Living in Balance is a Lifetime Journey

                                           Photo from youngblackdownandlow

It's funny when I first meet people immediately they point they eat healthy and exercise.  Of course, I always congratulate them on their dedication to living a healthy lifestyle.  
People don't realize that to be truly healthy really goes far beyond eating healthy and exercising.  What we consider today as nutrition is really a secondary source of energy. EVERYTHING is food! 

Photo from Flickr

Think back to a time when you were head over heels in love.  Everything was exciting and exhilarating.  Colors were in Technicolor.  You completely forgot about food and were high on life.

Remember that time when you were really involved in a juicy good project.  Your belief in what you were doing created a lot of confidence and stimulated you.  Time flew by, the outside world didn’t exist and you didn’t feel the need to eat until being reminded. 

Photo from RedPillReich

Imagine when you were a kid, playing outside with friends and your mother reminding you, “Come in, it’s time for dinner.”  You rushed in, gobbled down just enough food for your mother to approve of and then you ran back outside to play until bedtime.  Food never crossed your mind during that whole time. Right?

Photo from Real Simple

Primary foods feed us, but they don't come on a plate. Elements such as a meaningful spiritual practice, an inspiring career, regular and enjoyable physical activity and honest and open relationships that feed your soul and your hunger for living all constitute primary food. 

As children, we all lived on primary food. The same as when deeply in love, or working passionately on a project. The fun, excitement and love of daily life have the power to feed us so that food becomes secondary. 

The more primary food we receive, the less is our dependency on secondary foods. The opposite is also true. The more we fill ourselves with secondary foods, the less we are able to receive the primary foods of life.

NYC Healthy Chick’s Daily Practice

Eating 3 balanced planned meals daily will help sustain energy you get from your primary food practice. As well as keeping your blood sugar stable and helping you to become a fat burning machine.

Photo from Whole Foods

Breakfast:  Starting your day with a bowl of Overnight Oatmeal (http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/345). 
It provides a good source of protein, whole grains & fresh fruit.  This is perfect to eat hot or cold. 

Photo from Recipe

Lunch:  Keep fueling your furnace with this combo of heart healthy ingredients full of flavor and zest. Hmm, yummy Salmon & Spinach Salad with Flaxseed Dressing (http://www.recipe.com/salmon-and-spinach-salad-with-flaxseed-dressing/). 
Your tummy is sure to not rumble for hours. 

 

Photo from Whole Foods

Dinner: Bold flavors satisfy even the hungriest man on the planet, not to mention we all have a craving for a little beef every now and then.  Okay, well at least I do!  Try Steak with Piquant Italian Salsa Verde http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/985. 




 

Yes, even NYC Healthy Chick has “one of those days” still in her life.  Remember it’s a journey not a destination.  One thing I make sure to do on a daily basis is get all the hugs and kisses from those around me plus taking some time to exercise, or mediate to relax myself just a little bit more.

Photo from English-Net

So the next time you find yourself in front of the fridge getting ready for a food binge be sure to go seek out a hug or two from your loved one, go for a walk around the block, or call a friend to just talk.  Chances are you will feel much better and allow for the energy of your primary food to feed you and your soul. 

Have an AMAZING day!

OFFICIAL LAUNCH PARTY 02-23-11!!!

It's TRUE!!!! 

While "officially" NYC Healthy Chick Meetup started on 12-26-10, 

the KICK-OFF PARTY will

be on 02-23-11 at the Houndstooth Pub in NYC. 

There will be a Red Carpet Event, FREE Happy Hour, Food, Cake, Fun, Music and More!!!! 

NYC Healthy Chick (a.k.a. Janet Cook) is an EX-NYC PARTY GIRL transformed into a Certified Holistic Health Counselor (IIN 2009). She takes her enthusiasm, optimism and energy she once had to PAR-TAY and guides others to holistically improve the quality of their lives while achieving a balanced, juicy, sassy & healthier lifestyle.    The introduction of PRIMARY FOODS (career, relationships, spiritual, physical) is one of the main goals of NYC Healthy Chick. These are necessary to feed us and give our bodies the energy we need every day to live healthy balanced lives. You will also get exposure to healthier foods options plus supplements to nourish your body and promote a lifetime of optimal health & well-being.  One thing is for sure ~ you will learn that EVERYTHING is food in your life and that you can experience anything you want to create. Believe in and EXPECT MIRACLES.   NYC Healthy Chick empowers people with real tools, education and ways                                        to create a juicy, sassy & healthier lifestyle.
NYC Healthy Chick is part of a HUGE mission through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition to create a ripple effect of happier, healthier and more joy-filled people living in this world. After a 25 year span of "livin' la vida loca" ~ she has finally learned that her core happiness, joy, health, well-being, and wealth were really at stake, and in order to live the best life ever required the willingness to change, correct and improve myself every day. If she can inspire you to have the courage to take action to change, go outside of your comfort zone or re-write your "herstory" or "history" then my her as a Certified Holistic Health Coach is a success. NYC Healthy Chick's information will always be related to nutrition because food is everything ~ career, relationships, physical, spiritual, and actual food. KEEP an EYE OUT...because you never know what she's going to write about in her articles, links, information & more. She will definitely will keep you guessing!

