Nutrition 101

Tomorrow starts another course of "Nutrition Made Simple" which is a class I teach at the Boston Center for Adult Education. This time around, instead of meeting for 6 weeks, we've shortened it to 5 weeks (one less winter week to brave the cold New England weather!), but participants still get 10 hours of instruction and support for the small investment of $149.

This is what one of my graduates had to say about the course:

"The Nutrition Made Simple is exactly that - making learning about nutrition simple, applicable and personal. This class taught me an incredible amount of information in a fairly short period of time, making it even easier to incorporate into my daily life. I was amazed at the amount of information that I did not know previously, from sugar substitutes to grains, and was extremely excited to learn about different types of products that are healthy, and delicious, that prior to this class were unknown to me. (My favorites were the Ezekiel 4:9 Almond and the ground cherries. I've never even seen them before this class!) Kathleen did a wonderful job of creating an environment that was comfortable to ask questions and absorb the information. I appreciate this class more than I can express.

As an aside, since taking this class I have completely cut soda out of my life. I used to drink approximately 4 cans of diet soda daily. I have also reduced the amount of coffee I consume, from approximately 4-8 cups a day (including the venti size Starbucks coffee as '1' cup!), to now having about 1-2 per day each of 8 oz. or less. I really appreciate being given new products to try and statistics that really resonated with me for health reasons (since all 4 of my grandparents had heart attacks, and 2 were diabetic). Thank you for giving me the information that I so desperately needed to jump start eating healthier and eating well. Thank you!"

So, instead of waiting until New Year's to begin your resolution to change your eating habits and improve your health, start today! There is still space left to register for this class which runs Tuesday evenings 6 PM - 8 PM, November 11th through December 9th. Classes are held in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood in the historic Gamble Mansion near the Public Garden.

During this comprehensive 5-week course, participants learn all about nutrition and how to apply it in a practical way. We cover sugar addiction, mindful eating, the virtues of greens, grains and legumes, how to identify organic from conventional from GE foods, the importance of vitamins, minerals, fiber, healthy fats and other nutrients and so much more!

So, if you want to stop cravings for good, manage your weight, gain control of your health, feel better in your body and have a remarkable increase in your energy, I encourage you to take this class.

To register by phone, call 617.267.4430. To register online, visit the BCAE by clicking here.

Thought for Today: Thoughts are Like Seeds

When you sow a thought you reap an action, when you sow an action you reap a habit, when you sow a habit you reap a character and when you sow a character you reap a destiny. Thoughts are like seeds. You cannot sow the seed of one plant and get another: thistles will never produce daffodils! When your thoughts are positive, powerful and constructive, your life will reflect this.

To sign up to receive "Thought for Today" in your email in box, please CLICK HERE

* * * * * *

SUGAR SOLUTIONS: How to Tame Your Sweet Tooth

Believe it or not, there are still some seats left for my Sugar Solutions workshop taking place at Healthworks Chestnut Hill next week, on Wednesday evening, October 22nd. If you are constantly craving sweets and you want to understand why and if you'd like to get a better handle on your sugar cravings, please register to attend this fun and informative workshop. During the 90-minute workshop, participants learn the history of sugar, how it affects our bodies and discover methods to better manage your cravings without willpower or deprivation. You will learn healthier, more natural ways to keep your sweet tooth in check! The outcome? Better mood, more energy and a healthy body!

To register, please contact me via my online submission form at www.kmoriarty.com

Thank You!

Mark Your Calendar!

Here are some important upcoming events, that might be of interest to my dear blog readers:

October 14th
Oprah's topic on Tuesday's show is "Where does our food come from?" and in this case, the type of food they are referring to is animal-based food, such as meat, dairy and eggs. I think that this is such an important topic because so many people are unaware how animal products make their way to your plate. Remember, information equals power; the power to make truly informed decisions. One of the issues they will explain is the term "free range". People are trying to make more thoughtful choices about their food and the humane treatment of animals is becoming a consideration for people who never thought about it before. So, what does free range mean? Are there standards and a system of checks and balances to make sure free range is a kinder choice? Is it a healthier choice? I already know the answer, but if you don't, I strongly encourage you to tune in to The Oprah Winfrey show or set up your DVR to record it.

