A love list ignites body love & fulfillment

“I realized that being grateful to my body was key to giving myself more love.” ~ Oprah Winfrey

This past week (while preparing for and sharing the Body Love Sale), I have once again been reminded of the POWER of love.

The power of loving your body, yourself and those around you . . . but also the power of love IN ACTION. Meaning fueling what you DO, what you SAY, how you THINK, what you EAT . . .  with the intention of love.

This sounds really simple, and yet, if I were to ask you “what do you really love?” or “what to do you love to do?” Can you rattle off an AUTHENTIC list of 10 or more? Or do you get stuck wondering “what do I REALLY love?”

I was asked this question last week, and had that moment of hesitation and questioning. I realized that in that moment I was NOT in my heart, I was not FEELING “the love”. Once I took a pause, a deep breath and dropped into my heart, that’s when the list began to flow with grace and ease.

Why am I sharing this with you? Because this month about Body Love – really, unconditionally loving yourself and  your body.

What I discovered when I let my “Love List” flow, was that it was in this space that magic started to happen, and my love, inspiration and opportunities began to grow. This exercise of connecting to what I truly love literally opened the door to more self-confidence, pleasure, relaxation, creativity, peace and prosperity opportunities.

(See my personal “love list” below!)

Why?

Law of attraction, baby! Like attracts like. : )

If you can connect with what you love, you are opening the energetic doors to invite even MORE of what you love and desire to flow in.

The next important step is to then to commit to DOING and including these things that you love DAILY.

What’s so interesting is that you may discover that you are not doing the things you love to do! I found this to be the case for myself.

Why?

Fear, resistance, limiting beliefs, habit . . . I’ve run up against them ALL, which is why I can share openly with you about this.

Your Body Love Assignment

1. Ask yourself: “What do I REALLY love?” “What do I really LOVE to do?”
2. Start writing your list. If you get stuck, take at least 2 deep breaths, close your eyes and tune in.
3. Choose at least ONE item to incorporate daily. If it requires getting outside support, then schedule the next step NOW (i.e. purchasing something, signing up for a class, making a call, etc.)
4. Connect daily to your “Love List” to continue to expand your capacity for Body Love and receiving your desires

Ready to receive loving support in your Body Love and Healthy Transformation? Join us for the special BODY LOVE SALE – $200 off my popular virtual 10-Week Body Transformation program! I’ve included some extraordinary bonuses . . . but you will need to take loving action by February 21st, 2012 to take advantage of this one time opportunity. Learn more and register here.

In joyful service to your body love and radiance,

Ana

PS – Curious to see my personal LOVE LIST? Here it is (I can’t believe I’m sharing this with you!):

My Love List (so far)

1. The feeling of bare skin
2. My morning smoothie
3. Smelling fresh roses
4. Playing in an organic garden
5. Being in water
6. Sunrise (over the ocean)
7. Sunshine on my bare skin
8. Beauty of nature
9. Supporting women in living their dreams, overcoming their fears and owning their exquisiteness
10. Expressing creativity – collaging, making jewelry, dancing, playing in the kitchen
11. Hiking and being in nature
12. Going to the farmer’s market
13. Lying naked on my sheepskin
14. Celebrating – being celebrated and celebrating others
15. Unique jewelry
16. Shoes
17. Yoga!
18. Free form dance
19. Touching
20. Performing/sharing  my passion in front of a BIG group
21. Supporting others in shining their light and receiving success
22. Learning about and exploring all things mystical
23. Eating and smelling vanilla
24. Avocados
25. Watching/reading uplifting stories
26. Music
27. Sleeping
28. Eating raw cheesecake
29. Going on adventures
30. Snuggling
31. Smelling my essential oils – jasmine, orange, grapefruit, nutmeg, lemon . . . the list goes on!
32. Gazing at the moon
33. Creating rituals
34. Creamy foods
35. Laughing
36. Wearing cashmere
37. Sparkly gems
38. Surprises (good ones!)
39. Eating my homemade coconut yogurt/pudding
40. Being in Big Sur
41. Being authentic, being around authenticity
42. Quiet time
43. Looking at driving in “sexy” cars – Porches, Jaguars . . . yes, it’s true!
44. Inspiring others (towards health, growth, joy, transformation . . . )
45. Eating foods that truly feel GOOD in my body

Enjoying coconut love on the beach in Costa Rica!

chocolate & raspberries: A match made in heaven

This deliciously naughty-tasting smoothie is the perfect way to treat yourself to a healthy indulgence on Valentine’s day or any day!
Play with the flavors to suit your taste – no rules! : )

Chocolate-Raspberry Green Smoothie Indulgence

Blend until smooth and creamy in the Vita-Mix (a great Body Love gift if you don’t have one!)