Why Do People Fail ~ Les Brown

Why Do People Fail ~ Les Brown 

(click on link to watch short video)

Do you have any goals or have you stopped dreaming and wanting to achieve more in your life?

If you had to live your life over again, would you have done more than you have done thus far?

What goals do you want to achieve in your life?

• Personal 
• Business/Career 
• Social contribution 

Now as you think about these goals dramatically increase these goals.

WARNING!!! Don't worry about the HOW ~ it's none of your business according to Les Brown.

Your goal is to AIM. Most people aim too low and don't hit...many don't aim at all.

What are you setting out to create this year in 2011 that will allow for you to leave your mark or make a statement with your life?

Let's take a look at what is stopping you?

• non-supportive thoughts, feelings, behaviors
• diet/lifestyle
• relationships
• current unhealthy habits (drinking, smoking, overeating, poor diet, lack of exercise)
• lack of money, resources

Let's get you AIMING high and making mark in life!!!

This is a New Year ~ New You 2011 way of thinking, being and doing!

NYC Healthy Chick LOVES LOVE LOVES stretching you past your comfort zone! It's what makes life JUICY & FUN!!!

New Year ~ New You 2011 ~ Goal Setting

As I kissed 2010 goodbye, I realized how many obstacles I overcame this past year.....
WOWSA honey were they a lot!

Was my life perfect? Not by any means.

Did I meet a lot of wonderful people? U bet!

Did I get stretched beyond my comfort zone often. OMG did I & boy were some really PAINFUL!

Were there several wonderful opportunities & chances for me to grow. Right on!

On New Year's Eve day, I sat down and came up with what I will create in 2011 for myself. Are some of them really BIG LOFTY goals? HELL YEAH! Will I achieve all of them? Ah, that's not the point.

So what's the point of goal setting? Believing I can and will achieve them is the point. I will get to see throughout the year how committed I am to making them all come true. That's part of the journey. It is my GPS for the year. So many times I meet people and they aren't happy. Why? Because they don't know what they want in their life. They go to a job the often don't like, they are in a relationship they really don't want to be in, they aren't their ideal body weight because they don't have healthy habits or beliefs to support well-being...the list goes on and on and on.

When I look at my life I realized that I am the COMMON denominator in all areas of my life ~ career, relationships, physical wellness, & spirituality. I have created this life I'm now living ~ good or bad, right or wrong, happy or sad. It's all been because of me ~ my thoughts, feelings, behaviors, actions & outcomes. I am the ONE who is stopping me from getting what I want in my life.

This year my blog is about inspiration and transformation. I hope that you will laugh, cry, cheer and celebrate with me as I share my journey to creating the BEST 2011 yet!

2011 Be My Best Year Ever!!!

TODAY I AM FINANCIALLY FREE!
(This is my daily declaration)

Health (write what you want it to look like)

Physical
Mental
Emotionally

Wealth (write how you will accomplish this)
Networth
Annual Income
9, 6, 3, 1 month from now.

Relationships (write how you want it to look & the goal)
Self
Love/Mate/Spouse
Family
Friends
Colleagues

Charities (5-10% of your annual income)

Here is to having a ROCKING 2011! I'm including some GREAT video links to some of my FAVORITE mentors out there. Hope you get some INSPIRATION to make your BEST year yet!

Evan Almighty

Tony Robbin's Philosophy

New Year Inspiration ~ Brendon Burchard

Have a ROCKIN' NEW YEAR ~ Celebrate 2011 NOW!

NYC HEALTHY CHICK

Imbalances in MEN & WOMEN are DANGEROUS.

Are you nutritionally balanced? 

Chances are you aren't which potentially will create a lot of health problems down the road.

     

Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalances Are:   

• obesity
• depression
• most forms of cancer
• diabetes
• growth abnormalities
• aging
• infertility
• mood swings
• heart disease
• sleep apnea
• high cholesterol
  

Causes Are:  

• Pollution,
• Toxic diet
• Lack of iodine
• Heavy metals
• Plastics
• Pesticides
• Goitrogens

 

Disease & Illness are the RESULT of hormonal imbalances. 

