health - Manage Stress | Increase Energy |Simple Solutions | Rommy Kirby, Holistic Health Coach, Yoga Personal Trainer, Essential Oil Educator

An Attitude of Gratitude Does a Body Good

Rommy Kirby — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 04:56:03 +0000

Thanks Mind Valley for this fabulous graphic showing the positive effects of gratitude!

attribution to http://mindvalleyacademy.com

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Do this to realize your goals

Rommy Kirby — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 01:32:22 +0000

In a fit of excitement, have you ever made a deal with yourself, set a goal, and then it just fizzled out?

I used to make some really crazy deals with myself. Like getting up thirty minutes earlier for quiet time, or 4:00 a.m. yoga practice, or planning a weeks worth of meals. Then, I didn’t follow through, so my goals just withered.

This led to feelings of guilt and laziness. I felt unmotivated to set future goals because I couldn’t make my pie in the sky goal a reality.

I mean, why bother if I’m not going to complete what I start?

As a health coach, I’ve learned from my clients that most of us have crazy conversations with ourselves when we want to make a positive change in our health, relationships, or careers. Our minds can get really carried away with grandiose plans to reach that elusive Nirvana-like satisfaction.

We tickle our fancy with plans, visions of feeling great, and accomplishment. But these thoughts remain in our heads, while our bodies continue to do things that get us nowhere fast.

The problem is that because we are all grown up, our ego tells us that we can do it without writing it down, making a plan, or sharing our goals with anyone.

If you do follow this simple step by step formula for setting your goals you will realize them, I promise.

My beautiful friend crossing the finish line!!! Congrats gorgeous!

Think about the times your friend told you something radically crazy like, “I just signed up for the Rudolph 10k” when they’ve never run before.

Do you remember looking at them like they had six eyes and no brain?

Then, do you remember they couldn’t meet you for the morning muffin at the coffee shop because they were in training and had to clock some miles?

Now, do you recall how happy they were when they actually finished the run and now have a personal best?

What an awesome feeling to experience!!!

So here’s how they did it, this is the

Simple Strategic Formula to Achieving Massive Results.

First, they started with a desired feeling.

You see, people don’t run because they like running, they run because of the way it makes them feel. They join races because of the accomplishment they feel when they cross the finish line.

What feeling do you want to experience in your health, your happiness, your relationships, your personal development, your finances, your career, or your world impact?

Second, they firmed up their goal.

They filled out the paperwork and backed it up with a small investment known as a fee.

It may seem like a small and inconsequential step, but with each movement of the pen, they got their mind and body involved by ‘writing’ out their goal to finish the race.

Write down your goals. Meeting your goals will help you experience the feeling you want.

Third, they told EVERYONE.

Yep, they even got a little bit annoying and sometimes boring because all they could talk about was their upcoming race.

Tell people your goals!

But be choosy. To be honest, your goals to get healthy, improve your relationships, or even your career will challenge some of the people you hang out with. If it does, you might consider if they really have your best interest at heart or just want someone to wallow around with.

Fourth, they scheduled their training.

The scheduled time in their day for their training runs, but also time to meet their nutritional needs and the all important rest days.

Schedule simple, really simple daily actions that when taken everyday will get you one step closer to your goal.

Fifth, they took action.

Even when the weather was bad, they would rather have slept in, or when they would have rather hung out with you at the coffee shop talking about what’s on sale at the mall they showed up for themselves.

When they started, they may have only been able to jog-trot for 5 minutes, so that’s exactly what they did. A few days later, they went little further.

Take action. Don’t go out and try to make sweeping changes in one day. That only works when you’re cleaning out your closet.

Everyday, do at least one action that will get you closer to your desired goal.

That’s it. That’s how they ran a race when they had never run one before. That’s how they experienced the feeling of accomplishment. It really is that simple.

That’s exactly how you can reach your goals, the feelings you want to experience, in any area of your life.

Tell me…

What is it you want to do, feel, or be? What is one simple daily action you know you can take everyday that will get you there?

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Do you see Miracles?

Rommy Kirby — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 14:35:18 +0000

Google defines a miracle as

“a surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a divine agency.”

The feeling of being involved or seeing a miracle is soul-fulfilling, it can leave us with goosebumps, and bring tears to our eyes.

All of a sudden, we become connected to the entire world, we feel supported and loved.

What is the miracle you want to experience?

Is it to…

recover your health
lose the last 10 pounds
heal a relationship
feel the cloud of depression lift
see your child find happiness
be able to experience joy

You have to know what you’re looking for in order to find it.

Tell me….

Name your miracle below, and move towards it. Let me lift you up today.

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Immune Boosting Strategy

Rommy Kirby — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 21:17:55 +0000

Who needs scary movies anymore?

I know I don’t, as a recovered Germaphobe, all I have to do is turn on the news and BAM…niggling little fears of real life, creepy, crawly unseen threats start gnawing on my ‘oM shanti’ state of mind.

