Wellness Works!

Are You Poisoning Your Face?

Do you know that there are hundreds of chemicals in our everyday beauty products? In fact, many of them are harmful and even toxic. Sad but true - the cosmetics industry is not very tightly regulated and, as a result, detrimental chemicals are being added to things we put on our face, in our hair and on our bodies.

So how do you know if the products you use everyday are safe? Have no fear - Environmental Working Group is here! They are a world-renowned organization dedicated to bringing this type of information to the public. In fact, they have a fantastic website that I wanted to share with you: Its called Skin Deep and you can find it here: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/

Check out the site - look at their databases and see if your products make the cut! I think you'll be surprised (or shocked!) as to what lurks inside your cosmetics and beauty products!

Yours in Healthy Beauty,

Dr. Shamira

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Are you Being your True Self or Everyday Self?

I recently read a great article by Deepak Chopra on Oprah's website (both of whom I LOVE and recently saw at Oprah's Lifeclass in NYC!) It was about distinguishing our True Self vs. our Everyday Self.

Though I know there is definitely a difference, sometimes I wonder what that is EXACTLY. I've thought about this very thing - especially when I am noticing and am conscious of my actions/behaviour (which in and of itself is an accomplishment I believe!) I often wonder - who is here? Is it the 'beyond time and space, deeper self' or is it the 'egoic, reactive' self?

And more deeply, who am I really? How do I know when I am my 'true' self vs. just me (or my mental construct of who I am)? Are they not one and the same? Lots of questions... often no clear answer.

But after reading Deepak's article, I definitely have more clarity on the topic and I wanted to share these insights with you. Here are the primary differentiating points: (this was my 'AHA'!)

1. The true self is certain and clear about things. The everyday self gets influenced by countless outside influences, leading to confusion. 

2. The true self is stable. The everyday self shifts constantly. 

3. The true self is driven by a deep sense of truth. The everyday self is driven by the ego, the unending demands of "I, me, mine." 

4. The true self is at peace. The everyday self is easily agitated and disturbed. 

5. The true self is love. The everyday self, lacking love, seeks it from outside sources. 

For me, I sometimes get lost in all the details - I can't make decisions clearly or shift my opinions/feelings about things. Now I know, that's when I'm operating from the Everyday Self.

Same goes for when I hear myself saying or thinking 'I, me, mine' - its the Ego/Everyday Me. 

And isn't it true that sometimes you just are so clear and sure and 'feel it' inside? That feeling is so real and deep - now I know THAT is where my true self resides.

Its so fascinating to stop and be aware of how we perceive, think and behave and when we can truly identify WHO is doing the perceiving, thinking and behaviour - we can then CHOOSE to be different. Better. Who we truly are. 

Yours TRULY,

Dr. Shamira

 

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Its always a good time for Pie!

Hello readers! This week I had a craving. A big one. Something sweet, fruity but healthy. So I searched for the perfect recipe that was fast, easy and delicious, without the guilt! And I stumbled across this fanastic recipe using Kashi cereal! It is so easy - and this is coming from someone who is a bonafide anti-baker! Just the name alone tells you how good it is: Strawberry Coconut Crunch Pie!

Next time I whip it up, I may add or change a few things: ie. add crushed walnuts or change the juice concentrate. Here goes - enjoy!

Ingredients:

• Pie Crust:
• 2 cups (500 mL) Kashi* GOLEAN Crunch!* cereal
• 1/3 cup (75 mL) whole wheat flour
• 3/4 cup (175 mL) shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) thawed, frozen organic apple juice concentrate
• Filling:
• 3 cups (750 mL) halved organic strawberries
• 3/4 cup (50 mL) water
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) cornstarch or arrowroot starch

Directions:

1. Crush the Kashi GOLEAN Crunch! with a rolling pin, or process in a food processor or blender until it is semi-fine in texture. Place the cereal in a bowl and add the remaining ingredients. Stir until well mixed. Place in a oil-sprayed 9-inch (23 cm) glass pie pan and press into place with a spoon or rubber spatula. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely before filling.
2. Arrange all but ½ cup (125 mL) strawberries in the cooled baked shell. Puree the ½ cup strawberries in a blender or food processor. Add arrowroot or starch to the cold water and mix completely. Combine both the starch water and the pureed berries in a microwave-safe bowl (or double boiler). Heat until slightly thickened. Pour over arranged berries. Cool in refrigerator. Serve cold.
3. Sprinkle ½ cup (125 mL) slightly crushed Kashi* GOLEAN Crunch!* over top, if desired.

