LoveLife Method

Mega Green Kale Chips

2012-02-16T12:56:00.001-06:00

We can't get enough of our greens! One of the most alkalizing foods on the planet, they nourish our body and detox our organs. They also make a zesty snack. Here is one of our new favorite kale chips from Lydia's Organics. Not that we are advocating skipping meals, but if you're in a rare pinch....this is a great lunch in a bag. On our LLM Reintegration program? Integrate these after nuts and nightshades have been cleared.

Food as an Alternative to Botox

2012-02-14T13:36:00.000-06:00

Stay tuned for LoveLife GLOW, a new community that offers tips and suggestions for how to age naturally, reflecting how good we feel internally and externally.

Ok women, I confess. A combination of a healthy dose of vanity paired with curiosity has inspired me to study the effects of food on my skin. And I’m inspired by what I’ve discovered is possible over the years.

I had a memorable moment 15 years ago, one romantic afternoon sitting on the deck with a boyfriend at Au Berg Du Soleil in Napa. He asked a question that scratched the record, inquisitively inquiring with concern for my well-being, how I acquired the scars between my eyebrows. His question took a moment to sink in, as my brow undoubtedly further furrowed, creating deeper “scars.”

My health was a mess! I had a double whammy: A life-time of chronic inflammation and health challenges paired with a decade long tanning obsession from 15-25, that was catching up. Despite eating what I thought was a healthy vegetarian diet since age 12, I was unwittingly eating foods that were making me sick and aging me prematurely. At 25 I had laugh lines and wrinkle creases in my furrow of a 45 – 50 year old. Ahemmmm, an unaltered one.

As my journey unfolded and I changed my diet, eliminating sources of inflammation, my health issues disappeared and I was amazed by how fantastic I could feel. An added bonus, I slowly began experiencing a receding of these wrinkles and an improvement in a lifetime of poor skin quality, that was directly correlated to foods. Now, ladies I want to be careful to say that I’m not a wrinkle hater and I understand their inevitability and I choose to embrace rather than erase them. But if there are self-care options that allow us to naturally feel better AND look better…..who amongst us can say no to that proposition?

How is it even possible for food to impact our skin?

Inflammation. It is at the root of everything, including aging. Food is one of the most profound sources of inflammation. Whether eating processed foods, sugar or our intolerant foods, these are one of the quickest youth zappers. They zap our energy, vitality and our youth.

When I drink wine, a former passion in my 20s that included a 140-bottle collection personally hand-picked from the wine countries, I look ten years older the next day. On special occasions, I choose it anyway, but the difference is I know why I don’t feel my best; I know why I’m not reflecting my best and most importantly I know how to get back on track.

Other foods that furrow my brow? Dairy is one of the biggest ones. In Chinese medicine they say dairy is one of the most aging foods. Whether due to dairy for the sake of dairy or dairy’s inflammatory effects in my body, it is not my friend.

What foods are wreaking havoc on your skin, aging you prematurely? While there are some common ones, we also each have our own specific triggers. How can you use food to not only feel your best, but also offer a long term built in natural botox alternative?

All LoveLife Method programs will now include tracking skin health, specifically youthfulness with foods. Some of the effects are immediate while others provide a boost for years to come.

Stay tuned for LoveLife GLOW, a new community that offers tips and suggestions for how to age naturally, reflecting how good we feel internally and externally.
Click below to sign up for the GLOW newsletter.

Recipe Swap: Dorothy's White Bean Cassoulet

2012-02-13T21:18:00.004-06:00

WHITE BEAN CASSOULET
Modified from The Enlightened Cook, Everyday Vegetarian.
Use GF bread and you’ll have a GF dish too or skip altogether - it's delicious without!

INGREDIENTS

3 cups (2”) asparagus…about one pound
2 tablespoons EVOO, divided
3 cups sliced chanterelle or oyster mushrooms (about 10 oz)… I added in a whole variety of mushrooms to make it flavorful and interesting.
1/3 cup finely chopped shallots
6 garlic cloves
¼ cup dry white wine
1 ½ cups organic vegetable broth
½ teaspoon dried marjoram or dried oregano
2 (15 oz) cans no salt added cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Topping: Stop here if you need to be dairy/GF free or make sure to use GF bread.

2 oz French bread (or you could use a GF bread) cut into small pieces
½ cup (2 oz) grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

Cook asparagus, rinse with cold water; drain well….set aside
Using a large stainless-steel skillet heat pan to med high. Add 1 tablesoon oil, swirling to coat. Add mushrooms, shallots, and garlic; sauté 8 minutes or until mushrooms are tender. Add wine; cook 3 minutes or until liquid evaporates. Stir in broth, marjoram, and beans; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 12 min or until thick and beans are very tender. Stir in black pepper
Preheat broiler.
Place French GF bread and butter in a food processor, and pulse until course cumbs form. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and cheese to course breadcrumbs; pulse until combined. Stir asparagus into bean mixture; sprinkle course breadcrumb mixture evenly over bean mixture. Broil 3 minutes or until crumbs are golden brown. Serves 4.

Thanks Dorothy!

Billy & Lucy Reagan

2012-02-13T21:02:00.000-06:00

CLIENTS: Lucy & Billy Reagan
LUCY’S PERSONAL DISCOVERIES:

CHICKEN: Causes Stomachaches and Bloating
NUTS: Cause Headaches
DAIRY: Causes Weight Holding
11 Pounds lost!

FAVORITE NEW FOODS:

Quinoa and avocado for breakfast. "And I never new how much I liked cheese and steak till I gave it up!"

FROM LUCY:
“I joined LoveLife Method a little hesitantly at first. I had a six Diet-Coke-a-day habit and felt I was at a good weight..not great but having birthed two kids I thought these last five pounds weren't going anywhere since I ate pretty healthy and worked out 6 days a week.

After my husband had been bugging me to do this cleanse with him for over a year, I finally thought I was mentally ready to give up my beloved diet coke's and give it a try. We talked to Kim and I went cold turkey on the Diet Cokes for a month and really had no problem giving them up...though my husband may tell a different story about my mood those first few days!

Then we started the cleanse and I became a believer! I drank the kool-aid or in the cleanses case the dreaded Green Juice...and I liked it! The first day went smoothly, the second day was not good, but the third day the clouds parted and I saw the light. I felt better, I slept better, my skin was glowing and I was dropping weight, fast. I still had my high energy levels from day one and was able to keep up my crazy workout regime..I had become someone who like to do two a day workouts. But I quickly realized I could drop a workout, to one a day, and still get great results while on this cleanse.

I dropped those last five pounds in about four days, and then I got greedy...how much more could I lose? I got eleven pounds down very quickly and found my happy weight. We started integrating all the foods and the weight maintained...hmmm you mean my husband had been right about this cleanse? We continued on for a few weeks and I made a few shocking discoveries. Who knew but plain old grilled chicken, what I had always eaten when I was trying slim down, actually made me bloat and gain a pound or so over night?

Nuts gave me horrible headaches, perhaps why I always got a headache when we traveled, maybe it wasn't my toddlers but the nuts on the plane! I found that my good friend, Wine, gave me insomnia and weight gain....well then I quickly got reacquainted with vodka! I am through the cleanse now and still am maintaining my weight loss, my glowing skin, my wonderful sleep and am feeling like a new person! I still follow most of the nutrition guidelines I learned from this cleanse, with an occasional cheat here and there. But if I get off track I know how to get right back on thanks to Kim! I am even now a regular at the Whole Foods juice bar ordering my Green Juice a few times a week...something my pre-Diet Coke self would never have envisioned. It's truly been a wonderful experience and I would encourage everyone to do it!"

BILLY’S PERSONAL DISCOVERIES:

GLUTEN: Increases Cravings and impacts Energy
FISH: Increases Irritability and causes Low Energy
SOY: Increases Cravings
23 Pounds lost!

Tahini Kale Chips

2012-02-13T13:42:00.000-06:00

INGREDIENTS:

1Whole Head of Kale, Mustard Greens or a bag of mixed Braising Green
OliveOil
HimalayanSalt
SmokedPaprika*
Tahini

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheatovento bake 375 degrees. Chop off stems of greens you are using. If usingwhole head of kale, quarter it.

Rinsewell in salad spinner, make sure they are completely dry or chips will besoggy.

In large bowl toss with olive oil, salt andpaprika*.

Layoutflat greens on a cookie sheet - not too many on top of each other orthey will not crisp up. Add a small dollop of Tahini to each chip.

Bake until crispy.

*** Omit paprika if you are sensitive to nightshades or haven't yet tested.

Kale Rolls

2012-01-31T10:42:00.000-06:00

Our featured snack this month also comes from a current LoveLife client, Rebecca. We love when a snack hits all the right spots including ease, texture, taste and nutrition. Take a cue from Rebecca and make a Kale Roll next time you get the hankering. Simply roll a slice of turkey (Whole Food's Organic variety available at their deli is our fave) with shredded kale and avocado inside. She likes them dipped in mustard and we've been eating them with hummus - yum!

Live Your Resolutions

2012-01-25T12:03:00.003-06:00

The great heralding of the season which booms "Change" is in full swing. Perhaps for some it was a fleeting affirmation to really do something different this time, while for others it is already materializing through efforts each and every day. No matter where we are, it’s not too late. The new year momentum is palpable, a force designed to spur us into action and there is no better time than right now, to create the change you desire. 
How can we not only create these shifts but continue to live these transformations?
As many of us see time and again if we wish to have excuses to stay with our old patterns, we have abundant scapegoats. This article from the New York Times is one of those. To summarize, the article poses the question, why do we even bother trying to lose weight when there is evidence that it's only a matter of time before we pack it all back on? 
However, what this article fails to highlight is that the study was done with a “weight loss expert” who helped his clients lose weight by fasting. This same expert was later surprised when his fasting clients became more hungry and had difficulty maintaining their weight loss! As many of us know from experience, these types of diets are destined to fail, setting off a host of starvation/craving responses with major long-term metabolic consequences.
So why then do so many of us bounce up and down on the yo-yo following the latest fads or diets? There is the No Carbs Diet. The High Carbs But the Right Carbs diet. The Vegetarian Diet. The Caveman Diet. Gluten, no Gluten. Juice Fasts. You name it, it’s out there.
START WITH THE BASICS:

This is not rocket science. Most everyone agrees on a few key basics that work for everyone:

Eat Loads of Veggies: If you fill up with nutrient dense plants, you won’t have as much room or hankerings for the junk. Aim to have a minimum of 2-3 servings at lunch and dinner. Variety is key, use lots of colors and shop in season. Visit your local Farmers Market for local and organic produce that has an unparalleled taste and nutrient value from its poor kin which has been carted crosscountry and grown in factory farm conditions. Don’t have time to shop on your own? Greenling Organics is one of our favorites. Let them do the work for you. They visit local farms and bring you the best selection of organic, local produce.

Cut Out the Junk: What is junk? Sadly over 50% of the average American’s diet is what we call “dead food”. These are foods that are processed and scarcely fit into the “food” category. Yeah yeah, we all know if we cut out the junk, we will feel better. But for many of us it just tastes so good. These “foods” often releases a cascade of hormones, creating a physiological cascade of addictive effects. How to break this cycle? Substitute with loads of veggies. And find your unique dietary sweet spots.

FIND YOUR PERSONAL PERFECT DIET: We are all unique and each of us thrive with different diets. We all have our own dietary sweet spots and perfect formula. When we try to fit into a one-size fits all approach, we often fail. I cannot tell you how many people have come to me and said - I tried a Vegetarian Diet, I tried Macrobiotics, I tried Caveman - and I might have felt a little better, but didn’t feel great.

How do you know when you have found your sweet spot? Your cravings should disappear and you don’t just feel slightly better or feel good. You feel great. Learning to eat in harmony with our bodies signals sets us up for life long food empowerment and optimal health.

How do you create your dietary sweet spot?

Use your cravings. Cravings are our bodies signals trying to get our attention to tell us what we are either missing or receiving in excess. Learn to pay attention to these cravings and let them inform you of your perfect Carbohydrate-to-Protein Ratios.

