fithiphealthy

NOURISHING YOUR INNER BUTTERFLY. 12 Mar 2012

 

Spring is a time for caterpillars to transform into beautiful creatures that flirt with gravity. A little butterfly lives inside of us. Specifically, inside your neck: your thyroid. This little butterfly-shaped organ needs a cocoon nourished by nutritional, environmental and lifestyle comfort.

When this butterfly is wounded, flying and Lithing are difficult.

Thyroid disorders, including cancer, are among the fastest growing health concerns for women today. Fatigue, depression, and joint pain are some common symptoms of thyroid disorders that can accelerate a vicious cycle as exercise and self-care become increasingly taxing. But, a little bit of spring-cleaning can brighten up your cocoon.

Through diet, an environmental detox, and a major lifestyle change, I was able to reverse my July 2010 hypothyroid diagnosis and restore my thyroid. Here are the three food groups I used during this time and will support your thyroid, even if you are already on medication.

1. Iodine: Sea vegetable like nori (found in sushi), wakame (found in miso soup) and kelp (great salt replacer)
2. Zinc: pumpkin and sesame seeds
3. Selenium: Brazilian nuts

With these cozy additions to your cocoon, you’ll be on pace with the Lithe butterfly.

Ali Shapiro is an author, regular NBC 10! Show contributor and health counselor. To sign-up for her newsletter, click here.

Image of Ali Shapiro via Ali and Lither, Jaclyn Obeso wearing Lithe's Ultra Support Performance Bra & Lace Insert Leggings via Dom

"THE RULES" 13 Feb 2012

for beginning a new romance with a mysterious stranger

Thanks to Hallmark, February is associated with a very commercial, “ready to buy” idea of love. Like “diets,” boxes of chocolate and tacky lingerie promise a simple and cheap solution to a process that takes time and care.  Too often, these solutions seem like a sarcastic or cruel commentary on what they are actually supposed to represent. 

This Valentine’s Day, dump the lazy, cheap, and thoughtless boyfriend of mass-marketed foods and beauty ideals. A mysterious stranger and a new and exhilarating romance are waiting for you. This dashing prospect is your current health goal. A charming date leans in and listens closely. Do the same to your goal. Read between the lines as you would with post-date and follow-up text messages. What does “I want to lose 15 pounds” really mean? What is different about the version of me who accomplishes this task? What does our life look like together?

Have a flirty first journal date with this question. Take it slow. Making this process into yet another crash diet is like sex on the first “date”: fatal to the relationship. Like a Lithe challenge or earning 30 lunge stamina, exploring, questioning, and deciphering your wellness and weight-loss goal takes time and dedication. And, your efforts are rewarded with lasting gifts that go beyond a smaller and tighter body. The more you listen, the more sensational the love affair with yourself and life, year round. Hallmark and Godiva can never compete with that.

Ali Shapiro is a 20-year cancer survivor and regular NBC Philadelphia contributor. Her Truce with Food program, which simplifies and revolutionizes your nutrition goals, begins March 6. Details and sign-up at http://alishapiro.com/group-programs.

Image of Ali Shapiro via Ali and Lithe Instructors, Krista DeNofa & Melissa Weinberg via Dom

STOCKING STUFFERS! 19 Dec 2011

I wanted to give Lithe readers a little something to make their holidays happier and healthier.

1. Spiced Nut Recipe (above)

2. 50% off a teleclass of your choice at my store, enter discount code “fithiphealthy” at checkout

3.  Chance to win a free teleclass. Leave a comment on the blog with which teleclass you want and why. I will choose a winner via random.org. Winner will be announced in comments on Wednesday!

Nut image via Elana's Pantry.

IN BETWEEN DAYS. 5 Dec 2011

 

 

The ”Cure” for managing holiday eating

 

Yesterday I got so full it made me want to cry . . .

Sound like a Christmas song to you? I know it’s Christmas time in the city. You’ve completed the Lithe challenge. Your pants feel amazing. Your mood matches. Then the panic around the omnipresence of sugar, alcohol, stress, and family baggage bubble up like a muffin top. Will all this progress last?

