A Balanced Perspective Weekly
on Health and Wellness
January 17, 2006
1. Going Vegan?
2. Wellness Packages for New Years
3. My Travel Blog - Update
4. Cooking Classes - 2007
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1. Going Vegan?
So how is the new year treating you? Are you sticking
to goals you have set for yourself?
I am finally back from all of my traveling. It's nice to
get back into the groove and stay put for a little while.
Doing the Vegan Thing
A few weeks ago I alluded to the fact that I'm moving
towards a more vegan diet and said that I would explain
why later. First I want to say that I never thought this
would be me. I grew up with fisherman and hunters. As
a health counselor I have always believed that no one
diet is right for every person, and that some people
really need animal protein and I was convinced that I
was one of those people who need animal protein.
I really do not like fanaticism. Does anyone? And I see
a lot of it in the health foods community. I often don't
enjoy talking with other health gurus for that reason. It
has always been important to me to remain balanced
and grounded.
What has also remained important to me is to have
integrity as myheartdances grows. So. As much as I
know that many of you might disagree with me on this
topic, I am going to share with you my current personal
path and convictions.
The China Study
I am not one to jump on the latest health trend and I
read new information regarding dietary changes, with
skepticism. There is just too many agendas and a lot
of people who just want to be "right" and have everyone
else agree with them. That said, I read a book recently
called The China Study. It was written by T. Colin
Campbell, a professor at Cornell University and a
researcher in nutritional science for over 40 years,
primarily as it relates to cancer. He has also served on
a number of national boards advising on information that
should be released for public dietary standards.
Big Industry Interests
To make a long story short, his book discusses his
findings in the many years of nutritional research he has
been involved with. Most of his findings show that animal
proteins metabolize carcinogens in a way that leaves a
certain type of byproduct which is what causes cancer
to grow. Furthermore, he talks about his experiences
serving on these national boards that are often well
respected by the public, and how the majority of
members were funded or well connected to outside
corporate interests such as the National Dairy
Association. This led to numerous occasions where
scientific information was suppressed in order to protect
the interests of these industries. He shares how early
in his career some major players tried to boot him from a
board for standing up to them on a major issue about to
be released to the public. It wouldn't have been good
for the public, but it would have made these people a
lot of money.
Finally, he discloses how public information on nutrition
becomes so confusing (eggs are good, eggs are bad,
eggs are good again). He shows what happens behind
the scenes and how corporations and big industries will
look for any loophole in a scientific study to protect or
support their economical interests, when the issue is
really not one debated among scientists.
I'm Convinced
It is the first time I have read information that has
convinced me that this vegan thing might actually have
something to it. Does it mean I will never eat meat
again? Probably not, I'm too much of a fish lover. But
it does mean that it will probably be on very very rare
occasions. Besides, even if Mr. Campbell is wrong,
eating more vegetables certainly can't hurt, and eating
less meat is undebatably better for the environment.
And we now know that we can get all of our protein
needs met through plant sources. Vitamin B12 is the
only thing vegans really need to be concerned with not
getting on a modern day plant based diet. I'll explain
more about this in future newsletters.
Still Supporting My Meat Eating Clients
Lastly, I will continue supporting my clients to eat a
diet that is right for them. Some people are just not
going to give up meat, plain and simple. I respect your
choice, and will help you to find the healthiest version of
the diet that's right for you. I only share with you about
The China Study because I think you should all have all
the information to make the best decision for yourself.
In the end, we are responsible for our own choices, and
I don't think eating a certain way is the answer to all of
our problems...though many fanatics would like it to be
that way.
If you'd like help with your health and lifestyle, or
transitioning to a healthier diet, we can meet to discuss
this. There are delicious healthy foods out there. Last
night I made the most amazing vegan peanut butter pie.
Try out one of my cooking classes to get your share of
these mouth watering dishes!
Have a wonderful rest of the week.
Love Melissa
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2. Wellness Packages
***Exciting New Programs***
The Lifestyle Makeover
I don't know what I'm doing with my life. I'm not
satisfied with my career, my relationships are not
going anywhere. I'm not really where I want to be.
Sound like you? This package will cover career,
relationships, spirituality, and health. You'll gain a
stronger hold on your identity, and find satisfaction
moving forward towards discovering and completing
personal goals and projects.
6 sessions - $675
The Nutrition and Health Makeover
I don't eat what I should, nor do I stick to an
exercise plan. I'm not even sure if I know what I
should eat! I find myself snacking on junk food
and eating poorly when I'm at work or traveling. I
want to have more energy and be fit. I want to
grow old healthy!