Find Your Carb-to-Protein Ratios. Do you do better with more carbs? Less carbs? Are you sensitive to various types of carbs? How about when you eat these carbs? Ditto with proteins.

Find your ideal protein composition. As someone who was a 25-year vegetarian, I was amazed to see such profound differences in hundreds of clients. While everyone begins on a vegetarian diet in our programs, we introduce meat in the second or third weeks. Some people thrive with meat, while others thrived on a primarily plant-based diet. This is why there isn’t an either or, black or white approach and this is where so many people fail. They key is in finding which proteins, whether plant or animal help you feel your best. How much of these do you need at each meal? If animal protein helps you feel your best, which types? Surprisingly, chicken is one the of most common inflammatory foods our clients uncover.

Find your snack sweet spots. What types of snacks sustain you throughout the day? How do these make a difference in your energy levels, cravings, weight and mood?

Find the foods which create inflammation in your body. This one step alone can be life changing. Foods that we eat each and every day and think are good for us are often wreaking shocking havoc in our bodies. Most people have between 1 to 3 food intolerances. These intolerances can create the usual suspects such as weight gain or low energy. But they also can create allergies, digestive ills, pain, low mental clarity, depression, anxiety, skin issues and hormone imbalance. Discover which foods are holding you back to go from feeling good to feeling great.

IMPLEMENT CHANGES IN A LIFESTYLE PLAN THAT WORKS FOR YOU

Once you discover your personal food tools you are poised for lifelong success. You might have occasions when you fall off, but the fall is generally a conscious one and you certainly will know exactly what to do to get back on track. Perhaps you find that corn creates bloating and weight gain but you're heading to Mexico for Spring Break. You might choose to embrace corn for a week, but will know what to do to get back on track upon your return.
No longer mired in confusion and diet rubbernecking this new found clarity creates more of lifelong ease in the race for happiness and health. 

Meet Kristin, Mother, Author & Distance Runner

2012-01-24T23:30:00.000-06:00

CLIENT: Kristin Armstrong

WEIGHT: 125 – 116 = 9 pounds lost

KRISTIN'S PERSONAL DISCOVERIES:

TURKEY: Triggers bad headaches
SOY: Impacts weight gain

NEW FAVORITE FOODS:

The Love Cleanse Green Juice
Dandy Tea
Quinoa with Black Beans & Avocado for breakfast
Superfood snack (totally overrides afternoon energy slup and evil munchies)

FROM KRISTIN:

“I met with Kim to talkabout the Love Cleanse, not having ever paid close attention to my nutritionbefore. I wasn't even really sure what I wanted to get from the Love Cleanse,but I wanted to be better educated about my body and my responses to food. Iwanted to be able to fuel for optimal energy (for a race, or simply chasing mykids around!) and learn if there were any potential reactions to foods that Imay have unknowingly attributed to something else.

Kim is wise aboutnutrition, insightful about people, and in general a very curious person. Whenyou work with her, her curiosity is contagious and makes you feel excited aboutlearning. I learned so much! I now know how to get back on track when I have veeredoff course nutritionally. I know how to better fuel for endurance running. I know that I don't need caffeine or red wine (okay, maybe I do need somewine occasionally...) to book-end my day. My palette and my recipe boxexpanded with this new information.

The whole experience hasblessed me with better health, better sleep, more energy, less allergies andcolds, and a beneficial impact on my children. They see the good choices I makeand it encourages them to take greater care of their nutrition.

If you are debating abouttrying the Love Cleanse, stop debating and start doing. Give yourself the giftthat allows you to give even more to the people and purposes that matter toyou. I used to think of food in terms of "helpings" now I think of itin terms of "helping." Food heals - but we have to know where we'rebroken, and what specifically meets our unique requirements. Go ahead - giveyourself a little Love."

- Kristin Armstrong

Mother of three amazingkids, Distance runner, Contributing Editor for Runner's World Magazine,Author of six books including Mile Markers: The 26.2 Most Important ReasonsWhy Women Run

New Client Recipe Swap

2012-01-24T22:53:00.004-06:00

SAVORY VEGGIE & BEAN PURÉE by Soozie

We are excited to introduce our new monthly feature, recipes created and loved by our clients! This month's recipe comes from bike-bandit, Soozie (see the pic below) who was looking for a replacement for sauteed mushrooms, which aren't allowed until later in Phase 2. The result? A smoky, veggie purée that works as a dip, spread or simply tossed with your favorite steamed vegetables.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup of cauliflower, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper *
1 cup of cherry tomatoes *
1/2 cup diced onions
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup Tahini
1 cup cooked Canary beans (also know as white kidney beans)
Olive Oil
Himalayan Salt to taste

INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 400°. Drizzle cauliflower and cherry tomatoes with olive oil and roast until golden brown.
Char the bell pepper over fire (a gas range works well for this) or roast in the hot oven along with the cauliflower+tomatoes until charred. Let the pepper cool and peel skin.
While veggies are roasting, sauté onions and garlic until caramelized.
Combine all ingredients in blender along with the Tahini and beans. Blend until creamy and add salt to taste.

"It is sooooooo good." - - Soozie, LoveLife client

* If you're sensitive to nightshades, this is probably a recipe best skipped. But if you're looking for a little something different that tastes great with cauliflower, check out our Golden Raisin Caper Sauce - delicious and nightshade free!

Have a recipe you'd like to share with the LLM community?

Send it over to info@lovelifemethod.com and we'll feature it here!

Moroccan Chicken Kebabs

2012-01-24T21:57:00.003-06:00

INGREDIENTS:

1 teaspoon sweet paprika***
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground fennel
Himalayan Salt & Pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Juice of ½ lime***
2 organic chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 tablespoon fresh chopped mint
1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon fresh chopped Italian parsley

INSTRUCTIONS
Combine all of dried spices, salt & pepper in a small bowl. Place chicken cubes in a medium bowl & drizzle with olive oil & lime, toss to coat. Add spice mixture, toss to coat each piece evenly. Cover and marinate in refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes. If you have an hour to spare, even better.

After marinating, thread chicken onto either wood or metal skewers. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20-30 minutes to be sure they don't scorch (and if you really want to plan ahead soak the whole package and wrap in foil, freeze for future use!) Preheat grill pan over high heat, cook kabobs turning once until chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Remove from grill, sprinkle with chopped herbs and another dash of real salt.

Don't have a grill pan? Your broiler will work here, too. Crank up the broiler, line a baking sheet with foil and broil the skewers for 4-5 minutes on each side depending on how hot your broiler is and how large you cut the chicken. Check frequently to prevent over-cooking.

Serving suggestions:

If you are testing and or have tested well with gluten, these kebabs are delicious in a pita wrap with fresh spinach and a smear of hummus.
Serve the chicken over our Quinoa Tabbouleh for a satisfying lunch.
Use the same marinade for a selection of your favorite veggies (being sure to marinade separately) to make vegetable kebabs.
Testing soy? Try this marinade with tofu.

*** Omit paprika if you are sensitive to nightshades or haven't yet tested.
*** Omit lime juice if you are sensitive to citrus or haven't yet tested.

Recipe courtesy of Lisa Beck, created especially for LoveLife Method

Scott dropped 20 pounds and let cravings lead him to better health!

2012-01-24T17:59:00.000-06:00

CLIENT: Scott Yarborough

Director,New Business Development at Aquasana

WEIGHT: 22 pounds lost!

SCOTT'S PERSONAL DISCOVERIES:

CITRUS, CHICKEN & CORN: All slightly impact energy levels

NEW FAVORITE FOODS:

BasmatiRice with Salt + Oil
Pumpkin Seeds
Green Juice
Superfood
Big Salads
Grilled Veggies
Fresh Fish

FROM SCOTT:
“I loveto reward myself with great food. I enjoy it after a great workout; I useit satiate me during an intense work period. However, my eating habitsprior to the program led me to address my cravings - not what my body needed tobe healthy – with inconsistent results.

TheLoveLife Method taught me how my body truly wants to be rewarded with food. Thepayoff has come through higher energy levels, better sleep, and weight loss – Idropped 20 pounds over the course of the program. I learned the big differencebetween the cravings created by certain foods (read: sugar) and the nutritionneeded by my body.

Today,I have a clear map on what foods my body requires to engage each day with ahealthy, abundant energy. I couldn’t ask for a better reward than the LoveLifeMethod.”

In our Client's Words

2011-12-28T15:12:00.000-06:00

"The Love Cleanse is a game changer. Our entire executive team went

through Kim's program together and we all increased our performance, health and energy. I recommend it to anybody."

- Clayton Christopher, Founder of Sweet Leaf Tea and Deep Eddy Vodka

“When I began working with Kim I had chronic allergy attacks that required daily medication and monthly allergy shots, lower back pain, mid afternoon energy slumps, the occasional tossing and turning at night and could not lose weight despite a healthy diet and exercise. Kim's program helped me discover my sensitivity to lemons and limes as well as gluten and dairy. With this knowledge in hand, I dropped 30 pounds in 30 days, my allergies disappeared, my back pain subsided, I sleep better than ever and I am energetic all day. The improvement in my clarity is paramount to my performance and I'm happy to report that 3 months later the benefits continue. Kim’s cleanse was a life changing event for me and as with most things in life, you will get out of the program what you put into it.”

- Charlie Pace, CEO, Smart Flour and SiteStuff, Inc.

“This program will really blow you away. It was really amazing and everyone I have referred to it agrees that it’s the best program they’ve tried. Kim is amazingly knowledgeable and has created a program that works with your body, not against it. I was never actually hungry and the symptoms were much milder than with other cleanses. I emerged full of life and energy. It’s truly a transformational experience.”

- Mason Arnold, Founder, Greenling Organics

“After working with Kim, I’ve noticed a quick and significant improvement in my general health and energy level. Having suffered from chronic allergies and nasal problems all my life, I had almost entirely lost my sense of smell. Now, my allergies and sense of smell have dramatically improved. I smelled a honeysuckle bush! I've also lost 14 pounds so far! Thank you!”

- Heather McKissick, CEO/President, Leadership Austin and mom of 2

Mood & Food

2011-12-06T16:05:00.000-06:00

Think the holiday frenzy is making you extra irritable? Parties, gifts, travel, and extra expectations from family, all heaped on top of an already busy life are indeed a recipe for dwindling patience. However, we invite you to consider the possibility that the source of irritation and mood swings isn’t solely related to life circumstances.

What if we told you that there is a very real possibility that life’s circumstances could be handled much more gracefully if you were to find the foods that work for you while eliminating those that don’t? We know it sounds crazy, and it did to us too. In the early days of the program, we were surprised and delighted when we first heard accounts of increased levels of patience, compassion, and outlook on life. However, because we now see this so frequently, we are surprised when we do not see improvements in these areas. Increased patience = happier relationships, both with oneself and our loved ones.

What are the top food impacts on our mood levels?

Food Intolerances:

One of the most profound impacts on our mood levels comes from discovering our personal food intolerances. Any food that is creating inflammation in our body, can also inflame our consciousness, decreasing our threshold for the little annoyances in life. It is common for each person to discover between 1-3 food intolerances; often one of those foods trigger mood level jumps and slumps.

Through an elimination of the most common food triggers along with a methodical reintegration and simultaneous tracking of key areas (including energy, weight, mood, digestion, allergies, pain and more), clients are able discover how to use food to create more positive mood levels. Whether citrus, garlic, or gluten, learning how specific foods affect our mood has far reaching effects on every other area of our lives.

Higher Quantities of Plants:
Like mom always said - eat your vegetables! Vegetables, especially the green ones, create a more alkaline state, offsetting the acidic nature of processed foods prevalent in the standard American diet. Becoming more alkaline is often associated with more positive mood states.
Processed Foods & Refined Oils:
Processed foods provide little in the way of nutritive value and, in fact, leave our bodies constantly wanting more, triggering a cascade of food cravings. Food cravings often lead to a perpetual hybrid of hungry and angry, resulting in H’angry states. Replace processed foods with nutrient dense whole foods and veggies.

Sunchoke Mashers

2011-12-06T10:13:00.001-06:00

This week we're featuring another under-utilized tuber, the Sunchoke (aka Jerusalem artichoke).