While it can get really scary out there, there is a lot we can personally do to boost our immune system and support our body’s natural “Threat Protection” troops as our first line of defense.

We may still catch a few bugs, but our resiliency to them and our ability to recover will dramatically increase.

This is what I do when I feel that tell-tale tickle in the throat, general achey-ness or fatigue…

Become Aware ~ First I notice that I am not feeling well. I might notice that I’m getting tired faster, feel grumpy, stiff, or stuffy and congested. Because I know that my body never ever lies, it’s a great source of information.

So the next time you tune in and notice something is not just right, celebrate. Yep, listening to your body is one of the strongest things you can do for your health and happiness. You know your body better than anyone, even your doctor, so pay attention to it and treat it right.

Think Positive ~ Then I consciously choose to stay well . Do you remember that tag line, “a mind is a terrible thing to waste”? Well, it even more true when it comes to the state of health you want to enjoy. When our body speaks to us through sensations or symptoms we either a see this as a choice to stay as well as possible or we make a choice for the status quo.

Be Proactive ~ Then I take action. When my I feel something coming on, I start the day lots of H2O-bviously Better Skin (water), even more than usual, and follow that with a power breakfast of greens and protein. I get my essential oils out, the Lemon and a synergistic essential oil Protective Blend. I use the Lemon throughout the day for it’s natural detoxifying quality and I drop a few drops of Protective Blend in the back of my throat every 2 hours because it’s super high in anti-oxidants..

I eat only foods that I know would support my body and stay away from the white dietary devils, sugar, flour, and processed dairy. Bone broth is one of my favorite healing foods because it’s soothing, nourishing, warm and hydrating.

I also go into active-inaction. I rest and allow myself to be quiet and still. I take a nourishing bath with Essential Oils and Dead Sea Salts. I keep warm and don’t allow myself to get chilled feet or hands. I don’t rush to do anything, even if it takes all day, that is okay by me cause I am T-I-R-E-D. It takes a lot of energy to for the body to heal and even more to ward off microbial treats. If at all possible, I spend time cuddling with my hubby. (bonus hint here – cuddling boosts your immunity).

When you know that life is going to be more stressful…like that upcoming wedding, adult kids move back or parents in need of parenting, a sick spouse, lots of travel, moving house or a job change…be sure that you tune in to what your body is saying. Yes, it’s a balancing act and balance is dynamic.

Balance is fluid, supple, agile and it shifts in response to the circumstance…stiff, static and rigid balance, sweet one, there really is no such a thing.

Tell me…

Have you been ‘too busy’ and ignored your body only to end up sick? Do you have a Super Self Care tip to share with me? Comment below, you just might inspire someone!

Email me to learn about the resources I use and recommend.

resources

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21078173

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An Ounce of Prevention

Rommy Kirby — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 15:37:14 +0000

“An OUNCE of Prevention

is worth

a POUND of Cure”

I just got a Q about what to do in the face of all the microscopic threats we are hearing about on the news, reading in our papers and online news sources.

They are frightening, even terrorizing to some, because we are made to feel powerless. The good news is that there are many things that we can do to boost our body’s immune system and increase our resiliency when we do come in contact with nasty microbes.

My hubby travels via plane up to 6 times, sometimes 8 times a month.

While doctors can help with some things, our news outlets are telling us they are absolutely powerless with other things. They can treat symptoms with medications that may or may not have a 75% efficacy rate.

Honestly, they would rather that we take better care of ourselves so we don’t need them so much. Don’t worry, just because you and I remain healthy doesn’t mean that they will run out of work.

Add these common sense steps to your wellness protocol.

Step 1 – Make sleep a priority. This is when your body is in healing and restoring mode. It is your number 1 priority. Lack of sleep is a detriment to your health and most of the time, it’s self-inflicted. Click here for 44 really good reasons.

Step 2 – Nutrition is key. A healthy, well nourished body will sleep more deeply which will boost immunity. A sound nutritional supplement regimen supports the body systems for optimal health and resiliency to threats.

Step 3 – Stop with the sugar already! Sugar, including alcohol and wine, depletes your body of vital energy, impairs your ability to heal, feeds fungus, and abnormal cells. So just stop. It’s not worth it.

Step 4 – Exercise appropriately. Overexercising is a craze and it is super crazy stressful on your body, causes inflammation, depletes reserves and lowers immunity. If your ‘fitness’ regimen leaves you too tired to do anything but lay on your couch and eat Cheetos, it is too much. You are doing far more harm than good.

What are you doing to boost your immunity and prevent illness?

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Quick easy, smell good, non-toxic sun protection

Rommy Kirby — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 19:57:46 +0000

It was Labor Day weekend, we were in Beverly Hills celebrating a milestone with friends.

