Running in the Direction of my Dreams

Transforming Your Life: 21-Day Cleanse and Meditation Challenge

2012-02-20T11:53:00.002-05:00

One year ago I began a journey towards wellness. Not that I was not "well" before then, in fact by many standards I was really healthy. However, there was so much more I intuitively knew I needed to do. Before this day, one year ago, I was a vegan who exercised regularly... however, despite all my healthy efforts I was a stressed out, weight gaining, acne prone teacher by day, and sleepless, exhausted, grouch by night.

My big sister who has always been the driving force in my journey of wellness, gave me Kris Carr's Crazy Sexy Diet as a Christmas gift.... and my life changed. At the same time, I joined the Chopra Center's 21 Day Meditation Challenge, which just so happens, to begin today! In this past year, I have given up gluten, traded in coffee for green juice, and now meditate, and journal on a regular basis. I am so much more relaxed, less stressed, more confident, and happier than I was a year ago. I cannot even begin to explain how this has benefitted all aspects of my life!

Today in honor of my year of growth, I am beginning the 21-Day Cleanse and the 21-Day Meditation Challenge. I want YOU to join me! For information on each, check out the links.

Some of you might be thinking, why do I need to cleanse? I eat a very clean diet 90% of the time. But, being a 20-something-year-old, I do have some not so healthy habits (like drinking on the weekends). I also live in New Jersey, where there are many environmental pollutants that I have very little control over, and prefer not to walk around wearing an oxygen mask (new fashion statement, anybody?). Doing a cleanse is my way of putting my body on a vacation. Doing something great for my body. We all need to give our bodies a break from time to time, no matter how healthy you are.

I encourage you to challenge your body and mind with me. You will be so grateful you did, and in 21 days your life will have changed dramatically. Who knows, like me, you may go off of the cleanse and decide that THAT is how you want to live.

So, as I sit here with green juice in my hand, and preparing for day one of my meditation, I send you my unconditional love, support, and motivation. You are an amazing human being who deserves this, you can change your life. <3

Peek at My Day:

Wake up after 7 1/2 hours of sleep giving gratitude
Drink a glass of water with 1/2 lemon and dash of cayenne pepper
Drink green tea
Sit comfortably to complete the days meditation challenge
Exercise (if enough time, or else do after work)
Prepare green juice, smoothie, and decaf green tea
Dry brush followed by a warm shower followed by a cold rinse
Breathe while getting ready for work and driving there
Sip on juice followed by smoothie followed by vitamins (probiotics, multi, vitamin D, B12, vitamin C)
Eat a large kale salad with various colored veggies and sip on decaf green tea
If still hungry eat snack of fruit or almonds or other raw nuts/seeds
After work go for a run and stretch to calm music (if not accomplished in the morning)
Prepare and eat a salad with a light vegan meal of choice
Prepare tomorrow's lunch and pick out clothing
Dim the lights and sip decaf tea before bed
Brush and floss teeth, wash face, rinse with cold water
Give gratitude before bed (at least 3 things that happened today)
Sleep tight <3

Exercise is the drug to become addicted to.

2012-01-22T14:02:00.000-05:00

When the temps are dropping, the snow is falling, the days are shorter, all you want to do is snuggle up on the couch. What do you do to stay positive? Motivated? Energized?

I get my butt moving, I release those pleasurable endorphins, I make time for a good workout. I sit here with so much positivity flowing through my body, drinking my green juice, and so grateful that I woke up on this Sunday morning to brave the cold and power through an intense 90 minute Bikram Hot Yoga Class. It was so worth it! I feel so amazing, that I knew this was the topic I needed to write about today.

It is so easy, on a day like today where in Jersey it is just below freezing, cloudy, and gray... and there is snow on the ground for the first time this winter.... to snuggle up on the couch, sporting your silk pajamas and cashmere robe, with a huge mug of vegan hot chocolate. I know, I did that yesterday! And, you need to do just that once in a while. You just can't do that everyday.

I know from experience how horrible you can feel. I have tasted depression and anxiety. And, I know I can taste it again. Exercise is my drug. My drug has no side effects as do medications... have you ever heard one of those commercials for depression medications? "Side effects may include: dry mouth. constipation. blurred vision. sleep disruption. weigh gain. diarrhea. inability to get an erection. inability to have an orgasm. loss of libido. agitation. anxiety. heart failure. suicide. death".... to name a few!

well...

Exercise has NO negative side effects!

and in fact increases such side effects! So, if doctors where to bottle up exercise and prescribe it to patience as often as they do with other medication, I would imagine the add would sound something like this: "Do you desire an increased libido (and better sex)? Undisturbed, restorative sleep? Normal bowl movements? More energy? Greater confidence? Less anxiety? A better outlook on life? Weigh loss? Better overall all health? A tighter tush ;) Well, get your ass moving!"

I so strongly believe that exercise can cure so many ailments, which is why it is one of the number one things I encourage my clients to do. Bundle up and get outside, connect with nature- go for a walk, a hike, a run. Whatever level you are at, just get your ass moving.

My exercise routine changes often, I am an Aries who seeks adventure, and gets bored easily. My routine this month includes:

Running once a week in the woods. An experience where there is no words to describe... if you are curious, I dare you to try running in the woods. There is no exercise quite like it. Imagine what it feels like to fly...
Bikram hot yoga once a week, which helps me to release toxins, increase my flexibility, feel warmth, and give my body gratitude.
Circuit training workout videos, which I alternate betweem about 3 days a week to increase my strength. My current favorites are:

Michelle Dozois was the first workout video trainer I ever had. Every time she comes out with a new video, I have to have it-- and always love it! This video alternates between free weights and cardio.

Last summer I did P90x, and enjoyed competing with my fiance. Although I cannot bring myself to do the entire series again, I do like to incorporate the Plyometrics followed by the Ab video. This is such a fun workout! Plyometrics (jump training) is my favorite way to get an intense cardio burn while building muscle. I feel like a kid doing this video-- Jumping around my living room like a nut :)

Similar to Michelle Dozois, Amy Dixon has quite a few interval training videos that I love! This one incorporates the step, and your alternate between weights and cardio blasts. My body is always sore (in a good way) after this one!

Just three days without exercise, and I feel myself falling into a sad, unmotivated, lack of confidence, and lack of energy slump. I need exercise. And so do you.

With love, warmth, and motivation <3

Good Bye 2011, Hello 2012!

2011-12-30T10:43:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!

I hope you had a wonderful holiday, a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, a Happy Kwanzaa! I always feel that the holidays are so highly anticipated, and than are over before you know it. This year, I did my best to breathe, be present, and enjoy the company I was in. I had a lot to be grateful for...

I read Kris Carr's most recent blog, and it inspired me to write about a similar topic. It is very important that you take time for reflection. Whether it is to reflect your day, week, month, or year... reflection gives us a chance to step back and view what has happened, without the power to change it, and rather to just accept it. It provides us the opportunity to propel ourselves forward, give gratitude, be proud, and create change.

In 2010 I met with my first psychic (who I have referred to many times..) She told us (among the other things she was spot on about)... that 2012 will NOT be the end of the world but rather there will be a big shift. She said that the months leading up to 2012, will be months of change. I for one can say that 2011 was a year of a lot of change! And like Mother Nature, one change was the catalyst to another. The little changes I made this past year to relax, breathe, and meditate, resulted in much bigger things... I relaxed more, and so I had room to open my heart more, falling deeper in love with myself and with others, and having the confidence to take risks (ie: becoming a health counselor and writing this blog).

An old man once said, "There comes a time in your life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Forget the bad, and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you right, pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living."

So, with the last few hours of 2011 upon us, I ask you to sit down and write your 2011 in Review followed by your 2012 Preview of all the things that you will do next. The last big risk I am taking this year is sharing with you my Review and Preview:

2011 in Review….

I did my first cleanse, fell in love with juicing and huge raw salads, and ditched gluten.
I almost lost my dog, Avery, so I changed her diet to a mostly vegan diet (like myself), gave her digestive enzymes, green smoothies, and lots of love-- and she survived!
I fell even deeper in love with my fiance than I ever thought I could… beginning with him staying up and taking care of Avery all night when she was sick.
I stuck to my guns, said no, and didn’t feel bad about not doing things other people wanted me to do.
I completed my first year of teaching, learned how to relax, manage stress, and let go of things (children) I cannot control.
I became a student at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, became a certified health counselor, and began launching my own business.
I realized I found my soul mate, and want to spend the rest of my life with him… and we got engaged ;)
I became a better friend, had a lot more fun, and rekindled old friendships.
I traveled to Boulder, CO to visit my best friend, Jacque, all by my self! And almost got stuck in Kansas City.. whew!
I experienced my first earthquake, and have a funny story to tell about my reaction. (Ya know the ESPN commercial with the bear tearing through the wall...)
I completed P90x like a champ… and hated Tony Horton. Now, I kinda like him again.
I fell in love with running, and survived my first run in a thunderstorm… in the woods... and ran my fastest mile because of the thunderstorm :)
I encouraged and didn’t get jealous when John went to his first bachelor party, in Atlantic City.
I became savvy with homeopathic pills.
I began blogging again.
I meditate! (Thank you Chopra Center 21-Day Meditation Challenges)
I give gratitude every day, three times a day: When I first wake up, after I meditate, and before I go to bed.
I stopped obsessing about weight, and have fallen in love with ME.
I finally got the car I always wanted… thanks to that vision board I made!
I became a God Mommy to my beautiful niece.
I saw a different side of my mother, and accepted/appreciated her more. I love her.
I lost a good friend… and realized how fragile life is.
I attended too many funerals, and gave even more thanks for who I have in my life.
I ditched my ancient flip phone, and got an iphone
I got monthly massages.
Got good at Bikram and now attend Silent classes!
I journal.
I ditched birth control, and said helloooo to my libido.
I rode my bike to the beach on weekends.
I made new friends through work and IIN.
I saw Dr. Hyman, Dr. Katz, Deepak Chopra, and Dr. Furman at the IIN Conference…Which I traveled to with strangers, who I now adore
Dr. Hyman liked my picture of my juice so much, that he shared it on facebook!
I ate/juiced from my abundant garden.
I became a member on the Food Administration Board and the Wellness Committee in my district.
I managed my stress and anxiety with Bach.

2012 Preview…

I will plan a wedding, and enjoy the planning... and from the wise words of a friend, "It is not about them..."
I will write more.
I will market more and build my business (despite fear!)
I will take on clients and help change their lives.
I will listen to my body (eat what it needs, and rest when needed).
I will cook more.
I will save more money!
I will buy a house.
I will clean more (err).
I will sleep more (natural HGH booster, thank you Dr. Oz!)
I will see Dr. Oz.
I will write an article, and get it published.
I will cleanse again, and ditch alcohol.
I will work on accepting criticism better.
I will travel more and visit my friends.
I will ski.
I will hike more, run less (for hips sake).
I will pay more attention to Avery.
I will visit my parents more, and pay more attention to Keisha.
I will do more Pilates, yoga, and stretching.
I will call my grandparents more.
I will try new things.
I will be present.

Here's to another year of lessons learned,

goals achieved,

hellos and goodbyes.

Goodbye 2011, and hello 2012-- we are ready for whatever it is you bring next!

For a little comical recap of how crazy 2011 was, watch this video:

BuhBye 2011!

'Tis The Season to be Sniffling and Stress, Achoo! Achoo! Achoo! A Choo, Choo, Choo!

