Changing the Face Of Medicine.

I've long been discouraged with conventional medicine and our health care system. To me, it's like driving an old, beat up car. You can only get so many 'tune-ups' or repairs and continue to drive it before it completely dies. And when you DO finally turn it in for a new vehicle, you realize the money you dumped into the repairs would have been better spent on a new car all together.
That's what our government keeps doing. Throwing money at temporary repairs to our healthcare system which feed the disease and create more problems in the long run. Doctors have no incentive to truly cure a patient when they get paid to throw drugs at every pain, ache and cough. It seems even doctors with national recognition, touted on Oprah and viewed by the general public as "America's Doctors", can succumb to the typical American 'sell out'. For example, Dr. Barry Sears. I am not saying his concepts and ideas aren't valid. They are. Admittedly, the man is a genius for crying out loud with a PhD and 13 U.S. Patents under his belt, not to mention he's one of the foremost researchers in the field of nutrition, diet and hormones . I heard him lecture this past Saturday at my nutrition school, and trust me, he knows what he's talking about. I don't argue that. Slient Inflammation. It's the underlying factor of every chronic disease including obesity, diabetes, cancer, and anything ending in '-itis'. His talk was informative and filled with facts. He prescribed food as a drug and his "Zone Diet" as the best prescription for an anti-inflammatory lifestyle. And I am all for it. Until I was in line at Whole Foods shortly after his lecture and decided to pick up a "Zone" bar. Wow. Three grams saturated fat (15% of the RDA). Eighteen grams of sugar and only two grams of fiber. With ingredients including fractionated palm kernal oil, glycerin (isn't that in my hand lotion?) and yes, fructose. Snickers makes a healthier bar with less calories and saturated fat and more fiber (The Snickers Marathon Bar, Dark Chocolate Crunch). I was hoping that somehow, the official Zone bars were not associated with Dr. Sears and his immensely popular diet. No such luck. They are sold on "Dr. Sears ZONE", the OFFICIAL Site of Dr. Barry Sears' Zone Diet." I hate that the most reputable doctors in the country are 'fooling' the country into thinking their products are healthy. And believe me, we're buying it.
I just don't get it. To me, it's disappointing. (In his defense, the Zone bars sold on Barry Sears' site seem to be different and a little bit better nutritionally than the Zone Perfect Bars you typcially see in the stores which look like this. I haven't been able to figure out if Sears is involved with the development of these bars made by, um, Abbott Labaratories.)
But my weekend was saved by two very inspiring and what I found to be, authentic doctors: Dr. David Katz and Dr. Mark Hyman. These men are single handedly changing the face of medicine and challenging conventional medical wisdom. And they are DOCTORS. They speak from a foundation of science backed with intensive research and studies. They are willing to uncover the scams and the lies that our government supports in the name of pharmaceutical dollars. I could go on forever about all the amazing things these two men are accomplishing, but for the most part I will direct you to their websites to learn more yourselves. Unfortunately, because they aren't selling bars, protein powders, knifes and kitchen utensils, you may not be as familiar with their names as Dr. Oz or Dr. Barry Sears.
And much of what they are saying is congruent with those more well known doctors. But their message is not tainted by commercialism or products contradictory to their messages. If anything, they give away their products and information for FREE!!!
For example, Dr. David Katz has created an amazing program for children called "Nutrition Detectives." The free DVD's (ok, fine you pay for shipping and handling, about $1) teach kids about how to make wise food choices and what real nutrition means. I ordered ten to give to my family, friends and clients with children. I encourage you to do the same.
And be sure to check out Dr. Katz's amazing NuVal Nutritional Scoring System.We all would be wise to follow this EASY rating system (from 1-100) to judge the nutritional value of our food rather than the archaic and confusing labels the FDA currently requires. We have confused the public into thinking that Zone Bars are good for us and olive oil is bad because it's 'fattening'. It will change the way you think about what is "good for you". Even my favorite snack "Robert's Gourmet Veggie Booty" ranked LOWER than Doritos Baked Tortilla Chips Nacho Cheese . . . right up there with Lay's Classic Potato Chips! (See the ratings here.) It doesn't get into the nitty gritty of food and ingredients, but it's a better judge of nutrition than what we have now. Leave the algorhythms and crazy equations to the scientists and doctors (trust me, he tried to show us how they came up with these scores and it's more than anyone needs to learn!). You'll know immediately, on site, how healthy, overall, your food is.
Hands down, Dr. Mark Hyman was my favorite lecturer this weekend. He spoke with passion, conviction, and more importantly from the heart. He himself lived in poor health and illness and single handedly, altered the trajectory of his health and changed his fate. You can read his story here. He is a proponent of 'functional medicine' and curing the CAUSE of disease and illness, not alleviating symptoms with a pill. My favorite quote of the weekend: "Depression isn't caused by a lack of Prozac!" Hilarious. Yet, what is the first thing a doctor will prescribe to a depressed patient? I think you know the answer to that one. He also stated: "A fork is the most powerful tool you have to change your health and the environment." I couldn't agree more.
I could go on and on and on and ON about Dr. Hyman and how much I respect and value him as a leader in this profession. I can with certainty and confidence stand behind his work and his writings. I highly recommend his Ultraprevention, or any of his books.
I hope to someday have the honor to work with Dr. Hyman and learn from him and stand beside him in his fight for reform and change. I'm going to start by making an appointment!

