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Hey All,
This week on NPR radio I heard about a documentary which is all about the weight crisis in this country. I got excited hearing that this HBO film, called "The Weight of the Nation" was not only going to be aired on its home station but it is also available for anyone and everyone who wants to watch it via the internet, and it is being distributed to schools. I was so happy that the awareness is increasing and that HBO was so generous with the information for the good of the country, especially since this documentary slams the food industry. Not having any commercial advertisers really allowed them to tell it like it is...and like it is is not pretty.
After my elation subsided that someone is finally trying to get this information out in a massive way I thought about it from another perspective. I felt saddened that we have come to this place.
When I was growing up I was a rare overweight child. I got teased unmercifully, and hated my body. It seemed like all the other kids were athletic, thin, and carefree. I felt like a lump. My family was certainly no help, all being overweight as well. But we were not the norm. In fact I remember a couple of other friends whose families were also weight challenged, but it wasn't like today.
Today obesity is as common as brown hair. Supposedly by the year 2030 42% of Americans will be obese. Why? Why should this time in history be different from 40 years ago? The why is primarily the food industry. Every commercial tortilla chip you eat, every cookie you down, every coke you slurp was engineered to hook you in. If you frequent fast food places the "food" you are eating has been manufactured by machine, just like the box it comes in, with just the right mix of fat, sugar and salt to addict you completely. This combined with the layering of the bacon on top of the cheese and a double patty, the frappaccino carmelato with extra whipped cream, not to mention those super-sized fries, are adding an insane increase in calories from the simple burgers and cups of coffee of my childhood.
And speaking of my childhood, another big difference is cooking. We cooked back then...a lot. Cooking was a skill most women and lots of men had, and were proud of. Today, with our crazy busy schedules we don't cook very much at all. So much is available to make our lives so easier, so we buy it pre-made, or prepackaged, or we just go out to eat.
My mission in life is to get people to see the correlation between the foods they choose to eat and not just their weight but their overall health. These "junk" foods are just that....even if sometimes it says things like "healthy" or "natural" on the package. It is still a package.
A diet I heard about recently which sort of made sense to me was a "caveman diet": eat only what our ancestors ate. Everything from scratch. If it comes with a nutritional label it is not for consumption. Though I cannot completely buy into this, the moderate view is to go with as much whole, real, non-packaged, non restaurant food as is possible in your life. Make it imperative to have 5 or more cooked dinners a week. It is my life's work to help people get off the processed food addictive cycle and to make as many healthy, smart choices they can make.
So I am hoping you all will watch this documentary. Here is the link. You do not have to order it on Netflix, or run down to the video store...or even have HBO. You can watch it right now. It will make you MAD! And maybe it will make you decide not to give these companies any more of your dollars.
http://theweightofthenation.hbo.com/?cmpid=ABC1216
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 The upcoming 2 weeks will be exciting, and are a perfect time to jump into checking out a meeting if you have never come to one. The week of May 20th each group will be going grocery shopping together, to explore the smart and not-so-smart choices in our local markets. And the week following we will cover the essence of the weight-loss formula Healthy & Happy gives you, and do personal menu plans based on this so you can really learn it.
A new feature which will be in place by the end of May will be optional weigh-ins. Many people have told me they feel they need more accountability and that this is necessary for them to stay on track. I personally weigh in daily so understand this, but feel strongly that is an OPTION, and not required, as I would say an equal number of you come to me because you do not have to do this. For those of you desiring to weigh in I will have a professional scale and weight logs for you to record your progress. I also will be doing measurements if you would like that as well. ALL OPTIONAL!
And, if you have never been to one of my meetings here's an offer you (hopefully) cannot refuse: YOUR FIRST MEETING IS FREE! How can you lose?
MEETING DATES/TIMES/TOPICS:
The week of May 20th: GROCERY SHOPPING!! If there was ever a skill we need to master it is that of the savvy grocery shopper. This week each group will go out shopping. Below is a list of the stores and we will meet in front of the markets at our regular meeting time. You can go to any meeting or multiple ones if you are curious about different markets.
MONDAY 5:30pm Sonoma Market and we will also go to Whole Foods
TUESDAY 9:30am Trader Joes on Santa Rosa Ave. If there is time we will also go to Costco
WEDNESDAY 9:30 am Sonoma Market and we will also go to Whole Foods
WEDNESDAY 4:30pm Trader Joes on Santa Rosa Ave. If there is time we will also go to Costco
FRIDAY 9:30am Sebastopol Whole Foods and if we have time we will go to Pacific Market also The week of May 27th: LEARN THE PLAN!!
