SHODANA HEALING BLOG

Heribert Watzke - The BRAIN in Your Gut

2010-10-20T15:23:00.001-07:00

What is the one thing that tells you 'Fall is HERE'??

2010-09-24T13:24:00.000-07:00

My newest passion-Kettlebell! Check it out with Jillian Micheals!

2010-08-07T06:44:00.001-07:00

Vipassana Meditation Retreat - Part 2

2010-06-30T12:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers-

It's been a quite a few weeks since I was on the Silent Meditation Retreat. Every time I went to write a new blog to share my experience, it never felt like I was quite ready, but now I am more than ready to share an experience that to say was life changing is the biggest underestimation of my life.

You never quite get what 'Nobel Silence' is until you have actually experienced for 9 total days (yes, on the 10th day we were able to speak, and BOY did we!!). For 9 days, starting at day 0, we spent every moment either in meditation, in our rooms in solitary, or eating, together but without eye contact or speaking. Needless to say, for someone as outgoing as I am, it was hard to ignore people for that length of time, and hard not to take it personal when others would ignore you. But it really wasn't that we were ignoring each other-we were honoring ourselves, our being.

On the second day, I looked ahead at the next 8 days, and made the decision that I could not do it one minute longer. I wanted to leave skid marks on my way out the door. I met with the teacher (a beautiful, wonderful Hindu woman with pearcing eyes and a gentle nature). She did not try and talk me out of leaving, she WALKED me through staying. So the next day, I made the decision that I would stay the remainder of the retreat.

I learned much, about the teachings of the Buddha, about love, about honoring your fellow human being. It wasn't so much about spirituality as it was about being conscious, paying attention to the sensations of your body, bringing more clarity to the mind. Understanding how to be present, and to accept things as they are without trying so desperately to change things. It was all about the breath-our most sacred possession. To accept all is it is. So simplistic, almost surreal. But I got it.

The teachings of S.N. Goenka, who is responsible for setting up over 150 retreats all over the world, are profound, simple, heartfelt and with so much love (and a little humor sprinkled in)! S.N. Goenka is not physically there, but every night, we watched a video of the discourses, led my him. He speaks in both Hindi, and English.

With the exception of day 2, when I wanted to leave-I never cried during the retreat, until the last day. I was in so much pain from sitting for so many hours and so many days, that on day 10, I sat down, and put my head to my knees and my hands over my head. I felt a gentle hand on my back, from the women next to me. She was from India, and did not speak english. Her act of compassion for me at that moment was all it took. I wept, and wept and continued weeping throughout the day. We were all able to speak at that time, and discovered how much we had all bonded, even without speaking. It is amazing, how you can make such a strong connection to someone without speaking. But boy, did we speak! We hugged, we exchanged email addresses, experiences. We were bonded for life.

When it was time to go, I felt sad, but knew that I was now going to understand how this retreat had effected me. It isn't until you go back to the 'outside' world (as they called it), that you realize how much you change in such a short time. What I noticed, was the enormous amount of compassion I felt for all humans, and how a short glance can speak volumes. How a smile can change someones moment enormously. That you can't EVER perceive what another person is thinking, even if you think you know.

All we know for sure, is that it is an honor for us to be here, and experience every joy we can, and to spread as much joy as we can, and to abhor violence, hatred and negative feelings towards others. To not allow others 'gifts' of negativity or ignorance to touch us, and to not take on other peoples 'stuff'. To keep within our energy, to give to others from the overflow.

Needless to say, I encourage everyone, anyone who is interested in a very divine shift, to try one of these meditations. No matter who you are, it will effect you, in one way or the other.

To check it out, here is the link http://www.dhamma.org.

May all beings be happy!!

Lynn

Silent Vipassana Meditation Retreat - Part 1

2010-04-25T13:57:00.000-07:00

I am getting ready to go on a 10 day, silent Vipassana meditation retreat in Texas. I have never done this before. I will have a lovely facility in a small town in Texas, called Kaufman. I will have no access to a phone, or computer, music, books, or even a journal to record my experience. No communication with anyone outside, or even inside the retreat-with the exception of the instructors.

It will be just me and me.

Wake up time, will be 4am-with a bell. Meditation will begin for 2 hours-followed by the first meal of the day at 6am. More meditation, a break or walk, followed by the second and last meal of the day at 11am. The day will end at 9:30pm. 10 hours of meditation for 10 days.

I have no expectations, but plenty of intentions. I want to heal. I want to shed old and unwanted beliefs. I want to do something risky, and intense (skydiving was a close second choice, and still not out of the picture).

Since I made the commitment, I have already noticed changes about myself. It's a different energy! I was initially fearful, but the fear has turned into anticipation. I have plenty of support, and the timing couldn't be better.

I will post the experience of this retreat when I return! It's almost hard to believe that the time to go has arrived, and it will be over as quickly-but with a new story to tell!

Namaste'

Lynn

Pharma: Still Chasing Skirts - by Kathleen Slattery Moschkau

2009-11-19T08:35:00.000-08:00

As someone who spent ten years inside the pharmaceutical industry, I can tell you one thing for sure: Big Pharma goes where the money is. And the money is with the ladies.

Chicks matter

Although women are certainly not the only targets of drug ads, winning the female audience is critical to the success of any given drug. Women are more proactive about their health, more likely to "talk to their doctor", more likely to encourage their husbands to seek medical treatment (than their husband is to seek it himself), and more likely to manage the healthcare for the entire family. It is just darned good business for pharma to set their sights on the ladies. But what is good for business -- explosive prescription sales of new drugs -- is not necessarily good for public health.

Newer is not better, Dorothy

The vast majority of the drug ads we see are for the newest and most expensive drugs available. These drugs are exceptionally profitable for the industry, but newer is definitely not better when it comes to patient safety. Few people realize that "new" means that the drug has been tried in a smaller number of patients and for a shorter period of time than drugs that have been around for years. Despite these limited studies, new meds quickly reach millions of consumers through very effective direct-to-consumer advertising.

It is often not until these drugs are consumed by the masses that potential problems (or public awareness of problems) in the form of dangerous and deadly side effects begin to arise. Patients who take "new" drugs become unknowing guinea pigs.

Dorothy Hamill spinning around the rink and driving millions to their docs for Vioxx served as a testament to this scenario. But even the Vioxx fallout has not stopped Merck's machine as they now push marketing and mandates for Gardasil, their HPV vaccine.

Reeling 'em in

Women need to know that they are being studied, targeted, and manipulated by very effective advertising that has little to do with good science. The ads and the target markets are heavily researched by internal marketing departments, branding experts and advertising companies.

