Reset While Traveling

Two statements: True or False. Traveling = Eating healthy. Traveling = Not Eating healthy. Which of these statements has occupied your reality? For most of us it has been the latter. Eating on the go, in airports, away from the creature comforts of our home kitchens or favorite restaurants, dining in the company of new faces poses challenges with eating in alignment with what makes us feel our best. Poor habits snowball, we promise to get back on track upon our return but then we get home and put it off, after all, we are leaving town again in a few days. Sound familiar?

Helping clients navigate through travel has been a constant evolution over the past few years and a personal passion. A couple of weeks ago, I decided it was time to upgrade the travel possibilities. On a recent 6 day trek to Gainesville, Florida with a very busy 12 hour/day schedule, I decided to experiment. What if I viewed this trip not only as an opportunity to eat healthy, but as an opportunity to eat reset my system? To cleanse? To return home feeling sparkly, happy, refreshed?

Enter – RESET WHILE TRAVELING

TIP #1:

Bring a satchel of protein snacks and teas. You will want 2-3 hearty size portions of snacks each day. One of these will comprise a late morning snack and another one an afternoon snack. Having an extra on hand is helpful in case you find yourself in a bind. I traveled with Livin' Spoonfuls Coconut Curry Crackers and Kaia Kale Chips Sea Salt and Tahini. Please be sure that the snacks you bring meet our snack standards with no processing, minimal to no sugars and a healthy amount of protein. The protein curbs cravings. Click here for great snack options.

TIP #2:

Bring SuperFood Snack. SuperFood snack, in conjunction with our other recommendations during the road cleanse, makes an excellent breakfast and can be easily mixed in a glass in your hotel room. It’s also a great snack on an airplane.

TIP #3:

Map out local juice bars. Many cities now have at least one, if not several options. Gainesville has a local organic market with a juice bar. Well, juice bar would be generous. Juice closet is more apt. But lo and behold, the juices they created were 100% organic, dense and green.

TIP #4:

Do an internet search to find locations that have fresh fish. Do a quick search of their menus, do they also have vegetables? Many grills or fish restaurants offer healthy veggie sides including asparagus and broccoli. When you arrive to the restaurant, request that they steam your veggies with no seasonings and that they either dry grill, steam or broil your fish.

TIP #5: Optional

Find a local market and pick up some fresh fruit. In Gainesville, I found local organic strawberries and blueberries.

The MENU PLAN is simple:

• Early Morning: Drink tea, eat fruit and make SuperFood Snack

• Mid-Morning: Protein Snack

• Lunch: This is the largest meal of the day. Preferably fish, as prepared above with veggies and a salad. Eat as much of these items as you wish. Still hungry? Order an extra veggie side or a larger salad.

• Mid-Afternoon: Another protein snack or SuperFood Snack
• Dinner: Large Green Juice and salad with hummus or beans, if you’re able to find it. If you find you're still hungry, pull out one of the extra protein snacks or another SuperFood Snack. Most nights I found that I was satiated simply with the Green Juice and a few bites of the protein snack. On a couple of nights, I added a green smoothie to my juice order but I requested less fruits and more greens to ensure that the sugar was minimal.

Optional Extras:

• If you have a fridge in your room, pick up some hummus and carrots in addition to the fruit.
• If the juice bar is conveniently located, consider adding an extra juice to your day.

Meet the Murphys: Randy & Rebecca Rock!

CLIENTS: Rebecca & Randy Murphy 

Founders MamaFus Asian House
Hobbies include Biking, Tennis, Wine Tasting and Traveling

REBECCA'S FOOD BLOOM:

• CITRUS: Impacts Psoriasis, Runny nose, Irritability
  
• CORN: Impacts weight gain
• WEIGHT: Dropped 5.5 pounds

NEW FAVORITE FOODS:

• Quinoa with black beans & avocado for breakfast
• Decaf green tea with mango
• Superfood Snack
• Juicing is also a part of my daily routine with one green juice in the morning and a beet+carrot+greens at night

FROM REBECCA:

“I'm amazed at the energy level I have and my psoriasis are completely under control! I always thought I was eating well until I met Kim and learned more about the LoveLife Method. Two great things I gained through this process was learning when to eat my food so that it worked best for my body and what foods hurt my body. Proof is in the pudding - I lost 5.5 pounds and I'm sleeping better than before I had my children. "

 - Rebecca Murphy

RANDY'S FOOD BLOOM:

• SOY: Slows weight loss
  
• RED MEAT: Creates Fatigues
• GLUTEN: Creates Fatigue
• WEIGHT: Dropped 23 pounds.5 pounds

FROM RANDY: 

"I have had many friends do the Love Life Method prior to me and based on their feedback I knew it was only a matter of time before my wife and I did the program. We already had a healthy life style and eating habits, although I was concerned about caffeine use, energy fluctuations, and not as easily being able to get down to my target weight like I used to be able to 10 years ago.
So we decided to take the plunge with full commitment and after our first week we started to see some significant differences with weight loss, energy levels, and overall excitement about learning to eat the right food at the right time of day, specifically for your body. In addition to the LLM, I also increased my work out routine and really energized the weight loss component which worked very well for me.
A structured reintegration diet combined with tracking your daily changes is quite an enlightening process to what is working and what is causing issues that you may have been missing in the past. Overall, the biggest take aways for me were learning which foods cause issues with my daily lifestyle, including new flavors in my diet that are not butter or oil based, rather veggies, proteins and new spices, and most importantly, how to eat the right foods at specific times of day to maximize my personal energy."
- Randy Murphy

Matt Murphy drops pounds and gains energy!

