Top 5 Holiday Eating Myths

1.  Eat less throughout the day so you can splurge at parties.

This top myth sets you up for a binge that even Homer Simpson would envy.  Regulating your blood sugar throughout the day by eating a snack every 1 ½ to 2 hours and eating the correct personalized ratio of carbs to proteins, will allow you to show up to holiday parties much more composed and in a position to make better choices.

2.  Most people gain between 5 – 7 pounds during the holiday season.

We have all heard this one over the years.  According to the National Institutes of Health average holiday weight gain is closer to 1 pound.  But those single pounds don't magically melt away after the New Year and instead start adding up.  So if you gain 1 pound per year during the holidays at the ripe age of 30, by the time you are 50 you will have 20 pounds of extra Holiday Cheer weighing you down.
 
3.  If you overeat at one meal today, you may as well eat whatever you want tomorrow.

“I totally blew it last night so I’m going to eat everything I want today”.  Sound familiar?  It’s never too late to start over.  Each day presents a new opportunity and the holidays are filled with opportunities.  Allow yourself to indulge, wisely, and hit the Daily Juice in Austin, TX to begin the next day with one of their serious Green Smoothies like the Kale-i-Brator!  It is perfectly portioned with protein, greens and fiber and is a great way to start afresh after a night of excess. If you live outside of Austin you can visit your favorite local juice spot or make your own Green Smoothie at home!

4.  Wine is the healthiest alcoholic beverage choice.

Many of us have been told that due to the antioxidant benefits wine is the healthiest spirit. However up to 40% of our clients discover during The Love Cleanse program, that wine is creating major symptoms of inflammation.  Some of the most common ways this manifests is in disturbed sleep, cravings, allergies, headaches and weight gain.  This inflammation would over-ride any benefits gained.  If wine is non-inflammatory for you it may indeed be the best beverage of choice.  Otherwise, reach for a potato based vodka and soda spritzer.   Or choose wisely enjoying it on special occasions when you are willing to suffer the toll the next day but know how to get yourself back on track afterward.

5.  Eat a small amount of each party food.
  
Instead of grabbing everything in sight and nibbling away, consider opting for more nutrient dense offerings and avoiding your personal trigger foods.  Everyone has unique trigger foods and discovering yours can go a long way towards allowing you to make conscious choices that will keep you feeling your best while still allowing you to have fun.  We call this personalized lifestyle empowerment!

Or opt for the less processed options.  Veering away from bread and dairy is an excellent beginning.

Client Testimonial

CLIENT:  Leigh Perry Zielinski, Apple Computer

INTOLERANCES DISCOVERED:

• Citrus: Interrupted sleep
• Nightshades: Inflammation/increased weight 
• Chicken: causes fatigue
• Soy: Inflammation/Increased weight
• Gluten: Not completely intolerant but slight weight gain and digestive issues

TESTIMONIAL:

"Participating in the Love Cleanse is one of the best things I have done for myself. Prior to starting the cleanse, I was battling constant hunger, fatigue, a weight that would not budge, and frustration. I was consumed with the negative. Thinking that I could potentially have a thyroid issue, I started Internet investigating. It was during my Nancy Drew moment that I came across The Love Cleanse.

After meeting with Kim, I was inspired, motivated, and dedicated to her program. Within the first week I started to see several improvements from weight loss to increased energy. These were the results that I needed to persevere. Over a course of several weeks, I was becoming more in touch with my body and learning how the various food groups that were being tested played into my nutrition routine. The testing was exciting and revealed intolerances that I would have never recognized on my own.

In summary, through The Love Cleanse, I have:

• Found a daily diet that works for me
• Lost weight
• Increased my energy level
• Found that I do not have a thyroid issue
• Become a happier person (improved mood)

I am a big advocate of the program. Kim is absolutely wonderful to work with and the daily interaction with her kept me positive.

The time, preparation, and dedication needed for The Love Cleanse is extremely rewarding!"