In order to effectively drive sales with the important female demographic, companies first identify which issues in life women are most concerned and/or insecure about. They then develop their entire marketing campaign around those issues rather than the specific science of the drug. Big bucks go into finding the emotional hot button for any given pill or medical problem. The majority of ads feature sexy, smiling, happy people -- walking by the lake, rolling around with their children, or on a fun/hot date. We all want a little piece of that, don't we? Pharma knows how to play off of women's deepest insecurities and our biggest dreams...and it works.

The marketing of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was a perfect example. The industry capitalized on the vanity and emotional fears of women -- resulting in billions of dollars in prescription revenue for the pharmaceutical industry and questionable efficacy and damaging side effects to women worldwide.

And yet...the beat goes on

We as women are marching into our doctors' offices in record numbers demanding the latest and greatest pills we see on television. These ads paint a beautiful Norman Rockwell life on the screen. They do a wonderful job of convincing us that we too can be this happy, this sexy, this beautiful if only we would take this pill. The pharmaceutical companies are not selling us a drug; they are selling us a lifestyle.

The most severe drawbacks occur when the commercials result in us medicalizing our problems. Pharma has done a masterful job of creating illness and reasons for us to take more pills. Shyness, road rage, and even menstruation can now be treated with a drug. Thus we have begun demanding drugs we often don't need and that could have serious potential for harm and sometimes even death.

The other drawback is that these ads create a false sense of security. We subconsciously feel we can be a little more reckless with our nutrition, or activity level, or even sleep because there is now a pill to take care of all of the issues that result from not taking good care of ourselves.

I am a reasonable person. I am a mom and wife who understands that in the right context, we need prescription medication to be available. That said, I am in the minority of consumers who knows both sides of the issue. And that knowledge can be our most powerful tool when it comes to effectively managing our own health or the health of our families.

Get enough of us gals knowing and we can potentially force the hand of pharma to concentrate on producing truly superior, safer, and more cost-effective drugs rather than producing effective marketing campaigns. Because they can't sell what we won't buy.

Connect with Nature and Heal!

2009-10-23T11:29:00.000-07:00

I was looking through one of my magazines the other day, and saw the most beautiful photograph of a very wooded area, with a tiny dirt path jaggedly making it's way through the trees. It reminded me of the last time I was in the woods. Hmm, maybe a year ago? Too long. I need to get back there. I have been reading a lot of articles lately, as I do my constant research about ways to heal, and I keep coming across the same theory! When humans connect with nature, the body will react in a positive, healing way! Evidence shows that if you put a seashell up next to your ear, it will lower your blood pressure! Is it that it works as a subtle reminder of beaches of yesterday, or does that reaction reflect some deeper connection with the natural world?

I remember telling my meditation teacher that I loved yellow flowers. He told me "put any kind of yellow flowers in your house. Everytime you pass by them, notice them and smell them." That sounded nice to me, and easy! "You will naturally become reconnected with the beauty of nature, and it's amazing ability to enhance your level of joy" he told me. So I did, and it DID!

When I go for walks down my old ditchbank by my house, I notice all of the trees, weeds, bushes and fields, and sometimes I feel tears well in my eyes. Is it my body and spirit aching to reconnect with something I have ignored for so long? I'm beginning to think so.

So yesterday I made a pact. I decided at least once a week, I'm going to treck to the mountains, or even just walk deeper into the wooded area near my house to experience the connection to nature. You don't have to wrap yourself around a tree, or even sit in the grass. Just be in it's energy and notice how different you feel. It may feel subtle at first, but then it will become natural-like nature itself! It's part of us, it grounds us, and may just heal us!'

Namaste'
Lynn

*This post submitted to The Kathleen Show Prevention not Prescriptions

Why Meditate For Obama? | Intent.com

2009-10-19T15:43:00.001-07:00

Why Meditate For Obama? | Intent.com

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50 Excellent Yoga Moves to Cure Any Kind of Pain or Problem (courtesy of Prana.com)

2009-10-09T12:44:00.000-07:00

Yoga is widely known for being a gentle, but effective workout tool. Yoga can also help ease everyday aches and pains to keep you from visiting the doctor numerous times a year. Like they say, an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Research yoga’s benefits by reading a few articles to get yourself familiarized with the lifestyle and how it can help you. Below you’ll find a list of popular and pain-killing yoga moves that won’t bend you into a pretzel as well as breathing techniques to supplement your yoga routine. By using both methods, you’ll maximize the benefits of yoga techniques and help keep your body healthier and knot free.

Back and Neck

1. Cat to Cow Pose – You may feel a little silly at first in the cat to cow pose, but this yoga move will loosen up the muscles in your back very well. It’s a great, easy starting point.
2. Reverse Triangle Pose – Place your feet flat on the floor about three feet apart facing left. Bring your torso down to your front knee. Place your right arm across the opposite knee and bring your other arm up parallel with your supportive hand. Switch and repeat.
3. Bow Pose
4. Warrior One Pose – No swords needed.
5. Warrior Two Pose – Warrior Two pose is identical to Warrior One pose except you must extend your arms out to the sides of your body and twist your spine in a counterclockwise position so your arms are parallel with your legs.
6. Warrior Three Pose – Warrior Three pose is the most difficult of the Warrior pose series.
7. Camel Pose
8. Downward Facing Dog – The goal of the downward facing dog pose is to get your feet flat on the floor while maintaining the posture.
9. Supine spinal twist – Start the supine spinal twist by laying down and extending your knees to one side. Then turn your upper body in the opposite direction gently. Don’t force this pose if your have extreme back problems.
10. Upward Facing Dog – You’ll definitely feel this in your chest the next day.
11. Locust Pose
12. Triangle Pose – There are several variations of a triangle pose. Start with the most basic, an extended triangle pose. If you feel comfortable, move on to a revolved triangle pose.
13. Sphinx Pose
14. Neutral Spine – Neutral Spine position is very easy and relaxing. It’s not designed to strain the back, but only to find the most natural position of a person’s spine.
15. Cobra Pose – This pose is used to enhance spine flexibility and open the chest.
16. Wheel Pose – This is somewhat advanced. Please do not force your body into any positions it’s not ready for.
17. Fish Pose
18. Side Angle Pose – Not only will this yoga pose help strengthen and relieve pain in your back, but it will tone up your thighs and glutes.
19. Supported Bridge Pose – This pose is great for prenatal exercise. You’ll need a yoga block for the support. If you don’t need extra support try a standard bridge pose.