When each person joined they got a folder and a brief explanation of a formula, which if followed, would result in weight loss. Since many of you were coming from other weight loss programs and already had a certain structure, this plan has not been fully adopted by many of you. This meeting will help you really learn it. What we will do is create menu plans which are just for us, based on the formula. This will make it all quite clear and give you something concrete to go home and follow.
This will be the week I begin weigh-ins for those who desire it.
ALSO...THERE IS NO MEETING MONDAY, MAY 28TH FOR THE MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY.
ACTIVITY GUEST INSTRUCTORS:
Wednesday, May 30th
4:30pm
Lomitas Schoolhouse
2421 Lomitas Ave Santa Rosa
RAULY DUENAS DEMO-ING ZUMBA
 I am so excited to have my favorite Zumba instructor doing a demo for us. Rauly is an astonishing dancer. He teaches Zumba and also hip hop, and his style is unique and hypnotic. He is a favorite with the Mark West School district where he has taught dance to hundreds of kids and this summer he will be teaching a dance summer camp for kids at Lomitas Schoolhouse. He is known for his incredible skills in robotic-like moves. Check out his Human Toy video:
9:30am Lomitas Schoolhouse 2421 Lomitas Ave Santa Rosa
CARLOS SILVA DEMO-ING BODY DEJA-VU
 Body Déjà Vu is a high-energy cardio dance-infused workout. We have taken some of the hottest dance moves from Brazil to Scotland and everything in between and blended them into easy-to-follow dances steps that will allow you to get into the best shape of your life and have fun doing it. When you join us for our one hour classes, your body and mind will experience a new world of energy. We mix sizzling Latin inspired moves, seductive belly dance, hip hop, and tantalizing move of burlesque and so much more. From the second you get on the dance floor, you will be taken to all corners of the globe as we experience the diversity that music has to offer. *Body Déjà Vu:* is the point in your future where you will re-experience a healthy fusion of your mind, body, and soul through building your self-esteem, acknowledging your efforts, and enjoying the benefits of your total transformation.
On a personal note I have been taking Carlos' class for awhile now and am HOOKED! He is great! Come to this demo if you can!
5:30pmTrinity Episcopal Church
275 E Spain St Sonoma
DAWN THEILEN DEMO-ING PILATES
 Dawn Theilen CPT has been teaching fitness for over 16 years. She specializes in personal training, but also teaches TRX, Pilates, Body sculpting, Spinning, running and prenatal. Currently through her business, Dawn of Health (www.dawnofhealth.org), she has personal training clientele and also teaches TRX at En-er-gy and The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa in the town of Sonoma. She recently completed the Diva Half marathon and Mermaid 10K with her clients and is training for the Hit the Road Jack 10K in June. She is also part of a YouTube blog called Project Muffin Top which is a 90 day fitness challenge embarked on by her client. Having experienced a great illness for a few years she writes of her voyage and the nutrition changes that helped save her life. She has articles published at www.divinecaroline.com. Her love of fitness shines through in her training style and her motto for success is that in order to be successful in your fitness goals you have to change your lifestyle.
CURRENT MEETING SCHEDULE:
MONDAYS 5:30 PM
TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
LOMITAS SCHOOLHOUSE
2421 LOMITAS AVE SANTA ROSA
WEDNESDAYS 9:30 AM
TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
275 E SPAIN ST SONOMA
WEDNESDAYS 4:30 PM
LOMITAS SCHOOLHOUSE
2421 LOMITAS AVE SANTA ROSA
FRIDAYS 9:30 AM
SEBASTOPOL CENTER FOR THE ARTS
6780 DEPOT ST SEBASTOPOL
$10 / per meeting. Hope to see you at a meeting!
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RECIPES FOR THIS ISSUE
I have been in science experiment mode lately trying to figure out how to make the most indulgent yet lowest fat, sugar, calorie dishes and have come up with a couple of real winners. I don't think you will be disappointed...
