Getting ready for my closeup

 

I had just finished writing my nutrition book this past winter, and shortly after sending in the final edits, it was time to schedule a photo shoot.

Incredibly, my publisher had upped the ante, adding more color photos and surprise, the book was now hard-cover. And yet, there’s nothing like the words “photo shoot” to instill abject fear and worry into any woman’s heart.  Seriously..Why didn’t I do this last summer?

For me, it was the end of a long, cold, deep and snowy winter. Days, no, weeks, honestly months, of sitting behind my computer, typing, had blessed me with extra pounds (thank you). My skin wasn’t glowing like it should (ugh). And the inside air had left it feeling dry and kinda crinkly (that can’t be me).

I was exhausted; my adrenals were shot and I even went and got tested for Lyme and Mono. I had to radically alter my calendar, allowing for my tired state, and that bothered me too.

I was spent. My husband was worried. And on top of it, I wondered how the heck I was going to look halfway decent on the cover of my book. I didn’t have a choice, did I?

How was I ever going to look like it was summer for this shoot, when ice storms kept hailing down on our farm? And most importantly, how did I let this happen? Wasn’t I supposed to know how to keep my self trim, glowing, and healthy?

Nutrition coaches gain weight, get exhausted, and feel like crap sometimes too. I’ve heard that the best teachers teach what they need most to learn. Amen, sister!

I am SO not perfect, but hopefully I can recognize the downward slide when I see it, and pull myself out, up, and soon, back to normal.

This is what I did to get myself ready for my photo shoot. And for life in general. Stuff happens, but I wanted to share this with you so you’d know. Maybe you’re having a tough time shaking the winter too?

1) Move.  It was really hard to force myself out to my favorite Barre Class, so I started by just moving more. Walks with periods of running seemed to be easy to do, so I walked out the door. I didn’t make it a big deal about it, or drive a half hour each way. Some days I wore my Hunter boots, or snow boots, but I went anyway. Fresh air, and movement are a great combo. I slopped through the mud, and let it rain. It felt good to be moving again.

2) Hydrate. I mentioned that my skin felt dry; well, all that heat and stale air had really done a number on it. I began drinking 2 pitchers of clean, filtered water a day, and I spiced it up with lemon (for detoxification), cayenne pepper (for a metabolism boost) and a touch of stevia (so it tastes like a spicy lemonade). My skin immediately saw the results, and the under-eye puffy-dry action seemed to go away within a few days or so.

3) Reduce Inflammation. I eat a clean diet, year round, but some sugar (organic, tho) had found it’s way in. Need an afternoon organic chocolate bar? The occasional glass of wine with dinner? And mindless eating while working had taken their toll. Even if it was healthy. So I ordered my favorite cleanse kit from my friend, Frank Lipman, MD (did you know he wrote the forward for my book?). Within weeks my energy was higher, and I felt pretty darn good. Much better, I had lost a good 7 pounds to boot.

4) Lose the Puff. Several days prior to the shoot, I was stressed out. I still wasn’t at my ideal weight, and I knew that it was now impossible, so I had to practice acceptance. (There’s so much more to say on this subject, so I’ll save that for another blog.) Let’s just say that adding in cranberries, in their whole form in smoothies, and as capsules for a few days really helped me shed some puff. Cranberries and cranberry supplements are often recommended for Urinary Tract infections, overall urinary health, and even gum health, but this berry is a wonderful diuretic if you’re feeling puffy, or if you have a date with a camera in a few days. Caution: cranberry can effect some prescription drugs, so check with your doctor.

5) Get Your Greens. My skin needed color, vitality and glow, big time. I knew I had to amp up my green juice right away, so I got going. I made sure I had at least 32 ounces of green juice or smoothies a day, and salads too (did you see my blog on fresh vegetables and beauty?).

The bottom line? Well, you tell me. I’m happy with my shots. I’m not at my skinny weight, but like I said, I’m practicing acceptance. Imperfection is a wonderful thing. Walking my walk, living my life, and being able to share with you makes it all come together and make sense.

That cleanse I did? It made me realize that you might need it too. So, I’m offering my program, Cleanse with Benefits this May, before I hit the road for my book launch. I hope you’ll join me next month, we begin May 12th, and Dr. Lipman will be on board too. Be sure to open next week’s email with all the details!

*And…Save the date, September 15, 2014. That’s when she ships out (my book that is). Oh, and it’s available for pre-order now, on Amazon.  Just for you. 

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