Legs and Hamstrings

20. Reclining Bent Knee Twist – This twist move will open the hips and chest.
21. Supported Standing Wide Leg Forward Bend
22. Side Reclining Leg Lift – This move can also be done with a strap. You can use a lot of household items as a quick substitute for a yoga strap. Try a towel, a trash bag, a t-shirt, a scarf or a belt instead.
23. Standing Forward Bend – Stand up straight with your feet together. Swan dive down and hold the back of your calves bringing your chest to your legs as closely as comfortable.
24. Pelvic Tilt – Lay on the floor with your knees up and feet flat on the floor. Gently lift your pelvic area up a few inches above the ground by pushing down through your feet. Support your body using your abdomen and legs rather than your neck and shoulders.
25. Extended Side Angle Pose
26. Eagle Pose – This standing pose will build strength in your legs, hips and core.
27. Downward Dog at the Wall – The downward dog pose is as simple as forming a right angle against the wall with your arms touching the wall and your feet together. Make sure your feet are positioned about three feet away from the base of the wall. With practice you’ll be able to move your arms further down the wall without strain.
28. Tree Pose
29. Knees to the Heart Pose – Lie on your back and bring your knees in to your chest. Place your hands around your shins and pull your legs closer to your chest and neck gently. Release.
30. Boat Pose – You may want to turn the volume up for the soft-spoken yoga teacher. Be sure you don’t choose a relaxation pose after this one because you may fall asleep from relaxation.
31. Opposite Arms and Leg Lift – Lay flat on your yoga mat and scissor your arms and legs simultaneously using your core to anchor your body and control the movement.
32. Pigeon Pose – You don’t have to be in a park to try this pose.
33. Forehead to Knee Pose – Lay flat on the yoga mat. Bring your left leg up to form a 90-degree angle. Pull your left leg to your chest with your hands on your shins for support. Hold for six breaths and release your leg slowly to the mat. Switch to the right leg and repeat.

Arms, Shoulders and Core

34. Clock Pose – Learn how to do the clock pose with this free video on eHow.com.
35. Arms Overhead with Strap
36. Garland Pose – Hold this pose for up to one minute while breathing in and out of your nose. Be sure that both of your feet are completely flat on the floor to get the maximum benefits of the stretch.
37. Supported Shoulder Stand – Remember doing this when you were a kid?
38. Crescent Moon Pose
39. Lion Pose - The lion pose will gently stretch the diaphragm, knees, abdomen, chest, hands and fingers. Don’t be afraid to let out a little roar when no one is home.
40. Palm Tree Pose
41. Happy Baby Pose – Lay flat on your back and bring your feet up to your hands so that you touch your toes.
42. Plank Position – This move is a reinvented push up that will whip your core into shape.
43. Reclining Hero Pose – This yoga pose is believed to help relieve asthma symptoms, digestive problems and other ailments.
44. Mountain Pose – Even though you’d think tensing your body wouldn’t lead to stress relief, the mountain pose encourages deeper relaxation by tensing the whole body and releasing.

Relaxation Poses

45. Child’s Pose Start your yoga routine with this easy stretch. Child’s pose is also a good pose to do when you need a break.
46. Savasana, Rest Pose This pose is also known as corpse pose. Think dead man’s float.
47. Crocodile Pose
48. Legs Against the Wall Pose – Place your bottom against the base of a wall and stretch your legs straight up the wall while your body lies on the floor flat. To deepen this relaxing pose, try brining the backs of your knees closer to the wall gradually.
49. Supta Padangusthana or Reclined Big Toe Pose – This relaxation pose is also great for backaches because it stretches your hamstrings and spinal area.
50. Lotus Position According to About.com, the lotus pose is the most recognized pose outside of yoga.
Try these breathing techniques to also improve your pains and aches. The breathing asanas work well with all the yoga poses listing above. Try a stretching pose and a relief pose while using the breathing exercises at the same time as a set.

Thanks to Adrienne Carlson

How do you live mindfully?

2009-09-30T14:01:00.001-07:00

Money Talks-Profits Before Patient Safety

2009-09-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

Meditation 101 (reprinted from Gaiam Life)

2009-09-08T16:22:00.000-07:00

Meditation is an approach to training the mind, similar to the way that fitness is an approach to training the body. But many meditation techniques exist.

“In Buddhist tradition, the word ‘meditation’ is equivalent to a word like ‘sports’ in the U.S. It’s a family of activity, not a single thing,” University of Wisconsin neuroscience lab director Richard J. Davidson, Ph.D., told The New York Times. And different meditative practices require different mental skills.

It’s extremely difficult for a beginner to sit for hours and think of nothing or have an “empty mind.” But in general, the easiest way to begin meditating is by focusing on the breath — an example of one of the most common approaches to meditation: concentration.

Concentration Meditation

A concentrative meditation technique involves focusing on a single point. This could entail watching the breath, repeating a single word or mantra, staring at a candle flame, listening to a repetitive gong or counting beads on a rosary. Since focusing the mind is challenging, a beginner might meditate for only a few minutes and then work up to longer durations.

In this form of meditation, you simply refocus your awareness on the chosen object of attention each time you notice your mind wandering. Rather than pursuing random thoughts, you simply let them go. Through this process, your ability to concentrate improves.

Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation technique encourages the practitioner to observe wandering thoughts as they drift through the mind. The intention is not to get involved with the thoughts or to judge them, but simply to be aware of each mental note as it arises.

Through mindfulness meditation, you can see how your thoughts and feelings tend to move in particular patterns. Over time, you can become more aware of the human tendency to quickly judge experience as “good” or “bad” (“pleasant” or “unpleasant”). With practice, an inner balance develops.

In some schools of meditation, students practice a combination of concentration and mindfulness. Many disciplines call for stillness—to a greater or lesser degree, depending on the teacher.

Other Meditation Techniques

There are various other meditation techniques. For example, a daily meditation practice among Buddhist monks focuses directly on the cultivation of compassion. This involves envisioning negative events and recasting them in a positive light by transforming them through compassion. There are also moving meditations techniques, such as tai chi, chi kung and walking meditation.

Benefits of Meditation

If relaxation is not the goal of meditation, it is often one result of it. Back in the 1970s, Herbert Benson, MD, a researcher at Harvard University Medical School, coined the term the relaxation response after conducting research on people who practiced transcendental meditation. The relaxation response, in Benson’s words, is “an opposite, involuntary response that causes a reduction in the activity of the sympathetic nervous system.”

Since then, studies on the relaxation response have documented the following short-term benefits to the nervous system:

lower blood pressure
improved blood circulation
lower heart rate
less perspiration
slower respiratory rate
less anxiety
lower blood cortisol levels
more feelings of well-being
less stress
deeper relaxation
Contemporary researchers are now exploring whether consistent meditation practice yields long-term benefits, and noting positive effects on brain and immune function among meditators. Yet it is worth repeating that the purpose of meditation is not to achieve benefits. To put it as an Eastern philosopher might say, the goal of meditation is no goal. It is simply to be present.