2011-12-09T12:08:00.002-05:00

Hello Angels,

Truth is, the Holidays are joyful, BUT also stressful. There is no wonder the stress of the holidays brings out many holiday grinches, when a whopping 50% of us are suffering from depression and/or anxiety. According to Julia Ross, Americas are a 100%, yes One Hundred Percent more depressed today, than our ancestors were 100 years ago. Why is this? and what can we do about it?

For starters, we can ditch the junk from the boxes, and eat real whole foods. Diets have been deteriorating since 1965... 1965 was when processed food companies began distribution. Since then, B6 levels have dramatically decreased and depression and anxiety have increased.

By 1990, Americas were deficient in 13 nutrients! We were cutting out that scary ass fat, consuming highly addictive sweeteners (since 1970s) including corn syrup which is double the sweetness of gluclose= double the addiction. Our carb intake increased, and so, we became malnourished, depressed, and fat.

The first system of malnutrition is a breakdown of our emotions. We have what is called "false" moods. In other words, we are grouchy, depressed, and anxious for hardly any external reason.

Here are some things we can do to increase our happiness and decrease depression and anxiety:

1.) Make a food-mood journal. Record how you feel before and after you eat something. Does it give you energy? Does it make you tired? Chances are you will find most things from a box will drain your energy, when fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains will increase your energy.

2.) Experiment with an elimination diet to see if you have any food sensitivities (How does gluten make you feel? Dairy? Soy?)

3.) Prevent hypo-glycemia (mood swings due to blood sugar fluctuation).

Eat good fats (think avocado, olive oil, flax seed, chia seeds, salmon and other fatty fish (if you eat fish).
Increase the number of meals you eat

4.)Exercise to increase the release of endorphins- the pain killers and comfort chemicals in our brain

5.) Take a good multi vitamin + vitamin C and vitamin D3

6.) Decrease, or better yet, eliminate caffeine intake

7.) Meditate, read here why meditation is so beneficial on the brain (like sex!)

So, what if you are like me, and you do these things ALL THE TIME, and yet still anxiety comes knocking at your door at the most unexpected time? It happened to me Sunday night, my trigger? We were out to dinner and I left my gluten free pasta at home. Seriously not a big deal, but because I had underlying stressors (budgeting for our wedding, blowing my savings on the two tires I popped in a pot hole the night before, and then planning for my crack down on school lunches), this small event triggered a small anxiety attack.

Unfortunately, it took me a few days to do something about it. I was still meditating every morning, working out, sleeping, and eating right... but I needed more. It didn't hit me until Tuesday morning, when I thought about how I felt Sunday, and then how I woke up at 4am, wide awake and super jittery for hours. So, I made a concoction of Bach Relax Serum and Ignatia 200ck in a water bottle. I sipped it often throughout the day, and felt so much better by midday!

When you are stressed, your body releases cortisol, and therefore your immune system is vulnerable and can be weakened. In my opinion, this is natures way of telling us to slow down and rest. By Wednesday night I had a cold, which put me to bed early. I woke up the next morning with the intention of going to work, but my body was so achy, my head was pounding, and I was terribly sniffly, so I called out sick, took some Umcka, and went back to bed.

I slept for an extra 4 1/2 hrs.... When I finally woke up, this is what I did to naturally ease this nasty cold:

Sipped on Throat Comfort tea with lemon and raw honey
Made 32 oz of green juice, drank 16 oz then and saved 1/2 for later: 1 cucumber, 1 green apple, 1/2 lemon, 3 stems of broccoli, a bunch of kale stems, 4 stems of celery
Throughout the day I sipped on a concoction of Adrenal drops + Pulsatilla in a bottle of water
and I snuggled up on the couch and indulged in a very long movie! (Any idea how long the 3rd Lord of The Rings is? I do..)

Hours later, I felt much better than I did in the morning, without taking any medication.

I used to take DayQuil, run through my day feeling as if I was on speed, come home and take NyQuil to knock me into sleep mode... and the cold would come back within weeks... every time.

It is nice to know that my homeopathic remedies do a better job of healing, without the nasty chemicals and side effects. I healed my body without causing harm by using those nasty medications... I healed my body naturally for both my cold and my anxiety :) Oh, and I didn't become a zombie chocked up on meds, instead I wrote this blog post!

Every time I get sick, I am reminded to listen to my body. Our bodies do not lie, sometimes we need rest.

So, with the holiday season upon us, remember to rest your little noggin and to listen to your body. If you do feel off, experiment with some of my natural remedy suggestions rather than the conventional medicine...You will never go back.

Do you have an natural remedies you would like to share?

Xox with lots of self-care, rest, and increased health <3

A Successful, Healthy, and Happy Thanksgiving (recipes included!!)

2011-11-25T11:15:00.000-05:00

I hope that everyone had a healthy and happy Thanksgiving!

I know that the holidays can be very stressful, and often times that stress is exasperated when you have food allergies, and/or eat a non-traditional diet, like myself. With practice and patience, in time the holidays do become easier. One thing I did this year was order food from one of my favorite vegan eateries-- this way no one had to worry about making food a particular way for me, and I did not have to ask a million questions about what is in every item of food :)

So, I had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my future in-laws at my fiancé's father's house, where we all contributed some delicious cuisine!

Our first course was my fiancé's (now famous) Butternut Squash and Apple Soup (which he made vegan for me :)

Ingredients:
3 lbs. Butternut Squash
1 lbs. Sweet Potato
2 Granny Smith Apples
2 Sweet Onions
4 large carrots
4oz. Butter (Earth Balance Vegan Butter)
1/2 c. coconut milk
6 pints of vegetable broth
2 tsp. ginger
2 tsp, nutmeg
2 bay leaves

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Dice and toss apples, potatoes, carrots, squash, garlic and ginger.
Roast in the oven at 400 degrees, for about 45-50 minutes or until tender.
Remove from the oven and puree squash mixture with broth and 1 c. of water.
Transfer to a medium sauce pan or crock pot and simmer over medium heat.

Next, we had a Beet, Fennel, and Fig Salad with Cranberry-Sage dressing- contributed by yours truly :)

Beet, Fennel, and Fig Salad:
(found in Shape Magazine, November 2011 issue)

For the Dressing:
4 tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 c. finely chopped shallots
1 c. fresh cranberries
1/4 c. balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. fresh rosemary
1/2 tsp. fresh sage
1/3 c. water
1 tbs. pure maple syrup
1/2 tsp. salt

For the Salad:
1 lb. beets
1 fennel bulb, trimmed and halved
2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
sea salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 c. raw pecans
8 oz. baby arugula
6 fresh figs, cut into wedges

And then of course, turkey and stuffing galore!

For the main course, I ordered food to save myself time and stress, from Good Karma Cafe in Red Bank. For just $40 I got a huge stuffed acorn squash- which was out of this world! And three sides: Sweet potatoes, Mashed potatoes, and mixed vegetables. The best part: I have leftovers!!

For dessert, my future sister in law made Vegan Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream and Coconut Whip Cream. I also had a slice of Vegan and Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie from Good Karma.

Vegan Pumpkin Ice Cream:
14 oz. can + 1 c. coconut milk
2 tbs. arrowroot powder
1 can pumpkin puree
2tbs. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 c. brown sugar (or agave)
1 tbs. vanilla extract

In a small bowl, whisk arrowroot with 1/2 c. milk and set aside.
In a small sauce pan over low heat mix milk, pumpkin, spice, and sugar.
Put the heat on medium and cook until just about to boil.
Remove from heat and add arrowroot mix and vanilla.
Chill for a couple of hours and put in ice cream machine.
Serve with Coconut Whip Cream (see below)

Vegan Coconut Whipped Cream:
1 can of full fat Coconut milk in the fridge over night-- do not shake can!
Scoop out the top half, it is a white solid
Add confectioner sugar and vanilla and whip

*The bottom half of the can is fat free coconut milk (can be used for ice cream)

And of course, the Little Princess, Avery, had her Thanksgiving Dinner:

Wild Rice
Steamed String Beans
Mashed butternut squash
and a tiny treat of Turkey :)
= One happy Maltese!

Enjoy the long weekend, and take time for some self care to escape the chaos!

With Gratitude, Love, and Health <3

My thanksgiving is perpetual...

2011-11-20T15:38:00.000-05:00

Hello little Turkeys,

I have some BIG news...

My formally known as "boyfriend" of 7 1/2 years, proposed to me last Friday on 11/11/11!!

When I was a little girl I told my best friend, Erica, that I would get married on Novermber 11, 2011 simply because, 11 is MY number :) Well, my predictions were not exact, but darn close! My thanksgiving is truly perpetual, and after over a week I still cannot contain my smile-- my cheekbones are hurting from smiling so darn much!

I know that many people out there could not find the significance in 11/11/11, and you may be one of those skeptics. So, I want to explain to you why this day and it's synchronicity is so special (and not just because I got engaged :) When repeated numbers appear (11 11 11), many believe that this is divine guidance. I am sure you have caught yourself making a wish when you catch the clock at 11:11... I sure have!

And like Gabrielle Bernstein's said in her article here featured on CrazySexyLife.com, "when I believe in divine guidance, the more miracles I experience"... So, here is my story about believing:

Twelve years ago at the age of 12, I met my first, and last love.

We met at a local park, and at such a young age, we both felt it. That weird sensation in your heart that makes you feel like it might explode out of your chest. The butterflies in your stomach that make you feel like you are going to be sick if you move. That knot in your throat that makes it impossible for you to say a coherent sentence... and that "head in the cloud" feeling in your brain, that keeps you from thinking logically.

We felt love.

Twelve years later, this same boy brought me back to that same place, and made me his fiance.

No, he and I did not date for 12 years. In fact, we dated for one magical, fairy tale-like year in grammar school, and then broke up. Throughout the five years that we were not together, we still had a strong connection. I for one, dreamt about him almost every single night. When I would see him (we went to the same high school), my heart would thump so hard that I swore it was going to jump out of my chest! I even played this game, where I would say to myself, "I am going to see John when I turn this corner..." and surely enough, I would turn the corner, and he and I were the only other two people in the hallway. Every. single. time. And then, I would drop my head and hurry off as quickly as possible :)

John was a year older than me, and when the end of his senior year approached, I knew I had to do something drastic. I could not let him leave my life. Every cell in my body told me that I needed him, and I knew that he felt the same way. So, after five years, we began dating again.... and 7 1/2 years later, we are planning a wedding!

I may not go to church every Sunday, but I am a believer. I believe that we are all put on this earth for a reason. I believe that people come in and out of our lives, and certain things happen, both good and bad, in order to help us fulfill our purpose. I believe that omens lie in plain sight, but you have to be open and believe in order to understand them. Every time I need a wish, I catch the clock at 11:11. My wish has always been to have love, health, and happiness with John, ever since I was 12-years-old.

Maybe you think I am crazy... but what does it hurt by believing?

I challenge you to write down your dreams, your wishes, and to make it an obligation to think about these dreams every single day. Meditate on them, if that is your thing. Envision them while washing the dishes (which I know we all will be doing a lot of this week!) And most importantly, give thanks for what you have today. Show the Universe that you are grateful for what it has given you so far, and that you are open for more greatness!

Make a wish, dream, believe. What's stopping you?

I want to leave you with a quote by Henry David Thoreau, that has so much meaning to me right now, and just in time for the Holidays. I hope it can give you meaning as well...

‎"I am grateful for what I am and have.

My thanksgiving is perpetual...

O how I laugh when I think of my vague indefinite riches.

