WellnessCoach.com

Only We Know What’s Best for Us
The best wellness advice I ever received came in the form of questions for me to ponder…questions that helped me uncover my own truths.

As a wellness coach, there is no input I can provide here for you that is more appropriate than the wisdom you’ll receive by checking in with your own body, mind, and spirit. Ultimately, you must decide what is best for you. I believe this is true regardless of the source of any external advice.

Take Time to Go Within
In the spirit of quiet contemplation that the peaceful image above inspires, take some time out to look at your current level of wellness. Explore what you really need in each area mentioned below and let that information gently direct you to take appropriate action or non-action. Allow your body, mind, spirit and heart to speak to you.

I like to go through this gentle process of self-exploration each spring and let the natural healing forces and wisdom within go to work. Enjoy!

SPRING WELLNESS INVENTORY
PONDER THIS…

1. ASK YOUR BODY:

What areas of you need my attention?
Which foods would nourish you?
What forms of rest, recreation or replenishment do you want today, this week, this month, this year?
Do you need additional tools for rest and relaxation?
What activities would you enjoy at this time?
Are there any new healing/wellness modalities you want to experience?

2. ASK YOUR MIND:

What is intellectually stimulating and engaging for you?
Do you get enough of this?
How can I give you more of what you need?
Do I need to provide you with more rest?

3. ASK YOUR SPIRIT:

What helps me feel connected with my source?
What is my spiritual anchor, compass or rudder in life?
What daily/weekly practices serve my spiritual life?
What things make my soul sing with appreciation for Life?

4. ASK YOUR HEART?

Who do I consider to be my “tribe”?
Who is in my closest inner circle?
Who do I love?
Who do I count on?
Who knows my heart?
Where am I expressing love?

5. ASK YOUR SELF OVERALL:

What can I do to further your greatest expression?
Where have I abandoned you?
What am I pretending not to know about you?
How can I love you?

Hope the pondering leads you to new layers of awareness. Love to hear what you discover!

Tags: Body, Explore This - Inquiries to ponder, General Wellness Tips, Inspiration, Matters of the Heart, Mind, Nutrition, Spirit, Wellness Coaching by Erica Ross-Krieger
2 Comments »

What Season is this?
From the looks of the sunny weather in the SF bay area last week, you’d never think it was winter. But when I shed my sweater and bared my arms, all I had to do was pay close attention to my skin to know: 1) it is indeed winter; and 2) I haven’t been doing such a great job of nurturing my skin this year.

It’s much colder this week, and I’m back in sweaters and multi-layers. I’m not sure what kind of conditions you’re experiencing this winter (or even if it is winter where you are), but I write this to remind us all to take better care of our skin…particularly during the winter months.

When the Wind Blows…
Winter conditions can wreak havoc on the skin, particularly on the face, lips, and hands. When we frequently head outdoors into very cold temperatures (often with low humidity) and then immediately head indoors (where we’re exposed to consistent indoor heat), the skin gets quite a workout.  Even when there are sunny days, the air is dry, the evenings are cold, the indoor heat is constant and it all takes its toll on the skin.

The Result?
Overall in the winter, the cold outdoor dryness and warm indoor heat sap the moisture right out of our skin – which can leave it chapped, dull, extremely dry and even flaky (which is what I noticed last week when I took a few minutes out to scope out my bare arms.) But there are steps we can take to turn things around and help our skin thrive during the winter.

I hope you’ll take a real close look at the following list and join me in putting it into action:

 

Create a Healthy Glow from the Inside Out:
5 Tips for Turbo-Charging your Winter Skin Care

1. Keep yourself hydrated! While you may not feel thirsty as you bundle up and bustle about in the cold, consuming plenty of fluids is one of the primary tips for retaining moisture and maintaining the elasticity of your skin. Stay clear of the coffee and go for 8 or more glasses of purified water and herbal tea each day.

2. Boost your intake of Antioxidants* and Essential Fatty Acids*.  *Antioxidants: Eat (or drink the juice from) blueberries, cranberries, acai berries, and dark purple and red grapes. Eat more tomatoes or tomato sauce for the Lycopene and eggs for Lutein (found in the yolk). Regular consumption of foods rich in Beta Carotene (yams, carrots) can help protect skin from sun damage.