I was so excited to be in one of the most beautiful and glamorous zip codes, the land of swimming pools and movie stars, but hubby was lamenting missing the first game of the University of Tennessee football season. He is HUGE college football fan!

Then one of our friends popped up with AMAZING seats to the USC game; Field Suite seats!

But I had not packed football stadium attire or, yikes, sunscreen. Luckily though, I had put my favorite, beauty and anti-aging essential oil blend in my purse for the flight out.

That’s the really spectacular thing about essential oils, they are so versatile.

This particular blend is loaded with luscious skin loving oils like Frankincense, Sandalwood, Lavender, Myrrh, Helichrysum, and Rose.

Fun on the sidelines, I added some peppermint essential oil to the complementary pink water sprayer to cool everyone!

As we sat enjoying the action on the field…

okay, I was really checking out the celebrities around us, I started thinking about what the harsh LA sun was doing to our skin. We didn’t bring sunscreen and while sunscreen was graciously provided to each suite, it was the typical toxic stuff I don’t want to put on the largest organ of our bodies.

That’s when I remembered that I had carried my favorite blend in my purse for our flight. I took it out and started applying to my skin, my shoulders, nose, ears and decollete. Then on my fair skinned, red headed hubby.

Guess what…

In spite of the sun beating straight down onto our faces, our skin looked and felt amazing!

This little bottle of oily goodness really takes care of the skin. It’s formulated to nourish and promote a healthy response in the skin. Supporting skin health at the cellular level, these essential oils sustain smoother, more radiant and youthful skin.

Reduces the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles
Helps sustain smoother, more radiant, and youthful-looking skin.
Supports skin at the cellular level

I was so happy that I was able to use my Anti-aging blend to keep my skin healthy.

If you want to know more about essential oils, drop me an email.

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Coconut Water find the best and leave the rest

Rommy Kirby — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 21:22:41 +0000

I have been a huge fan of coconut water of the years. I clearly remember first time I walked out of a Hot Yoga class, downed my very first coconut water, and felt ahhhh-mazing!

I drank and recommended Zico for about 3 years before other companies jumped on the bottled coconut water band wagon. These days I drink and recommend a different company for those of us that don’t live on a coconut plantation. Actually, my daughter introduced me to it.

First though, you might wonder about the why & what of coconut water

from Harmless Harvest

It’s a great sports drink.

Sports drinks are really great synthetic chemical concoctions that are ultimately difficult for our organs to process. While coconut water is easier to digest, has fewer calories, less sodium and more potassium. Studies show that coconut water replenishes the body better that plain water and as well as sports drinks.

Here’s a little taste test for you…

let your favorite sports drink get to room temperature and taste it. Right away, you’ll notice the flavors of the chemicals, food coloring, and processed sugars. YUCK!

It is a natural remedy.

Like most plants, coconut water may even have medicinal properties.

Coconut Water has been used in tropical climates for health and vitality. It’s incredibly more hydrating than water because of the natural vitamins and minerals. In Jamaica they use it to support kidney function. According to Ayurveda it promotes digestion and a clearing of the urinary path. Mariners used it during long journeys to stay healthy. During World War II and in remote regions it was used as an emergency intravenous hydration and resuscitation fluid.

Because it’s a tropical, I use it in my spring and summer detoxes to aid alkalization of the body and ease discomfort.

So which coconut water am I drinking these days?

While I truly prefer to pop a straw into a freshly opened green coconut in the tropics, like you, I make the best with what I have. My coconut water of choice is called Harmless Harvest.

It’s deliciously thick, nutty, and sweet and so so good for you.

If you’re like me, when possible, you want to buy from a company that thinks about sustainability, the environment, as well as working conditions. Check their website out, find out about the company and how the produce and package.

Next time your in your local whole food grocer, look for it in the refrigerate section!

Thanks to FoodBabe for her diligent research into the growing and bottling practices of coconut water, arguably the fastest growing segment in the beverage and health food industry.

Tell me…

Do you drink coconut water? How do you use it? Personally, I drink it straight up no ice.

resources….

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/truth-about-coconut-water

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CDQQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.researchgate.net%2Fpublication%2F231969159_Coconut_water_uses_composition_and_properties_a_review%2Flinks%2F02e7e51efe25ac44e5000000&ei=9XYHVOSSLIWUgwTz1YGYAg&usg=AFQjCNEi1p2EwJjNU0quB7qiSoTlf6LP6w&bvm=bv.74115972,d.eXY

http://foodbabe.com/2014/07/15/how-to-buy-the-healthiest-coconut-water-and-avoid-the-worst/comment-page-5/#comment-1390955

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A Healthy Legacy

Rommy Kirby — Mon, 26 May 2014 20:22:02 +0000

We all have a legacy. In fact, we have several. When we go the our medical providers, we give them our health history and the legacy of health handed down to us. When we create a family of our own, we bring traditions, beliefs and habits that are from our family and heritage, that’s legacy. We each have been given spiritual legacy, emotional legacy, physical legacy and even financial legacy.

