Start the Year Right with my 5 Day Whole Body Reset Program

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Here we are at the end of 2024 enjoying the winter holidays season! These are fun times for all, but for many of us the stress is high, temptations are great, and we find ourselves eating way too many dense foods that lead to fatigue, bloat, and weight gain. Join me in January to boost your health and vitality.

The 5 Day Whole Body Reset Program

It’s important for weight loss to sustain muscle mass. This program is designed to both build and retain your lean muscle mass through the right nutrition and protein, while losing weight and inches from fat loss.

It’s the focus on nourishment and muscle mass support that sets this program apart from the other, more typical programs we are inundated with this time of year. Not only is this program simple and easy to follow, but you feel healthy and nourished, not irritable and deprived.

The Reset Program Kit

In your program kit, you’ll find 5 meal & snack boxes – one for each of the 5 day of the program. I encourage you to add in your own fruits and nuts to the protein oats, and extra vegetables and protein to the lunch and dinners.

Start your 2025 Wellness Journey

What you will gain from this 5 day program are important Building Blocks to boost your health and immunity:

  • Protein (100 total) to help you support and build Lean Muscle Mass
  • Micronutrients to look and feel your best
  • Boosted Gut Health through a pre and probiotic blend

Some of the benefits reported in the clinical trial:

  • Look and feel better:
  • See Improved Body Shape
  • Boost Metabolism
  • More Energy
  • More Focus
  • Improved Sleep
  • Better Digestion
  • Reduced Cravings
  • Improved Mood

The 5 day whole body reset program also includes:

  • A recipe guide
  • Meal plan
  • Shopping list
  • Online fitness classes

This program is completely customizable to your needs and can be extended to include a comprehensive 30-day program to continue your journey for sustainable weight balance and energy.

Contact Renee at [email protected] for more information and to see if this program is right for you, or click here to request a free 15 minute discovery call.

 

The Imperative of a Sustainable Approach to Weight Loss

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In clinical practice, sustainable weight loss should be prioritized over quick fixes, which often lead to transient results and subsequent patient frustration. With obesity and related health conditions on the rise, as well as the popularity of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy, adopting strategies that emphasize gradual, lasting change is essential.

While medications do play a supportive role that garner fast results, long-term success in weight loss and health outcomes is often achieved through sustainable lifestyle modifications. My approach with my clients is to use a combination of dietary changes and lifestyle coaching with a variety of clinical tests to find answers to the deep-rooted problems that may have contributed to their weight condition.

Understanding Mindful Eating as a Clinical Tool

Mindful eating, when applied with patient-specific guidance, becomes a powerful intervention for addressing overeating and promoting a healthier relationship with food. By teaching patients to recognize hunger cues and savor their meals, they can make dietary adjustments without the psychological strain of restrictive dieting. This approach not only improves adherence but also reduces binge-eating episodes, ultimately supporting sustained weight management.

Mitigating Stress as a Weight-Loss Barrier

Stress is a significant driver of weight gain, often exacerbating poor dietary habits. Integrating stress management techniques, such as yoga and meditation, into treatment plans can help patients achieve a healthier baseline. These practices not only reduce stress-related hormonal imbalances but also aid in the regulation of appetite and cravings, making them valuable additions to weight loss protocols.

Nutritional Balance over Dieting Fads

Encouraging balanced, whole-food nutrition is crucial in guiding patients away from fad diets, which often lead to nutrient deficiencies and are unsustainable long-term. I work closely with my patients to choose a dietary plan rooted in variety and nutrient density, tailored to each patient’s needs and lifestyle. This approach allows for better metabolic health and supports the patient’s overall well-being, making it a more effective and clinically sound option.

Empowering Patients for Lifelong Health

For health professionals, the goal is to equip patients with the tools and knowledge they need to maintain their health independently. Sustainable weight loss is a journey that requires commitment and guidance, but with the right foundation, patients can achieve lasting success.

I always highly recommend that anyone deciding to incorporate GLP-1 weight loss or weight management drugs into their journey do so in conjunction with a medical professional and professional nutritionist coach.

Nutritional support to deal with common deficiencies from consuming less essential nutrients like Vitamin D, B12, Iron and calcium is recommended and gut health support to build up the gut microbiome and prevent side effects. Lastly, making sure there is enough protein in the diet to fuel metabolism and prevent muscle wasting.