Consider adding Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) supplements to your regime (always check with your health care practitioner.) ALA neutralizes free radicals in the body and promotes healthy cell function. Your skin will appreciate the help.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s): EFA’s play a vital role in the health of your skin, nails and hair. They help your body form healthy cell membranes that will actually hold water inside the cells, hydrating your skin. You can boost your intake of EFA’s by increasing your consumption of fresh nuts, seeds, and wild Alaskan or Pacific salmon. High-quality Flaxseeds are also a great addition to the diet. Store them in the fridge and grind before using in smoothies, on oatmeal, soups or salads. Or buy already ground Flaxmeal and store in the fridge. EFA supplements for you to include are: Flaxseed oil or fish oil capsules (good source of Omega 3s), and Evening Primrose Oil or Borage caps for Gamma Linolenic Acid, which is a highly beneficial Omega 6 that you can’t easily get from food.

3. Increase circulation and stimulate blood flow to the skin. Get a fully-body or foot massage or facial. Use a dry brush to exfoliate dead skin cells and stimulate the skin to a nice rosy glow before you shower. Go easy on the hot water in the shower. Yes, the steam is great but excessive hot water can further dry your skin. Do Tai Chi, QiGong, or 10-15 minutes of aerobic exercise a day. You can give yourself a mini facial by adding a sprig of fresh Rosemary (or 2 drops of rosemary essential oil) to a bowl of steaming hot water. Hold your head directly over the bowl (but be careful not to get too close to the water) and place a towel over your head and the bowl to hold in the steam.

4. Eliminate conventional soaps and body washes that contain detergents and synthetic ingredients. They strip natural oils from your skin. Browse the aisles of your local health food store or alternative pharmacy to find an all-natural, gentle body wash. Look for one that is made with organic, highly moisturizing and protective coconut, olive, and/or jojoba oils or seaweed. (I like Zia’s Natural Seaweed Cleanser, which is primarily for the face. As I boost my skin-care regime, I’ll be using it for an all-over wash. )

5. Use body oil to moisturize instead of lotion. Lotions are predominantly water-based. Winter’s dry conditions evaporate the water from your skin before the lotion can do any moisturizing. A better bet? body oils! Containing no water, they are the purest form of moisturizer. To maximize body oil’s absorption action, you need to apply it to your wet skin immediately after you shower or bathe.

Also, try applying body oil while you are actually still in the steamy shower, massaging it onto your skin (which increases circulation). By the time you finish showering and step out of the shower, the body oil will be thoroughly absorbed into both the outer (dermis) and deeper (subcutaneous) fatty layers of the skin. This will give your skin the deep moisture it needs to stay hydrated, moist, and supple. (I’ll be using the organic body oil by Alba.)

Look forward to hearing from you as you implement these tips. And  if you’ve got some tips to add, those of us with thirsty skin would love to hear them!
To your Health!

—————————————–
Work with Erica and cultivate more Wellness in your Life!
Register now for 2009 Wellness Coaching sessions: 925-933-7445

Tags: Body, General Wellness Tips, Wellness Coaching by Erica Ross-Krieger
5 Comments »

I simply wanted to write a quick blog post about wellness. I’d been writing lengthy posts lately (as you know) and just wanted to break them up with something short and powerful.

I thumbed through pages of notes of “good ideas” I keep in a folder. I chose one topic after another. I started and stopped ten times. I just couldn’t land on something simple. No matter what I tackled the post grew larger, longer and more complicated. Frustrated, I took a  break and headed over to Twitter, vowing I’d make it a short visit.

Keeping that vow was simple. At the top of my Twitter stream was a wonderful Swedish Proverb, shared by  “Escape from Cubicle Nation” blog writer Pam Slim (@pamslim on Twitter). Pam received the gift of the proverb from her friend @desireeadaway. When I read it, I knew it held every piece of wellness advice I could ever hope to live by or to share. Thanks, Pam. And now, dear readers, I joyfully pass the proverb on to you:

“Fear less, hope more; Eat less, chew more;
Whine less, breathe more; Talk less, say more;
Love more, and all good things will be yours”

What are some simple words of wellness wisdom that you’ve recieved lately?

Tags: General Wellness Tips, Inspiration, Sacred Attitudes, Spirit, Wellness Coaching by Erica Ross-Krieger
4 Comments »

I was in the midst of writing the last post of my 2008’s Cornucopia of Resources Series today. I was stressing out to get the post up and give you the list of books I’ve found inspirational this year.

