December Dirty Detox Tips

We know that the holidays bring more temptation than any other time of year, but we can choose to find balance physically and mentally as we move towards and through 2015. We are in control and we have the power to make healthy decisions.
I am definitely not perfect and I definitely have my moments of indulgence, but I hope my tips and tricks for feeling better and getting back on track help you as much as they help me.
Sending you lots of strength and energy to get through the holidays!
XO
L
Monthly Mantra
Cleansing is not only about the food and beverages that we consume, but also about the negative energy we allow to consume us. During the holiday season, I encourage you to say, “yes” to love and happiness and “no” to what makes you sad and unloved. Be honest with yourself and those you love and you will not only feel lighter mentally, but also physically.
Begin each morning with this mantra and return to it throughout the day when needed:
“I am important, my happiness is important. I choose to love and be loved.”
Cabbage Cleanse Soup
I love the healing properties of this soup. With so many great ingredients, you cannot help but feel amazing after eating this for a few days. This will fill a large soup pot. So, cut the ingredients in half if you would like to make a smaller portion or freeze some for later.
Why cabbage as a main ingredient? It is low in calories, but high in vitamins and nutrients, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Potassium, Magnesium, Iron and Fiber.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp of coconut oil
1 head of cabbage, chopped
3 cups celery, diced
3 cups white or yellow onion, diced
3 cups carrots, diced
2 green bell peppers, diced
1/8 cup ginger, peeled and diced
2 lemongrass stalks, diced (optional)
1 head of garlic, minced
10 cups vegetable broth
1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
28 oz can basil diced tomatoes
1 cup of fresh basil
1 cup of fresh parsley
1/2 tablespoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
Directions:
Instructions
Heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add celery, onions, bell peppers, ginger, lemongrass, carrots and 1 cup of broth.
Saute until slightly tender.
Stir in garlic.
Pour in remaining broth & apple cider vinegar.
Stir in tomatoes and cabbage.
Bring to a boil and then reduce heat.
Cook until cabbage is tender.
Stir in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes and salt (if using)
Taste broth and adjust seasoning if needed.
If using lemongrass, read these tips and tricks.
Serve and enjoy!
Health and Beauty Tip
Cocktail Time
If you catch me out with my husband and friends in Bethlehem, my choice of drink will always be a glass of good red or white wine partnered with a large glass of water. I truly believe life is all about balance and enjoying a night out with friends should not stop you from attending the morning yoga or spin class. So, here are my morning cocktails that make me feel vibrant and refreshed no matter if I sipped wine or tea the evening before.
Digestive Tonic
Large glass of water with a shot of apple cider vinegar and juice from a whole fresh lemon. For the apple cider vinegar, I love Bragg’s. If not buying Bragg’s, make sure it is organic and unpasteurized.
Tea Time
I love coffee, but I love starting with these teas before grabbing my cup of joe.
Tulsi Cleanse Tea, which includes tulsi, ginger and turmeric.
Red Clover Tea, which includes 100% red clover.
Add both tea bags, lemon and a touch of cayenne to boiling water for an ultimate liver cleanse.
Both teas are great sources of vitamins and minerals and combat inflammation in the body.
Yoga Pose of the Month
(as seen in the picture above)
Virabhadrasana II: Warrior 2 Pose
I love how strong and grounded Warrior 2 makes me feel. Warrior 2 requires lots of leg strength as well as core strength to help you stand tall. Try to hold this pose for ten breaths or more and begin to feel the fire burning within.
Health and Wellness Favorite
Grace & I recently held a live workshop at The Yoga Loft of Bethlehem to help our students overcome cravings and temptations during the holiday season with the power-packed combo of Yoga & Hypnosis. I know many of you wished you had experienced this before Thanksgiving, but not to worry! We received rave reviews from our workshop and Grace turned her hypnosis section into an entire online program which you can access for only $7!
Read below to hear the amazing results of one “Hypnosis for Healthy Holidays” student!
…Quick background two years ago I weighed 297 and since than have lost 122 lbs with help of various people and major lifestyle changes. The last few things I had issues with was stress, yoga has helped me greatly with that and I loved my candy… It has been years where a day hasn’t gone by with some sort of candy……. UNTIL now…
I’m still trying to comprehend, or just going with the flow but since [Hypnosis for Happy, Healthy Holidays] I have not touched any candy or even been interested in it. I have various times throughout the day where secretaries I work with have mini jars on their desk I use to love and now I walk right by. Even 3 days later when someone offer me candy…I don’t need it. I will be the first to admit I assumed this was voodoo, but Laurel never steered me wrong so I trusted her, and Grace was amazing she was right…. thank you…..
Michael Prozonic
November 2014