October 18th
The Peace Abbey in Sherborn, MA will be having a one-day workshop entitled "Creating a Sustainable Future". The keynote speaker is Diet for a Small Planet author and social activist Frances Moore Lappe. Diet for a Small Planet has been an international bestseller since it's original version was published in the early 1970s. For more information about this event at The Peace Abbey, please CLICK HERE. For more information regarding Frances Moore Lappe's work, please CLICK HERE.

November 1st
One again the annual Boston Vegetarian Food Festival will be held at The Reggie Lewis Center in Roxbury. This all day event consists of free food samples, interesting exhibits, discounted shopping and free workshops and so much more! T. Colin Campbell, the doctor and author behind "The China Study" (an amazing book!) is just one of many speakers who are donating their time to this wonderful event. For a full list of speakers, CLICK HERE. So mark your calendar and plan on attending this free event, to find out how you can benefit from eating a plant-based diet. Doors are open from 10 AM through 6 PM and is easily accessible by the Orange Line T and multiple bus lines. It is also on the Southwest Corridor Bike Path, for all those cyclists out there (like me!). For those who drive, there is free on-site parking, but be prepared to wait for a parking spot to open up ... this is a VERY popular event!

And last, but not least, if you still haven't attended one of my SUGAR SOLUTIONS workshops, please register today! Learn how to get a handle of your sweet cravings before the upcoming holiday season wreaks havoc on your diet! Currently scheduled workshops include October 22nd, November 12th and November 19th. For more details on times/locations, please go to my website by CLICKING HERE.

What's the Deal with Probiotics?

Tonight in the class I am teaching at the Boston Center for Adult Education, we talked about probiotics. Probiotics are generating a lot of buzz in the food industry lately; they're being added to products where they don't naturally occur, as they do in the most famous probiotic source: yogurt.

Well, let's start off with explaining what they are and why they're important. First of all, the term "probiotics" was coined to contrast "antibiotics". And it means "for life". Probiotics are a beneficial bacteria that are normally present in the digestive tract. They are vital for proper digestion, but they also serve other important functions such as synthesizing vitamins, supporting and fortifying a strong immune system, detoxifying the liver, alleviating inflammatory conditions, such as Crohn's Disease and for preventing the overgrowth of yeast. For people who've experienced chronic yeast infections, yogurt was seen as a panacea. Anyone who has attended one of my Sugar Solutions Workshops know my feelings on yogurt. I am talking about the commercial kind, which is full of unnecessary sugars - and lots of it. If people want to continue to have yogurt in their diet, the only kind I can recommend is plain. If you wish to sweeten it, do so by adding your own fruit or a gentle, natural sweetener, like agave nectar. Don't buy yogurt with sugar (most contain added sugar, high fructose corn syrup, fructose and pectin). And remember, yogurt is not the only food with probiotics. There are various sources, all of which are cultured or fermented and they include:

• sauerkraut (fermented cabbage)
• kimchi (Korean fermented cabbage with spices)
• miso
• tempeh
• soy sauce (choose low/no sodium variety)
• umeboshi plum or other pickled fruit and vegetables
• kombucha tea (raw, not hot)

Whenever I teach this class, I treat my students to a beverage that tastes great and has many benefits including probiotics and that is the final item on the list above; kombucha tea. The brand I recommend is GT Dave's, as it contains only raw, cultured kombucha and their Synergy version contains juice from whole fruits; no sugar or other ingredients are permitted! There are other cold kombucha teas available, but they are watered down and contain sugar and other ingredients that reduce the benefits of the kombucha itself. It's a fermented mushroom tea, made in small batches and can be purchased at health food stores, including Whole Foods, in their refrigerated beverages section. GT Dave's kombucha is all natural, organic, raw, vegan and kosher. It contains no caffeine, coloring, preservatives or additives. This tea has been used for hundreds of years and contains many healing benefits; some people call it miraculous. It's very unique taste will add a twist to your diet. It's the perfect way to add probiotics into your life. Try it today!

