(not so) Random Thoughts III - NJ needs us and we need you!

At this moment, NJ is trying to pass a bill that would only allow Registered Dietitians/Nutritionists to give nutritional advice. Holistic Health Counselors are certified by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition as well as the American Association of Drugless Practitioners.

For those who may not completely understand what a Health Counselor is, here is a quick explanation:


Health Counselors create a highly supportive and safe space so that clients can get physically healthier, and transform their entire lives. With our guidance (usually within a 6 month program), clients will significantly improve their way of eating, deepen their personal relationships, become more physically fit, re-evaluate career choices and re-prioritize the most important things in life. When diet changes, everything changes. People often use poor dietary patterns, such as overeating, as a way to cover up feelings. Once the diet improves, emotions begin to awaken. Clients' lives shift on the mental, emotional, and spiritual levels.

- taken from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition Catalog 2008-2009

HHCs in NJ are in danger of not being able to practice. A new bill has been introduced that will prevent anyone without a license to dispense nutritional advice.

What can you do if you're not in NJ...help me spread the word to IIN grads you know in NJ. Here is the thread that recent graduates and look at: http://forums.integrativenutrition.com/forums/p/99489/378806.aspx#378806

What can you do if you're in NJ - write to your leaders.....every voice will count!

IIN graduates can do the following:

1. Visit: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/SelectMun.asp
2. Select the municipality of residence on the pull down list and click on “Find Representative(s)”.
3. Place a check next to your state senator and your two assemblypersons and click on “Select Your Representative(s)”.
4. Under “Subject”, select “Health-Professionals” and your personal information.
5. Enter the following text (or something else of your choice):

Subject: "Dietitian/Nutritionist Licensing Act."
A new legislation has been introduced to prevent Holistic Health Counselors from providing clients with valuable advice about nutrition. I ask that you make your voice heard in the legislature that you support the valuable work of Holistic Health Counselors and will oppose any such legislation.
Here is a link to an article from a New Jersey publication, one of many instances which substantiates that Holistic Health Counselors are making an invaluable contribution to the health of the residents of our state.

http://www.northjersey.com/business/careercenter/Get_a_taste_of_something_different_with_a_career_in_the_nutrition_field.html?c=y&page=1
I am graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in NYC and they have provided me with an excellent education in nutrition and health counseling. The school brings to its students researchers and doctors who are at the forefront of nutrition research such as Dr. Andrew Weil, Dr. Mehmet Oz, and Dr. Deepak Chopra to only name a few. Graduates of this school are highly respected across the country and around the world.

My education gives me hope that we are at the cusp of a new era in wellness. Please allow that new era to unfold in New Jersey by ensuring that Holistic Health Counselors have the right and privilege to practice in our fine state. Please stand in support of Holistic Health professionals and the thousands of people we help.


6. Pass this onto any and all of the people you know.

Friends and family of graduates can do the following::

1. Visit: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/SelectMun.asp
2. Select the municipality of residence on the pull down list and click on “Find Representative(s)”.
3. Place a check next to your state senator and your two assemblypersons and click on “Select Your Representative(s)”.
4. Under “Subject”, select “Health-Professionals” and your personal information.
5. Enter the following text (or something else of your choice):

Subject: "Dietitian/Nutritionist Licensing Act."
A new legislation has been introduced to prevent holistic health practitioners from providing clients with valuable advice about nutrition. I ask that you make your voice heard in the legislature that you support the valuable work of holistic health practitioners and will oppose any such legislation.

Here is a link to an article from a New Jersey publication of one of many instances which substantiates that Holistic Health Counselors are making an invaluable contribution to the health of the residents of our state.

http://www.northjersey.com/business/careercenter/Get_a_taste_of_something_different_with_a_career_in_the_nutrition_field.html?c=y&page=1

Please stand in support of Holistic Health professionals and the thousands of people they help.


