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Click here to get the RSS feed.I’m pretty witty, or so I’ve been told (but I only tend to trust my closest family and friends). I’m also frustrated by the lack of depth related to making peace with your fork, your body and ultimately, your life. Put the two together and you have my blog. It’s dedicated to looking at weight loss through the lens of calling a truce with food and your weight. Sometimes it’s humorous. On occasion it’s angry. But it’s always with a passion for helping to liberate those who no longer want food and corresponding self-worth to dominate their lives. This isn’t mainstream weight loss information. It’s for those interested in the journey losing weight offers, if we accept the challenge. Explore some posts. If they resonate, feel free to subscribe so you can receive inspiration on a sensible and spirited approach to weight loss. I’m always up for writing about your questions. Please email me at ali@alishapiro.com.
Finding Purpose in Life, Staying Grounded, and Cooking Delicious and Nutritious Family Meals
May 10, 2010 |
I decided to work with Ali a few months after I was diagnosed with Celiac disease, and wanted her to help me add healthy new foods into my diet. Over the course of six months, I learned about different foods that were not only nutritious but also delicious. I now cook about 5 nights per week for my family - all simple but healthy meals, and my whole family is involved in this new way of eating and cooking.
Soy: Or as We say in Pittsburgh, Double Yoi!
May 10, 2010 |
Myron Cope, the internationally famous Steeler announcer, used to famously use the Yiddish term “Yoi” (to all non-Pittsburghers this roughly translates into “Wow”) and on special occasions “Double Yoi” to exclaim a remarkable, unbelievable Steeler play.
Growing up in a Pittsburgh suburb with a population of 45,000 and some change, I was maybe one of four Jewish kids (and even I was half-Catholic at the time). And along with my sister, probably the only kids in our neighborhood not at church on Sundays.
This unscientific but probable ratio, reflects the city as a whole. So to think about how a somewhat conservative Christian town rallied around a Jewish guy and his Yiddish expressions tells me two things: life is ironic and the Steelers can bring anyone together.
How to Find a Farmers’ Market & Try This Great Seasonal Asparagus Recipe
May 3, 2010 |
May means Farmers’ markets, Mother's Day and the man-made kick-off to Summer! With so much going on, what to do first? I know I've felt that way lately. Carlos and I have finally taken the plunge to renovate our condo's kitchen. There is no need to go to an ashram in India to find enlightenment or yourself; just renovate your kitchen. Especially one built by Philly contractors!
I’ve learned that I have grown in patience, yet I still have a long, long, LONG way to go, and eating out really fuels your appetite with all that salt. Wow! Most importantly though, I have an amazing family. My Dad and Uncle Joe did all of the labor for free and my sister Julie let us crash at her place. And my Mom kept us all sane through the process. What a gift! We are in the home stretch and I will update with pictures on my Facebook page.
Lemon Zest Grilled Asparagus
May 1, 2010 |
This great dish helps set the tone for great outdoor weather. Perfect with wild Alaskan salmon, grass-fed steak, free range chicken, or part of a seasonal vegetable medley!
1 pound fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Preheat grill for high heat.
Trim asparagus. In a small bowl, combine oil, garlic, and lemon zest with a fork.
Lightly coat the asparagus spears with mixture (or you can marinate...even better!)
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Grill over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes, or to desired tenderness.
Being healthy and fit: The new symbol of patriotism
April 21, 2010 |
In good times and bad, food has always brought people together. In my recent book, "The Roots of Going Green: Your Fork, Your Power", I explain how the processed foods issue can bring together Republicans, Democrats, Independents and the likes of Ralph Nadar and Ron Paul. This is because it affects issues that all parties and people with a soul (I think Dick Cheney is the only one to be excluded) care about.
It’s not only about the environment or our health. It is also a big "government" and national security issue. One of my favorite moment’s on Jamie Oliver’s “Food Revolution” is when frustrated by F.D.A. guidelines, he asks “Who are these F.D.A.?” Oh Jamie – will you please do a spin-off series on the corporate dictatorship that is destroying the vitality of a country bite by bite, pill by pill?
Why We'll Always Lose the Cancer "Battle"
April 12, 2010 |
AARP recently ran a great article on
using complimentary therapies for cancer treatments. I really liked the article because it showed how alternative therapies can be used in conjunction with more traditional chemotherapy and radiation. It also seemed they interviewed some open-minded physicians. What is illustrated in this article, and reflects the general attitude with cancer, is that we are at war.
Here's a quote:
Barrie R. Cassileth, chief of integrative medicine at Memorial Sloan-Kettering. “They don’t replace the very powerful weapons mainstream medicine has developed to fight cancer."
2 ways to stop self-sabotage with your health goals
April 1, 2010 |
Can you believe 25% of 2010 is in the books? Over. Done. Poof! I have been engrossed in some big and exciting things that I can't wait to share over the upcoming year as they unfold. A couple of quick updates:
1. My book is now at Amazon.com. On my latest NBC spot, The Roots of Going Green was featured, and some recommendations from the book for making green food choices which positively impact our health as individuals as well as the health of our planet were highlighted.
You can order your copy here:
http://www.amazon.com/Roots-Going-Green-Your-Power/dp/1449961010
And watch the segment here:
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/shows/10-show/_The_Roots_of_Going_Green__...
How to Stop Judging Food (and Yourself) as "Good" vs. "Bad"
March 12, 2010 |
Are you ready for spring? I mean, really excited for spring? For some of you, I know while you love the sun and warmer weather, there is an underlying dread about having to try to fit into last year's clothes. Or even going shopping and knowing you aren't going to find anything you feel comfortable and confident wearing.
I know because I lived that way for much of my life. For most of middle and high school, college and my 20s, I dreaded shopping. I felt my size was always to big and nothing fit right - no matter how many mirrors or angles I viewed. And, I was tired of dressing in all black! My favorite clothes were only my favorite because they fit regardless if I was bloated or ate way too much the day before.
The Most Important Question Related to Your Well-Being
March 1, 2010 |
Hello March! I say that with genuine positive momentum instead of negatively wishing February good riddance. My change of heart occurred about five days ago. This February was tough on the East Coast. Cold. Snow. Rain. Wet chill. Repeat. I definitely hit a winter low around mid-February. When my gym and yoga studio were closed
from the successive storms, I pouted by eating dark chocolate chips. My mood and energy began to plummet. So I took an early test drive of chef David Salvatore’s recipes from my upcoming “Stress-Free Spring Detox” program on March 16 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Carlos volunteered to be my detox buddy; we cooked and went on a five-day detox from sugar, meat, dairy and gluten (I’m always dairy and gluten-free but Carlos isn’t).
(How to) Wash Old Man Winter and the Gunk Out of Your Mind, Body and Spirit
February 26, 2010 |
I know with all these crazy winter storms it seems winter will never end. But as the Buddhas say "this too shall pass." Yep, winter's days are numbered (22 to be exact). The time is coming to wash ol' man winter and the gunk out of your hair, skin, body and mind. That's what we will be doing during my upcoming "Stress-Free Spring Detox" teleclass on Tuesday, March 16 from 7-8 p.m. On this call, you'll discover:
1. How to detox properly (most people do it wildly incorrectly)
2. What foods help set your body up for the fat burning season of Spring
3. Innovative recipes with a complete 5-day menu (can be shortened or extended based on your individual health goals) with gourmet recipes (sans a gourmet budget or cooking skills) from chef David Salvatore
4. What to add to your life during this time (yes, this detox is not about deprivation but rather adding in the great stuff your life needs)
