Eat What Becomes You……

"Eat What Becomes You"





Each and every one of us is responsible for the health of our own body.  I am responsible for mine, you are responsible for yours.  We keep our bodies functioning properly by giving them  enough oxygen, water and food so we are well nourished.  However, the same food can have different effects on different people.  Therefore, we must decide for ourselves what feels good to us and what doesn’t.   This being the case, under no circumstance should someone else tell you what to eat.   Just because it works for them doesn’t mean it will work for you.  Let me clarify what I mean by that.

“Preach not to others what they should eat, but eat as becomes you, and be silent.”  ~ Epictetus (55 AD-135 AD)

Each one of us is unique.  We have different blood compositions, different DNA and we were raised in different environments.  Our ancestors being from all over the globe!  This being said, we shouldn’t all be eating the exact same thing.  When the newest diet craze is introduced, you should know immediately to avoid it.  Why?  Because while you may initially lose weight, it isn’t a diet designed especially for you.  Over the long run, it will cause more harm than good.  When someone hands you an exact list of foods and tells you to follow the list “to the letter” you should run in the other direction.   This is because that list of foods is their “opinion” on what they think you should eat guised under so called “science.”  Please don’t place your life under someone else’s “opinion” because it can be outright dangerous.

 Food is what gives our body life and vitality.  It is our fuel.   Healthy eating is not a “diet” it is a lifestyle.  It is the way one must live in order to have a healthy body as well as mind.  It is the way one must eat to prevent disease and or illness.

What the Inner Beauty Workshops program does is teach you to avoid substances added to foods that cause the body harm, for example, chemicals, refined foods and GMO’s.  Once you completely understand what has happened to our foods and know how to circumvent the problems, you can focus on eating foods that “become you.”  Only you can decide based on how your body feels whether or not you should be eating meat and/or milk and/or grain.  What is the recipe to determine what “becomes you?”  It is trial, error and experiment mixed with self control, determination and willpower.  It’s time to thrive!  It’s time to discover what “becomes you!”

…..and now I’m silent……

Inner Beauty Workshops classes are currently underway.  Please email me at christine@innerbeautyworkshops.com for a list of upcoming classes

The Philosophy of Change

When was the last time you actually looked at yourself in a mirror?  I know…you do it all the time when you wash your hands, brush your teeth or comb your hair.  Catching a glimpse of yourself in the mirror doesn’t mean LOOKING at yourself in the mirror.  I want you to EVALUATE yourself.  First, step in front of a full length mirror with your clothes on and write down what you see. 

Are you happy with the way you look?  Does your hair have body and shine?  Do you look tired?  Do you have weight to lose?  Now I want you to take off all your clothes and really take a good look at yourself.  Are you smiling or wincing like you are in pain?  If you are not happy with your own reflection, ask yourself how you can make improvements.  If you find you are just jotting down a few items and are in basic good health, then great.  Continue what you are doing.  If you find you are writing a long list, it’s time to re-evaluate your lifestyle and make permanent changes.

The Philosophy of Change can be defined as the ability to make adjustments or change when one doesn’t like the effects of their current lifestyle.  We must be aware of cause and effect.  The way you look and feel currently is just as good as its effects show. 

If you don’t like the effect, change the cause.

 As the saying goes, it’s insanity to continue to do the same thing and expect a different result.  If you can barely look at yourself in the mirror, it’s time to make some lifestyle changes.  I can already tell what you are thinking….”It’s too hard!  I don’t have the time!  I don’t know what to do!”  You are also probably wondering…”What program would be good?  Who should I listen to?”  The place to start is to do some research.  Never underestimate the power of your brain!  Your brain has the power to reason and use logic.  The more you use it and fine tune it, the better it will work for you.  If a particular program or idea becomes of interest to you, do your own evaluation to come up with what may be a better choice for you.  Then try it!  If you are still not getting the results you seek, try again.  Did you know Thomas Edison tried and failed 10,000 times before he discovered the light bulb?  Keep trying!  Persistence is part of the package as well.  Don’t ever give up.  Don’t let fear get in the way, just make those lifestyle changes!

The philosophy of change can apply to every goal you ascertain.  We have the ability to change what we are doing each and every day.  Close the door to the path that is leaving you unhappy and don’t be afraid to head into uncharted waters.  You may get hit by a few waves but with determination and persistence you will learn how to master the sea……




 

Me trying to master my dog...or maybe the dog is trying to master me!