Sweet Potato Chili

 

The recent brisk weather has us craving a bowl of something warm and comforting and this vegetarian chili elegantly fits the bill. The relatively short ingredient list and easy preparation is deceptive as the final product is rich, layered with smoky flavors and tastes as if it were simmered all day on the stove. Served alone or over a bowl of your favorite grains, this Sweet Potato chili is a deliciously hearty meal. 

INGREDIENTS:

Makes 1 large serving or 2 small servings. Easily doubled.

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup chopped yellow onion
• ¼ cup chopped red bell pepper***
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ medium sweet potato, peeled & chopped
• 7 oz organic canned black beans, drained & rinsed
• 7 oz organic fire roasted diced tomatoes (such as Muir Glen brand)***
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper***
• ½ tsp ancho chili powder***
• ¼ tsp cumin
• 1 scallion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat.  Add onion, pepper & garlic. Saute about 5 minutes.  Add beans vegetable stock, tomatoes & sweet potato. Stir in red pepper, chili powder & cumin.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer & cook uncovered about 30 minutes until potato is tender.  Remove from heat, stir in scallion & cilantro. 

If you cannot find a vegetable stock with approved ingredients, you can substitute water.

*** Omit red pepper, tomatoes, pepper flakes & chili powder if nightshades are your personal other.  You can substitute chopped zucchini for the red pepper.

From our Clients....

"The Love Cleanse has improved my quality of life.

I have tried countless other programs related to nutrition and fitness with only temporary success. This is because all of these programs addressed the symptoms of being overweight, but never the root causes.

With the Love Cleanse I found out what foods to avoid, and how those foods impact me at every level. That information now forms the basis of how I live each day.

I look better, I sleep better, my mood is better, I feel better - in short I am better - because of the Love Cleanse."

Dan Young

Vida Capital Executive and Father of 2
Read more about Dan's experience throughout the Cleanse here.

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"I actually did this cleanse in support of my fiance. He was feeling low energy and was having a hard time focusing and suspected a food allergy. I thought to myself, why not do the cleanse with him. I'm so glad that I did. As it turned out, I had more sensitivities then he did! I had just learned to live with these sensitivities (rosacea, moodiness, etc.). 

During the cleanse, my energy soared and my skin looked better then ever. I also lost 20 pounds. My mood was better then ever, except when I integrated citrus. That was a hard couple of days, due to rotten mood and anxiety. But the good new is that I learned what citrus does to me. I've eliminated it from my diet and feel better then ever. 

I honestly wish that everyone I knew would do this cleanse. It feels good to be healthy!"

 
Kelley Huston

Voiceover Talent

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"Committing to the Love Cleanse is the best gift to give yourself.  I can’t think of a viable excuse not to fully commit to the transformation it delivers.  My new ‘normal’ is ‘vibrant’, and best of all, whenever I feel a bit off, I now know exactly what to do to get back to feeling incredible."

Emily Villanueva
Vice President – Marketing, Catapult Systems
Mom of two under 5, and a distance runner (Both after the kiddos and for herself)

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"I have always suspected that my overall health could be regulated with simple choices in my diet but never quite knew how to make those choices that were right for me, specifically. The Love Cleanse renewed my hope (and proved my suspicions correct) almost instantly. 

For over ten years I have struggled with a thyroid disorder and resented taking a pill each day to reach a "normal" level of energy. During my cleanse time, I experienced the highest level of energy that I had almost forgotten existed...and all this energy was coming from my food, not coffee or a thyroid supplement!"

Devon Haire

Greenling Organics

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"I entered this program a little skeptical after trying many other types of "fad" diets. After talking with Kat and Kim, I decided to take the plunge and give it my all. I struggled the 1st week with all of the perfectly time shakes, tease, rice for breakfast, no meat, but I endeared. I was actually feeling fantastic after only the 1st three days on the program. More energy, sleeping better, and a better outlook on life. 

I could not tolerate the Dosha tea at all, so it was dumped from the program, minimal loss in my opinion. The train kept on moving. After beginning to reintegrate foods one at a time, obviously all meat groups 1st so that I could start getting back my read meat. I was surprised to find that many of the side items I enjoyed adding to my meals, eggs, onions, dairy were not doing my system any good. After keeping in touch with Kat throughout the tough times, we were able to narrow down what was working as expected and what to move past. Over the 1st two weeks I lost 15 lbs as a side effect! Everyone was asking what I was doing and then couldn't believe that I was able to follow such a program.