Maybe you're limiting starches in the evenings to help reach a weight loss goal or perhaps you've discovered that nightshades just don't work for you. Whatever your motivation, this fresh twist on an old favorite elegantly conquers the great potato void. Embodying the word comfort food with their creamy texture and mild flavor, these choke mashers are a welcome side at any dinner.

INGREDIENTS:

2-3 pounds f Jerusalem Artichokes (aka Sunchokes)
1-2 cloves of garlic
2 TB Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Himalayan Salt and black Pepper to taste
1/2 cup unsweetened, plain Hemp Milk

INSTRUCTIONS:

Rinse and wash the Sunchokes cutting off and discarding any long tails. Place in a large stockpot and fill with 1 inch of water. Add sprinkle of HImalayan Salt. Bring to boil, reduce heat to medium high with lid on top. Keep an eye on the water level and continue adding more water in small increments as needed (too much water will make them mushy).

Meanwhile, using garlic press, crush garlic cloves and place into small skillet with drizzle of olive oil. Saute the garlic until light brown. Add to Sunchokes while cooking.

Cook Sunchokes until the larges pieces are tender in the middle, generally between 30-40 minutes. Remove from stove top. Make sure water is boiled down or pour off remaining water. Add olive oil and 1/2 cup hemp milk. Using hand immersion blender or manual potato masher/ricer, blend sunchokes until they have a creamy consistency. Top with chives and an extra drizzle of olive oil.

Go Raw Organic Spicy Flax Snax

2011-12-06T09:42:00.001-06:00

Little discs of crunch pack a major punch. Spicy, zesty and chalk full of protein and fiber, these Go Raw treats are sure to please the taste buds while also sating your belly. Dip them in your favorite hummus snack, slather with avocado or simply pop them into your mouth while on the go. Found at Whole Foods, Central Market, Wheatsville and People's Pharmacy.

The Tidmore's

2011-12-03T11:54:00.000-06:00

CLIENTS: Crystal & Todd Tidmore 

CRYSTAL
Weight: 149 to 138 = 11 pound loss

CRYSTAL’S PERSONAL DISCOVERIES:

POULTRY (esp. CHICKEN): Causes Inflammation resulting in Headaches, Backaches and Tailbone Pain
NIGHTSHADES: Cause Bloating and Severe Drowsiness/Energy Loss
DAIRY: Impacts Sinus Inflammation and severe Allergy Symptoms during "allergy season" also Impacts bloating
CITRUS: Causes Stomach Cramping and Digestive Issues; Strongly Impacts Moods
CAFFEINE: Causes Anxiety

FROM CRYSTAL:
“After hearing great testimonials from friends, I was eager to begin the LoveLife Method with my husband. I wanted to discover what foods were affecting my energy levels, moods, and allergy symptoms. As a mother, it is important, no critical, for me to feel good and have lots of energy to keep up with the pace of my family. When I'm "off", the entire family suffers and that's why I started this program while pregnant with our fourth child.

I knew that I needed to learn how to eat right to feel my best, and to eliminate the foods that were causing me to feel tired, grumpy, anxious and bloated. Because I was pregnant, Kim tailored the program to fit my needs and I consulted with my doctor so that we monitored weight loss and diet.

At the start of the program, I was at the highest weight I have ever registered on a scale (and unfortunately that wasn't "baby weight", it was just "fat" and bloating!). Cutting out caffeine, sugar and processed foods immediately had a positive effect on my body and mind. After just a few days I felt clear-headed, focused and could actually see my body shape change once the bloating subsided. Not to mention, I have never slept so well in my whole life!

All of these changes were great, but the most shocking change was my pain levels. Little did I know that foods could impact pain. When Kim encouraged me to include my head, back and tailbone pain in my daily monitoring spreadsheet, I thought she was crazy. However, since she's the professional, I agreed to indulge her. Personally, I didn't think anything could cure my horrible tailbone pain that I've lived with for 10 years after breaking my tailbone snowboarding. The pain had escalated so much in the months prior to starting the program that I couldn't even sit through a movie or even dinner because it hurt so badly. After one week of the program, I was totally pain free. This was unbelievable to me and to my husband who has had to deal with my complaints from these annoying pains. Within 1 hour of integrating chicken back into my diet, I suddenly had a headache, backache, and my tailbone hurt again! I was instantly reminded that I had been living pain-free since starting the program.

Overall the program taught me and my husband to pay attention to how foods affect us and our children, to listen to our bodies, and to encourage others to do so as well. We both feel like the LoveLife Method was the best investment we have ever made in terms of our health. We are confident that the tools we've learned from the program will minimize our trips to the doctor's office and will add years to our life. Thanks, Kim!”

TODD:
Weight: 204 to 186 = 18 pound loss
 
TODD’S PERSONAL DISCOVERIES:

NIGHTSHADES: Impact Weight Holding, Increase Congestion and Decrease Mental Clarity
CHICKEN: Impacts Digestion and Energy Levels

FROM TODD:
"I went into this process with a couple of goals...figure out why I couldn't get below the 200lb mark and figure out a way to have more energy throughout the day. I had an idea that my diet was the culprit however I had no idea how to figure out which foods were at fault.

Kim's program was a huge help in determining which foods I had sensitivities to and it was enlightening to immediately realize the benefits of her program. Although concerning at first, since I realized how much clearer my thinking became when I eliminated certain foods from my diet, was eye opening to the ways in which food effects all aspects of your being; mind, body, energy levels, sleep, etc.

My wife, Crystal, and I went through this together and we can always tell within a few hours when either one of us has eaten something we shouldn't. In the end, knowing which foods have adverse affects on us has been life-changing and we've had friends as far away as Italy wanting to give Kim's method a try once they hear (and see!) our results.”

How to Prevent the Holiday "Slide"

2011-11-10T13:30:00.000-06:00

It’s that time of year again. Festivities beckon and our bodies reckon. Wine glasses tilt, nibbles to the hilt and by January we are pulling out our baggiest pants and jeans. Now I know what you might be thinking - I don’t care, I just want to have fun. But fun is a relative term. As the old adage goes - a minute in your mouth is a lifetime on your hips. We might also add - days of feeling less vibrant, looking less vibrant, abusing the dog as the scapegoat for your digestive ills and numerous other maladies which we blame on life that are truly related to foods. Having fun yet? We invite you to consider - how to keep the fun rolling while keeping the feel good vibes flowing?

Tip 1: Eat Before You Go
Showing up ravenous leads to overindulgence and even a small amount of almonds or hummus can go a long way in preventing a butter-laden Chex Mix overdose later.

Tip 2: Drink Water or Sparkling Water Between Each Cocktail
When wine is flowing, good choices are often muted. Consciously choosing to drink water between every cocktail hydrates what alcohol depletes while also gifting a reset opportunity.

Tip 3: Choose Protein
Sugar begets more sugar and once that train leaves the station it can be hard to slow down. Opting for protein often helps balance cravings for sugars. Seek out the hummus and veggie tray and scan the buffet for dishes that include smoked turkey or salmon.

Tip 4: Just say No
Learn your trigger foods. These are foods that create inflammation which manifests in unique ways for each person. Some signs that certain foods aren’t working for you? Digestive ails, low energy, weight holding, cravings and allergies are but a few of the signs.

Tip 5: Just say Yes
Splurge on foods you know may not be the best choices but also don’t have the personal consequences of a food which creates inflammation. Maybe eggs make you irritable and sink your energy but gluten appears to work okay in moderation. Opt for a nibble of the pannini over the quiche. Knowledge is power.

Pecan Vinegar Glazed Parsnips

2011-11-10T10:42:00.001-06:00

Parsnips are an all too often overlooked side dish. Cousins to carrots, these white-fleshed root veggies stand up to high temperature roasting and take on a myriad of flavoring profiles with ease.

We recently discovered a new favorite way to jazz up meals, Pecan Balsamic Vinegar*! In this recipe the vinegar lends a sweet, nutty glaze and paired with rosemary the parsnips are transformed into a dish worthy of a spot on your holiday table.

INGREDIENTS:

2 pounds of parsnips, washed and julienned
1-2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, roughly chopped
1.5 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Pecan Vinegar (balsamic, if not an inflammatory food for you works wonderfully as well)
Black pepper and Himalayan salt to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

Parsnips before roasting.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

In a big bowl or plastic bag combine the julienned parsnips, rosemary, olive oil, vinegar, and black pepper. Toss mixture until parsnips are evenly coated.

In your favorite roasting pan or cast iron skillet, roast parsnips 20-25 minutes, stirring every ten minutes or so until golden brown. Remove from oven and sprinkle with Himalayan salt to taste.

For a holiday meal we plan on taking this dish a step further by tossing the final product with some lightly toasted pecans.

*Balsamic vinegar can be more inflammatory for some. Red wine negatively impact you? You may consider skipping the balsamic as well.

Texas Olive Ranch Pecan Vinegar

2011-11-10T09:19:00.000-06:00

Okay, okay, we know this isn't necessarily a snack item but man-oh-man can it elevate a dish and we wanted to make sure to share Texas Olive Ranch's Pecan Balsamic Vinegar. Robust chocolate flavor pairs well with Shitake and Portabella Mushrooms, as a steak marinade and makes a delicious salad dressing. (We recently showcased the product in our featured recipe: Pecan Vinegar Glazed Parsnips.) Try their blueberry and pomegranate vinegars as well. Found at Greenling Organics, Republic Square Farmers Market or your local Whole Foods.

Ali Fights Candida and Wins!

2011-11-09T17:36:00.000-06:00

CLIENT: Ali Kamas

PERSONAL DISCOVERIES:

FISH: Significantly impacts energy and digestion

VINEGAR/KOMBUCHA: Upsets stomach, causes mouth ulcers
GRAINS/SUGARS: Exacerbated Candida in turn causing significant lethargy

IN ALI'S WORDS:

"I want to start off by saying I have never felt better since living the LoveLife Method!! It has been life changing for me.

I was eating a very healthy gluten-free vegetarian diet prior to the Love Life Method, but still didn't feel great on a daily basis. Hormonal issues, neck and shoulder pain, fatigue and cravings were just a normal part of my day and I just chalked it up to being 40, hormones and fibromyalgia.

It's amazing to me that even "healthy" foods can have a negative affect on your body. My biggest discovery was finding out I had Candida and ANY sugar, natural, fruit or processed was making me feel horrible and craving more. Once I eliminated all sugars,even fruit, and grains, I felt like a new person. Also finding out how much vegetarian protein and carbs(protein/carb ratio) works best for me was another big turning point. I couldn't believe how much food I was eating while losing the stomach bloat I carried around for years.

With such daily fatigue I thought possibly I needed to add some animal protein like fish, finding out that was one of my major reactive foods, making me feel even more tired.

I have lost almost all of my cravings and the only craving I have now is for my green juice, which I consume almost daily.

The support I got from Erin and Kim was invaluable. I looked forward to my daily emails from Erin, because they were so supportive and informative. Erin was a joy to work with, so enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to helping me feel better.

The staff was awesome too! :-)"

Second-Wind Hazlenut Bites

2011-11-09T11:32:00.001-06:00

We often feature snacks that can be purchased but do you know how easy it is to make your own snacks and keep them on hand for 2 weeks? See below for one of our favorites!

We are in love with Stephanie Tourles book, Raw Energy. It’s chock full of easy delicious recipes that provide quick energy boosts on the go.

Try these Second-Wind Hazelnut Bites.
Makes about two dozen.

INGREDIENTS:

½ cup raw hazelnuts
¼ cup raw, hulled sunflower seeds
½ cup unsweetened coconut, finely shredded
¼ cup raw honey
¼ cup raw tahini

INSTRUCTIONS:
Grind the hazelnuts and sunflower seeds into a medium-fine meal in a nut and seed grinder.

Transfer the nut mixture to a medium bowl and stir in the coconut, honey and tahini. Use your hands to blend the ingredients well and mash them into a small, cohesive dough ball.

Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll them into bite-size balls about 1 inchch in diameter.