No run on my bank can drain it

for my wealth is not possession but enjoyment."

Have a wonderful, relaxing Thanksgiving. Give thanks for all of the blessings in life, and believe in all the goodness to come....

With Love and Gratitude <3

Good Health is Gorgeous

2011-11-11T09:13:00.000-05:00

I am honored to share with you, My Story!
Thank you to my friend, Maria, for giving me this amazing opportunity to reflect on my journey to wellness through writing my story for her campaign "Good Health is Gorgeous".

Read my story here:

The Long, Courageous Road to Feeling Gorgeous

YOU are GORGEOUS

2011-11-10T10:17:00.001-05:00

Hello all of your BEAUTIFUL people,

I have a confession to make. Things are going really well in my life. I am enjoying my job as a preschool teacher. My boyfriend and I are so over the top in love (after 7 1/2 years). He just passed the first part of his CPA exam (whew!). My nutrition program at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition is just invigorating. And, I just discovered that a local college (Georgian Court University) has a Masters program for Holistic Health (woo hoo!!).

The one problem... all of this celebrating is putting a toll on my ass.

We have all been there, most of us are there at any given minute-- having a low self esteem. Being your worst enemy. Everything in my life is so wonderful right now, but the one thing that keeps brings me down and keeps me from enjoying this wonderful time of my life is, my stupid insecurity.

My friend Maria, the creator of Going Down Swinging: A RSD/CRPS Blog recently asked me to write a post for her campaign titled "Good Health is Gorgeous". After Maria asked me, it took about two weeks for the inspiration to put my story, so to say "on paper" (or on the internet for the world to see). I know I say this so often, but EVERYTHING happens for a reason. Maria asked me to write for her right when I was beginning to feel down about my recent weight gain. While writing my story (which I will repost when available) I was given the opportunity to analyze my past harsh decisions that did harm to my body. I looked at my story and I thought to myself, "wow, I have come a long way". Today, I am the healthiest I have ever been. I eat foods for their nutrients, and I feel amazing. I no longer have IBS, Acid Reflux, asthma or allergies. I can easily run 6-miles in the woods, no inhaler or medication necessary. And I can make a delicious vegan meal that will wow the sox off of any herbivore.

Just last night I was feeling down on myself. This morning, I listened to my lecture for the week for IIN. What, you might ask, is this lecture about? Well of course, you sneaky Universe: Body image. As Harville Hendrix said, negativity is a toxin, just as much of a toxin as fertilizer and pesticides. We absorb negativity from other people (and we feed other people our negativity). Release yourself from negativity and fill your self with something that is so simple... GRATITUDE. Your body will thank you, your health with improve, your relationships will be better, you will experience joy and vitality. Look at life as GRACE!

A little piece of Heaven...

Give thanks for that beautiful body you were blessed with!

Both my lecture and my friend Maria brought an important fact to my attention: as women we are CONSTANTLY bombarded with the unrealistic idealism of the media. The two clips below are a must watch for women of all ages.... (please send these videos along to all of the woman you know).

A Dove Film

Miss Representation

So, the next time you are feeling down about your body-- turn your negativity around with gratitude. At first, it takes some practice, but the more gratitude you fill yourself with, the less room there will be for negativity, and therefore the HAPPIER you will become.

You are GORGEOUS. Never, ever doubt that.

With love! Xoxo

*Stay tuned for my story which I will share with you when available on Maria's campaign

Give us Something Good to Eat!

2011-10-27T16:01:00.000-04:00

Hello There Pumpkins :)

I will have to warn you, I am OBSESSED with the autumn harvest, and as a result, I have been eating as many apple and pumpkins as I can. With the temperatures dropping, it is only instinctual to eat plenty of these harvest items in order to warm our bodies for that dreadful season that follows.... winter. Like Mr. Squirrel, we must take advantage of what is here now, and save some for the winter. Make soups, chili, pies, and try to freeze them for a later time.

What I love about pumpkin, it is just divine as a tea, in a pie, in pancakes, muffins, soup, smoothies...oh and just about anything. But best of all, it is darn good for you! With super low calories (26 per 100g), no cholesterol, no saturated fat, but with an abundance of fiber, antioxidant, minerals, and vitamins, everyone should be eating their share of pumpkin. That decoration you have sitting on your porch can supply the highest amounts of Vitamin A (246% of RDA). Hello good eye sight and good skin! It is rich in B-complex vitamins, and minerals such as calcium (no cow necessary), copper, potassium, and phosphorus. Eat on!

So now that you know you should be taking full advantage of this harvest, and you have no reason NOT to eat pumpkin in fall... here is some food porn and recipes to make your mouth water :)

Pumpkin-Banana Pancakes (Gluten free and vegan), with baked apples:

1 1/2 c. of Bob Red Mill Gluten Free Pancake Mix
1 tbs. ground flax seed + 2 tbs. water (or an egg if you are not vegan)
3/4 c. Non-sweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
1 tbs. Safflower oil (or another vegetable oil)
1/2 c. pumpkin puree (Organic canned in perfect and easy :)
1 banana
cinnamon (about 2 tsp)
To taste: ground clove, all spice, nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice
Optional: walnuts!

Blend together and cook on a skillet (don't ruin these health bomb pancakes by cooking them on non-stick pans that will release chemicals into the food and the air... rather use a stainless steal pan or even better, cast iron pan to bump up your natural animal free iron consumption :)

Baked apples:
Cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and ground clove with agave, baked at about 300 degrees until softened

Now you can't just carve your pumpkin, save the pulp, and chuck the seeds-- these babies may be the best part! Pumpkin seeds are a good source of the lovely fiber so many are trying to obtain, protein (again, no cows, pigs, or chickies are harmed :), iron, niacin, selenium, zinc, the heart healthy mono-unsaturated fatty acids, AND the brain fuel, tryptophan. I even made these again this week with my students-- add some agave or Stevia, and the kids will LOVE them, especially when they helped make them.

Cinnamon-Agave seeds and Salty seeds

Preheat oven to about 300 degrees

bake with seasonings on cookie sheet until golden brown

Enjoy as a perfect, healthy, nutrient packed snack :)

And lastly, my "You Wouldn't Believe it's not Meat-Chili" with, you guessed it: Pumpkin!

I pretty much throw things into my chili, and taste it ever few hours to see what it is missing, but here is the gist:

about 3 cups of beans (I use kidney, black, and pinto)

A lot of peppers (about 4-5) chopped

1-2 jalapeño peppers (depends on your desired spice)

About 1 whole onion

Approx.. 1 cup of sweet Jersey corn

1- 1/2 cans of crushed tomatoes

about 2-3 tbs chili powder

1-2 tbs. ground cumin

1 cup of pureed pumpkin

* If using cans (which I often do) spend the extra money and buy organic. Preferably Eden Organic beans which make you less musical... ;)

Pumpkin carving by Julianne :)

Pumpkin can and certainly should become your new favorite food-- you can slip it into SO many meals, without your pain in the neck "picky" eaters even knowing it (not that I do that... ever ;) Their hearts, brain, skin, eyes, etc. will thank you for it!

If you have a pumpkin recipe you that you love, please share below!

Happy Almost-Halloween!

Deliciously Gluten Free: Tips on facing your intolerances and surviving Gluten Free in a gluttonous world

2011-10-09T20:58:00.001-04:00

Hello Pumpkins!

One of the worst things you can do for your health is consume food that you are allergic or intolerant to. I for one (and like most of us) have a gluten intolerance. As I have mentioned in a previous blog, I have a really tough time staying away from gluten. I gave up meat... easy. I gave up dairy... not too bad. I gave up sugar... noooo problem. Gluten, WHY!? I am an Italian girl who was raised with the understanding that NO meal is complete with out a loaf of Italian Bread (dipped in olive oil) along side of my lasagna.

Your body will let you know when what you are consuming, is toxic... The body does this in many ways: A possible belly ache, or worst. Hives. bloating. lethargy... or in my case, teenage ACNE. I, knowing I have this intolerance of gluten, and regardless (under stressful situations) I aloud myself to indulge in the bread basket. One night, it's okay, blame temptation! A second night, silly, silly, silly... a third night- Terrible, terrible! As a result my body decided to teach me a lesson in what I would consider the worst possible way: on my face in the form of "teenage acne"... something I thankfully never dealt with as a teenager, and am now dealing with in my mid twenties (ugh!).

With the help of my two favorite homeopathic remidies: Sepia and Adrenal Drops, I got my body back on track. The next time that bread basket came around (we ate out a lot this past week, family was visiting), I reminded myself the effects this (delicious) bread would have on my face. And then I got creative....

Tips to eating well without gluten:

1.) Breakfast: discover Cherry Brook Farms and/or Bob's Red Mill and/or Van's
We are BIG breakfast people. For a while, after I began eating a vegan diet, I gave up our Saturday Morning Breakfasts... and unfortunately, so did everyone else. Since giving up gluten, I have come to find some fabulous alternatives that are not just gluten free, but dairy free too. Now, Saturday Morning Breakfasts are back. I don't feel deprived or left out, and still feel great after eating a delicious meal:

Cherry Brook Farms Pancake Mix + banana and Pure Maple Syrup

2.) Eating out:
Many places now have delicious GF alternatives. One of our favorite bars in Sea Bright is the Mad Hatter. The Hatter has the most delicious pizza, AND the most delicious GF pizza.

GF "Healthy" Pie with no cheese= Divine!

Of course, not all restaurants have GF options (those who are unfortunately stuck in the stone age of no-allergies)... In these common cases, you can always BRING YOUR OWN! There is this restaurant called Angelica's, again in Sea Bright- which our family LOVES. Just straight up delicious and fresh Italian cuisine (and byob!) Unfortunately, this restaurant does not have Gluten Free option, however I have found that as long as you are sweet and honest about your allergies, anyone will cook that GF pasta that you brought. Yes, you can bring your own pasta! When I was in high school working at an Italian restaurant called Michael Angelo's (Monmouth Beach, NJ), I had quite a few customers who would byop (bring your own pasta). You can still enjoy a delicious meal, minus the regret later on. My favorite is the Quinoa pasta...

3.) Family cooked meals:
Family members are not always as understanding as we would like of our intolerances or allergies. in which case, you must cook your own food. I suggest making something similar to what everyone else is eating (don't cook Italian when everyone else is eating Chinese, I promise you, you will want what they are eating :) If possible, make the same thing, just a GF (and vegan) version. Being Italian, my family eats a lot of lasagna, eggplant parm, and bread... so, I take those recipes that I have adopted from my Naunee, and substitute those allergen triggers for good quality versions that I can tolerate.

Check out my Vegan, gluten free Lasagna recipe that was featured as the "Recipe of the Week" at Crazysexylife.com

Using the same "cheese" found in the lasagna recipe, I just recently invented my "Italian Girl's Vegan Gluten Free Eggplant Parm" using Gillian's GF bread crumbs :) Fortunately for me, unfortunately for you (and my gluten eating family members), this was SO delicious that I did not stop eating to take a picture.

BREAD... now this is a tough topic, because I love bread so, so, so much.... I have yet to find the GF bread that I love, but I have found an okay alternative: Millet Bread

Here is a tip: This bread comes frozen, with all frozen breads, you must bake them, and then toast them. DO NOT use that vicious microwave (for so many reasons that I will soon share with you :). Another delicious super healthy and vegan-ish tip-- In place of butter, and instead of using "soy" butters, spread on some delicious, nutritious avocado with a dash of Himalayan Sea Salt.

