myheartdances - Arvhived Newsletter

Click here to Subscribe to Newsletters

A Balanced Perspective Weekly
on Health and Wellness
August 2, 2007

1. What is Healthy
2. **New Weight Loss Groups beginning in September
3. Kids Cooking...
4. Cooking Classes

---
Subscription Info - Subscribe/unsubscribe

If you would like to subscribe to this newsletter visit this page:
http://www.myheartdances.com/newsletters/subscribe.htm

If you would like to unsubscribe from this newsletter send a
BLANK e-mail with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject heading to
newsletter-request@myheartdances.com

---

1. What is Healthy?

If someone asked you, "What is healthy?" What would you
say? You would probably list a number of healthy whole
foods and mention that it's important to get exercise.

But is that all?

Tell me this. If someone is married with a family and works
a high pressure job that demands late hours from them.
Would you say they should make sure they get some
exercise after work on a regular basis, or would you say
that it would be ultimately more healthy for that person to
skip the gym and make it home in time to tell their kids
bedtime stories and enjoy some intimate time with their
spouse?

What if you saw someone at work grab a couple cookies
every afternoon at work. Then one day they asked you,
"Do you think this is healthy?"

You would probably say, "no" and offer them some more
nutrient dense and less processed options.

What You Don't Know

But what if what you don't know is that this person suffers
from anxiety and stress. For some reason, having an
afternoon cookie helps them to find some relief and allows
them to relax. They've tried other things, but the other
things don't work.

Do you think it's healthier for them to forego the cookie in
that moment and be stressed, or eat the cookie and be
relaxed?

Not Just One Road

My point is - well, actually I have two points. The first
point is that what is healthy encompasses many factors.
We need to consider all dimensions: our physical health,
relationship health, emotional health; whether we are
getting plenty of hugs, and plenty of fun; if we are living
our lives with integrity; if we feel inspired by our work, etc.

My 2nd point is that you might be wrong when you try to
offer someone advice or answer a question about "what is
healthy," especially before you have asked questions to
get to know them better. In that moment, the diet soda,
the cookie, or skipping exercise, might actually be the right
choice for that person in that moment.

Granted, the person who needs the cookie to relax would
probably do better if they began learning other stress-
reducing techniques. But if you never asked them more
about their situation before offering your advice, you
wouldn't be able to help them with that because you never
listened long enough to know what might be right for them.

Tossing Out the Rules

This is why I have difficulty with dogmatic rules about health.
This is also why I have a hard time making a hard and fast
statement about what is healthy when someone asks me a
general question like that. I always ask more questions. It's
the total balance I'm looking for. I'm also looking for
happiness...because if you aren't happy, what's the point?

Ultimately I would love to see people eating whole foods,
enjoying fulfilling relationships, and climbing a career ladder
that they are inspired and motivated by. When I coach
people, it's about steps though. What works for you now,
and how can we get to your ultimate goals. Each individual
is different. Each individual has a unique path.

I hope you have a very "healthy" weekend. :-) And some take
with you some food for thought.

P.S. Don't forget to sign-up for fall cooking classes. Make
new friends and eat delicious, "nutrient dense" foods.

xoxo

Melissa

---

2. Registration for Fall Weight Loss Groups

Do you want to lose weight but you keep getting off track?
Often this is because we get stuck in social situation where
tempting food is available, or because we eat for emotional
reasons like stress and boredom. Weekly group will help
you strategize how to get through these challenges and
also support you in eating a healthy whole foods diet.

*Small Intimate Group Environment

*Individual Attention

*Have accountability through seeing the same members
every week, and sharing your goals and successes.

*Learn from others about what works and what doesn't

*Build relationships and laugh

*Build body image and self-esteem while working on your
weight loss goals

*Get e-mail support between group sessions

*Weekly Meeting

*$75 per month

*Month to Month Commitment

September Registration has begun. Please contact me
for more info or to sign-up.

917-689-6530 or melissa@myheartdances.com

---
Within the past few months I have made huge lifestyle
changes. I take time to listen to what my body needs.
My cravings for artificial sweeteners and processed foods
have diminished. I cook with all whole foods and feel
stronger, more alert, vibrant, and healthy. I have a
renewed passion for life and sense of well-being. I am
overcoming my eating disorder, exploring my spirituality,
and discovering new possibilities for a gratifying career
path. I treasure our relationship. Thank you so much for
your support.

Elyse, Dancer, NYC

---

3. Kidfresh

I'm teaching health kids cooking at Kidfresh on the UES next
week on August 8th at 11am. We are being visited by a
magazine who will interview us and take pictures.

Have some kids you know sign-up for the class.
www.kidfresh.com

Also, I'll be teaching there in the fall as well. You can register
by contacting Kidfresh. www.kidfresh.com

Kidfresh is like a local kids whole foods. Whole food kid's meals
are prepared fresh and boxed up daily.

---

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

***Some of these dishes might sound new to you, but I
promise you, they are delicious!!****

September 18
Thai Peanut Soup
Vegetable Spring Rolls
Lime Peanut Sauce
Coconut Millet

September 28
Salmon Burgers
Spring Out Quinoa
Sunset Salad
Parsley Ginger Dressing

October 19
Sweet Potato Miso Soup
Vegan Chicken Salad
Mesclun Green Salad
w/ Carrot Ginger Dressing

October 27
Garlic Braised Tempeh
Buckwheat
w/ Tahini Sauce
California Waldorf Salad

New Classes coming in the Fall!

Don't see a class on days that you are available?
Make a request... melissa@myheartdances.com

Pre-Register Today – Only $50 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!

Please contact Melissa at Melissa@myheartdances.com for
more details and to register or call 917-689-6530

**Classes are fun, relaxed, and not intimidating! They are
great for beginners!

**Private classes are also available, more details at:
http://www.myheartdances.com/services/cook_class.htm

Call me to schedule an appointment: 917-689-6530
melissa@myheartdances.com

Sessions are $125 to $75

For more detailed info on private coaching:

http://www.myheartdances.com/services/private_couns.htm

For a further explanation of fees:

http://www.myheartdances.com/services/fees.htm

"You are non-judgmental and so real and practical about dealing with these issues. I tell everyone about you. You are so young, but you are so smart and have great insight. I love working with you, and I'm a tough customer." GG, NYC

As always, thanks for reading and please send comments
and feedback
melissa@myheartdances.com

™ 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!"