For the best flavor and consistency, allow the balls to set for 24 hours before eating. Store the balls in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 or 3 weeks. They may be individually wrapped, using waxed paper or plastic wrap, and taken with you to enjoy as portable energy bites.

Amy's Inner Expert Leads her to Sleep Solution + more!

2011-10-20T12:00:00.000-05:00

CLIENT: Amy Holton
Owner of Amy Holton Designs

PERSONAL DISCOVERIES:

TOMATOES: Significantly impact sleep quality and duration

TURKEY: Impacts sleep quality
CORN: Impacts weight holding
SOY: Impacts digestion
DAIRY: Impacts weight holding
WINE: Red or White impacts mental recall the day after

IN AMY'S WORDS:

"I actually found the Love Life Method over a year before I started the program, but it was never the right time. I was looking for a cleanse as I knew my body wasn’t quite right, but was determined to find one that was food based…not a fast. Being a bit obsessive (my husband would say “a lot”), it was never quite the right time. Finally, things slowed down and I jumped at the opportunity to go at it with full dedication. For me, working with the fantastic staff at the Love Life Method was truly a lot of fun.

As I said to Kim when I started the program, it was an experiment with my body and I was to play the role of “Lab Rat.” I’ve long been very interested in nutrition, various dietary practices and have quite a collection of books and websites on the subject. The program’s principles that food can affect the body as powerfully as a drug was in line with what I’d learned and believed through my own research. Never mind I was armed with so many references, I chose to do the full, guided concierge program. I had some idea of what foods affected me, but I wanted validation from someone with a tried and true, tested system. The Love Life Method taught me to trust my inner expert and to feel empowered by what my body was telling me.

I knew going in I’m gluten intolerant. Further, I’d long suspected I reacted negatively to most grains…and beans, and corn which can be quite limiting when you’re gluten intolerant. Immediately beans and rice were eliminated and symptoms subsided. When corn was later reintroduced, I reacted and it was promptly removed. A mild but chronic nasal congestion was eliminated with the removal of garlic, onions and later, citrus. I learned what protein sources my body responded to best. As I’d suspected, my body needs quite a bit of protein, but I did learn it didn’t need as much as I’d usually give it.

Then there was the Holy Grail of food intolerances…tomatoes, peppers and turkey. I have long suffered from insomnia and was one of the great mysteries I was hoping to uncover. Sleeping 3-4 hours a night was not uncommon. As I started the program, I began sleeping so much better. Then we began reintroducing foods. Tomatoes are a favorite of mine and I love spicy food. However, when we re-introduced nightshades, I immediately went back to my old sleep patterns.

Tryptophan be damned, it happened again when we reintroduced turkey to my diet (though I learned I drop weight like a fiend eating turkey). Years of sleep issues were suddenly uncovered. Tomatoes are one of my favorite foods. I used to keep a colander of cherry tomatoes on my counter and snack on them throughout the day. We love spicy food. Sliced turkey was a quick and easy protein fix on days I was too busy to make myself prepare a proper lunch. Mystery solved. I miss my tomatoes, but the tradeoff is priceless. Of course, it’s not that I can never have a tomato again or have to avoid Thanksgiving altogether, I’m just now empowered to pick my battles and make the decision to indulge in these favorites when I can afford a slow-moving day the next day.

A few days after I finished the program, we were to go spend several days with my family at the beach. I’d promised to bring a fresh salsa I regularly make that my family loves, though I knew most of the ingredients would not agree with me. I probably had 1-2 tablespoons of the salsa as I adjusted the seasonings…and I was awake all night! Proof positive that I had found my sleep nemesis. For all of the materials I’ve read, websites I’ve researched and options I’ve explored, the Love Life Method solved a life-long dilemma. Now if I have a sleepless night, my husband (who was initially skeptical) will ask me, “What did you eat yesterday?” It never fails that I can narrow my sleeplessness down to food.

All around the program was a great experience. Everyone was so wonderful to work with and I’ve recommended the program to so many others. It’s interesting and eye-opening being the “Lab Rat.” This program taught me a lot, validated what I thought was true and empowered me to trust my inner expert as the program teaches. I always thought I knew my body quite well. The Love Life Method taught me I knew it better than I thought…I just needed to trust my instincts.

Coconut Curry Seed Crackers - Our Obsession Continues!

2011-10-20T11:50:00.001-05:00

Our obsession with seed crackers continues! Portable, high in protein, a whole food (if raw and dehydrated) - these are as good as it gets for healthy snacks.

Our new favorite: Living Spoonfuls Coconut Curry Crackers. The crisp crunch of the cracker pairs with the creamy, sweet and spicy infusion of your favorite Thai Coconut Curry Dish. We will be eating these regularly.

Note: They do contain nightshades and citrus - so if either of those is your poison, opt for one of our other recommendations. Everyone else - enjoy!

Available online or at JuiceLand on Barton Springs in Austin.

Kelly Kicked Cravings & Revved Up Her Energy!

2011-10-20T11:36:00.002-05:00

CLIENT: Kelly McBride
Type 1 Diabetic, reduced insulin requirements by 65%

WEIGHT: 14 pound weight lost

PERSONAL DISCOVERIES:

ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS: Significantly Inflames Pain
SOY: Increases Allergies and Negatively Impacts Digestion
CITRUS: Impacts Mood Levels
CHICKEN: Impacts Weight

IN KELLY'S WORDS:
"This has been a great experience and a wonderful learning opportunity! Losing 14 lbs in 6 weeks is absolutely incredible and the best part of the weight loss is that I was finally able to push past the plateau weight that I had struggled with FOREVER, and to keep it going!

I’ve been a type 1 diabetic since I was two years old and daily insulin injections are part of my daily routine…that will never change, but a wonderful, unexpected outcome from this program was my 65% reduction in the amount of insulin I was taking every day. Talk about life changing!

The program takes work and dedication…and a lot of vegetable chopping, but it is worth it! To have more energy, to sleep better and to just feel so much better overall is worth the work. It will change your life and your palate for the better!"

SeedWeed Snacks

2011-10-20T11:00:00.005-05:00

So last month we featured these tasty little snacks we happily stumbled upon while road-tripping and we were immediately inspired to head to the test kitchen and try out a version for ourselves. We wanted to add a few LoveLife twists including using the least amount of sweetener by removing the brown rice syrup and sticking to the more flavorful maple as well as upping the seed factor.

Easy to throw together, the end result is a crunchy, satisfyingly sweet and salty combo that makes for a great portable snack. The seaweed lends a briny spin and increases the overall mineral content while the seeds really work to satiate hunger and provide a pop of energy. Bring them on the road, the hiking trail or to work for a quick nut-free snacking solution.

If you have a dehydrator at home, even better! You could soak the seeds (all but the flax and chia) overnight and dehydrate the mixture for an even more nutritiously rocking snack.

INGREDIENTS:
Makes about 1/2 baking sheet

3 large, raw Nori Sheets (seaweed)

1/4 cup each of:

Flax Seeds
Chia Seeds
Raw Sunflower Seeds
Raw Pumpkin Seeds
Sesame Seeds

Scant 1/4 cup real maple syrup

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Mix together all the seeds with the maple syrup until all seeds are coated and the consistency is slightly tacky.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. With your hands (a bit of olive oil on the fingers makes for easy cleanup) press the seed mixture onto the parchment paper. We went with about 1/4 of inch thick. You could also use cookie cutters or form into thicker bars; the latter would require a longer baking time.

Pop the baking sheet in the oven. Because most ovens don't bake evenly you'll want to rotate the sheet about 15 minutes. Within 30-45 minutes you should start to smell the maple syrup permeate the house and the seeds turn a light golden brown, this means they are done. Remove from the oven and cool completely - this is where the crunchiness will really set in.

Using a knife you can cut neat little crackers but we decided to use our hands to break apart the final result, more fun and just as tasty!

Buying Local Meats & Preventing Drug Resistance

2011-09-19T11:36:00.001-05:00

Excerpt from September 19th, 2011 Yahoo News, "Growing Concern over Drugs Fed to Animals."

Drugs fed to animals to promote growth and prevent diseases may play a key role in the emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria, microbiologists said.The practice of administering large quantities of antimicrobial drugs "favors the emergence of drug resistant bacteria that can spread to humans through the consumption of contaminated food, from direct contact with animals or by environmental spread," said Awa Aidara-Kane of the World Health Organization.

Factory farming is an unnatural method of raising our livestock that requires pumping animals full of steroids and antibiotics. We have heard for many years that this will lead to antibiotic resistance of diseases we once thought long gone. Sadly, this predicted future is now here and will only continue until we take measures to correct it. Fortunately, you and your family can choose to be a part of the solution while also helping to protect yourselves.

Choose organic, grass fed, free range animals. For the most optimally raised livestock, visit your local farmer’s market and get to know your local farmers.

Beef
Grass fed beef is not only free of antibiotic hormones but also contains a third the calories of traditional beef. In addition, grass fed beef, compared to grain fed, contains high quantities of Conjugated Linoleic Acid, which has many documented health benefits including promoting lean muscle. There are many grass fed beef sources at natural grocers and plenty of restaurants are now serving grass fed burgers and steaks.

Chicken
Free range, organic chicken is free of antibiotics and hormones that are prevalent in 99% of commercially available chicken. Significantly healthier for you and your family, it is also said that free range, organic chicken tastes better. Not all chickens labeled 'Free Range' and 'Organic' are given optimal conditions and, in fact, Michael Pollan visited one of the more popular “Free Range / Organic” farms that is commercially available in many natural grocers and found that the chickens were only given these conditions during the last few weeks of their lives. A great resource for information is: http://www.eatwild.com/index.html.

Bottom Line: Choose local and organic farms whenever possible.

Image Courtesy of Dan.

Are your “healthy” beverages really healthy?

2011-09-08T09:54:00.000-05:00

Excerpt from September 1, 2011 Yahoo! Health News, "Half of Americans Drink Daily soda, Sweet Beverage":

Half of Americans drink a soda or sugary beverage each day - many are downing much more than this. 1 in 20 people drink the equivalent of more than four cans of soda every day, even though health officials say sweetened beverages should be limited to less than half a can.

From Kim:
Over half of Americans are drinking a sugary drink each day. We know what you might be saying right now, “But, I don’t drink sodas”. Before you exempt yourself from the masses, we invite you to ask yourself: Am I drinking Packaged Teas, Juices, Flavored Waters or “health” beverages such as certain Kombucha’s that contain high amounts of sugar?

Labels can be deceptively seductive, making it easy to believe we are doing ourselves a favor even as each sip creates spikes in our blood sugar and sets off a cascade of negative health effects such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. It also triggers cravings, mood and energy issues: the very items that give rise to a pop of the sugar top.

Anything beyond an occasional 4-6 grams of sugar – whether through cane sugar or fructose - per serving is likely to set off the sugar cascade.

Unfortunately, artificial sweeteners, as inferred in the article, are not the antidote to sugar. They have much more dangerous effects than sugar including neurotoxins. Think they will help you shed the lb’s? In fact, many of our clients who eliminate artificial sweeteners before beginning our programs begin immediately melting away the very pounds they hoped to shed when they picked up their first diet drink.

Think instead you can reach for fruit juice? Fruit juices are loaded with fructose and behave similarly to sugar.

Sugar begets more sugar and learning to tame this beast will allow you to operate in a much healthier and happier zone. Click here to learn more about Solving the Craving Riddle.

What are some truly healthy beverages?

Top Natural Beverages:

Plain Water

In a league of it’s own, there is no documented replacement for agua, plain and simple. Has your palette become so accustomed to sweets that this natural elixir has lost its sparkle? Try swapping out 1 non-water “beverage” every day for water. This natural progression will allow your palette to adjust slowly as it begins craving what truly nourishes its system. Click here for more information about your best bets when it comes to water.

Before we launch into “Healthier” beverage alternatives, it should be noted: There is no replacement for water. In other words, though we believe that the beverages below are healthier alternatives to the stealth sugar drink explosion, none of these should be used as a substitute. And in fact, for each glass of a non-water beverage consumed, an extra glass of water should be drank, even after something as seemingly innocuous as herbal teas.