Upcoming Events with Kathleen

Here is a listing of my upcoming classes and workshops:

Demystifying the Mediterranean Diet
Wednesday, September 24th @ 6:00 PM - Boston Center for Adult Education

Nutrition Made Simple
Tuesday, September 23rd - Tuesday October 28 @ 6:00 PM
6-week course at the Boston Center for Adult Education

Sugar Solutions: How To Tame Your Sweet Tooth
Wednesday, October 22nd @ 6:15 PM - Healthworks Chestnut Hill
Wednesday, November 12th @ 6:00 PM - Healthworks Porter Square
Wednesday, November 19th @ 6:00 PM - Boston Center for Adult Education

For class and workshop descriptions, please visit my website's events page by CLICKING HERE

Please join me for one of these classes. I promise that you will learn a lot, have fun and will begin to see how what we eat affects everything. Therefore, when diet changes, everything changes. Ready to make a change for the better? If so, I hope to see you in class!

Here Comes the Bride!

I got some great news this morning; my friend, Quiana, beat out thousands of other women and has been chosen as one of ten semi-finalists for Modern Bride's "Bride of the Year". Of the ten, five will go on to be the elite semi-finalists and will make appearances on CBS's "The Early Show" in late July. Of those five, only ONE will be named Bride of the Year and will appear on Modern Bride's cover. To read Quiana's story and to cast your vote, please CLICK HERE.

SUGAR SOLUTIONS ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB

An attendee of last week's Sugar Solutions: How to Tame Your Sweet Tooth Workshop, which I facilitated in Cambridge, had a very positive experience and generously shared what she learned during this workshop with her blog readers. Still haven't attended one of my workshops? This blog posting will definitely motivate you to sign up! Please CLICK HERE to read one woman's summary of what she learned last week, entitled "Bitter Sweet Tooth". If you'd like to attend an upcoming workshop with me, please note I am holding one at the Boston Center for Adult Education in Boston's Back Bay on July 22nd. To register online, visit www.BCAE.org or to register by phone, call 617.267.4430. Can't attend on the 22nd? Contact me for more info!

Sugar Solutions Workshop: How To Tame Your Sweet Tooth

My Sugar Solutions Workshop for tomorrow is SOLD OUT. But the good news is, I have another one scheduled for next month! If you've never been to one of my workshops, you are missing out! On Tuesday, July 22nd, my workshop will take place at the Boston Center for Adult Education's historic Gamble Mansion at 5 Commonwealth Avenue, across from the scenic Public Gardens in Boston's Back Bay. Class begins at 5:45 PM and runs until 7:15 PM. To register online, CLICK HERE or register by phone at 617.267.4430. These always sell out, so register early!

What does the class entail? Well, do you know that food manufacturers use over 40 different words for “sugar” on food labels? Unless you know how to read food labels and identify sugar and its variants, you may be consuming a lot more sugar than you realize. How does this affect you and why should you be concerned? Attend my workshop and find out!

During the workshop, I educate and inform participants about the history of sugar, how it affects our bodies, how to identify it on food labels, how to reduce and eliminate our craving and dependency on it and to seek healthy alternatives without deprivation. These workshops are interactive, fun and very informative! Sign up today!

Sweet Spring ~ Seasonal Eating

Well, Spring may have sprung, but our bodies may still be adapting. Despite the "springing forward" of the clocks three weeks ago, the weather is still in a state of flux, so us humans may be a bit confused. If you're familiar with seasonal eating, you may have already noticed this change in your appetite; instead of the heavier, heartier and warmer foods of winter, you may be suddenly craving something lighter to eat or feel the need for a detox of sorts. No wonder Spring is a time of cleaning; not just for our homes, but for our bodies. Spring is an important time for the eating of greens, a food group that most Americans don't get enough of. Bitter greens like arugula, endive, dandelion greens and radicchio are great this time of year. Afraid to step out of your comfort zone? Just gradually add in some of these greens to your spinach or lettuce based salad (arugula is a favorite of mine). Dandelion greens can be eaten cooked or raw and can be found on the menu in Greek restaurants this time of year. Since this is a time of cleansing, dandelion greens are great because they are known to cleanse the liver and kidneys, creating balance in the body. Dandelion greens are actually a traditional Spring food in many cultures.