FINALLY! Fit In Your Jeans By Friday!

No, it’s not the title of my latest fad diet (because I am SUCH a big fan of those, right?!?) But it is the title of Kim Kardashian’s latest series of workout DVD’s and I have to say I am a fan. First, because I created the routines for two of the three workouts, and second because I am on camera with Kim, leading her and you through the upper body and lower body strength and toning DVD’s. It was a lot of work, but Kim and I had so much fun and I am really proud of the product we developed together.
It was very important to me to create a series that would not be perceived as just another ‘fluff’ product endorsed by a celebrity to make money. So I went full steam ahead with Kim and she took it on like a champ. I have to say, the girl works hard. She was always asking for more training time and more rehearsals. I was very impressed by her drive and motivation and really put her all into this project.
For you, fitness enthusiasts, that means you get a REAL workout. One that will challenge you and deliver results. I think this is the first time many of you will see me in a more straight up fitness title, as opposed to dance. Although I may not be shaking my hips as much, Kim and I have a really great rapport and I think that will show in the DVD’s. So I hope you enjoy working out with us as much fun as we had making it. Although, we DID miss Super Bowl Sunday, we both feel it was worth it.
The DVD’s are also much more stylized than all of my other workouts which is really fun to see. Wait until you see the set, the colors and the FASHION. Although, ultimately, it is about the workout, this series provides a totally different feel than all my others and personally, I LOVED IT! I just think they look beautiful. More like these to come . . .





I was just with Kim here in NYC yesterday and I think the greatest reward for me is seeing her confidence grow. She told me she feels such a difference when she is working out. We didn’t CHANGE her beautiful curves and shape for which she is so well known. She is still Kim. But she stands a little taller and feels a lot stronger, poised for anything. Knowing that I helped her kick start a new habit and new way of life is something I hope to be able to do with you, and everyone who has the desire to commit to themselves and their health.

To get a behind the scenes look at our shoot, click here! And you can BUY the DVD’s exclusively on line here.

Disgusted

I know I recently wrote a post regarding my amazing weekend in NYC at ECA. And it may seem to0 early for another one, but I feel so compelled by the article at which I am staring right now, that I had to get this out! I am disgusted, shocked and angered by a recent issue of the member only publication "Costco Connection" So your first question may be: "Jennifer reads magazines from Costco?" And rightly so. Not really. Actually, I believe Costco might contribute to our culture's demise. I certainly do not promote the processed and packaged foods that line the shelves and aisles of most grocery stores, much less in bulk form. Regardless, it happened to come to my apartment here in NYC addressed to my grandmother. And although my first impulse was to throw it out, I figured I would peruse it to see what America is reading. Or more appropriately, what Costco is pushing.

Originally, I was disgusted at the cover celebrating "The People's Court", Costco's food court. It illustrates many happy people, young and old, eating pizza, Coke, hot dogs and Polish sausage and praising it's "25 years of serving up value." How about 25 years of serving up heart attacks, fat, processed food and an overdose of sodium? I think that would have been a better tag-line. And I am well aware of the state of our economy, however, eating cheap processed foods does not equal value. It is a recipe for sky rocketing health costs, hospital stays and an increasing amount of people becoming overweight, unhealthy and depressed.