These days, I do my part to shop right so that I am more apt to choose the right foods in my house and continue down this path Kim and Kat have created for me. This is a lifelong change for me and I will continue to call on these girls for support as circumstances change.

Thanks Kim And Kat for starting a revolution in nutrition knowledge!"

Jimmy Studzinsk

Dental Sales Professional

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"The Love Cleanse proved to be an ongoing useful experience in my everyday eating habits. I was able to get some real insight into what was causing some of my cravings, mood swings, and down spiraling energy levels. I was also able to identify those foods which added some weight gain over the years. I'm now able to identify those foods which intensified my cravings, irritability, allergies, and what lowered my overall energy levels. 

With this new found knowledge I know which foods work best and those that work against me. And last but not least, the cleanse provided some weight loss that I've continued to keep off!"

Christi Corbitt

Pure Austin Trainer

GoPal's Power Wraps!

If your image of comfort food entails saddling up to the table with a heaping serving of Grandma’s mashers laden with potato skins - you’ll love these texture-rich healthy treats carried at The Daily Juice!
 

Gopal’s Power Wraps contain raw, organic soaked seeds and nuts, blended together with sea salt and spices to create a creamy center tightly wrapped into a chewy nori roll.  Kazaam! Easy to transport, high in digestible protein and have we mentioned, tasty? These make a perfect mid-afternoon snack. 

Stop by The Daily Juice on Barton Springs Blvd in Austin, TX to stock up ($2.85/piece) or buy them online at Go Pals Health Foods.

Mustard Shallot Vinaigrette

Simple and delicious, this dressing takes just minutes to create and livens up everything from salads to stir-fried vegetables.


INGREDIENTS:

• 1 Tbsp finely minced shallot
• 1 tsp dry mustard
• ¼ tsp organic garlic flakes
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Himalayan salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:
Put the shallot, mustard, garlic, salt, pepper and vinegar in a small glass jar with screw top lid and shake vigorously. Pour in one tablespoon of oil. Screw lid back on jar and shake vigorously. Continue pouring in oil and shaking until half the oil has been integrated. Continue by pouring two or three tablespoons at a time.


This is best when made fresh, but it can be made up to one day in advance, and kept in the fridge in the tightly sealed jar. Let it sit at room temp for one hour if it has been in the fridge.


Adapted from Candida Recipes

The Vida Crew: Join their Journey!

Jeff, Dan & Ed with their Love Cleanse juice in hand!

The Vida Crew

Meet Dan, Jeff and Ed, three executives working together and highly motivated to transform their lives. Currently on Day 7 of their Ultimate Concierge Program, this trio agreed to share their challenges and victories in real-time, right here with us!

At the time of this pic, they have already lost a combined weight of 33.9 pounds between their 7 day PreCleanse and 7 day cleanse. They are feeling good!

Want to receive regular updates on Team Vida and their real-time progress?  You can receive these on Facebook or Twitter.  Go team go!

DAN'S GOALS:

• Lose 20 lbs and keep it off. 
• Increase energy.
• More balanced mood. 
 

ED'S GOALS:

• Learn what he should be eating each day. 
• Feel more invigorated and motivated to continue exercising.
• Reduce or eliminate heart medications.
• Get to a comfortable weight of 185.

JEFF'S GOALS:

• Lose 10-15 lbs and keep it off.
• Increase energy.
• Sleep more restfully.

SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM TO READ THEIR PHASE 1 SUMMARY.

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DAY 1:

Dan and Ed are shocked by how satiated they feel. Energy is great and their cravings have disappeared! 

Jeff, however, is ravenous and despite the juices, veggies and shakes can’t fill up. "Dan’s hand is looking tasty." Hypothesis: Jeff needs more protein, stay tuned.