• 1 cup (or more) Coconut milk (I like SoLicious brand or you can make your own)
• small handful of Dandelion greens (loaded with minerals & enhances chocolate flavor)
• handful of Spinach
• a few chopped fennel fronds or ½ a bulb (optional, but really good)
• 2-3 stalks Celery
• 1 tbsp. coconut butter or coconut mana (this is different than coconut oil)
• 1 tbsp. Coconut oil
• Chocolate or vanilla stevia (I like Sweetleaf brand)
• 2tbsp. hemp seeds
• 1 scoop Chocolate Raspberry Clearvite* (or you can use Vanilla flavor and add 1 tsp. cacao powder)
• ¾ cup fresh or frozen raspberries
• cinnamon powder to taste (optional, but nice)
• 1 tsp. Maca powder (optional, but helps “put you in the love mood”)

*To order Clearvite, an amazing professional-grade vitamin/mineral, detox, protein powder, you will need to call Apex Energetics at 1-800-736-4381 and use patient code P2660. Chocolate Raspberry Clearvite: product # K-36  OR  Vanilla: product # K-24

Chocolate Love

Rich Chocolate Halvah Hearts

This is definitely a rich, decadent treat that you will want to save for special occasions. Like Valentine’s Day!

• 1 cup raw tahini
• 1 cup fresh medjool dates
• 1/4 cup each raw cacao powder & carob powder
• small amount almond or coconut milk
• 1 cup soaked sesame seeds, drained

Mix the first four ingredients thoroughly in a food processor until smooth. Stir in sesame seeds and spread thinly onto a flat sheet. (Tip: Rolling it out underneath a sheet of wax paper with a rolling pin works terrific) Refrigerate until firm and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out individual candies.

*Don’t like chocolate? Just omit the cacao, carob and “milk”. You can add a dash of vanilla for an extra yummy taste.

Have a beautiful day!

Be sure to leave a comment below to let me know what you thoughts, offer any insights you had or share suggestions.

With love and healthy bliss,

Ana

Loaded question, I know. ; )

But a good one to get really real with if you desire a vibrant, fulfilling, and even prosperous life in which you can truly thrive.

For most of my life my relationship with sugar was totally dysfunctional at best, and completely destructive at worst (which was most to the time). Not only was it destroying my immune system, wreaking havoc on my energy levels and skin, contributing to horrible PMS, digestive pain and headaches, and playing a huge role in the depression and severe hypoglycemia I struggled with for many years, but there was an even deeper, darker truth.

I eventually saw how this dysfunctional and destructive relationship was an unconscious way to keep myself small, and not really live my truth and my desires.

How could I? I felt awful, and was in no shape to take on the role of successful business owner, leader, mentor, mother, lover, creative spiritual being . . . it affected literally EVERY area of my life.

My creative life force was completely shut down, and I had no idea HOW much my addiction was keeping me down until I started to break free, and find what I call “real” sweetness – the sweetness of life.

Now, you might be reading this thinking “so, does she NEVER eat sugar?!!” Let me assure you, I’m not into perfection and “never’s”, but I will say it’s honestly very rare at this point in my life.

Why?

Because I’ve found so much sweetness in other ways. Even when I do make a conscious decision to have some cake at a party or sample a holiday cookie, I often leave most of it behind because it just doesn’t hold that same appeal and satisfaction.

The first time this happened, I was actually pretty shocked! I thought maybe it was a different kind of cake or cookie that was just super-sweet and felt really “empty”.

But I realized that I had changed, not the sugar treat. I often suggest to my clients after they begin to transform their diet and relationship to food that they go back and try some of those favorite “forbidden” foods so they can have the same “aha” that I did.