In Buddhist philosophy, the ultimate benefit of meditation is liberation of the mind from attachment to things it cannot control, such as external circumstances or strong internal emotions. The liberated, or “enlightened,” practitioner no longer needlessly follows desires or clings to experiences, but instead maintains a calmness of mind and sense of inner balance.

How-To: Simple Meditation for Beginners

This meditation exercise is an excellent introduction to meditation techniques.

1. Sit or lie comfortably.

2. Close your eyes.

3. Make no effort to control the breath; simply breathe naturally.

4. Focus your attention on the breath and on how the body moves with each inhalation and exhalation. Notice the movement of your body as you breathe. Observe your chest, shoulders, rib cage and belly. Make no effort to control your breath; simply focus your attention. If your mind wanders, simply return your focus back to your breath. Maintain this meditation practice for 2–3 minutes to start, and then try it for longer periods.

Butterfly Stretch: Autistic Boy Finds Comfort in the Calm of Yoga - Gaiam Life

2009-09-02T09:27:00.001-07:00

Butterfly Stretch: Autistic Boy Finds Comfort in the Calm of Yoga - Gaiam Life

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Movie Recommendation - The Beautiful Truth

2009-09-01T18:39:00.000-07:00

Think about this...........

2009-09-01T18:33:00.000-07:00

"If you are living out of a sense of obligation you are slave"

Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

How to make a tea with loose herbs

2009-08-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

Since I work with loose herbs to make my own remedies, I thought this might be useful to post on my blog for those that like to work with loose herbs, but feel it might be hassle! It's easy to make your own teas and tea remedies-watch how:)

Fight Back Friday - Crap In and Crap Out

2009-08-14T15:30:00.000-07:00

Food is a drug…with both effects and side effects

This entry has been re-posted as part of Food Renegade’s Fight Back Fridays.

Your refrigerator is a pharmacy and every bite triggers a hormonal chain reaction that has effects and side effects. Many of our greatest health problems—including weight gain, diabetes, depression, cancer and low energy—are a direct result of what we eat (all those processed foods that wreak havoc on our systems).

On the flip side, used wisely, food can become the drug of choice for reducing inflammation, creating hormone balance, and reducing toxic fat.

Learn how to make food work for you, not against you. It really is as simple as that next forkful.

Listen to my interview with Dr. Barry Sears, international expert on the hormonal effects of food and the New York Times best-selling author of numerous books including The Zone and Toxic Fat.

The baton is now in your hands. Please share this post via email, Tweet, Stumble, Digg or your personal blog.

Written by Kathleen Slattery-Moschkau

Symptoms of Inner Peace

2009-08-03T16:13:00.000-07:00

A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experience
An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment
A loss of interest in judging other people
A loss of interest in judging themselves
A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others
A loss of the ability to worry
Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation
Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature
Frequent attacks of smiling
An increasing tendency to let things happen
An increased susceptability to accepting the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.

-Saskis Davis

Image of ........

2009-08-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

I recently went to show a friend a photo that was in my iPhone photo album, and this amazing, beautiful image was in the album. It was not a photo I had taken (nor had anyone else).

Take from this what you will-the universe is amazing and full of wonderful surprises! I would love to hear your thoughts, impressions, comments!

Namaste' Lynn

Connect With Nature And Heal

2009-07-26T13:22:00.001-07:00

Quote to take note!

2009-07-14T15:22:00.000-07:00

Wonderful quote from one of my favorite 'teachers':

"The highest form of ignorance is when you reject something you don't know anything about."

Wayne Dyer

Can Intention Change the World? You Bet!

2009-07-09T07:24:00.000-07:00

Video tribute in memory of Michael Jackson!

2009-07-06T16:58:00.000-07:00

Adorable tribute - Jennifer Garner dancing to Thriller in 13 Going on 30!

Kindness by Naomi Shihah Nye

2009-07-02T17:02:00.000-07:00

Before you know what kindness really is you must lose things,

feel the future dissolve in a moment like salt in a weakened broth.

What you held in your hand, what you counted and carefully saved,

all this must go so you know how desolate the landscape can be

between the regions of kindness.

How you ride and ride thinking the bus will never stop,

the passengers eating maize and chicken

will stare out the window forever.

Before you learn the tender gravity of kindness,

you must travel where the Indian in a white poncho

lies dead by the side of the road.

You must see how this could be you,

how he too was someone

who journeyed through the night with plans

and the simple breath that keeps him alive.

Before you know kindness as the deepest thing inside,

you must know sorrow as the other deepest thing.

You must wake up with sorrow.

You must speak to it till your voice

catches the thread of all sorrows

and you see the size of the cloth.

Then it is only kindness that makes sense anymore,

only kindness that ties your shoes

and sends you out into the day to mail letters

and purchase bread.

Only kindness that raises its head from the

crowd of the world to say,

it is I you have been looking for,

and then goes with you everywhere

like a shadow or a friend.

My interview with Founder and CEO Jason Horsley of eFitnessforLife Part 3

2009-06-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

The final part to our sit down with Lynn!

Jason: Is Wholistic Kinesiology typically a one stop fix or are a number of sessions required to give a cumulative effect?

Lynn: That all depends on what is happening with the client. I do make sure any and all concerns the client has are addressed! Some clients can have their issues or concerns addressed in one session, especially if they are healthy in general and just need to fine tune what they are already doing through diet or supplementation or workouts. Other clients have health concerns that run a bit deeper, and they may require 2 or more sessions to achieve balance with regards to that health issue. Some clients will have a session with me every 2 or 3 months just to ‘check in’ to see if they are still on track! I like a client to ’stay with me’ if they have a health issue that needs addressing until we have completely addressed that issue. That’s optimal!

Jason: How would a general Wholistic Kinesiology treatment be structured and how long would it last?

Lynn: This is how a session would work. I would make contact once I receive the client contact information. I would email an intake form that the client would fill out and fax or email back to me and we would set a time to have the phone consultation. I would spend a few minutes getting to know the client, and go over the intake form. If there was a specific concern the client wanted to address, I would go there first. Especially if the client was not feeling well and wanted to address that. By using the remote muscle testing, I would test to see if there was any core issue that needed focus, and then what the remedy would be for that specific issue (nutritional, diet, structural etc). Once we determined what that remedy would be, say it was nutritional; I would test to see what the best nutritional remedy would be to ‘balance’ that concern. Once we find that remedy, I test to see if anything else is needed-if not I move on to the next client concern, or next priority of the body, until the client, as a whole tests complete for all imbalances. The first visit/consult would last approximately 45 minutes, with a 15-20 minute follow up two weeks later.

Jason: What kind of training/education is involved in becoming a Wholistic Kinesiologist?