Herbal Teas

Brew your own herbal teas throughout the day and watch your cravings melt away. Having a cold or hot toddy to sip on throughout the day often sates the physical and emotional desire for something soothing. In warm summer months, Hibiscus or floral teas cool the senses.Whole Foods offers a gaggle of tasty and refreshing iced teas, ready to self-serve in the Coffee Bar. In warmer months, opt for smokier, robust flavors such as Rooibos or LoveLife Method’s Awake Tea, a delicious coffee substitute.

Bragg's Apple Cider Beverages

If you are a fan of sweet and sour, you’ll love this unusual pairing. Fermented apple cider vinegar, mixed with spice and fruit and then sweetened with Stevia - most of these selections fall within our recommended range of less than 6 grams of sugar. Our favorite is their Apple and Cinnamon.

GT Dave’s Kombucha

Not all Kombuchas are created equal and many Kombuchas contain as much as 20 grams of sugar per serving! Considering that most containers have two servings, this “health” beverage is landing you right up there with a coke. Kombucha makers will say that the net sugar content in these beverages is negligible due to the fermentation of the bacteria that feed on the sugar as their food source. While we are huge advocates of fermented foods and beverages and, understand that a small amount of sugar will allow the good bacteria to thrive, there is a law of diminishing returns to consider. For this reason, one of our favorite kombuchas is GT Daves. Most of their drinks are under 2 grams of sugar. Our latest favorite – Grape Chia flavor.

Tonix Coconut Kefir

Coconut Kefir is a fermented fizzy beverage that contains loads of natural probitoics waiting to crowd out the unfriendly bacteria that create a range of issues as it makes a cozy home in your belly. With only 2 grams of sugar, this effervescent beverage will delight your taste buds, your senses and your body.

First image courtesy of Master Isolated Images

Client Transformation: A Man Transformed!

2011-09-08T09:46:00.000-05:00

CLIENT: Todd Bartee, CEO of Aquasana

WEIGHT: 204 - 184 = 20lb loss

PERSONAL DISCOVERIES:

Citrus: Increases Congestion and Joint Pain
Soy: Impacts Weight Holding
Turkey: Impacts Weight Holding

GRAIN DISCOVERY:

Feels best with one serving of grains per day, limited to breakfast.

IN TODD'S WORDS:
"Through this process, not only did I lose almost 20 pounds in six weeks, but I also felt more energetic throughout the day, and learned some things to help me maintain these gains ongoing. For example, I learned that citrus causes me to have elevated levels of congestion and joint pain and soy and turkey cause me to retain water and gain weight. I feel empowered to make better choices going forward that will enable me to feel better, have more energy, and be more productive."

Seaweed and Sesame Seeds?! Oh my!

2011-09-07T22:22:00.002-05:00

A very unexpected pairing of seaweed, sesame seeds and a hint of maple syrup meld together to delight the palette in these Kelp Crunch Bars. The protein content also makes them a wonderful afternoon snack, helping to banish cravings. Seaweed straight from the Maine Coast, is unfettered of radiation which sea minerals from the Pacific might contain. Seaweeds are high in minerals and rapidly replenish common dietary deficiencies. These minerals also have wonderful mood boosting properties.

A staple throughout Maine, these can also be found online at various retailers including here at GoldMine Natural Food Co.

We plan on trying out a version of these ourselves in our test kitchen, we'll be sure to post the recipe if they're a success! Check out our test kitchen results here.

Spice Cabinet: The New Medicine Cabinet?

2011-09-07T22:10:00.000-05:00

Have a cold? An infection? Look no farther than your spice cabinet. Mother Nature has created tasty balms for most everything that ails us. Coriander is the latest in a host of other spices that have demonstrated potent anti-bacterial properties.

Several other spices have also proven anti-bacterial properties, many of which have been show to be effective against MRSA, E. Coli, and the Common Cold Virus.

Top 5 Anti-Bacterial Spices & Herbs:

Coriander (the dried seeds from the Cilantro plant)
Garlic
Oil of Oregano
Rosemary
Cumin

Click here to read more from the New York Times Science Section article, "A Bacteria-Busting Oil Behind a Popular Spice."

From Funk to Spunk

2011-09-07T15:55:00.000-05:00

As school is back in swing and summer holidays fade into distant memories, the daily rhythm of life kicks back into high gear and many people experience the latest syndrome or itis. Post-Holiday syndrome is a kind of Busy-life-itis, resulting in a funk or depression that greets us as we resume the cadence of our daily lives.

If you experience the Post-Holiday Blues, how can you get yourself from funk to spunk? One of the quickest ways to sparkle is to adopt healthier eating habits and to reset your system after a summer of decadence. Here are our top tips for using foods to get back on track this fall:

Choose Alkalizing Foods – Alkalizing foods are synonymous with green. Think Kale, Swiss chard, Green Juices, Salads and loads of veggies. As you alkalize, your body will begin craving these foods that enliven and resuscitate your happiness. Aim for 1 serving of greens along with 1 green juice and watch your cravings topple. (Check out our super simple recipe for making Kale Chips at home, a great way to work in some green at snack time! Or try the Kale and Quinoa Salad with Balsamic Dijon Dressing, unexpected and delightful recipe to get both your greens and protein.)

Aim for 1 Meal-Sized Salad each day - Raw vegetables and salads contain enzymes and are a great “trick” to choosing a predominantly healthy meal laden with veggies. Skip the dairy-based dressings, which are a source of heavy calories and opt for a light vinaigrette.

Omit Sugars and Processed Foods – Sugar filled junk foods are one of the quickest avenues to funk with both sugar and processed foods singing the blues. Most of us know the ill effects of sugar, but can feel powerless to its addictive cycle. Replacement is the key. Simply omitting something requires us to use will power, which is rarely successful long-term. However, omitting and replacing with the right synergy of alkalizing foods sets you up for success.

Omit anything that is inflammatory – Have one of your kryptonite foods crept back into your diet? Whether chocolate, gluten, or citrus, one person’s poison is another’s super food. Finding your unique sources of inflammation can go a long way to kicking blues and boosting your happiness. Mood elevation and decreased irritability are one of the most common effects we see in LoveLife Method programs.

Eat small, frequent meals and snacks – One of the best ways to balance blood sugar and reduce irritability and bad moods is by staying properly fueled throughout the day. When craving sugar, try substituting for protein snacks instead. Keep these nearby – in your purse, in your desk drawer, or in your car – to reach for healthy when you’re h’angry. Visit our Snack Section of the blog for some of our favorites.

Youthful and Lean In Less Time

2011-09-07T15:29:00.003-05:00

Excerpt from August, 31 2011 Reuters Health, "For Heart Health, Every Bit of Exercise Counts":

Researchers have known that exercise is good for heart health for decades. Pounding the pavement on a regular basis helps reduce blood pressure and improves blood flow in the heart, Swain said.The authors of the new study, led by Jacob Sattelmair, wanted to test the benefit of exercise on heart disease in relation to new federal guidelines to provide a better picture of just how much activity is necessary for heart protection.United States guidelines from 2008 recommend 150 minutes of moderate exercise (such as brisk walking) each week, or 30 minutes five days per week, as a minimum for health benefit. Twice that, the guidelines say, adds additional benefit.

From Kim:

Think you have to spend hours in the gym each week to derive any benefit? Think again. The latest research shows that as little as 10 to 15 minutes of brisk walking a day was associated with a reduction in heart disease. Some is definitely better than none. Often just by telling yourself you are going to exercise for 10 minutes can lead to longer sessions.

If time is truly the issue, opting instead for exercise with bursts of high intensity activity allows your metabolism to rev up to high gear all day long. Just 20 minutes, two to three times per week, can keep you stay lean and fit. It also activates high amounts of Growth Hormone which is also known as The Youth Hormone.

One of our favorites in this philosophy is Phil Campbell’s Peak 8 Exercise routine. Advocated by health and wellness expert Dr. Mercola, you can learn more here.

In Happiness & Health,

Kim Love

First image courtesy of DigitalArt

Could food be behind your Fall "Allergy" symptoms?

2011-09-07T12:46:00.000-05:00

Would you like to speak directly to a LoveLife Coach to learn more about our program options? You can schedule a complimentary 20 minute phone call by clicking on the button below and filling out a short form. We're looking forward to speaking with you about transforming your life through food!

Nutty Oven-Baked Green Beans

2011-09-07T12:22:00.000-05:00

The other afternoon we had a hankering for a comfort food type of snack and fondly remembered the oven-fried green beans our mom used to make. Those childhood beans were lovingly battered in eggs and breadcrumbs and we wondered how we could update the recipe to fit LoveLife Method snack requirements. We got to work in the test kitchen and swapped the eggs for chia seeds and rolled them in nuts in lieu of the gluten-laden breadcrumbs. Adding to their new grownup attitude we threw in some ground mustard and turmeric for good measure.

The result? An entirely satisfying recipe teeming with fiber AND protein (a winning combo that helps curb cravings and keep energy levels soaring!)
And current Phase 2 clients, listen up: These are a PERFECT way to test the nut category - enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound of green beans, washed and trimmed
1/3 cup of your favorite nuts, finely ground (we used a combo of almonds and hazelnuts
1 TB chia seeds
4 TB water
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1 teaspoon turmeric
Himalayan Salt and black pepper to taste
A bit of olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375- 400 degrees and lightly brush a cookie sheet with olive oil. Unlike other oven-fried recipes that employ breadcrumbs and can withstand hotter ovens, the nuts necessitate a lower temp to prevent scorching. Sprinkle the sheet with Himalayan Salt and black pepper (a little tidbit we picked up from Cooks Illustrated's recipe for Oven Fries.)

Mix the chia seeds with 4 TB of water and set aside until they transform into a gel, between 5-10 minutes. At this point it will be ready to take the place of the egg in the original recipe.

In a shallow dish combine the ground nuts with the mustard and turmeric.
Place the green beans in a plastic bag and scoop the chia gel into the bag. Using your hands mix the beans with the gel covering each bean as best as possible.

One by one, dredge the chia covered green beans in the spicy nut mixture and lay on a the pre-oiled cooking sheet. Sprinkle with a bit more Himalayan Salt and black pepper.

Adjust the rack to the middle position. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove sheet and flip beans. Put back in oven and continue baking for another 10-12 minutes until beans are golden brown and slightly shriveled.

Enjoy the beans naked (ooh lala!) or dipped inyour favorite condiment. We like them with a dollop of Greek Yogurt mixed with Sriracha (*contains nightshades).

Water, Water Everywhere But Which One to Drink?

2011-08-24T10:30:00.002-05:00

There are certain truths that we hold as self-evident. Truth: Water does a body good. As most of us have heard, our bodies are 55-65% water and optimal hydration is essential to every bodily function.

But, beyond this simple understanding, lie questions and confusion. Is all water created equal? Is tap water better than bottled water? What about water filters?

Bottled Water:
When on the go and caught without a backup, bottled water is a necessary option. However, for numerous reasons we do not recommend it on an ongoing basis. Bottled water is commonly found to be no better than tap water and in fact is often bottled from tap municipalities. In addition, bottled water resides in plastic which has cancer-promoting and hormone-disrupting properties, especially when it sits in hot trucks for shipment across the country. If you use bottled water, opt for Mountain Valley Spring Water which is from a spring in Arkansas and is one of the purest water options. In order to avoid plastic leaching into the water, be sure not to let plastic water bottles sit in a hot car.

Spring Fed Water Delivery:
Mountain Valley Spring Water has been bottled at the same natural, spring source for 135 years in Arkansas. It is the ONLY bottled water source that does not have additives such as chlorine. Due to an FDA law, any bottled water that isn’t bottled at the source must include chlorine and other chemical additives. Since Mountain Valley bottles at the source, they are exempt from this law. In addition, their water is the only one that can be purchased in glass bottles. Although this is more expensive, it is well worth it to avoid cancer-causing plastics that other bottled waters are packaged in. You may learn more about the water quality here: www.mountainvalleyspring.com.

And if you wish to order, please visit this website for a local distributor: www.waterevent.com.

