January 10, 2010

Eating on Purpose

Filed under: Eating on Purpose, Healthy Eating, New Attitude, Organic, Philosophy of Eating on Purpose — Christia @ 2:36 pm

Let me start by saying that recipes are just suggestions, kind of like the yellow light at an intersection…

Recipes are to give you ideas, and you take it from there. You can either follow it to the letter, or adapt it to your favorite flavor profiles, and the ingredients you have on hand.

Baking is the only thing you have to follow to the letter, which is why I don’t bake  - much.

The philosophy of Eating on Purpose is to make sure that everything that goes in a dish has a purpose. The ingredients must be nutritional and flavorful. Your goal is to stay as natural in your ingredients as possible.

A few things to remember:

  • stick with the natural forms of whatever you can hunt, gather, pick or pluck
  • simple carbs – BAD; natural complex carbs – GOOD; simple carbs being bread, pasta, cookies, chips, etc.; natural complex carbs being fruits and vegetables
  • good fats – fish oils, olive oils, coconut oil, macadamia nut oil, sesame oil, organic unsalted butter, etc.
  • bad fats – fats that are man-made (hydrogenated, transfats), and damaged fats (vegetable oils used at high temperatures, like canola, sunflower, safflower, etc.)
  • eliminate as much artificial sugar from your daily intake as possible; you may have withdrawals at first (headaches, grumpiness), but remember – cancer cells feed on sugar – need I say more?

Now for some tips to make life easier:

  • since you want to add as many fresh herbs to every meal as possible, buy organic herbs, wash them, shake the water off, wrap them in a paper towel, and store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator; when it’s time to eat, tear or chop some leaves, and sprinkle over the top of your dish, always adding fresh herbs at the end to preserve the fresh flavors –  especially for flat leaf parsley, basil and chives.
  • buy a bunch of lemon/limes, juice them, and store them in a glass bottle in the frig; then it’s ready to pour into bubble water, tea, a vinaigrette, over fish or chicken, fruit salad, whatever, for a burst of flavor and antioxidant punch.
  • organic everything when possible, period!
  • prep a bunch of veggies when you have a little time to spend in the kitchen, store in a plastic bag in the frig, then they are at the ready when you need something to nosh on, or for cooking.

I’m going to start posting recipes that I think you will love, and that will boost your nutritional intake.  The recipes will come from my next book Eating on Purpose.

Until then, Eat on Purpose!

Happy Living!

Christia

The Most Selfish Woman in America!


January 9, 2010

New Attitude on Food

Filed under: Divorced Women, Happy, Healthy — Christia @ 3:21 pm

This year I’m going to give you the secret that is the basic foundation to a new healthy, happy, You!

As you remember, the F in SELFISH stands for the food you fuel your body with. Clean, lean, organic, non-processed foods. That’s it!

If you can hunt it, catch it, pick it, or pluck it (I got that from Dr. Jonny Bowden), you are good to go. Just not processed. Nothing that needs to be processed to be able to eat, like pasta, bread, chips, pretzels, or anything made in a factory.

Now don’t get hung up on the small stuff. “What about potatoes, rice…?” Just remember the more that has to be done to the raw food, the less beneficial if is to your body. If you are eating a rainbow of colors at each meal, you won’t have to worry about whether you eat potatoes or not. If you can adopt the idea of straight from nature, cleaned, cut up, maybe cooked, then eaten, you will be getting the most nutritional bang for your buck. Period.

Yes, there are a few exceptions:

  • Tomatoes, which are great for you raw, but when cooked with oil, the lycopene is more easily absorbed, so tomato sauce and tomato paste from cans, as long as they are organic, are still good for your body.
  • Olives have to go through a process to be eatable and not bitter. This is obviously worth the processing because of all it’s omega-3 qualities.
  • Beans are another food that can retain their nutritional benefits and still come from a can.
  • Cheese is another food that goes through a process, but as long as it is a minimal, natural process, and eaten sparingly, it’s ok.  No processed cheese spreads, blocks, or whizzes! I mean it!
  • Almond milk and soy milk are also processed but still good for you, so stick with the organic varieties.
  • And of course there’s wine, which goes through a process to be drinkable, but what can I say… it’s the elixir of life!

So you get the idea. The less done to the natural state of food, the better it is for your body. You just have to get use embrace that mind set, and make it your default. Your question at each meal is “How processed is this food?” If the food is just seasoned, sauteed, sauce made from the pan drippings, a squeeze of citrus, and it’s on your plate, you are good to go. If it has been chemically processed to look a certain way, or taste a certain way, or came from a can or package, run… run like the wind!

