Farewell 2011!

As I sit here counting down the last hours of the year 2011, which has been amazing fore me,  I can’t help but be super excited about Twenty Twelve! I really think it will be the best year yet!

In the last year I…
Completed my health coaching certification.
Completed my Living on Raw Food Teaching certification.
Left my corporate job to follow my passion for helping people and creating delicious food with excellent nutrition.
Participated in my first Vegan Bake Sale with Compassion for Animals.
Traveled to conferences in amazing places  like Miami, Orange County, CA and Philadelphia.
Teamed up with another amazing health coach in the planning of the Take Back Your Health Conference.
AND SO MUCH MORE!!!!

2011 has been great, but I am welcoming Twenty Twelve with open arms!

See you in the New Year!

xo,
Ryan

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas!

xo,
Ryan

Holiday Weight Gain? No More!

My Top 5 Tips to Surviving the Holidays

Do you ever dread this time of year? Endless baked goods at the office, holiday parties, the stress of out of town guests and long shopping days? I am here to share with you my top 5 tips for surviving the holidays! I too, used to dread this time of year. It was almost a double edged sword because I love the holidays! The decorations, the music the family gatherings, but the amount of food and the weight I would gain during this time of year would put me in a tail spin trying to lose it all come New Year’s Day. Did you know that the average American can gain anywhere from 6-10 between Thanksgiving and New Years? YIKES!! No wonder everyone has “Lose Weight!” at the top of their resolution list. If losing weight is always at the top of your resolution list, let’s make sure it’s real weight that you need to lose and not holiday weight caused by too many cookies, too much stress and not enough exercise because you are tired! Sound good?

Tip #1 Don’t deprive yourself! This time of year is known for it’s food. Are you seriously going to try and sit there and not enjoy your grandma’s famous mashed potatoes or your aunt’s snicker doodles that she only makes at this time of year? Just like when you try to “diet’ any other time of year and you put rules on yourself you end up driving yourself crazy and eating more than you would have if you would have allowed yourself to enjoy it in the first place. Same things will happen at this time of year even if you aren’t on a “diet”.

Tip #2 You have heard this one for years…never go to a holiday party hungry! Drink a green smoothie on the way or eat a big salad, steamed greens, or a warming vegetable soup before you leave. You will feel good knowing that you have fed yourself something nourishing and healthy since this time of year isn’t exactly known for it’s holiday salads, ya know?

Tip #3 It’s ok to say “No.” Often times at this time of year, we are surrounded by food pushers. You know, the aunt that asks if you want dessert and hands you a plate of 3 pieces of pie. Your family/loved ones who are preparing this food typically get satisfaction over watching everyone devour their plates. Simply tell her how delicious it was, give her a huge hug and thank her. Trust me, she really wants to hear that you are full and that you loved her food.

Tip #4 Exercise! Set a goal of exercising 2-3 times a week. Set a low, reasonable goal. The key is not to set yourself up for failure. I hear clients all the time say “I’m picking my exercise up during the holidays because of all the food I am going to eat.” Really? If you can’t find 5 days to exercise during your usual work week, what makes you think you can do it during one of the busiest times of the year? Set a goal that is reasonable and fits your lifestyle.

Tip #5 Take a time out! Yes, i am telling you to take time to yourself. Give yourself a break. You are already a busy bee with your normal schedule and for you to add the stress of holiday shopping, cooking, parties, etc. you need to know that it’s ok to take a break. Whether it’s a few days off from work, getting a massage, taking a hot bath with candles or turning off your smart phone for an hour a day, know that it’s ok to take a break. Your body will thank you.

xo,
Ryan

*Note* These tips were sent out before Thanksgiving to my newsletter subcribers. I received such positive feedback that I wanted to share it with you as well! If you are not a subcriber of my FREE newsletter, sign up here. As a special “Thank You” for subscribing, you will have exclusive access to tips, new programs and specials before they are released on my website.

« Previous Page — Next Page »