Sometimes, legacy is wonderful and we are really proud of it, like me in the case of my military legacy. Sometimes, legacy is scary and causes us fear and worry, especially when it is health related.

When it comes to your health legacy, things like diabetes, obesity, depression, high blood pressure, and cancer tend to stand out, cause a great deal of stress and get lots of attention. But, did you know that while these conditions may be part of your health legacy, they do not have to be a part of your future. They certainly don’t have to be part of your children’s health legacy.

You’ve probably heard the adage, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’.

Those 10 words can have a positive impact on your health.

Prevention is key to changing your health, it is the foundational to radiant optimal wellness.

6 Foundational Steps For Prevention

EAT RIGHT FOR YOUR BODY

Sometimes I day dream about having my own personal chef to create the foods I need at the time I need them, to me, that would make life so much simpler!

Eating right can be a challenge. Bread may not upset your tummy, but may your husbands. Grains may help your sister rock her marathon but you get headaches and hot flashes. Dairy may give you zits but your neighbor thrives on it. And sugar…well absolutely none of us are any better with it and it makes all of us look older, just give it up to be your radiant best.

How can you eat right when you don’t even know if you can trust your food?

Avoid fast food like the plague!
Eat more foods that look like it came out of the ground, off a vine or a tree.
Eat fewer things that come with an expiration label because it’s not ‘real’ food.

Even though we are 99.9% alike, that .1% will make all the difference in your health. Eat for to support your body, not a dogma or philosophy or belief system, so that you can experience optimal wellness.

EXERCISE APPROPRIATELY

As a yogi, I do believe that yoga is good for everyone. But…not everyone should do the same yoga.

Not everyone should run.

Not everyone should lift weights.

Find a fitness pursuit that you love. One that makes you happy you did it. One that your body craves.

I have a few public yoga videos, click here to check them out.

REST TO BUILD STRESS RESILIENCY

Are you a person that brags about how little sleep you get? Do you brag that you can stay up until the wee hours of the morning and still be chipper the next day?

When I was in my 20’s I could stay out all night long, not sleep and still feel great the next day. I thought beauty sleep was over rated. Now, solidly in my 40’s, I can tell it makes a huge difference.

Sleep is when our body heals and rejuvenates. (did you see that…rejuvenate actually means make young) Without sleep, we become grumpy, our immune system is challenged and it is harder to make sound choices.

REDUCE YOUR TOXIC LOAD

…click here to read more

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Stress and Radiance are like Oil and Water

Rommy Kirby — Sat, 10 May 2014 23:21:15 +0000

Have you been wondering where your vitality, radiance and even your ‘sexy’ went?

I have a pretty good guess, but first, let’s see how you answer the following questions.

Answer the following Yes or No

I get 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night.
I eat the right food for my body everyday.
I don’t eat any sugar.
I don’t drink coffee.
I don’t eat food that comes out of a box.
I drink at least 64 ounces of water every day.
I take omega supplements daily.
I enjoy the company of my best friends a minimum 1 time a week.
I only hang out with people that I really feel good around.
I have a job or vocation that I enjoy and fulfills me.
I eat lots of green veggies.
I enjoy walking in nature 3 to 4 times a week.
I meditate.
I have a thriving spiritual connection.
I can say no without guilt.
I always rest when I am tired.
I exercise my body 4 or more times a week.

Now, add up your score…

Did you score 14 -17 points? Congratulations! You’re rocking your life and need to share your secrets. Go ahead, skip the rest, scroll to the bottom and give me your tips for staying true to you.

Did you score 10 – 13? Think of this as a flashing yellow light in a construction zone. Slow down before you hit the concrete wall or run off the road. Be kinder and gentler with yourself. With some small consistent changes you will start feeling better in no time.

Did you score 1 – 9? You have got to stop what you are doing because it is not working for you. Change it now. Your health is taking a licking and your the one doing it to yourself. That’s right, you’re a grown up, you’ve got to take care of you.

If you scored below 6 you are seriously damaging your organs, your immunity and your relationships, especially the most important one…

the one with your health.

You see, you can’t be vital, radiant or feel sexy if your stress resiliency is low.

photo credit www.photographyblogger.net

It’s like trying to mix oil and water.

The good news is that you can increase your ability to handle stress.

You can also learn what really helps you feel better…it’s not a pint of Ben and Jerry’s Chunky Monkey lit by an episode of Sex In The City.

When you give yourself a break, lower undue stress and improve your self care you will get your groove back.

Here are 4 fundamentally fabulous tips to get your radiance and ‘sexy’ back.

Sleep more.