Tap Water:
Tap water contains numerous chemicals including fluorides, chlorine, chloramines and ammonia. However, there are great filtration options that remove the chemicals. (See below for options). Our top water recommendation is to use filtered water with a carefully selected water filter.

Filters:
Both from a cost and water quality standpoint, filtered water is the best way to go. There are numerous water filters available - Brita, reverse osmosis process, carbon filtration method or a pre-filtered water. Sorting through the filtration options can be a perplexing process - knowing which questions to ask is critical.

We have researched water options for many years and are excited to have found one that we are so excited about that we personally installed it as our home system. Aquasana is a leader in home water filters and uses a unique selective filtration process combining carbon filtration, ion-exchange and sub-micron filtration to produce clean, healthy water. Their water filters have been named a “Best Buy” by Consumers Digest for six consecutive years and “one of the seven healthiest new products for your home” by Health magazine (June 2010).

As a LoveLife client you receive a 20% discount on all of their products. Click on the image below to redeem this awesome offer. (You'll see 'Your Price' listed in green under each product!)

Swiss Date Shake & the Green Equation

2011-08-24T10:18:00.007-05:00

For a myriad of reasons including their unparalleled alkalizing power, we're pretty big fans of the Green Smoothie around here. And because we kick off a large percentage of our days with them we use a basic formula to come up with new combos and keep our taste buds guessing:

Greens + Creamy + Liquid + Protein + A touch of Sweet or Spicy = Alkalizing Tasty Way to Start the Day

Keeping this equation in mind rather than a specific recipe allows for easy modifications with the change of seasons. It also encourages us to be creative with whatever looks freshest in the produce section.

Over the weekend we found some Swiss Chard that was calling our name with it's brilliant red and green and we knew it would be the Green part of the equation. Chards tend to result in a smoother smoothie than say, kale because of their higher water content. For the same reason, they also have a milder flavor and work exceedingly well for Green Smoothies.

Avocados are often our go-to for the Creamy factor and blend nicely with sweet or savory smoothies.
For this batch our Liquid was unsweetened coconut water + a whole cucumber giving us the benefit of added electrolytes AND more Green.
Protein was easy, we blended in 2 TB of our Superfood Snack**
Lastly, we dropped in a single Medjool date for A Touch of Sweet offsetting the greens and lending the final product a delicious caramel-like flavor

We are not exaggerating when we tell you how crazy tasty this combo turned out! Somehow it reads banana even though it contains none. This recipe could easily be split between two as a morning snack or for one person's kick butt breakfast.

Stay tuned for our Green Virgin Mary (a spicy, savory way to start a day) and our Hardcore Green to the Max Smoothie (not for the faint of heart).

INGREDIENTS:

Greens = 1-2 Swiss Chard Leaves (our chard was gargantuan so 1 leaf was plenty)
Creamy = 1/2 Avocado
Liquid = 1 cup unsweetened Coconut Water and 1 Cucumber, peeled
Protein = 2 TB Superfood Snack**
A touch of Sweetness = 1 Date, pitted

INSTRUCTIONS:

Add cucumber, greens and liquid to the blender first. Blend. Follow with rest of ingredients blending until it reaches desired consistency. Add water by the tablespoon if wanting to thin out.

** For those of you avoiding grains entirely, a TB of nut butter would work wonderfully for the protein part of your equation. If you list nuts as intolerant try blending in a TB of pumpkin or chia seeds.

Manna Organics Give-Away

2011-08-23T20:10:00.007-05:00

The folks over at Manna Organics have generously offered to send a lucky LoveLife reader four of their beautiful sprouted breads! We especially enjoy their Cinnamon Date bread for it's unctuous texture and high fiber content but if you win, you can choose whichever four varieties you please. Check out Manna's yummy selection of breads here.

How to enter:

Mention @lovelifemethod AND @Mannabreads on Twitter
OR Subscribe to our blog - in the right column at the top
OR follow LoveLife on Facebook here (don't forget to post a message to let us know you're there!)

Do all three and we'll enter you three times! We'll announce the winner next Wednesday, August 31st.

Meet Lori!

2011-08-23T19:23:00.000-05:00

CLIENT: Lori Knowlton

WEIGHT: 157 - 148 = 9lb loss

PERSONAL DISCOVERIES:

Eggs: Increase Congestion, Itchy Skin, Swollen Lips
Dairy: Impacts Congestion, Digestion (cheese more so than milk)
Turkey: Exacerbates eczema symptoms
Red Peppers: Impact Swelling, Digestion
Potatoes: Increase Congestion

IN LORI'S WORDS:

"Before I started the Love Cleanse, my energy was high, but solely based on “the dark side” – coffee, sugar, processed carbohydrates and I was taking 2 allergy medicines per day to control my respiratory allergies during the Austin spring. I was miserable.

Now, after working with Kim and Erin, my energy is up, allergies are gone and I’m feeling great. My weight loss is an added plus and done without daily exercise. It actually feels like most of the weight loss was related to inflammation and congestion from eating certain foods!

The best part is that now that I’m “tuned in” to the food that I’m eating, I am much more even keeled and positive in my outlook – and can tell immediately when my food isn’t giving me what I need AND how to get back to a better place. This is far more than a cleanse; it’s an ongoing energy source!
The true test? While traveling and visiting family, my new eating habits are holding strong in the face of many old favorite foods. Yes, it’s that good!"

More Seed Crackers: We Just Can't Get Enough

2011-08-23T19:20:00.001-05:00

We are obsessed with seed crackers! Why? Because they provide an easy, delicious on-the-go protein boost that helps banish cravings. Generally they're also soaked and sprouted which makes them much more digestible.

Mauk Family Farms creates some tasty and affordable Seed Crusts and we love them so much, they will be a staple in our future kits and programs. Last month we told you about their Mineral Seed Crusts. An even tastier variation of these is their Raw Wheat Free Crusts. Spread it with your favorite hummus or avocado and prepare to feast. For those avoiding nightshades, you’ll want to opt instead for the Mineral Seed Crust, which is nightshade-free.

We're Hiring! Admin Assistant & Customer Service Specialist

2011-08-23T12:30:00.000-05:00

We are seeking an Administrative Assistant & Customer Service Specialist.

WE are a growing health & wellness company founded by a creative entrepreneur who needs someone who thrives in a fast-paced and changing environment. While we all work in a relaxed & fun atmosphere we work hard and strive to see our clients happy and healthy!

YOU thrive and derive fulfillment at keeping the entrepreneur organized, scheduled and doing the daily tasks necessary so she can service clients better and continue to creatively grow the business.
YOU will be grounded and positive when many different projects and troubleshooting challenges arise. Many balls will fly in the air, you'll need to catch them and prioritize them with grace and competence.
YOU want to and will be able to make a difference in this organization!
YOU are positive and proactive with a "can do" attitude - if you feel you can't do it - ask and learn how to.
YOU are exceptional at organizing, super computer savvy with excel at internet/technical/computer troubleshooting.
YOU are confident and eloquent enough to communicate with executive level clients.
YOU are confidential about dealing with private information concerning both clients and entrepreneur.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Create and Maintain Client Spreadsheets - input start date, type of program, contact info w/delivery details, special notes, etc.
Able to Troubleshoot any Potential Internet/Computer Challenges -- figuring out why programs/systems are not working & backing up employers files on hard drive
Capable and excited about fine-tuning organizational processes with the ability to create new or in place processes by utilizing technology and/or physical based systems.
Responsible for Client Documentation and E-Delivery of Information- send welcome emails of various programs as well as pertinent cleanse documents to clients at different stages of the program
Customer Service and Sales - you will be contacting potential clients (we do not do cold calls) signing them up, answering questions about the program via email or phone, getting contact & credit card info, running credit cards & printing receipts
Admin Assistant to Entrepreneur and Counselors -- intermediary among entrepreneur, clients and counselors. Fielding questions, keeping counselors up to speed on changes and client correspondence as well interfacing with production/delivery person
Partner Creation and Vendor Relationships -- create partnerships with local restaurants and maintain vendor relationships
Occasional Personal Research & Calls for Entrepreneur -- research on herbs, products, booking airline tickets and other pertinent information business owner needs
Potential for Proactive Marketing and PR of cleanse -- once you have successfully organized both the office AND the entrepreneur; you may use your amazing Marketing/PR skills to take the business even further

QUALIFICATIONS:

Highly Computer/internet literate as well as able to troubleshoot any potential technical related challenges
Exceptionally organized, detail-oriented with a passion for prioritizing assigned tasks
Proficient in Word, Excel, Blogging and various web-based sites (SalesForce a huge plus!)
Stable, grounded and thrives around a varied and fluctuating daily schedule
Positive and Pro-active attitude
High level of customer service and sensitivity to nuances of cleanse clients
Strong verbal and written skills as well as an ability to communicate openly with coworkers

Last but NOT least; as we grow, you grow! We want someone who wants to come in and stay with us for a minimum of 2 years. This is a part time job with potential to grow in hours and responsibility. "Nitty gritty" work needs to be done but you will gain an immense amount of knowledge, experience AND have FUN doing it!

Please go to our website at www.lovelifemethod.com BEFORE emailing us.

Cover letter is a MUST as well as a resume sent to charlotte@lovelifemethod.com.
Please take the time to write us WHY you want to work with us -- we took the time to write you why we want YOU.
There will be 2 weeks of training for this position provided by former the former Administrative Assistant.
An initial 90-day evaluation period is required and hours vary from 25-30 per week with growth to full-time by January.

Thank you and we look forward to meeting you!

Public Relations Intern for FALL 2011

2011-08-23T12:25:00.000-05:00

Title: Public Relations Intern for FALL 2011
Salary: Unpaid, college credit can be earned. Free EmpowerU Cleanse with kit + Monthly Coffee Replacement Tea
Job Location: South Austin, TX
Hours: 15-20 hours per week. Schedule is flexible

Job description:

Want to see everything it takes to build a new brand, work in a start-up environment that helps people live healthier and happier lives through a unique food-based program? LoveLife Method is looking for a hard-working, responsible, and creative full-time student to help with the growth of our brand. Because this is a small, intimate company, you will have countless opportunities to assist in all aspects of our business. You will help with brand and sales development research, general office work and support and social media opportunities. This internship will offer you a great deal of hands-on experience and is a great networking opportunity.

About our company:

LoveLife Method has worked with hundreds of clients to help them transform their lives with the foods they choose each day. LoveLife Method offers a unique system that includes Coaching, Tracking, Program Materials and Videos to help clients create lasting changes towards their ultimate health and vitality. We are experiencing exciting growth opportunities including a Health/Wellness roll out at a very well known Corporation in town in addition to working with a group of over 70 CEO’s and Spouses. LoveLife Method is growing rapidly and will be scaling the business throughout fall 2011 while also creating a go-to-market strategy to launch in January 2012. Interns will help with research for various market possibilities including yoga studio route and corporate route.