Gluten allergies and intolerances have become increasingly prevalent over the past decade. You, like me, may not think that you have an intolerance or an allergy to gluten, or to dairy, soy, etc. In order to find out if you do, I suggest you try an elimination diet. Remove that substance from your diet completely. Record how you feel after a week, two, and then three weeks without the substance. If you feel better, then chances are you are in the same boat as I am and have an intolerance. You can try to slowly add the gluten, soy, dairy, back into your diet in small amounts. Record how your body reacts. If you begin feeling icky again, then chances are you have an intolerance and should avoid that substance. If you are fine, well than, lucky you :)

Next up: Tip #3, GF Dessert-- Pumpkin picking, apple picking, and all the yummy autumn vegan and gluten free desserts you can handle :)

With much love and deliciously thriving health <3

Just Dream...

2011-10-06T18:41:00.001-04:00

Hello Angels!

As I promised, this post is a continuation of The Fall IINto Action Health Conference that I attended a few weeks ago in New York City. I admire Deepak Chopra so much. He has instilled so much faith, trust, and peace in so many people, including myself. What I love best is the concept that what you think you can't do, you can't. What you think you can do, you can. In other words, it is all in your head, you have created your present, and you have the power to create your ideal future.

Now, I hope I don't sound too crazy for you in this post. I know when I first started to explore my spirituality a few years ago, I thought it was all a little weird too. Of course that was until I realized how powerful thinking is, and I had no other choice but to believe. It is crazy to me how there are so many different religions, yet, they are all the same. They all believe that there is one "God" or whatever you call that power (I like to say the Universe), who is looking over each and everyone of us, assuring we take the correct path. That power is putting things in place to help guide us in the right direction. There are omens everywhere! I was raised Roman Catholic, I grew up, I went to college, and I started to move away from my religion, into a dark place of non-belief. I am so grateful for my religious up bringing, but I have now created my own spirituality outside of the strict walls called religion. My body is my temple and I trust that when I believe in this power, things always work out.

You are the creator of your life, you have the "power" to do anything and have anything you want.... Read The Secret. When you do, you will realize that you have always know this concept-- how many times have you created your reality? My favorite is creating parking spots :) Ask my boyfriend or any of my friends... they will tell you that when I say I am going to get a perfect front row parking spot, I will. Works nearly every time. This is The Law of Attraction.

What is the "soul" you speak about, Dr. Deepak Chopra? Such a confusing concept! WHAT is the soul? Well,"it cannot be found in the body... nor measurable in space or time. It is our core consciousness." I believe that everybody has a "soul purpose" in life. There is a reason you are here, and you are faced with your circumstances because of that reason. There are lessons to learn, and service to be paid.

Deepak Chopra said that in order to establish the soul's profile you must ask yourself a series of questions.:

Who am I?
What do I want?
What is a peak experience for me?
What is my life's purpose?
What contribution can I make to the world?
What meaningful relationships do I have?
How can I give to those relationships?
What unique skills and talents do I have, and how can I use them to serve?
Who are my architypes?
What is my story?

"The world is our projection, you can change it."-- Deepak Chopra

What I found to be the most important message in this presentation was Dr. Deepak Chopra's "D" and the "S" of the L.E.A.D.E.R.S.

D- Dare to dream now and DO IT, transform your reality

S- Stretch for your dreams
M- Measure your dreams
A- Agree on the measurement
R- Record the progress
T- Time limit for your dreams

S-Synchronicity with the Universe, there is a linear cause and effect.

The soul is synchronic
There are karmic patterns, what you give out, you will receive
Opportunity meets preparedness

I know that life throws curve balls, and that life is not always easy... Which is why it is important to find time to dream and to create those dreams. Many of us are stuck in situations that zap our energy and rid us of happiness... You need to remember that YOU create your reality, YOU have the ability to change that reality. YOU have the right to dream and the right to succeed.

The Universe (or God, or whatever you prefer to call it), works in beautiful ways. JUST when you need something to give you a boost, you will receive it... All you have to do is believe. I (and most of the world) have been dealing with stress around that power called money. There are so many things I want to do at the young and ripe age of 24, but I can't do because a.) I have to work b.) I have to pay my bills and c.) I need to save. I was feeling as though I was trapped in this depressing cycle of work, eat, sleep. As of last night I felt I had hit a wall... I was drained of not only money, but energy. I went to bed stressed out of my mind. Woke up before the crack of dawn, and sat down to listen to my Meditation. It was day 11 (11 is my lucky number) of the Chopra Center's Summer Meditation Challenge (which I purchased to MAKE myself meditate) and what was this guided meditation about? MONEY. I just laughed... thanked the Universe, and after my meditation I felt SO much better. Lunch time, I sit to eat and read my email... check out Facebook, lo and behold, my favorite doctor, Dr. Mark Hyman, posted a link to a blog via my role model Kris Carr... what was the topic of the blog? MONEY.

Just remember the Universe (God, whoever!) works in beautiful ways. You can have whatever you want in life, you just have to believe in yourself, and trust that (from the amazing artist, Bob Marley) "Every little thing is gonna be all right."

With happy thoughts, BIG dreams, and much love <3

Still feeling the energy from the BIGGEST Health Conference in the world...

2011-09-25T14:17:00.000-04:00

Hello Sunshines!

Have you ever been in a room filled with so many people, whom you feed off of their powerful energy? One that makes you feel so high, that regardless of how sleepy you may be, you have this twinge of excitement? I felt this for this first time last weekend when I attended the largest Health Conference in the world, hosted by the school I am studying at, the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. I have never been surrounded by so many like-minded people (3,500 of them!!). I felt so motivated, inspired, and energized! I found my purpose here...The best part is... a week later, I am still feeling it!

This past month has not been the easiest... As a teacher, September never is. So, I will admit that I began loosing motivation and confidence in my career as a Health Counselor. The Universe works in particular ways... I know when things are meant to happen, they will. The Universe will assure that everything works out as planned. So, the conference happened to occur when I needed it the most. I was so exhausted that I even debated going! I am so grateful.

In essence my favorite speakers, Dr. Joel Furman, Dr. David Katz, and Dr. Mark Hyman, sent a similar message: EAT MORE VEGETABLES... and less animal products and processed food. Such a simple idea, but in America we are constantly bombarded with advertisement for processed food, and the ease of eating such foods, that we often fail to make the right food choices. Our country is fat and sick... We need to spread the message: Eat Kale Chips, not corn chips ;)

Dr. Joel Furman is the author is Eat, Drink, to Live, and Supper Immunity (which I bought as soon as I got home). He spoke about how our bodies are self-healing... think about that. He used a similar metaphor-- a bear out in the wild doesn't go to the doctor, and then to the pharmacy and pops a pill every time he gets ill. He rests... and naturally his body heals. No antibiotics necessary.

Why are we fat and sick? Well, 62% of the food consumed in America is that of processed CRAP (pardon my language, but there is no other word that can describe what we eat). We are lacking in micronutrients that are vital for fighting off and resisting infection. Here is a scary thought: CHILDHOOD diets are a major cause of ADULT CANCERS... so, we should blame our parents? Not really, but as parents ourselves we need to make the right food choices for your babies. As teachers, we can make the right choices for our students when they are under our care.

So according to Furman, the best thing you can do for yourself is eat more green cruciferous vegetables. When we do not eat such vegetables the most important natural defence systems in the cells does not function... Wow! Eat cabbage, bok choy, and turnips to decrease breast cancer. Eat mushrooms, drink green tea, onions... be what he called a "Naturaltarian". When you eat more vegetables and less CRAP, you naturally eat less calories... nix the animal products (I can help with you that :), and avoid soy products.

I (and 3,000 other women at the conference) am officially in love with a married man... Dr. David Katz. His poetic voice was like (vegan) butter... His call to action influenced me greatly.

"Diseases are not causes, the diseases are effects..."

Did you know that there are 10 behaviors that cause premature death? Tabaco used to be the leader by far... but today the gap between tobacco and diet is narrowing. So, eating processed crap is nearly as bad for you as smoking cigarets.

What inspired me most about Dr. Katz's lecture is children. As a preschool teacher I see it all the time.... children do not know how to eat. Their pallets are so weak, that they prefer to eat a processed cereal bar (with a million ingredients, half being various forms of sugar) over a fresh juicy apple... As 3-year-olds they are already growing bellies, by the time they are 4, they are already overweight and on the brink of diabetes. In my classroom I provide rewards for children when they eat fruit and vegetables at snack and lunch. What can you do in your classroom or homes to motivate children to want to eat better?

Exercise enhances academics for children. "Recess not Ridalin".... we must teach our children how to move, and to love doing it. Today children are stuck inside, watching TV, playing video games... what ever happened to going on an outside adventure and running around until dusk? At 24-years-old I still LOVE and need to go outside on a daily basis, and run around... It is what I did as a kid, which is why I love it so much as an adult.

As adults we must take initiative and teach our children how to be healthy... like Dr. Joel Furman said, "Childhood diets are a major cause of adult cancers..."

Three and a half TRILLION dollars is spent in the country on what Dr. Mark Hyman calls, "Diabesity". Fifty million servings of soda A DAY is purchased with food stamps... Hm, and we are wondering how to cut spending! Well in America there is a PILL for that, and it will help your diabetes....while promoting other diseases and various ailments... Maybe we should just eat better...

According to Hyman, disease goes away as a side effect of EATING HEALTHY. Food is what he calls, "Farma-cology" It is what you put on your fork that has the ability to hurt or heal.

Hymans 10+ rules:

Avoid food with labels
If eating food with labels, make sure it has less than 5 ingredients, and that you recognize what those five are
Avoid the WHITE powders (white sugar, white flour...)
High Fructose Corn Syrup puts holes in our guts and has high levels of mercury- AVOID
Avoid shortening and oils
Avoid food additives
Artificial sweeteners alter your brain and your hormones causing you to GAIN WEIGHT regardless of it being 0 calories...
If it is plant, eat it, if it is grown IN a plant, avoid it.
Don't drink your calories
Begin your day with protein, this increases your metabolic burn (my green protein smoothie is a great nutritious start!)
Don't eat 3 hours before bed (have a cup of decaf tea with stevia to satisfy that sweet tooth)

This a lot of fantastic, lifesaving information, so I will leave you with this: Your body is a temple, and you only have ONE. Be grateful for what you have been given, and nourish it. There is no miracle pill that will save you from getting sick or cure your illness. There is no miracle pill to make you skinny. The miracle lies in eating a whole natural diet. Once you start eating this way, your body will crave more of the goodness and less of the processed. You will be healthier, happier, and energized... cut out the crap and go eat your veggies, your body and mind (and family) will thank you<3

I am saving my next blog to talk about my 4th most inspirational speaker-- you may have heard of him, you may have read his many best-seller books, may have done his 21-Day meditation challenges, and if you don't know him yet, I suggest you check him out: Dr. Deepak Chopra. I will share with you what I learned from this spiritual guru, and my struggle with meditation :)

With Love and Veggies,
Namaste <3

Boulder, Blackouts, and Great Old Friends

2011-09-12T21:49:00.003-04:00

Hello Everybody!

I must apologize for my long absence. My last post was right before I went to Boulder, Colorado to visit a dear friend of mine. Unfortunately I came home to days of no power, and then jumped into the hectic first days of school. With that said, I would like to dedicate this post to old friends. Just last week my friends and I lost a dear friend. It was a terrible week, one that none of us would have gotten through without each other...