Another way to get in some greens is wheatgrass. A shot of wheatgrass is sweet and delicious. And very cleansing! A little hesitant to try it? Well, add some spinach to your fruit smoothie and get some greens in that way; the fruit sweetens it and you still get the added benefit of the iron, vitamins A, C & E (antioxidants) and other nutrients.

For Spring eating, I also recommend that people limit the amount of dairy they consume, if not avoid it altogether. During the winter, your body was drying out. To counteract that, you ate heavier, more protein-laden foods. By the end of a long winter season, your body has dried out and thus created excessive mucus. Come Spring, Mother Nature begins creating moisture, as mud and water becomes prominent, to help germinate seeds and prepare for the growing season. If you continue to eat the same way in Spring as you did in winter, you risk creating excess moisture and mucus, which results in congestion and exacerbates problems such as colds and allergies. Dairy contributes to this, thus it should be limited or altogether avoided. Since Mother Nature is softening and opening up this time of year, so are our bodies, which makes it the perfect opportunity to cleanse and detox.

In winter, you may have also opted for more sweet and comforting foods as well. And now you might find you can't manage the sweet cravings anymore. If you want to have a Sweet Spring, but want to better manage your sweet cravings, please attend one of my Sugar Solutions Workshops and find out ways to get back on track and tame that sweet tooth. Too many sweets can sap your energy and cause many other issues, including sleep deprivation, fatigue, weight gain and irritability. Upcoming Sugar Solutions workshops include:

Thursday, April 10th at Boston Athletic Club (South Boston)

Wednesday, April 23rd at Healthworks Back Bay (Boston) - CURRENTLY FULL; contact Healthworks front desk, to be added to the Wait List

Monday, April 28th at Shape Up Personal Training (Cambridge)

Thursday, May 15th at Boston Athletic Club (South Boston)

These workshops start at 6:00 PM and are about 75 minutes long. These are FREE to attend, but you must pre-register, as space is very limited!

For more information, please visit the EVENTS tab on my website at http://www.kmoriarty.com/ or by CLICKING HERE

Upcoming Workshops with Kathleen

Do you struggle with sugar cravings and want to understand why and learn how to manage your cravings better without feeling deprived? Then my Sugar Solutions Workshop is for YOU.

Wednesday, January 16th @ 6:00 PM
Healthworks Back Bay
441 Stuart Street, Boston
Members: Register at Healthworks front desk
Non-Members: Register with Kathleen directly
Space is limited. Workshop is free, but you must register.
DIRECTIONS TO HEALTHWORKS, CLICK HERE

Tuesday, February 5th @ 6:00 PM
Healthworks Porter Square
35 White Street, Cambridge
Space is limited. Workshop is free, but you must register.
Members only; register at front desk.

Sunday, January 27th @ 1:30 PM
"Celebrate Being" at Bedford COA Building
12 Mudge Way, Bedford
My mini-presentation is at 1:30 PM. But the event takes
place 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Cost: $8 / $4 for seniors

The COA, a department of the town of Bedford, invites the community for a day of learning, fun, and exploration in the world of alternative healing arts. You will enjoy an individual and personalized 20 minute session plus be able to participate in many other things (1st come, 1st serve). If you have been curious about alternative health but feel hesitant about where to begin or what to try, Celebrate Being is the perfect event for you. Here is a rare opportunity to sample from a smorgasbord of different kinds of energy work and healing modalities such as reiki, homeopathy, flower essences, mediumship, shamanic journeys, massage, and many more. Celebrate Being will offer a wide variety of classes, lectures, readers and healers to help warm hearts, strengthen tired immune systems and, in the heart of a New England winter, tap into deep sources of joy. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CLICK HERE

Also, in March, I will be facilitating a nutrition class at the Boston Center for Adult Education at 5 Commonwealth Avenue in Back Bay at the Gamble Mansion. Details and registration will be made available in mid-February.

