Why NOT to drink Alcohol!

Nothing hydrates like water when it is 100 degrees out!

This will not be a popular post due to the fact that many people believe that it is okay to drink alcohol in moderation.  It is my belief, that drinking alcohol is dangerous to your health and well-being.  Yes, this even goes against the “one drink a day” advice we frequently hear in the newspaper.  You couldn’t pay me to drink even one drop of alcohol!

Years ago, I was brainwashed to believe that it was okay to drink one glass of red wine a day.  All studies in the newspapers pointed to the fact that resveratrol in red wine could help prevent age related brain and heart disease.  So I followed the pack and drank one glass of wine with dinner most nights for a period of about one year.  It wasn’t until I started to do research on alcohol that I learned that the red grapes provide the benefits associated with resveratrol; alcohol is a poison.  I’m sure you are wondering where I got my information that alcohol is a poison.  I will tell you that I found the information in old books.  The “one drink a day” advice from today is advocated by corporations who have a vested interest in the sale of the alcohol.  I DON’T TRUST IT! 

You be the judge of this information.  I will list a few of the quotes I found from various books.  By the way, there is a lot more where this came from…..

“When mingled with the blood, alcohol destroys the blood-corpuscles, increases the proportion of fat, renders the blood less capable of passing readily through the capillaries, coagulates the fibrine, and injures the nutrient elements of the plasma of the blood.  When a considerable quantity of alcohol is taken, the distinction between venous and arterial blood is almost destroyed, all the blood assuming a dark hue.” ~ J.H. Kellogg, M.D.

“Every human being admires strength and desires to acquire all he can and when this one in fact is considered it becomes extremely difficult to understand how anyone can continue to burn out his internal organs with these liquid poisons.  It has been proven conclusively again and again that alcohol of all kinds lessons the muscular vigor.” ~ Bernarr Macfadden

“There are many blood vessels in the brain, and much blood passes through them to feed the brain.  Alcohol makes the blood-vessels stretch, and then too much blood flows into the brain.  Alcohol is a sharp, biting poison.  It will shrink the brain and do it much other harm.  The brain was made to think with, but no person can think so well when his brain is shrunken with alcohol.  By ruining the brain alcohol ruins the mind.” ~ Physiology and Health

“When drinking alcohol, the outposts of the nerves are paralyzed.  The force, now drawn in to the nervous centres, drives the machinery of life with tremendous energy.  The heart jumps like the mainspring of a watch when the resistance of the wheels is removed.  The blood surges through the body with increased force.  If the influence be still continued, the alcohol acts upon the spinal cord.”  ~ J. Dorman Steele, PhD.

So…what do you think?  Not convinced, I invite you to do your own research.  Einstein said to “question everything.”    As for me, I’ll stick to water!

Baby....it's hot outside!

REFERENCES

MacFadden, Bernarr; “Strength From Eating” Physical Culture Publishing Company, 1901

Steele, J. Dorman, Ph.D., “Fourteen Weeks in Human Physiology “  A.S. Barnes & Company, 1877

The Union Series, “ Physiology and Health”  Ivison Blakeman & Co., 1889

Inner Beauty Workshops offers in person coaching as well as telephone coaching.  Please contact christine@innerbeautyworkshops.com or (631)355-9442   for details…

Why I ordered a Prius then cancelled my order….

My quote and I’m sticking to it;

“I can do much more for the environment healthy and alive then I can from driving a Prius.”

Smack in the middle of my vision board is a Prius.  I have wanted to own and drive a Prius for quite some time.  Being especially conscious of the environment, I am always looking for ways to do my part.  Faced with the reality that we had three cars and four drivers, it was time for me to buy a new car.  Without doing any research, I went right to the Toyota dealer and put a deposit down on a brand new Prius.  I am the research “Queen,” but since cars are not my thing, I didn’t put any effort into researching it.  When I got home I excitedly put an announcement on facebook that I purchased a new Prius, whereupon I was privately messaged by a friend of mine saying;”Christine, did you look up Prius and EMFs?”  I cancelled my order the next day…

I teach about EMFs (electro-magnetic fields) in my workshops.  I always caution on the use of cell phones, cordless phones, microwaves, wireless computers and now I will add electric hybrid cars.  Electromagnetic Field is a physical field produced by electrically charged objects.  You cannot see an electromagnetic field nor can you feel it.  Just because something is invisible to the naked eye doesn’t mean it does not exist and can be causing harm to the body.  Actually, it can be shown through kinesiology that when EMFs get near the body’s energy field, it can have a negative effect and weaken the body.   A gauss meter can measure the electromagnetic field in a person’s immediate environment.  It is important to know if something is emitting unsafe levels of these fields.  A gauss meter will also help you to know at what distance you should be at when something is emitting high EMFs. 