 

Oh, so easy and Oh, so good! Try it and tell me what you think! 

Here's to healthy pie!

Dr. Shamira

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Oprah's LifeClass Season 2: The Tour!

Starting this past Monday, Oprah is doing it again! She is hosting Season 2 of LifeClass, but this time she's on tour! From St. Louis, to NYC to Toronto - she is having a global, interactive class on how to heal and live your best life. I am so grateful to have OWN and was able to watch it Live! (however if you do not have OWN, you can watch on Facebook or Oprah.com and interact on Facebook and Twitter!)

Her co-host this week was none other than Iyanla Vansant - a powerful (and popular!) expert in relationships. She's written many books - many of which have become bestsellers. I love her charm, wisdom and 'get-down-to-business' way of helping people see the truth. 

This week, the topic was "Stop the Pain." Sadly, there are a lot of people who are living in pain - I'm talking emotional, mental pain. People who are stuck, who are holding onto the past and who cannot break free of their pain and suffering.

Well, I took some notes so I could share them with you here, and although this does no justice to watching the 2hr class, I hope this will spark an interest and motivate you to tune in for the next five Mondays - be it via OWN or live streaming on the web.

Here are some key points from Iyanla's insight:

"PAIN = Pay Attention Inward Now"

What a great definition - because if you're in pain, something is going on, on the inside. And if you don't acknowledge, recognize and deal with that inward pain - you may externalize it and cause pain to others. An example was a woman at a correctional facility who externalized her internal pain and as a result, is now spending many years in prison. But as Iyanla says, anytime you have pain - you're in prison - whether its a prison of your mind, your heart - we are all in prison until we can: "Feel, Deal and Heal it". That's the key.

Remember, "Pain is Normal, not Natural." That was an interesting one for me - because although as humans, we feel all states of emotion - pain is not a natural state to be in - perhaps for a short time, but the way we hold pain for years - is not natural. 

This was also a great quote (actually from last season that came up): "Until you heal the wounds of your past, you will continue to bleed" - What she meant by bleed is your LifeForce/vitality is leaking out - you cannot operate at your optimal best when you are bleeding energetically. 

There were so many wonderful examples of people who shared their private, personal stories and in turn, helped people see the pain and the truth beyond the pain. It was amazing. 

I strongly encourage you - if you're looking to take your life to the next level and "be liberated" as Oprah said during her introduction, I recommend you take a few hrs on Monday evening for yourself and your Life.

Warmly,
Dr. Shamira

 

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Purpose... Your Final Answer.

This week I've been thinking about Purpose. With a capital P. For many of us, we ponder the big question: 'What is my Purpose in Life?' - For some, they know what that Purpose is - and are fulfilling it by living their passions - be it via employment/career, hobbies and/or choices they make everyday.

However, for many of us - the elusive idea of 'Life Purpose' seems greater than Life itself sometimes! Its almost as if there is this tacit pressure for all of us to 'figure it out' before our time is up... really, its sort of grim when you think about it. 

So today I wanted to blog about Purpose - in a more broad and general way. Not in an inspirational 'Find your destiny, Follow you dreams' kind of way - and while that is great and meaningful, I'm talking about good ol' fashioned Purpose. 

What do I mean by that? Well, I've learned a lot about Purpose in my sabbatical year in NYC with really 'No Purpose'. Because I cannot work due to Visa restrictions, I've had the luxury (and am forever grateful) to have had a year to do 'whatever I want'. Now that may seem like a dream come true to most of us (and it was in many ways, don't get me wrong), but there is something to be said about Purpose. Sure its great in the beginning - the freedom, the time, the exploration, the adventure - absolutely 100% amazing. However, after a while, what I think all of us crave is that sense of meaning/doing something that matters/Purpose.

But what I learned is quite amazing - for me, I almost always linked Purpose to Career - what you 'Do' for a living. So no job = no Purpose. Needless to say, not so good!

However, what I learned over this year is Purpose has very little to do with vocation. Since I couldn't work - I had to 'unlearn' the idea of Purpose = Career  and I had to learn what having a Purpose truly is all about (because otherwise I was just roaming aimlessly!)

What I learned is that Purpose is putting intention and meaning into ANYTHING and EVERYTHING that you do. It creates depth and joy - even in the mundane tasks. Being Present and conscious in all that you do is what I believe Purpose is all about (and I do believe Eckart Tolle agrees!) So if you're one of those people who feel like you're running on the treadmill with no end and living a life with 'No Purpose', I have to say - because you exist, you have Purpose. It has nothing to do with your job, house, family. It has to do with you - your Presence in this moment. And in every moment of your life. 

