Greetings from a finally snowy Hamptons.

The Extreme Health conference was loaded with great information, some new and some old but as important as ever. It was impossible to sit in that energy for 4 days and not make some changes. Check out the Q & A for the bottom line of what’s most important and what simple things will have the biggest impact.

The featured food this month is cabbage in its many forms. Not only will it show up in pubs around the world this month as part of a St. Pat’s Day lunch, but it’s a star in the prevention of many diseases.

There is a reality TV show for every type of viewer and the reality is—or is it a fact?—you either love it or hate it. This brings me to the article this month, The Secret of Reality. What is reality and how did a little movie that didn’t make it to Oscar night get much of the world buzzing around that question? I think the creator, Rhonda Byrne, would say it’s the Law of Attraction; ask, believe, and receive. Read the article and learn more.

Happy St. Paddy’s day to all those who celebrate!

Spring is close and with it will come a renewed energy for change and action. If there is a change you’d like to make and accountability sounds like a good idea, contact me and we’ll explore how best to work together.

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It’s no secret that the movie The Secret is a phenomenal example of successful, viral marketing. This little idea—some would call it infomercial—was created for less than
$3 million dollars; little money by Hollywood standards.1.5 million copies of the DVD have sold for about $34.95 and the “actors” have appeared on Larry King Live and Oprah to name just two popular shows. It doesn’t get much better than that not only for the woman who conceived the idea and made it reality but for those of us who work in the field of personal development.

For those of you who have not yet seen the movie, read the book, or seen any of the interviews, here is a basic overview of the premise of The Secret.

We create our lives. We do that with our thoughts and our words. We do that by focusing on things --consciously or unconsciously-- which brings them into our reality, our day-to-day. This focused thinking begets our reality. It’s referred to as The Law of Attraction.

Skeptics abound and you may be one of them. Welcome to my world. As a former hardcore skeptic turned open student of coaching, I have spent many hours studying and practicing the concepts talked about in The Secret. These concepts happen to aid clients gain insights and shift which is often why someone comes to coaching. Being open allowed me to shift my thinking in many areas and life has never been better.

Note to critics, I have not given up wisdom or intuition and I do my due diligence or not, at my own peril. What’s different is that I don’t approach things from a guilty til proven innocent point of view.

Ok, back to how we create our reality. Consider this; nothing means anything til I make it mean something. Or, said another way, how I view an event, my opinion of it, formed through the filter of all that has gone into making me the person I am, is my reality. I should be clear here; it’s my version of reality. Someone else will have their own version which may look or sound nothing like mine does. Reality, it would seem, is a personal thing. Which means there isn’t ever only one reality.

Bring on the critics; I am armed and indefatigable on this point.

Do me a favor?  Suspend your disbelief, your critic’s view of this, long enough for me to wedge a possibility in.

Next, one has to check one’s ego at the door of transformation—when one is ready—or nothing can shift. I’m thankful I learned that early on because frankly, hearing things like, “we create our reality with our thoughts and our words,” would have sent me screaming from the room a few years ago. Had I, my life might not have become as rich as it is today.

For those of you who are still reading, let me channel Lucille Ball and do some ‘splainin’.

Theory one: We create our reality; let’s stop there and define the word reality as tossed at you up above. How can reality be personal when Webster defines it as: “the state or quality of being real or of existing in fact.” The word fact is “a thing known to be true.” Personal does not appear in either of those definitions but Lucy wants to speak.

Take the recent snow we’ve had here on the east end. The fact is we got 2” – 3” of snow overnight. My reality is it’s beautiful; I’m happy we finally got snow. My husband’s reality, which I know is shared by many, is “this really pisses me off, enough already, and damn I’m tired of shoveling.” My reality is shaped by my not having to go out and do anything more than slog to the gym. His, by the fact that his client’s 500 yard long, hilly driveway must be cleared. Same fact --snow has fallen-- two different realities.

Theory two: This one is a bit harder to explain but here goes. The things, people, and events in our lives are a reflection of what we think about or believe consciously or unconsciously. This is known as the Law of Attraction. Someone who believes they are unlovable, and this is not often a conscious bit of information, will attract partners who cannot love them. Shake up the person’s belief system about themselves, give them an awareness of this way of thinking and they can go about attracting someone loving.

Have you ever met a person who says, “It’s impossible to meet a good man, they are all taken”? Are they in a supportive, loving relationship? How about, “I’ll never be able to buy a house, I’m stuck in this dead end job”? Are they looking for a new job or ways to increase their income by becoming a better employee?

So what are these folks attracting? More of the same, no? Since this idea wants an entire column all its own let’s leave it there. Books abound on the idea and The Law of Attraction, by Esther and Jerry Hicks, two stars of the original version of The Secret, is the original and one great read. Here’s the bottom line, the law of attraction, like the law of gravity, is alive and well whether you like it or not, believe it or don’t.

Like becoming open minded rather than staying skeptical, I can attest to the difference that knowing and using the Law of Attraction can make in your life. Learn how to use this law to your advantage and you will discover power and control in your life that was before untapped. It is the secret to creating the best reality ever.