Thank you for reading and supporting us in helping you to make choices that work for you, your loved ones and your families. This is the perfect example of us staying strong so that we can be healthy and fight dis-ease!

Movements IV: Shameless Plugs



Here I am. Back in the saddle again.

Today in Movements, we go back to the Inner Beauty and Outer Wellness Blog (one of our favorite blogs, for real). They gave me honors for graduating from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. I LOVE that support!! It's so great to see women, banding together and supporting one another so that we can build and grow. Everyday, I thank the Lord for Precise, the creator of the Inner Beauty and Outer Wellness blog, for giving me inspiration, insight, and support. I hope I provide the same for her. The best part about it is that she does all of this by example. You can tell a person to "get motivated" or "I'm going to support you." But to actually DO that...it's an amazing thing! It is a definite blessing to have the support of all the women in my life (especially Momma and Grandmas).

Big up to TaKeesha and Christa...definite inspirations and the keepers of light when mine shine starts to fade.
Also, I'd like to big up Dr. Christine Duncan. She is a GYN in Long Island and practices Integrative/Holistic Medicine. She has also become a keeper of my light and I appreciate sharing and learning from her.
(I thank you too Joy!)

I also have to give you an update. In a previous Movements, I mentioned Parashakti and becoming her apprentice. I have to say that this is not going to happen. I had to be responsible and take care of other aspects of my life before taking on such an arduous task. I don't think she's going anywhere, anytime soon...so when the time is right, I hope she's ready! LOL

Hmmm...let's see...anymore updates? Yes...the video that I was in my first Movements blog is now on YouTube! Here it is, on YouTube so that it's easier for you to access:



OK....I think that's it from the peanut gallery (for now). Until next time...
stay strong, stay healthy, and fight dis-ease!

Random Thoughts II

New York...this one is for you!


My city is one hell of a town. In an effort to clean out one of my mailboxes, I stumbled onto this article. I had to laugh, as I remember one of my friends telling me, the day before yesterday, that they still sell sodas and the like in vendor machines at her son's public school. Gotta love it.

OBESITY AND DIABETES RISING FASTER IN NYC THAN NATIONALLY

New York City Adults Gained More than 10 Million Pounds over a Two-Year Period;
Empty Calories from Soda and Other Sugary Drinks Contribute to City’s Obesity Epidemic


...sorry. I forgot to mention...this article was done in March.

I have a couple of quick remedies to help you curb your sugar cravings. I won't lie...I have a chocolate craving myself. Although I am gaining new insight as to why I have these cravings (I will share with you very soon ), I now substitute my sugar cravings for something more organic...organic chocolate is so good!! hehe

This doesn't mean that I have to cut out chocolate totally. Of course not. All I have to do is cut it down to a level where I will not feel its effects. For me, those effects vary...especially around the time of my menses (PMS or PMDD...whatever it is today, it's the worst ). It's the same for you. If you realize that you drink too much soda or other sugary drinks (including flavored water and fruit juice), then do an elimination diet. For one week, take in 50% less of your average sugar intake. That means cut your candy consumption, snapple consumption, and other sugary foods/drinks (including fruit juice) by half. No soda for one week. Drink water and lemon water (real lemon squeezed in water....people don't realize how bad High Fructose Corn Syrup is!) for this week. Add Stevia instead of regular sugar or sugar substitutes (even worse than regular sugar) if and when you can. Then after that week, go back to your weekly routine. Notice the difference. I guarantee you, you will realize that you felt a lot better after doing that...maybe lost a pound or two.

Don't worry....I will get into this deeper as time permits. I have a lot to cover and I know you're patiently waiting to hear what I have to say in regards to meditation and Tai Chi. I'm getting there. Today is the first day of a long cycle (women should understand what I'm saying wink) but I'm focused and ready to get this out to you. I just need to make sure that what is in my mind/heart/soul can transfer to paper in the manner it needs to. My research is extensive, as there is so much information to cover.

Count on me.
Stay strong, stay healthy, and fight dis-ease!