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DAY 2:

 
Dan’s energy improvements and attentiveness are holding steady. He is feeling less moody than before the program and lost 2 #’s overnight.

Ed is so full that he can’t eat his apple! Ed has struggled with significant hunger and cravings and can’t believe it when a pizza placed before him isn't even appealing. But Ed notices congestion after his beloved SuperFood Snack which he affectionally calls "dirt." Ed’s also did not lose weight which is extremely rare. Hypothesis: Ed is reacting to something in the SuperFood Snack. We offer to reformulate but he doesn’t want to change it b/c it’s helping so much with his cravings. So we decide to watch!

Jeff had the citrus free hummus at lunch and the extra protein made a big difference in his cravings, energy and hunger! We also had him add fish at dinner.

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DAY 3:
 

Dan’s  sleep quality has improved from a “5” PreCleanse to a “9” and he has lost 1.8 more pounds. Feeling good!
 

Ed is still reacting to something in the SuperFood Snack, weight is holding. We ask Ed to please try simplified formulation next day.
 

Jeff went to the UT game and though he pre-planned well he got a bit off on schedule and missed protein at lunch. He felt slightly light headed. Jeff definitely needs regular protein! This is great early information as we work to help him find his protein/ carb balance. Jeff has lost 10 pounds from the start of the Pre Cleanse phase 10 days ago.

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DAY 4:

 
Dan’s  sleep and energy improvements continue with much improved irritability, anxiety and mood levels. Weight loss of .2 pounds overnight and he says he is disappointed not to lose the 2#’s per day to which he’s become accustomed.

Ed used the new SuperFood Snack formulation and lost 6 pounds overnight! He was definitely reacting to something in old one.

Jeff's anxiety and irritability levels are much improved despite currently experiencing a high amount of external stressors. The food changes are allowing him to better process stress. Jeff got slightly off track when he skipped his SuperFood Snack and had a smaller dinner than usual due to a social outing. But Jeff rallied and felt great later.

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DAY 5:

 
Dan’s  still doing well. He lost .8 pounds overnight. A pizza was placed before him today and he thought it looked good but cravings still significantly improved from PreCleanse levels.

Ed is also doing well. His energy in the evenings has increased from a 2.5 to a 7! He losta pound overnight. Go Ed Go!

Jeff was able to regulate protein well today by staying on schedule. He lost 2 pounds overnight and has several people comment on how good he looks. His eyes appear more rested too!

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DAY 6:

 
Dan is continuing to do great with improved mood and energy levels.

Ed lost 3 pounds overnight! The new SuperFood Snack formulation is working well for him. His energy, mood levels and cravings are still much improved.

Jeff felt great all day but got a little off track at night with a social function. He slammed his SuperFood Snack before, skipped their dinner and ate when he got home. Feeling good.

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Day 7 – Last Day of Phase 1!

Though he lost 1.4 pounds overnight and has had 6 days of feeling like a champ, Dan is struggling today.  He didn’t sleep well last night and is much more irritable, returning to his former pre cleanse irritability levels.  There were some extra stressful circumstances in his life today.  But we want to also be sure there isn’t a food impacting things.  Upon further investigation, we discovered that he ate out the other night and accidentally received soy sauce and soy oil.  He has also recently introduced coconut oil and vinegar.  Strategy:  Asked him to remove both and let’s see if things shift.  We will test these items later.
 
Ed has another great day!  Nothing new to report – this man is on a roll with improved energy, mood, cravings, weight etc….
 
Jeff ‘s evening energy is still looking much improved and he has lost another pound.  His drainage symptoms are much improved from pre cleanse levels but he is experiencing an increase in itchy eyes and congestion. He notes that the mold levels are currently high and indeed they are.  But we want to vet out foods fully because a majority of the time an inflammatory food is creating reactions to external environment.  We are currently sleuthing with spices, foods and condiments to be sure he isn’t reacting to something more obscure.  Stay tuned!

