Ali has given me the greatest gift in life…me! For the first time in my 53 years I can honestly say that I love myself. For years I went to counselors asking for happiness and to doctors asking for health…to no avail. Each and every time I would be given prescription drugs with side effects as an added bonus! I just got sick and tired of being sick and tired. I was pre-diabetic with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It was time to get healthy with food and Ali was my very patient teacher.
Six months ago I came to Ali asking for health and happiness and this time I received all the answers. She taught me how to be happy in my relationships, career and spirituality; thereby, relieving my need to find solace in an unhealthy diet and lifestyle. Ali lovingly showed me how not to sabotage my diet and life by deconstructing cravings. This was not a diet of deprivation; it was just the opposite, more healthy foods were added to my diet. With Ali’s knowledgeable, passionate and enthusiastic guidance I am now free of all medication. Ali has empowered me with the secret to a vibrant lifestyle.
~ Sherrill Barrett, New Jersey
We are ONE
January 26, 2009
This was the name of the concert that HBO pulled together for the inauguration last week. What a show! I found it moving on so many levels. I spend a lot of time in my head but found that this past week, I was in my body feeling inspired and overwhelmed with emotion. I am so proud of our country (even the people who didn’t vote for Barack Obama allowed a peaceful transition which doesn’t happen in many parts of the world) .
I think the reason Obama is such a phenomenon is because he reminds us of our greatness, the wholeness in all of us. Believe it or not, many of us are afraid of our power. And for the past eight years, our country has been operating out of fear versus the hope, ambition and optimism that founded this country and the democracy concept in the first place. But we learned that playing small doesn’t work very well. Let’s move on – and fast!
It’s clearly time to step into our individual power and call upon our strengths. It’s a great way to be a Patriot! In Obama’s inauguration speech, he clearly explained that it’s not just about him – it’s about us too. And we have a lot of work to do.
So I ask you, where are you playing small in your life? Where can you make better choices so you feel whole, confident and ready to change your part of the world?
To get started, I suggest looking at what we in health counseling call your primary foods. Primary foods are what feeds your soul: Career, relationships, spirituality and physical activity. These are equally important as what you feed your body. When these things are balanced in your life, you feel that oneness, that wholeness that we crave more than chocolate.
So just start with ONE change. Maybe it is your diet. That will definitely aid in your confidence, energy and mental clarity. Or maybe it’s being a better friend or trying that yoga class you always thought about.
I know for me, once I got my nutrition right, I gained the energy and chutzpah to jump off the corporate ship and hang out my own shingle doing something I passionately believe in. I’ve never felt more alive in my life. I never knew such small changes would add up so big.
So whatever changes sounds exciting to you, go for it. And instead of thinking “What do I have to lose?” think “What do I have to gain?”. It will be a new era for you and our country.
And if you need some inspiration, check out U2 at the ONE concert:
Spring Clean Your WHOLEself Workshop for Women
January 21, 2009
It be hard to imagine with the wind, the layers and the downright chill, but sun dresses and inspiration for change are just around the corner when Spring brings its long awaited sunny and warmer days.
Be ready! It’s time to dust off the cob webs inside your body and outside your life! Fast track getting your WHOLEself in shape for 2009 and beyond with the “Spring Clean Your WHOLEself” workshop. It’s time to stop putting your life off and jump in!
Come join Certified Health Counselor Ali Shapiro, Psychologist Dr. Nicole Lipkin and like minded women for this workshop designed to balance your Mind, Body and Spirit.
During this four week boot camp, you’ll benefit by walking away with:
• What foods work best for your unique body
• The real equation to permanent weight loss, including identifying certain food and attitudes that keep on the pounds (hint: it’s not about fat and calories)
• Strategies for managing and eliminating cravings
• A healthier relationship with food and exercise
• The savvy to fit healthy eating and a balanced mindset into your busy life
• Cutting-edge exercise science to show you how to get more out of your work-outs in less time
• Understanding how to eliminate self-sabotaging behavior and keep your priorities straight
• A detox workbook and action plan to support you in doing a spring detox designed for your body and life
• Development of a healthy mind, food and spirit action plan to keep you motivated throughout the year
Come connect with other women while getting incredible support to help you make the changes you desire in your life. Each session is from 6-8 p.m and will include healthy snacks and recipes.