 

New Year’s Resolution – “Black” out the old, “Color in the new”

Happy New Year!

How would you like to join me in making a New Year's Resolution?  This year (2012) I have decided to no longer purchase any articles of clothing in a solid black color.  Why you are probably wondering?  Here is the definition of black:

Black – Lacking hue or brightness, characterized by absence of light, enveloped in darkness.

 Black clothing, a sign of mourning…..

My grandmother NEVER wore anything black unless she was heading to a funeral.  When I was a teenager, I once wore a solid black top to her house.  She didn’t like it and told me that “black was not an everyday color.”  My mother doesn’t wear anything black either.  She has NEVER purchased a black article of clothing and she is 74 years old!  However, she does own a black coat and boots but that is only because I purchased them for her as gifts.  I don’t know how I fell into the trap of purchasing black clothing because it wasn’t a color I wore much as a young adult.  Now, when I span my closet, the dominate colors I see are black & gray with only a spattering of color.  The clothes in my closet look drab and it doesn’t make me want to get dressed.  I would rather stay in my pajamas since they are usually bright and colorful. 

Say "Goodbye" to solid black this year

We should always strive to look our best.  Every article of clothing we wear either improves our appearance or detracts from it.  Clothes provide a background for our personalities.  They say a lot about you and how you feel about yourself.  Clothing gives us confidence! (I knew there was a justification to my shopping habit besides stimulating the economy!)

Why are we purchasing black when there is a rainbow of color to select from?  Although modern industry has given us numerous shades and hues, there are three primary colors from which virtually all other colors are formed.  These are red, yellow and blue.  If any two of these colors are mixed, the resulting color will be the complement of the remaining color.  For example:

·         Blue & yellow mixed form green, which is the complement of red.

·         Yellow & red mixed form orange, which is the complement of blue.

·         Red & blue mixed form purple, which is the complement of yellow.

Gray is formed by mixing black and white or mixing all three colors: red, yellow & blue.

Also

·         Blue, green and violet are cool colors which signify dignity, peace and deliberation

·         Red, orange and yellow are warm colors which signify action, cheerfulness and energy.

When you wake up in the morning, why not select colors based on your mood or what you are doing for the day.  If you are attending an event, you may want to wear something blue or green.  If you have a date, you may want to select something red.  If you are a man, how about selecting a brown, tan or gray suit? 

Please note that I am talking about SOLID BLACK, which is O-U-T!  Black can be an effective color with touches of other colors like red, blue or yellow.  Black is also very grounding and a touch of it looks great in an outfit because it gives your eyes a rest.   We all have the advantage of selecting our own clothes.  We get to decide what colors look good on us and what colors don’t.  This is a fun New Year’s Resolution!  When you shop, look more closely at what you are purchasing.  Don’t just pull any item off the rack and purchase it, evaluate it first.  Try it on and see how it makes you feel.  Ask yourself, does it enhance your complexion or detract from it?  Does it brighten your face?  Does it look slimming?  (Pay close attention to the cut of the garment.) What is your general mood when wearing the item?  Sometimes I head to the dressing room with 7 dresses and end up purchasing 1, if I’m lucky.  I don’t settle.  I look for what I think looks the very best on me.  It can be frustrating at times in searching for the right article of clothing but the extra effort is worth it because you will feel like a million bucks when stepping out!

 Join me this year in wearing color!!

Let's toast "color" in 2012!

REFERENCES

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/black

Inner Beauty Workshops classes are beginning January 3^rd.  Please email me for details or visit www.innerbeautyworkshops.com

A Personal Thank You!

Happy Holidays - Christine Segal, Inner Beauty Workshops

Dear Readers:

The year 2011 is coming to a close.  I felt it appropriate to write a short excerpt to express my gratitude to my readers who faithfully come to my blog each week to read my little pearls of wisdom.  As you can already surmise, each week I pick a subject which reflects what I am most passionate about.  There is a sense of randomness to my blog posts, which mirrors life in general.   I like the element of “surprise” and it seems to be paying off as I have almost 10,000 page views!  I am very thankful for all the wonderful comments I receive.  I am very grateful for your support!