In 2007 there was an extensive report written by international scientists and public policy experts that cited over 2,000 studies that detailed the toxic effects of EMFs.  Chronic exposure to even low levels of EMFs can cause illness, the report stated.  What I discovered when researching EMFs and Prius is that high readings appear to be at the foot of the driver and the right rear passenger seat.  Because of this, people are complaining of headaches, nausea and dizziness.  Long term exposure to high levels of this kind of energy is yet to be determined.  Here is an article written about someone’s experience driving a brand new Prius:  http://evworld.com/news.cfm?newsid=23553

I know we cannot live in a bubble.  Technology has enabled us to evolve and grow with an ease that never before existed in previous generations.  However, just because something makes our life convenient, or in this case, environmentally friendly doesn’t mean it is safe.  I like to err on the side of caution.  It’s just not worth it to me to take a chance on something that could potentially cause harm to myself or others.  Like I said above, “I can do much more for the environment healthy and alive then I can from driving a Prius.”



My brand new car is a Toyota Venza!



REFERENCES

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

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34509513/ns/health-cancer/

http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=7585

http://evworld.com/news.cfm?newsid=23553

Inner Beauty Workshops offers in person coaching as well as telephone coaching.  Please contact christine@innerbeautyworkshops.com or (631)355-9442   for details…

New This Week

**I have lots of projects in the works!  Stay tuned!

What is a Health Coach?

I'm often asked "What exactly is a Health Coach?" And "What exactly do you do?"  A Health Coach is a person who works with people that want to make a lifestyle change.  A Health Coach does not espouse a certain "diet" but rather works with an individual to find what protocol works best for them.  People often ask me if they can still eat this or that.  I work with them to find a balance in their diets but, more importantly, educate them on how to avoid harmful substances in foods.  The equation I use is this:

A - B = C
Healthy Foods - Harmful Substances = Improved Health
 

This equation deals with the "effects" of an individual's diet.  The "effects" is defined as a result in something or the result produced by an action.  Some examples of effects are:  excess weight, physical symptoms, lack of energy or lack of ambition or drive.

In addition to working with the effects, a Health Coach works with the individual to discover the underlying "cause(s)" of set behaviors.  Everything in the world operates from the LAW OF CAUSE & EFFECT.  In other words, if a person is overweight, a Health Coach will not only teach the individual how to eat healthy but will work in discovering WHY they are possibly stuffing their emotions with food.  It can be due to any number of reasons potentially stemming from incidents relating back to childhood.  Once the client is made aware of the causes of their behavior, the client can heal.

A + B + C = D
Causes + Causes + Causes = Effects
 

A Health Coaching program is unique because the client's life will change in every aspect.  Once one's eyes are open and made aware, there is no turning back.  Clients who lose weight keep it off.  Clients who gain energy and momentum, keep it.  A Health Coach empowers an individual to take back control of their life and move forward.  Are you ready to have the life you always wanted?

Christine Segal has a Master’s Degree in Education.  She is also a Certified Vision Board Coach having studied with Joyce Schwartz, author of “The Vision Board.”  Christine is currently attending Integrative Nutrition in NYC.  Visit her website at:  www.innerbeautyworkshops.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Inner-Beauty-Workshops-LLC/159861324045704?ref=tn_tnmn

Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

Recently, I was a model in a fashion show for Lord & Taylor -
benefits went to charity.  In this picture I am with model Kat!

“Okay, here we go, we got a real pressure cooker going here
Two down, nobody on, no score, bottom of the ninth
There's the windup, and there it is, a line shot up the middle
Look at him go, this boy can really fly…”

Recognize these lyrics?  They are from the song “Paradise by the Dashboard Light,” by Meatloaf.  Yes, I know what the lyrics are really about but in this blog post I am changing the meaning to reflect one of life’s most difficult challenges…stepping out of your comfort zone. 

Are you ready to play the game?

Life can be characterized as a baseball diamond.  There are many of us who are afraid to step up to the plate and take a swing.  What if we strike out or hit a foul ball?  If we swing and miss, how will we handle the humiliation in front of a stadium full of people?  Therefore, we decide not to play the game and just sit on the bleachers and watch other people try to get a hit.  Do you want to sit and watch other people run the bases of life?  It’s time to get your butt off the bleachers and grab a hold of the bat.  It’s time to come out of your comfort zone. 

It takes a lot of guts to do something out of your normal routine and character.  How many opportunities do you pass over because you think it’s not something you can do?  Your fears roll in and you then psyche yourself into not doing something before you even try it.  WE ALL DO THAT!  My point is that you just take a deep breath and give it a try.  JUST DO IT!  Look at it this way, you can always go back and sit on the bleachers.  Safety is only a seat away.  Take a chance as the batter and see how far the ball will go.  You can play the game.  It feels good!