It is a simple as that!

Cheers to your health and happiness!

Happy Living!

Christia

The Most Selfish Woman in America!


January 4, 2010

This Year’s Secret To Your Success

Filed under: Change, Divorced Women, Emotional balance, Energetic lifestyle, Goals, Personal power — Christia @ 12:17 pm

This year my goal is to give you nutritional and lifestyle information to enrich your daily life.

I want to open your eyes to easy, healthy foods that will make you think clearly, and feel fabulous.  I want you to have enough energy to accomplish your goals. To make your Dream Life a Reality! Because that’s what this is all about anyway, right?  Being the best you can be? Taking control and making your dreams come true?

Your physical well being has more power in your daily life than you realize.  It gives you physical energy, emotional balance, and a personal power that you can’t buy anywhere! It also gives you an inner peace that you can draw on in those stressful times that find us all.

And the fact that you will fit in your favorite clothes… please! You’ve got to love that! This is an area that you have probably been neglecting during your challenging battle with divorce. But all of that is over! Over I say!

This is the F portion of the word SELFISH, in The Most Selfish Woman in America. As you recall, each letter in the word SELFISH means something positive. F is for the foods you fuel your body with. It is all about clean, lean, natural foods. No more processed, chemical laden convenience foods. No drive thrus. No more frozen dinners, no matter what manufacturer makes them. And definitely no vending anything (except water)!

With a little planning, you can have everything you need without all the added toxins in processed foods. You just have to change your mindset. Believe it or not, it will actually save you money. It costs less to make your own than when you add up all the boxed, canned, frozen, foods plus the cost of eating out. Save the eating out for a special occasion.  Save the money for organic foods.

When you make your own food, you control what is in it. It’s that simple. And you can control your food budget by controlling what you buy. If you will only buy clean, lean, organic proteins, fruits and veggies, you will be taking control of your current and future health. You will begin repairing the damage your history of food intake has caused your body. And it’s not to late. Our cells replace themselves from every few hours, to every few years. The foods you give those cells to use now dictates what type of cells are created to replace the old. It’s never too late to make a difference.

Your New Year’s Declaration:

I will take control of my body!

I will take control of my health!

I will take control of my LIFE!

Until tomorrow, class dismissed.

Happy Living!

Christia

The Most Selfish Woman in America!


January 2, 2010

Happy New Year! Happy New Life!

Filed under: Happy — Christia @ 9:29 pm

How great is it to have the opportunity to start over?  Start fresh!  Begin again!

Wow!  There is some serious power in that.  It almost takes my breath away…. almost.

But I still have enough where withall to seize this chance to make the life I’ve always wanted for myself.  No excuses, no hesitation, no holding back.  There is nothing to fear but fear itself!

Back on the track that I know will bring me success, and happiness. Excited to embark on my new existence. I can feel it… really!  I can feel it in my smile, my step and my attitude. I’m happy almost all the time, which is a blessing unto itself. I’m thinking positively. I’m glad to get up each morning. I’m where I need to be to make this Dream a reality. Thank you God.

No more listening to others who worry that I’m not being realistic.  No more listening to people who think I should fit some mold that THEY are comfortable with.  No more letting anyone sour my ambition and excitement by their insecurity.

Last year really sucked, no matter how hard I tried to make it better. Just think if I hadn’t chosen to respond positively to the negative… I would have been a basket case, trust me. But that is a testament to how important it is to choose a positive response to life. I didn’t want to end up at the bottom of a crevasse… the end of my dreams… because someone else was pissed at me for divorcing them.

Well, no more! I will bloom as the person I know I am, and never succumb to the opinions of others. Never again!

I’m getting new exercise shoes for the new year. I’ve got a new attitude in the form of a fabulous new hair do. I’ve got a new interest in doing things that make me feel and look good. Like I said before, this year is all about ME!

I encourage you to join me. It’s OUR turn to be exactly who WE want to be! OUR turn to not listen to anyone or anything that will get in our way! Those days are OVER!

It’s all about US!

Again, thank you God!

Happy Living!

Christia

The Most Selfish Woman in America!


December 20, 2009

Divorced Women’s New Page for a New Life

Filed under: Divorced Women, Passion, Pleasure — Christia @ 1:51 pm

Welcome to our new page! Love it!!!!

New page, new day, new chance to create your Dream Life. New chance to live the life you were meant to live.

And if that weren’t enough, it’s about to be a New Year. I’m talking clean slate, start over, make it happen!

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to breath easy again. This last year has been from Hell. What’s that about? It’s been a reminder of “be careful who you marry.” Need I say more? I mean really, go away already! Get on with your life! (This is my current chant -over and over.) They’re like stink on your shoe… you can wash it off but the smell still lingers….