I bet you are wondering who takes all my pictures!  There are some people who have helped me behind the scenes and I need to offer them my thanks.  They are:

Dan Krieger  (pictures & videos)

Gabrielle Lofaso (pictures)

Liz Laviola (pictures & edits)

Susan Etts (pictures)

Karyn & Brian Murphy (pictures & edits)

My Mom (pictures)

Jeff, Michelle & Paul Segal (pictures & edits)

I hope you continue to read my blog as I have many fun and exciting projects planned.  Stay tuned next week for one of my New Year’s Resolutions.  I’m sure you will find it interesting!  Wishing you the happiest of holidays....Christine Segal

Happy Holidays!

*If you live locally, Inner Beauty Workshops classes are starting up on January 3^rd.  Please send me an email:  christine@innerbeautyworkshops.com for details.





Happy Holidays - Christine Segal, Inner Beauty Workshops



Can Statins lead to Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

I have spent the last week in the hospital with my Dad who has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome.  Until two weeks ago, I had never heard of this disease.  Basically, it is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own nervous system.  The myelin sheath that protects the nervous system becomes damaged, which results in muscle weaknesses that can lead to paralysis in the legs, arms and even chest.  The noted causes of this disease are some “random” viral infection or a flu shot.  I’m going to put myself out on a limb here and suggest that statin drugs may cause Guillain-Barré type symptoms in a person who has taken cholesterol medication for a long period of time. 

My Dad has extremely high cholesterol.  It isn’t due to diet but rather a malfunction of his DNA that leads his body to produce an overabundance of cholesterol.  My Dad has been trying to control his cholesterol for the past 30 years with the use of statin drugs.  Currently, my Dad was taking two cholesterol medications; a statin drug at maximum dose (2 pills – 80 mg per day) and a “cholesterol lowering medication that can be used in conjunction with statins (6 pills – 3,750 mg per day). 

I calculated this out to be:

8 pills a day 56 pills a week 240 pills a month 2,920 pills a year

I’m sure you are scratching your head and wondering what kind of doctor would prescribe this exorbitant amount of medication yearly.  I too was completely floored.  I strongly suspected my Dad’s illness was an effect of him taking almost 3,000 pills a year to lower his cholesterol and mentioned the issue to his doctor where I was told…”statin drugs do not have anything to do with Guillain-Barré disease and they do not cause long term damage.”  Well….I had some “choice words” for the doctor such as going back to school to become better educated.

The question becomes can long-term statin drug usage, independently and/or in combination with other drugs, produce an autoimmune response in the body whereby the body’s own antibodies attack its myelin sheath producing nerve damage. 

My preliminary research led me to a case controlled study published in 2002 in the American Academy of Neurology by a researcher named David Gaist, a MD from Denmark.   He found that long-term exposure to statin drugs may substantially increase the risk of polyneuropathy, a neurological disorder that occurs when many peripheral nerves throughout the body (such as the arms and legs) malfunction simultaneously.  http://www.neurology.org/content/58/9/1333.abstract 

Another mention that statins may cause neuropathy was mentioned in 2004 by Chong, Boskovich and Stevkovic, “Epidemiologic studies as well as case reports indicate a risk of peripheral neuropathy associated with statin use.  They go on to say that statins should be considered the cause of peripheral neuropathy when other etiologies have been ruled out.   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15460180

Since long term statin usage may produce an antibody attack on the body’s muscles, (http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/statin_use_linked_to_rare_autoimmune_muscle_disease_study_finds) why can’t statins, independently or in combination with other drugs, cause an antibody attack on the body’s nerves.   I wish I could definitively answer these questions!   However in the world we live in today, most people won’t believe such statements until science proves it.  All we can do is think of it as a possibility.

My Dad is off his statin medication and is slowly improving (also thanks to immunoglobin therapy).  The body is an amazing instrument and can cure itself (1) if it wasn’t pushed too far and (2) if given the right tools.  When my Dad addresses his cholesterol problem in the future, I would like to see him look into natural alternatives such as red rice yeast, fish oil, green tea, policosanol and many others….. (http://www.naturalnews.com/002692.html)

Me with my Rents @ Thanksgiving

*If you are currently taking statin medication either by itself or in combination with other drugs and experience any weakness in your extremities, please do not ignore these symptoms.  Do some independent research and consult your doctor.