Lynn: I attended the Wholistic Kinesiology Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico and received my certification as a Wholistic Kinesiologist in 2003. In 2005 I became certified as a Clinical Herbalist through The Foundations in Herbal Medicine course in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Jason: I know your philosophy is very similar to mine as it relates to customer satisfaction and service; this is first and foremost for both of us. Do you maintain client contact and check in on your clients post session or are they pretty much on their own?

Lynn: Yes, I also agree that our philosophy is the same with regards to service to the client, and that the client feels completely satisfied that they received the best genuine care. I do maintain client contact, and always check in with my clients to see how they are progressing. I always tell every client to make sure they contact me if they have a question or concern while they are following one of my programs. It’s very important that they know they can count on me for follow through and to be with them on their very important journey to health!

Jason: Wow that is exactly how it should be! Lynn, this has been enlightening and very informative! I am intrigued and excited to see our client’s results. Your services coupled with our focus on the diet and exercise aspect of total wellness will take our client’s health to a whole new level. Thank you so much for your time today! Maybe we can do this again soon and get into a bit more detail or discuss some specific past client scenarios? Would that be ok?

Lynn: I would love to! Thank you Jason!

Thank you Jason!!

Namaste'

Lynn

My interview with Founder and CEO Jason Horsley of eFitnessforLife Part 2

2009-06-24T13:42:00.000-07:00

Welcome back! Continuing our interview with Lynn Higgin, Wholistic Kinesiologist…..

Jason: Now, working with eFitness for Life, you will be working, as we do, with clients, remotely, right? Via phone consults and email correspondence yes?

Lynn: Yes, Jason that is correct! I will be doing consultations/sessions by phone with clients.

Jason: Can you explain that process a little? What is a remote Wholistic Kinesiology session like?

Lynn: What I do is basically considered remote muscle testing. As a Wholistic Kinesiologist, I have the knowledge and training of how to use the technique by doing something called ’self muscle testing’. It is a technique that we are taught at the Institute that I trained at, and I have done extensive research on other methods of self muscle testing. One of my ‘inspirations’ is Doctor Stephen Daniels who used to be a Psychiatrist and became familiar with remote muscle testing and began working with clients by phone to address physical and emotional imbalances. He now teaches and certifies others to do this work as well! A remote session with me is basically where I can muscle test for a weak or a strong, using the self testing technique (I always use my hand to test). If I need to test a client for an imbalance, I will muscle test for that imbalance, with the intent of the client in mind. As a practitioner, I instruct my energy field to sense or pick up the energy field of the client when testing the effect of an item on the client (i.e. food, supplements etc). I also use the same technique to locate an imbalance in the client by muscle testing certain organs (like hormones, liver, colon, etc). To give an example of self muscle testing (there are many ways), try sliding your index finger across your thumb nail. A ‘true’ or ‘yes’ response will allow you to slide your index finger easily across your thumbnail. A ‘false’ or ‘no’ response will cause your finger to feel a bit of resistance in sliding all the way across your thumb. Again, this is one of many ways to self test, and I have found over the years that practitioners will find the way that works best for them. I will usually start by testing the priority of the client that needs to be addressed, then make sure that we cover all of the concerns the client has, so as not to leave anything unresolved.

Jason: What are the goals of a session like this?

Lynn: The goals of my session is to get the client optimally balanced so they feel great and are not lacking in any area that could be impeding them in their own personal goals. During the first consultation, I can determine what core issues need to be worked on based on the client’s needs (i.e. health issue, fitness goal, blocks in moving forward with career etc) , and determine what program he/she would need to achieve results.

Jason: What kind of responses can an individual expect from the use of Wholistic Kinesiology?

Lynn: The response my clients should expect should be positive, healthier and moving forward. No setbacks should occur. Even those clients who are already healthy, but need ‘tweaking’ in their nutritional program should feel a difference. Sometimes people take supplements that they simply don’t need, and that can actually have an adverse affect on the body and the client may not realize that it’s coming from that! The response should be that they feel better and more optimal then when before we started working together! Even just the comfort of knowing someone ‘has their back’ is a good feeling.

Jason: What kind of specific ailments can Wholistic Kinesiology address?

Lynn: Most ailments are basically ’symptoms’ of a core issue. Using muscle testing, I can determine, what is going on with the client that may be causing those symptoms (I never ‘diagnose’ anyone, I always use the word imbalance). Western medicine tends to diagnose patients based on symptoms. Wholistic Kinesiology goes after the core, but I also address the symptoms as well (if the client isn’t feeling good, they may have a bacteria that needs attention, but I like to offer them something that will also ease the symptoms while we work on that core!)

Jason: What are these frequent areas/ailments/complaints/situations you are most frequently asked to address?

Lynn: The most frequent areas that I work with as far as ailments, complaints and situations are lack of sleep, stress, no energy, chronic allergies, digestive issues and hormone issues.

Jason: How does Wholistic Kinesiology assess a person’s nutritional status such as food intolerances or vitamin and mineral deficiencies?

Lynn: I have the client fill out an intake form, which tells me what is going on with them. Physical complaints, stress concerns, what they eat, do they skip meal, and what supplements/prescriptions do they take. Based on this intake, I can then assess what areas need to be addressed, which will help me when I actually speak to them I can have them be a bit more specific with me (say they eat out all the time, and get stomach pain after they eat-I can muscle test them to see if it is specific to something they are eating).

Jason: Does nutritional supplementation play a part in the treatment?

Lynn: Nutritional supplementation can play a part, all depending on the clients various needs. If I can remedy any nutritional imbalance for the client with food or diet changes I prefer to go in that direction. Again, it is determined on the very specific needs of my clients. Everyone is different!

Final part to our interview with Lynn Higgin next Monday! Very interesting stuff!

Thanks Jason!

Namaste', Lynn

Tribute video for Neda Soltan (girl killed in Iran). RIP We will not forget you!

2009-06-24T10:47:00.000-07:00

My interview with Founder and CEO Jason Horsley of eFitnessforLife Part 1

2009-06-22T06:36:00.000-07:00

Jason: Good morning Lynn,

Let me first say thank you! Thank you for joining us today for this sit down and more importantly, thank you for joining the eFitness for Life team!

We are very excited to welcome you and are looking forward to having your skills assist us in creating healthier, happier individuals all over the world. I can tell you that there was absolutely no thought, a year ago when eFitness for Life started, to having a Wholistic Kinesiologist on the team, but boy are we happy to have you now.

We never considered such an addition, but like you and I have previously discussed, everything happens for a reason. Our chance meeting has lead us to what I believe will be an amazing benefit to both the eFitness for Life clients and the Health and Wealth followers. Everyone, myself included, is going to learn a great deal about Wholistic practices, and more importantly, how they can enhance both mental and physical health, as well as, overall lifestyle. I think so many people are going to be shocked at how much their life can be enhanced through just a single session with a Wholistic Kinesiologist and that alone makes us very happy.