As we grow up, friendship often gets put on the back burner for other things. We become these stressful adults who only have time for our career and our family. Some of us are trying to enjoy our time off while taking care of ourselves through exercise and eating healthy. What we forget is that friendship is so important for our integral health, and should be focused on as much as if not more than the food we put into our mouth. With friends, we can catch the curve balls life throws our way... In addition, with the tenth year anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11/2001, I think we can all agree that life is too short... If you do one thing today, call a friend and tell them you love them.

From the beautiful words of Adele:

‎"You know how the time flies

Only yesterday

It was the time of our lives

We were born and raised

In a summer haze

Bound by the surprise

Of our glory days..."

I was fortunate to have spent the previous week with one of my dearest friends in her current home, Boulder Colorado. Jacq and I have been friends since we worked together in the town's pizzeria. We were about 15... making deli sandwiches together (ekk!). Now, at 25, we are both vegans (no wonder!) and Bikram hot yoga buddies.

Jacq and I in Breckenridge, after a gondola ride to the top where we enjoy delicious homemade salads :)

Now traveling is not always easy, and even though I was going to Boulder and visiting a friend who had a juicer and a blender (that was my gift to her!), I still needed to pack appropriately....

Smoothie and vitamins all packed for the suitcase. Each in individual bags, labeled. I always pack like this, and it never fails!

The snacks that saved my life during my 2-hour delay on the plane ride there, and my almost-stuck-in-Kansas City (my dinner that terrible emotional night...) I LOVE Whole Food's Waste Friendly mix (on the far left), Gogi Berries- perfect!, and out of the three bars, the Yogi Raw Banana and Nuts tasted like fresh banana bread... easily my favorite!

and with my garden spitting out too many cucumbers to stuff an army, I had to bring some along for the ride....

Being in Boulder made me understand my purpose for being a born and raised, and never leaving- Jersey Girl. I LOVED Boulder, but I understand that I need to do my part to make Jersey more Boulder-ish... in other words, a healthy haven! Here is a sneak peak at this terribly healthy-green vacation:

Jacque makes her very own Komucha!! I will be starting my own soon :)

Striking a pose at a beautiful spot outside of Breckenridge

One of my many delicious salads from Whole Foods (we really, really, like that place)

Dessert at the Tonic Oxygen Bar... Raw Vegan Cake, and a delicious, refreshing Kombucha

And of course, our daily green smoothies :)

When I came home to a dark house (THANK YOU IRENE... I am sure many of you feel my pain) I needed to improvise. The thought of not having my juice and smoothie in the morning, especially before my first week of work, was devastating. So, this is what I did....

These "Shake and Go" Smoothies are so delicious! They are packed with nutrients and made up for the mornings that I did not have electricity to run my beloved bullet blender but needed the energy to plow through a day of a teacher. In addition, I bought some Kombucha-- New addiction, thanks to Jacque and her homemade one :)

Blackouts and Colorado are just a mere memory now... the latter, being one that I will cherish forever. A perfect weekend with a great old friend.

I hope you all have enjoyed your end of the summer, back to school, work, what have you, and are ready for a delicious, harvest filled season (I LOVE the Fall!). Just before that harvest begins... this was the last of our summer pickings (btw, the deer indulged in our garden right before the storm... they knew I was in Boulder... or that Irene was coming! Nooo more broccoli :(

43 HUGE cucumbers, about 2 1/2 dozen cherry tomatoes (which are still growing!), a few peppers, jalopenos, and eggplant... Whew!

If you do one thing today, send an old friend some love <3

Peace, Love, and Happiness, Xox

Amanda

Introducing Avery Liska, the Auto Immune Diseased Vegan Maltese

2011-08-21T21:09:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone!

Hope you have had a great week/weekend. I have to say, having time off is such a blessing. I am literally high on life right now. I am so grateful for everything I have, all of the wonderful people (and furry people :) I have in my life, and the opportunities I been given to fulfill my dreams.

One of my favorite presentations from IIN was about positive psychology. The most important (and simplest) thing I left that presentation with was every night before going to sleep do a "gratitude journal". Simply, write down (or even easier, say aloud) three things that happened that day that you are grateful for. This will help you to go to bed happier, and in turn wake up happier-- AND this, my friends, will lead to an overall happier life! So simple! So wonderful! So powerful! One of the three (many times I have more, you will too) things that I am ALWAYS grateful for is my dog, Avery. Not only because she is the cutest damn thing in my whole wide world, but because back in April (right around my 24th birthday), Avery almost died... so here is the story of Avery Liska, and how she became a vegan Maltese:

Avery Liska, our 8-years old, Maltese

I remember it like it was yesterday... It was March and John and I were cooking dinner while watching one of our favorite shows, How I Met Your Mother. Suddenly on the side of my eye I saw Avery, our 8lb Maltese, throw her body on the ground as if she were having a seizure. John and I were in shock, we couldn't even think of what to do. With such fear, we dropped everything we were doing and rushed to the animal hospital. A few hours later Avery was returned to us, weary, scared, but okay. They said it was not a seizure (apparently those are very rare in dogs), and that we could bring her back the following day for tests. A few weeks earlier John noticed Avery becoming disoriented. So, we called our vet, who got us in right away for blood tests, which came back fine.

After this "seizure like" episode, we met with a cardiologist. Her heart was fine. We then met with a neurologist. He believed that her brain was fine, and did not want to run the $2,000 MRI scan when from the outside, neurologically she looked fine. A few days later she had a whole day of episodes... she could barely move. She now had an obvious head tilt and was walking in circles. The Neurologist said she is Vestibular and in order to find out why, we would need to do the MRI. Unfortunately we could not afford the MRI, so we tried antibiotics which would cure the vestibular. That night we came home and she was not moving... the antibiotics were not working. We were sure we were going to lose her...

The baby on my Birthday, after seeing my homeopathic chiropractor-- Dr. Salmon adjusted her, to make her more comfortable

Me and my baby, on my 24th birthday

The doctor said he believed she has an autoimmune disorder, so we put her on a low dose of steroids. After a lot of research, we found out that dog food, even "Veterinarian recommended" brands contain preservatives that have been linked to many illnesses in dogs. Also, that pesticide, a.k.a. that flee and tick treatment (which is a PESTICIDE), has adverse effects on her immune system. Every single time I would give her that treatment, I would wheeze for days... hmmm! Now, we do not know for sure the direct cause of her getting sick. It could very well be something that was put on the lawn, or something she ate. However, when her blood was tested, nothing came up... so we put her on a vegan dog food diet. We feed her a brand that is sold at PetsMart and Petco called Natural Balance, which is made with non-meat protein and nutrients that are to build the immune system. I read many reviews from people who have had dogs live years beyond what they are expected, on a vegan diet.

Reading up on a Vegan diet (Summer, 2010)

The very first day I gave Avery a green smoothie (see pictures below), she ran a straight line. Today, she eats a complete vegan diet: Natural Balance dry food, lots of fresh vegetables, even salads, along with a probiotic and a little bit of magnesium to supplement what is lost with the steroids. The doctor was sure Avery only had a few weeks to live... today, over 4 months later, she is back to herself (well, she walks in lots of circles-- that is until you call out "TREAT"-- then she can run a straight line!). As you will see from the pictures, she is still adorable, has only had some thinning of hair due to the steroids, and best of all- she is still here! I have heart-fluttering love for her, and everyday I am so grateful to have her here!

Enjoying her first smoothie: Vegan protein powder, spirulina, flax oil, wheat grass, kale, and banana

Yummy!

I believe that Avery's miraculous come back is in great part due to her new diet. If a vegan diet can help a dog (a natural born meat eater) recover from a life threatening disease, what could it do for us? Did anyone watch CNN Sunday night and see what it has done for Bill Clinton?

Back to her self... this is what I came home to after a Bikram class: Avery tangled up in the cooler bag trying to get the goods :)

Today, August 21st, all smiles (and messy!) after enjoying a smoothie with some organic peanut butter

Helloooo Organic Garden!

2011-08-14T18:47:00.002-04:00

Hi there, sweet peas :)

I am proud to say that this is the first official year of our successful organic garden! Ask anyone in my ball-busting family about our garden last year (or lack of), and there sure will be some jokes that follow! Now, I cannot take any credit for the gifts of my abundant garden, all of the credit is to my non-veggie eating boyfriend, John and his green thumb :) Yep, my boyfriend doesn't really like veggies, and I live off of them. Well, after 7 years of dating I have succeeded in getting him to eat and enjoy peppers and onions (chopped very, very small!) and avocado, in the form of guacamole, annnddd other foods that he doesn't know I sneak into the food I make (the power of a food processor :) Baby steps!!

It is so easy to grow an organic garden, and the payback is so much more delicious than that from a conventionally grown garden. Not only is the taste SOOOO much better, has no yucky depleting toxins, but the size of the produce is surprisingly massive (see cucumber below)! I have had so much joy in eating fresh salads and making fresh juices straight from my garden. Nothing beats organic, locally grown, FRESH produce. It makes me wonder why it is so difficult to have all produce be organic! With a little mushroom compost tea for rich soil, mint plants to keep the buggies away, and a fence to keep the animals out, anyone can have a beautiful, tasty, organic garden.

My garden has produced so many cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, and peppers that have inspired me to cook more, and WOW have I been eating well :)

First pickings from the garden! Lots of cucs to juice!

Slightly longer than my forearm... :)

THE fattest cucumber I have ever seen!! Made three days worth of juice from this guy :)

My morning cup of joe :)
1 cucumber (or 1/2 of a massive garden cuc :),
1/2 lemon
2 stalks of celery
2 stems of collard greens
an inch of fresh ginger
1 apple
1 broccoli stalk

Fresh from the garden Cucumber Tomato Basil Salad

Last night I made stuffed zucchini... inspired by a colleague at work- so simple, so delicious, and a creative way to use those garden zucchini!
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees
Chop and saute vegetables of choice (I used broccoli, peppers, garlic, zucchini, and red onion)
Mix with bread crumbs (I use Gillian's vegan gluten free Italian bread crumbs)
Remove seeds from zucchini with a big spoon, stuff zucchini with sauteed vegetables
Sprinkle with "cheese" of choice (I use Daiya's Mozzarella)
Top with favorite tomato sauce (mmm Rao's!)
Bake in oven for about 30 minutes

And if you are such a lover of sauce as I am, top with more sauce and dig in to a DELICIOUS garden fresh, vegan, gluten free, super healthy meal :)

It has been an AMAZING summer, filled with laughter, great friends, amazing food, and some delicious well deserved drinks. It is funny how the Universe works. Last week I decided that this past weekend would be my last weekend of partying, and Monday, August 15th would be my first official day of vacation, and time to begin cleansing my body of the excess weight and toxins that I have accumulated. Sooo I go onto the CrazySexyLife website, and find that I am not alone. There is a whole group of women who are beginning the cleanse this Monday, too! There are NO coincidences ;) So, tomorrow I will begin the Crazy Sexy Diet Adventure Cleanse along with some Crazy Sexy Ladies. This is my second time doing the cleanse. The first time I did it was last February (after my new-teacher rut) and felt SO amazing! I lost all the excess weight gained in those few stressful months, cleared my skin, calmed my nerves, and adopted some life changing rituals (dry brushing, anyone?) Along with the cleanse I will be participating in the Chopra Center's 21-Day Meditation Challenge which "just happens" to begin on the same day I plan to do the cleanse...hmm. Anyway, meditation IS a challenge for me, ask my health coach! The only other time I stuck with meditation was back in February, again when I did the cleanse which just happened to begin the same day that the Winter Meditation Challenge began. I am SO excited for this next 21 days, and would LOVE to have you join me on this amazing journey <3

If you are interested in doing the cleanse check out the group here, and if you need to be "challenged" to meditate (like me) check out the Chopra Center's Website here. Be ready to transform your life and feel great :)

Lots of love and organic veggies <3

The problem with gluten...