Yes, they have done studies on sleep, health, immunity, and resiliency and sleep is absolutely crucial to your health. Create a bedtime ritual. Turn off overhead lighting and technology at least 1 hour before you want to go to bed. Think about which of your night time habits, if they don’t help you be happier and healthier replace them with ones that will support you. Every night, I diffuse essential oils, specifically Calming Blend and Grounding Blend, for deeper, more restful sleep.

Eat the right food for your body.

Your body is the home of your soul, it is the way you will experience your purpose and fulfillment. If you have adopted a way of eating that isn’t good for you it’s like leaving the windows open during a storm over and over and over. One by one, your body’s systems will start to degrade. For women, it’s generally our reproductive and hormones that suffer first. To learn the foods that are right for you, you can do an elimination diet or get extra help from me, join one of my cleanses.

Start taking omega supplements.

If you are not eating 4 or more servings of salmon or sardines a week you simply don’t have enough. Your skin, your heart, your mood, your brain and your libido will thank you. Omega supplements can be tricky, I suggest getting your omegas from both plant and animal sources. I have found that the supplements you choose really do matter. If you want to know which supplements I suggest contact me.

Say yes to yourself so you can say no…

to that project or ‘friend’ that you drains you. Look at your schedule. What or who can you take out? Where or with whom can you have more ease and fun? Now, put the fun and ease in your schedule. If you don’t schedule it, you don’t really want it. You do want to have fun don’t you?

BONUS TIP

Begin to meditate. Have you seen all the research about meditation and health? Simply google the words ‘meditation health benefits’ and you will have more than enough to read for well over a week.

Click here for an easy meditation…

Remember, you may have been living with a score of 1 – 9 for a while, so it will take more than a day, a week and it might even take more than a month to rock your radiance again. Be patient with yourself, you wouldn’t expect a neglected house plant to get lush and green overnight, so give your body, your cells, your mind and your heart time to recover.

Tell me…

What did you find out about yourself and your habits that you can change to feel more radiant, vital and yes, even sexier?

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Meditation made easy for regular people

Rommy Kirby — Sat, 10 May 2014 22:21:59 +0000

The breath is the easiest thing to meditate on because as long as we are living it is always present. You can do this meditation anywhere and anytime.

Simple Meditation for Beginners

Image courtesy of tiverylucky / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Step 1 – hear the breath in your ears

Step 2 – feel the breath in your body

Step 3 – through the nose, match the inhale to the exhale

Step 4 – say the words ‘I am’ with each inhale and the word ‘here’ with each exhale

Step 5 – repeat 5 – 30 times.

Want to download one of my favorite breath meditations?

http://RommyKirby.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Breath-Centering-Meditation-Tool.mp3

Did you like this? This is part of one of my paid programs, if you download it, please help me out, click one of the buttons below to share it. Thanks!

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3 Elegant Holiday Strategies

Rommy Kirby — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 20:20:57 +0000

I love Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Years!

But these celebrations, long nights and short days can make for one really long, stressed out holiday season that can set us up for blues and flu. Bah-humbug and Yuck!

Because I know how brutal stress can be, the havoc it can wreak on your health, your skin, and your relationships so I want to share with you my Holiday Survival Kit.

First, there are 3 elegant strategies……that will help you enjoy this holiday season more, however you celebrate and what ever you do.

These are simple, easy, action steps.

But here’s the thing…they are just as easy not to do, okay, so you really must set an intention to keep it easy, do the easy and reap the benefits.

Stay Hydrated. You know I harp on this, I know I harp on this. For very good reason. Here’s what happened to me a few weeks when I let travel get the best of me and didn’t stay hydrated. I got a migraine…a full blown, throw my guts up, everything hurts migraine. Because I was so dehydrated, it took me a few days to fully recover. Click here for my tips.

Get enough sleep. Seriously, sleep is important. There is truth in the term Beauty Sleep. Click here for my tips.

Lighten your load. Look at your to do list for today. Chances are there is at least 1 thing you can take off. Delete it, scratch it off and don’t give it another thought. No one will ever know and if your mother finds out, she’ll forgive you.

Remember chronic stress adds pounds and inches to the waistline and it weakens our immune system. Because of the added stress, we all need a little more support and self care this time of year.

Tell me…

What is your #1 tip to thriving during the holiday season?

The post 3 Elegant Holiday Strategies first appeared on Manage Stress | Increase Energy |Simple Solutions | Rommy Kirby, Holistic Health Coach, Yoga Personal Trainer, Essential Oil Educator.

Breaking Up Is Hard to Do – 6 Signs of Sugar Addiction

Rommy Kirby — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 18:00:28 +0000

You know how when you’ve had it and

enough is enough?

You’ve given an inch, and gosh darn-it, you lost an entire mile!

You know how when you’re ready, you’re already waaaay past ready and

want it over yesterday?

Well, that’s were I was!

I was so over it.

Done with the late afternoon whispers, the seductive promises before bed and the downright deceitful lies!