March 11: Finding the Best Foods and Mindset for Your Body and Your Life
March 18: The Best Way to Exercise Your Body and Strengths to achieve a body and life you love (with special guest and Philadelphia premier trainer Brandon Mentore)
March 25: Detoxing Your Body and Life for Spring
April 1: Making Healthy Habits Last
You will have the combined expertise of well known Philadelphia professionals who have been helping individuals accomplish their goals and preferred lives for years.
Investment for this workshop, which will provide you with strategies for sustained life change, is only $349 per person and payable by credit card or check. Bring a friend and you each come for $299. Payment is due upon RSVP (deadline for sign-up is March 1) as space is limited. Contact Ali Shapiro at alishapiro@pyournutrition.com or 215.279.7491 for questions or to RSVP.
Location: 525 S. 4th Street, Suite 471, Philadelphia, PA, 19147
JL Trades in Food for Fun
December 15, 2008
Last spring, I began meeting with Ali for nutritional counseling. At the beginning of our sessions together, my main focus was to end my cravings and bring closure to an almost twenty year cycle of trying different diets/exercise programs, where I would meet with success for awhile, but then succumb to cravings – only to start the search again for a new “solution”.
By working with Ali, I began a transformation not only with my eating but also with my life. My “aha” moment came the week I worked on finding more time for myself and listing things I already love or would love to do. By taking time for myself, I have begun to cultivate new interests (singing and songwriting!) and, in general, have learned how to nourish myself without always turning to food for comfort. Some of these seemingly simple changes have been nothing short of amazing in my life: my always-hectic, frenzied schedule has become more calm, I am finding more productive ways to deal with people and have felt empowered as a result, and when I find myself facing life’s challenges I feel that I can meet these obstacles and come out on the other side stronger and better.
My stormy relationship with food has improved significantly: in fact, I find that I spend less time thinking about food and more time enjoying life! Because I am able to eliminate energy-wasting activities and thoughts at this point, I feel more relaxed, sleep better, and have more energy each day. My chronic sinusitis has subsided significantly, and my weight fluctuations have ended.
Ali is such an exceptional listener, and always has timely advice and resources that enhance whatever we’re discussing. In addition, her nonjudgmental nature makes room for open, honest conversation. I especially enjoyed the weekly goal-setting and follow-up e-mails. By revisiting goals reflectively, working on the present productively, and making subtle changes for a better future, I felt that our time together was purposeful and always moving in a positive direction.
Ali’s knowledge of mind/body health is extensive, and I would always leave our sessions feeling energized, inspired, and filled with new, exciting information. I believe that anyone working with Ali will experience success if that person is willing to be honest with him/herself, be introspective, and follow through with his/her goals! Ali certainly possesses the expertise and personality to help anyone achieve success!
~ JL, New Jersey
Natalia’s Story: Sustainable Balance
October 28, 2008
Ali is empowering. I recently finished my six month program with Ali and wish it was for 12 months. Ali’s program is unique as it is personalized and focuses on health in all aspects of life, not just food. Working with Ali enabled me to make sustainable changes in my diet, daily routine and life. Her knowledge, expertise in counseling and support provided me with the foundation to build a balanced me.
Since working with Ali, I’ve never felt better overall! I now notice my body’s signals and listen to them. I am grateful to have worked with Ali as the positive changes I see in myself are priceless. I would highly recommend Ali’s program to anyone! ~ Natalia Paich, New York City, NY
R.B.’s Story: Connecting to Her Body & Life
October 28, 2008
Ali is fun, informative and inviting…she made learning about food, recipes and finding a healthier balance fun. When I first met Ali, I could barely find time to breathe, let alone think about cooking a meal. However, Ali helped me to slow down and find a healthier balance that extended far beyond my plate. Ali gave me easy suggestions for ways to change my habits, but mostly she put me in touch with my own body. She helped me become more aware and recognize when things are off so that I could adjust and achieve improved digestion and wellness. She helped me find an inner balance and think about the decisions in life that truly work for me.
Her unconditional support made these changes feel like a natural evolution that just needed a gentle nudge to wake up and start moving on a better, healthier path. Ali is truly dynamic! Her positive and warm energy made each meeting even better and her consistent support and encouragement helped every step of the way. ~R.B. Philadelphia, PA