CLIENT: Matt MurphyCEO Grande Communications
Avid enthusiast of Hometown teams - RedSox, Patriots, Celtics

MATT'S PERSONAL DISCOVERIES:

• WEIGHT: 212 to 195 = 17 pounds lost
• RED MEAT & PORK: Impact Weight Holding and Energy Decrease
• SOY: Impacts Weight Holding

NEW FAVORITE FOODS:

• Fruit + granola for breakfast
  
• Tea instead of coffee which was a shock
• Superchips

FROM MATT:

“I decided to work with Kim as part of a group challenge to improve our general health, weight and overall fitness. I have always considered myself reasonably healthy but I was truly amazed by the impact of the program.  The speed and ease of how the program helped me lose nearly 20 pounds and raised my energy and general health was remarkable and far easier than I ever expected.

Kim’s program clearly identified specific foods that do and don’t work for me but it also hammered home the need to consistently eat multiple complete meals throughout the day. Frankly it’s a bit embarrassing that I needed to go through this exercise to realize I can’t eat like I did in my 20s. The good news is that I am down to my college weight and feel terrific without really having to work very hard now that I know how my body responds to different intakes.

The clearcut direction and structure of the program was extremely helpful and daily interaction with Kim really let me stay on track. I would absolutely recommend the program to anyone whether you have serious issues you want to diagnose or simply want to improve your general fitness. If it hadn’t been for my group challenge and going through the LoveMethod Program I would never have realized that I could make such an impactful change on my body and wellbeing."

 - Matt Murphy

SWAP! Spaghetti Squash 2 Ways

A longtime favorite of low carb dieters, spaghetti squash eats like a pasta and lends itself to a wide variety of sauces. Former LLM client, Ali Kamas, generously shared her version of a tasty spaghetti squash + marinara and reminded us what a great midday meal the veggie can make. Are nightshades a no-no for you? Have no fear! We offer a second version with a Phase 1 compliant pesto - the result is a light springtime delight that tastes great hot or room temperature, making it an easy go-to lunch item.

The pea and seed-based pesto is also considerably high in protein and tastes great as a different spin on a veggie dip. It would also work especially well as a seasoning for baked fish. 

DOUBLE uP Pesto

• 1/2 cup Pumpkin Seeds (GoRaw Sprouted are one of our favorites)
• 16 bag of Frozen Sweet Peas, thawed according to directions (you'll have leftovers)
• 1 bunch Basil
• 1 TB Olive Oil
• Himalayan Salt to Taste

SPAGHETTI SQUASH:

• 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 3 pounds)
• 1 TB Olive Oil

Preheat oven to 375°F. 

While oven is heating, carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise with a sharp knife. Scoop out and discard the seeds.

Place squash halves cut side up on a heavy-bottomed roasting pan. Brush with olive oil.

Roast for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until a fork punctures the flesh of the squash easily. If the squash seems to be drying out while baking, brush with a little more olive oil.

FOR PESTO:

Blend pumpkin seeds, 1.5 cups peas, basil, oil and salt. You may need to add a tablespoon or two of water to help the blender along the way. When desired consistency is reached toss with shredded spaghetti squash. Add another .5 cup of peas to squash and toss again. Serve warm or let cool to pack up for another day.

If you like, top with a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds and some chopped pea shoots for even more green.

Check out the full recipe and other great healthy ideas on Aly's blog, The Health Beet. While we opted to cook our squash in the oven, Aly also provides handy instructions for preparing the squash in the microwave.

Thanks Ali! 

Breakfast Black Beans

During our LoveLife programs, as clients experiment with varying types, timings and quantities of carbs and proteins, many discover starting the day with beans speaks to their optimal carb-to-protein ratio. But beans for breakfast? Not typical American fair by far. Taking inspiration from Caribbean flavor combinations, we created a black bean breakfast dish utilizing spices to amp up the breakfast feel. Warm and satisfying with a decidedly island flair we think you'll find these beans a welcome way to approach plant protein at breakfast.
 