Renee’s Resources

For over 20 years I have helped countless people root out the underlying cause of their weight gain, lose their desired weight, and find sustainable ways to keep it off. Some of the biggest underlying causes I’ve found are:

  • Hormonal disorders/imbalances
  • Underlying inflammation
  • Bad gut bacteria and yeast overgrowth throughout the body
  • Emotional eating due to mental health stressor
  • Inability to moderate food intake for either physical or emotional reasons

I have a 90-day coaching program tailored to each person’s needs, designed to help them lose weight and keep it off sustainably. I also offer on-going coaching services for patients whose weight loss journey is on-going over months or years. I offer a free, 15 minute discovery call to find out how I can help each patient meet his/her/their personal health goals or I can be reached by email at [email protected].

Client Testimonials

“I have been going to Renee for over a year now. At first it was difficult to confide in someone and relinquish food as my comfort source. Renee has shown me, through her compassion and sensitivity , that it was safe for me to actually feel good and want to take care of myself. She has guided me nutritionally so that the weight and inflammation in my body have subsided and this has allowed me to have greater mobility and health. Renee’s knowledge of nutrition is just the tip of the iceberg. Her healing energy and spiritual sessions have been powerful and healing. Treating the source and not just the symptoms, has given me a positive outlook for the future. Thank you Renee.”

– R.Y., NY

I just lost 40.4 pounds while working with Renee Simon. For the last 11 years I have been trying to lose weight. Weight Watchers didn’t work as I would gain all the weight back. My doctor wrote in his files “obese. ”    I tried on my own but of course gained more. My doctor put me on a weight program where a scale is sent to me and whenever I weigh myself it goes  directly to him. I was supposed to be given a nutritionist with the program, but as my luck would have their nutritionist left and I had no one to help me.  I luckily found Renee. It’s been a godsend. I’ve been on the program since January 2023. As of today, September 18th, 2023 I have lost 40.4 pounds. The best part is I’m actually keeping it off. I’m now wearing clothes I haven’t fit into since 2005.  I am so happy I cannot express. The other day I dropped something on the floor and had to bend down to get it. I realized that’s the first time I bent down with absolutely NO difficulty!!!  I cannot recommend Renee‘s talents enough!

-A.E., FL

Mindfulness in the Workplace: Practical Tips

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Practicing mindfulness in the workplace offers powerful benefits, like reducing stress and boosting focus and overall well-being. It can be a game-changer for everyone—whether you’re a fresh face in the office, a seasoned pro, self-employed, or a manager navigating the daily grind. In our fast-paced work environment, finding those little moments for awareness and presence is essential for keeping both productivity and peace of mind in check.

As someone who has taught mindfulness in the workplace for many years, from hospital programs to working with small companies, I know the power that these programs can have for productivity and overall employee wellness.

Here are some notable mindfulness practices for you to incorporate in your work day to stay present and keep things manageable!

1. Take Breaks Throughout the Day to Focus on Yourself

Taking regular breaks is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to weave mindfulness into your workday. Stepping away every now and then can help you re-center, reset, and reduce stress. Instead of getting caught up in future tasks or dwelling on past concerns, use these moments to ground yourself in the present. Consider these small practices:

  • Go for a short walk to clear your mind.
  • Try desk stretches to release tension.
  • Stand up and breathe deeply to promote circulation.
  • Engage in breathing exercises to refocus your energy.
  • Take a few minutes for a short meditation to center yourself.

Even these small practices can boost your energy and help you stay focused during a busy day.

2. Establish Clear Boundaries Between Work and Personal Life

As someone who has been self-employed as well as a corporate employee I know how challenging this is. One powerful way of practicing mindfulness in your workplace is setting clear boundaries between work and personal life is crucial for cultivating awareness in your work environment, as it directly impacts your mental health and productivity. Consider these strategies:

  • Define your work hours and stick to them.
  • Resist the urge to check emails after hours to create a healthier balance.
  • Communicate your boundaries with colleagues to foster mutual respect.
  • Switch off” from work when the day ends to recharge mentally and emotionally.

By taking these steps, you can come back refreshed, focused, and ready to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead.

3. Practice Solid Time Management

Effective time management is another key element of integrating presence and awareness into your daily tasks. To stay organized and focused, try these tips:

  • Prioritize your responsibilities by focusing on urgent and essential items.
  • Use a clear to-do list with ranked priorities to keep yourself on track.
  • Break larger projects down into smaller, manageable steps to reduce overwhelm.
  • Build in breaks and buffer times for a more balanced day.