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PHASE 1 SUMMARY:

Dan, The Man, came to the program stating he was soooo ready to make changes in his life!  Wow, is he making changes!  Here is his summary for the past week:

• Lost 6.4 pounds
• Sleep Quality has gone from a “5” to an “8 to 9”
• Energy levels have improved significantly in every single tracked category including morning energy, afternoon slumps, evening energy and overall energy
• Attention/Presence much improved
• Anxiety/Irritability and mood levels are markedly better with the exception of one day – possible reaction or due to high stress circumstances?  We are investigating
• Motivation is off the charts!
• Food cravings have disappeared

Areas of investigation/further inquiry:

• Going to optimize carb/protein balance to keep weight loss moving at optimal levels
• After significant improvements in every singly category, Dan had one challenging day at the end.  Was it extra stress in life?  Or was it Vinegar or accidental soy?  Stay Tuned!

Ed is rocking it out!  Before he began the program, Ed told us that he wants to be around to see his children grow up and though he wants to lose weight, even more importantly, he is READY to feel good!  Here is Ed’s summary for the past week:

• Lost 13 pounds in the past 2 weeks between Pre Cleanse and Cleanse Phase!
• Previously ravenous cravings have completely disappeared and Ed is thrilled
• Evening energy has gone from a 2.5 to a 7!  Slumps are totally gone throughout the day and night.
• Overall energy and daytime energy are markedly improved
• Mood Swings and irritability levels much better

Areas of investigation/Further inquiry:

• Was reacting to an ingredient in SuperFood Snack by weight holding and congestion.  After removing 3 ingredients –weight dropped 6 pounds overnight and congestion disappeared.  The most likely culprit is rice protein.

Jeff is making the weight loss look so easy and is already at his goal weight after losing a grand total of 14.5 pounds in the past 2 weeks!  At the start of the program Jeff currently is experiencing higher than usual amounts of stress. Anxiety/worry are usually strong areas for him but he is feeling heightened levels as we begin.  Jeff is making major strides in this department.  Here is Jeff’s summary for the past week:

• Significant night-time energy increase
• 14.5 pound weight loss from past 2 weeks in Pre Cleanse and Cleanse Phase
• Anxiety/Worry are significantly improved!  Even though external stress triggers are still high, Jeff’s capacity to handle them is increased
• Drainage levels are much improved

Areas of investigation/Further inquiry:

• Jeff has experienced brain fog off and on this week.  This can be typical in the first 3 days of the cleanse but Jeff’s is most likely tied to needing more animal protein.  We had him add fish at dinner in the first few days but are going to increase to lunch and dinner in Phase 2.
• Jeff experienced slightly higher congestion symptoms the past 2 days and believes it is due to higher levels of mold.  We, however, want to fully vet out foods and are investigating spices, condiments to fully vet out how food is impacting allergies. (Click here to read an account from a prior client who thought she was reactive to environment, to see how foods can impact allergy symptoms.)
• Jeff is definitely an animal protein person and with this early info we are well on our way towards finding Jeff's ideal  protein/carb threshold.

Want to receive regular updates on Team Vida and their real-time progress?  You can receive these on Facebook or Twitter.  Go team go!

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Week 2 Summary of the Vida Crew

Skipped a chocolate custard dessert AND opted for greens while out to dinner? Dan is one dedicated client! 

Click here to start at the beginning of the Vida Crew's Journey.

Will Jeff still require scheduled surgery?

Will Dan continue losing close to 1 pound per day?

Ed, oh Ed….Where are you?

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Week 2 Summary of the Vida Crew
Click here to read the first installment of the Vida Crew's Cleanse Journey! 


Dan broke the 200 pound mark and continues losing .6 to .8 pounds per day.  His energy and mood improvements are fantastic.  Dan started doing yoga at lunch each day and is sweating out more toxins. He did have a couple of days, which broke his trend, in which the weight went up and other older symptoms reared their head including increased irritability.  Now that Dan has experienced how good he can feel, he is very in tune with these fluctuations.  On both occasions, there were suspicious foods or dressings while eating out.  There is something impacting Dan’s mood, energy and weight and he is close to uncovering it!

