Wednesday, December 28, 2011

REboot 40 Day Cleanse Program!

Introducing... THE CLEANSE!!

Ok. Before we go any further I should clarify that this is not your traditional Eat-Nothing-But-X-Cleanse. Rather this is 40-day super-health program designed to, yes, gently cleanse toxins etc. from your body, but also to reset the way you eat and get deep nourishment into your body. Many (dare I say, most) Americans are overweight but they are also UNDERnourished; their bodies simply aren't getting the nutrients they need (either because they aren't present in the diet in the first place or because their digestion is not functioning well enough to properly assimilate the nutrients from the food. The Reboot program, therefor, is a two fold path that focuses on cleansing out the bad and building up the good.

1. Cleanse: gently and effectively remove any toxins or build-up that may be holding up or damaging the system. This is done by:
a. Dry Brushing- each REboot pan includes 1 dry brush to be used on the skin daily. The skin is the largest organ in the body and one of our primary ways of eliminating toxins. The exfoliation from dry brushing helps increase skin cell turn-over in addition to stimulating circulation.
b. Premier Cleanse Powder (by Premier Research Laboratories)- This is a psyllium husk and botanical blend that helps to "rejuvenate the body by cleansing waste particles", cleansing the digestive system. To be taken with aloe and cranberry juice for deep digestive support.
c. Coffee (or Chlorophyl) Enemas- OPTIONAL. Totally up to you, if you want to brave these but those who do are promised incredible benefit. The primary goal of these is not only a cleansing of the colon but a particularly effective cleansing of the liver (heres a little article that says more).
d. Diet- following one of the two dietary options of the Reboot program will help ensure that all the work you are doing to cleanse is not being put to waste by toxins in your diet. :)

2. Re-Build & Nourish: a hyper-dose of super-nutrients to restore balance and boost the system.
*Cod Liver Oil (Premier Research Labratories)- incredibly pure U.S.P. grade oil from Norway is rich in D3, A, and E Vitamins as well as EPA and DHA. Super boost for brain, immune system, hormones and mood, bones and joints and more.
*Coral Legendtm(PRL)- Made from fallen coral on the sea floor off japan (sustainably harvested- I checked!) which are said to be the "most assimilable source of alkalinizing minerals in the world". The product will be address mineral deficiencies (with improved calcium uptake thanks to being taken with the above cod liver oil) and target the body's pH to improve alkalinity. (Taken with Aloe Drink or Powder for optimal uptake in organs and glands.)
*Quantum Probiotic Complextm (PRL)- broad spectrum probiotic culture to help re-establish healthy intestinal flora (essential to good health, immunity and digestion). This particular one is interesting because it is made from 92 different herbs and barks cultured over 5 years and is certified to be 6.5 times stronger than any other lactic acid bacteria (oo lala! ).
*Dynamic Greenstm (aka 'Green Drink') (Metagenics)- one of my favorite products out there. Tastes great and is packed with more super foods, grasses, plant enzymes, and antioxidants than they can practically fit on the label. To be drunk in morning or afternoon in-between meals with a spoonful of chia seeds for extra digestive support and health boost benefits.
Diet: in addition to the supplements and cleansing procedures etc. the other big part to the program is the diet. This will probably be the most challenging part for most people but also promises to be the most rewarding. Reboot has two Nutritional Paths you can take, one moderate and one more extreme, but both will help re-set your system and get you feeling better than ever before. Both start with a day of bone or bieler broth and veggies (will explain more during first class). Here's the breakdown:

MODERATE PATH:
Veggies: ALL- with extra love for dark leafy green vegetables, and a little less love for the sweeter veggies like tomatoes, carrots, and beets.
Meats/Fish/Eggs: ALL (Organic strongly encouraged, red meat only if grass fed, bacon etc. only if nitrate free). Range-free organic eggs encouraged.
Grains: ONLY IF SPROUTED (more info on how/why during class), or ancient and seed-type grains like quinoa, wild rice (actually a seed- interesting, no?), and millet.
Beans/Legumes: ALL
Dairy: ONLY IF RAW or low-temperature pasteurized (I will give you resources for this if desired) from pastured cows or goats.
Fruit: berries, green apples, lemons, limes, grapefruit, allowed once per day. All other in moderation (no more than 3x/week).
Sweeteners: Stevia, Lo Han Guo (buy it HERE on amazon), and minimal (no more than a tablespoon/day) amounts of raw honey or pure maple syrup. Absolutely NO sugar in any form, artificial sweeteners, corn syrups etc. (this is BIG- this change alone will rock your world).
Fats: all non- artificially made fats allowed including animal fats, coconut products, and oils of grape seed, olive, sesame, coconut, and flax. If it has hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats, just throw it away (cleanse or no cleanse you don't want that!).
Beverages: NO ALCOHOL, no sugared or sweetened beverages (stevia soda ok in moderation), no more than ONE cup of organic coffee or black tea per day (try for none if you can handle it), and avoid all other artificially flavored anythings. Kombucha, coconut water, kefir (unsweetened), lemon water, un-sweetend cranberry concentrate plus stevia or lo han, and green and herbal teas are all OK.