All of them come back to me saying something like, “I can’t believe I used to love this!”

Proof that transformation CAN happen. It’s very possible.

Denial is no fun. Deprivation is NOT the spice of life . . . but addiction (whether it’s sugar or cocaine) will suck the life out of you. I know that sounds rather harsh, but I’m saying this out of love . . . and from some very difficult life experience.

Inspired decisive action, on the other hand, is empowering. Making a conscious choice to honor your body, your energy and your success in all areas supports that beautiful, magnetic creative life force that you see in those you admire.

This is NOT about making the decision to be perfect or even “good”. It’s the decision to be EXQUISITE.

It’s the decision to feel beautiful (inside and out) . . . the decision to drink in the subtle, sweet nectar of life . . . the decision to feel clarity and energy . . .  the decision to experience the pleasure and depth of life in all it’s peaks and valleys . . . the decision to embrace your purpose and shine  your light . . . the decision to enjoy success (in your business, as a volunteer, with your kids, whatever!) . . . it’s the decision to experience a truly extraordinary relationship with yourself and with a life partner

Yes, making a clear-cut choice is not for the faint of heart, or for those who would like to just survive and settle . . . but I have a sneaking suspicion that you’re different – you want to thrive.

So, for now, I invite you to just breathe into all this.

Breathe into whether any of this is even true for you . . . breathe into where you are right NOW . . . breathe into what you truly desire for yourself as you progress in this beautiful and short life . . .

As we move towards the dark (New) moon on Monday, it’s the perfect time to take a little time to begin to release what’s not serving, and set a joyful intention around how you really want to move forward in your life.

Journal, draw, imagine . . . don’t be afraid to take a little journey into the depths of your truth. I’m here with you every step of the way.

And then, stay tuned for next week, where I’ll share some juicy tips for finding real sweetness in your life instead of in the cookie jar. : )

If you’re feeling ready NOW to get some support in this, then let’s set up a time to chat – you and I.

I have 2 0 more spaces left for complimentary New Year’s Body Transformation Breakthrough sessions. Click here to reserve  yours today! These are all taken, but stay tuned.

PS – And don’t worry, if it’s sweetness from food that’s the order of the moment, there are soooo many options for getting that need met without suffering from the negative effects of sugar. More on that next week . . . or search the site for recipes!

PPS – Watch the follow up video on this post here

Simple, rich, satisfying

This easy, healthy shake is also decadently satisfying. This means it could be addictive. : )

I like to add the greens in for a dash of stealth health (can’t taste them at all). Enjoy this sweet treat as an afternoon energy boost, or anytime you crave a healthy indulgence.

Yummm!

• 1-2 handfuls spinach
• 1/2 ripe avocado
• 1 tablespoon raw almond butter
• 2 teaspoons raw cacao
• 1 scoop Chocolate Dream Protein (high-quality whey-based) or Clearvite-CR* (chocolate raspberry, rice-based)*
• couple of ice cubes
• Stevia if needed to add extra sweetness

Blend in the Vita-Mix and enjoy slowly. Garnish with a couple of fresh berries or some dried coconut if you like.

*Clearvite is an energizing, hypoallergenic, enzyme-based vitamin-mineral protein formula available through health practitioners only. To order call 1-800-736-4381 and use patient order number P2660 to order. Clearvite-CR (choc. rasp.) is item #K-36 . Clearvite-SF (vanilla) is item #K-24.

Your year ahead can be whatever you desire it to be!

As the New Year approaches, there can be this sense of anticipation, a sense of just wanting to get there already . . . but what I have found is that the surest way to create a “rockin’” New Year, is to actually enjoy, acknowledge and appreciate where you currently are and have been.

Perhaps you’re feeling some anxiety already around the New Year – will you be able to fulfill your goals?
Or maybe that anxiety will come a bit later once you start feeling like yet another year is speeding by. Why is it that the years seen to speed by faster and faster . . . and you find yourself with a vague sense of dissatisfaction or lack of real fulfillment as each year comes to a close?

Keep reading for some inspiring ideas on how you can bypass this overwhelm, and feeling of NOT being in control . . . these ideas come from my own anti-anxiety toolbox, and have helped me and those I work with begin to create the year, life and emotional state we desire.

