Ali Shapiro

February Newsletter: Big News, Detox Time and Super Bowl Recipes

Happy February,

I know many of you are at the end of your rope with Winter. I normally am too but I had a big surprise last week that has me ignoring the wind whipping at my face. I got engaged!

Despite being with Carlos for almost five years, I'm still in shock. It was a wonderful surprise.  He called me after my class last Saturday night and told me he was locked out on the roof deck. This made sense to me because Carlos frequently goes to read in random places around the city. I returned from class, went to "retrieve" him from the deck and there he was with music, candles, roses, champagne, dinner, a gluten-free cupcake and a beautiful amethyst ring. He even had a heater up there. He really thought of everything. It was a magical night.

I'm feeling so alive from the entire thing. Getting engaged is a big moment, no doubt. But more importantly, Carlos and I have a fantastic relationship. It is nourishing on a different level and one food can never fulfill.  The relationships in our lives, our jobs, exercise and how we connect to each other and the Universe/God are equally as important. Where I went to school for nutrition, we call these aspects primary food.

Many of my clients come to me initially because they need nutrition support. But what they find is many times, it's their lives that need adjusting too. Sometimes it's in a major way. Sometimes it's minor tweaks. But regardless, they come to understand how their lives are affecting their food choices and vice-versa.

Balance looks different for different people. Some love having a million balls in the air. Others need to recharge with lots of alone time. Some find comfort in yoga. For others it's running on the trails and getting energy from nature. The important thing is to find what works for you. There are no right or wrong answers. The only right way is to start exploring what you need off your plate so you feel supported and nourished.

This month, I encourage you to start with the relationship you have with yourself. This is usually the last to get attention yet all of our decisions stem from how we feel about ourselves.  Yet when we prioritize our well-being, everything else falls into place. Focusing on self-care, whether that's getting to bed early, giving yourself an at home-spa facial or even cutting back on your commitments, goes a long way.

As we start to head toward longer days, take this month to reflect on how you could be kinder to yourself. This year, I'm focusing on being more of a human being than a human doing. By doing less and being more present, my relationships, role as a health coach, creativity and sense of connection will dramatically improve. I've splurged on a yoga studio membership for the year to support my commitment. It was a stretch for me but I know the importance of investing in your health and yourself (This was the same goal I had for myself last year and it didn't happen because I didn't have the right support system). Plus, it makes the whole yoga experience much more rewarding and fun.

If you're looking for an innovative way to incorporate self-care into your life, check out my newly designed "Stress-free Spring Detox Program." For spring, (which yes, will come again) I'm hosting a one-hour teleclass on Tuesday, March 16 from 7-8 p.m. complete with a plan to help renew your body, mind and spirit. This program is for us living in the real world (read: we must be highly functional while on the detox).

Detoxing in the spring is especially important. Winter brings lots of congesting foods and indulgences from the holidays and moodiness that often accompanies winter. For the food menu, I've teamed up with the world-class and talented chef David Salvatore. David has designed a gourmet menu that doesn't take gourmet skills or budget. You will be excited to eat everything on the menu. Think Canyon Ranch in your kitchen. (Yes, you will eat on this plan and you won't feel deprived.)

The food will help clean out the winter gunk, jump start the fat burning our bodies do in the spring and leave you feeling like you're ready to take on life again.  All the details can be found here. And you'll see below, there's a special running until February 16th. I definitely encourage you to sign-up today as space is limited.

Remember, well-being operates on multiple levels. It keeps it interesting, just like how our lives should be.

What cool things will you be adding to your life?

Be well,

Ali

Super Bowl Recipes

Given the Steelers aren't in the Super Bowl this year, I will actually have an appetite. Last year I was so nervous, all I could do was pace around the room.

Here are some fantastic Super Bowl recipes by Katie Cavuto-Boyle, a nutritionist in Philadelphia who believes in whole foods too. They were highlighted in Philadelphia Magazine and I wanted to pass them along to you here. I'm going to make the Red Lentil Dal one for our Super Bowl party. Enjoy!