That’s right, I was breaking up.

It’s finished, done, no more. I wont be a slave to the yearnings any longer.

I was breaking up with Sugar!

Hubby snapped this as I stepped out of the gelato shoppe!

You see, when I was on my honeymoon, I ate Gelato every single day!!!

I loved it!

I yearned for it.

I even jostled like a rugby player in lines to get it.

Then I walked down sun drenched ancient streets in a romantic foreign land…

aware of nothing…

but the cone in my hand and

the taste on my tongue.

Sad, right?

Like that’s not bad enough…

I didn’t even want to share it with hubby. It was mine! All mine! The stuff made me crazy!

BUT….I thought everything would be okay when I got home.

There are no Gelato shoppes in my little town. I thought I would be home free.

Little did I know that the allure of sugar would follow me across the pond like Cuban stamp in a US passport.

I wasn’t home 24 hours before my mind started playing bargaining games and I caved.

I slunk my way to the ice cream aisle of the local grocer for a Haagan Dazs Hook Up.

That’s when I knew I was in a co-dependent relationship with sugar!

AGAIN!!!

You see there is a shady side of sugar no one talks about. It’s as seductive as it is deadly.

Yes, sugar will kill you.

But you know what else?

It will

run your life,

disrupt you hormones and

make your organs age at lighting speed…especially your brain.

Sugar will ravage your skin and upset the balance in your tummy.

Sugar is abusive to our bodies.

My sugar cravings became so viscious I felt like I had no control.

“Hello, my name is Rommy and I’m addicted to sugar.”

AND physiologically, I didn’t have control over the cravings, so….

I went back to what I know and what I learned in nutrition school.

I took small daily steps to nourish my body.

By day three, I was no longer having cravings. On day five, I finally felt strong enough to go to the grocery store. I could even walk past the candy aisle without smelling and drooling!!!

Want to know how I did it? Click here to download my 5 Steps to Successful Sugar Detox

6 Signs of Sugar Addiction

1 – Carrying mints or gum in your purse. If you have bad breath or are worried about bad breath you may have an overgrowth of Candida, a yeast that feeds on sugar.

2 – Your tongue has a white film. This is also a sign of toxic Candida overgrowth.

3 – Brain fog. Sugar disrupts and slows down the brains optimal processes.

4 – Anxiety. Skipping or missing the habitual cookie or dessert makes you feel tense, nervous or shaky.

5 – Binging. You lose control and can’t stop at one bite.

6 – You have a Secret Sugar Stash. Or you hide the evidence of your daily sugar laden frappuccino and muffin.

Tell me…

Are you a slave to sugar? What is the one thing you know you can do right now that will help you detox from sugar?

Did you like this? Share it with your friends. Remember to download my 5 Steps to Successful Sugar Detox

The post Breaking Up Is Hard to Do – 6 Signs of Sugar Addiction first appeared on Manage Stress | Increase Energy |Simple Solutions | Rommy Kirby, Holistic Health Coach, Yoga Personal Trainer, Essential Oil Educator.

Simple, Immune Boosting & Skin Nourishing Detox Tip

Rommy Kirby — Mon, 21 Oct 2013 15:05:58 +0000

You know how when the weather changes, and your skin gets drab, ashy and flaky?

Do you know why that happens?

General wisdom says it’s because that air forced through the vents is dry. Dry air moving across the skin dries it in the same way that air moving across a lake causes evaporation.

Makes sense, right? It did to me until I started studying alternative health care like Ayurveda and nutrition. The explanation is true, at least partially.

There is a more colorful story than that…

According to Ayurveda, the sister science of yoga, our bodies move in concert with nature. Like it or not, our bodies experience weather changes, changes with the moon and sun cycles and changes of the seasons.

Take a moment, think about how stiff you felt last time there was a dramatic change in temperature or the restless energy you had on that sleepless full moon night.

That was your body responding to the cycles and shifts of nature. Your body is it’s own ecosystem within the greater ecosystem of nature.

To get a better idea of what is happening, let’s take a basic look at what nature does as she swings, shifts and slides from season to season. (science geek warning – this is a major over simplification!)

As summer becomes autumn, nature begins to let go of her green. The leaves dry and fall away.

Autumn’s wind blows the leaves until they blanket the ground spreading future nourishment.

Winter’s cold, damp days break down the leaves creating new soil.

Spring pulls the nutrients up to create buds, flowers, and seeds.

Spring blossoms float away to reveal summer’s supple bounty of fruits and vegetables.

Start to think of your body as an ecosystem with rhythms that flow in harmony with nature.

Think of it this way, if the atmosphere is the biggest organ of nature, then your skin is the largest organ of your personal ecosystem.

The big difference is that we tend to protect ourselves, our skin, from the elements of blowing wind, bitter cold and intense heat. The trick, then, is for us to stay in harmony with the cycles of nature so we can enjoy optimal health or even regain lost health.