Creating depth is what Purpose is all about. Everyone some assortment of errands, jobs, kids, stress... Life. But finding meaning in it - that is the key to pure joy. If you're washing dishes - be present. Do it with purpose. Focus on the task at hand - not your never-ending To Do List. It is mindfulness in the everyday moments. And its truly fulfilling.

Take it from someone who literally had no Purpose whatsoever  - Presence Provides Purpose.

With Purpose,

Dr. Shamira

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Eating Disorders... Hot off the Red Carpet!

I did something unthinkable by my standards on Sunday evening. I sat and watched the Oscars for FIVE hours! Yes, I did. I watched the pre-show, the show and the after show! Though I'm not usually the awards-show-watching-sit-on-the-couch-for-hours-on-end type, I thought I'd get into the spirit of it this year. And the one star who really stood out for me was Angelina Jolie. Of course her beauty, the dress, and the now famous 'leg' (which has its own Twitter page I hear!) drew everyone's attention - but what struck me the most was her thin, frail frame. Now I know she's busy - is it six kids now? And of course in Hollywood, thin is 'IN' all the time - but this to me was a bit too much 'skin and bones' looking.

And interestingly (and not coincidently by any means!) I saw various commercial ads throughout the programming for diet-related products. How perfect - you see these thin women, feel bad about yourself and then conveniently watch the 'magic pill/shake/program' you can use to look like them!

All that got me thinking about Eating disorders and how images like that of Angelina and the like, can really affect women (and men) about their body image. So I wanted to share with you the 10 signs that could indicate someone you care about is struggling with this disease, according to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) :

1. Binge Eating - Binge eating is a sign of an eating disorder and is characterized by repeated binging to the point of discomfort with compensatory measures to counter that eating (i.e. purging).

2. Avoiding Meals Or Wanting To Eat Alone - People suffering from an eating disorder often want to eat alone or avoid meals all together, using various excuses for doing so, like "I just ate before I got here."

3. Drastic Weight Loss - Weight loss to a healthy level is one thing, but when it becomes drastic to the point that someone looks unhealthy, it could indicate a problem.

4. Preoccupation With Counting Calories - Yes, we should watch our calories and consume a healthy diet, but an unnatural or excessive preoccupation with food, fat grams or calories, to the point that it interferes with your nutrition or daily life - is not healthy.

5. Consistently Viewing Themselves As Fat - People suffering from an eating disorder sometimes view their bodies differently than they really are. They can have a disturbed experience of body weight or shape or denial of the seriousness of their low body weight, according to NEDA.

6. Food Rituals - Someone with an eating disorder could refuse to eat certain food categories (like no carbs, ever) or develop food rituals, like eating foods in certain orders, excessive chewing, rearranging food on a plate, etc.

7. Excessive Exercise - Someone with an eating disorder can maintain an excessive, rigid exercise regimen--despite weather, fatigue, illness, or injury. They have an obsessive need to “burn off” calories taken in.

8. Taking Laxatives Or Diuretics - Laxative abuse is serious and dangerous, and it could result in life-threatening complications. If someone is taking these regularly without a doctor's approval, it could indicate a method of trying to purge the body from unwanted food and calories.

9. The Need To Weigh Yourself Several Times A Day - They could have an intense fear of becoming fat and/or make frequent comments about feeling “fat” or overweight despite weight loss, thus constantly weighing themselves to try to control this.

10. Smoking To Curb Appetite - Someone with an eating disorder can deny feeling hungry and instead use smoking as a way to distract themselves from wanting to eat.

If you or someone you care about is affected by warning signs, its never too late to begin the road to healing when it comes to eating disorders. Contact NEDA or your local eating disorder center for more information and help. And let's all stop putting these Hollywood bodies on a pedestal of what women are 'supposed' to look like. 

Yours in Health,
Dr. Shamira

 

 

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21 Days to Bliss... Meditation the Chopra way

Hello readers! If practicing meditation is one of your goals for 2012, or you are curious and want to learn more but don't know where to start, I am happy to let you know about a fantastic, (and may I add, FREE!) 21-day meditation challenge, brought to you by Deepak Chopra's organization.

I have done a previous meditation challenge on the site and I can say from personal experience, it is excellent for beginners or more advanced students of meditation. Though there are many schools of meditation, this one is a guided meditation that focuses on breathing and mindfulness - which in my opinion, is a great place to begin and/or grow your practice.