Dan is heading to NY next week and is concerned about being able to stay on track.  He will go armed with chef cards, instructions and his new super Ninja ordering skills.  And if all else fails, can just get himself back on track when he returns.

• Lost an additional  5 pounds this week, even with 2 days of minor weight increases due to suspicious ingredients in restaurants
• Continued significant improvements in energy, mood, pain and presence!

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Ed, oh Ed – where are you?  Ed hasn’t been tracking this week so we do not have as much information to report.  Ed started an exercise routine, left a message and said he is feeling great and even better than last week!
But Ed’s weight has held steady at the same levels for several days in a row.  This is very rare, especially for our male clients and leads up to believe that there might be something he is eating that is creating weight holding.
We appealed to Team Vida to help us get Ed back to tracking so that he can have the same experience as his teammates!

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Jeff’s wife, DeAnna is one happy sleeper!  She told him that for the first time in 20 years, he is not keeping her up with his snoring at night.  His congestion and allergies are much improved, his energy is fantastic and he says he is feeling great!

Jeff’s original goal weight was to lose 10 – 15 pounds. 15 pounds melted away within 2 weeks and he has now decided that he would like to lose another 10!  He was last at this weight in high school.  Can he do it?

One of Jeff’s biggest concerns upon beginning the program was sleep apnea and snoring issues.  He has surgery scheduled for December 1st.  He has pushed it back to December 8th to give himself more time to assess.  Will he need it?  

Jeff’s wife is thrilled that he is no longer snoring at night and coughing up junk in the mornings!  She wrote him a love note to thank him. :) 

So far Jeff has experienced the most food intolerances with onions, corn and vinegar.  Each of these seems to impact his apnea and allergy symptoms.

• Drainage/Throat Congestion are gone for the first time in 20 years, with the exception of the times he has introduced the foods which have triggered them.
• Energy improvements continue
• Snoring is gone and no longer needing Affrin at night
• Blood Pressure dropped from 135/85 to 120/80 in 2 weeks!
• Postponed surgery from December 1st to 8th to give more time to assess

Vida Crew Rocking on Through Weeks 3 & 4

Click here to start at the beginning of the Vida Crew's Journey.

 Dan broke his “plateau” weight from prior programs and 

can’t believe it’s possible to feel this good!

Ed’s back, feels amazing and says his whole relationship

with food is changing!

Jeff has run out of allergy medication from his doc but even without the meds his allergies are nary an issue.

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DAN:
Dan started week 3 in NY and bit off a rather large apple while away.  But we always say – there’s no guilt, just notice how it made you feel and let that motivate you to get yourself right back on track.  Dan’s a pro at this by now and is addicted to feeling good so getting back on track is no big deal.  Dan returns, baselines for 3 days (fancy word for eliminating anything not cleared yet) and is ready for soy.  

Upon introducing soy, however, mood symptoms flare and he gains a ½ pound. Dan says things are stressful though right now and he’s not sure if it’s soy or natural responses to his environment.  

We say let’s play!

Hypothesis:  Dan is reacting to soy and it’s impacting mood, energy and weight.

Hypothesis Test Recommendation:  Remove soy, wait on anything new, track symptoms and let’s see what happens.

Hypothesis Result: Sure enough – Dan’s radiating positivity again and ready to go onto the next item on his list – nuts! Dan has also stepped up his exercise routine and is busting a move with P90X every morning at 5:30 am!

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ED:
Ed’s back.  He was experiencing some technical difficulties with his tracker but he’s back and tracking again, most days. Ed is thrilled with how good he feels. His evening energy has gone from a “2-3” to an “8”!  Cravings are gone, mood is lifted and he says he has a whole new relationship with food.

With the guidance of his doctor, he’s been able to decrease his blood pressure meds to 25% of his original dose 4 weeks ago!

Ed reacted to pineapple and it created a skin breakout.  Was it the pineapple or nuts he had also just introduced?  Ed’s hunch was right – pineapple!  He left the nuts in, eliminated the pineapple and his skin is clearing up.

Ed is embracing his new found intuition with food and we are loving it!  The goal of the whole program is to access your own inner expertise and eventually tell us all to heave ho!