2011-08-10T19:14:00.000-04:00

Hello Sunshines!

I hope everyone had an enjoyable week, savoring up these last few weeks of summer! I am very excited for the two week vacation I have coming up. This Friday is the last day of camp (yeyy!) and I plan to spend the next two weeks focusing on me, in forms of green juice, abundant salads from my garden, going for runs in the woods, doing Bikram, some writing, and getting a lot of sleep :) Any last few weeks of summer plans for you?

Anyway, I have a confession to make... I love bread. I mean I LOVE love love bread! If I could live off of one food it would be toasted semolina bread dipped in olive oil with a dash of salt (particular, eh?). I am asked a lot about my feelings on eating gluten. At first I shunned going gluten free, our bodies need (especially as a vegan) whole grains in the form of whole wheat pasta, bread, semolina bread, whole grain cereals, etc. (or do we?) What else would we eat? However because of experience, my opinion on this topic has changed.

When I was hired last September as a teacher, I was bitching ball of stress. I would come home and every day enjoy a glass of wine and a loaf of Italian Bread with my boyfriend's sister, Julianne. It became a ritual, one that I enjoyed so, so much. The more stressed I was, the more bread I ate... or was it the more bread I ate, the more stress I was? Well, about a few weeks after this ritual began, I went to my homeopathic chiropractor. I was drained of energy, depressed, not sleeping well, gaining weight, and just flat out a grumpy bitch. Dr. Salmon (his real name :) did his little test on me where he uses pressure points on the body and plays with my arms (hard explain!) and asked me what I have been eating differently. I shrugged my shoulders. He then said, "you are eating a lot of gluten, aren't you?" I thought about it, and yeah, in the form of fresh Italian bread... mmm just thinking of it now makes my mouth water. He then explained to me that my lack of energy, motivation, depression, restlessness, weight gain (duh), and moodiness is because my thyroid is out of whack. So he suggested I get a thyroid support serum, and stop eating gluten. I did, and within a week I felt GREAT....

But, like I said, I LOVE bread. So of course this has been an uphill battle. I know when I avoid gluten I feel amazing. However when that bitch known as temptation, gets in my face, I sometimes cannot resist. Today I am doing much, much better, discovering new GF food substitutes, and some of my favorite restaurants now have GF items on the menu. I now eat foods made with quinoa, millet, and brown rice, rather than wheat.

It was news to me that eating gluten does not just harm people who have Celiac Disease. Gluten is found in soooo many things, and unfortunately many of us bread lovers have gluten sensitivities. If you are curious and want to figure out if you have a sensitivity to gluten, I suggest you go on an elimination diet. Eliminate gluten products from your body for a week to 21-days, record how you feel. After 21-days (or if you only last a week), slowwwwwly add gluten back into your diet and once again, see how you feel. Do you wake up in the morning drained? Are you grumpy? gassy? what have you!

Just remember, we are only "spiritual being having a human experience"-- making mistakes is a typical human thing, perfection is just flat out silly and impossible. I slip here and there and eat gluten (As you will see below, hint: vegan chocolate cake!), and save myself with a good digestive enzyme. On good days I make yummmmy recipes like the one below, and dine at yummy restaurants like Good Karma Cafe that has GF Vegan food :) (see pictures below). I will be posting many more GF recipes and my favorite items in the future.

So, like I mentioned, Good Karma Cafe-- it's a tiny gem located in Red Bank, New Jersey. My best best friend, Erica, who is currently on a journey to wellness (aren't we all!) and is dipping her toes into the vegan world, joined me for a lovely vegan dinner last night. I ate some of the best GF vegan food I have ever tasted.... and then there was the vegan chocolate cake (not GF, sorry, like I said-- only human :)

Yummm Live Lemonade: Fresh apple and lemon with ginger! Who needs wine?

Our appetizer was delicious: "Whole Lotta Love" (which it certainly was!): Made with their dehydrated buckwheat and flax bread, topped with shredded veggies (carrots, sprouts, cabbage), crunchy dehydrated kale chips (OMG!) and sunflower her cheese= Amazing and GF

Then for dinner I had a "Love Bowl" which had perfectly sauteed kale, brown rice, black beans, delicious tempeh (usually I am not a fan of the substitute meat, but this was just amazing!) and then I got my sauce on the side: Thai Coconut. SO delicious! I can't wait to eat the left overs tonight:)

Erica got this massive burrito that even her MEAT-itarian boyfriend liked :): Brown rice, black beans, guacamole, pico, homemade vegan sourcream and shredded lettuce (not GF, but vegan and really stinkin good)

Ahhh and onto my favorite course of the night, dessert. This is not gluten free, but it is vegan and delicious! Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate deliciousness :)

Gluten Free Recipe of the Week:
Today we had our end of the summer staff party. As a vegan it is nearly necessary to bring a favorite dish so not only you can eat, but you can "WOW" all of the skeptics out there :)
Recipe adopted from Lorna Sass's Short-Cut Vegan cook book (great resource to have)
(FYI: I am Italian, I don''t follow exact measurements, it's in my blood, so this is the gist of what I did)
1 1/2 c. quinoa rinsed
equal parts water
2 c. fresh corn (Mmm Jersey Summer Corn!)
1 c. fresh basil (from the JMFECEL Garden)
1/2 c. Roasted Peppers
1/2 c. finely sliced red onions
3 tbs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
5 tbs. lemon juice

Directions: Boil quinoa until water has absorbed. Boil corn until cooked (unless using can, in which case buy organic and BPA free :) Prepare peppers, onions and basil. Cook corn and quinoa, then toss with remaining ingredients. Serve chilled and enjoy this DELICIOUS and refreshing summer meal :)

Do you have any questions about Gluten? Any recipes you would like to share? Please do :)
Have a wonderful end of the week/weekend!

Next Post: Garden Love <3

The Vegan... who is ITALIAN (yikes!)

2011-08-01T17:17:00.002-04:00

Hello all of my new followers/dreamers :)

I would like to start this blog off by thanking you for your support and kind words. Having people like you who are like minded, motivated, and working towards becoming your best , is what drives me to my dreams. Thank you, thank you, thank you! <3

This morning I called out of work because I was not feeling well... ever since giving up meat, dairy, and gluten, I rarely feel sick. Regardless, I did this morning and I made a wonderful decision to listen to my body and go back to bed. I woke up a couple hours later (yep, hours!) and was refreshed and ready for the day. Isn't it amazing how sleep restores the body? Anyway, I logged onto IIN (The Institute of Integrative Nutrition) where I am receiving my training to become a health counselor. I completed this week's module, and then lo and behold, the FIRST test posted. Now, I have three weeks to complete the test... but I can be a tad impatient, and in situations like this I am grateful for the (sometimes annoying) quality I possess. So, after doing two hours of work, I took the test and I passed! Well, I did more than just passing, I got a whopping 97%! It was almost like the Universe made me feel queazy this morning so that I could relax, kill it on my first test, and of course boost my confidence BIG time :)

So, onto my first official health and wellness topic: Veganism! I will start by telling you a story, about why in the world I, an Italian-ravioli-meatball-semolina bread-loving girl, gave up cheese, meat, and gluten (which will be discussed in the following post). When I was a little girl, I was tiny... people would be in awe over the number of cheese ravioli's I could eat. Usually followed by a big bowl of my favorite, chocolate chip mint ice cream (had to be the green kind!). Sad part was, shortly after eating such high fat, dairy laden meals, I would get sick to my stomach. Now as a child I was yet to have the understanding nor the self-control to never eat my beloved ravioli and chocolate chip mint again. So, I went through my entire childhood being sick. I just simply could not control myself. I was a child, if my best friend Erica could eat it, why cant I? I would not even think at the time about paying for these decisions later. It wasn't until I was a junior in high school, and I went to a gastroenterologist. After going through a few god awful tests, he told me that I do not have celiac disease, am not lactose intolerant, but do have a slight case of Irritable Bowl Syndrome and Acid Reflux. So, he gave me a prescription for Zelnorm and a prescription for Prevacid. Being a stubborn- know-it all 17 year old, and living with this my whole life, I could not imagine that my "attacks" were just slight cases of IBS, and that although every time I ate dairy I got sick, I didn't have a dairy allergy. So I took the Zelnorm, skipped the Prevacid (didn't think my reflux was that bad), popped the pill 30 minutes before every meal, ate what I want, lost a TON of weight, looked pretty sick, and then bang-- two years later as a sophomore in college, Zelnorm was recalled. I cried and cried! Was it because I was worried about being sick and not able to eat all the chocolate chip mint ice cream I wanted? Or was it that I really liked this miracle weight loss pill... hmmm, I'd say both.

So, once I stopped crying and being a ridiculous teenager, I spoke to my older sister, Lauren. Now many of you reading this may already know, my sister has Crones Disease, and is maintaining her good health through a vegan, high raw diet. Being my older sister who I always wanted to be just like, I took her advise which was simple: Eat flaxseed. I was amazed how well my digestive system worked once I incorporated just 2 tbs. a day of ground flaxseed into my cereal.

Bob's Red Mill is my favorite, low in calories and price ($8.49 for this huge bag), high in fiber, Omega 3's and deliciousness!

Now, my digestive system was so much better, but not perfect. Occasionally I would still get attacks. So about a year later I gave up meat. Meat is not easily digested by the body. It can take days for it to become waste. It contains no fiber, high in fat, dietary cholesterol, and makes us flat out sick. Nutrients that meat does contain (amino acids, B12, protein) are easily supplemented by a whole food diet. Not to mention, unless organic (which is a better option, however can be very pricey), meat contains hormones, antibiotics, and other substances that we probably should not have in our bodies. During this transformation for me, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Nearly every woman dead or living, in my family has had some form of cancer or disease. Did you know that cancer cells can be manipulated with use of animal protein and vegetable protein? In other words, animal protein turns cancer tumors on, while plant protein turns them off... more about this in my post on the viewing of Forks Over Knives. Thankfully my mother caught her cancer early, and was able to have a lumpectomy and radiation. She will be two years cancer free this November.

A BIG part of me did not just give up meat for my health, but for my love of animals and our planet (warning: this paragraph is a bit of a rant! Never the less, it is super informative!). I have a maltese, she is the cutest thing in the world to me! I could never imagine eating another animal! If you love animals, why do you eat them? Would they eat you? Maybe some would, but usually not. The animals we usually eat are docile, think the little chicken, the cow, the dirty pig. They have feelings too. In addition, all this talk about global warming and hunger: Did you know that most water pollution is the result of run off from cattle? Those antibiotics that go into the cattle run off into our water system, therefore affecting our crops, OUR BODIES! If Americans just slightly reduced our consumption of meat, the grain fed to the cattle could feed 60 million starving people in the world. Giving up just 1lb. of meat a year could conserve as much water as not showering for SIX months. Do you know what the leading cause of deforestation in the Amazon is from? You guessed it, cattle ranching (who needs those trees anyway? :/ ).