Well let me stop with the intro and let’s get down to it, I have so many questions I know people want answers to. Are you ready?

Lynn: Absolutely

Jason: Ok, so we will start off with an easy one…..tell us a little bit about yourself!

Lynn: I’ve been in the Wholistic health field since 2003, having come from a background that includes marketing, accounting, sales and also owning my own business as a professional baker and chocolatier!

Jason: Wow, quite a diverse background. Impressive! Why Wholistic Kinesiology?

Lynn: Most of my life consisted of chronic health issues, and in 2003 I ended up in the hospital due to a reaction to a prescription medication that nearly killed me! Just prior to this incident, I had met someone who was a Wholistic Kinesiologist, and had become interested in what it was. After I got out of the hospital, I sought out a practitioner and had exceptional results in the healing process. I knew I had to learn Wholistic Kinesiology-and at first thought I would just do it for myself and family, but after the first class I knew it would be my profession!

Jason: Ok, let’s get down to it. Just what in the world does a Wholistic Kinesiologist do and how do they benefit the average person?

Lynn: Kinesiology itself is actually the study of movement and motion. If you have ever been to a chiropractor experienced in muscle testing, you have experienced Kinesiology! Wholistic Kinesiology TM is a melding of several methods of kinesiology, including structural, nutritional, emotional, anatomy and physiology. It is a system that links traditional eastern styles of energy flow combined with basic western style muscle testing. Muscle testing, in simple terms is a procedure that assists us in sensing and translating our energy response to anything we come in contact with in our electromagnetic field. Whether it is a food, toxin, supplement, drug, foreign material, allergen etc. When we put something into that field that should not be there, our body will respond with a negative signal. That also includes internal factors as well, like bacteria or pathogens. If you hold out your arm, and someone puts something in your hand, like a bottle of supplements, and pushes your arm down, that is considered a weak, and most likely those pills will not be of benefit. If your arm test strong, it is likely they will be benefit, or at least be neutral to the body. That is the basic premise of Kinesiology, but the study of Kinesiology or Wholistic Kinesiology takes that to much greater depths! The benefit to the average person, is that this technique can also pinpoint the core of an imbalance in the body, whether it be a chronic illness, or if a person is just not feeling up to par! I can also use this technique to determine exactly what specific nutritional or supplement requirements that are needed or lacking from their diet or program lifestyle! Also, it is good to know if you are taking a prescription medication, and maybe a supplement you are taking is adverse with the prescription. I do not work with prescriptions that people are taking, that is up to their physician, but I do test to see if there is any interactions occurring with those drugs with supplements they may be taking.

Jason: Let’s be honest here, many people, when they hear the words holistic or wholistic used, they have this preconceived notion. Maybe of ancient or herbal methods. Am I right?

Lynn: Yes, you are correct. The concept of muscle testing is born from an ancient tradition, but was brought to modern times by a physician who saw its potential! At this point, it is becoming more mainstream, but yet because it is an alternative method people need to be gently introduced.

Jason: Why is this? What causes these preconceptions and more importantly, how do you dispel that notion or persuade them otherwise?

Lynn: Some individuals are a bit unsure of methods that are unfamiliar to them. I think it comes from a belief that modern medicine is the best avenue for them to pursue (even though it has only been around for about 100 years) when they have an illness, or even to just have a basic physical. Many imbalances, like nutritional deficiencies are not addressed by western medicine which is not beneficial for the client. By explaining to the client that the technique that I use has been around a lot longer than modern medicine and now becoming more mainstream it does help ease the client into understanding its benefits. I also like to tell people what it did for me, that I experienced it first hand, albeit maybe a bit skeptical at first, but ultimate quit my job and became a practitioner due to my own results from the technique.

Stay tuned! Part 2 coming soon! Time for some details……

This video will make your day! Hug someone!

2009-06-20T17:55:00.000-07:00

How Do you 'groove'?

2009-06-20T16:34:00.000-07:00

Every morning I start my day off with a cup of my favorite Trader Joe's Blueberry Green Tea with a touch of agave nectar. It's warm, soothing and healthy. I also have been taking a 'breathing' walk down the path near my house-usually anywhere from 15 minutes to 45 minutes. Not only is it a good way to get your blood pumping and jump start your energy, but it is also a great way to start your day feeling more balanced. Just the mere act of focusing on your breathing while outside in the fresh air is healing! I find when I start my day this way, I am more pro-active, focused and happier-and definitely becoming more fit!

Here are some suggestions on how you can start your day on a very positive note, that are not too time consuming-and will be guaranteed to get you in the right direction.

• Before you even step out of bed, sit up and take a deep conscious breath. Most of us tend to start thinking about our day and jump out of bed without taking that moment. Even if that's all you do all day, it will make a difference.

• Meditate-first thing, even if it's for only 5 minutes. If you don't meditate, then at least sit quietly for a few minutes with a cup of tea before you make the mad dash to get ready for work or errands. Or take a long shower or even a bath if you have the time. Anything that will allow you to have that moment!

• Eat something light. Fuel your body and your mind. Your brain will work better, your stress level will be lower, and your day will flow better. Make sure to include protein in your first meal! Eat mindfully-pay attention!

• Go for a walk, or work out. Get your blood and energy flowing to help you groove through the day!

• Check in with yourself throughout your day. Are you present, or are you harried and stressed out, or maybe you skipped lunch. Checking in will help remind you of the things you need to do to take care of yourself, so you remain balanced throughout your day, no matter what is going on.

These may seem like basic general rules to follow, but it really doesn't take much to change the way you begin another day of life. They are basic and simple, but vitally important. Long term practice of these simple steps could have profound affects on your health too-just think and be aware! Remember, it doesn't take much-don't wait until health becomes an issue. Practice any of these daily 'rituals' and you will definitely see a difference in how you perceive your day, and help keep you grounded and healthy-the ultimate goal! Take care of yourself-you matter!

I would love to hear what your special grounding ritual is! Is it something I've listed here? Post a comment and let me know:-)

Namaste'

Lynn

"No" Your Way to Feeling Good

2009-06-20T16:32:00.000-07:00

A fellow blogger recently posted this on her site- "Hi, I'd like to report a missing person. The word "NO" just up and left my vocabulary. If you see him, please tell him that's not cool."

It is one of the most important, valuable tools you need to utilize for self care. The ability to say 'no'. It can actually affect your health! Do you perceive yourself as a person who everyone can count on, even at your own personal expense? Alas, I too lived in the land-of-yes for many a year. It can be hard to tell someone 'no'-and then when you do get the courage to blurt out a 'no', then you feel compelled to give a full-on explanation of why 'the no' came out! What if you say no to someone who asks you to do a favor you don't have time to do, and they don't like you anymore? Even writing this made me cringe-do we really worry about such things?