Take a nice slow deep breath, try any one or all of these suggests, and enjoy . . .

1. Acknowledge 2011 – What is good right NOW? Enjoy and reflect. What are you most proud of? Make a list of your accomplishments from this past year – both small and large – and acknowledge yourself for these. It can be all too easy to “forget” what you have actually done, created and experienced . . . this step is critical to building self-confidence and boosting self-trust for what you can create in 2012.
2. Gratitude grows what is good. Want more of the good stuff in your life? Take some time to create a list of at least 54 things you are grateful for from 2011. If you really want to generate some good juju, go for 108 (a sacred number in yoga). This helps keep your awareness shining on the things you WANT to grow and bring to life.
3. Be good to yourself NOW. Honor your needs and desires, and do what supports your high-vibration – enjyo gorgeously healthy foods and time to relax, get some extra sleep, get outside and move, do a winter cleanse, catch up with a good friend that you haven’t made the time for over the past few months or year . . .
4. Set your intention for 2012. Be clear and specific about the kind of emotional state you wish you experience. What kind of energy do you want to experience in the New Year?
5. Commit to stretching. Although stretching your muscles is wonderful, and I highly recommend it, I’m actually talking about a different kind of stretch. The kind of stretch I’m referring to is one that takes you out of your comfort zone, and in the process creates new neurological pathways that support positive growth and expansion. All successful people take risks. Please know that I’m not suggesting you do something dangerous, just something that feels uncomfortable. For example, commit to and schedule an adventure trip that you have always wanted to take (check out our 2012 Costa Rica Goddess retreat) . . . reach out to someone you admire . . . climb a mountain . . . start the new business you’ve been dreaming of . . . change your “look” . . . life is sweet and short, and to be enjoyed fully right now (rather than regretted later).
6. Where are you headed in 2012? Are you driving without a map? : )What do you want to do? Where do you want to go? what do you want to experience? What do you wish to enjoy? Pinpoint 1-2 themes or energies that feel most important to you, and allow these to guide you.
7. Create a vision board. These work, they really do. I’ve always been in awe when reviewing past vision boards – realizing how many things actually did come to pass or where created! Plus it’s a really fun creative project.
8. Ritualize. Create a little ritual that honors the release of 2011, and initiates you into 2012. Let go of the old and embrace the new in a fun, creative way. Ritual is one of my big “secrets” that I use regularly in my life as well as with clients. It’s a wonderfully sacred way to anchor an idea, energy or intention, helping to make it more real.
9. Get out of your head and into your heart! Ask for guidance from  your heart. What is your heart’s desire? Really listen. What does your body say?

My heart-felt intention is to assist you in exiting  2011 with ease and grace, while at the same time entering into the most amazing 2012 possible with confidence and joy. I will be doing all of the steps above myself . . . and I would love to hear which step or steps is really powerful for you? Leave a comment below.

Do you have any other ideas of how to transition into the New Year with beauty, peace, love and joy? Share the love by leaving your comment below.

Your big dream is at your fingertips

The New Year approaches, a time ripe and ready to receive the fertile seeds of your big vision or dream. Yet so often this time can mark the beginning of a month of brief superficial inspiration, followed by the crash of frustration.

Why does this happen? Why is it so easy to stay on track with eating, exercise and self care when things are going well, only to end up in the “toilet” when “life happens”? sometimes this plummet happens when nothing external brings us down, it sneaks up the moment you turn back on your true self and it’s deepest desires.

If you crave another way, a sometimes scary, but mostly invigorated and energized way, then keep reading as we explore the power of your Juicy Vision.