Somewhere along the way, I caught myself tensed up, hunched over the keyboard, with shallow breathing and a furrowed brow (familiar at all?). Noticing this, I stopped. I took a deep breath, pushed back from the computer and went to get a glass of water. A few more deep breaths and that glass of water later, and I vowed to re-enter my office with another mindset..or rather, another “heart-set.” I reminded myself to slow down and write from my heart.

When I returned to my desk, I took another minute out to check my email in-box. And there it was. An email from my friends at Spring Forest QiGong (SFQ), containing a special gift - a 15 minute meditation form SFQ founder, Chunyi Lin called, “Open Your Heart, Change Your World.”  I had just affirmed I’d go about my writing with and open heart, and so I took 15 minutes out right then and there to close my eyes and listen to the meditation.

Chunyi Lin’s meditation did indeed help me to Open my Heart and Change my World.

I’d like to pass the message and the meditation on to you.

Click this underlined phrase here to listen.

And be sure to read the note below that came from Chunyi Lin along with his gift.

Enjoy!

Hello Friends:

Many of us are impacted by the troubles in our world as this year draws to a close and are looking for better ways to cope with the challenges in the coming year – be they economic, emotional, physical or spiritual.

At Spring Forest Qigong, we wondered what we could do to help. We decided to create a special healing meditation by Master Chunyi Lin as our gift to you and to others this holiday season. It’s our hope that this free 15 minute meditation might be useful to many.

This podcast is our gift to everyone. All you need do is download and listen. After listening we hope you will want to share it with everyone you know.

Imagine what would happen if 1,000, or 1 million, or 1 billion people practiced this simple, openhearted exercise every day. We would change our world!

In peace,

Your Spring Forest Friends
http://www.springforestqigong.com/

On my end, I’ll get back to working on the inspirational books post and have it for you soon. For now though, I hope you take time out to enjoy this meditation. There’s no better resource I know at this moment, to help you open your heart and change your world.

p.s. I am not an affiliate or in any way compensated by SFQ. I am simply an advocate of their wonderful work in the world.

———–
Call me to set up a 30-minute wellness coaching session during the holidays. You’ll be sure to find the peaceful oasis within your own heart. 925-933-7445

Tags: Body, Cornucopia of Resources Series, General Wellness Tips, Inspiration, Matters of the Heart, Meditation, Spirit, Wellness Coaching by Erica Ross-Krieger
2 Comments »

Immediately after publishing my post, Fitness at 50 and Beyond, I was interviewed on her BlogTalkRadio show by FeistySideofFifty™’s powerhouse, Eileen Williams. In 15 minutes we covered everything from the highlights of this blog to Seven Sacred Attitudes for Baby Boomers. Take a wellness break, have some soothing tea, and listen in. Enjoy!

Tags: Announcements, General Wellness Tips, Matters of the Heart, Mind, Sacred Attitudes, Spirit, Wellness Coaching by Erica Ross-Krieger
3 Comments »

Looking Ahead
For the past month, I’ve been looking ahead at the winter and realizing that, after decades of year-round outdoor swimming, doing so in the rain each year is getting a bit old for me.

True, the pool is heated, I live in California, and I don’t have to worry about snow where I live. And, yes, I could probably find an indoor pool around here if I looked for one. But that still small voice inside has been getting louder and urging me to find a nice whole-body regime to do during the winter – a regime that will supplement yoga, take the place of swimming, and be available for me at home or somewhere other than a traditional gym.

Buried Treasure
Well, I recently found the answer…but it was located way beneath my resistance.

You see, I’d done some research on the internet and found an incredible piece of equipment made by the company NuStep. Easy-on-the-joints, a full-body workout, and transforming lives, NuStep is a wonderful machine. It also comes with a hefty price tag, so I wanted to try it out first.

NuStep does have a 30-day at-home trial period, but rather than have it shipped here, set it up, and possibly not like it, I asked where I might give the machine a test ride. I found out that a commercially-owned NuStep machine was located at a gym near me called Club50. And not only could I try the machine out, but the salesperson at NuStep told me I could possibly join Club50 and not have to purchase the machine myself. “Club50?” I thought, “This probably means it’s really a senior center and there are tired seniors playing bingo.” So I resisted going. For weeks.