These strategies can help you create a manageable workflow that enhances both productivity and well-being.

4. Maintain Healthy Habits for Physical Health

Don’t underestimate the impact of healthy physical habits on your overall sense of well-being in the workplace. Consider incorporating these practices into your routine:

  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
  • Make nutritious food choices to boost energy and focus.
  • Stand up and stretch at your desk every couple of hours.
  • Use a standing desk if possible to keep your energy up.
  • Take a walk during lunch or do 5-minute desk stretches to refresh your body and mind.

By focusing on your physical health, you’ll create a solid foundation for mental clarity and stress reduction.

5. Manage Expectations and Set Realistic Goals

Managing expectations and setting realistic goals is essential to maintaining a healthy work-life balance and preventing burnout. To help with this, consider:

  • Being honest with yourself about what you can realistically achieve in a day.
  • Avoiding overcommitment to ensure you stay productive and mentally healthy.
  • Communicating openly with your manager or clients if you feel overwhelmed and need adjustments.
  • Learning to say “no” when necessary to prioritize what truly matters.

These practices will help you maintain focus and quality without compromising your health.

6. Create a Comfortable Workspace You Enjoy

Your workspace should feel inviting and comfortable to support a mindful approach in the office. To achieve this, try:

  • Personalizing your desk with items that bring you joy, like plants or family photos.
  • Adding a warm throw for those chilly office days to create a cozy atmosphere.
  • Keeping your space organized to promote clarity of thought.
  • Surrounding yourself with comforting elements that helps reduce stress.

These changes will help foster a calm and enjoyable environment that supports both productivity and well-being.

Embracing Mindfulness for a Happier You

Integrating awareness into your daily work life can lead to significant improvements in overall well-being, productivity, and job satisfaction. By making small, intentional changes—whether through taking mindful breaks, setting boundaries, or creating a comfortable workspace—you can cultivate a balanced approach that positively impacts your daily experience. I encourage you to try out a few practices that resonate with you and see how they transform your work routine. If you’re looking to dive deeper into practical mindfulness techniques for every aspect of life, consider signing up for my coaching sessions. Embrace mindfulness in your workplace, and watch how it enhances both your productivity and happiness in the workplace as well as your other relationships and outlook on life. If you are responsible for corporate wellness programs for your staff, consider doing a staff in house or fun retreat with me focused on stress reduction and mindfulness techniques. It’s a great way to foster teamwork and boost productivity and wellness in the workplace.

 

Sources

Allen, Tammy D., et al. “How Effective Is Telecommuting? Assessing the Status of Our Scientific Findings.” Psychological Science in the Public Interest, vol. 15, no. 1, 2014, pp. 40–68.

Claessens, B. J., et al. “A Review of the Time Management Literature.” Work & Stress, vol. 21, no. 2, 2007, pp. 115–136.

Good, Darren J., et al. “Contemplating Mindfulness at Work: An Integrative Review.” Journal of Management, vol. 42, no. 1, 2016, pp. 114–142.

Hyland, Patrick K., et al. “Mindfulness at Work: A New Approach to Improving Individual and Organizational Performance.” Industrial and Organizational Psychology, vol. 8, no. 4, 2015, pp. 576–602.

Kelloway, E. Kevin, and Arla Day. “Building Healthy Workplaces: Where We Need to Be.” Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science, vol. 37, no. 4, 2005, pp. 309–312.

Kossek, Ellen Ernst, and Brenda A. Lautsch. “Work–Family Boundary Management Styles in Organizations.” Organizational Psychology Review, vol. 2, no. 2, 2012, pp. 152–171.

Locke, Edwin A., and Gary P. Latham. “Building a Practically Useful Theory of Goal Setting and Task Motivation.” American Psychologist, vol. 57, no. 9, 2002, pp. 705–717.

Michel, Jesse S., et al. “The Relationships Between Physical Health and Mental Well-Being in the Workplace.” Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, vol. 19, no. 2, 2014, pp. 151–163.

Thayer, Robert E., et al. The Biopsychology of Mood and Arousal. Oxford University Press, 1994.