REFERENCES

http://213.4.18.135:48080/87.pdf

http://library.thinkquest.org/12875/data/alcohol/a6.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/002692.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/034383_green_tea_LDL_cholesterol_health.html

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001704/

http://www.neurology.org/content/58/9/1333.abstract

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Policosanol

10 Unique Eco-Friendly Gifts for the Holiday Season

Are you having trouble finding gifts for that certain someone?  I have compiled a list of environmentally friendly gifts that you can purchase from the comfort of your own home.  Grab a cup of tea and peruse the following websites.  You may find that unique gift for that special someone…..



Branchhome.com



For The Gardener:  Branch Home offers a wide array of eco-friendly gardening accessories for your home.  You can grow lavender on your windowsill from a handmade bamboo pot.  Kit comes complete with organic soil, organic herb seeds and a ribbon made from recycled plastic bottles.  If you want to try something even more unique, they even offer a kit whereby you can grow your own Christmas Tree!  Check out these selections and many others at:   http://www.branchhome.com/

Upcycled Jewelry

For the Gems in Your Life:  Are you looking for that environmentally conscious gift for the gem in your life?    Upcycled jewelry has earrings made from RoHS circuit boards, earrings made from 8mm film negatives and necklaces made from NYC artifacts. (http://www.upcycled/ jewelry.com ) I’m just loving the film reel earrings….hint!. http://www.etsy.com/listing/72284849/8mm-movie-film-upcycled-earrings

Tavernpuzzle

For The Puzzle Enthusiast: Tavern Puzzles has been making steel puzzles for over 30 years.  These are so cool.  These puzzles are reproductions of old blacksmith forged puzzles and come in different levels of complexity. Your puzzle enthusiast will be absolutely delighted.  Please visit:  www.tavernpuzzle.com to select your design.

Planethappytoys

For Your Child or Baby:  Plant Happy Kids has a wide assortment of “safe & nontoxic” products for your child.  Toys are organic, free of harmful dyes and phthalate-free.  In addition, all is fair traded.   Here is a cricket your young child can paint.  Once the paint dries, you child can use the cricket has a drum… http://stores.planethappytoys.com/-strse-361/Let%27s-Paint%21-Cricket-Drum/Detail.bok

Westpawdesign

For the Pampered Pooch:  West Paw Design has eco-friendly and pet safe products for your dog or cat.  All products are made in the U.S.A.  Your pampered pooch will love the hurley dog chew as it is made from recycled and nontoxic materials and is virtually indestructible.  http://www.westpawdesign.com/ .



Re-cycled Accessories



For the Outdoor’s Man:  Recycledacc has the coolest gift for your favorite adventuresome guy.  If your man loves the fresh air and is environmentally conscious, he will be “styling” in his new belt – made from recycled bicycle tire.  Even the belt buckle is made from recycled bicycle parts.  http://www.recycledacc.com/

ecoist.com

For the Original Gal:  Women of all ages will enjoy receiving a pocketbook made from recycled newspapers.  Ecoist.com has an assortment of handbags made from candy wrappers, soda labels and various recycled materials.  Each product is original as no two can be alike.  Even your young teenager will love this planet friendly purse.  http://www.ecoist.com/

For the Chocolate Lover: 

Dagobachocolate

Nothing speaks of love like chocolate!  Dagoba chocolates are organic, non-GMO and produced by fair trade labor.  Place a chocolate bar in your significant other’s stocking.  What a nice surprise!  www.dagobachocolate.com

Arteco

For The Gizmo & Gadget Lover:  Arteco repurposes electronic items such as industrial, aerospace and military technology into new items.  This is so very imaginative!  Check out this new clock made from recycled computer cabinets:  http://www.arteco.com/c15.htm



Zazzle

For the Person Who Has Everything:  There is not one single person who cannot benefit from a cloth tote.  With virtually every purchase, we acquire plastic bags.  Our consumption of plastic is ridiculous!  Whenever you go to the store, whether it is a grocery store or a department store, you can bring your own bags to cut down on plastic consumption.  Zazzle.com has a wide assortment of cloth totes with silhouettes that are fun and stylish.  Select one for that special someone and, while you’re at it, pick up one for yourself.  www.zazzle.com/silhouette+bags

Don't forget to whisper in Santa's ear what you want

INNER BEAUTY WORKSHOP CLASSES ARE FORMING.  PLEASE SEE MY WEBSITE: WWW.INNERBEAUTYWORKSHOPS.COM FOR DETAILS OR EMAIL ME AT:  CHRISTINE@INNERBEAUTYWORKSHOPS.COM.

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Don’t Stand So Close To Me…..

