Don't compromise yourself. You are all you've got.
Janis Joplin
Growing up I was a tall slim girl with little confidence, often clinging to my mother's skirt. As a teenager and even earlier, I frequently would hear the same words from my parents' friends and other grownups, over and over again: "Wow! You are so tall you could be a model", "Your legs are so long - did you ever think of going into modeling?", "You are so skinny", "What a great body! You could be an actress", and so on...
I grew up thinking I wanted to be a model/actress, tried to stay super skinny and put all my emphasis on my outer looks.
I never became a model (or an actress), though I tried throughout the years. Today I clearly can see how the exaggerated need to be skinny and beautiful was due to the importance our culture places on outward appearance and to the brainwashing of society through media images of airbrushed models and celebrities.
I had a totally distorted self image, which can take years (if ever) to overcome.
Beautiful Body Types
On a daily basis, we talk to ourselves in ways we would never speak to another. Imagine speaking to a child the way you speak to yourself about your body. It would deeply devastate a child. It affects you similarly, causing stress and emotional pain in your body, which can make improving your health or losing weight even more difficult.
Our culture's preferred body type shifts every decade or so, but whatever it is, it is usually unattainable without spending enormous amounts of time, energy and money. Think of all the intelligence, creativity and time you spend on improving, altering and judging your appearance. Who would you be and what could you accomplish if your valuable energies weren't exploited this way? Constant emphasis on the external makes us discount the great presence and intelligence that is housed by the body. It makes us forget the magic of our internal rhythms and fail to acknowledge the beautiful bodies we have.
The body you have right now is incredible! It never misses a heartbeat, it maintains homeostasis and it miraculously digests whatever you put in it. It is your instrument for expressing your creativity, intelligence and love. By focusing on what you don't like or wish was different, you may be ignoring what is beautiful, unique and delightful.
What would your life be like if you were simply at peace with the body you have? You may wish to make your body healthier and stronger, but could you do that out of love and respect for your body instead of the opposite? Could you begin to treat yourself with kindness, to limit the negative self-talk and to reconnect with your inner wisdom? Take a minute to imagine what that would feel like. It would mean celebrating your body rather than punishing it. It would mean nourishing your body rather than depriving it. It would mean a chance to watch your body flourish just like a child flourishes when treated with care and respect.
Food Focus: Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are on everyone's mind this season. They seem to go hand in hand with the winter, and fortunately, eating these and other sweet vegetables needn't be limited to this time of year. 
Cravings for sweets can be greatly reduced by adding sweet vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, beets, winter squash and pumpkin to your daily diet. Sweet potatoes elevate blood sugar gently rather than with the jolt delivered by simple refined carbohydrates, so there's no energy crash after you eat them. Much higher in nutrients than white potatoes and especially rich in vitamin A, sweet potatoes offer a creamy consistency that is satisfying and soothing. They are healing to the stomach, spleen, pancreas and reproductive organs and help to remove toxins from the body. They can increase the quantity of milk in lactating women and can lessen cramps and premenstrual symptoms. If you don't have any sweet potatoes in your kitchen, go out and buy some (organic and local if possible) and make the recipe below.
Recipe of the Month:
Sweet Potatoes with Lime or Lemon Juice and Cilantro
This recipe is an eye-opener for those who find sweet potatoes cloyingly sweet.
Enjoy eating them! They are NOT FATTENING, and they are so healthy.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
4 sweet potatoes
1/2 bunch fresh cilantro
2-3 limes or 1-2 lemons
olive oil, salt (optional)
Directions:
1. Wash the sweet potatoes and bake them whole, in their skins, at 180C (or 350F) until tender, about 40 minutes.
2. Wash and chop cilantro leaves (if fresh I also use the stems).
3. When sweet potatoes are done, slit them open and place on a serving plate. Season with a splash of oil, sprinkle with salt, then squeeze fresh lime/lemon juice all over, and shower with cilantro leaves.
Your body loves you - love it back
Talya Lewin
Holistic Health Counselor
http://www.talyalewin.com/
Source: Integrative Nutrition
Recommendation of the month
Chen Lizra, owner of a unique Cuban dance studio in Canada, and my good friend, is coming 
to Israel! She will be teaching, one time only – Afro-Cuban Workshops.
This is a must! And a great workout.
Chen owns Latidos Productions, which specializes in Cuban dance instruction. Over the years she has gained unique skills, offered nowhere in Israel. She herself trains with professional dancers from some of the best groups in Cuba: Grupo Folklorico Nacional de Cuba, Yoruba Andabo and Escuela Superior del Arte.
With each trip to Cuba, she becomes even more inspired by the incredible new knowledge, the sensuality and the seduction of Cuban dance. Returning "to the world" she shares her passion, giving special dance classes and workshops.
Now finally in Israel!
Two workshops only: December 18 and 25, at 20:30-22:00, in the heart of Tel Aviv.
NIS 75 per person, or bring a friend and pay NIS 55 each.
For more information on Chen and her Company:
www.latidosproductions.com
http://www.chenlizra.blogspot.com/
Chen dancing:
www.youtube.com/user/clizra
registration and information:
Latidos@latidosproductions.com
Bulletin Board
Health Food Store Tour
December 31st
Do you ever wonder what they sell in health food stores?
And what do you do with all that healthy stuff?
Please join me for an informative and fun tour in my favorite store.
Where? Teva Sport Castel - Hamanofim 5,
Herzliya Pituach
www.tevasport.com/stores.asp
When? Wednesday, December 31st
What time? 18:30 - 20:00
How much? 25 NIS
Please book ahead
For participants in the Nutrition Program the tour is free
For information and reservation: 054-4670239
For all Chocolate lovers!!
Chocolate Making Workshop, Dec. 20th
What is the connection between: Health, Chocolate and Love?
I make the healthiest, tastiest chocolate on the planet
and I would love to teach you how to make it too.
No sugar, no milk products, no guilt,
just pure cacao, health and love!
Where? Ramot Hahsavim, Hakerem 3, Maya Studio
Directions: http://www.omyoga.co.il/
What time? 18:30 - 20:00
How much? 150 NIS
Please book ahead
The workshop is in Hebrew
For information and reservation: 054-4670239
Health and Wellness Workshop for Corporations
As a Certified Health Counselor, I facilitate a fun and informative Employee Health and Wellness Workshop. This workshop includes education on how to implement better nutrition and life choices to create a healthier life, a more efficient day and reduce stress in the work environment.
It serves as a first step in living a healthier more balanced life.
I would be happy to discuss and mail my information package to whomever is interested.
Forward to a Friend
It's such a pleasure to help those closest to us become happier and healthier. Please forward to friends, family members or colleagues, to whomever might be interested and inspired by it.
You can also (with their agreement) mail me their email address and I would be happy to add them to my mailing list.
Feel free to check my website: http://www.talyalewin.com/
I would be happy to schedule a free Nutrition breakthrough session.
אין תגובות:
הוסף רשומת תגובה