Here's the thing. You can say no-and you can say it without explanation, and life as you know it will still go on! But the minute you say 'no' to someone, and the bargaining begins, then the respect is gone. If someone does not listen to your 'no', that speaks volumes. Your boundary has been crossed, stomped on and kicked to the side.

Saying 'no' when you really want to is good for your health. It's a stand for you, it's putting yourself first. You know how it feels when you agree to do something you didn't want to do, or go somewhere you didn't want to go-because you were afraid to say no. That gut feeling that makes you feel resentful and angry. Those feelings are not healthy. You go against the grain of your emotional rights and you take a hit. Those 'hits' add up. Inevitably you open yourself up to stress, sleeplessness and physical ailments. All from not saying 'no'.

It's a small word, but carries so much significance. It tell you that YOU matter. When you want to say no, and you do (without a babbly explanation, please) it will give you back your sense of self worth! And when you do and the world doesn't stop, and you feel that sense of peace-THAT is healthy!

'No' is no longer missing from your vocabulary-and that's cool!

Namaste'

Lynn

Are Emotional Blocks or Old Beliefs Holding You Back?

2009-06-20T16:31:00.001-07:00

Is there something in your life that you are trying to achieve? Weight goal? Financial goal? Fitness goal? Maybe you want to boost or change your career, or move to a different location? Perhaps you just want to feel at peace and be happy without worry or stress.

All of these are possible. What gets in the way, is the story we unconsciously tell ourselves. Maybe it's something you were told as a child-something that made you believe you weren't good enough, or smart enough. If you witnessed your parents worrying about money, and now you feel you can never have enough, or spend your life to focused on having money!

Our beliefs are imprints that make us who we are today. But who's beliefs are they? What are your beliefs about yourself, your looks, your confidence. Your ability to achieve success or love. Do you have a hard time reaching goals-maybe you almost get there, but something stops you just before you hit. It's that voice, that story we tell ourselves. A block!

Those blocks, and old beliefs were put there after we were born, and are NOT part of who you are. You can change the way you perceive yourself, and remove those old patterns of thinking. You can reach those goals-whether it's weight, financial, career, changing locations or just maybe learning for the first time how to live without stress.

I work with clients using several methods of emotional techniques (Feelings Buried Alive, EFT, Reiki, Meridian Balancing, etc) to help them get rid of these blocks and old beliefs. Once that 'weight' is removed-clients have been able to move forward and reach their higher potential! It's amazing what thoughts we carry with us throughout adulthood that are no longer valid, yet they are still 'hanging on' and remain imprinted in our cellular memory.

Think about where you are right now, and what your goals are that you are struggling to reach but for some reason it remains just that-a struggle. What old thoughts are you carrying around with you that are getting in your way? Free yourself! Change those old beliefs, and become who you were meant to be. Create new beliefs about who you are and what you can achieve- are you ready?

Namaste'

Lynn

Great Success Story

2009-06-20T16:30:00.000-07:00

I was sitting on a plane, on my way to Chicago, and my seat-mate was a really nice young guy named Brian, who was maybe about 20 years old. He slept the entire flight, and when we were getting close to landing, he stirred about, turned to me and asked me the time. Here is how are conversation went from there:

Brian: Are you going to Chicago?

Me: Yes-where are you going?

Brian: Long Island

Me: I'm originally from New York! It's cold, but so green. Where are you from?

Brian: Houston-I'm moving to Long Island.

Me: Wow-that's pretty cool-family?

Brian: No, I have friends there and I am currently getting my degree in computer science on line. This is the first time I have left home! By the way, is that snow down there?

Me: Yes-have you ever seen so much snow?

Brian: No-hardly ever (tears start to form in his eyes). I had to say goodbye to my family and best friends. It was hard. But I had to go-I've always wanted to go to New York! The opportunity came up, and my mom told me I had to do it now!

Me: But you can still continue your education online-and wow! You are doing such an amazingly brave thing! A lot of young people would not grab this opportunity and take it. But you did, and that shows a lot about you.

Brian: Quiet, with tears- after a few moments he says:

"I know I'm going to be a success, I just know it" with tears still glistening, he smiles! I know he will be too!

Namaste'

Lynn

To Graze or not to Graze

2009-06-20T16:27:00.000-07:00

A lot of people have adopted the 'grazing' type of diet. Where you eat every couple of hours-mostly to maintain blood sugar. But did you know that grazing may not actually be a good idea? It is a 'short term' way to maintain blood sugar-but may not be a long term way to approach eating.

When you fast between meals, fat cells are burned and when that happens toxins are released that have accumulated in the body. This is also what happens during the night when you sleep. If you are constantly grazing on foods, the body will focus on digestion instead of fat burning, with does not allow for detoxification to occur in the body. The body needs a chance to burn stored fat and excrete toxins.

If the body doesn't get a chance to detoxify during the fasting phase, it can lead to inflammation-which is a known source of all type of disease.

Best thing to do, if you are currently grazing your way through the day, is start gradually cutting back your meals one at a time, until you reach the recommended 3 per day. Of course, the occasional snack is okay, just in moderation. If you are currently 'grazing' to maintain blood sugar, add some cinnamon to your daily intake, which is known to be a great blood sugar balancer!

Our angel Jackie

2009-06-20T16:26:00.000-07:00

In 2008, we lost a most precious gift-our beloved Jackie. She was a cousin, friend, daughter, sister, niece, aunt and above all, a blessing! The life she lived was a lesson for us all on strength, perseverance and life force. She spent most of her life with illness, yet she pursued her love of teaching and was able to reach that goal so she could follow her path and work with children. I think she was put on this planet as a life teacher for all who knew her!

Her passing was an angelic retreat from the pain and suffering she endured while on this planet, teaching us all a lesson about living our own life with purpose, strength and perseverance. To make the most of every minute of every day! Her amazing smile and infectious giggle is achingly missed!

The Art of Mindful Eating

2009-06-20T16:15:00.000-07:00

I think most of us don't really think about the food we put in our mouth every time we eat. We are a civilization of people who are eating when we're rushed, working, watching television and even driving in our cars. In other words, we are eating unconsciously. I decided to give conscious eating a try, since I have been one of those unconscious eaters.

I began slowly (only way to start!). I started taking smaller bites of food, taking the 'french' theory of only needing a few bites of something delicious to satisfy our cravings. I savored the bite, taking in the consistency, tasting every ingredient, and even considering the source of where the food came from. Did it grow from the ground, fall off a tree? Was it once alive? Do any of us really think about these things when we eat, and if not then why?