The flaky, dry, and ashy skin needs to be sloughed off. The longer we experience life, the less we our skin naturally releases the dried dead skin cells.

This one, simple, and ancient tip will help your skin look more radiant, luscious. It will boost your immunity and cellular turnover, perhaps even help get rid of cellulite.

Dry (Skin) Brushing

Skin brush for supple healthy skin.

Your lymph system lives under the surface of your skin. It is responsible for cleaning the body of toxins and transporting white blood cells. You have more lymph fluid in your body than blood, but it doesn’t have a pump.

Because your lymph channels are thinner than a hair, to manipulate your lymph system, use a gentle touch and a soft brush.

Though it may sound weird, skin brushing is an ancient technique, used in many cultures for hygiene and optimal health.

Here’s how…

First, get a skin brush. I use the brushes in the picture. I took the handles off the softest back brushes I could find. You don’t need two brushes, I just like having one in each hand, one brush is all you need.

Remember that your lymph channels are very thin, use a light, soft touch.
Using a dry brush on dry skin, start at the top of your body, the neck.
Brush the palms of your hands, the inside and outside of your arms.
Be sure to brush your arm pits as well, (lots of luscious lymph nodes there).
You can gently brush your breasts in circular direction, but be sure to avoid the nipples.
Always brush towards your heart. Brush every bit of skin you can reach, remembering to move towards the heart.
When you get below the heart, move the brush in an upwards direction.
On your belly, move in a clockwise direction.
Spend a little extra time on those areas that look stagnate or have a bit more cellulite.
Then take a wonderful shower or detox bath.
Drink lots of water!

How often and when to Dry Brush?

At the minimum, with every change of season.

At the beginning, middle, and end of every cleanse or detox.

If you want to boost your immunity, at least once a month. Choose to do it around the moon cycles, like every full or new moon.

If you want more radiant, supple skin, once a week.

Benefits my clients see…

Increased immunity. (oo-la-la! healthy is the new sexy!)
Decreased appearance of cellulite. (who doesn’t want that)
Increase appreciation for your body beautiful, your soul house. (what you appreciate, appreciates)
Decreased stress. (you can be radically radiant)
Supple younger looking skin. (without toxic chemical creams)

My personal tip…

I learned from Nadine Artemis, holistic natural skin guru, to put a drop of essential oil in the palm of my hand and run the brush through it before starting.

This takes the dry skin brushing in the realms of an artful self care ritual.

I like to use, Lavender and Frankincense primarily, but will sometimes use Sandalwood, Bergomot or Ylang Ylang depending on my mood.

Tell me…

What is your favorite skin care ritual?

The post Simple, Immune Boosting & Skin Nourishing Detox Tip first appeared on Manage Stress | Increase Energy |Simple Solutions | Rommy Kirby, Holistic Health Coach, Yoga Personal Trainer, Essential Oil Educator.

The Smart Person’s Guide to Water – Stop The Every 20 Minute Pee Break Cycle

Rommy Kirby — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 14:43:44 +0000

Stop the “Every 20 Minute Pee Breaks”

courtesy of signicturesdotnet

You know irritating it is…

…you get ready to leave your house and you think ‘oops, what if traffic is bad’. So you stop, turn around and head to the toilet just to be sure.

…or how about when you’re on that deadline, and , you’ve been sipping water all day to keep you brain functioning at optimal…but…grrr…have to pee AGAIN!

…you’ve been on hold for 30 minutes and finally reached a real, live person…and bummer, you have to ring off to use the loo

…and most irritating…you’re just about to drop into the land of nod and, suddenly…‘no, surely not, no, I’ll make it through the night, oh yeah, I better get up and go pee’…you throw the covers back, leave your comfy spot and stumble to the toilet with half closed eyes hoping you will be able to fall back to sleep.

It happens to all of us. Especially, when we are focused on health, cleansing, weight release, optimal brain function or anti-aging.

All the experts tell us, drink water. Drink half your weight in ounces as a maintenance level. It’s so easy to give up on ever being well hydrated because all those pee breaks seem to eat away time.

Try this trick for staying optimally hydrated for optimal brain function, high productivity and H2-Obviously Better Skin.

Chunk It

Just like you chunk together errands and tasks, drink your water in chunks throughout the day.

Sipping water all day will make you need to pee every 20 – 30 minutes. Your hard working kidneys will feel like they are running a marathon every single day because they don’t get a chance to recover.

Instead, drink your room temp or warmer water in 16-24 ounce chunks 3-4 times a day.

Drink 16-24 ounces of water in 3 – 10 minutes for optimal results.

