How "Health" Turned My Stomach

I haven't ordered magazines in years because they usually sit on my coffee table or shelf after I read an article or two (if so much), collecting dust and generally living a lonely, mostly useless life (sorry, mags!) until I gather a bunch together to toss in the recycling bin. It's not that I don't enjoy reading magazines.  I do, actually, quite a bit... but in recent years they have taken a back burner to all the articles, information (overstimulation), and mind-blowing stupidity of the internet. One just doesn't have time to do it all! 

Recently an airline with which I've been a customer for a while offered me free magazine subscriptions in exchange for frequent flyer miles I had that were going to 'expire' (really? how do imaginary miles accrued have an expiration date? That's a whole separate vent...).

Based on my 'expiring points', I could choose approximately two and a quarter subscriptions based on the (mostly mediocre) choices I was given. The only ones I found remotely relevant to my interests were TIME magazine and "Health" magazine.  TIME has actually been great, although it comes once a week and I get totally overwhelmed because I feel like last week's JUST GOT HERE. And that other quarter-of-a-subscription is nowhere to be found - so buh-bye points.

To my point -- I started receiving "Health" for free a few months ago and have been saddened and disappointed to see what the 'cover-worthy' articles are. Here's the latest:

Most of these have NOTHING to do with actual HEALTH - with the possible exception of "22 foods for a long life." It's all about looking a certain way, with the tagline up top that "Happy Begins Here" serving as a not-so-subiminal message that encourages people (in this case, mostly women) to think that looking good equals happiness. A flat belly, toned legs and great butt won't do much for you if you dislike your job, aren't happy in your relationship, or haven't found a purpose here that is fulfillng and exciting to you - whatever that means FOR YOU.  You might have the softest skin in the world, but is that really going to help you find that career that truly drives you, or the relationship that satisfies you to your core?

Aside from my personal desire to avoid wasting time on the more ridiculous aspects of life, I suppose this is why I've never been too into following "Pop Culture." Magazines, TV, Movies, and Celebs endorsing fitness products or programs that are dangerous or that they don't even use themselves is an insult to the intelligence of the consumer.  But somehow, whether consciously or subconsciously, we still think if we LOOK the way they say we should look, we will FEEL the way they say we'll feel.  It's the good old marketing/advertising cornerstone: start from the outside and work your way in.  If you ever get inside at all.  Mostly, just work on the outside and believe it will solve all your woes.  

How about FEELING amazing for doing your best with where you are each day?  Taking a small (or big) risk or challenge EVERY DAY to get out of your comfort zone, while still honoring who YOU are?  And creating CONSISTENCY by doing things each day that will make you healthier - whether it is a few extra minutes for yourself on the gym floor, a new morning meditation routine, or exploring a new nutritious food that you've never tried?  How about reversing the suggested order of events: work on feeling healthy, satisfied, and evolved in your level of self-care. There is no doubt you will look better because you will achieve a glow of satisfaction that others can't quite put their finger on, but DAMN is it ever attractive.

The Inside-Out Approach doesn't happen overnight.  It takes time, patience, and consistent actions, and that's why many don't stick with their version of it. It's tempting to believe that a quick fix is still out there somewhere and that following the advice of a few petty articles will make us "healthier" and "happier."  Well don't get too attached, because all of a sudden the next month there's a whole host of new suggestions like "Slim for Life" and "Summer Shape-Up" that send us sliding back down the slippery slope of self-doubt, quick fixes, and marketing schemes.  But by the time next month's issue arrives, you've already tried, failed at, and/or forgotten about last month's miracle fixes.

Well, that's about all I can stomach for now. I guess I'll go read "Stomach in Knots? New Ways to Feel 100%"... Although I'm pretty sure it won't do much for me.

Speaking of knowing NOTHING about Pop Culture, who the heck is Ashley Tisdale and why do we care "what she does to look like this"?

Winning Wednesday!