Photo credit: https://www.claritychi.com/blog/what-is-mindfulness-in-the-workplace

 

Quick vs Sustainable Weight Loss

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Quick vs. Sustainable weight loss: What is the difference and why does it matter?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably come across advertisements in various places for different types of weight loss drugs promising to melt the fat so you can achieve the pants size of your dreams. What these ads are not so transparent on is the side effects they can have, the lasting negative effects that may occur, and the fact that you’ll need to stay on them for as long as you want to maintain your weight loss. Follow along with me in this blog post as I discuss how to make sure that the weight you lose while taking these drugs is sustainable weight loss!

While there are clearly cases where the benefits outweigh the risks, for many people they’re just a band aid, a very expensive, and potentially harmful band aid to other possible problem(s) lurking beneath the surfaces that may be the cause of weight issues. 

Without getting to the root cause of the weight management struggle and examining our mental health, as an example to evaluate if there’s a connection there, weight loss simply cannot be sustainable. In addition, there needs to be a clear nutritional and exercise program to go along with these medications to reduce side effects, especially gut health, deal with nutritional deficiencies that come from a lower caloric intake and build muscle mass to fuel metabolism and prevent muscle wasting and bone loss. 

In case you’re not familiar with what I am speaking about, I’m talking about glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs. This class of drugs mimic the action of hormones naturally produced in the gut. These hormones regulate blood sugar levels, stimulate insulin release, and slow down the emptying of the stomach, which can promote feelings of fullness and reduce appetite. 

The appetite-suppressing effects and promotion of weight loss are now key reasons they are widely prescribed, though their original purpose was blood sugar control for people with type 2 diabetes. Don’t get me wrong, for some people they are life changing and a real benefit. For example, they can reduce inflammation, improve fatty liver disease, reduce pressure on joints after losing weight so exercise is more comfortable, and promote a feeling of well-being for those who have tried everything without success. But there are also significant side effects that need to be explored. 

Let’s talk about some of these side effects for the different types of GLP-1 drugs.

There have been several major clinical studies done in the last decade to test the efficacy and safety of GLP-1 injectable and oral drugs. In addition to proving the drug’s benefits for blood sugar control and weight loss, they also exposed the side effects and risks that are commonly associated with these meds.

The 5 major clinical studies I’m talking about are: 

  • STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity) Trials
  • SUSTAIN (Semaglutide Unabated Sustainability in Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes) Trials
  • LEADER (Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes: Evaluation of Cardiovascular Outcome Results) Trials
  • SCALE (Satiety and Clinical Adiposity–Liraglutide Evidence) Obesity and Prediabetes Trials
  • PIONEER Trials *focused on oral GLP-1 but provided data applicable to injectables.

Taking a look at the side effects that presented during these 5 studies, the most common for both oral and injectable GLP-1 drugs were gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. The more serious side effects that occurred were pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and potential risks for thyroid tumors and diabetic retinopathy complications.

I do want to highlight, however, that these medications were shown to be effective for both diabetes management and weight loss, with careful monitoring required to manage the risks.

Sources: Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. “Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity.” NEJM, 2021. Marso SP, Bain SC, Consoli A, et al. “Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.” NEJM, 2016. Marso SP, Daniels GH, Brown-Frandsen K, et al. “Liraglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes.” NEJM, 2016. Pi-Sunyer X, Astrup A, Fujioka K, et al. “A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management.” NEJM, 2015. Pratley R, Amod A, et al. “Oral Semaglutide versus Placebo in Type 2 Diabetes.” Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol, 2019.

But what about mental health side effects? 

Good question! 

The clinical trials I listed above did not focus a lot on mental health outcomes, but there was some evidence to suggest a low-level risk of mood changes or depression, particularly in people predisposed to mental health conditions. 

Regulatory agencies, like the EMA and FDA, have flagged mental health issues, such as depression and suicidal thoughts, as potential but rare side effects of GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss. 

So even though these mental health changes are not as common as the gastrointestinal or cardiovascular issues, they should still be considered and monitored by a professional especially if there’s a history of mental health conditions!

Sources: Pi-Sunyer X, Astrup A, et al. “A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management.” NEJM, 2015. Marso SP, Daniels GH, et al. “Liraglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes.” NEJM, 2016. EMA’s Saxenda safety updates, FDA Saxenda prescribing information. 

What is the difference between taking these quick weight loss drugs vs a sustainable weight loss program?