The Other Side of Resistance
But after a month of grumbling, I gave myself a self-coaching session and figured, “Heck, it’s only to check the machine out. I don‘t have to sign up and play bingo.” So I went. And I was oh so wrong about what I’d find.

Club50 Fitness Centers® were created for those of us age 50 and above and it is anything but a place for bingo. It’s for those of us who want a great workout, aren’t training for body-building competitions, choose cotton t-shirts instead of binding lycra and spandex and prefer to use exercise equipment that is highly efficient yet easy on our bodies.

I met the energetic owner of the franchise near me, Mark, and grinned from ear to ear when I looked around. I found an inspiring environment, fabulous equipment, yoga classes, and, what’s become my very favorite, the NuStep machine. As I tend to like to get in and get down to business, I was also happy to see the efficiency of the circuit system and the lack of crowds at the equipment. I adore the place, look forward to going, get a great workout, and feel right at home!

If you are a baby-boomer at age 50 or beyond, want a fun and engaging way to keep fit, I encourage you to try a Club50 near you and/or also try the NuStep machine. Like me, you’ll be glad you did.

Sometimes, what we want is right behind the resistance we cling to.

Love to hear your comments about fitness at 50, swimming in the rain, overcoming resistance or anything else this post brings to mind:)

Warmly,
Erica

P.S. Join me on my FREE monthly WellnessCoach teleclasses. Call me to register: 925-933-7445

Tags: Body, General Wellness Tips, Mind, Wellness Coaching by Erica Ross-Krieger
4 Comments »

During the emergency safety procedure rap on airplanes, we hear flight attendants tell parents: “…put on your oxygen mask first, then place masks on your children.” Sure, you can use this statement to remember that you can serve others better when you take care of yourself first…but you don’t have to frequent the skies more often to get a daily dose of the same message. You’ve got a “built in” reminder much closer to home.

Did you know that your heart already gets the idea? Yup. Your heart is a more intelligent pump than you may realize. When your nice bright-red oxygenated blood returns to your heart from your lungs, your heart bathes ITSELF first with that newly oxygenated blood, before pumping it out again to the rest of your body. This is no small matter. Your heart takes care of its own well-being first. It “knows” how important it is to do so.

I invite you to use this information as a metaphor this week. Stop often during the day and place your hand on your heart. Breathe deeply. Imagine the newly oxygenated blood nourishing your heart first and then the rest of your body. Take a moment to think about the metaphor and take care of yourself. Whether it’s stopping for a glass of water, getting some fresh air, or stretching your limbs, YOUR well-being must come first. It’s written in your heart.

Tags: Body, General Wellness Tips, Matters of the Heart, Meditation, Spirit, Wellness Coaching by Erica Ross-Krieger
2 Comments »

I confess. I adore putting jigsaw puzzles together. The big ones. The 1000-piece size. The entire process of putting them together delights me no end.

From the joy of selecting which puzzle I’ll buy, to the sound of the pieces rattling around as I rummage through the box, to the trial and error method I resort to when I’m assembling a huge section of all blue sky. I love it all. I even like pulling the whole puzzle apart when I’m finished, and returning the pieces to the box. It’s a Zen thing for me.

Over the Labor Day weekend, I began a new 1000-piece puzzle of a summer scene in the Adirondacks (one in the Hometown® Collection if you’re wondering:) While working on it, and grinning from ear to ear, I realized the process of putting a puzzle together contains the exact lessons of well-being that I stand behind and practice myself. So I jotted down a few notes during puzzle breaks and joyously noticed what a powerful metaphor I’d found. The notes themselves made me smile, and I thought I’d share them today:

Jigsaw Puzzles Lessons
to Apply to Well-Being

1. Take your time selecting your puzzle — be sure the picture is one you want to embrace for a while.
2. Keep your eye on the big picture you are creating, the entire time.
3. When you start, and you look at all those loose pieces, you’ll be excited because you know with certainty that, as my favorite teachers, Esther, Jerry & Abraham of Abraham-Hicks are fond of saying, “you are in the perfect position to get ‘there’ from ‘here’”…you’ll trust the process.
4. Feel the excitement of both the end result and the process.
5. Focus on one small task or area at a time…be that the border, sorting colors, or just putting the trees together.
6. Enjoy the entire process of putting this together – all of it…even the part where you can’t find a piece. Yet. As soon as you shift your attention to what you want and away from what you don’t have, then let go, and the piece will be there.
7. Commit to enjoyment the whole time – from the sound of the pieces in the box as you rumble around and sift through them to picking out “just the edge pieces.” From finding “just the sky pieces” to placing each and every piece into the puzzle in its own time.
8.Remind yourself that you do this not just for the end result, but for the fun of the game.
9. If it starts being anything but enjoyable, or you can’t keep a smile on your face – take a break, get up and move around, do something else, shift your attention to another section of the puzzle, or just stop for a while.
10. Take a time out every so often and look at the finished picture on the box so you reconnect with where you are heading.
11. Know that when you are “complete”, it won’t be long before you want to do a new puzzle…know that it is the process that delights you.

I’m not suggesting you become a jigsaw puzzle aficionado…I am saying though that enjoying the process or journey of getting from “here” to “there”, wherever that is for you, is really what well-being is all about – whether the journey involves the well- being of your body, mind, spirit, finances, business or overall life.

I can just imagine that some of you reading this looked through those  “Jigsaw Puzzle Lessons” and may be saying, “Yes, it’s a cute metaphor, Erica, but this enjoyment thing, and trusting the process are only applicable to jigsaw puzzles because you know all the pieces are in the puzzle box — the manufacturer put them there. I don’t know that when it comes to my own physical, financial, or overall well being.”

Well, many of you know that I am a joyful student of the teachings of Abraham-Hicks and their Law of Attraction material…so it won’t surprise you when I say, “Yes, and YOU contain all the pieces of your picture of well-being that you could ever possibly imagine…your “manufacturer” put them there right from the get go…it is your job to FEEL this and ALLOW it.”

I’d love to hear what your “jigsaw puzzle” of well-being looks like. Keep me posted!

—————
Work with Erica on the Jigsaw puzzle of your own well-being:
- Well-being teleclasses
- Individual coaching series of 8 segments
- Individual coaching segments
Call to register: 925-933-7445

Tags: Body, General Wellness Tips, Mind, Sacred Attitudes, Spirit, Wellness Coaching by Erica Ross-Krieger
4 Comments »

Welcome to the second post in this latest product review series. Today, I’ve reviewed a second DVD in the Mayo Clinic/GAIAM Wellness Solutions series from the GAIAM catalog. While the product I reviewed in the prior post is a helpful wellness tool for those with chronic back pain, this product is a breath of fresh air for those of us entering, or currently dancing with, menopause.

Menopause came knocking on my door seven years ago. (Actually, banging on the door was more like it.) Since I was in my early 40’s at the time, she was an unexpected visitor. But I have since learned that mine was not an unusual age for hosting such a visit!

I have been fortunate enough to work with a great naturopath and nutritionist, as well as an acupuncturist, and am quite pleased with the results and my relationship with this powerful stage of my life and all it brings to me. That said, I am always looking for ways to strengthen my relationship with menopause. Which is why I was excited to test a new resource and am delighted to be able to share it with you.

Mayo Clinic’s Wellness Solutions for Menopause

Product Description:
“Mayo Clinic, one of the top medical centers in the country, and GAIAM, the health and wellness experts, team up to bring you this groundbreaking, integrated health action plan designed specifically to help you become attuned to your body during this transition.”
– from the product’s back cover

Contents: DVD (90 minutes) and BONUS: 52-page My Stress Solution booklet.

Price: $20.00 U.S.

WellnessCoach.com Rating key
☺ ☺ ☺ = Great product. I’m using it, love it and I highly recommend it for those who seek a wellness solution to the issue or condition the product addresses.
☺ ☺ = Good product. I’m using it, or parts of it, for now, and/or if it addresses a wellness need you have, definitely consider giving it a try.
☺ = It has merit, but I’m not personally using it. Use with caution.
☹ = Don’t bother.

WellnessCoach Assessment:

For women who want an integrated approach to embracing the life transition from peri-menopause through menopause, this DVD supplies helpful resources and information. The Mayo Clinic team teaches that menopause is a natural life stage and not a medical disorder, which is a sound and accurate point of view.