 In order to accomplish my life’s purpose, I must play the game of life.  It requires me to step way out of my comfort zone.  It feels like I am flying without a net.  I can see the bleachers out of the corner of my eye, but I refuse to sit down.

With two models from the show!

Stepping out of my comfort zone and into the spot light!

Inner Beauty Workshops offers in person coaching as well as telephone coaching.  Please contact christine@innerbeautyworkshops.com or (631)355-9442 end_of_the_skype_highlighting  for details…

Everyone has to start somewhere……

“If people knew how hard I worked to get my mastery, it wouldn’t seem so wonderful after all.” ~ Michelangelo

Michelangelo Sistine Chapel

This is an actual painting of the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo from 1508-1512.  Isn’t it breathtaking!  Even though we weren’t supposed to take a picture, my daughter just couldn’t resist after seeing such beauty. 

We look at the absolute brilliance, mastery and extreme talent without consideration of the steps of the ladder he climbed (not literal) in order to learn his craft.  This sentiment is reflected in his quote above where he states how hard he had to work in order to paint as he did.

“Everyone has to start somewhere.”

We have the ability to reinvent ourselves any time, especially if we don’t like the direction in which our life is going.  We have free-will and choice.  Once we pick our direction, it is up to us to take the required steps.  If it is a new vocation you seek, you must be prepared to master the vocation by doing whatever duties the job entails.  It most likely will not be glamorous, like sitting in a chair in front of a computer all day, but if this is what it takes, it is something you must do.   One thing I have learned from my Coach and Mentor Jeffery Combs is that “success is not a pay-off, it is a process.”  That means that we must acquire and develop the skills that are required for the job in order to attain success.  This may take a while and a lot of people give up because they don’t see instant results.  Can you imagine if Michelangelo gave up?  

Sometimes we may start off in one direction having a certain result in mind and then, somewhere along the way, we turn down a different road.  Woody Allen said, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.”  We can certainly be detoured in life; something I can truly attest to!  However, if we decide to “start,” there’s no telling where we can end up.  Take a look at this photo.  (If you click on it, it will enlarge.)  It’s from an old magazine from 1948.  See how many of these people you recognize and then take a look at how they started out.

What got them to their destination was a process of hard work, dedication, learning and mastering the skills of the vocation they chose.  You can do it!!  I have complete faith in your ability to attain your goals.  Just make a determination to start and take action!

*Christine’s first job was bussing tables in a pancake house!  Now she’s heading for television!

"Here's to Us" ~ ABC Live Well Network this fall!

Inner Beauty Workshops offers in person coaching as well as telephone coaching.  Please contact christine@innerbeautyworkshops.com or (631)355-9442  for details…

June Challenge – Give Yourself a Break!

Actual Calendar June of 2005

During the month of June, when my kids were much younger, my calendar was completely filled.  I used to silently wish the month would go fast because I was totally immersed in my children’s end-of-the year activities.  My daughter danced for 14 years, which translated into 14 years of June dance recitals.  I wish I had the knowledge I know now back then.   It would have saved me a lot of nervousness and stress.  I cannot tell you how important it is to find a few minutes to yourself each and every day during your busiest times.  Just a few minutes of slowing yourself down will ease tension and bring your body into a more balanced state of equilibrium. 

Here are 10 suggestions to try this month.  Even when you feel you cannot possibly do another thing, try “squeezing” these recommendations in.  You will be amazed how these short little actions can spruce up your mood and liven up your well-being. 

1.   Bring in the outdoors – June is a month when many flowers bloom.  Unfortunately, you may be too busy to enjoy it.  Grab yourself a vase and cut some flowers and bring them into the room you spend the most time in (i.e., a kitchen or home office).  If you don’t have flowers to bring indoors, purchase some at a nearby store. 

Picked from my backyard!

2.   Thumb through a magazine – Remember magazines?!  The next time you are at a grocery store, pick one up.  Even if you don’t have time to read it, looking at the pictures can relax you and take your focus off your busy life.

3.   Exercise while you work – When you are super busy, it is hard to find the time to exercise.  We tend to prioritize activities and responsibilities and do those items first.  Since you have to cook and clean anyway, take an extra stretch while you’re at it.  This will loosen up tight muscles and make you more relaxed.

I had to bend for this one.....
I put the wrong soap in the dishwasher!

4.   Call a friend – Social media has taken over the world.  Unfortunately, a little quip here or there does not compare to actually hearing somebody’s voice.  If you can spare a half hour, call someone you haven’t talked to in a while.  It will brighten up their day as well as yours.