Ed is a founder of a cold laser technology called Zerona, that allegedly melts away fat.  He wants to go through a treatment while in the process.  I asked him to wait a few weeks to keep everything simple for food comparison’s sake.  He has patiently waited and is now ready to go.

Ed is already onto eggs and is clipping right along with the reintroduction.

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JEFF:
Jeff spent week 3 in Miami and let himself enjoy it’s culinary pleasures.  We say – “go for it, in moderation”.  There are no slips if you notice how it made you feel and get yourself back on track upon return.  Jeff noticed an increase in many of his symptoms and happily went to baseline when he returned home!

Jeff is still enjoying improved energy, clarity, mood and weight.  But his baseline included nightshades and his allergy symptoms weren’t returning to his new improved clarity.  And Jeff wasn’t the only one impacted.  His wife has been enjoying the new snore free zone.

Hypothesis:  Nightshades are creating congestion, snoring and lower energy.

Hypothesis Test Recommendation:  Remove nightshades, wait on anything new and let’s see if it clears up.

Hypothesis Result: Allergies cleared up to minimal and happily his snoring disappeared again, but he was still showing slightly higher than total clarity he experienced weeks 1 and 2.  Upon further investigation, we learned that Jeff is out of his allergy meds and is now tracking med free.

But the good news – Jeff’s allergies without meds are improved from his symptoms with meds!  No more Affrin at night yet no snoring.  And no daytime meds with little impact.

Jeff is also experiencing higher than usual amounts of external stress but his capacity for handling it is significantly improved.  Energy’s better, weight is holding and Jeff is in his zone.

Despite reacting to 4 or 5 foods so far, Jeff is making this look easy!   Jeff’s curiosity, positivity and dedication to feeling his best are paying off.  He has a natural ease with intuition and food and is making our role simple.

Vida Crew's 5th - 6th Week

Nearing the end of the program, how did the Vida lads fare on their cleanse during the Thanksgiving Holiday? These men have been fiercely committed to creating change in their lives.  Now wrapping up week 6 of their discovery process – let's check in:

 

In Week 5, Dan says he is coming for the 180’s.  Can he do it with the holidays?

Ed had his first significant food reaction and caught it lickety split!

Jeff’s allergies symptoms are barely detectable and he has postponed his sinus surgery, again, until January.

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Dan is loving how good he feels and looks. (Click here to read his personal testimonial). In week 5, before the Thanksgiving holiday, he drops into the low 190’s and proclaims – “I’m coming for YOU 180’s!”.  Can he do it?

Some indulgences around the holidays created minor pauses in further weight loss but Dan is a champ and even with these indulgences maintains his new lower weight.  We are refining his carb to protein balance and playing with the ratio of nuts to help his accelerate his entry into brand new terrain.

In week 6, Dan experienced a couple of nights of reverting to his old Pre-Cleanse sleep levels, slightly lower energy and weight increase.  We suspect he received a bit of soy, which has already been discovered as a primary intolerance triggering many old symptoms.

Otherwise, Dan feels great!  His energy is much improved, he sleeps better, feels lighter and his mood is brighter.

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Ed is tracking on paper and sending us updates once per week.  So while we do not have as much hands on guidance with Ed’s day to day reality, he seems to be right in the swing of things. 

Ed discovered his first significant intolerance, corn, which triggered many of his old symptoms.  Upon introducing corn Ed’s energy dipped to his Pre-Cleanse levels and former mood and digestive symptoms returned.  Ed is in tune, notes in his tracker how he feels and says he has eliminated it.

Is Ed back on track with his new found energy levels, improved mood, digestion and cravings?  We hope so but haven’t heard and look forward to getting an update soon.

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Jeff’s wife Deanna remains one happy wing-woman in slumber!  Jeff’s snoring is still non-existent with the exception of the times he has introduced intolerant foods. He has discovered a new one – nuts, which make his eyes water and his congestion rears it’s head again.

Jeff maintained his new svelte shape of 185 even during the holidays and is dipping into the lower 180’s. His energy, mood and blood pressure levels all continue to remain much improved!