Grab your journal or some clean paper and a pen – it’s time to explore! (Enjoy the mystery)

1. Root and ground – if you come from your head, your vision will always lack sparkle and juice. It’s this sparkle that keeps the fire lit, and the magnetic attraction continuing to move you towards your vision and your vision towards you! Begin by grounding or rooting yourself. This could mean taking at least 3 deep breaths down into your roots and back out, taking a walk in nature, meditating or doing yoga . . . this is important, so don’t be tempted to skip this.
2. Get real about your intention – what is the truth about what you desire for your vision? Set an authentic intention – what is REALLY important to you? Not what your family, friends, spouse, mother feels is important . . . what is your WHY? (this is something I will assist you with in your complimentary “Rock your Vision Activation session”)
3. What are your dreams? DO NOT hold back. Write without censorship . . . or even create a collage, drawing, dance, song .. .
4. Who do you want to be? How do you want to feel? How do you want to look and act?
5. How do you want to spend your time? Again, go deeply inside. Your head will tell you the “should’s”, or the things you feel obligated to do or that feel socially “normal”. I’m not saying “be a social deviant” : ) just saying to explore outside the box.
6. How do want to affect the world at large? Your family? The planet?
7. Are you actually living your dream? If not, why not? What’s stopping you? Be real. (And take responsibility. Often there’s a tendency to feel like things outside of you are stopping you. I’m going to radical here and say this is NEVER true)
8. If someone you see as a role model or as a courageous being on this planet could help you make your dream come true, would you ask for their guidance?

Allow yourself the gift of diving into these questions, your truth and your heart.

So many people reach the end of their life never having unwrapped the gorgeous gem that exists within. My wish for you is that you don’t allow this to happen.

Ready to start activating your Big Vision? Great! This is where it starts to get fun!

1. Dedicate yourself to some time with a coach, mentor, book or other support resource that can hold you up, show you the little stuck points and opportunities you cannot see, and literally cheer you on. This is ALWAYS worth the investment of time, money and energy.
2. Begin to embody your dream. I am opening up 7 spots for a complimentary “Rock Your Vision” Activation session with me. We will dive in deeply, hone in on your authentic intention and create the plan that will activate your vision. These free sessions will go VERY quickly: Reserve your session here
3. Make the inspired commitment to yourself and your vision. Step forward into the excitement and even fears that may be holding you back, knowing that the prize is to experience the “Rasa” – “juice” or nectar – of life.
4. Everything begins with a big vision – one that is authentic and from the core. Whatever area of life you find yourself longing for to be different (your body, your health, your relationship, your career, your finances . . . ), the fertile seed is  your vision. Change is part of the human experience, and it is so empowering to create it for yourself. Dreams do come true. If you fancy the whole package deal – aligning with every aspect of your life as a woman, join us for the Costa Rica Goddess retreat January 28th to February 4th, 2012.

Rossa is living her dream

“After working with Ana my life transformed. She guided me towards listening to my feelings, to love me again, and then, I discovered that I was asleep, that I was dormant in my daily routine. That it seemed easier for me ‘not to think about me and continue to be blind’…

The moment I decided to work with Ana, a little window began opening, I began to re-think my life, my love, my entire being… During this process, I had Ana’s encouragement and support and discovered my inspired purpose. My big vision has now easily started to take shape! Thank you Ana!”

Rossa, “Paralegal Monterey”

Classy, creamy comfort food

I like to think of this as a classy comfort food alternative to mashed potatoes.

Root vegetables have more flavor and nutrition than starchy spuds as well. This recipe is open to many variations, so have fun. You can mix and match with rutabagas, turnips, carrots, yams, parsnip, etc. This one is my personal fave of the moment.

• 1 bunch organic carrots, scrubbed and chopped
• 4 smallish parsnips, scrubbed and chopped (the more slender parsnips have a better flavor)
• 1 small (or half a large) rutabaga, scrubbed and chopped
• 2 tbsp. fresh squeezed OJ
• 1 tbsp. coconut butter (indulgent) or olive oil
• pinch or 2 ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp. dried thyme (optional, but nice)
• Celtic salt to taste
• optional: this one is also really good with a tsp. or 2 of grated fresh ginger

Steam the carrots, rutabaga and parsnips until tender.

Place into a food processor with all the other ingredients and process using the “s” blade until reaches desired smoothness. Season to taste.

Serve with a garnish of chopped parsley or cilantro. Enjoy this as a beautiful and delicious side dish with a holiday (or any) meal.

Note: I’ve also added carmelized or roasted onions to the puree . . .

Feeling down? These tips could help!

Fall and winter can be a tough time emotionally for many people. Often more anxiety in the fall, and then depression in the winter. If you fall into the category of either one of these, here are 5 simple (Yoga Body) tips to help you avoid the emotional pitfalls by aligning with the natural rhythms your body is craving.