However, I am very cognizant of how big industry works with millions of dollars in advertising spent to ensure people spend money at their store, with a blatant disregard for our society's health, wellness and overall happiness. So while I am disgusted, I am not shocked.

What I found on page 49 of this issue however, did absolutely appal, shock and infuriate me. Jorge Cruise, a proclaimed "internationally acclaimed health expert" wrote an article called "Shrinking Those Waists" about his new report/book, "The Belly Fat Cure". In it, he promotes his theory, the "S/C Value," which he claims is the key to eating smarter instantly and start losing belly fat by ensuring you get the right amount of sugar and carbs. Ok, I'm having trouble even knowing where to start here . . . let me begin by quoting one of Jorge's 'success' stories. "The best thing is . . . I got to eat things I never though I could eat, like chocolate, Doritos and ice cream." WOW. That sounds like the epitome of a healthy person, doesn't it? Yes, Karen's waistline may have shrunk, but at what cost? Can you tell me what about Doritos and ice cream resembles good health? And balance and nutrients? BUT she DID follow Jorge's wonderful "S/C Value" which aims for no more than 15 grams of sugar and six servings of carbohydrates each day.

Well, I don't know Jorge. I have a steaming bowl of oatmeal or barley with stewed figs or prunes, ginger, cinnamon and almond slices, plus agave nectar every day, and my belly is pretty darn flat. (I think I am already over double your daily recommended intake of carbs and sugar!!!) But I know what is in my food and where it comes from . . . there are no hidden ingredients. It is a whole meal complete with loads of cancer preventing fiber, and natural, digestible sugars. And it sustains me well into the mid afternoon. I don't snack. I am full and satisfied. And I eat it because it is what MY body needs.

What really angers and astounds me are Jorge's answers to the questions posted. When one person inquired about carbohydrate portions, Jorge replies:

Using the S/C Value, one serving of carbs is anything that has 5 to 20 grams of carbohydrates. One of my favorite examples is 27 Cheez-Its; with just 17 grams of carbs, this snack counts as a 1 on the S/C Value. The added bonus is that Cheez-Its don't have any sugar, so their S/C Value is 0/1.

Again, words can not describe how upsetting this is to me. Millions of people look to Jorge for health and wellness expertise and he is serving up this?!? In another question he disses bananas. In a nutshell, Jorge would rather you eat CHEEZ-ITS than a banana because of their "S/C Value". Do me a favor. Go read the ingredients on a box of Cheez-Its and compare it to the ingredients of a banana. And then tell me, honestly, what does your body intuitively decide is better nourishment? Last time I checked, there were no CHEEZ-IT trees or bushes in my back yard. Not to mention the suggestion that people now have to count how many Cheez-Its they are eating. A sure way for people to begin obsessive calorie counting and mind games when it comes to eating. Trust me, I've been there. And how many people do you know stop at a mere 27 Cheez-Its? Those snacks are filled with ingredients that induce addictive eating.

Then comes my favorite part. In the last question on the page, a reader requests a sample breakfast for "The Belly Fat Cure". Here is Jorge's recommendation:

A quick and easy breakfast on The Belly Fat Cure is two Eggo waffles with butter, two to three scrambled eggs (depending on how hungry you are) with salt and pepper, and one Morningstar Farms sausage patty. This whole breakfast has just a 2/2 S/C Value. Or you could add one more sausage patty and skip the waffles and your entire breakfast would have a 0/1 S/C value.

Excuse me, I have to pick up my jaw off the floor. I wonder how much money Jorge has been paid to mention Eggo and Morningstar Farms in his recommendation? This disgusts and truly incites me. I don't have to read the label of these products to know the nutritional value of these foods (aside from the eggs . . . which I'm surprised he didn't throw out some brand name) is pretty much zilch. Very little fiber. Very processed. And very wrong. If time and convenience are his motivation, I bet I could whip up a healthier, more nutritious and satisfying meal faster than you can say "Leggo my Ego."

Here is the worst part. After reading this article, I of course went to Jorge's website where I discovered a picture of him and a smiling Dr. Oz, Jorge's mentor. I am ashamed that Jorge insinuates that someone as well renowned and admired in the field of health and wellness as Dr. Oz endorses his philosophy and recommendations. And nor am I exactly thrilled that Dr. Oz would support Jorge's efforts if he recommends foods such as the items mentioned above.