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We Americans do not eat much cabbage. Outside the occasional stuffed cabbage roll, St. Patrick’s day boiled wedge, and the ubiquitous cole slaw in hundreds of different forms, we don’t eat enough of this superfood. Why eat more aside from the taste? It’s loaded with micronutrients, has been said to be cancer preventive, and the antioxidant protection it offers stays with you for up to 3 days. Red cabbage contains anthocyanins.

Anthocyanins have antioxidant properties that are thought to help in the fight against heart disease. Add low in calories, high fiber, and inexpensive and what’s not to love? Ok, it might make you feel like a gassy, old person but the more raw and/or gas producing foods you eat the more your body will adapt. Besides, if your joints are starting to feel their age, the sulphur in cabbage may contribute relief. A cabbage in every pot I say!

Warm Chicken Salad with Red Cabbage, Apples, Walnuts and Goat Cheese

3 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced
1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced
1 head radicchio, thinly sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup toasted walnuts, coarsely chopped
1 med. apple, peeled, cored, cut into 16 slices
2 tablespoons Olive oil
2 1/2 cups shredded, cooked chicken
1 cup crumbled Goat cheese (about 4 ounces)

Dressing:
1 garlic clove
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped tarragon or herb of choice

Dressing Method

1. Put all the dressing ingredients into the cup or a blender and blend until smooth. If dressing begins to separate, add a little warm water.

Salad Method :

1. Combine fennel, radicchio, walnuts, and apple slices in large bowl. Pour in the dressing and toss.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok and add red cabbage. Saute til just getting soft; remove to a large bowl.
3. Next add the dressed salad ingredients and toss over medium heat until salad is warm and slightly wilted, about 3 minutes.
4. Divide salad among 4 plates. Sprinkle julienned chicken over top then crumbled goat cheese.
5. This can also be made with a whole chicken breast per person, warm from the oven, sliced once or twice and placed leaning up against the salad mixture.

Serve with a crusty whole grain bread, and a glass of something yummy like a pinot noir or Grenache.

Serves 4 or 5

Asian Style Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

1 pound lean pork (loin or tenderloin works best), julienned
1 pound regular white or Napa cabbage, shred finely
1 red bell pepper, julienned
6 med. Shiitake mushroom caps, julienned
1 scallion, slice on a diagonal thinly
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons of grapeseed or light olive oil
2 tablespoons of  bottled light sesame ginger dressing
Sesame seeds for garnish

Method

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of each oil in a large skillet and add pork.
2. Saute the meat, keeping it moving til it’s almost cooked through.
3. Remove meat to a bowl and cover to keep it warm.
4. Reheat the same sauté pan or wok and add the remaining oils and heat.
5. Add the shiitakes and red pepper and cook together for a few minutes til just wilted.
6. Add the cabbage to the above and toss well.
7. Cook these ingredients til they are soft then add the pork in.
8. Keep cooking til cooked but so it still has texture.
9. Turn the heat off, pour in the dressing, and toss well til mixed through.
10. Place on individual plates or on a serving platter.
11. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds and the scallions.
12. Serve hot.

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“The formula for weight loss may be uncomplicated, people are not.” So begins the latest book from Oprah's weight loss coach and physical trainer, Bob Greene. That sentence is the reason I continue to review more weight related books than other types here.

Not only is weight management an almost universal challenge, it is more confusing and frustrating than ever at midlife. And, everyone is different.

Oprah’s introduction is a delicious appetizer to this multi-course plan. Her battle with food and the psychology of her overeating whets my appetite to read on. Oprah’s defining moment came when Bob asked, (she weighed 237 pounds at the time), “What is the best life possible for you?” She replied, “I want to be happy.” He told her that wasn’t going to cut it. What did that really mean? He then asked her the last time she was really happy. I won’t spoil it for you by giving you her response but that kind of question became her mantra for everything in her life. And so goes the book. If you feel it’s time for you to ask the tough questions as Bob would say, then I’d recommend you pick up this book.

Be forewarned if you want it to work; You Must Then Read It!

I know it’s exciting to get started once the urge strikes. May I suggest that this is one instance where I think you’d benefit from at least reading his introduction to his way of going about creating your best life? Take in the information on emotional eating, water loss and water weight gain, the 4 defining principles for success before you jump to the actual what-to-do plan part.

There is some overlap in terms of what you already know—exercise, eat more veggies, sleep well, limit sugar and ugly fats. I think you can skim those parts but only if you really “get” their importance.

Take it in small chunks. Maybe start with the Oprah’s intro, skip to Phase One, go back and read a bit of Understanding Your Weight etc. His suggested approach is not the same old thing. He advises you, in Phase One, to keep eating the same things you already do. What?
Yes, “the primary goals of this phase are to change the way you organize your meals and to increase your activity level” Bob writes.

Here is one bit of advice that I found interesting and wanted to share—and remember all my still smoking friends, this is him speaking-- I’m just the messenger.
Quit Smoking!