Yes. Centering your blood sugar and yourself before and between holiday events and parties can make the cookie tray unappealing, or only worthy of a casual encounter or two—without  regrets the next day. Here’s my prescription for managing holiday food fests. It’s efficacy increases with time and consistency.

 

Between Events:

1) GO GRAIN FREE: Eat a vegetable heavy diet, include vegetable based grain substitutions.

2) LOAD UP ON GREENS: They kill cravings while being filling and satiating.

3) EAT MORE PROTEIN: Particularly crucial after overindulging in sugar, this mitigates the resulting sugar and carb cravings.

4) KEEP EXERCISING: In addition to warding off winter depression, it’s a crucial blood sugar stabilizer.

5) BREATHE: Take time, if only 15 minutes to relax, meditate, take a walk or anything else that you find relaxing and centering (I’m crafting my own Solstice cards this year!). Don’t forget the power of some Lithe breathing in the midst of any overwhelming situation.

The longer you have been stabilizing your blood sugar, the easier it is to eat just one cookie. I speak from experience. As the girl who could eat the entire Christmas cookie tray, I can now eat one or two gluten free cookies (and maybe a piece of chocolate) and be happily finished. I can effortlessly return to my normal way of eating the next day and gone are the 12 days of “sugar hangovers.” This is my Christmas, Channukah, and Festivus Miracle.

Ali Shapiro is an author and regular NBC 10! Show contributor. To sign-up for her newsletter, click here.

Images of Ali Shapiro via Ali Shapiro and Lithe Instructor, Jennifer Troped via Dom

DECK THE HALLS WITH ZEN. 21 Nov 2011

What is my secret weapons to weight loss and getting back on track when I’ve missed a few Lithe classes and have eaten a bit too much dark chocolate? Cleaning.

I don’t enjoy cleaning. I will never be accused of being or accidentally mistaken for a domestic goddess. Still, cleaning and organizing is emotionally and mentally centering for me. I’m not alone. My clients consistently rank the impact of cleaning their home as one of the most ground-breaking experiences in their weight-loss and wellness journey. 

They are shocked at the power of something so simple. And, at how much less they snack and eat at meals in a calm and organized environment. These truths are increasingly permeating the mainstream. Happiness expert Gretchen Rubin, author of the New York Times Best Selling “The Happiness Project” stated at a recent conference that 4 of the top five things that make people happy on a daily basis are:

1. Sleep

2. Exercise

3. Lack of clutter

4. Making their beds

Lithe covers number 2. This holiday season, I encourage you to clean and organize one space where you can retreat and recharge amidst the seasonal pressures, obligations, and chaos. Because this is so important at this time of year, I am holding a one day “Redesigning Your Space for Self-Care” workshop on Saturday, December 10 from 10-3 PM. Linda Hallinan—a true domestic goddess, and Martha Stewart’s former coordinator— will contribute her design and organizational expertise. Sign up here to secure a limited space before Dec. 2.

Ali Shapiro is an author and regular NBC 10! Show contributor. To sign-up for her newsletter, click here.

 Images of Ali via Ali Shapiro and and Image of Lither Jackie Wilson via Dom

HOLIDAY RITUALS: REDESIGN, SIMPLIFY 7 Nov 2011

 

Sometimes, we have to reform traditions that are no longer relevant to us. Many Lithers find Lithe miraculous after many unproductive and joyless hours and years at the gym. They are amazed that something can be simultaneously difficult, fun, and transformative.  As the holiday season and pressures begin, I challenge you to ask, “what is your holiday equivalent of all those joyless hours at the gym?” Which holiday “obligations” bring no joy, few results, and lots of over eating and what is a better alternative that will return the results you want from the holidays? Below are some tips that my clients have found helpful.

5 Tips to Simplify the Holidays:

1. Attend only 3 holiday parties. Rank by importance and/or enjoyability.

2. If you must bake, choose one healthy dessert recipe for all events. Shop once for ingredients.

3. Instead of gifts, schedule a pre- or post-holiday experience with a friend, like a pedicure.

4. Plan a holiday menu of a few simple, whole food dishes. Accept guests’ offers to “bring something.”

5. With unavoidable toxic relatives, be firm, but polite. Harness the power of silence and a smile.

For a deeper look into self-care during the holidays and beyond, I am excited to announce the launch of an innovative concept, Eating Elegance, that examines the connection between physical space, organization, and the feedback loop this creates with inner emotions and eating patterns. Linda Hallinan, a Lither and Martha Stewart’s former coordinator who contributed to the program’s development, will be providing her expert advice on physical redesign and organization. Join us to explore these topics and enjoy a local, organic catered lunch on Saturday, Dec. 10.  For details or to secure one of the limited spots click here.