If this is what the health and wellness industry has become, we are in trouble and have a long, hard fight ahead of us. It's time for these so called 'experts' to stop lying to people and promoting absurd quick schemes for weight loss just to make a buck. As fitness professionals, health and wellness consultants, and leaders in our industry, it is our duty to guide people inward to re-discover their intuitive sense of eating. To encourage them to take responsibility for their own health and happiness rather than relying on one size-fits-all plans to reduce a number on a scale. To inspire them to live up to the amazing potential each and every one of us has inside. Only then will we have a happier, healthier and more loving world.

Food and Health and Being a SKINNY BITCH!

It's been bombarding me lately. All the talk, news, buzz about ORGANIC. So I saw it as a sign to blog about it.

How important is it really?  I'll tell you what.  Pick up a copy of the SKINNY BITCH book by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin and you'll never want to touch anything that could remotely be considered an animal or a by-product of an animal again.  That includes DAIRY people.  And eggs.  And fish.  Of course I really got going on the book right after my egg white fritatta yesterday and a trip to Maui in which I consumed enough fish to feed a small family.  Hey, when in Rome!

Anyway, back to the book.  I've heard about it for a long time and even met the authors to discuss their upcoming fitness DVD's by the same title.  But oddly enough, never read it.  It happened to be sitting on my friend's shelf, calling my name the night prior to my departure to paradise.  Looked like an easy read which is EXACTLY what you want on a vacation to Hawaii, right?

In a nutshell, they support everything I've said for the past two years or so.   Plant based diets are best.  However, they go into much more graphic detail about the meat and poultry industry that I can't even begin to discuss here.  READ IT.  It will blow your mind and keep you as far away from that section of the grocery store as you can possibly be.  Granted, I didn't follow up on their accounts and sources, but just the idea of the possibility of what goes on in the ranching and farming industries, and to what extent our government goes to protect corporate interests at the expense of OUR HEALTH disgusts me. I've been bitching about it recently as well ... somehow I am paying an arm and a leg for health insurance which won't cover the doctors I see to prevent me from getting sick (i.e. holistic health practitioners like chiropractors, herbalists, meditation healers, etc.) but supports a health care system that thrives on keeping people sick and then prescribing drugs to help them 'get better'.  Bullshit.  I haven't been sick in about six years (aside from a nasty 24 hour stomach flu here and there) and that's because I spend the money to take care of myself.  Someone reimburse me for that.  Not likely. 

Ok, so I've gone off on a total tangent.  But it's all related.  Diet and disease.  It is not rocket science.  You know what is good for you and what isn't.  I've been saying this for years, and Rory and Kim will back me up.  READ YOUR FOOD LABELS!!!!  Do you know what hell "sodium acetate, red 40 or disodium inosinate" is?  My spell check doesn't even recognize these words.  Yet they are just three of the unfathomable ingredients in Doritos Cool Ranch "100 Calorie" mini bites.  Ah yes, shit food posing as 'diet food'.  Because, somehow, if it's smaller and in a little package, it's better for you.  These people are smoking crack.

Sorry for the somewhat 'strong' language here.  Not my usual tone, I know. But sometimes, it's the only way to go.  And Rory and Kim will set your ass straight in the same way.  Straightforward, direct, no b.s.  I'm all about it. 

And click here for another great article on the home page of the New York Times today in the Health section.  People so often confuse organic with vegetarian or vegan.  NOT the same.  Organic is a term reserved for HOW food is produced or grown: without pesticides, toxins, or hormones. (that's the short version of the definition!) Whereas vegan or vegetarian refers to WHAT food is or made with.  Basically a plant based diet.  My favorite quote from the article is this one: "If you don't eat meat at every meal, if meat becomes more of a side dish than a centerpiece, you can fill the plate with healthy organic food for about the same price." Which debunks the myth that organic always means more money.  NOT TRUE! 

My recommendations?  Read all you can about nutrition and health and decide for yourself.  Do you REALLY want to get healthy?  Do you REALLY want to have more energy and as Rory and Kim so fabulously put it, become a "Skinny Bitch"?!?  Then toughen up and take the steps necessary to put you on that path.  I'm not saying you have to go drastic.  Start making small changes. Email me with any questions you may have.  It's not about saying 'NO' to food.   It's about saying 'YES' to a healthy, vibrant and happy life. Love, Live and Laugh.