New year, new Me! I’m devoting 2010 to Me! The Year of Me! It’s got a ring to it, right?

  • I’m going to put my book on the market, promote it, share it, live it!
  • I’m going to do whatever it takes to get paid for what I love doing!
  • I’m  never going to be financially dependent again!
  • I’m going to seek out the pleasure in each day!
  • I am going to let the people in my life know just how important they are to me!
  • I’m going to live and love more than ever!

As you can see, I’m going to be busy. But I can’t think of a better way to live my life than with purpose.

And as we all know, It’s My Turn!

It’s Your Turn, Too! Join me, won’t you?

Happy Living, and Merry Ho! Ho!

Christia

The Most Selfish Woman in America!



November 5, 2009

Pleasure – Enjoy Everyday Life

Filed under: Emotional Needs, Happy, Old Tapes, Pleasure, Selfish Women — Christia @ 10:52 am

It’s time for you to get comfortable with the word “Pleasure”.

It’s time for you to start getting pleasure from your everyday life. Whether it’s grocery shopping, watching your child’s practice, getting your hair done… enjoy  yourself.

Life is too short to not have fun. But if you aren’t a naturally happy person, or things are just tough right now, you are going to have to make a conscious effort to get the most out of your daily life.

Then there are those of us who feel a twinge of guilt when we do something strictly for our own pleasure… hearing those old tapes that tell us we are being self centered for doing anything that is just for us. I hate those old tapes… But that comes from our old, unhappily married life… and we are living in our new, positive, fulfilling life.

Don’t look back, and don’t listen! Get comfortable with pleasure. It’s good for your soul.

Now, you can’t always dial “something exciting” into your day. So you have to derive pleasure when you can. And it doesn’t have to be anything big, although that is fun. Just taking time to sit out in the sun, eyes closed, facing the sky, soaking in the warmth. Or buying your favorite cup of the “holiday coffee”. Or adding that favorite piece of vintage jewelry to your everyday outfit – just for fun. Wearing your favorite, most expensive perfume with jeans and a t-shirt. Or wearing risque underwear under your work clothes…. Shall I go on?

Then, of course, there is the intentional pleasure. Luxurious bubble bath, fabulous metallic pumps, spa day, weekend getaway, your favorite champagne in your favorite flute just to celebrate the day. Light those candles on a daily basis. Have fresh flowers on the counter in your favorite vase. Again, it doesn’t have to be big, just pleasurable.

You add a whole different dimension to daily life when you take a minute to enjoy yourself. If you are getting pleasure from the little things in life, you are feeding your soul and spirit. There is an inner peace that come from happiness.  And we can build that inner peace on a daily basis by taking care of your own emotional needs to feel special, and pampered.

And if you don’t do it, who will? If you take care of your own needs now, you will be stronger when the next “storm blows in.”

And don’t forget, It’s Your Turn!

You are a Selfish Woman who deserves to enjoy everyday of her life!

Happy Living!

Christia

The Most Selfish Woman in America!


October 20, 2009

Pain is Sign of Stress in Women

Filed under: Happy, Over Commitment, Sick — Christia @ 11:19 am

So you are going along with your daily life, trying to solve the world’s problems, one person at a time, when you start feeling bad. Physically.

Your body starts to act up…. you know, sick.

Your head starts hurting, your stomach is always upset, you start having irregular bleeding… insert your symptom here.

But there you go… still saying yes to the requests made of you. Now I might add here that these are not mandatory obligation, just requests from people who know that if they want something done, to give it to you!

Drum roll…….. now the stress is building. The stress of knowing that you don’t feel good anymore. And that none of the projects you are doing are being done to your standards. Don’t you just hate that!

Stop! Just stop! Stop saying yes to everything that comes your way. Start asking yourself  ”Does this get me any closer to my goal? To my Dream Life?”

If the answer is yes, then do it with gusto. If the answer is no, don’t do it.  Period.

It’s time to prioritize. It’s time to start thinking of yourself first. It’s Your Turn, remember???

When you are aligned with your correct life path, you won’t feel sick. You won’t feel so stressed that it makes you literally ill.

You will feel exhilaration. You will feel happiness. You will be excited to get up every morning. This is our goal for your life.

Happy Living!

Christia

The Most Selfish Woman in America!


September 23, 2009

How Divorced Women Achieve Their Goals

Filed under: Affirmations, Change, Courage, Divorced Women — Tags: , — Christia @ 7:21 pm

This last year put me into a tail spin. I’ve had more change in that one year than ever before. Stop already!