Cancer

Women with a hormone imbalance are more likely to develop uterine, cervical or breast cancer, while men with a hormone imbalance are more likely to develop prostrate cancer.

Autoimmune Diseases

According to the Hormone Foundation, lupus and other autoimmune diseases may be caused or aggravated by an imbalance in hormones.

Cushing's Syndrome

Cushing's syndrome is caused by chronic high levels of cortisol in the body, is caused by chronic high levels of cortisol in the body, either produced by the body or by taking cortisol-like medications such as prednisone. It can cause a host of problems, such as weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, infertility and decreased sex drive.

 

Acromegaly

This disease occurs when there is any over-production of growth hormones by the pituitary gland, which causes bones to grow at an abnormally fast rate. According to the Mayo Clinic, it usually affects middle-aged adults. It is also known as gigantism when it affect children. 

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism (also known as an overactive thyroid), can occur as the result of an overproduction of the hormone thyroxine. Hyperthyroidism can cause problems such as rapid weight loss or gain, a rapid heart beat, tremors, nervousness, fatigue and goiters. It could also be an indication of another autoimmune condition, such as Grave's disease. 

Warning: If you suspect that you have a hormone imbalance, make it a priority to see your physician. You may need a referral to an endocrinologist who can help to get your hormones balanced before any major health issues arise.

Resources: The Hormone Foundation, David Wolfe, ehow 

Ring in the New Year with Bubbly Benefits

Hmm one of my favorite beverages I LOVE LOVE LOVE to drink (when I do) is Champagne. For any secret admirers out there, for the record Champagne Moet & Chandon Dom Perignon 2002 is quite lovely. :) :) 

Toasting to bubbly's big benefits your heart, smooths your skin and more! 

A glass of bubbly is about 78 calories per 4 oz pour -- it's one of the lowest calorie libations you can enjoy guilt-free. 

HEALTH BOOSTER 

• Champagne reduces risk of heart attacks & stroke because of the polyphenols in the bubbly lower blood pressure. Remember moderation is key!  

SKIN SALVE

• Champagne's carbon dioxide may help tighten your skin, and it polyphenols combat redness. Soak in a soothing bath: combine 1 cup powdered milk & 1/2 cup of Epsom salts in bowl; add 1 or more cups of any sparkling wine (get the cheap stuff honey) and 1 tablespoon of honey warmed in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir, then pour into running bath water. Add rose petals for a spa like feeling -- then sip a glass while you soak. AHHHHH! 

SPIRIT LIFTER

• Feeling like a Oscar the Grouch lately? Drink some Champagne! Bubbly contains natural trace minerals that may boost your mood..REMEMBER moderation darling!

SALAD SPIFFER

• Take the left over flat Champagne and make a yummy vinaigrette. Combine in a small bowl, 2 tablespoons of Champagne, 2 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon each of sea salt & freshly ground pepper; whisk well. Drizzle over 5 oz of baby spinach toss with walnuts and YUMMY!!!
  

B4 Hitting the Bar or Party on NY's Eve or ANY TIME ~ :):)

Eat a meal rich in fiber, carbohydrates, and healthy fats - like those found in avocado & nuts. They help slow the body's absorption of alcohol. One of my PRE drink meals is quinoa (keen-wah).

Be sure to nibble as you drink on things like nuts. It's ideal to stick to light-colored liquors like vodka or white wine over dark ones like whiskey and red wine, because they contain less chemicals calle congeners, which can leave you with a splitting headache. Avoid add-ins like sour mix, which pack preservatives that can make hangovers HELL! Plus, they will spike your blood glucose which will send you crashing - leading you to crave MORE alcohol.  

Oh dear ~ no wonder I want more more more when I have those mixed friggin' drinks ~ LMAO.

Research has shown it's not a good idea to mix diet soda & booze.
WHY? Sugar substitutes may speed the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream.  
HOLY CRAP!!!

Okay - a tip from the EX-PARTY girl herself (sometimes I think I can still drink like I used to - clearly I cannot). Alternate drink with a nice tall glass of water to combat alcohol dehydrating effect. Dehydration is a killer on the body not to mention your internal organs and cells.

If you do manage to OVER DO IT :) drink coconut water before bed to rehydrate or WANT MORE ENERGY to replenish lost electrolytes. 

Include bananas, eggs, Isalean Protein Shake, plenty of water, eating healthy, brisk walk & my personal HANGOVER REMEDY to get you firing on all cylinders the next morning and day.


These are just a few tips and foods to help your alcohol-ravaged body recover. 
Happy New Year!!!!