Off To Yoga

As many of you know, I love Bikram Yoga. I would practice every day if I lived close to a studio but instead, I drive almost 5o minutes one way to take class. Since joining yoga and practicing as much as possible, I have been able to stop feeling anxious, sleep better, lose weight and just plain old feel amazing! I started out doing hatha yoga followed by a few other types of yoga. The important thing for you is to start somewhere. You will be happily and peacefully amazed at the power of this simple practice called Yoga. Namaste!

TGIF

There aren't many days when I say "Thank God It's Friday" but this is definately one of them. With a busy week behind me and an equally busy and exciting week ahead of me, I am enjoying my Friday night at home with my amazing dog Bikram and a cup of calming tea. Rest is so important and what's more important is to recognize our need for it and to honor the signals from our bodies. So if you're feeling like you need a break, go ahead and give yourself one! Because if you don't do it, who will? So put your feet up, relax and enjoy the peace.

SUGAR BLUES WORKSHOP A SUCCESS

Last night I presented a "Beating the Sugar Blues" workshop at the Silver Creek Central School District in Silver Creek, NY. With nineteen people signed up for the event and over half of those attending, the event was a huge success. Participants gained insight into the role that sugar plays in our culture and in our lives. Many had those amazing "aha" moments and almost everyone signed up for a free health consultation. If you'd like to learn more about the role of sugar and it's harmful effects on health and wellbeing, give me a call today at 716.410.4504. I can help you bring sweetness into your life in other, more healthier ways.
Keep Smiling,
Mary Jo

What's new and good?

Have you ever stopped to realize how mixed up our world can be sometimes? From health care reform to the corrupt banking industry to food marketing. It can all be so confusing and scary. But I'm here to tell you that with just an ounce of common sense, all of those things can become very simple and easily sorted out. So much of it comes down to personal responsibility and logic. In the area of food, it's even simpler. Eating natural whole and fresh food is the key. Less chemicals, less additives and preservatives and more greens, grains, fruits and veggies. Next time you're at the supermarket, stick to the perimeter of the store. That's where most of the real food is! If you need support, schedule a free consultation with me. I'd be glad to support you in achieving vibrant health!
Happily,
Mary Jo

Healthy Healthy Chocolate

Last weekend while in NYC I met a colleague who sells healthy chocolate. She calls it healthy because it is low in sugar, organic, minimally processed and contains the super antioxidant berry called the acai berry. The chocolate is known as Xocai and it's absolutely delicious.

If you are interested in the product give me a call. I'd be happy to get you a supply! This amazing chocolate has been known to improve brain functioning and improve weight loss. What other great tasting product can do that?

Challenges to Eating Healthy

Yesterday I left my home and traveled to a small community in Batavia, NY. I will be here for the rest of the week and I am realizing just how user unfriendly the area is in regards to healthy food options. The only restaurant options for eating are fast food and restaurants that have highly processed foods. So I thought I'd visit the local Starbucks hoping to find a healthy sandwich or salad. No luck with that idea since they offer the broad menu in bigger cities and Batavia is not a big city. I honestly almost started to panic wondering how I'd survive this week and soon began to realize how mainstream America must think I'm a little nutty in my approach to health and wellness. Luckily I was able to get a refrigerator and microwave delivered to my room and I found a Wal-Mart down the road. I purchased some basic groceries and asked the kitchen staff to open my can of beans and albacore tuna. She gladly gave me a plate and utensils and I am now feeling good!

The next time you're challenged while on the road there are some things you can choose that are still great options. For example, fruits and plenty of water are great. Teas and salads are also good if they do not have preservatives or msg in them. It takes some investigating but from my point of view, I'm worth it. And you are too!

Event a Huge Success!

The inaugural walk to raise awareness for eating disorders kicked off today in Manhattan at the Riverside Park on the west side. With over 500 people walking to raise awareness, the event was a huge success. I was honored to be showcasing my holistic health counseling program "Finding Peace" during the event and will be sending out resources to everyone who signed up for my support. A huge thank you goes out to Eva Coffee, a colleague and friend who helped make it possible for me to attend the event. If you know of someone suffering with an eating disorder, tell them help is a phone call away. Check out my website for details at http://www.maryjobriggs.com I provide holistic health and nutritional counseling via phone to women across the United States.