By the end of the DVD, you will have met knowledgeable and caring experts, learned nutritional tips for eating well at this phase of life, taken a refreshing meditation break and had a restorative yoga session. The bonus booklet, My Stress Solution, gives tips for managing stress, which is critical for keeping your body healthy during times of transition. (As with any program, be sure to consult with your doctor to be sure this program is right for you.)

Strengths of the product/content:
1. Philosophy that menopause is a natural stage of life.

2. Integrated approach (expert information, tips for healthy diet, gentle and restorative yoga and meditation)

3. The My Stress Solution booklet is comprehensive and since managing stress is extremely valuable during menopause, this is a great tool. It’s almost identical to the bonus booklet in the above reviewed product, but the inside front and back covers have important notes specific to menopause in this case.

4. Dr. Lynne Shuster, M.D. is awesome. She is knowledgeable, warm, and an approachable expert. She is a great addition to this DVD and provides the core medical and emotional information. Because she is a woman, and either at or nearing this stage of life herself, you might feel like I did which is that you’d like to have her along for the duration of this transition.

5. The dietitian in this DVD is also a woman, seeming to be at or nearing this stage of life as well. She provides solid and helpful tips for a plant-based diet and dietary healthy choices during menopause.

6. Yoga expert, Colleen Saidman, guides you through meditation and restorative yoga and does so with the compassion of someone who understands the terrain of the menopause transition. The yoga session was filmed in a beautiful setting, gentle music is in the background, and you feel like you are actually taking an outdoor, lakeside class with Colleen.

7. The DVD (as is each of them in this series) is presented in eco-friendly packaging.

Weaknesses of the product:
1. While I appreciated the welcome and overview by Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Brent Bauer in the prior product I reviewed, I had a different reaction to his introduction on this DVD. I honestly would have preferred the welcome to come from Dr. Lynne Shuster.

I just had a hard time hearing Dr. Brent Bauer tell me how menopause is a natural part of life. It felt a bit like having my Dad, uncle, or brother tell me about menstruation (which they didn’t) rather than my Mom, aunt, or big sister. Call me old fashioned or even gender-biased if you will, it’s just my preference to hear about changes to my female body from other women.

2. I have a small dislike for the terminology used to describe Part 1. It is called: Understanding Your Condition. I don’t think of menopause as a condition like I do back pain or arthritis. I’d rather it was called: Understanding Menopause. Not a big deal, but not exactly aligned with their philosophy that menopause is a natural change.

3. The eco-friendly packaging used for all the DVDs in this series presents the same dilemma it did in the above review – great for the environment but can potentially scratch the DVDs. Be careful when removing the DVD or placing it into the package.

My Personal Experience:
I wish I would have had this program right from the start of the menopause transition – it was seven years ago when peri-menopause was first dancing through my life and having this DVD then would have been helpful. But it still is relevant to the stages I’m in right now and I’m grateful I came across the DVD.

Because of my experience with the first product I reviewed in this series, I knew to watch this DVD in its entirety the first time through, without participating in the yoga or meditation right away. This let me see what props were needed and gather them ahead of time.

As before, Part 1 contained the overview of Mayo Clinic’s integrative approach. This DVD also contained an outstanding discussion by Mayo Clinic expert Dr. Lynne Shuster, who presents the physiological and psychological components of menopause, hormone therapy options, and a reminder that each woman will experience menopause in a different way. I really enjoyed listening to her and took a few notes to share and discuss with my own health care practitioner.

While the dietary information in Part 2 wasn’t new to me, I liked the presentation (plus the dietician is close in age to me and so her credibility to discuss menopause was strong). Additionally, Dr. Donald Hensrud of the Mayo Clinic “took me grocery shopping” to choose healthy foods (as he did in the Back Care DVD.) I only wish he could have done my actual shopping☺

The yoga and meditation by Colleen Saidman was refreshing. I did it first thing in the morning and liked how it eased me into the day. I modified a few of the poses to accommodate my back and my specific physiology. I already do yoga, but there are a few restorative poses that I’ll work into my routine.

I liked pretty much everything about this DVD — from the expert information to the soothing meditation, the music, the peaceful settings, and the bonus stress management guide. This will still be useful to me for many more years to come and also a nice gift for my baby-boomer friends.

Overall Product Rating: ☺ ☺ ☺

Hope you have found the last two reviews helpful in your own wellness journey, or for the someones who are close to you. Let me know your own experience of the products when you have a minute.