5.   Make a smoothie – We tend to skip or “make due” with meals when we are super busy.  For added nutrition, make yourself a smoothie in your blender.  Put in the dandelion tea (instructions in previous blog) and add some berries and your favorite superfoods such as camu camu berry, cocao nibs and goji berries.  You will soon be flying high…

6.   Take a pen to paper – There is something very therapeutic about writing our thoughts down on paper.  It feels great to “unload” negative thoughts in the way of words.  This exercise can calm our nervous system.  If you want, you can drown or burn the paper for a complete release.

7.   Step into Nature – Going barefoot helps to keep us grounded.  Take off your shoes and let the earth touch the acupuncture points in the feet.  If the grounds is wet, even better.  It enhances the effects.

Connect with nature and breathe!

8.   Meditate – Spend some quiet time going within.  If only for a few minutes, shut off all thoughts.  Think of your thoughts as a cloud floating away.  When you open your eyes, say thank you to the many blessings in your life.

9.   Hot & Cold Shower – Take a hot shower followed by a quick cold one.  The cold air will reinvigorate you and wake up your circulatory system.  You will feel cold at first, then very refreshed.

10. Breathe – When all else fails………JUST BREATHE!

Inner Beauty Workshops are always forming.  Contact christine@innerbeautyworkshops.com for details.

These are a Few of My Favorite Things – Part II

The great thing about life is that there are so many choices.  If you ask me next year what my favorite things are you will find a completely different list.  That is how one grows; by learning, stretching and trying new things.  I invite you to try some of my favorite things.  They may become yours….

Dandelion Sun Tea

1.        Dandelion Sun Tea – I have been enjoying making Dandelion Sun Tea.  I just take a few organic dandelion tea bags, put them in a jar which has been filled with filtered water, and place in the hot sun for a few hours.  I drink this tea plain or put as a base in my smoothies.  Dandelion tea is perfect to drink this time of the year to assist the body in detoxification.   Dandelion root stimulates the liver to increase bile flow, which serves two functions; first it helps to carry waste out of the body and second it helps to break down fats during digestion.  This tea has a woodsy flavor and is very refreshing.



Sage Smude Stick



2.       Smudging – Smudging is a process that has been around for quite some time.  In fact, Native American tribes traditionally lit bundles of sage to purify people and places.  The process of smudging will sweep away negative energy from your home.  Light the sage, starting at the back of the house, and walk around each room paying particular attention to windows and doors.  Please work toward the front of the house with the intention of sweeping the negative energy out the door.  Today, you can purchase sage bundles at most health food stores.  (*I like to keep the sage bundle in one hand and in the other hand a glass bowl in case any of the ash sparks downward.  Always be careful with fire.) 

3.       Escaping to a beautiful place – Lately, I’ve been trying to find very quiet, secluded places to either read or sit and reflect.  Look at the beauty surrounding me!  It sure beats working indoors on a computer all day.  Please make some time to search for your own private retreat.  It will invigorate you.

A quiet retreat

4.       Integrative Nutrition – In January, I decided to go back to school to get certified in Health Coaching.  To be honest, I didn’t think I would like it and figured I would just regurgitate what they wanted to hear and be done with it.  To my surprise, I absolutely love it!  Who would of thought?!!  I actually look forward to the assignments each week!  IIN is a very progressive school and one that you should consider attending if you either want to go into the Health Coaching field or just want to learn how to eat healthy and/or live a healthy lifestyle.  If you don’t have the time for school, you can hire Health Coaches like myself  to teach you what you need to know in order to live a healthy lifestyle in today’s world.  Integrative Nutrition is offering a free book.  All you have to do is fill your information and one will be mailed to you.  Follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/NutritionSchool/app_190322544333196?ref=ts

Integrative Nutrition



Mixed Greens with Flower Petals
Sang Lee Farms



5.       Greens with Flower Petals – I am so very lucky to have a wonderful organic farm near me called Sang Lee Farms.( http://www.sangleefarms.com/)    They grow a variety of mixed greens which they pick fresh, clean and then bag for sale.  Included in those greens are edible flower petals.  Eating flower petals dates far back in our history but is not so popular today.  In the 1930’s Edward Bach wrote how flowers each have their own vibration and can help to raise your emotional state.  Check out this website:  http://www.bachcentre.com/centre/remedies.htm  Please don’t eat any flowers from a florist or those that have been sprayed with any pesticide.  Also, do a bit of research and make sure the petals are edible. 

*Follow this link to see another list of my favorite things:  http://innerbeautyworkshops.blogspot.com/2011/07/these-are-few-of-my-favorite-things.html

Inner Beauty Workshops offers in person coaching as well as telephone coaching.  Please contact christine@innerbeautyworkshops.com or (631)355-9442 for details…

REFERENCES

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