“Kicking the smoking habit is the absolute best investment you can make for yourself right now, at the outset of this program. Smoking is the number one preventable cause of death; I can’t think of anything that predisposes you to so many kinds of disease as readily as smoking.”

There is a whole other page on this subject which explains why not to wait; partly it’s about regaining weight but so much more.

I really like the 6 foods to remove; soda, trans fats, fried foods, white bread, regular pasta, and high-fat dairy products. Here is something exciting for us pasta lovers. Semolina pasta is not quite as high glycemic—meaning it raises blood sugar too fast—as duram wheat or plain white pasta so it doesn’t send your blood sugar level soaring (then crashing down) the way others made from refined flours can.
You’ll be satisfied longer too, always a bonus when working to release some weight.

By the way, you’ll notice I often refer to losing weight as releasing weight. Why? It’s something one of my favorite trainers told me. If he, Rob Riopel, is trying to shed some pounds—another way to put it in a proactive tense—why would he want to lose weight? When we lose something what do we immediately do? Go looking for it. Releasing means letting go. Bob Greene says if you’ll do the hard work of really finding out what’s causing you to overeat or eat things you know are not supporting health, you will be able to release them. He believes, and I agree, the extra weight can then be released, too.

Oprah’s 7 day eating plan is included and I have to tell you, I’d eat it. The dishes sound good, there is plenty of variety, and it is pretty simple to put together.
There are recipes in the book for some of the items and a number of beautiful photos.

Bob also includes his Two Week Best Life Food Plan. It is simple and based on 1700 calories per day. He includes adjustments for those with other requirements 1500, 1600, 1800, 2000, and for the very lucky, 2500. What more could you ask?

Well, ok, you want a website with interactive tools and a chat room? You got it. http://www.thebestlife.com but you’ll have to sign up to use it fully.

Start there and see if you could also benefit from the book. I’m glad it’s on my shelf.

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Q&A
Be sure to send your questions to Greg so she can answer them here in future issues of The You Revolution. Send her an

Q: I read a few of your posts from Extreme Health. What was the take away message overall? What are the most important ideas you heard for creating long lasting health? Oh, and what about the future of my wrinkles?

A: Relax your wrinkled brow, lasers are available. You’ll need to go to the blog, www.theyourevblog.com for more information on them but if you want to rejuvenate, not just resurface your skin, you will want to look into Pulsar Light Skin Therapy, but not Intense Pulse Lasers.

Both your skin and your body will look and feel better if only you’ll finally accept that these 4 things are must dos.

1. Exercise til you sweat and do some weight training. Start where you are, but start.
2. Eat more vegetables, and eat some raw. Buy organic when it’s available.

To quote Michael Pollan in the New York Times a few weeks ago, “If it’s got a bar code, don’t eat it.” Google "super foods" and see what’s on the list. Shop for them and eat them regularly.

3. “Most human disease is the result of interaction of genetic susceptibility and modifiable environmental factors like nutrition and lifestyle choices, i.e., smoking, eating lots of fried foods, no or little exercise etc.” The cancer specialist said that 70% of modern diseases like diabetes, cancers, cardiovascular disease, are preventable by a change in lifestyle. That’s 70% people!
4. Sugar is evil and high fructose corn syrup is the devil. Michael Pollan says it’s like “mainlining glucose.” And sugar is disguised as white flour, fruit juice, sodas, etc. Cut back or cut them out if you can.

Finally, take a look at your environment. A TV in the bedroom turned off still has an energetic field that will disturb your rest. A pair of screaming DJs spouting lewd, stupid commentary first thing in the morning will upset your brain waves, your heart beat, your hormone levels. Junk food upsets the environment of your cells and organs. We are the products of our internal and external environment. People count as either a positive or negative addition.

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Hard to believe it’s March already. You do know that we are changing our clocks two weeks early this year, yes?

With longer days starting earlier we’ve got more time to get outside in the evenings for a walk, run, or bike ride. I, for one, welcome the opportunity as I’m feeling a bit musty from being inside with the heat on for weeks. (Thankful, indeed, that I have heat.)

This newsletter's blog, www.theyourevblog.com, has lots of information from Extreme Health as well as more book reviews, recipes, and information I think you’d like to have.

This month I’m powering through the MORE magazine half marathon with my faithful friend Chris. We did it last year and had a blast. It’s in honor of her birthday and it was her idea, ok, I’m not that mean. Why not take a look and see if it’s something you’d be up for. There is still time to register.

Oh, and how are your plans for an upgraded you coming along? Is 2007 still your year for change? If you don’t want to go it alone why not sign up for a Smart Woman’s Lifestyle Tune-Up or one-on-one coaching? Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto.

Til April,

Greg

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Thank you for reading. I know your time is valuable and that there is a mountain of information out there demanding your attention. My highest hope is that I've provided something of value for you. If you know someone who might benefit from any of the content please forward this.

Any recommendations of sites or products are items I have personally investigated and recommend with confidence.