What else have you found helpful in your own wellness journey?

Tags: Body, General Wellness Tips, Product Reviews, Wellness Coaching by Erica Ross-Krieger
2 Comments »

Where We Left Off…And What’s Recently Sprouted

In the first post of this series, I provided key facts about the importance of the Amazonian rainforest and one particular type of palm tree that grows there. In the second installment, I touted the merits of that palm tree’s prize berry – the Acai. Now, I’m making good on my promise at the conclusion of that post, and giving you my recent personal experience of an amazing product made from the Acai berry.

First Things First…A Bit of History

As many of you know, either from reading my book, glancing through my “About” page here on the blog, or knowing me in person, I have intimately learned that wellness from the inside out is possible, even when dealing with major health challenges. Residual effects of a near-fatal car accident as well as symptoms and a western diagnosis of MS, have not curbed, but fueled my commitment to cultivating increased levels of wellness.

That commitment helped me find the blend of wellness modalities that work for me, including: homeopathy, osteopathy, acupuncture, nutritional supplements, meditation, yoga, weights, and swimming. The combination of all of these works well for me, especially when I approach the entire realm of wellness with an attitude of love and gratitude for the body I have.

During the last year however, as the dance with menopause entered my life, my energy level dropped and my sleep pattern was interrupted with mild insomnia. Adding B-12 shots to the picture helped increase my energy level but restless nights were frequent.

Enter MonaVie

For the last 4 months, I’ve been drinking the incredible antioxidant-rich juice blend called MonaVie. With the Acai berry as its “crown jewel”, MonaVie is powerful blend of 19 health-promoting fruits from the four corners of the earth. The “Active” version that I drink, also contains a plant-derived source of glucosamine and esterified fats to promote joint health. I promise to direct you to much more information about the product itself at the end of this post, but my focus here is to share my personal experience of drinking MonaVie.

In a Nutshell…I’m Energized and Well-Rested!

At the two-week mark of drinking Monavie, absorbing the properties of the acai berry, and quenching my body’s need for anti-oxidants and phytonutrients in a way its never known, my energy started to increase. By the end of a month, I didn’t need B-12 shots. I began having good, solid full-nights of sleep, more dreams, and was waking in the morning feeling deeply rested. After 4 months I can honestly say I’ve now adopted MonaVie into my wellness regime for the long-run and am happy knowing I’m giving my body the anti-oxidants, phytonutrients, and essential fats it has been missing.

It’s a Family Thing Now

Along the way, I encouraged my husband to get on the bandwagon and start drinking Monavie. Since he’d been bothered for ages with shoulder discomfort, I wondered what experience he’d have. After 2 months, he realized that his aches and pains had vanished and he could move his shoulder with greater range of motion. He’s also had deeper sleep and more dreams, and wakes more refreshed.

We have most of our family drinking the juice, including Steve’s 83-year-old parents, as well as my 2-year-old nephew, and soon they will all be drinking MonaVie.

How About You?

Monavie’s unique blend of 19 fruits, with Acai as the crown jewel, is a tremendous anti-oxidant. And, as I’ve already said in the prior post, acai – that small purple berry from the rainforest — can have all sorts of “healing” properties. But it’s essential I say can because the MonaVie company makes no claims to that effect. They simply share the juice with others, show them findings from scientists and let each one of us make up our own mind about the physical health benefits. Only you will know if it’s right for you after trying it for yourself. Ready to place an order and try it out?

More Info

Click on “Nutrition Products” here or on my blog’s tool bar at the top of the page, and you will be transported to my full informational site on MonaVie. There, you will find Monavie Product Information, answers to FAQs, and be able to order the juice.

Yes, I now sell Monavie. After my own experience, it’s the only product I am willing to put my professional energy behind. Once at my Monavie site, if the spirit moves you, you can also explore the Business Opportunity. Use the password: freedom.

Feel Free to Call Me: 925-933-7445

I’d be glad to tell you more about the juice and my experience, place your order for you, and/or discuss the incredible Monavie Business Opportunity (which I’ll discuss in another post one day soon.)

Tags: Acai & Rainforest, Body, General Wellness Tips, Nutrition, Product Reviews, Wellness Coaching by Erica Ross-Krieger
No Comments »