For anyone who may be taking these drugs, or have consulted with their physician, you may have been told that GLP-1 drugs work best in combination with lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and exercise. And I agree! 

That right there is the difference: are you taking the drugs but not making any changes to your habits? 

Most of the time, weight problems are caused by underlying issues that have nothing to do with “being lazy” or “glutinous” like mainstream fat-phobic critics would have us believe. Whether it’s a medical issue, a mental health issue, or a combination of both, it is very important to include the discovery of that in our weight loss and weight management journeys

Make no mistake, these drugs can be lifesavers for people with pre-existing medical conditions where it is of the utmost importance to shift the weight effectively before more serious conditions, comorbidities or diseases, set in.

However, for those of us looking to “shed a few pounds” whether to drop down into a more “healthy weight range” as outlined by our doctors, or for more aesthetic reasons, taking a GLP-1 medication on its own for however long it takes to achieve the desired results is not the sustainable way to do this. The prolonged use of these drugs causes not only a fat mass decrease, but also a loss in muscle mass. 

This loss in muscle mass results in a slower metabolism than before you started the weight loss journey, which makes it increasingly more difficult to maintain any weight loss once going off the medication.  

As a professional, what do I recommend for sustainable weight loss?

I highly recommend that anyone deciding to incorporate GLP-1 weight loss or weight management drugs into their journey do so in conjunction with a medical professional and professional nutritionist coach to support your emotional well-being and uncover underlying issues contributing to your weight gain story. 

In addition, nutritional support to deal with common deficiencies from consuming less essential nutrients like Vitamin D, B12, Iron and calcium is recommended and gut health support to build up the gut microbiome and prevent side effects. Lastly, making sure there is enough protein in the diet to fuel the metabolism and prevent muscle wasting. 

For over 20 years I have helped countless people root out the underlying cause of their weight gain, lose their desired weight, and find sustainable ways to keep it off. Some of the biggest underlying causes I’ve found are:

  • Hormonal disorders/imbalances
  • Underlying inflammation
  • Bad gut bacteria and yeast overgrowth throughout the body
  • Emotional eating due to mental health stressor
  • Inability to moderate food intake for either physical or emotional reasons

My approach with my clients is to use a combination of dietary changes and lifestyle coaching with a variety of clinical tests to find answers to the deep-rooted problems that a traditional doctor may not initially address or look into. About 12 years ago, I decided to go back for additional training in yoga and mindfulness coaching. I did this to help more people who had a greater need to learn stress management techniques and tools to help them heal deep rooted problems that were leading to their symptoms, including weight challenges. The mind, body, and spirit are all connected when it comes to our deep-rooted problems, and addressing all three of these important aspects is what makes my programs unique and life changing.

Are you finding yourself in a difficult position and having challenges with weight loss? Would you like to start off your journey more holistically? Or maybe you’re currently taking a GLP-1 and are in need of assistance to make the weight loss/ weight maintenance sustainable and want help with some of the side-effects you are experiencing? 

Join me in a 90-day coaching program, tailored to your specific needs and designed to help you lose weight and keep it off sustainably. Click here to schedule a free, 15 minute discovery call to find out how I can help you meet your personal health goals, or you can email me at [email protected]. This is a tough journey, but I am here to support you all the way! 

Photo credit: CNN

Client Testimonials

“I have been going to Renee for over a year now. At first it was difficult to confide in someone and relinquish food as my comfort source. Renee has shown me, through her compassion and sensitivity , that it was safe for me to actually feel good and want to take care of myself. She has guided me nutritionally so that the weight and inflammation in my body have subsided and this has allowed me to have greater mobility and health. Renee’s knowledge of nutrition is just the tip of the iceberg. Her healing energy and spiritual sessions have been powerful and healing. Treating the source and not just the symptoms, has given me a positive outlook for the future. Thank you Renee.”

– R.Y., NY

I just lost 40.4 pounds while working with Renee Simon. For the last 11 years I have been trying to lose weight. Weight Watchers didn’t work as I would gain all the weight back. My doctor wrote in his files “obese. ”    I tried on my own but of course gained more. My doctor put me on a weight program where a scale is sent to me and whenever I weigh myself it goes  directly to him. I was supposed to be given a nutritionist with the program, but as my luck would have their nutritionist left and I had no one to help me.  I luckily found Renee. It’s been a godsend. I’ve been on the program since January 2023. As of today, September 18th, 2023 I have lost 40.4 pounds. The best part is I’m actually keeping it off. I’m now wearing clothes I haven’t fit into since 2005.  I am so happy I cannot express. The other day I dropped something on the floor and had to bend down to get it. I realized that’s the first time I bent down with absolutely NO difficulty!!!  I cannot recommend Renee‘s talents enough!   