EXTREME PATH:
Same as above except NO grains (sprouted or otherwise), NO dairy of any form, NO caffein, NO fruit, and No sweeteners other than stevia and lo han.

Capische?

So! There will also be a major group support component to this that I feel will be critical to ensuring that you all not only have fun, but are able to stick to it for the full 40 days, and come out the other side feeling better than ever. During our first Cleanse class (currently set for Saturday, January 14th from 9:00am-10:00am) you will find a buddy who will help you take your measurements etc. and will be your support buddy for the rest of the cleanse. Those of you doing this remotely will be assigned to ME and we will have a lovely Skype date set up every other week (with text, phone, and email support in the interim). The buddy system along with the classes at the studio (or online) will help keep you on track and motivated so the above protocols can do their magic on you without interference from doughnut cravings etc. ;) The Studio-R Facebook page will also serve as a virtual gathering place for cleansers to post updates, recipes and resources, or just call out for support. There's a big gang of us doing this so together we shall not fail! ;)

Cost: $240 which includes all of the above supplements, books, REboot classes, etc. plus a surprise prize at the end for all finishers!

TO PURCHASE THE CLEANSE follow this link and go to the online store tab (then shoot me an email at ranier@mac.com to make sure I get your registration!)

RSVP: by January 6th (deadline extended!)

Get ready to feel better than you have in years!

xx
R


Monday, October 31, 2011

LULULEMON TRUNK SHOW and GRAND OPENING PARTY!!


It's happening folks! Lululemon Trunk Show and Grand Opening Party at Studio-R! Tell everyone because it's going to be quite the event...

DATE: Sunday, December 4th from 1pm-4pm
LOCATION: Studio- R 1600 Lena Street suite A6

See you there! More details coming soon...

xx
r

Eat like a Swede


I just stumbled upon a great (albeit hideously designed) blog called "Eat like a Swede" that is all about lower carbohydrate, higher fat (LCHF as they call it) dietary movement that is apparently all the rage in Sweden right now. They give a breakdown of what it means to 'eat like a swede' and it goes long with what I often recommend people so I thought I would repost it here. Here is their advice in their own words (picture is of ABBA, the other thing Swedes are famous for ;):


Are You Ready To Eat Like A Swede?

Have you decided to join the ever-growing LCHF (Low-Carb, High-Fat) movement that is going on in Sweden? You don’t have to be a Swede to eat like one! Here’s a simple plan for starting your own low-carb, high-fat plan that will help you lose weight and get healthier than you ever thought possible:

Foods you want to eat often on your healthy LCHF plan include–
Full-fat meats, eggs (preferably organic), non-starchy vegetables, butter, cream, full-fat hard cheeses, cream cheese, coconut oil, olive oil

Foods you want to eat in moderation on your healthy LCHF plan include–
Nuts, seeds, berries, dark chocolate, wine

Foods you want to avoid on your healthy LCHF plan include–
Sugar, rice, corn, grains, pasta, bread, fast food, artificial sweeteners, root vegetables, processed foods, seed oils, starchy vegetables, potatoes, margarine, beer, fruits, skim milk, anything “low-fat”.

Eat until your hunger is satiated and don’t feel guilty about eating fat which becomes the fuel for your body in the absence of carbohydrates. Don’t try to eat a low-fat, low-carb diet! The high-fat part of LCHF is an essential element to making this work for maximum impact! And you’re certainly not counting calories if you are eating when you are hungry and allowing the fat and protein to satisfy you.

Beverages you want to include as part of your healthy LCHF plan include–
Coffee with heavy cream, black coffee, tea and water

For more detailed information about starting your own LCHF plan, read the recommendations (in English) from Swedish low-carb physicians Dr. Annika Dahlqvistand Dr. Andreas Eenfeldt.

John Hopkins study affirms that low carbohydrate, higher fat diets more efficient for weight loss and DO NOT negatively impact cardiovascular health!


SEEE???? I been sayin it! In all my years of being a trainer I have never seen a low fat diet to help anyone efficiently (or happily) lose weight. Low-carbohydrate/ low-grains diets with unrestricted quality fat intakes, however, have proven to be effective for my clients over and over again. People may look at me like I've lost my marbles when I tell them I eat bacon and eggs for breakfast but it looks like the research may finally catching up with me...

check it out here.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

STUDIO-R Is now OPEN!!!

YAAAHOOO!!!!!
I am pleased to announce the opening of my very own fitness studio in the Lena Street Lofts! Its a gorgeous space full of light and fabulous things and I encourage you all to stop by and check it out. I will have a video or at least a few pics to share with you soon. For now I wanted to post the october class schedule and simply let you all know that the PARTY IS ON in unit A6 in the Lena Street Lofts.
Hope to see you there!