A year after I gave up meat through crowding out by using vegetables like legumes, whole grains, and protein powder, I finally gave up my beloved ravioli, mozzarella cheese, and chocolate chip mint ice cream. This decision drove my Italian family wild, they could not understand how me, who does not have Crones disease like my sister, would give up cheese. Aside from my biggest critics, just weeks after eating my last Pastagina (a yummy cheese filled dish my grandmother makes every New Years Day), my skin cleared, my eyes whitened, my energy soared, and my digestive system hummed. I was not perfect in giving up dairy, it took me about 6 months until I completely rid it out of my diet. However, I know if I didn't allow the imperfection then I may not have been successful. Today, I am going on 3 years of no meat, two years of no diary, and two years of no IBS or Acid Reflux. While in Paris last year, I had one attack, after eating fish that was cooked in butter... no Zelnorm necessary, just get rid of the dairy and add flaxseeds. (How do I possibly get my calcium, you ask? Stay tuned... that will certainly be a post)

My favorite (not green) Coconut Milk Mint Chip Ice Cream. This dairy free ice cream is sure to make a vegan out of a dairy queen :)

I am not 100% vegan. I know some vegans would be up in arms if they knew that I call myself a vegan, and then eat fish, bee pollen (in smoothies-- more on that!), and wear my leather Frye boots when I go to the Farmers Market in the Autumn (I bought these before this journey began!)... However, if I were to give it a number, I would say that I am about 95% vegan. Occasionally, I will eat fish, usually when visiting my boyfriend's mother in the Virgin Islands, where the fish is fresh, the water is clean, and my body is craving it. You need to listen to your body, and if it is craving something, it probably means you are missing something. For me, when I crave fish I believe it means that I need the protein and the Omaga's. I never get sick after eating it (unless it is cooked in butter), so, a few times a year I allow myself to not be a perfect Vegan, and enjoy some fresh fish. I understand that small amounts of animal protein will most likely not give me cancer.

Going vegan may not be for everyone. Through my education at IIN, I am learning how we are all what they call "bioindividuals". What works for me, may not always work for you. However, with that said, I do think it is important that we listen to our bodies. If you are having digestive issues, are chronically ill, what have you, then it may be a good idea to try and crowd out dairy and meat, eat less of both, see how you feel. If you feel wonderful-- awesome, if you don't, adjust for your individual needs. Do what makes YOU feel GOOD.

I would love to hear some vegan substitutions. In the future I will be sharing many of my favorite items and recipes, and would love to hear what your favorites are. Until then, here are two garden fresh vegan meals I made this past week using Vegan Pesto Sauce:

Gluten Free Quinoa Pasta with Vegan Pesto Sauce. I also made this recipe (picture not shown) with Vegan Ravioli from Whole Foods.
Basil from my schools garden: Joseph M. Ferraina Early Childhood Center's Organic Garden

Pesto Recipe (adopted and adjusted from CrazySexyLife.com, recipe of the week):
3 cups of tightly packed fresh basil leaves (recipe originally called for 2, I like more basil)
1/2 c. extra virgin olive oil
1/4 c. toasted pine nuts
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
2 tsp. of blond or miso chickpea paste
1/4 Red Star Nutritional Yeast Flakes (Recipe called for a 1/3 c. I felt the too much of the yeast flakes too away from the delicious basil taste)

Directions: Toast pine nuts in a pan until lightly brown and releasing their delicious smell. Place all ingredients in a food processor and process until creamy. You may want to add a little bit more olive oil. Delizioso! No cheese necessary :)

Pesto is easy to freeze, scoop spoonfuls into an ice tray, freeze, then transfer pesto cubes to baggie. Enjoy on many vegan dishes!

Garden Veggies with Quinoa GF Spaghetti and Pesto Sauce

Pick veggies from the garden (Eggplant, Peppers, Red Onion), toss with light Olive Oil and a dash of Himalayan Sea Salt. Heat Cast Iron Skillet, saute until slightly brown and soft. Add Frozen Pesto Cube....

Prepare pasta according to package (Gluten free pasta should be rinsed after cooking), and ENJOY! An easy, low budget, vegan DELICIOUS meal packed with local organic produce :)

My next post is about continuing this journey, and why and how this Italian-bread-lover is giving up gluten.

Ciao belle!

I am back, as a Holistic Health Counselor- In Training :)

2011-07-27T18:54:00.001-04:00

After a year of starting this blog, which only resulted in a few posts, I am back. So, I want to tell you a little bit about where I have been, and why I have not had "any time"!

Moterosso al Mar, Cinque Terre, Italy (July, 2010)

When I first began this blog, I was in the first few weeks of my very first year as a preschool teacher. After a very stressful year, one that depleted much of my energy and motivation, I am back on track and teaching the summer enrichment camp at my school. In September I will be entering my second year as a preschool teacher.

I want to recap a bit to tell you little bit about me and why I am back: In May 2010 I spoke for the first time to a psychic. As I may have mentioned in my posts a year ago, this psychic knew A LOT about me, having first met her. She said something that really resonated within me (and was coming from my grandfather, who according to her adores me, and who I never met): "You are in a weird place, you should not put all your eggs into one basket. You must diversify, and fulfill your potential. You will receive many certificates and in may of 2011, you will be doing what will make you happy."

So, this past April my boyfriend, John and I visited his mother in St. Thomas, VI (where she lives, I know, lucky lady!) His mother has always been such an inspiration to me, motivating me to work my hardest, and be my best while still enjoying life. She was very eager to show me this article that she had read. The article was about a woman who was unhappy in her current career and situation, so she became a student at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Today she is making a very good living for herself, and is loving what she is doing. The article just happened to come to me at the most perfect time. Everything this woman talked about seemed to be exactly what I want to do in my career. So, after our trip I came home, did research on IIN, and found out that it is not only a holistic health coaching school, but I can do it all online (and still teach pre-k!)

May, 2011 rolled around, and I registered for IIN (talk about manifesting dreams!). So here I am today LOVING what I am doing (I guess my grandfather was right... Gosh! How did that psychic do that!?) My education is so meaningful, and I finally feel like I am running in the direction of my dreams.

In May of 2012 I will be a Certified Health Counselor, working part time with women clients who are looking to improve their health and wellness. In addition, I hope to extend my work by helping out my school district and teaching healthy habits to children fighting against obesity and childhood illnesses. This November I will begin taking clients for half of my going rate :) If you are interested check out my website here and we can set up a FREE health history consultation.

I look forward to sharing information, inspiration, and some yummy food with you, as you join me on this journey of running after dreams.

Me with my God baby, Audriana Rose. She and my sister (her mother, Lauren) are such inspirations and motivations for me!

Coming Soon: Here are some topics I plan to talk about, if you have any suggestions, or anything you would like me to cover just shoot me a message :)

Avery Liska: My adorable Maltese who was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder this past April. Her journey towards healing and surviving via Vegan diet.
Forks Over Knives: The event (or should I say the food), the movie, and what I found most valuable
Gluten free Veganism: I am an Italian girl who can't eat (much) gluten and dairy!
Organic Garden Galore!
P90x: How my beau gets in better shape with less work!
Running in the woods
Green Smoothies and Juices
Lunch Salads
Maintaining wellness in times of stress and too much work
Chocolate and other vegan goodies :)
Manifesting our dreams
Bikram Hot Yoga
The distorted views about "dieting" that I, and I am sure many of you, grew up on...
Adult acne
My favorite places to eat
Teflon and what to really use in the kitchen
Coconut Oil and other natural beauty products
Giving permission to not be perfect all of the time, to have fun, to live a little and maybe be a bit reckless :)

Relax :)

2010-10-02T17:10:00.001-04:00

Hi There!

I apologize for my absence and lack of posts. Two weeks have gone by and I have been buuuusssssyyy with work! I signed my contract last Monday (Yippeee!)!

Two weeks ago my mother and I threw my sister, Lauren, a baby shower. My sister is due in November and is having a little baby girl. I am above the moon excited for my first little niece's arrival. I am so happy for my sister and brother-in-law. My mom and my aunt did all of the decorating, doesn't it look beautiful?

My and the Belly!!! (The only picture Lauren will let me post of her :)

My Best Friend, our other sister, Erica and Me

The Party throwers :) My momma and Me (I look super tall here, don't be fooled ;)

These past two weeks have been very hectic! Between getting my room organized, a successful first Open House, and our Back-to-School party...whew I am exhausted! At the BTSP my old principal told me that she wants me in her school next year! What an honor! I thought she didn't like me :) The superintendent of the schools said that I am doing a great job (yeyy!) and then gave me a teaching contract! But of course hard work often comes with stress. I am bit of a perfectionist, therefore from the moment I wake up at 5:15am to the time I go to sleep at 10:15pm, I am thinking of ways to make my class better. This is not always a bad thing, however it is a bit draining. Along with this stress my running routine went out the window... sadly! I have been doing some Bikram, but I just do not feel the same without my running.

Last night I pulled a few tarot cards while at my best friend's house. One of cards was to relax. Then, this morning all of my horoscopes (yes, all- I read DailyOm, and two different ones on Facebook lol) were about relaxing, and enjoying it. Okay Universe, I hear you!! Relaxing....hummm...As I said before, I am a perfectionist, and certainly a type A personality. I try, but I do not relax well. So, after two weeks of not running, what did I do on my day of relaxation? I went for a run in the woods :) This run was different than any of my past runs. Today is a beautiful Autumn, sunny, and cool day in Jersey, perfect running weather. I turned my meditation playlist on my iPod, and ran the most peaceful, relaxing run I could have ever imagined. I relished in this peace, breathing in the cool crisp Autumn air, taking in the new colors on the trees. The universe was yelling at me to relax today, and THIS is what I call relaxing. There is nothing else that relaxes me more!

Reading and acting out a story from the Smart Board (I love my job :)

Open House, my classroom all ready for the momma's and poppa's :)

Happy Autumn Everyone!

If you do one thing this weekend, relax :p

My First Week of Being a Teacher :)

2010-09-19T09:21:00.000-04:00

Hello Friends!

I have to apologize for not posting anything in over a week, as you know from my last post, I got a teaching job and I started in my new classroom this past Monday! I am in utter bliss, this whole week has been exhilarating. My room started off as quite a dump, it was split to be two Spanish classrooms, with two male teachers, in a building built in the 60's. There were, until I got a hold of a razor :) velcro stickers EVERYWHERE, to the point where my Assistant and I felt anxious looking at them. So, my room has become my new favorite hobby, it is like my own Walk-in Scrap-Book, how much fun! I go into work an hour early (7:30 am) and I stay until the janitor kicks me out at 6:00pm. It hasn't even phased me as being "work", I am just still so pumped up of having my own room, and I could not be happier! I will post final product pics of my room later this week. But until then, here is a picture of me and some of the kids with our class puppet, Curiosity the Cat:

As for the kids, I have ALL 4-year-olds!!! Yeyyyy, no diapers :) And, so far I only have 9 children, so I have had a lot of time to focus on the small groups and getting to know these 9 kids, until the other 6 show up. My Assistant is fantastic, and it just so happened that we know each other, we went to high school together (in a small class of 130 graduates), and we went to Montclair State together, we are friends, and she is so much like me in her OCD behaviors that it is just a PERFECT fit. She has her teaching certification too, so she has been a tremendous help, I don't know what I would do without her.