On Wednesday I had to be downtown EARLY for an ALL-DAY Video shoot, after which I would be teaching two classes. My first thought (after, of course, being excited and grateful to be doing another Crunch video shoot), was "how am I going to get through this day without coffee?!" I'm so used to relying on my trusty bigger-than-your-head sized coffee on days like this, I knew I would have to strategize.  

I had pre-set my tea & kettle, Vitalizing Protein + other smoothie ingredients the night before so I would have everything ready to go. It was so early I couldn't even think about eating yet, so I mixed up the smoothie, poured it into an insulated travel mug, and threw it in the freezer to keep it extra cold until I was ready for it. I got to the shoot and drank about half during hair & makeup before we began, and the rest after the first segment. I felt super energized throughout the morning! There was coffee (and even soy milk - how thoughtful!) available on-set, but I knew succumbing now would do me no good - the caffeine crash would be inevitable and no doubt make me feel worse later that day. 

We rocked out filming all morning and broke for lunch. I realized then that in all my efforts to get my day STARTED well (something I will admit I don't always shine at), I had completely neglected to plan ahead for a Sweet Start-friendly lunch! A brief moment of panic set in, then I reminded myself that I was in the East Village, a veritable playground of vegan, vegetarian, and organic cuisine. I chose Siggy's Organic (http://www.siggysgoodfood.com) on Elizabeth between Bleecker & Houston. I love this place - all organic, with the menu clearly marked with which options are vegan and gluten free. I opted for the vegan Lentil Garlic soup and steamed broccoli - yum!

I grabbed an organic green tea on the way back to the shoot and sailed through the afternoon. We even finished early (long story), and I was able to go home before my evening classes. On a normal day like this where I had been going for hours, I might choose to take a nap in the afternoon. But my energy still felt strong, so I got some work done and shot back out to teach my evening double.

As much as I love my coffee - the smell, the taste, the ritual - whenever I do pull it from my daily routine I am reminded of a few things:

- I DO tend to rely on it to 'get going', even though I know I'll feel worse later

- it really is a toxin, because my body goes into withdrawal for the first few days without it

- supplying my body with healthy nutrition is a much more effective, and long-lasting way, to give my body energy!

On this Sweet Start Wednesday, I almost gave in to my coffee crutch - but I stayed the java-free course - and felt even better for it!

How Sweet it is to Start Anew!

Today was the first day of the SWEET START to 2015, and what a great kickoff!

We have an awesome group of dynamic women who have made the smart choice to treat their bodies well this New Year: old friends from my early fitness teaching days, former Bootcamp clients, current regular class-takers, and even my cousin! We are already having a blast sharing our recipes and Detox-friendly ideas to ENJOY what we put IN our bodies while we gently get the toxins OUT. With guidance and program development from Certified Holistic Health Coach Jen Morris (Co-founder, Urban Detox Club), we can't go wrong!

A little insight into how we roll: 

The Sweet Start program focuses on manageable goals and attainable challenges. We are slowly eliminating common toxins from our diets over the first three days - today was sugar & caffeine.  We are not trying to reinvent the wheel or go into starvation or major deprivation mode!  I am not a sugar fiend but I DO love my coffee, and coasted through the day without it because I had so many other delicious things to prepare and enjoy while I fueled up for the first day of the Winter 2015 schedule - four classes strong tonight!

One of our goals throughout the program is to add more cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, bok choy, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts - to name a few).  

I'm already a big veggie-lover, and as I told the Sweet Start crew today, one of my favorite ways to cook vegetables is Simply Steamed. I throw a bunch of garlic cloves in the steamer basket (adds flavor and may have antibacterial properties) and layer in my organic veggie(s) of choice. I like to throw some onion and fresh ground pepper on top for flavor. No need for oils, salt, or other seasoning - just cook to crispy deliciousness - yum!

One other fun tip: did you know it's great to cook the thick stalk of the broccoli as well? Cut off the hard outer layers and divide the sweet inside into cubes. They will take a little longer to cook than the flowers, so be sure to either cut them into smaller pieces or throw them in the steamer first. Now you are receiving the yin-yang and full energy balance of the vegetable!

Keep following for more updates on all the Sweet Start goodness!

BRING IT ON, 2015!!