Stay Connected

I am on my way to the Big Applel again! I love that place:-) I guess you could say I feel very connected to the energy and the people. So while I'm away from my son and partner, I still have that inner connection to something greater than myself. It's a wonderful feeling. And of course I use blogging to stay in touch. As I was blogging today I though, "Hmmmm, I wonder if others would like to learn how to blog and stay in touch with family, friends, coworkers." As a result, my site now contains resources for you to use that will help you to create your very own blog! Check them out and play around. After all, it's all about staying connected. And blogging is the perfect way. Happy day and have fun blogging!

National Eating Disorders Association

This Sunday is the inaugural walk to promote eating disorders awareness. Walks have been launched across the United States this year and this is the first walk which will take place in Manhattan at Riverside Park. I will be sharing my story of recovery from Bulimia and Anorexia with hundreds of people hoping to bring hope, inspiration and healing. If you'd like more information you can go to NEDA's homepage to learn more. If you know someone who struggles with emotional eating or an eating disorder, let them know that help is available. I work with women everyday who are overcoming their addictive behaviors to food. Help is available so why not sign up for a free health consultation. Go to my website at http://www.maryjobriggs.com
Be well & love life!

Louise Hay

Last weekend I had the honor of meeting Louise Hay. She is an author, speaker and owner of Hay House Publishing. In the coming months I will be commenting on her work and how it can impact your life and the lives of others around you. Stay tuned!

Comfort Foods

Have you ever had one of those days where all you want is what your mother used to feed you? Maybe it's toast with peanut butter or chicken soup. It could be anything actually. What are some of the foods you turn to for comfort? And what are some other things that you could turn to for comfort instead of food? As I have journeyed on the road to building my health coaching business I have needed comfort and support along the way. Gaining insight into why we crave our comfort foods is key to figuring out what we really need. But sometimes it's much simpler than that. I mean come on...the fact that we look for comfort foods is a dead giveaway! So the next time you head out for your best comfort food, start a conversation with yourself. Ask yourself, "Hmmm, what is it that I really need?" You might be surprised how effective it can be to ask yourself that one little question. Try it and get back to me! If you need more support around answering that question, sign up for one of my teleclasses at www.vibranthealthhappylife.com

BREATHE BABY BREATHE

Have you ever been so excited that you started to hyperventilate? Or perhaps you've had a scary incident that left you breathless. Either way, we obviously cannot live without breathe. And conversely, we can live an amazing life if we take the time to breathe deeply and relax into it. The power of breathe is widely accepted in yogic communities. My experience with the power of breathe is vast. But in order to experience some of the benefits of breathe, all one needs to do is to sit still for three to four minutes and breathe fully through your nose expanding your belly. Breathe slowly in through the nose and out through the nose. Try to keep your mind still. No thinking about bills that need to be paid or laundry that needs to be done. (That would be cheating but no one but you would know it.) Then begin to relax your spine and to allow the other parts of your body to relax. If your mind wanders, go back to focusing on the breathe. Do this in the morning and once during the day. You will be amazed at the benefits! Happy Breathing!

Louise Hay

Years ago I became acquainted with the work of Louise Hay, a transformational healer and woman ahead of her time. One of the books that I keep around, and have several copies of, is called "Heal Your Life." It is an amazing book and I use it frequently when I have a physical problem that I believe could be made better by simply changing my thinking. For example, the other day I had a pain in my ear and I was curious to see what Louise Hay had to say regarding a probably cause for such pain. So I opened the book and saw that it could have something to do with not liking what I was hearing. Now...we don't always have the awareness necessary to truly believe some of the things that Louise suggests could be happening within our bodies. But after using her book during my recovery from a 20 year battle with an eating disorder, and practicing her affirmations when I suffered from anxiety and depression, the woman's got something! Her insight is amazing and I have followed this woman since about 1999. This weekend I am making one of my dreams come true. I will be sitting in a room with Louise Hay and several others who are world leaders in the field of personal transformational and development. I have been so excited these past few days that I can barely contain myself! Stay tuned for details about the amazing information I'll be bringing back to you. Have a fabulous Friday!