Detox!

Spring, according to the calendar, has arrived! With that, every year, I do a liver cleanse. In Chinese medicine, each season corresponds with an organ, or a system or organs (the Chinese view things in groups of organs, more of a “systems thinking”). And Spring matches up with the liver.

Carlos, bless his heart, did this one with me. It makes such a difference when you have a partner. We tried the Metagenics 10-day detox plan (for tips on how to gently detox yourself, click here.) It was great. The gist of it was eliminating processed foods, the top allergenic foods (gluten, egg, dairy, nuts) and animal protein, while eating lots of fruits, veggies and some cleansing herbs and vitamins. Except for the lethargy, it was smooth sailing for me. But, I do detox every season and keep a pretty healthy lifestyle. However, I feel like a new person and am motivated to stick to a lifestyle of slowing down, and less animal protein and chocolate.

Carlos had a rougher time with some detox symptoms (chills, sweats, nausea), but as a result, I think he’s a new man…and one dedicated to going without coffee! If anyone knows Carlos, this seems like I’m writing the fiction that he writes. But nope, he is enjoying not feeling the ups and downs in his moods that come from excessive coffee intake.

The hardest part for me wasn’t the food plan but the slowing down. It was the slowest I’ve been in probably three years. It made me realize what a break neck pace I’ve been keeping and I’m ready to bring more stillness. During the 10-day detox, I got a massage, read some great books, really enjoyed catching up with friends on the phone and reading trashy magazines like US Weekly and those other star magazines that recycle the same drama every month at Barnes and Nobles (I won’t pay for them!). It was so much fun!

So as Spring brings new beginnings, what would make life feel brand new and guide you toward the life you want to lead? I think all of us should look at how we can take better care of ourselves. And then do it…and pass on that energy to others. What a wonderful world this would be.

Gentle Ways to Detox Your Body

I was a guest on the NBC 10! Show again last Thursday. Here’s a clip from the show that discusses gentle ways to detox your body.

Come Spring time, I’ll be doing an in-depth teleclass on the ins and outs of detoxing. Stay tuned for details!

Also, if you like this kind of information in the mainstream media, please post a comment letting them know. The more we can get the truth about food and health out there, the healthier and happier we will all be.

That and a Steeler Super Bowl win on Sunday!!!

View clip here

Spring Clean Your WHOLEself Workshop for Women

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