-A.E., FL

Solar Eclipse 2024

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Solar eclipses are a watch worthy natural phenomena and this year we can view it across the United States with 90% or more clarity from many places. But what other meaning does a solar eclipse have? The sight of the moon passing in front of the sun, gradually obscuring its light can be viewed not only with awe but with insight. Here are some things to consider if you are an eclipse fan:

  1. If you are able to view the eclipse outside it’s an opportunity to connect with the natural world and feel the largeness of nature and the cosmos. When we are able to do this regularly it helps us to focus less on ourselves as individuals and any problems or challenges we are facing, even if only for a short time
  2. If you are able to watch the eclipse with a group of folks, sharing in the excitement and wonder of nature, helps us to connect with each other and feel that sense of bonding and community that is so important for physical and emotional health and well-being
  3. Lastly if you are interested in self-growth, eclipses are sometimes associated with new beginnings, personal renewal, and societal transformation

Regardless of your reasons to see the eclipse, I hope you enjoy the experience because you’ll have to wait another 20 years for this opportunity to come again.

Face What You Need to Change

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This quote from James Baldwin really hit home for me. I have been having a few old health issues showing up recently. Whenever there is something challenging it is normal human behavior to try to ignore or hope it goes away. I did that for awhile, fully knowing that there was something deeper emotionally I had to look at. As a mind body practitioner, I truly believe that most physical problems also have a mind/emotional component. When we have a handle on the role the mind and emotions have on the body we can really go deeper into whatever is ailing us, and in many cases the problem will resolve.

I remembered a technique I learned in my Mindfulness Teacher Training class called dialoguing with a symptom or body part and decided to try it. The techniqe is simple. Take some breathes, relax completely and than connect to the part of you that needs support. Once you feel connected start dialoging asking questions such as “why are you there,” “what do you need to tell me,” “what do you need from me to feel better,” etc. After spending a few minutes practicing this technique I got a very strong story as to what the origin of the problem was and what I needed to do to feel better.

If you are struggling with an illness or a symptom of some sort and you have done the traditional medical approach and still not seeing any results, it may be time to look at something deeper. Healing is a complex process that usually needs time and multiple tools to help.

Feel free to contact me if you need help with this practice or any other mindfulness practices to get outside of your head and balance your body, mind and spirit.

 

 

What I learned from tropical storm Isaias

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Storms are hard. There is the fear of not knowing how bad it will be or how to prepare adequately. There is also fear watching the storm with the trees blowing in the wind and seeing branches coming down and hoping nothing will damage your house or property. I have had several trees come down in different storms and damage my house and deck. And then there is the aftermath of the storm in terms of cleaning up the debris, getting all of the trees that are down cut up and off the property and finally getting any lost power, internet and cable back up.

During Isaias, I was home watching the storm and went downstairs to where I felt it safest when the eye of the storm hit about 2 PM. I heard branches come down and later found two down trees on the property where I am renting, one making a nice sized hole in the gravel driveway. We lost power, cable and internet. I was incredibly lucky to have a partial generator which kept my refrigerator going, some lights on as well as microwave and toaster oven. I made 3 nights of prepared foods the night before the storm as a precautionary step. We had extra batteries for 3 lanterns and enough propane for the generator. I felt ready. We were lucky to get our power restored in 2 days. It took over 2 weeks however, to get our internet and cable back.

Here is what I learned from the experience:

