Intro to Weight Loss

I've been getting inquiries to start a new weight loss group, so here is some introductory information:

1) A conference call recording that tells you the components of the nationally-successful program that provides great education, and as your coach, I customize it to help you meet your health goals!

2) An educational video that helps you understand LEPTIN and GREHLIN -- a great example of how much you'll learn about the FACTS of healthy weight loss instead of the wildfire myths of crash diets.

RESULTS guaranteed to lose belly inches in the first month if you follow the program guidelines. Other SIDE BENEFITS: better sleep, better immune system, happier digestive system, learn to breathe better and manage stress, discover healthier foods AND never be hungry! Drop me an email so we can help you find the BEST YOU!

There are weight loss student testimonials on my website if you want to know more.

Don't Let Allergies Get You Down

When I first moved to LA, I had the worst allergies. But even local-born Angelenos fall victim to allergies when the weather changes, when the heat cooks up the pollution, or when the Santa Ana winds pick up.  I used to have a variety of allergy symptoms, from scratchy throat to stuffy nose to watery eyes, and massive sneezing --- worst of all was the low energy! Now, with my anti-allergy optimal health regimen, I'm a happy camper during allergy season and wish my friends who are suffering from allergy pains would give this superantioxidant a try. I hate to see people suffer, when I know breathing could be so much easier! Especially for singers, musicians, teachers--basically anyone who uses their voice for their work, we can't be without our voice due to difficult breathing. And difficulty breathing adds to chronic stress which is no good if you're trying to lose weight, maintain a healthy weight, or just have good energy. Allergies also make you more susceptible to getting colds and sinus infections since your immune system is already overworked!

Check out this science blog so you can find out the science behind what vitamins and supplements can help you out for allergy season!

New season, new allergies and sinus infections

As the new season brings new pollen into the air, I've noticed a number of people are having allergies and sinus infections. First, be kind to your respiratory system---before you can think, you must breathe well to get that oxygen to your brain and body. When there are allergies and sinus infections, your body is SUPER stressed, even if you have an antibiotic taken off some of the pressure. We don't want your body to be under chronic physical stress, because that feeds into your emotional stress management abilities. Chronic physical stress diminishes your optimal health, and for some people with weight loss goals, it limits their progress.

Let's find ways to work on the cause, instead of waiting to deal with symptoms.

3 EASY STEPS to improving your RESPIRATORY HEALTH: Clean up your air and your body!
1) Clean your air with a HEPA air purifier. You can find the best deals online (see the link) and even find deals with an app called ShopBuddy to monitor prices. If you are in a dry climate like Los Angeles, you might need a humidifier to keep the membranes of your sinuses healthy to block out the pollutants. If you live in downtown LA where it is the nexus of many cars and highways, you might want to keep your windows closed to protect from the soot.

2) Improve your indoor air quality w great air-cleaning plants. A few weeks ago, I stopped by Mickey's Plants near La Brea/Fountain and Mickey, the owner, was so helpful to find the air-cleaning plants that would do well with my indirect light. I got a peace lily on the right, and I forget the name of the other plant on the left (see photo). And spider plants are terrific! I planted the spider plant at the bottom of my rubber tree to make it prettier and more of an ecosystem. Set up your plants at home, and put at least one at your desk at the office. And if you live in LA, stop by and talk to Mickey to get his great advice for the plants that are best-suited for your environment!

3) Clean your body! Rinse your nasal passages with non-medicated saline rinse--to help lubricate the membranes for better blockage of pollutants and the rinse out the trapped pollutants. Improve your immune system to manage your body's inflammation triggered by pollution or bad air quality. Eat with the anti-inflammatory food pyramid which includes omega-3 fish oils, take care of your optimal health regimen, and take a high-quality superantioxidant that helps manage your histamine levels. High histamine levels, especially prevelant in evenings, causes the runny nose and unpleasant allergy symptoms. Benedryl and other anti-histamine drugs make my nose and throat dry, so I prefer using this preventative wellness regimen. I used to be allergic to the purple Jacaronda trees with sneezing from a block away, and now, I'm fine with no symptoms with a Jacaronda tree outside my kitchen window. Happy breathing!

P.S. Parents should know that children with allergies or asthma have trouble focusing at preschool or school, and the lost time being sick can diminish their educational outcomes. Here is what I recommend for kids: a good multivitamin that can help with mental focus, liquid omega 3, and children's version of the superantioxidant. I've gotten great reviews with parents whose kids have better attendance at school and no longer have swollen puffy eyes and nose. I'm happy to send these testimonials to you, if you contact me with your email address.

Meditation for Beginners - Belly Breathing!

I've found that a number of people who come to my hikes or meet me in their physical therapy appt have trouble with breathing or meditation. As babies and dogs are easy to find their happy belly breathing, somehow we adults get challenged with stress and forget how to belly breathe. If it's hard for you to find your belly breath, check out this article from Daily Om.

If you have trouble finding it sitting up, try lying on your back, with your knees bent in "active rest" position, so that you can let gravity help you feel your belly rise on the inhale, and flatten as you exhale. When I first learned to sing in a choir in college, I had lots of trouble figuring out how to not shrug my shoulders on the inhale, and I spent time lying on the floor to find my belly breathing. So, if you get distracted and need to focus on something while looking for your belly breathing, you can pick your favorite slow happy song and that can help you out! My favorite song for this exercise is the chorus from ABBA's "Dancing Queen." It makes people chuckle and yes, when you laugh, you find your belly too! BONUS: The more you use your belly breath, the more you can help waken your abs and tone them. Belly breathing is the easiest way to start to manage your stress and get started on meditation!

Breathing Workshop this Sat Apr 18!!

Use music techniques to breathe well!
Improve your cardio skills, heart health, ab strength, stress management, and yoga practice.

Bubbles and balloons provided. Laughter encouraged.

music.:breath
Sat Apr 18 11:30am-1pm
Hosted at Mosaic in W. LA (1950 Sawtelle Blvd, Suite 303, near Olympic)

Please RSVP at
http://musicbreath.eventbrite.com

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REVIEWS FROM WORKSHOP (update written Apr 24, 2009)

"I enjoyed the workshop. I used the 4 count in/out breathing when I went on my walk yesterday!"

"I'm learning to notice how I sit with my posture. I catch myself leaning forward towards my computer and I'm able to sit taller."

"The bubbles were a really fun way to help me focus on breathing."

"Wow, I feel my abs differently now."