I am reminded daily of the importance of whole body/mind balance. Conducting periodic “tune-ups” is so key to alleviating nagging symptoms that just do not seem to want to leave no matter how hard you will them to depart!

Last week I worked with a woman who had gained seven pounds over the holidays. She had worked so hard to get her weight off prior to the holidays, and she was feeling like a total failure. I met with her and she was so distraught about the fat around her middle, her low energy, and of course, the cravings that were out of control. Sugar, sugar, sugar!

I gave her the following advice:
1. She needed 72 hours without sugar, or bread/starch/flour products, and to eat every 4 hours during the day.
2. I instructed her to add a supplement called 5HTP to her bedtime regime for stress control and cravings and better sleep, and to make sure she was getting the basic supplements, i.e. calcium-magnesium, B-Complex, and ginseng for energy.
3. I encouraged her to begin adding more lean protein to her diet at each meal, and to eat as many veggies as she could possibly get down daily. (Not potatoes!)
4. Lastly, I had her “hit the pavement” again with her daily power walking, to start back into easy weight lifting with just three simple things daily: 20 push-ups, 50 sit ups and 25 deep-leg lunges. And….
5. Call me in a week.
She took me seriously and did the Slap Me Into Shape Post-Holiday Plan!

She called today and reported that she felt 100% better, had lost 3 pounds, her cravings were under control and she wasn’t snapping at her husband. She felt better about herself, and most of all, she was back in the saddle and feeling great.

This simple game plan reminded me of how important it is to keep re-aligning yourself with what your body needs and craves. Keep re-dedicating yourself to doing the right things that provide the strength and endurance we need to be the incredible women we are.

The dynamic force we transmit when we are balanced ripples to all the people around us. We know this, and we know that energy from others affects us also. It should really call all of us to take a closer look at what we are doing that is and isn’t beneficial for our TOTAL mind and body balance!

I am going to remember how little it takes to get back on track and continue to share this with women who feel that they have lost hope to be who they need to be physically, emotionally and mentally!

Welcome to the first post to the JUSTASKNISH blog.

I have spent months considering what I should write to those of you who are seeking better health, hormone balance, and changes in your life, whether it be emotionally, mentally or physically.

With 2009 upon us, it’s time to figure out what’s not serving us well anymore. I urge you to make a list of what causes you to feel low, angry, frustrated, rushed, stressed, uneasy, or just basically wrong. Some culprits might include drinking excessive coffee or sugary drinks, or packing your schedule so tightly that you are running around like a wild woman.

Or maybe you’re in a job that’s is making you feel tired, restless, and irritable and you know you should be doing something different. Perhaps you’re not getting enough sleep or taking your supplements or avoiding exercise or choosing to sit on the couch and complain. That would be instead of going for a walk and laughing with a friend on a break from work. There are so many things that can bring us down, and I encourage you to identify at least three of them this month and get rid of them. Dump them for good.

The things that undermine us are the same things that allow us to lie to ourselves, telling us that we are not “attached” to them, or that we don’t have a problem in that area. They whisper to us that we really do need to stay up late, skip breakfast, drink more coffee, have another glass of wine, put off exercise, add more to the “to do” list etc. etc. etc.

The bottom line is the habits and activities that are not serving us well are the very things that will take away our smiles and throw us into a tailspin.

I recently did the exercise I’m suggesting for you. I listed, in writing, the many things in my life that aren’t doing me any good. I can’t tell you how hard it is to let them go, but how good it feels to be getting get rid of them!

I now understand that much of what I do out of routine or habit are the things that drain me, and will ultimately drain everyone around me. We are all connected and we should remember to consider not only ourselves but those around us!

I would love to hear your comments about cleaning your own house of habits and how it feels.

Balance and Light!
Nisha