Three core responsibilities:

Public Relations & Brand Development

Help raise awareness on various social networking sites- Twitter and Facebook.
Post statuses, contests, and comments to our Facebook and Twitter pages. Engage with consumers and answer their questions/comments/concerns. Create and execute a minimum of 3 social media contests. Generate ideas for gaining fans on our social media sites
Compile information for our eNewsletter, including writing articles and researching ideas (with some help from our other employees and Interns).
Research other similar businesses with strong social media presence and compile information
Help answer all consumer emails
Update the consumer email spreadsheet on a regular basis.
Work with Sales/Marketing to coordinate on various project
Develop strategy/information of local media outlets that would be good fit

General Office Duties & Support

Store errands
Support for all company employees
Help with general office responsibilities
Pick up POS for office, as well as other general office errand
Back up help with Client Deliveries – coordinating with partners at Daily Juice, Thai Fresh and delivering to clients
Help Create Kits to ship to client
Help with overflow of Client Calls

Job Requirements:

Must be a full-time student; Junior or higher is preferred
Reliable transportation
A passion for all things marketing
An understanding of social media
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office
Experience with Adobe Creative Suite is preferred
Highly organized, punctual, and detail-oriented

Application Instructions:
Please send resume and cover letter to: info@lovelifemethod.com

Public Relations Intern for FALL 2011

2011-08-22T11:44:00.001-05:00

Salary: Unpaid, college credit can be earned. Free EmpowerU Cleanse with kit + Monthly Coffee Replacement Tea

Job Location: South Austin, TX
Hours: 15-20 hours per week. Schedule is flexible

Job description:

Public Relations & Brand Development

Help raise awareness on various social networking sites- Twitter and Facebook.
Post statuses, contests, and comments to our Facebook and Twitter pages. Engage with consumers and answer their questions/comments/concerns. Create and execute a minimum of 3 social media contests. Generate ideas for gaining fans on our social media sites
Compile information for our eNewsletter, including writing articles and researching ideas (with some help from our other employees and Interns).
Research other similar businesses with strong social media presence and compile information
Help answer all consumer emails
Update the consumer email spreadsheet on a regular basis.
Work with Sales/Marketing to coordinate on various project
Develop strategy/information of local media outlets that would be good fit

General Office Duties & Support

Store errands
Support for all company employees
Help with general office responsibilities
Pick up POS for office, as well as other general office errand
Back up help with Client Deliveries – coordinating with partners at Daily Juice, Thai Fresh and delivering to clients
Help Create Kits to ship to client
Help with overflow of Client Calls

Requirements:

Must be a full-time student; Junior or higher is preferred
Reliable transportation
A passion for all things marketing
An understanding of social media
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office
Experience with Adobe Creative Suite is preferred
Highly organized, punctual, and detail-oriented

Application Instructions:
Please send resume and cover letter to: info@lovelifemethod.com

Information Technology Intern for FALL 2011

2011-08-19T16:49:00.002-05:00

Title: IT Internship for FALL 2011

Salary: Unpaid, college credit can be earned
Job Location: South Austin, TX
Hours: 15-20 hours per week. Schedule is flexible

Job description:
Want to see everything it takes to build a new brand, work in a start-up environment that helps people live healthier and happier lives through a unique food-based program? LoveLife Method is looking for a hard-working and responsible full-time student to help with the growth of our brand. Because this is a small, intimate company, you will have countless opportunities to assist in all aspects of our business.

About our company:
LoveLife Method has worked with hundreds of clients to help them transform their lives with the foods they choose each day. LoveLife Method offers a unique system that includes Coaching, Tracking, Program Materials and Videos to help clients create lasting changes towards their ultimate health and vitality. We are experiencing exciting growth opportunities including a Health/Wellness roll out at a very well known Corporation in town in addition to working with a group of over 70 CEO’s and spouses. LoveLife Method is growing rapidly and will be scaling the business throughout fall 2011 while also creating a go-to-market strategy to launch in January 2012. Interns will help with research for various market possibilities including yoga studio route and corporate route.

We will be bringing on 2 Marketing/Sales Interns this Fall. These responsibilities will be divided up between the interns.

Core responsibilities:

SEO Optimization
Hardware/Software updating and troubleshooting; Helpdesk/Desktop support
CRM customization
Management of Google Ad Words
Work alongside the Marketing and Sales team to help raise awareness on various social networking sites- Twitter and Facebook
Work on 3-4 specific research projects including development of custom phone application; business requirements for technological change and/or improvement; creation of online social communities and similar companies

Present your research to the company at the end of the semester. These projects will be given to you at the beginning of the semester, and you will have all semester to research.Help raise awareness on various social networking sites- Twitter and Facebook

Job Requirements:

Must be a full-time student; Junior or higher is preferred
Reliable transportation
A passion for research and technology
An understanding of social media
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office
Experience with Adobe Creative Suite is preferred
Highly organized, punctual and detail-oriented

Application Instructions:
Please send resume and cover letter to: info@lovelifemethod.com

Meditation Phone Apps + Our Favorite Meditation Tips

2011-08-15T14:50:00.007-05:00

Meditation: A Balm for Stress

Want to know how to meditate? Look no farther than your phone! An abundance of meditation 101 apps give opportunities to easily experiment with several different meditation styles to find one that works for you.

Meditation is one of the most powerful tools for improving overall health. It is commonly believed that 85-90% of doctor’s visits are caused by stress and the American Medical Association has noted that stress was the basic cause of more than 60% of all illness.

We read "Curl up with your Smartphone and Relax" from last week's New York Times which includes some really interesting new mediation apps for your phone. We wanted to offer some additional tips for starting your own meditation practice including the announcement of our upcoming free, live meditation stream with Kim Love, coming in September!

Foods Impact on Stress Levels

One of the other top contributors to disease, of course, is diet. Imagine if we integrated a balanced diet while also concurrently reducing our stress levels.

Eating healthier foods has an immediate and direct impact on our stress levels and creates a perfect environment for adopting stress-related practices and meditation tools.

Inflammatory foods create inflammation, not just in our bodies, but in our mind and consciousness. Whether this mental inflammation is created by sugar, caffeine or an intolerant food, the impacts can be profound. Eliminate the possible sources of inflammation and watch the irritating irritability and heightened stress levels descend.

Rewire Patterns

As we change our diets and eliminate extra inflammatory burdens, we are also primed to cultivate a stress reduction practice. Meditation is one of the most effective. Studies have shown the significant impacts on everything from pain levels to Psoriasis and of course anxiety, stress and depression.

There are many different types of Meditation Styles and Techniques. One of our favorites is breath-based Meditation. Just as with food, once we begin eliminating the junk and replace it with alkalizing foods, our palettes are re-wired and our bodies begin craving the very foods that now sustain and enliven us; when we replace some of our conditioned negative thought patterns with attentiveness to our breathing, we create an alkalizing environment in our body and mind, and soon we will find ourselves craving our meditation time.

How to Start a Meditation Practice

The easiest way to begin a breath-based meditation practice is with instruction, whether through a CD, a classroom or one-on-one, and with repetition. Commit to practicing every day for 21 days, to see a difference. They say it takes 21 days to break a habit. It also takes 21 days to create a new one.

There are some very helpful instructional CD’s on the market today. Many of these explain the concept and philosophy of meditation while also walking listeners through meditation practices. Here are two of our favorite’s:

Mindfulness for Beginners by Jon Kabat
Insight Meditation: A Step by Step Course on how to Meditate by Sharen Salzberg

Free Meditation

Kim Love with LoveLife Method will also be offering a Free Group Meditation via live telecast beginning September 7th. In the early days of LoveLife Method, all programs included daily food instruction and one-to-one meditation for a period of seven days. This created an ideal environment for instilling new habits. We love running into clients from those days who tell us they are still meditating regularly.

Over the past year and a half, as we have outgrown our capacity to offer one-to-one meditation, we have tried to figure out how to incorporate this vital tool it into our programs, again.

We are very excited to announce that we will be offering free meditation several days per week, beginning September 7th. Stay tuned for more details.

Marketing/Sales Intern for FALL 2011

2011-08-10T16:29:00.002-05:00

Title: Marketing/Sales Internship for FALL 2011

Salary: Unpaid, college credit can be earned
Job Location: South Austin, TX
Hours: 15-20 hours per week. Schedule is flexible

Job description:

Research Health and Wellness Friendly Corporations throughout Austin
Research and Develop more partner Restaurant’s throughout Austin and Los Angeles
Research Yoga Studios throughout Austin and Los Angeles
Research Strong Online Client Communities for Model
Gorilla Marketing Ideas researched and presented

Brand/Sales Development:

Work on 3-4 specific research and execution projects for our Founder, Kim Love, and present your research to the company at the end of the semester. These projects will be given to you at the beginning of the semester, and you will have all semester to research.
Help raise awareness on various social networking sites- Twitter and Facebook
Help our PR Intern compile information for our eNewsletter, including writing articles and researching ideas

General Office Duties & Support

Support for all company employees
Help with general office responsibilities
Pick up POS for office, as well as other general office errands
Back up help with Client Deliveries – coordinating with partners at Daily Juice, Thai Fresh and delivering to clients
Help Create Kits to ship to clients

Job Requirements:

Must be a full-time student; Junior or higher is preferred

Reliable transportation

A passion for all things marketing

An understanding of social media

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Experience with Adobe Creative Suite is preferred

Highly organized, on time, and detail-oriented

Application Instructions:
Please send resume and cover letter to: info@lovelifemethod.com

Constipation: It Stops Here

2011-08-10T12:47:00.004-05:00

Excerpt from the August 9th, 2011 Yahoo! News article, "High Fiber Diets Might Lower Risk For Colon Polyps"

People who regularly eat legumes, brown rice, cooked green vegetables and dried fruit have a reduced risk of colon polyps, a precursor to colon cancer.

That's the finding of California researchers who analyzed data from 2,818 people who were followed for 26 years. During that time, 441 cases of rectal/colon polyps were detected among the participants.

The risk of polyps was 40 percent lower among those who ate brown rice at least once a week and 33 percent lower among those who eat legumes (a class of vegetables that includes beans, peas, and lentils) at least three times a week, the Loma Linda University team found.

Eating dried fruit three times or more a week, compared to less than once a week, was associated with a 26 percent reduced risk. Eating cooked green vegetables once a day or more, vs. less than five times a week, was associated with a 24 percent reduced risk, according to the report published online in the journal Nutrition and Cancer.

"Eating these foods is likely to decrease your risk for colon polyps, which would in turn decrease your risk for colorectal cancer," study author Dr. Yessenia Tantamango, a postdoctoral research fellow, said in a university news release.

Don’t you love it when the science supports what we know and what we know is supported by science? This cool study is the first to draw a correlation between specific foods and a reduction in colon polyps. The take away - eat more whole foods such as whole grains, legumes, dried fruit and cruciferous Vegetables.

These same whole food superstars also promote regular elimination. One of the more common starting symptoms from our clients is sluggish elimination or constipation. Constipation breeds polyps, toxic build up, slowed metabolism, poor skin health, lowered energy and a host of other effects that stem from backed-up waste. Think of your digestion like a garbage can or disposal. If you do not remove the trash, things start reeking. But more importantly, that garbage begins being re-absorbed by your tissues and is recirculated throughout your system.

Each person is unique, but healthy elimination consists of between 1 to 3 solid, non-strained bowel movements each day.

Most of the time, abolishing constipation is as simple as making dietary changes such as the ones listed above. However, for some, sluggish elimination can be a lot more complex.

However, never fear, because constipation is here to offer you an opportunity to get in tune with your personal needs. We are all unique and each us has an Inner Expert who will share with us exactly what we need to feel our best. Viewed as such, Constipation is a signal from your Inner Expert. What is this Expert saying?

Ask yourself the following:

Am I eating Flour Products and Processed Foods? Think of these foods as glue. Need I say more? You get the picture.

Am I eating primarily whole foods? Constipation superstar foods include:

Whole Grains such as Brown Rice, Quinoa, Amaranth, Millet, Cous Cous
Legumes/Beans such as Lentils, Black Beans, Chickpeas, Split Peas
Loads of Vegetables
Leafy Greens - These superstars deserve to be in a class of their own. Aim for 1 serving per day. Some of our favorites: Kale, Swiss Chard, Mustard Greens, Collard Greens

How about extra-special fruits: Watermelons, pears and apples. Fibrous and watery, these fruits have special constipation busting properties.

Am I drinking enough water? Each of us is unique. But if you are constipated, ask yourself - are you drinking enough water? Pay attention to your thirst levels. Increase water levels if you aren’t receiving 6-8 glasses each day or if you feel thirsty.

Do I take a Fiber Supplement? Daily Fiber recommendations range but often are between 20-35 grams of Fiber per Day. Our Favorite - SuperFood Snack. Though we are not a product sales company, we formulated our own, because we felt it was so important and we couldn’t find one that accomplished our goals for our clients

Am I Moving? Exercise gets things going, pumps blood to the digestive organs, and stimulates peristalsis, which is a wave-like muscular contraction that moves waste through the intestines.

Do I know my personal food intolerances? We cannot tell you how often a stubborn case of constipation is resolved by identifying a food that has been creating inflammation in the intestines, thus backing up the plumbing. Identify and remove “that” food, remove the blockages.

