O’ Oprah

I’m excited. Partly because the Eagles and the Steelers have a great chance of being in the Super Bowl. I’m a Steeler fan by birth and choice, but cannot help root for the Birds because of my love affair with the city of Philadelphia. But I’m also excited because the conversations around weight, and thus health, are starting to evolve.

I have to give Oprah a lot of credit for this. She has openly discussed her struggles with weight and how it is never about weight. She has also introduced spirituality into the lexicon of the everyday American. This is great because the two are inseparable (Spirituality doe not mean religion, it’s more feeling connected to something greater than yourself).

And while I think Oprah is a visionary in many ways, I’m not surprised that she’s still talking about weight (what caught me more off guard in her recent show is that Oprah went to four doctors and not one figured out she had a thyroid issue. OPRAH – who probably has access to the best doctors in the world, was diagnosed by her viewers. How’s that for an argument to be your own healer and health advocate).

Oprah’s Best Life Diet Plan that she has on her show is created by her trainer Bob Greene. Bob knows a lot about exercise, training, the body and about fat and calories. And he espouses the importance of the emotional tie to food and having to sort out your “stuff” so you don’t turn to food. So to lose weight, exercise, sort out your emotional mess and then eat the Best Life endorsed products. Right, right, WRONG!

Here’s the problem: you are still eating products and not food. 90% of the average Americans diet goes towards processed science experiments and not towards food. Food is something usually without a label, or if it does, you can identify everything on the label as a whole food. And your Great Great Grandmother would know what it was too from back in the Old Country. Potatoes yes, ketchup no. Lettuce yes, Luna bar, no.

Real food connects you to the earth that provided it to you, it connects you to the people you cook and eat with. Above all, it provides a life force that no chemicals can match.

See when you start eating whole, real food and not fragments of food, you become whole yourself. The equation looks like this: Whole foods = Whole self = Best self.

Best self = the confidence and self esteem to put yourself on your priority list and the joy that comes from those decisions. That’s how you never fall off your priority list, lose weight and keep it off. You get a life you love. It doesn’t have to be a battle forever.

It’s about finding what feeds you on and off your plate. But to do that, you must start with eating food*. I think Oprah will get there eventually…maybe us, her viewers, should tell her.

*For a great read on this, check out Michael Pollen’s “In Defense of Food”.

.

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!

Resolve to Get Happy in 2009 – Check me out on NBC to find out how!

How about resolving to be happy in 2009? It’s more than just trying to think positive…it’s about FEELing positive. That means energy, optimism and regular bowel movements. Sure sure. Wait, what you talkin’ about Willis?

Yep, you heard me right. Your health and mood is influenced by the health of your digestive tract. Learn more by checking out my TV spot and get 2009 moving figuratively and physically!

And let me add that Lori Wilson is one of the sweetest women I’ve ever met. She is as down to earth and adorable as she seems.

Foods to Boost Your Mood

Natalia’s Story: Sustainable Balance

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

After The Cure: A personal essay on a personal journey

Here’s an article I wrote for the Philadelphia Women’s Journal on my healing from cancer. It was the first time I wrote about my experience in its entirety. Writing it was emotional but therapeutic.

I hope anyone who reads it walks away understanding there is a big difference between curing and healing. Curing a disease is stopping the physical deterioration. Healing is finding the meaning and the strength to use trauma constructively…without losing your sense of humor about the whimsical nature of life.

After the Cure