In the Mood to Reboot Your Life? Read This First.

Welcome 2009!

But first, with fondness, I say good-bye to 2008. This past year was definitely one that signaled many changes. From a historic election to a Philadelphia Sports Championship to our economic meltdown, I’m sensing 2009 will brings several effects of these changes to fruition: Hold on tight!

But, before I go any further, a couple of fun media/business updates. First, I was on NBC in Philadelphia. Check out my TV debut here. Second, I’ve started a blog, www.pyour.wordpress.com. I’ll post twice a week; the first post will contain general health information (or commentary—you know I always have an opinion!) and the second a mid-week recipe to get you motivated to cook. My blog also includes other media coverage, client testimonials and previous newsletters. Please do get in on the conversation or discuss recipes and cooking tips.

Another major change to my business is the shift in my program from six to four months. Given how uncertain many of you feel about your job and financial situation, I want to do my part to work with you in these volatile times. Also, since I’m fortunate to be in a field that is growing exponentially, I want to be able to reach more clients. The U.S. needs major help! I believe this change in my program will be best for my 2009 clients and my business. I will, of course, provide renewal options for clients who want continued support beyond the four months (as I do now).

Now back to 2008 briefly. When I was at my parent’s home over the holidays, I read an article quoting Porter Novelli, a well-respected and international marketing firm, that laid out several themes expected to play out in society over the coming year.

The one thing that struck me was this concept of rebooting our systems. They believe that with a new administration, people sense a fresh start. That they want to focus on fiscal responsibility, reigning in spending and focusing on what really matters.

I am pulling for you America. But the one thing I cannot help but ask is: Is it worth rebooting when you still have the same operating system that got you into this mess? And by that I mean your body and mind, which together affects your thoughts, moods and behaviors?

I often use this concept of rebooting your life through the power of nutrition to explain what I do because that is what balanced nutrition offers us. It physically changes who you are which, in turn, changes how you think, feel and act. Who doesn’t feel like they can take on the world when they have boundless energy and optimism while at their healthy body weight?

I’m fortunate that I have early adapter clients. They get it. They get that what you eat ultimately determines the quality of your life (for a very real idea of what I mean, check out a recent client testimonial here). And this same quality of life determines how you eat: It’s cyclical. Even Oprah is catching on with her new approach to eating (I’ll blog next week about my admiration for Oprah but my qualms with her Best Life eating plan).

I understand that some people won’t value their health until it’s too late. Kind of like the out-of-shape guy who I saw slump over his steering wheel from a heart attack three weeks ago while his construction truck continued down Broad Street. His operating system had crashed.

But for those of us who sense our best days are ahead, let’s make a fresh start this year. And given it’s winter and more a time for thinking than doing, can I suggest starting with how you view “healthy”? It’s not about tofu, sprouts and doing exercise you hate. It’s about cooking fresh food with friends, taking dance or yoga classes that connect you to your body, it’s about laughing more while relaxing in the park. Health, just like joy, is our natural state. Implant that chip into your navigation. Envision what you want your life to be like and then follow that feeling with the decisions you make. Are your food choices and decisions matching with how you’d like to feel? Deep breath…one change at a time.

To a joyous 2009,

Ali

P.S.Here’s a great recipe for winter. Ginger is a warming spice and carrots are grounding for our hibernating days. Enjoy!