That lovely smell of sweet perfume!  How many times have you sat in a car with someone who seems like they poured the entire bottle of perfume over their head or been in an elevator with someone who just reeked of cologne?   How many times have you smelled the perfume or cologne of somebody who just casually walks by you in a store or even on the street?  There’s nothing like getting a whiff of chemicals drifting in the fresh air! Once you smell someone else’s fragrance, it has entered your system.  This is why I have to say, ”DON'T STAND SO CLOSE TO ME!”

I am constantly advocating that you read the labels of what you put in your mouth to avoid chemicals that are in our foods.  You must also read the label of the items that you put on your skin.  Woman today soak up over 5lbs of beauty products each year.  The reason is because the skin is the biggest organ on the body and whatever you put on it gets absorbed into your system.   In our grandparents’ generation, the amount of chemicals in personal care products was measurably less.  The personal care products that we use today are not the same as the ones our grandparents’ used.  A lot of what's toxic to the environment and our bodies was produced after World War II.  The amount of chemicals in today's personal care products boggles the mind!   What’s even worse is the fact that these chemicals are NOT regulated by our government or any other independent agency.  Why…you ask?  The reason is because our government doesn’t have the time or the manpower to test every new chemical that comes onto the market.  What this means is that any perfume or cologne manufacturer is free to use whatever ingredient they want without approval by any governmental agency.  As a consequence, you and I have to play detective and read labels before we put something on our skin.  I decided to see what the ingredients were in, what many years ago, used to be my favorite perfume……

Elizabeth Arden (5^th Avenue):  Alcohol Denat, Fragrance (Parfum), Water (Aqua), Benzophenone-2, BHT, Propylene Glycol, FD&C Yellow No. 5, D & C Orange No 4, D & C Red No. 33, FD&C Blue No.1

Now it’s time to look up some of these ingredients in book, “What’s In Your Food?” by Bill Statham:

Benzophenone-2	Fixative, UV absorber	Photo allergic reactions; contact sensitivity; toxic when injected; toxic to aquatic organisms
BHT	Preservative	Chronic hives, dermatitis, fatigue, asthma, aggressive behavior, bronchospasm, may affect stomach, liver, kidneys and reproduction: possible carcinogen, toxic to aquatic organisms.
Propylene Glycol	Carrier or extraction solvent Humectant	Skin and eye irritation, dry skin; respiratory immune, skin and neurotoxicity, depression and kidney damage in animals.
FD&C Yellow No. 5	Coloring	Dermatitis, concentration difficulties, depression, hay fever, learning difficulties, headache, hives, asthma, skin rash, behavioral problems, swelling of lips and tongue, anaphylaxis, insomnia, confusion.
D&C Orange No 4	Colorant	Can cause health effects including skin rash, allergic reactions, asthma
D&C Red No. 33	Colorant	“               “
FD&C Blue No. 1	Coloring	Asthma, hay fever, allergic reactions, caused tumors in animal studies.

Is it me or is this absolutely insane!!!!!  I not only don’t want chemically infested perfumes and colognes on my body, but I don’t want to smell the perfume YOU are wearing.  Remember, what I said above, that whenever you smell something, it has already entered your system.  There is no reason to wear perfume or cologne.  Please…repeat after me…clean has no scent, clean has no scent, clean has no scent!

If you feel you absolutely cannot go without wearing perfume or cologne, there are plenty of natural and essential oils you can wear.  These are nontoxic, safe and readily available at your local health food store.  If you decide to keep wearing your favorite cologne and/or perfume even after seeing the dangerous chemicals on the ingredient list, please do me a favor and  …..”DON’T STAND SO CLOSE TO ME!”

Don't touch the bottles on the vanity!

(This is my opinion, protected by my First Amendment Right of Freedom of Speech)

References:

Statham, Bill “What’s In Your Food,” Running Press Book Publishers, Philadelphia: 2006

INNER BEAUTY WORKSHOP CLASSES ARE FORMING.  PLEASE SEE MY WEBSITE: WWW.INNERBEAUTYWORKSHOPS.COM FOR DETAILS OR EMAIL ME AT:  CHRISTINE@INNERBEAUTYWORKSHOPS.COM.

MY BLOG HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR BEST BLOG ON LONG ISLAND.  PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO PLACE A VOTE FOR ME:  http://www.longislandblogposts.com/voteforblog/innerbeautyworkshops