shock Value.

Tonight, (April 21, 2010) the award winning documentary Food Inc. airs on PBS starting at 9pm.  Check your local listings and be sure to tune in or set your DVR.

Food Inc. uncovers the truth of the food industry allowing the American consumer to witness what really goes on with the food we put in our stomachs daily.  Let me warn you, it is not pretty.  But, it is a must watch for everyone.

My local nutrition clients in Westport, CT and Fairfield County that have watched this movie come to their sessions ready to change and change for good. This movie is all about shock value!

He’s My Hero.

Chef and do-gooder Jamie Oliver has wowed America by setting out to change the way our kids eat.  He’s my hero and you might want to adopt him as yours too.  Jamie is only 34 (35 next month!) and already revolutionizing the school food system (along my other heroes Amy Kalafa & Dr. Susan Rubin – the voices behind Two Angry Moms).

If you haven’t seen Jamie’s Food Revolution, tune in on Friday nights to witness what is going down in America.  This generation is the first that may not outlive their parents….and Jamie is changing that through food & education (so am I by the way!).

Beyond Food, Diving Into Health.

There is more to good health than eating all the right foods.  My colleague Andrea Ramirez of True Nourishment has put together an awesome teleseries called “Renew 2010″ that allows listeners to dive into the many important aspects of health: healthy relationships; quality nutrition;  fung shui for home, career, & life; self-care, personal style (clothes,  makeup, etc); financial freedom; physical activity; and oh so much more!

You’ll have access to phenomenal speakers who will help get you on a path to better living.  The best part is that this entire series is free.  Join in on the fun by signing up today to get all the juicy details.

Go Local…Many Ways To Participate.

If going local is your thing, the Farmer’s Markets will be opening soon so be sure to check your local papers to see when you’ll be able to visit with your farmer and take home a plethora of fresh veggies.  I believe this is one of the best ways for us to celebrate the Earth.  Eat the the food that Mother Nature intended.

Even though Earth Day is almost coming to a close, many towns will be celebrating through the weekend and beyond.  If you’re local community carries the free publication, Natural Awakenings, check out their listings (a great resource for events).  Or check out Envirolink where you can punch in your zip code and see what is happening in your town.

Be good to yourself & be good to your Earth!

Alison Held, M.S., CMTA
Clinical Nutritionist

These post-its represent YOU on a diet…probably the wrong diet.

Sometimes you may feel deprived, in pain, weak, utterly bored and even like death.  If you’re lucky, you may feel healthier however, your food choices are probably restricted and bland but hey, if it works, it must be good!

There is a “diet” out there just for you BUT have you found it yet?

If your friends have advised you to try what worked for them, most likely you failed.  Am I right?

The diet book that you picked up at Barnes & Nobles is still sitting on your bookshelf because after several attempts on the program, you became frustrated & discouraged.

Your search for the best way of eating for YOU can stop here, right now.  I am going to help you understand that….

No One Diet Is Right For Everyone.

and

One Person’s Food Is Another’s Poison.

Years ago I was introduced to a system called Metabolic Typing®.  While I found the system fascinating, I was in the midst of looking at many other food programs including the vegan lifestyle, macrobiotics, raw foods, the Pritikin diet, atkins, paleo diet, and more.

As the years passed and after doling out advice and recommendations to my nutrition clients, I kept circling back to the approach that we all have a unique biochemistry and on many levels we require different grades of fuel to get and stay healthy.

This philosophy became crystal clear as I began to study William Wolcott’s work and his book, “The Metabolic Typing Diet.”  I charged ahead and went through the important training of becoming a Certified Metabolic Typing Advisor (CMTA) so that I could share these exciting techniques and methods with my nutrition clients.

Are You Compensating?

Eating the wrong foods for our type can stress the body out (who needs more stress?), induce cravings, create brain fog and push the body into a state of compensation.  When we compensate, we start developing symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, skin problems, allergies, etc.

Get Into Balance.

By eating the right foods for your own individualized Metabolic Type you will shift the body into a state of homeostasis or balance.  If weight loss is your goal, getting balanced is key to hormonal health (a missing component in many weight loss programs). Note:  I only coach and counsel nutrition clients that are wishing to lose weight AND get healthy.

While eating the right foods is not the end all be all to living well and losing weight, it certainly takes up a big space.  Feed your cells correctly & the rest will follow.

Put Gas In Your Tank.

That is, put the correct quality gas in your tank!

Just as our cars require different amounts of fuel & a regular oil change, the body is calling out for something very similar.

Food = Energy.

It’s common sense that if you ate donuts all day long you would not feel so hot.  Try this on a deeper level by looking at your individual cells which thrive on specific nutrients.  When the cells don’t thrive, they die.

But did you know that the diets your ancestors ate and your current environment and lifestyle are heavily influenced on your own particular nutrient requirements.  While low fat diets may work for some individuals, others may require a higher percentage of healthful fats included in every meal and snack.  Specific foods carry nutrients too….sometimes broccoli will work best for your best friend but spinach is ideal for you.

Metabolic Typing® takes the guesswork out of eating because what works for one, may not work for the next.

Eating right for you Metabolic Type can produce wonderful results and I will continue to share these with you.  I’m in the process of develoloping a program specifically on Metabolic Typing® but if you’d like to learn about it today, let me know and we’ll get you started!