Benefits

kidneys will begin to flush out sediment
digestion will be stronger
increased productivity because of fewer pee breaks
better brain function because its easier to stay hydrated
boosts immunity
decreases inflammation
speeds recovery and healing

Optimal times to drink

Upon rising ~ Drink 24 ounces of water within 10 minutes of waking because your body is dehydrated when you wake up.
1 hour before meals ~ This will help to stimulate peristalsis in the digestive system without diluting precious digestive juices.
2 hours before bed ~ No one wants to wake up to pee. Take control and plan to avoid it and you will be able to process water through by bedtime.
1 hour before workout ~ Do this and you may not have to carry water or stop for that water break…unless you are over exercising…in that case, consider working with your body instead of against it.

BONUS Daily Detox Tip
Add a drop of lemon essential oil for added detox support. If you’re using essential oils, be sure that you have the best quality. Send me an email and I’ll tell you the oils I trust.

Tell Me Beautiful…

How much water to you drink a day? What is your best hydration tip?

The post The Smart Person’s Guide to Water – Stop The Every 20 Minute Pee Break Cycle first appeared on Manage Stress | Increase Energy |Simple Solutions | Rommy Kirby, Holistic Health Coach, Yoga Personal Trainer, Essential Oil Educator.

3 Simple Upgrades to Improve Your Diet

Rommy Kirby — Sun, 08 Sep 2013 01:54:58 +0000

Are you

ready to

upgrade

your

health?

Your body is pretty awesome! It’s also as elegant in it’s simplicity as it is intriguing in its complexity. An absolutely lovely work of experiential art.

It always responds perfectly…to whatever we give it.

If we give it higher quality food and nourishment today than we did yesterday, on a continual basis, it will respond with increased energy and vitality, until we reach our optimal health.

Here’s where ‘responds perfectly’ isn’t as glamorous as it sounds. Because the same is true if we give it lower quality food. It will respond with bloat, sinus drainage, stiff muscles and joints along with mental fog, energy dumps and fatigue. Until eventually, we are in a constant state of decline into disease.

So…if overtime we continually give it higher and higher quality food and nourishment, it will give us greater vibrancy, increased energy and more radiant skin, eyes and hair. It doesn’t have to be hard, just take baby steps to upgrade your health.

Commit to your health. Allow yourself to upgrade one step at a time so your lifestyle will support the long term results you desire.

Here are 3 Simple Upgrades you can make in your food choices…*

If the majority of your food comes in a crinkly wrapper or box, upgrade to canned food.
If the majority of your food comes from cans, upgrade to frozen fruits and vegetables.
If the majority of your food comes from the freezer aisle, upgrade to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Bonus Upgrade – For every 3 meals that come from restaurants and drive thrus, upgrade to at least one additional home cooked meal a week.

*Choose Organic whenever available to you.

Don’t be so hard on yourself. Changing your lifestyle is the way you improve your health and get the results you want.

Change, even desired change, is challenging and sometimes stressful. Decide to do just one thing today that you know will move you towards the body and health you desire.

Tell me, comment below…what did you like best about this article? What upgrade will you make today that will bring you one step closer to the result you want? What is the biggest challenge you face when you start a new health or fitness plan?

Previous Comments (7)

I love the upgrades you offered. Taking one step at a time and trying not to be so hard with ourselves!

Thank you, Keren! Being hard on ourselves is a symptom of overwhelm, right? When I start in on that, I know it’s time to get back to taking just one step at a time…life really isn’t a Hop Scotch game even though we play it like that.

I believe I’m in category 3. I would love to upgrade to relying less and less on frozen foods. This week I plan on trying a new fresh vegetable that I normally don’t make! My biggest challenge is usually time management and fitting in the extra cooking time.

That is a wonderful plan Shawne! What are you going to make? My new vegetable this week was a Rutabaga. Wasn’t sure about it, it tasted close to a turnip, but I did like it. And, yeah, I get the time management with the extra cooking. I try to bulk prep as much as possible.

Such great advice

WOW! Thank you Rachel! Sooooo glad you stopped by!

I love your advice – impactful, yet direct and one step at a time approach makes things like big dietary changes seem not so big!

I agree, Aliza. I’ve struggled with sweeping changes and just ended up frustrated. One step at a time suits me, and my clients so much better! xo

I love the concept of the ‘upgrade’. We can all apply it somewhere in our eating!

Thanks Marie! Traveling with my hubby has really opened my eyes to the value of ‘upgrades’.

Awesome. I like the 3 simple upgrades

Thanks so much, Richard.

Great advice from an amazing woman and Health Coach, Rommy it was a pleasure training with you. You are an inspiration. Lucie.

Reply by Rommy Kirby on Fri, 08/30/2013 – 04:01

OH LUCY! Thank you so much! It is a blessing to be sharing this purpose with you!

The post 3 Simple Upgrades to Improve Your Diet first appeared on Manage Stress | Increase Energy |Simple Solutions | Rommy Kirby, Holistic Health Coach, Yoga Personal Trainer, Essential Oil Educator.