5 Yoga Body tips to Keep the Winter Blues Away

1. Don’t resist the natural “inward energy” of this time of year. What really creates a disharmony is that the holiday season can often increase the demand on your energy, time and attention. Be really choosy. What really feel like the things you WANT to do vs. which things feel like an obligation (i.e. energy drain). It’s definitely important to spend time with friends and family, and bring the “light” of celebration to this dark time of year, but just be choosy.
2. “Winterize” your diet. Whether you’re raw, meat eater, vegan . . . it’s time to tune into the season. I’m all for including as much fresh, living food into your diet as possible, but it’s really important to know the most supportive way to do this. I still have my green smoothies and salads in the winter, but I “winterize” them. : ) If you keep eating lighter salads with the usual cucumber and tomato as the weather gets colder, you most likely will start to feel a bit “off” – moody, spacey, ungrounded . . . and then the cravings kick in! LOL. You don’t have to give up your salad, but you do need to “winterize” it. Adding things like raw or roasted root vegetables, bitter winter greens, seasonal foods like cabbages, and warming herbs and spices can make a huge difference. Also some good quality protein and healthy fats can help. Stay tuned on a more detailed post on how to winterize your salad. You can also refer to last year’s post on “How to Winterize Your Smoothie”.
3. Get more sleep. Hey, it’s simple, but not always easy. As much as possible slow down, and honor that there is literally more dark time, which for your body means hibernation. Modern society  is not set up for honoring the seasonal shifts, I know, but it doesn’t mean you can’t honor it for yourself. And in the process you might just inspire others to do the same! : )
4. Try a warm oil massage before your shower or bath. This is a really yummy and nourishing trick from the ancient science of Ayurveda. Traditionally, Ayurveda suggests getting unrefined sesame oil (NOT toasted, preferably organic), but you can always  get some kind of delicious body oil that speaks to you. Simply warm the bottle of oil gently in a bowl of warm water and massage the oil into your bare skin from toe to head (or wherever you want to draw the line). I strongly suggest some balancing and/or warming essential oils. Young Living (the only oils I recommend for purity and potency) make some exquisite blends. Valor is wonderful for calming, grounding and uplifting, Sensation awakens the senses and lifts the mood with ylang ylang and jasmine, and Peace & Calming is a personal fave that I apply every night at this time of year. You can set up an account to order by visiting www.YoungLiving.com, and using customer code 904207.
5. Do a cleanse. Yup, that always seems to sneak it’s way into my tips, but it really can provide the body, mind and spirit with a re-frame and a fresh start. Spring and Fall are the most important times to cleanse. Once I learned this and began my own twice yearly cleanse rituals, many of my emotional and physical symptoms that I used to experience started to fizzle away. If you feel ready to try one for yourself and would like some support, try the 14-Day Total Body Re-boot & Cleanse program. It’s completely virtual, customizable and can be done from the comfort of your own home. Plus, you get a bonus one-on-one Detox session to fine tune how you can get the most out of the program. Learn more here.

I would love to hear from  you! Maybe you have some “winter blues” tips to share, or simply want to share how these tips have helped you. Just leave your comment below.

Mmmm, heart and body warming nourishment

Creamy Beta-carotene Boost

This was a soup I devised while visiting with my mom. I was exhausted from a day of funeral activities, but needed something light, nourishing and FAST.

You can even keep the sweet potato raw and let the Vita-Mix do the “cooking” for extra enzyme power, and easier clean-up.

• 1 large sweet potato
• 2 medium carrots
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil
• 1/2 teaspoon Celtic salt (or to taste)
• small chunk fresh ginger
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp coriander
• Optional: chopped rosemary, parsley or sage for garnish

1. Cube sweet potato and place in a steamer basket in a pot with about 1/2 inch of water.
2. Lightly steam for about 1 or 2 minutes (or skip this step, add everything to the Vita-Mix, and run for 5 minutes to “cook” your soup)
3. Place in the Vita-Mix with all the other ingredients, plus about 1/4-1/2 cup of the steam water and blend on high for about 2 minutes.
4. Tip: I like to add just a hint of fresh lemon or orange juice to contrast the sweetness of this soup