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 teaspoons olive or coconut oil
• 2 cups black beans (soaked overnight and cooked)
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 1/3 cup fresh squeezed orange juice*
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground all-spice
• Himalayan Salt to taste
• If a sweeter final result is desired, 1-2 teaspoons of agave or a pinch of Stevia can be used

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:

• Sliced mango
• Sliced avocado
• Shredded coconut
• Chia seeds (for a fun crunch and added fiber)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Warm olive or coconut oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cooked beans, coconut milk, orange juice*, cinnamon, all-spice and salt. Heat mixture thoroughly (2-3 minutes), stirring in agave/Stevia if using at the end. 

Serve warm with toppings of choice and a drizzle of coconut milk.

ADDITIONAL TIP:
Cooking the soaked black beans with a cinnamon stick lends an earthy undertone that's hard to beat.

*Omit if citrus is an intolerant food for you or you haven't yet tested.

Ryan, a reformed 'Cheese-tarian"

Ryan Robinson

President, Onramp Access

Hobbies include biking, kayaking, snowboarding, and running with my dog

WEIGHT: 15 pounds lost

RYAN'S PERSONAL DISCOVERIES:

• NUTS: Higher anxiety/stress levels and reduced sleep quality 
• GREEN VEGETABLES: More energy and less irritability

NEW FAVORITE FOODS:

• The Love Cleanse Green Juice
• Quinoa and fruit for breakfast
• Stir fry with broccoli, asparagus, snap peas, avocado, and kale

FROM RYAN:

“The Love Life Method has dramatically changed my diet and my life.  I now eat a lot more green vegetables which give me more energy and make me less irritable.  I recommend the Love Life Method to everybody.

My friends used to call me a “cheese-tarian” because I was a vegetarian that didn’t eat any vegetables.  The Love Life Method caused my tastes to change in a way that I now enjoy eating a wide range of green vegetables.  More importantly, my body now craves the green vegetables.  I like to drink a glass of green juice every morning as a daily start to my healthy diet.

By eating a lot of green vegetables, I have more energy and I’m less irritable.  It’s very empowering to know how different foods affect my body and my mood.  For instance, who would have thought that nuts would make me stressed out and keep me from sleeping well?  If I had known how much better I could feel by making small changes to my diet, I would have done the Love Life Method a long time ago.

I am very thankful to Kim and the Love Life Method.  As my wife and I prepare for the birth of our first child, it’s great to know that I can now set an example of a healthy diet for my daughter and I’ll have more energy to chase her around."

 - Ryan Robinson

Weight Loss Inspiration From Past Clients

“After 39 years I am finally back to my pre-wedding weight thanks to Kim! Prior to The Love Cleanse I could only lose 5 to 10 pounds at any given time and this was after trying all sorts of diets and exercising constantly! With Kim's help I have been able to identify the foods that I am sensitive to and live a healthier and happier life! A huge bonus is that my husband (who is a physician) was so impressed with the results that he changed his eating habits and dropped 20 pounds!”
Maggie Falvey, lost 21 pounds

“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. “
Lucy Reagan, Lost 11 pounds

“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.Within the first week I started to see several improvements from weight loss to increased energy.”
Leigh Perry Zielinski, Lost 10 pounds

“I have been working towards a goal of better health and weight loss for quite awhile. I had adjusted my diet (became a vegetarian), watched calories, exercised, and practiced yoga. I felt somewhat better but seemed to have hit a plateau. My weight would not seem to want to ever get below 200 lbs., I did not really think I ever would. I would eat great for awhile and then binge on chocolate and sweets. My weight would bounce from 204 to 218. In 8 weeks I went from 204 lbs to 177 lbs., where I am holding steady. I have tremendous energy, I have all but eliminated my allergies, my flexibility and lucidity have increased exponentially. I feel great!
Steven Sides. Lost 27 pounds

“The LoveLife Method taught me how my body truly wants to be rewarded with food. The payoff has come through higher energy levels, better sleep, and weight loss – I dropped 20 pounds over the course of the program. I learned the big difference between the cravings created by certain foods (read: sugar) and the nutrition needed by my body.”
Scott Yarborough, Lost 22 pounds

“I have always considered myself reasonably healthy but I was truly amazed by the impact of the program.  The speed and ease of how the program helped me lose nearly 20 pounds and raised my energy and general health was remarkable and far easier than I ever expected.”
Matt Murhpy, Lost 17 pounds

“We decided to take the plunge with full commitment and after our first week we started to see some significant differences with weight loss, energy levels, and overall excitement about learning to eat the right food at the right time of day, specifically for your body. In addition to the LLM, I also increased my workout routine and really energized the weight loss component which worked very well for me.”
Randy Murphy, Lost 24 pounds

“During the cleanse, my energy soared and my skin looked better then ever. I also lost 20 pounds.”
Kelley Huston, Lost 20 pounds

“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.”
Christi Corbitt, Pure Austin Trainer

“I started this program as a diet - needing to lose a significant amount of weight. Instead I have discovered a way of life. “
Kathy Kerr, Lost 29 pounds