I feel like I’m flapping parallel to the ground, holding on to a flimsy flag poll. I need to catch my breath.

What ever happened to moderation? You know, things in small, manageable pieces? I need another vacation!

Now is when I have to remind myself that “this too will pass.” My new mantra.

Now is when I need to be faithful with my affirmation, my positive reinforcing statements of gratefulness. My frame of mind seems to change for the better when I do my affirmations.

For example: “Thank you God for my health, thank you for my discipline, and thank you God for my courage, conviction and determination.”

Or: “Thank you God for my health, thank you for my discipline, and thank you God for my determination, success and happiness.”

The idea of affirmations is that the first statement is being thankful for something you have already accomplished. The second statement is being thankful for something you are currently working on. The third statement is being thankful for 3 things you want to accomplish.

Again, this needs some soul searching. Be honest with your choices. No one has to know. But the power of affirmations is documented, and well worth the exercise. The act of reinforcing your goals is a constant reminder of what you want to accomplish. It seeds the goals into your subconscious, where they are worked on behind the scenes. The more you open yourself up to accomplishment, the sooner it will happen.

Recite your affirmations in the morning before you get out of bed, sometime midday when you can focus on them, and at night before you go to sleep. These statements need to be the first thing on your mind in the morning, and the last thing on your mind at night.

Think of it, focus on it, and make it happen!

Happy Living!

Christia

The Most Selfish Woman in America!


September 15, 2009

How Women Find Their Passion in Life

Filed under: Change, Courage, Divorced Women, Passion — Tags: — Christia @ 12:16 pm

When I think about living my passion, I think about how lucky I am to have another chance to do just that.  And how important it is not to let this opportunity be wasted.

It takes introspection to tap into what that passion looks like. It takes being true to yourself, and not worrying about what other people think you should do.

What I’ve discovered is that my passion is not conventional. It’s not the normal 9-5, working in a cubical job. But that’s also how I know I’m on the right track. I’m not a conventional, 9-5 person, by any stretch of the imagination.

Another way to know that I’m on the right track is that my passion reflects what I’ve been interested in, and have been doing in my life for years. My researching nutrition, supplements, exercise and attitude all this time was an indication that I have a true love for that knowledge. I’ve been sharing it with family and friends all along the way, with a passion I might add.

You may not have had the time to indulge in your passions in your old life. Good news flash: now you do!

Serious soul searching is required here. And don’t edit yourself, like I’ve said before. Think outside the box.

Ask yourself what would make you bound out of bed every morning? What would make you feel like you were contributing to the world?  What would make you glad to be alive?

Now keep a journal of your ideas. Find the common thread. Again, no editing.

How do you feel about that thread? Does it excite you? Give you that chill you’ve been missing? Bring a smile to your face? That is your goal.

Now that I can actually make my passion into a career and lifestyle, the possibilities are endless. And the reality of that is thrilling! But also a little overwhelming. That’s where courage, and a goal plan come in. More on that later.

There aren’t many second chances in life. And we are lucky when we get them. That’s why it is so important to make the most of the opportunity when it comes along.

It is your turn to make the decision on what you are going to do with the rest of your life.

It is time to live your Passion.

It’s time to live your Purpose.

It’s time to live ON PURPOSE.

Happy Living!

Christia

The Most Selfish Woman in America!


August 27, 2009

How Divorced Women Become Their Own Worst Enemy

Filed under: Change, Good Habits — Tags: , — Christia @ 11:54 am

Sometimes we are our own worst enemy. It’s true!

We get all motivated to make a big change in our life, but we seem to hit a wall just when we think we can’t fail.

Usually that wall is You! When we visualize making big changes in our lives, we forget to change everything else in our daily routine that would sabotage our success. Habits that we have acquired over the years that seem harmless. Watching TV (even if it’s CNBC), shopping, running errands – insert your habit here.

A New Life requires new habits. Obviously your old habits didn’t encourage change before. So you have to change those old habits.

Start spending your time on activities that help you accomplish your Big Change. Focus. Research. Visualize. Reinforce.

Most big changes in life require new skills. Work on them. New habits. Work on them. New mind set. Work on it.

See it!  Live it!  Be it!

Don’t stand in your own way. The rest of the world will be glad to do that for you.

Use the CPR Approach – Consistence, Persistence and Resistance! It is in your control. Like Jeff Herring says, “be consistent in your actions, persistent in your drive and resistant to set backs and all those who may tell you that you can’t do it.”

Just make sure that with this new change in life, you create new productive habits to support it.

Happy Living!

Christia

The Most Selfish Woman in America!


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