Happy Twenty-Thirteen! 

It has been too long since I have last posted. With so many changes in my life since I first began writing in 2010, I needed time to think on how I wanted to proceed. Or rather, how I could proceed.

I started writing in the comfort of my Mother’s office in New Jersey. At that time, I did not realize how fortunate I was to have all the time in the world; to write, to study nutrition, to work with clients, to build a practice, to spend time with my family, to discover who I was and how I could be better. However, with all of my friends gone, and the divorce of my parents, something in my heart told me that I needed to move on from that beautiful, small town.

And so I did. I packed up my things and moved to Dallas, Texas.

It was there that I really began to grow. I dated here and there, made some incredible friends, and although still inherently an enormous part of my life, I took a little detour from building my private practice.

Two years down the road, and I am married to a man that I absolutely adore, and I have three beautiful children (none of which I bore). Deep down, I know that my path has had tremendous purpose, but a lady of high expectations, life has most certainly had it’s ups and downs. I truly never imagined having children at my age, and most certainly not children I could not nurse, or call my own, by blood. In fact, I did not think I would be married yet! I was always the business woman in the family.

Passionate about the lifestyle I lead, and the help I provide others, my biggest struggle has been to watch those close to me veer from a healthy plan, and follow their peers, or role models, only to lose energy, focus, and that sparkle in and excitement in their eye.

The differences are night and day.

I took this to heart. I took it personally. Clearly, I had failed as a Nutritionist.

I wanted to move far away from this town. A town that vilifies greens, considers corn a legitimate vegetable, and that scoffs at any form of vegetarianism that doesn’t involve copious amounts of junk.

But as I examine my path and the good I have done, I realize that sometimes good work will go unappreciated. We have to pat our own selves on the back and keep going. We are here for a reason. I realize that sometimes we all fall off the wagon. Life is a learning experience. I learn something wonderful everyday.

I realize that you can show someone the light, but they have to walk towards it to get the glow.

I also have come to understand that it is my job to continue to grow in my light and understanding of nutrition, and to share that knowledge in confidence, instead of hiding behind comforts, and frustration. Sometimes it’s easier, to take the easy way out. But only upfront.

I am writing this as a confession and as a resolution to provide everyone with the same love, support, and understanding I provide my clients. To provide my readers with a real diary of health.  After marrying, and adopting a new life of responsibilities, this “diary” became more of another “responsibility”. Something I did not have time for. As I have transformed, I so wish to transform this blog. May it be a place where I share recipes, and tidbits of health information, as well as life.

Over the last 6 years, my diet has has changed drastically. If you had told that “calorie-counting” girl in college, or that 7th grade girl at Burger King, that I would be craving kale, or eating great foods in abundance, I would have thought you were kooky.  But alas, it is true. My health has changed as drastically as my diet.

I am beyond excited about this new year! I am have arranged my schedule so that I may take on new clients, and have more time for my existing clientele, I am working more with exhale spa dallas, contributing to the empowering online beauty mag “The Beauty Bean“, I am leading a health challenge in Dallas at Whole Foods Market, and hoorah! Finally completing a book on nutrition and skin!

This is your year to make positive changes. Instead of dieting, instead of being frustrated with the idea of failure, get excited to enjoy life in abundance. Look at what you are doing in life that is making you feel mediocre. As my mom would say: “Don’t let the turkeys get you down!” This makes me laugh out loud. I feel bad for the turkey that is being insulted in this silly phrase.

Surround yourself with things and people that make you feel good. Choose resolutions that are achievable.

My advice to everyone looking to start a diet?

• Don’t go on a diet. Those are never fun, or “healthy.”
• Instead, choose to have steamed greens every time you eat meat, and then at every meal.
• Add in green vegetables, every chance you get. Even if you can only tolerate steamed broccoli with a little butter or olive oil.
• Start the morning with a freshly squeeze juice, or Green Smoothie!
• Nix the fast food and junk food habit! What good is food when it makes you feel like crap and helps keep those greedy Big Food people rich, and you sick.
• Read the ingredients, not the calories. If there is something you don’t recognize, put it down.
• Say adios to sodas and sports drinks. Diet, regular, I don’t care. If you are looking for bubbles, try squeezing lemon into carbonated water and sweetening it with stevia.
• Take probiotic supplements. I recommend Garden of Life.

Those are just a few!

But before I go make myself some guacamole, I am so excited to start seeing clients Thursday mornings, Fridays, Sundays, and Saturday afternoon. I work with clients from all over the world and in Dallas. If you are interested in learning how you can start making healthier choices and increase your energy, elevate your moods, enhance digestion, reverse the signs of aging, and discover the body and skin you’ve always wanted, allow me to help make that transition easier with a customized meal plan and private consultation.  Just email me at lauren@theglowdetoxdiet.com. Right now I am excited to offer my clients a special package, so make sure you mention that in your email!

Check it out at www.theglowdetoxdiet.com.

Always,

Lauren