Jeff is heading to the Big Apple tomorrow, but, now that he’s in the flow with the process – we have every bit of faith in his ability to indulge if he chooses and get himself right back on track!

Amaranth with Apples, Cardamom & Mint

An aromatic combination of ingredients makes for a warm and robust way to start the day. The amaranth cooks up to a porridge like consistency and the addition of the apples lend a bright crunch. Cardamom and mint elevate this simple recipe to something entirely different. When they're in season we love to swap the apples for fresh, juicy peaches.

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ cup amaranth cooked according to package directions
• ½ cup chopped apples
• ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1-2 fresh mint leaves, chopped

Combine all ingredients in a bowl & enjoy!


Makes 1 hearty serving or 2 small servings.

Shrimp & Goat Cheese Chili Relleno

These Relleno are so creamy and delicious it's almost hard to believe they're such a healthy meal choice! This has to be one of our favorite Love Cleanse Recipes; perfect for both a weeknight family dinner or as an impressive dish for guests. Also equally tasty made with zucchini in place of Poblanos if nightshades are a food intolerance for you.


We roast our own peppers at home either over an open flame or under the broiler in the oven. Once they're charred on all sides place the peppers in a bowl, cover and let sit for five minutes. This will allow you to easily slip off the skins.


INGREDIENTS:
Makes 2 servings.
• ½ cup quinoa
• 1 cup water or stock of your choice
• 2 Poblano peppers, roasted and seeded**
• ½ red bell pepper, roasted and chopped**
• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 6 ounces of shrimp, peeled, deveined and chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 14 ounces of organic fire roasted diced tomatoes, drained **
• 2 tsp lemon zest **
• 2 Tbsp goat cheese, plain or chili flavored, crumbled


INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Cook quinoa according to package directions, using water or stock.  Set aside after cooked. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add olive oil. Add shrimp & cook stirring occasionally for 2 minutes.


Add garlic & cook another minute or 2. Add red pepper, tomatoes & lemon zest. Stir together & allow to warm through. Add quinoa & goat cheese, stir to combine & melt cheese. 


Stuff mixture into peppers & bake for 10 minutes.


**If you are sensitive to nightshades, substitute a zucchini for the Poblano.  Slice a zucchini lengthwise & scoop out seeds, stuff with filling & bake about 20 minutes until zucchini is tender.
**Omit roasted red pepper & tomatoes if you are sensitive to nightshades.  
**Omit lemon zest if you are sensitive to citrus.

Meet Sarah McConnell!

CLIENT: Sarah McConnell

*Sarah is still in Phase 2 and tracking.

So far, Sarah has discovered the following food intolerances:

• Corn: Level 2 intolerance impacting mood, allergies, energy
• Dairy: Level 3 intolerance impacting allergies, mood, digestion and energy

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TESTIMONIAL:

"My life has taken a dramatic turn in the past 30 days.  I am a completely different person than I was 30 days ago.  Completely! Before I met Kim, I suffered from ongoing migraines, sinus infections, depression, insomnia, and general ill health.  I was always tired and felt irritable a great deal.

The cleanse is not easy for the first 7 days.  It takes tenacity.  However, once you begin to integrate different food groups, your world (and your palette) opens up.

I wish I had done this years ago! I immediately lost weight, stopped having sinus infections, depression went away magically, and by day 4 I was sleeping like a baby for the first time in 10 years.  The only times I have felt bad in the past 30 days have been when I integrated foods to which I am intolerant.  By simply removing these food groups from my diet, my health, emotional well-being and life have changed dramatically.  

I wake up feeling energized and happy...the way I used to when I was a child. You remember those Saturday mornings where you would luxuriate in bed with the knowledge that you didn't have to do anything, but you could do everything the world had to offer. I have returned to that land of peace and happiness, and am now living in the moment. No more anxiety, fno more fear, no headaches, and best of all: no extra weight!

Something else that all of my friends have been excited about...for years, I thought I had mommy brain and that I would forever walk around in a haze.  I am no longer confused or unfocused."