  1. Having no cable TV was an inconvenience as I like relaxing with Netflix at night, but I enjoyed playing cards, doing cross word puzzles, reading, doing yoga stretches and drawing in my mandala coloring book. I also just closed my eyes and did nothing for just a few minutes which I seldom do which was very relaxing and helped me to sleep better.
  2. For the first week I stayed positive and upbeat, grateful that I had my power restored, had water, etc. I was fine without internet and used the offices at my town to catch up on email and do zoom yoga and nutrition appointments. They were genuinely nice in giving me the space and I was sure it was only for a few days.
  3. By the beginning of the second week frustration set in. I called Optimum many times and got no where with support and service. First, they refused to send anyone out insisting it was because of electricity outages around, even though we had no electric problems. Later, they sent out several people who were the wrong people and could not fix outside problems. I was on hold waiting to speak to a support person for at least an hour every time and most were from another country and far away from the problem. I felt anger creeping in and a sense of hopelessness and loss of control.
  4. Finally, I surrendered to the situation and gave up worrying about it and was resigned that it would be fixed when it was the right time. It was helpful that a good friend offered a spare room in her house for me to do all of my appointments so although it was inconvenient to run over there so much, I had a plan that was working.
  5. It felt good to relax about it and I realized that there were many others in the same situation, so I had empathy for them instead of worrying about my own situation. I also learned that a lot of my fear -based behavior was from conditioning that I had to get all my work done and not let down any of my clients by canceling appointments.
  6. I came to realize that losing internet and cable was worth the sacrifice so that the town and state senator could escalate the problem and that hopefully if we get a similar storm or worse there will be a better solution.
  7. The bottom line is we are all so dependent on technology these days that if it goes down, we are in trouble. I am hoping the experience will help the cable and utility companies to have a better emergency plan and that our local officials will take them to task with fines or whatever would help to fix the problem.
  8. For me, the bottom line is to be prepared, let go of what I cannot control and remain calm and at peace regardless of the storm. I am hoping we have all built resiliency from this experience that well help us to navigate future storms and other emergencies, as well as the rest of the this Covid experience.

I would love to hear what you have learned from the storm if it effected you and from Covid. My heart goes out to everyone in Louisiana and Tesas that have it much worse with Hurricane Laura.

 

Best Nutrients for Optimal Skin Protection

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Wanna nourish your skin from the inside out? Here are the nutrients I recommend and best dietary sources.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A can treat skin conditions including acne, eczema, psoriasis, cold sores, wounds, burns, and sunburn. DIETARY SOURCES: liver, egg yolks.
Zinc
Plays a role in immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cell Division, has anti-inflammatory effects, and protects against UV radiation.
DIETARY SOURCES: red meat such as beef and lamb, and seafood such as oysters, scallops, and other shellfish are the highest animal sources of zinc. Plant foods such as pumpkin seeds and other nuts can also be high in zinc as well, but are less bioavailable.
Vitamin C
Plays a crucial role in the regulation of the structural protein collagen, which is necessary for the extracellular stability of the skin.Vitamin C contributes to better skin appearance and less skin wrinkling. May also help prevent and treat ultraviolet (UV)-induced photo-damage by acting as an antioxidant.
DIETARY SOURCES: bell peppers, guava, dark leafy greens, broccoli, brussels sprouts, kiwi, citrus fruits, strawberries, and parsley are high in vitamin C.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Helps regulate the bodies inflammation levels where too much can cause skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis and rosacea. Omega-3 fatty acids have been demonstrated to inhibit inflammation in the skin caused by UV radiation, and may even reduce the risk of skin cancer.
DIETARY SOURCES: Cold water fatty fish such as sardines, salmon, mackerel, tuna, anchovies, and black cod. Walnuts and flax seed.
Probiotics
Probiotics influence systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, glycemic control, which may have important implications in skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis.
DIETARY SOURCES: fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt, and kefir in your regular diet.
Vitamin E
Acts as an Important protective factor on the skin’s surface. Vitamin E is a potent anti-inflammatory agent, defending the skin against free radicals, prevents inflammatory damage from sun exposure, helping to reduce the aging and skin cancer risk from excessive UV radiation.
DIETARY SOURCES: soybean, canola, corn, and other vegetable oils. Spinach, turnip greens, chard, sunflower seeds, almonds, bell peppers, asparagus, collards, kale, broccoli, and brussels sprouts. Olive oil contains a moderate amount of vitamin E as well.
Good news, these are similiar to my list for building a strong immunity!
So taking a good multi vitamin and mineral pack with enough A, C, E, and Zinc and a probiotic and fish oil will protect your skin and boost immunity too. For info on my favorite supplement pack, click here

Best and Worst Diets Around The World Article

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Check out my recent article in conjunction with Medscape. Click here.

Weight Loss, High Cholesterol & Triglycerides, Osteoarthritis

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Brian was a retired 60 year old who came to see me to lose weight and lower his cholesterol and triglycerides. He was on medication for high triglycerides and blood pressure.

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