MOTION AFFAIR PLANNER
Looking for another tool to help keep you organized, track your progress and keep track of your schedule, all the while with a hip and creative, funky flair? Then MAP Boston, aka the Motion Affair Planner may be just for you. This is how the creator of MAP, Morgan First, describes her beautiful, colorful and very handy calendar and planner:

Whether you just moved to Boston or you have been living here several years, its hard to successfully navigate the city, planning your daily life and making time for new adventures. Its easy to get bored with your typical routine but not know where to turn for new ideas. We created MAP to help you incorporate adventure into your everyday life. You can MAP your city, MAP you life by keeping track of your schedule right next to cool ideas of places to visit in Boston each week. All of the locations have been picked because they are local hangouts or off the beaten path. MAP BOSTON will help you explore Boston more without feeling like a tourist.

I love my planner and definitely recommend it, whether you're a new Bostonian or a native (or someone who is planning a visit to our great city!). For more info, go to HERE and HERE.

Upcoming Workshops with Kathleen

Are you constantly craving sweets? Would you like to know why? Better yet, would you like to gain control over your sweet tooth and manage your cravings without willpower or deprivation? Then register for one of my informative (and fun!) Sugar Solutions Workshop. With the upcoming holiday season approaching fast, why not learn some new strategies now to keep your sweet tooth at bay, while still enjoying the holiday festivities and avoiding weight gain? Space is limited, so please sign up with me today. Oh, and the best part? These workshops are FREE!

Thursday, November 15, 2007 6:00 PM

"Sugar Solutions" Workshop at Healthworks Back Bay, corner of Stuart Street & Dartmouth Street, Boston. Accessible by Green Line (Copley) and Orange Line (Back Bay Station).


Monday, December 3, 2007 6:00 PM

"Sugar Solutions" Workshop at Shape Up Personal Training Studio, 111 1/2 Inman Street, Inman Square, Cambridge. Accessible by multiple bus lines, including CT2 and 1. Approximately 15-minute walk from Central Square T. For more information regarding personal trainer extraordinaire and the founder of Shape Up Personal Training, Jess Perkins, please visit her site by clicking HERE.

Please pre-register for all workshops, by contacting Kathleen. SPACE IS LIMITED. Remember, these are free events!

If you would like me to give a workshop at your company or to your organization or group, please contact me at kathleen@kmoriarty.com or 617.909.0328 ~ many topics available!

Events.... Mark Your Calendar!

Here are some upcoming events that I think are noteworthy and urge you to consider participating in . . . . . . .

September 29 (Saturday) 10 AM - 8 PM
Spirit of Change Holistic Health Expo & Celebration in Sturbriddge, MA
Website: Click Here for Spirit of Change

October 3 (Wednesday) 7:15 PM - 8:00 PM
Sugar Solutions Workshop, presented by Kathleen (me!) at Coogans in Downtown Boston
Website: Click Here for My Events Page

October 20 (Saturday) 10 AM - 6 PM
Boston Vegetarian Food Festival at Reggie Lewis Athletic Center, Roxbury/Boston
Website: Click Here for BVS

October 27 & 28 (Saturday 4 PM, Sunday 4 PM & 7 PM)
Jack Canfield's Secret Law of Attraction plays on WGBH, Channel 2 in Boston
This past July I was fortunate enough to attend this live taping in Boston with master motivational speaker, Jack Canfield. This lecture is inspiring and practical; allowing you to learn how to apply basic principles to achieve your goals. I thought it was wonderful and highly recommend you watch it!
Website: Click Here for WGBH

November 4 (Sunday) 9 AM - 5 PM
Holistic Expo in Waltham, MA
Website: Click Here for Center for Balance

November 15 (Thursday) 6 PM - 7 PM
Sugar Solutions Workshop, presented by Kathleen (me!) at Healthworks in Back Bay/Boston ~ learn how to curb your sweet tooth and gain control over your cravings!
Website: Click Here for My Events Page

To everyone who participated in "Car Free Day" last Saturday 9/22, Mother Earth thanks you! And remember, you can continue to leave a softer carbon footprint by pledging more car free days every month. Instead of driving your own car, try carpooling, public transportation or walking or biking, whenever possible!