Go to my website for my favorite recipes
CLICK HERE FOR MY WEBSITE RECIPE PAGE
CHEESY POTATO/ROOT VEGETABLE ONION TART
Ingredients
1 large onion sliced 1/4 inch thick
2 Tbl fresh thyme
4 garlic cloves mincedspray oil
1 Tbl olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
1 yukon gold potato, sliced thin
1 sweet potato, sliced thin
2 carrots, peeled and sliced thin
1 golden beet, peeled and sliced thin
1 parsnip, peeled and sliced thin
3/4 cup part skim mozzarella cheese, finely grated
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled finely
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1) Heat oven to 400
2) In a non-stick frying pan brown onion, thyme and garlic in spray oil. Set aside.
3) Spray a round baking pan generously with oil. Arrange onion slices in pan.
4) In a microwave safe bowl mix together sliced potatoes and vegetables and cook on high for 4 minutes in the microwave. Remove from microwave and mix with oil, the mozzarella and feta cheeses and pour into baking pan on top of onion slices. Sprinkle Parmesan across the top.
5) Bake at 400 for 45-50 minutes or until bubbling and vegetables are cooked through.
6) Turn upside down to serve so onions are at the top.
Serves 4
Calories: 204
Fat: 11.5 g
Sodium: 325 mg
Cholesterol: 25 mg
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 4.5 g
Sugar: 4.8 g
Protein: 10g
MOCHA FUDGE MOUSSE CAKE
Ingredients: 2 cups grated unsweetened coconut
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/8 cup instant coffee crystals
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup applesauce or mashed banana
3 Tbl sugar or natural sweetener to taste
1/4 cup chocolate covered coffee beans or chocolate coffee beans: leave 8 whole and chop the rest coarsely
Instructions:
1) Put coconut in food processor and blend until it becomes a paste. This can take quite awhile: as much as 10 minutes.
2) Put the coconut into the microwave for about 30 seconds to soften and melt a bit. Do not let it cook too long as it can burn.
3) Put it back into the food processor and add all the other ingredients except whole coffee beans. Blend until smooth.
4) Pour into a round baking pan and decorate top with beans. Refrigerate for an hour or longer. This can be frozen.
8 servings
Per serving Calories: 117
Total Fat: 7g
Sodium: 5 mg
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Carbohydrates: 14.5 g
Protein: 1.5g
Sugar:9g
Fiber: 5g This same recipe can be made without coffee and vanilla and with 2 containers of berries, such as raspberries instead of applesauce. Here is a photo of that version:
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YUMMY, EASY AND LEAN
COOKING CLASS!
There are still a few spaces left for this next cooking class. My goal is to teach light cooking: little to no butter, lower carbs, lower sugars, lots of vegetables and fruits, and delicious flavors. I am also big on EASY...I am not a gourmet by any means, so what I teach is practical, down-to-earth cooking and I always use lots of cool products to give your meal the zing to impress family and friends.
The class is at the gorgeous state-of-the-art kitchen at Lomitas Schoolhouse. The last class sold out...Don't miss out! I promise you will learn a lot, eat some yummy food and have a great time! SATURDAY, JUNE 2ND 1-4:30PM LOMITAS SCHOOLHOUSE 2421 LOMITAS AVE SANTA ROSA $35 if booked before May 25th $40 after that date. Payment can be cash, check or credit card To reserve a spot email me at janet@healthyhap.com
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YOGA CAN WORK MIRACLES
Janice from Santa Rosa sent this powerful video on one man's journey from completely disabled and overweight to fit and fully functional.
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Hmmm...which one should I choose?
Judy from Santa Rosa shot this on her trip to Indianapolis. So do you eat the doughnut and then go next door, or is it the other way around? |
15 Things You Should Give Up to Be Happy
A friend on Facebook posted this and it was a wow for me. Let me know what you think...
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CHOOSING HAPPINESS
Another wonderful Facebook post.
CLICK HERE
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COPENHAGEN FLASH MOB
This was so beautiful it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you to my friend Katrina.
click here
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Kashi "All Natural" Cereal Stirs Anger
Confused about the word "natural" to describe your food? So is Kelloggs, apparently. Makers of the Kashi brand cereals have a controversy on their hands.
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LIFE COACHING
Besides these meetings most of you know I am a certified life coach. Although my the meetings incorporate life coaching on occasion, it is not the same as one on one help. If you are challenged in your life to make change: to really lose the weight, find that great job, have a fulfilling relationship, life coaching is a wonderful path towards manifesting your dreams.
I always do a free half hour sample session.Hope you'll check it out! EMAIL ME FOR MORE INFORMATION:
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Here are some wonderful closing thoughts...  
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