Last Monday was also the first day of my Nutrition class... I am sad to say, but after driving up to class (took two hours after my first day of teaching), in a crazy storm, I walked into a class with a professor who used to work for the FDA. The title of this course was "Food Regulations and Compliances", and I was excited. I thought, like many of my other college courses at Montclair, that this class would be as Liberal, and open to all ideas. I thought that I would walk in and be able to proudly state my knowledge (and the reason why I eat a mostly vegan diet), and impress my professor and fellow classmates....But, I was wrong...rather this professor stood up in front of a class of future Nutritionists preaching about how it is ridiculous that when "science" and the FDA say that something is "SAFE", like irradiating food, then the government and small groups of people should not be able to argue. In New Jersey, Irradiating food is currently illegal. Not because of the FDA or Science, but because of people like you and me who fight to make sure that the food that we put on our table to feel our families and ourselves is in its most natural form. It such a scary thought that the other 20 students in this class were listening with excitement as this ignorant professor spoke. Shouldn't NUTRITION classes be about the best possible nutrition one can have? I was infuriated, as I sat there trying to control myself from walking out! The thought of that painful 2 hours, just makes me a little queazy! I was relieved when I ran out of that class and dropped it on my walk to my car :) I will try again in January, hopefully with better luck!

So today my mother and I are throwing my sister (whom many of you know) her Baby Shower!! My little niece is due in November, and we are so excited!! I made a delicious Quinoa dish, which I will post many, many pics next week.

I am going for the first run in over a week- I am so excited!! Have a fantastic and peaceful week! <3

i got HIRED!

2010-09-10T22:52:00.000-04:00

After all of my mopping and tears last week... I found out this afternoon at 5:10pm that I GOT HIRED as a TEACHER!!! Wooooooo!!!

Ya know, The Secret (The Secret) really does friggen work! I mean, come on, before this I was set on not wanting to teach... and then this weekend hit and I remembered how much I LOVED to teach, and I cried about it, wished for it, and BOOM I got it. Wow. I am lost for words. I AM good enough to be a teacher, they DO appreciate the work I do. I WILL be a great teacher, I know it. I begin Monday morning, I will spend all weekend preparing (so excited!) and I know I will do the best possible job that I can do.

Thank you Universe, thank you. I could not be happier right now.

Also, on Monday I begin my first day of classes in my Nutrition degree... which I will not let fade away. I read an article today posted on Kris Carr's email letter through Crazy Sexy Life found HERE about New York City's efforts better nutrition in schools. Coincidence? No. Omen? Yes. This is my first step to making a difference, I am now a teacher, so now I have the power to make the difference I want to make. Ahhhh I am so excited!!!

Have a fabulous weekend. Enjoy the fall weather. I know I will! I will post updates after Monday.

Thank you for your support!! And please keep believing in your dreams. Anything you set your mind to, you can achieve. I believe in The Secret.

Navesink RIver, Believing in your Dreams, 2009

Running is my therapy...

2010-09-06T21:45:00.000-04:00

Hello All! Happy Labor Day, I hope everyone had a beautiful weekend. It was perfect running weather here in New Jersey. The type of weather we wait all year for and pray that it never goes away.

So, I have a confession to make... two nights ago my emotions got the best of me and I was not confident or positive at all. As my boyfriend and I were about to go to bed, I was suddenly overcome with strong emotions due to rejection (isn't it funny how these things come and bit you in the butt out of nowhere?). It was as if all of a sudden everything that has happened with my work situation was dumped on me all at once. Whyyyy didn't they hire me? What did I do wrong? If I had a teaching job would I still be pursing a Nutrition Degree? Then it hit me, the hardest question, is the reason I do not want to teach any more because of all of this rejection? I have come to believe that I cannot be a good teacher, regardless of how well I did in my student teaching, and regardless of how much I loved it, at this point I have convinced myself that I won't be happy as a teacher. But, is this all because of the rejection? Have I trained myself to believe these thoughts as resilience? This realization caused me to have so much hatred. I went to sleep that night with these feelings still very present... and I woke up on a beautiful morning with more sadness and anger then I had before. Just the thought of it immediately brought on the water works... I was in a state I could not get out of... a very sad state. The worst part was that I could not even enjoy this beautiful weekend!

So, I did what I know always makes me feel amazing: I laced up my sneakers and headed out for a run in the woods. For the first mile my mind was replaying the past year, as I was trying to figure out what exactly I did wrong. But then by the second mile, as I entered my favorite part of the woods, my senses kicked back in. I felt the cool end-of-summer breeze that rustled through the trees. I looked around at the bank I was passing through and noticed the sun glistening through the trees. I took a deep breath in, the smells were magnificent, the pine, the fresh air, it was a surreal experience. And then, my stress was gone.. anger, sadness and all, and my confidence returned. I felt strong, I felt smart, I felt determined, and I felt like I was on the right path, once again. Yesterday I not only ran my longest run of 7 miles, but I ran with passion. The passion I had lost for those few sad hours. Running brought me back down to Earth and helped me to remember that everything happens for a reason. I am in the situation I am in, because there is more that I need to do. I do not need (or really want) to be a preschool teacher. I need and want to teach something I am passionate about, and that is Nutrition. Running reminded me that I am and will be a great teacher, and I will change many lives. I am so blessed to have running as my therapy. Who needs drugs or therapy when you have two legs to run with?

Oceanic Bridge, Rumson, New Jersey (9/4/10)

"Look at every path closely and deliberately. Try it as many times as you think necessary. Then ask yourself, and yourself alone, one question . . . Does this path have a heart? If it does, the path is good; if it doesn't it is of no use. Both paths lead nowhere; but one has a heart, the other doesn't. One makes for a joyful journey; as long as you follow it, you are one with it. The other will make you curse your life. One makes you strong; the other weakens you."- Carlos Castaneda

Blessings in Disguise...

2010-09-02T06:45:00.000-04:00

Hello my new followers, thank you so much for the love and support you have given me already :) I am so happy to be here!

Today was the very first day back to school in the pre-school. A day I was looking forward to with both joy and apprehension. As I mentioned in my first post, it has been quite a battle to get a teaching job. Currently I am a paraprofessional...oh wait, sorry, new name for that now, drum roll please.... an "instructional assistant". Anyway, I do love my job. How bad could it be? I get to work with wonderful people who are all so different from one another, AND play with 3-year-olds all day! So there is my joy.... my apprehension... well, I have learned in life that when you work hard, you are rewarded. Unfortunately in my current situation, when I work hard, I am kept in the same place while others tend to advance, and be rewarded. Yes, a situation that would make many of us quite depressed. A situation that my first encounter with a psychic labeled as being in a "weird place". I actually almost cried when an excited substitute, who was hired, ran over to me today to see where I have been placed, of course assuming I was moved into a teaching position... this is where The Secret jumps into work. Any other time in a like situation I would have stood around and moped. Accepting all of my fellow sincere employees regret for me. But today was different (well except for that 2-3 seconds when I almost cried, which I must say I quickly recovered from). Today I held my head high because I have a new found sense of faith in my purpose. I am literally RUNNING in the direction of my dreams, sorry Thoreau, "going" just isn't my pace. Today, when asked questions like, "WHY didn't they hire you, Amanda? What is wrong with them?" I responded by saying that I am happy where I am, I could not be happier. I am blessed to have this job, because THIS job allows me to fulfill my purpose. Because of THIS job as an "instruction assistant", encourages me to go back to school and receive my Masters in Nutrition and Food Science. Because of this job, I can not only afford it, but Hey, they will reimburse me so that I do not go into (more) debt (undergraduate student loans). Because of this job, I have more time and more energy to focus on what I, Amanda, really want in life.

From the outside, many people may feel bad for me. I mean come on, straight A student, has worked her butt off her entire life to get to this point, was promised a teaching job last year (yep...), and just keeps being over looked... but to ME this is a blessing. I may not have realized it as a blessing if it were not for my new found acceptance, faith, and belief in my dreams. But, this is all a true blessing and everything is working out just the way it needs to. I do not want anyone to feel bad for me. I want them to be excited for me.

While I lay in bed tonight, I finished reading The Secret, and the lesson learned about life in this last section has pretty much reassured me that I am Okay, as long as I believe. In these last few pages I read what I found to be my favorite among the many inspiring quotes throughout the book:

"The good news is that the moment you decide that what you know is more important than what you have been taught to believe, you will have shifted gears in your quest for abundance. Success comes from within, not from without."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Photo of the Navesink River, New Jersey (2009)

If you are in a "weird place" like me, please share your stories so we can continue to support and inspire one another. BELIEVE in yourself, in your DREAMS. As my buddy Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, success comes from within, not from without.

Have a wonderful day, thank your higher power for everything you have been blessed with, especially for those disguised blessings... Believe and SMILE because you know you are on the path to reaching your dreams <3

Thank you for your support!

Why I am here...

2010-08-31T10:34:00.000-04:00

Hello World!

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." Thoreau

I would like to use my very first (ever!-ahh) blog posting to explain to all of you curious people, why I am here... sooo here it goes (breathe in, breathe out- I am a tid-bit nervous.) So, I am 23-years-old from New Jersey. My motivation to come here is due to the tremendous amount of change I am experiencing in my life. My Chiropractor claims that there is a lot of Nitrogen (?) in the air, and therefore I am not alone... but anyway, I believe I am a product of a college graduate who worked my behind off to receive good grades and graduate with honors, only to leave the college world and find that regardless of my accomplishments, I cannot get a teaching job...whoever thought they wouldn't need teachers? At first I was pretty depressed about my situation, but going onto my second year as a paraprofessional (aka: a glorified teacher aide), I have found this recession to be a blessing in disguise...

In lieu of my situation, I have had the amazing opportunity to look within, I think I may actually know Amanda (me), rather than this elementary school teacher everyone told me I would be great at being. So, on September 13th I begin taking my very first Masters course in Nutrition and Food Science. Now, this idea of becoming a nutritionist did not just fabricate over my many failed attempts at becoming a teacher, but rather from my many experiences over the past few years where I have learned that I really do (and can) help people and motivate them to get healthy and take charge of their lives.

I must credit the forces I have been faced with (and yes forces, because they have literally forced me to pay attention to myself and my surroundings- Hello Universe!) that have helped me realize my true purpose: First of all, just two weeks ago (around the same time I realized I was not getting hired as a full-time teacher), I began running. I have been a devout exerciser since I was 18-years-old, I always have found peace of mind when I worked out, exercise has become my therapy... but running has become by drug. My first day running I did three miles in a local (and intense!) trail. My second day, I did 5 miles, by the third day I was running 6 miles, and on the fourth I did 8... and I could keep going... if I wasn't so frightened of shin splints :). When I run in the woods, I feel alive, I can feel the energy running through my veins, I feel light as a feather and so connected to nature. There is truly nothing like it. The second force is one I have been am a little late at catching on to, but it has reached me at the most perfect time, that is The Secret. If you have not read The Secret, or seen the movie, I highly recommend it and will be speaking about it's concepts often. So, with that, I created my Vision Board, and now I am doing something that I put on my board just yesterday morning, I am writing in hope that I will be able to make a difference in someone's life... my purpose.

So, here I am, ready to open my mind, begin writing again (I love writing), and have You, to hold me accountable. I plan to write about my journey of being a paraprofessional in a 3-year-old classroom, while pursuing a Nutrition degree, and using running to remain sane. I am a very open-minded person, so I am willing to talk about anything (well, except politics, I try to avoid conflict :) I hope you will follow me on this journey, and support me, as I try and support you. If you want to know more about me, and where this whole idea of becoming a Nutritionist came from (I could go on, and on, but I won't :), you can read my profile. Otherwise, I hope you come back soon so I can teach you everything I am learning and we can support each other in this beautiful journey of life <3