Want to lose weight?

In general there are about 7 causes of weight problems.

Genetics, diet, exercise, hormones, toxicity, nutritional deficiencies, emotional/spiritual factors can all play a role.

Ask me how I can help you identify which area is holding you back and lets work together to get you feeling your best!

Set the mood, with food

Choose foods that are healthy, fun and sexy. The food we eat has an impact on our mood, stress levels, energy levels and affects our hormones and brain chemistry. Choose foods that nourish your body, mind, spirit. Indulge in some foods from the list below and go wild!

Webster Definition

"Aphrodisiac: any of various forms of stimulation thought to arouse sexual excitement. Aphrodisiacs may be classified in two principal groups: (1) psycho-physiological (visual, tactile, olfactory, aural) and (2) internal (stemming from food, alcoholic drinks, drugs, love potions, medical preparations).

Almonds
Aniseed
Arugula
Asparagus
Basil
Coffee
Chocolate
Fennel
Figs
Honey
Garlic
Ginger
Raspberries
Vanilla
Wine

Milk it does a body good?

Milk it does a body good?

There is a misconception in our society that drinking milk will lead us to reach optimal health. Our bones will become strong and we will grow to be tall. When people think of calcium they see milk as if it is the only place on earth where this vital mineral is found. Interesting is the statistic that in countries with high dairy consumption osteoporosis is high as well. How is it then that in countries where people don't consume milk they are living long and healthy lives with strong bones?

What if drinking milk doesn't do a body good, then what?

Many people around the world lack the enzyme lactase which breaks down milk sugar (lactose) found in dairy. About 20% of people with northwest European ancestry are lactose intolerant, where as 100% of Chinese have some form of lactose intolerance. The statistics vary around the globe with the US and China being at the extreme ends of the spectrum. Dairy intolerance can cause: bloating, gas, nausea, constipation, skin conditions and more. Cow's milk causes the body to create excess mucus which can lead to respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis and sinusitis. Also the milk protein casein has been linked to cancer. Calcium is vital to our health and yes it can be found in dairy products, but it's important to be aware of all the adverse effects that it can have to our health and to be knowledgeable to the alternative ways to get calcium into our systems.

Foods high in calcium

Sardines
Collard greens
Soy/rice milk enriched with calcium
Sesame seeds
Almonds
Broccoli
Kale
Salmon

Common Herbs in the Kitchen

What better way to spice up your meals than with the help of some commonly used herbs. Many of us grab for spice jars to add some pizazz to our foods with out even realizing that what we are adding is really beneficial to our health! Herbs and spices make up nature's medicine cabinet and below are just some of the ways in which they help support our bodies.

Basil- Eases digestion, fights against ulcers, lowers the risk of cancers, eases stress and the oil found in the plant is a powerful antioxidant

Black pepper- Anti-bacterial, antioxidant, improves digestion

Cilantro- Powerful anti-inflammatory especially helpful with arthritis, digestive aid, removes heavy metals, cleanses, anti-septic and anti-fungal for skin disorders, helps with insulin secretion, lowers LDL and raises HDL, wards off urinary tract infections

Cinnamon- Lowers cholesterol, lowers blood sugar levels which is helpful for type two diabetes, aids in digestion, boosts memory and cognitive function, treats the common cold

Garlic- Anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, antioxidant, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, aids in poor digestion, boosts immune system and reduces the risk of esophageal, stomach and colon cancer

Ginger- Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, alleviates menstrual cramps, stimulates the circulatory system, strengthens lungs and kidneys, lowers fever, may treat ulcers and aid in weight loss

Onion- Anti-bacterial, decrease coughs and bronchial spasms, cancer prevention, lowers blood pressure and blood lipids

Oregano- Anti-bacterial, high in antioxidants, improve respiratory health, helps clear up sinus infections, relieves joint pain

Parsley- Immune booster, digestion aid, blood purifier, high in iron which helps fight fatigue and anemia, hormonal support and hormone balancing

Rosemary- Improves circulation and blood flow to the brain, improves concentration, boosts immune system, anti-bacterial, helps to regulate the menstrual cycle

Gooey yummy goodness

There are so many ways to take your favorite nuts, fruits and spices and roll them into balls of goodness. I like taking cranberries, raisins, dates, oats and mixing them in a food processor or blender and adding in either coconut, or some cacao or cinnamon. Nut butters and oils are a great addition and help with consistency. You want them to be semi sticky so they stay together when rolled up. You can add anything you want! Throw all the ingredients in a blender and roll them up to the desired size. Put them in the fridge to chill and enjoy them as an on the go snack or perfect sweet for after a meal.

Get behind better food in schools!

http://mobile.nytimes.com/article?a=593959&f=26

Gratitude

Take a moment to think about all the wonderful things happening in your life. What does you life look like now? Are you satisfied with your career, spiritual practice, relationships, the amount of time you spend moving your body??? Think about three things that you are so blessed and grateful for. How often do you take time to recognize the good in your life? All in life is constantly changing and shifting, manifesting into new versions of what was. Let the flow guide you willingly and remember to acknowledge all that you have, and to work towards all that you want.

3 things I am grateful for at this moment...
My family
A circle of supportive/inspiring friends
My health

Adopting a School

With childhood obesity on the rise, adult onset diabetes plaguing our children as well as myriad other health issues that typically are seen only in adults, we really have to take a stance and be pro-active in shaping a healthy future for all. I am currently looking into schools here in the NYC area with the intent of finding one and offering health/nutrition education to students, staff and parents as well as helping the school look into offering healthier food options for their students. We all have something to gain from stopping this unhealthy trend and making sure that our children grow up healthy, happy and disease free. What will you offer?? How can you be part of the solution?? If anyone is interested in adopting a school with me, please feel free to contact me. gillianmelia@gmail.com

Vegan breakfast ideas

Eating vegan is a way to nurture your body and the earth. Keep in mind as I was reminded today when reading a list of PETAs vegan snacks that the intent of eating in such a way is to protect/heal and love your body as well as respect all animals. The snack food list that PETA provides is full of unhealthy processed foods that yes are vegan, but also incredibly damaging to the body. It is important to understand and to think about the foods you are putting into your body. By avoiding the consumption of animal products in the name of animal rights, you should also be willing to take a stand with your own health. Respect your body and feed it whole foods that are beneficial to your overall health and well being.

Breakfast ideas

Fruit smoothies
Green smoothies
Muesli
Oatmeal
Pancakes
Waffles
Tofu scramble
Breakfast burritos
Soy/coconut yogurt with granola and fruit
Bowl of sprouted grains, shredded coconut, dried fruits
Fruit

If anyone has any other breakfast ideas, please share them :)

So Super Hyped!

Woweeeeeeee! Need a jump start in the morning? Many of us are used to starting off the day with a hot beverage. Americans drink 400 million cups of coffee per day! Did you know that coffee inhibits the absorption of minerals like iron, magnesium and zinc as well as B vitamins? Studies have also linked consumption to osteoporosis, heart disease and even miscarriages. There is a lot of information out there about the benefits as well as the harmful effects of coffee, so the best way to know how it effects you is to pay attention and see how you feel after sipping on a cup, and then how you feel 2 hours later. Does the caffeine sustain you for the entire day or leave you needing more? Might there be an alternative to your morning ritual?

Coffee alternatives

Black/Green/White Tea
Dandy Blend
Oolong Tea
Yerba Mate

Hippocrates

“If we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little and not too much, we would have found the safest way to health.”