SEE LINK ON RIGHT TO SCHEDULE YOUR CLASSES! First class is FREE!
note: if you cant read the schedule because it is impossibly small (not sure why :) click the scheduling link on the right to see a weekly view of classes and sign up online.



Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Bison Chili and Gluten-Free Corn Bread



So tonight my beloved brother, his wife (one of my favorite people in the world), and their two lil' girlies are coming to visit us for a couple of days. I figure there is roughly 100square feet per person with them in our tiny house but couldn't care less! Im so excited! Anyway, so they get in pretty late (its 11pm now and they aren't here yet) and I reckoned they would be pretty hungry (we generally tend to be in my family :) so for dinner tonight I whipped up a big pot of chili and some crusty corn bread since it's the kind of thing that will be as tasty later as it was at 7. Having never made chili before in my life I tried my hand at a batch a few weeks ago and have been making it (upon popular request) on a weekly basis ever since. My basic recipe came from SmittenKitchen, a food blog I adore, and have since made a few tweaks that seemed to render it worth posting up here for y'all. The gluten-free corn bread is a slight variation on my (southerner) mom's classic recipe in which you heat the oil in a cast iron skillet before mixing it in to the batter and it makes you the tastiest crusty corn bread you ever did try... Those of you who are avoiding gluten will appreciate that it tastes no different (if not better) than most with gluten, although those of you on the 4HB diet will have to save this part for binge day.
So! On to the recipes!

Bison and Red Bean Chili (with secret zucchini and cocoa powder)
- 2-4 strips pasture raised bacon, chopped into little pieces
- 1 large shallot (mine was huge- an onion can work too)
- 3-5 cloves garlic (your choice)
- 2lbs ground bison
- 1c beef broth (extra points if you make a bone broth and use that)
- 1 14.5oz can organic crushed tomatoes
- 1 large zucchini, grated
- 1/4 C chili powder
- 1T ground cumin
- 1T unsweetened cocoa (strange? perhaps, but SK swears by it and now I do too)
- 2 15oz cans of kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 T apple cider vinegar
- salt (I like smoked salt for this one but kosher works too)

optional toppings (which are, in my opinion, hardly optional):
- chopped fresh cilantro
- sour cream*
- sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese
1. In a large stock pot cook the bacon until done through or even a little crispy (depending on your preference)
2. Throw in the chopped shallot and/or onion and cook till translucent (add a dash of olive oil if needed)
3. Add the bison and brown
4. Stir in crushed garlic, chili, cumin, and cocoa
5. Add in grated zucchini and cook for 1-2 minutes
6. Add tomatoes and simmer on low for 10 minutes
7. Add beans and vinegar, season to taste
8. Eat it all up! YUM!

* If you are going to eat dairy, try your best to find diry from pasture raised organic cows. SOO much tastier and much much better for you and the planet. I've just discovered this company, Kalona Super Naturals, and oh my gawd, is there stuff great! I still cant do much of it but when I chose to I make sure it's good!
Mama's Best Cornbread (made gluten-free!)
- Olive Oil (and/or bacon drippings if you are so inclined)
- 1/4C Pamela's Gluten-Free baking mix
- 1 1/4C Cornmeal (I like to mix textures but if you can only chose one choose smooth ground)
- 2 1/4t baking powder
- 1/4t baking soda
-1t salt
- 1c buttermilk (milk with a splash of apple cider vinegar works too)
- 1 egg

Directions:
1. Pre-heat oven to 450F. Fill the bottom of a cast iron skillet with approx 1/4" of oil and put in oven to heat.
2. In a large mixing bowl mix dry ingredients (note- if you have a 2c measure you can measure all the flours in it like this:
3. Measure out the milk then add the cup to the cup and beat till mixed (saves a dish!)
4. Add the wet to the dry, mixing only very BRIEFLY
5. Once oil is hot in oven, pour excess into the batter, stir until just incorporated, and immediately pour back into hot skillet.
6. Spread batter out to edges and bake for 20-30minutes or until golden brown.
7. Cut into slices, spread with pasture butter and honey and enjoy!




Sunday, August 21, 2011

MyPlate Remix



While researching industrial strength D-rings and carabiners this evening (hopefully I will get to show you why soon... :) I somehow found myself on the Precision Nutrition site reading an interesting article about the gov's new MyPlate food campaign. For those who aren't familiar with the MyPlate campaign it was the government's recent redux of the food pyramid (that cost lots and lots of money to do and somehow isn't all that different from the trusty pyramid).Precision Nutrition's writer John Berardi discusses the shortcomings of the MyPlate campaign and offers an alternative I happen to fully agree with... Check the article out for a more in depth look at the pros and cons (and potential reasons behind the government's selections), and use his handy re-dux of the MyPlate to guide your meals...
A few plates to ponder...

Note: to see them bigger check out the original article where they have a link to download a large version for print..