Ali Shapiro is an author and regular NBC 10! Show contributor. She works with individuals and groups to achieve Eating Elegance™, which is a systematic approach to creating a sophisticated freedom around food and lifestyle that nourishes your tastes, not your taste buds. In other words, food is no longer the centerpiece in your life. To sign-up for her newsletter, click here.

Image of Lithe Instructor Kim Sauer via Dom and Ali Shapiro via Ali Shapiro

BREAKING THE SPELL OF HALLOWEEN CANDY. 24 Oct 2011

 

For many of my clients, the scariest part of Halloween was the infestation of mini candy bars. At work, bowls of Halloween candy haunted them. At home, bags of candy purchased for or left over from trick-or-treaters made them feel as if they were possessed by food demons. They couldn’t eat just one.

They finally break the spell that Mars® minis has cast over much of their adult life after balancing their blood sugar and discovering the emotional and stress related roots of their food issues. When they find forgotten Halloween candy at Thanksgiving and don’t even feel like eating it, they believe Voodoo or at least an exorcism has occurred. In honor of my clients that have demystified their own relationship with food, here is a recipe for mini raw “snickers” that are truly fun. Delicious, portable, and packed with protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants— these won’t pull tricks on your blood sugar that cause cravings, weight gains, and the disappearance of many mini candy bars.  This, is true Halloween magic.

Ali Shapiro is an author and regular NBC 10! Show contributor. She works with individuals and groups to achieve Eating Elegance™, which is a systematic approach to creating a sophisticated freedom around food and lifestyle that nourishes your tastes, not your taste buds. In other words, food is no longer the centerpiece in your life. To sign-up for her newsletter, click here.

Image of Lithe Instructor Amy Larkin via Dom and Images of Ali Shapiro via Ali

 

THINK DIFFERENT. 10 Oct 2011

 

 

As I sat down to write this post, I learned that Apple Founder Steve Jobs had died.  I believe the true creative genius of Apple under Jobs and what made him so iconic was taking an existing object or experience and making it better. Apple, under Jobs, changed the place of computers in society, how we purchased and listened to music, and transformed the smart phone from a clunky corporate status symbol into a sleek machine that quickly became an essential part of life.

To some of my clients, Starbucks is as integral to their day as their iPhones. Yet, I was still surprised by how iconic the Starbucks Pumpkin Latte has become (Sayeh gave this drink a shout out in one of her posts; my sister and I get one on the first beautiful fall weekend of the year). If you’re buying from the ‘bucks, you can always request fewer pumps of syrup in any of their flavored drinks. Most of my clients find that a 1 or 1.5 pump Pumpkin Latte does the trick. But why not take a cue from Jobs and completely reinvent this experience? And—you can fully customize without restriction if you make your own. These recipes contain no artificial ingredients, blood sugar balancing spices, much less sugar, and you can make it with tea if you’re caffeine sensitive. The genius behind this lightly sweetened drink that won’t send you on a blood sugar roller coaster: coconut sugar, which has the Glycemic Index of . . . an apple, of course. 

Pumpkin Au Lait
8oz strong brewed coffee, hot
6 oz Cashew or store bought almond milk (unsweetened)
1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
1/8 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp vanilla
1-2 Tbs Coconut Sugar (available at Whole Foods)

1. Mix all ingredients together in a blender.
2. Heat ingredients in a saucepan.
3. Optional: top with frothed milk if you have a frother, sprinkle with cinnamon.

