Ali Shapiro

3 Questions That Will Transform Your Eating Habits, Plus a Fall Soup Recipe

I was born with a lazy eye. A large brown eye patch and glasses so big they eclipsed the all-American mushroom cut that every other white girl in America rocked at least once by age five like a hairy helmet. Awkward. Even more, um, awkward was my lack of inhibition.

During a post-lazy eye correction surgery ophthalmology visit, I ran into my doctor’s office and proudly showed him my Wonder Woman underwear –the full set. He didn’t know how to react and I didn’t care. I felt the part because I literally saw the world anew—without those ostracizing glasses.

Creamy Veggie Soup

Fall weather may not be here yet, but this hearty soup will help inspire Autumn musings:

My New Favorite Breakfast, Which Feels Like Dessert! Only 10 Days Left to Sign-Up for My “Calling a Truce with Food” Program

I work with clients as busy as myself so I am always finding ideas that will get them in and out of the kitchen fast. On top of that, it has to be delicious. Driving me crazy these days is when people think healthy eating is a sacrifice. Quite the opposite – you never feel more indulgent when your taste buds are singing with food that energizes your body, doesn’t make you feel three months pregnant, and your mood is annoyingly cheery to everyone around you!

You’ll get oodles of these fast, simple mood-boosting, bloat-free recipes in my upcoming “Calling a Truce with Food” program which runs for five rich Monday nights starting September 13th at Eviama Spa in Center City. As a reminder, there’s only 10 days left to sign-up:

Flour Free Banana & Blueberry Pancakes

Have these pancakes with your favorite smoothie, for a breakfast packed with protein, good fat without the sugar, and inspiration to get you started for the day!

Serves 4

3 bananas
6 eggs
100 g unsweetened coconut flakes
3/4 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
1 Tbsp cinnamon
1 tsp. sea salt
coconut oil

Mash the bananas with a fork. Whip the eggs and mix them together with the bananas. Stir in the coconut, blueberries, cinnamon, and sea salt.
Fry the pancakes on both sides in coconut oil on medium heat. Serve with extra coconut flakes, cinnamon, and blueberries on the top.

Adapted from Green Kitchen Stories: http://www.greenkitchenstories.com/flour-free-banana-blueberry-pancakes

“More Enjoyment & Energy to Do What I Want”

I spent years trying to increase the amount of whole wheat products in my diet, only then to be diagnosed with gluten intolerance and having to learn a whole new way of gluten-free eating. Ali’s comments in her review of a gluten-free food book discussed the very same emotional issues I faced: becoming discouraged about all of the foods I had to avoid, and thus bingeing on wheat products till I made myself sick. I scheduled a consultation with her and then signed up for regular sessions. Ali was extremely supportive during our work together.  She helped me modify suggestions to better fit my lifestyle, always cheered my successes, and never once made me feel guilty when I struggled. Her positive attitude kept me going! She helped me identify what in my life was robbing me of energy, and what would increase energy and fulfillment. In making these changes, my energy level remains consistent throughout the day, and I don’t have trouble staying awake in the afternoon.

“Ali’s Dedicated One-on-One Attention Renewed Trust in Myself”

I had reached a point where the promises I kept making to take better care of myself, to eat better, exercise, and balance my life, just weren’t happening. I had low energy and it seemed like everything I ate upset my stomach. Ali’s dedicated one-on-one attention and contagious energy always refreshed me; no matter how I had felt earlier in the day, she gave me renewed trust in myself to make it happen. Thanks to her guidance and support, I learned that in order to move forward and make things happen, I actually needed to slow down! I plan only one or two days’ worth of grocery shopping in advance and schedule small trips to the local market on an “as needed” basis. I now make it a point to walk and not drive to the market, enjoy cooking, and have a tremendous increase in energy. I regularly attend a local yoga studio, and do something such as a massage to pamper myself as often as possible.

Eat. Pray. Eat Again? What Your Relationship with Food Says About You

I first read Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love back in 2006. I had been asking the same questions she had been in her own journey - except my little expedition didn’t take me to Italy, India and Bali. Mine didn’t start with a divorce but a diagnosis.

In seventh grade, I was told I had cancer. After being cured with chemotherapy and radiation, I spent the next 15 years attempting to heal – although I didn’t realize it at the time. My searching led me to a post-college corporate job that had me living in three cities: Lynchburg, VA; Paris, France; and Pittsfield, MA. And it goes without saying that Lynchburg and Pittsfield are no Italy or Bali. There was lots of eating, but it went more like Eat. Gorge. Remorse. And there was no falling in love at the end (that would eventually happen but not neatly packaged in the ending).

Can you say misery?

3 Surprising Side-Effects of Food Intolerance on Weight Loss

As someone who helps women heal their relationship with food, I'm aware of the multiple-dimensions to weight loss that trump the fourth-grade math skills needed to count calories. Beyond the physical and emotional component of food lies an intersection where we can see the mind and body aren't separate - they are one.  For example, we make the majority of serotonin in our digestive systems. We have millions of nerve endings in our stomach. What we eat affects our moods. And our moods clearly influence our weight.

The Top Instant Way to Make Your Life Easier & New Program Offering+ Last Chance for Aug. 8th “Creamy Desserts” Class

It’s Summer’s last hurrah this month. Time to get as lazy as possible before those frisky Fall days. This month, I have a great idea on how to bring more ease to your life.

But first, a quick personal update:

July was jam packed with two weddings from two of my oldest friends, one in Pittsburgh, and one in Maine. Both were beautiful and left me dehydrated from crying. During the wedding weekends, I got to see how my funny, vivacious, go-getting friends had come into their own.  I love these moments where you get to fully appreciate the crazy ride of life and exhale in the wonder of how it all turns out. And taking an extra three days in Maine to decompress recharged and rejuvenated me in a way that only Mother Nature can.

Before I get to the fastest route to the easy life, there are two key events I have coming up:

Do you want $97 and a unique experience? Check out this special before July 31:

I am offering you a really great opportunity. If you sign-up for the August 8 Nourishing Desserts cooking class (we are doing creamy desserts!), from 4-7 p.m., you can bring a friend, complimentary (or you can split the cost with them).

Part of the value of my events is the amazing community of women who participate. I want to fill the last remaining spots as to maximize the value for everyone (and being an idealist, want to end the needless angst around sweets for those of us with a sweet tooth).

So, join us by clicking on the link below for the August 8 Creamy Desserts class. Once you sign-up, email me at ali@alishapiro.com the first and last name of your guest, along with their email address (so they receive the reminders). Simple and fun - my favorite combination!

To have a wonderful night out with a friend, sign-up here:

http://www.alishapiro.com/nourishing-desserts-cooking-classes