Try an experiment! Go get a piece of food-yes, right now, and put it in between your fingers. Just feel it for a moment. Look at it's color, feel it's texture. Bring it to your nose and take a whiff of it's special aroma. Appreciate it! Sense it. Now take a bite. Don't chew. Taste slowly. Keep it in your mouth, let it dissolve into your taste buds. Appreciate the taste-enjoy, bliss! You may be tempted to chew or swallow, but don't. Let it stay, and lose yourself in the moment of the pleasure of what you are experiencing. Think of how it is going to nourish your body, how all of your digestive organs are responding to the senses that are being awakened! Sense how your body is working, feeling at the mere act of putting this piece of food in our mouth.

If you only do this even once, your perspective on what you choose to eat will change. If you even took the time to do this experiment, than you are open to changing the way you think about the way you eat.

Maybe you eat foods that make you sick. Maybe you want to lose a few pounds (I have had clients lose weight trying this, and it has worked for me as well!). Maybe you just want to eat healthier! Bottom line-pay attention! It will pay off! Welcome to the art of Mindful Eating!!

How Much Protein Do I Need? - by guest blogger Mark Mueller

2009-06-20T13:26:00.000-07:00

This is a post by one of my twitter pals, Mark Mueller aka @markthetrainer.

It is a generally accepted rule of thumb that 30% of your caloric intake should come from protein. This is the standard for leading fitness companies like Beachbody and mainstream nutritionists are happy with it.

Many mainstream health professionals say the 3.0 percent protein is excessive, and 20 percent, which is based on the RDA's recommendation of 0.8 g/kg to 1.2-1.8 g/kg, is fine. Well, it isn't. 20 percent is too little protein for athletes and those who work out regularly. Dr. Lemon, in Medicine and Sports and Exercise (19:5, S179-S190, 1986), states:

"Several types of evidence indicate that exercise causes substantial changes in protein metabolism. In fact, recent data suggests that the protein recommended dietary allowance might actually be 100% higher for individuals who exercise on a regular basis. Optimal intakes, although unknown, may be even higher, especially for individuals attempting to increase muscle mass and strength."

So, in essence, the more you exercise, the greater your protein needs will be!

Do be careful not to overdo it with your protein supplementation. Too much protein will destroy your kidneys. A lesser known fact is that studies show that cancer thrives on protein. I talked to a girl who had undergone chemotherapy for leukemia and later had more chemotherapy for another type of cancer. She was almost 21 years old! Soon after I learned this I saw her down a 90 gram protein shake. She had been imitating the eating habits of her 230 lb body builder father. I think they were on to something with those studies.

In conclusion, eat more protein than what the RDA recommends if you are physically active, but not so much that stones and tumors start to form!

Mark Mueller

www.personaltrainerdenverCO.com

Namaste' and thank you Mark!

Lynn

Interesting Tidbit of Wisdom!

2009-06-20T13:21:00.003-07:00

This is actually a quote from Carolyn Myss:

"The degree to which you have an illness, is directly correlated to how closely you live your life based on your belief system".

Namaste'

Lynn

Vege-excuse me?

2009-06-20T13:21:00.001-07:00

Since I have recently made the decision to not eat meat, I have had a plethora of people ask me if that meant I was a vegan! Seems like there is some confusion as to what that statement actually means, so I am writing this post to help clarify. There are a few different terms used to describe the many different variations of non-meat eaters, and here they are:

Vegetarian - This is a person that has chosen to no longer eat meat of any kind, including beef, pork, fish, poultry, shellfish or animal flesh. This also includes broths made from animal meat. They do however, eat eggs and dairy products. Some vegetarians also exclude the eggs but not dairy, and they are referred to as lacto-vegetarians. There are those who DO eat eggs, but exclude dairy, and they are referred to as ovo-vegetarians. Got that? There will be a quiz at the end of this post!

Vegan- This is a person who does eat any type of animal meat or animal flesh of any kind, including eggs or dairy. They also do not eat any type of processed foods made with animal-derived ingredients (such as gelatin). Any type of broths they are meat based are also off the menu!

Flexitarian - A flexitarian is a person who, for the most part does not eat any meat, but does partake in the occasional bite here and there. Perhaps they eat only tuna on occasion. This would be me.

Pescatarian - (also called Vegequarian) This is a person who does not eat meat or animal flesh, but does eat fish!

So there you have it! One size vege/pesca/flexi/vegan does not fit all! If you would like some more information on this subject, or are just looking for some great vegetarian recipes, check out Veg News Magazine.

And also, just an FYI-if you have chosen to be a non-meat eater please make sure you are getting an adequate protein source to supplement. Some good choices would be legumes, lentils, seeds, nuts, dark leafy greens and brown rice. Quinoa is a great protein source! A good protein powder is a great suggestion also-best to find one with no sugar added!

Namaste' and Bon' Appetit!

Lynn

Pesticide Packing Produce

2009-06-20T13:14:00.000-07:00

Since I am frequently asked this question, I decided to make my first post about when to buy organic fruits and vegetables, and when it's okay to 'stray' from organic. This is an important factor to know-because pesticide packing produce is everywhere, and dangerous to consume!

The following list is what is commonly known as the 'Dirty Dozen'- which means that these fruits and vegetables pack the highest residue of pesticide, and should not only be bought organic, but washed as well. These are the splurges! And worth every safe bite! Also, remember that antioxidants and other phytonutrients are concentrated near the surface, so another bonus of buying organic-you don't have to worry about pealing your produce. And you get all the healthy benefits.

Peaches, Apples, Sweet Bell Peppers, Celery, Nectarines, Strawberries, Cherries, Pears, Grapes (imported), Spinach, Lettuce and Potatoes

The next list is the Cleanest Dozen, with the lowest pesticide residue, and do not necessarily need to be organic (I always try and buy organic anyway-but at least you can have peace of mind with these!)

Onions, Avocados, Sweet Corn (frozen), Pineapples, Mangos, Asparagus, Sweet Peas (frozen), Kiwi, Bananas, Cabbage, Broccoli and Papayas.

Clip and save this post, carry it with you, and when you are in the store and not sure which direction to take-this will help guide you in the right, and healthier direction!

Namaste'

Lynn

The Best Green Drink Ever

2009-06-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

This is the 'infamous' green drink recipe from Dr. Mehmet Oz. It is SO good, and so healthy I wanted to post it on my blog! Here it is, and this makes about 4 servings so adjust accordingly! All ingredients should be put in a Vita-Mix or other pulverizing blender or juicer to get the best benefit! And please use organic ingredients (otherwise, peel your cucumber and apple before blending)!!

• 2 cups spinach

• 2 cups cucumber

• 1 head celery

• 1/2 inch, or 1 teaspoon ginger root

• 1 bunch parsley

• 2 apples

• juice of 1 lime (optional)

• juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)

Add ground flax or brewers yeast-(my personal addition)

Drink up! Cheers!

Namaste,

Lynn