Pumpkin Chai Au Lait
8oz brewed Chai Tea
6 oz Cashew or store bought almond milk (unsweetened)
1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
1/8 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp vanilla
1-2 Tbs Coconut Sugar (available at Whole Foods)

1. Mix all ingredients together in a blender.
2. Heat ingredients in saucepan.
3. Optional: top with frothed milk if you have a frother, sprinkle with cinnamon. (To see the simplicity of a frother, view my recent NBC segment)

Recipe adapted from GlutenFreeFix.com   

Want to think differently about food? If you want to have an elegant and simple relationship with body and plate, consider my Virtual Truce with Food program. The in person program sold out weeks before the start date and only four spaces remain in the virtual version, so please sign up soon to secure your spot.

Ali Shapiro is an author and regular NBC 10! Show contributor. She works with individuals and groups to achieve Eating Elegance™, which is a systematic approach to creating a sophisticated freedom around food and lifestyle that nourishes your tastes, not your taste buds. In other words, food is no longer the centerpiece in your life. To sign-up for her newsletter, click here. 

Images via Ali Shapiro

L'SHANAH TOVAH (HAPPY NEW YEAR)! 26 Sep 2011

 

Even if you won’t be celebrating a new year this September, fall still seems like a time of fresh starts. For alumni of the quintessential American childhood, the first cool mornings bring back memories of the start of the school year with new school supplies and clothes. Indeed, this feels like a crisper time for a fresh start than cold and stark January 1st—which many greet from a fog of holiday food and alcohol.

For the Jewish New Year, there is a tradition of apples and honey to symbolize a sweet new year. I would like to share with you this recipe makeover for a traditional Rosh Hashana food, Jewish Apple Honey Cakelets. This cake is made from high-protein, high-fiber, low-carb coconut flour that balances out a touch of low-glycemic honey while cupcake form provides built-in portion control, and easy portability. Regardless of when you celebrate the new year, all Lithers can enjoy a truly sweet fall!

P.S. Only 2 spots remain in my Truce with Food program. I’m thrilled so many Lithers are joining me. If you are on the barre, definitely take the lunge before its filled.

Ali Shapiro is an author and regular NBC 10! Show contributor. She works with individuals and groups to achieve Eating Elegance™, which is a systematic approach to creating a sophisticated freedom around food and lifestyle that nourishes your tastes, not your taste buds. In other words, food is no longer the centerpiece in your life. To sign-up for her newsletter, click here

Images of Ali via Ali Shapiro and Lithe Instructors Krista DeNofa in Fat Free & Brooke Holloway wearing Lithe Wear for fall!

A MODERN HARVEST. 12 Sep 2011

An East Coast Fall is one of nature’s most stunning gifts. The crisp mornings, blaze of colors, and bounty at the farmers’ market are all tinged with sweet melancholy.  That cold, stark father winter is waiting in the wings, makes the Indian Summer and apples that much sweeter and more precious.

Your body knows this too. The harvest season prepares body and mind for winter. In 2011, you don’t have to fatten up on sweet vegetable or store root vegetables and salted meats to prevent winter starvation. But you do have to ground your body for the upcoming colder weather as well as decreasing daylight and Serotonin levels. Not to mention ever present Halloween candy, apple fritters, and upcoming holiday feasts. . . This is why fall is still a crucial time to balance your body and blood sugar with more protein and nutrient rich vegetables to crowd out starches and processed food.

With a balanced body and blood sugar, you can eat just one mini candy bar. Holidays are moderate indulgences, not binges, and you will want to return to green smoothies and veggies the next day. Lauren does her part to make the fall fantastic for Lithers (who else would design workouts for fall’s high-waisted pants?)! I will do mine with low-sugar, low-starch, high-protein, nutrient rich renovations of your favorite fall and holiday recipes. And I will begin by sharing a recipe for a food that is to a fall diet what the soft, luxurious Pashmina is to a fall wardrobe: bread. This grain-free bread is a great pre- or post-Lithe snack. Make it a perfect fall tartine by adding a tablespoon of nut butter.  With its high protein and low carbohydrate content, it’s filling, balancing and the perfect companion to a hot drink on September’s first chilly mornings.

Ali Shapiro is an author and regular NBC 10! Show contributor and works with individuals and groups to show them how to design weight-loss 10 pounds at a time. To sign-up for her newsletter, click here.

Images via Ali Shapiro, Lauren Boggi & Carrie Gero via Dom and EcoliciousLife