Am I lubing up? One of the areas that most Western Practitioners ignore is what we call the unctuous or moistening properties of foods. Fiber and many of the more fibrous foods can be drying to the colon. Without glide, waste won’t slide. This is why prunes can be helpful for some, but they don’t work for everyone. Ensuring a moderate amount of healthy oils such as avocado, olive oil, coconut and sesame oil is important. One of our all-time unctuous foods? Manna Bread Cinnamon Date. Warning: Please don’t eat this if you have a gluten sensitivity. For those who do not, this bread defies the earlier warning to avoid processed foods. It is a sprouted bread which makes it closer to a whole food, but the combination of bread with moistening dates - works.

Would Triphala be helpful? I hesitate to mention this, because to head straight to the Triphala without first creating the other changes, would do yourself a disservice. Think of this as a last resort if the other items do not work. Triphala is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy that is comprised of three fruits blended together. It is safe and gentle. Our favorite is Planetary Herbals Triphala, Gold (Organic).

Have stimulant laxatives created habituation or nerve damage? When I work with clients who have a history of stimulant laxative use, I let them know that there has likely been nerve damage to their colon and these are the most stubborn cases of constipation. Stimulant Laxatives include: Senna, Cascara Sagrada, and Turkey Rhubarb are contained in popular OTC teas including Smooth Move and SuperDieters Tea. These are meant for occasional use only.

In health and happiness,

Kim Love

Image: nuchylee / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Soy Response & Why You Should be Avoiding It

2011-08-09T11:43:00.001-05:00

Excerpt from the August 8th, 2011 New York Times article, "Soy Does Little for Menopause Symptoms"

Fears about the risks of estrogen replacement therapy have led many women to turn to soy products to treat the symptoms of menopause. But a clinical trial published on Monday in the Archives of Internal Medicine has found them no more effective than a placebo.

“Women should be reconsidering taking these types of products for menopausal health,” said Dr. Silvina Levis, lead author of the study and a professor of medicine at the University of Miami. “We didn’t see any objective clinical benefit for soy isoflavone supplements. We actually saw more constipation, bloating, and hot flashes in the women taking soy.”

Finally! Research is coming out to support what many of us have seen for years. Not only is soy not helpful for menopause symptoms, it actually amplifies those symptoms with increased hot flashes, bloating and a range of digestive issues.

Soy is our least favorite food in LoveLife Method programs. Our programs include a special elimination method for detecting food intolerances. Our clients omit 12 common inflammatory foods and replace them with alkalizing ones. Once the benefits begin kicking in, we then coach our clients each day as they reintegrate one food at a time to determine which foods are creating a range of inflammatory symptoms including: weight gain, digestive issues, skin, pain, etc.

Everyone is different and what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another. Therefore, of the 12 foods we have our clients eliminate, we believe that each of these foods can be fine or even healthy for many people, unless it is shown to create inflammatory symptoms. Take citrus, for instance. Citrus contains loads of Vitamin C, is good for the liver, and is a healthful food for most people. However, it has been one of our top most common inflammatory foods creating allergies, mood issues, weight holding, and skin issues in certain individuals. As we always say, one man’s SuperFood is another’s poison.

Even gluten, which has received a terrible rap, if eaten as a whole food product rather than a processed one, is not the evil substance it is made out to be. It is, however, one of the most common triggers of inflammation and therefore, for some, it wreaks havoc.

However, the one food, we consistently recommend that our clients avoid, even if it does not appear to induce inflammation is - you guessed it - Soy.

Why? A myriad of reasons that many experts cover very thoroughly. One of my favorites is Sally Fallon’s article which can be found here.

The short version is:

95% of Soy is a GMO crop
Soy is extremely high in Phytic Acid which binds minerals and creates mineral deficiencies
Soy contains a myriad of potent Chemical Toxins
Soy is high in Goitrogens and can depress Thyroid Function
Soy increases estrogen levels and is a major hormone deregulator
Soy has been linked to infertility, thyroid disease, liver disease, mineral deficiencies, digestive issues, inducing early menopause, sex hormone changes, and even some cancers

However, soy is pervasive in our food supply. If you eat any processed foods or dine in a restaurant, you are almost assured of receiving soy. It is in the vegetable oil your foods are prepared with, in salad dressings, soups, marinades, vitamins, and fish oil, to name a few.

Even many health food products that claim to be “soy-free” actually contain soy. How can they get away with this? They remove the protein, which they name the problematic culprit. However, we have many clients who still react to those products from which the soy protein has been eliminated.

So, what’s a soy omitter to do? Educate and empower yourself to go Soy-Free as much as possible.

Here are our top tips for avoiding soy:

When dining out in restaurants, ask that they use 100% olive oil rather than their vegetable oil blend.
If the restaurant does not have 100% olive oil, request that your food be dry grilled.
Ask if the salad dressings contain vegetable oil and/or soy sauce. Choose one that is free from these ingredients or opt for Oil and Vinegar on the side.
Do your Vitamins list Lecithin or Vitamin E? Both are soy derived. Choose ones without.
Avoid processed foods that contain: Lecithin, Vitamin E, Soy or TVP- Texturized Vegetable Protein. All are soy based.

Soy Challenge

We recommend that you consider a Soy Challenge Test. Eliminate Soy entirely for 10 days and reintroduce it for a period of 4 days. The most common symptoms our clients experience from soy are: Gas, bloating, constipation, lowered energy, PMS, early menopause, hot flashes, and weight gain.

Not all soy is created equally. A true fermented soy such as Nattokinase or South River Miso, can be helpful, in small quantities, for some people, while for others it will still create inflammation. As always, we recommend cultivating a relationship with your Inner Expert so that you can discover what works best for you.

In Happiness and Health,
Kim Love

H'angry & Trippin' on the Road? Stop Here!

2011-08-02T18:40:00.004-05:00

Is there such thing as heathy fast food?

Read our top 3 fast food picks below.

How do we eat healthy, on the road, without the creature comforts of our fridge or even healthier and familiar restaurant options? Strategies to Love your Life while on the road include planning ahead, packing your own snacks and educating yourself on how to order out with confidence. But sometimes, with the pedal to the metal, in remote areas, the best you can do is road food. As an occasional necessity, how can you make healthier choices?

#1 Fast Food Choice: Chipotle
As Steve Ells, Chipotle’s Founder, says, “Just because it’s fast food doesn’t mean it has to be a typical fast food experience.” This is one of the most conscious food companies around. Click here to read about their “Food with Integrity” Campaign." They are rocking the boat of fast food. And this is one boat we want in! Plan ahead, scout out a Chipotle and keep the good vibes rolling on your vacay. You can even download their handy iphone app, save your favorite combo and order before you go! Now that's fast food.

Our favorite on the go bowl!

What we order:
Order a Salad Bowl. With Lettuce. Double order of Black Beans. Pepper and Onion Mixture. Chopped Tomatoes. Guacamole. And Voila. Beautiful, healthy meal for under $6.

#2 Fast Food Choice: Taco Cabana
Though Taco Cabana falls more in line with the fast food genre than Chipotle, it is a major step up from some other un-named locations.

What we order:
An 8 oz. Serving of Black Beans on top of Shredded Lettuce with Pico de Gallo, Guacamole + Mole Sauce.

#3 Fast Food Choice: Subway
What to do when you’re faced with fast food alley, h’angry and nary a healthy option around. Duck duck, Subway. A better option than many of the others, here’s what we recommend.

What we order:
Skip the Sandwich! Grab a Salad Bowl with heaping servings of veggies. For protein, we recommend skipping the provided options, planning ahead and bringing your own Raw Food protein snacks. Check out some of our favorites in the Snack section of our blog.

Carrot + Chickpea Soup: Delicious Cold or Hot!

2011-08-02T18:11:00.004-05:00

Sniffing around TasteSpotting.com (one of our favorite online resources for ingredient oriented recipes) we stumbled upon this feature from the For the Love Of Food blog. We thought our clients would be pleased to have this soup in their recipe boxes. Not only is it creamy and savory, it works in a plant-protein, is gluten and soy free, and can be served chilled or hot.We love a pot of soup that lends itself to versatility and this recipe fits that bill wonderfully. We're already envisioning bowls of parsnip+white beans punctuated with a bit of thyme come this fall and maybe an asparagus version next spring.

If you have found you're sensitive to onions, you may try experimenting with leeks in their place or omitting entirely and topping the soup with a few chopped chives. For some people, leeks work even when onions don't. For others nothing in the family does their body right - we encourage you to ring up your Inner Expert and figure out what works best for you.

Full recipe can be found here on For the Love of Food.

*Recipe note: We ended up using 9 medium-sized carrots and it was just right. We also worked the soup through a mesh sieve resulting in a final product so velvety you won't miss the cream. Topped with a couple of edible flowers, this nutritious bowl is welcome on any gourmand's table!

Cooling Summertime Smoothie

2011-08-02T14:44:00.003-05:00

News flash: it's hot outside, real hot. So hot, in fact, that we were inspired to throw the most cooling ingredients we could think of in the blender for a smoothie that's guaranteed to take your core temp down a degree or two. Cucumbers, two types of melons and mint come together to create an amazingly refreshing summertime snack. We also tossed in a handful of spinach (we can't help ourselves) to balance out some of the fruit sugars; with the watermelon and cantelope flavors you won't be able to taste the greens - dare we say it's even kid friendly?

If you're sensitive to food combining principles you may choose to pair this smoothie with a few of your favorite nuts or a raw protein snack. We think this blend could also make an awesome base for some homemade frozen fruit bars - can you get much cooler than that?

INGREDIENTS
Makes 1 smoothie

1/2 cup watermelon
1/2 cup cantalope (throw the seeds in, too! They help lend a creaminess to this non-dairy smoothie)
1/2 cucumber, peeled
Small handful of spinach
2-3 mint leaves

Place all ingredients in blender and pulse blend until mixture achieves desired consistency. For frozen fruit bars, leaving a little texture in the mix or adding in a handful of chopped melon would be spot on.

Raw Mineral Crusts

2011-08-01T15:05:00.000-05:00

We are so in love with these Raw Mineral Seed Crusts from Mauk Family Farms that we’re considering purchasing them in bulk and making them a part of our client kits! A crisp, nutty flavor with a hint of caramelized sweetness will have you hooked. Soaked, sprouted, and dehydrated at low temperatures, your body will soak these up as much as your taste buds. Dip into Out to Lunch Black Bean Dip or your personal favorite hummus. Great by itself, on the run, and in between meetings. Or slather your favorite tomato sauce on top for a raw pizza crust. Mmmmmineral rich and scrumptious!

Celebrating Julie's Transformation!

2011-07-27T19:35:00.009-05:00

CLIENT: Julie Long

WEIGHT: 148-123 = 25 lb loss

PERSONAL DISCOVERIES:

Citrus: Increases Congestion
Dairy: Impacts Weight Holding, Increases Hunger
Gluten: Increases Hunger and Irritability, Impacts Weight, Decreases Energy
Fish & Turkey: Both Increase Fatigue, Muscle/Joint Aches and Inflame Emotions

PROTEIN DISCOVERY: Feels best with a combination of plant and animal proteins, especially chicken.

FROM JULIE:

This journey has definitely been a life changer for me both physically and mentally. I love the weight that I lost but feel even more empowered by the information I gained in regards to how certain foods make me feel. I never really thought that food could be the root of symptoms that we blame so many other things for. Now, I feel like I have uncovered my life. Like I just finally woke up. I am healthier in mind, body and spirit and continue to uncover more.

Depending on what I eat, I am less moody, more patient with my kids, and have more energy. How we nourish our body with food has become more important than ever to me as it should be for everyone. Anyone could feel better if they just did a little more research at what they are putting at the end of their fork.

The staff at The Love Cleanse made this whole process so much easier. I could have never achieved my goals without their guidance. They are so knowledgable and readily available for all the questions that surface. I have truly appreciated all their support and generosity of their time.

LoveLife Method

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Soy Response & Why You Should be Avoiding It

H'angry & Trippin' on the Road? Stop Here!

Carrot + Chickpea Soup: Delicious Cold or Hot!

Cooling Summertime Smoothie

Raw Mineral Crusts

Celebrating Julie's Transformation!

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