This package is for the typical New Yorker. You
want to be conscious about your health, but you
are not making it happen. You want more energy
and to eat better. In this plan we'll get down to
the nitty gritty about what is getting in the way for
you, and how you can achieve a healthier you
without cramping your lifestyle. We'll create a
therapeutic lifestyle plan that works just for you!
3 sessions - $375
The Weight Loss Makeover
I'm tired of not sticking to my diets. I'm ready
to make a commitment to my health. I want to
see my real body underneath this cushion. I
want to feel good when I walk down the street
and enter a room.
Sticking to a weight loss plan is hard. No doubt
about it! This program is designed to get you off
the dieting cycle and get you on a plan to achieve
results. It's for individuals who are ready to make
a change and commit to giving this gift to
themselves. No more quick fix attempts. This is
the real deal!
10 sessions - $1125
I Am - Strategic Solutions for Women in their 20's
I love working with young women! It's a time in life
where you are testing your own identity and power
in this world, yet sometimes you feel conflicted by
the pressure of your parents' and peers' ideas about
what track you should be on. You have your own
mind and you want to use it...but sometimes you're
not sure about your different opinions. This program
deals with self-image, self-respect, confidence, and
effective decision making.
5 sessions - $575 (sliding scale available for this
program...please call or e-mail me for details)
All programs can be adjusted to fit your specific
needs. Number of sessions can be increased or
decreased based on your goals.
Payments plans available.
Contact me with any inquiries
melissa@myheartdances.com 917-689-6530
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"For whatever reason, people are so inclined to
spend money on a health club membership and
working out their body, but when it comes to
working on the mind and emotions, people are
more hesitant. I remember the session that we
had together and all of the advise and direction
that you provided was truly excellent. You really
made a very positive impact on my life and I can
tell that you are exceptionally gifted in this area.
You have a very intuitive sense and are able to
put all the pieces together very quickly and
correctly. These are very good skills for the type
of coaching that you do, and I hope that more
people will see how they can benefit from the
coaching that you provide." - J.R.
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3. Find Out What I Eat and How I Exercise on the Road -
My Travel Blog - Update
Well... So much for the blog! I found it far easier to eat
healthy and exercise than to find a wireless signal to keep
you all updated on how I was doing.
I am curious... How many of you read it? I am not really
in the blog scene, so I'm curious how many of you are.
What I Ate
I ate a lot of whole grain cereal and soymilk. I don't
usually use soymilk, I'm an almond milk fan, nor do I
usually eat cheerios (I eat nature o's), but when traveling
I had to choose the best options from what was available
to me.
I ate a lot of baked potatoes and sweet potatoes. My
dad and I would bake one of each and give each other 1/2.
We would mix them together. Sometimes we would bake
an onion, garlic, or broccoli with them. Yummm!
Exercise
I usually walked in the mornings for 1 hr. I missed a few
more daysthan I had hoped because of various reasons.
If we traveled during daylight hours, I was unwilling to
walk around a truckstop or rest area in the dark for
instance.
Occassionally I took my dad up on his clain of something
being the "best" of its kind. This included a hamburger
called the "mountain burger" and a hot dog with mustard
saurkraut, and chili topped on it. The hot dog was really
good.
I actually lost 1 lb on the trip!
To see a pic of me and my dad:
http://myheartdances.blogspot.com/
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4. Cooking Classes - 2007
(located on the Upper West Side)
Organic Food, Organic FUN, and Good Company
Thank you for sharing you home, knowledge, great recipes,
and warm friends. There's something very intimate about
creating and sharing a meal with others. It was interesting
to learn about your holistic health background and cook
with new ingredients. I look forward to taking more classes
with you. - Heather
January 13 - Chamberlins - 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, January 20 - 6:30
Vegetable Casserole
Red Wine Vinaigrette Potatoes
Peppered Buckwheat
Apple Crumble
Monday, January 22 - 6:30
Vegan Scramble w/ tofu
Chunky Tomato Basil Soup
Roasted Delicata Squash
Gluten-Free Flat Bread
Monday, February 19
Vegan Teryiaki Stir-Fry
Herbed Green Millet
Sweet Potato and Green Apple Salad
All Natural Fruity Shake
Pre-Register Today – Only $40 per class
All classes are held on the Upper West Side
Class is from 6:30 until 8:30p.m.
And includes all of the following
*Hands-on instruction
*Meet new people
*Learn cool facts and tips about the food you’re eating
*Get healthy tips
*Receive a copy of the recipe to take home
*Enjoy a DELICIOUS meal at the end of class!
Made by The Fabulous You!
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™ was developed to support individuals in living from their heart and going after what they want in life. Our mission is to support you in deciding to be honest with yourself and be honest with others so you can face your fears and go after your dreams to "let your heart dance!"