Day 1 begins on Feb 20th, so don't waste any time! Make the commitment for 3 tiny weeks and you'll be happy (and more zen!) that you did!

Here is the link:

http://www.chopracentermeditation.com/bestsellers/MEDITATION_WINTER_2012/register.asp

Do let me know how things are progressing via commenting on this blog post!

Congratulations in advance on your step towards a life with a little more stillness,

Dr. Shamira

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Spare some Change? Its good for the soul...

Today I wanted to share with you my recent encounter on the NYC subway. Although it has nothing to do with health or nutrition - it has to do with 'soul food' - which is in my opinion, is just as important as physical health. 

So I was on the subway and, like many times before, a marginal character of sorts starts talking to everyone on the subway cart, explaining their situation and at the end, asking for monetary help. Now, many of the times, I do give change. Sometimes I don't. It really depends on what's in my pocket to be honest. And of course, the cynics that we all are, we think about how these people are possibly on drugs, homeless and have other addiction issues - which may be supported by us giving them money. I understand that, and I think about that too.

But this time was different. It was a woman who stated she was living in a shelter and was pregnant. She did look pregnant (or could have been obese - it was difficult to tell) but I gave her the benefit of the doubt. She asked for food, water or change. Of course I had heard the pregnancy story before. Or the lady passing through the subway with a baby strapped around her, asking for money. And its heart-wrenching every single time. I had no food on me (my first preference to give) so instead I gave her $1. I had just come from a day of puttering around the city and was heading home to my nice warm apartment to make steak for dinner. In the big picutre, $1 isn't much at all.

However, after I gave it, a man sitting across from me mumbled to the lady beside him "yeah she'll be pregnant two years from now too." He muttered a few more things along the same lines and shook his head. Clearly he didn't believe a word she said and clearly he didn't agree with my actions.

And that's what struck me - more than her or her story. It was the bigger picture - the absolute loss of hope and faith in humanity. Of course we all can be cynics, but there is also a chance that she was telling the truth. Regardless, isn't that her karma to deal with? For most of us, a dollar isn't much - but to someone - whether she was telling the truth or not, it could mean a great deal. I'm not saying that we should just open our pockets and give without thinking about people's intentions, but I do believe in humanity and the power of giving. And despite the momentary shock I felt after hearing that man's words, the feeling I had of helping someone else who, regardless of truth - was obviously in a position in life where she had to beg for money on the subways of New York City - was more than any dollar could ever buy.

 

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Keep Warm When its Chilly - Great Winter Soup!

Although the weather outside is wonderful for January, it still has a chilly winter wind on days like today. Which made me think about a recent recipe I tried, courtesy of my favourite grocery store, Whole Foods. Its easy to make, loaded with nutrition and most importantly, hits the spot after coming in from the cold! Nothing beats chicken soup - and this is a healthy spin on a traditional favourite!

Chicken & Brown Rice Soup

Ingredients

8 cups low-sodium chicken broth, divided 

1 medium onion, chopped 
3 medium carrots, chopped 2 stalks celery, chopped 
2 cups water 
1 cup long-grain brown rice 
1 small chicken breast (about 6 ounces), cut into 1/2-inch cubes 
1 bay leaf 
1 bunch kale, thick stems removed and leaves thinly sliced

Method

In a large pot over medium-high heat, bring 1/2 cup broth to a simmer. Add onion, carrots and celery and cook about 8 minutes or until onion is translucent, stirring occasionally. Add remaining 7 1/2 cups broth, water, rice, chicken and bay leaf. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook about 35 minutes or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through. Remove bay leaf and stir in kale. Continue cooking just until kale is wilted and tender, 3 to 5 minutes.

Serves 8

Nutrition

Per serving: 130 calories (20 from fat), 2.5g total fat, 0g saturated fat, 20mg cholesterol, 200mg sodium, 17g total carbohydrate (3g dietary fiber, 3g sugar), 11g protein.

Now how easy is that? Probably one of the best, easiest and tastiest soup recipes you can make this winter!

Hope you try this out! In one bowl, you are getting protein, whole grains and greens! It doesn't get better than that!

 

Here's to soup season!

Dr. Shamira

 

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Resolutions for 2012....not what you think!

With only a few days left of 2011, many people are thinking about how 2012 will be different. Being home and with limited time and lots of family and friends to see, I sure haven't even given a moment's notice to the end of the year. Until I had to blog today! 

Thinking about the new year, its a time to contemplate the year gone - our challenges, triumphs, successes and failures. The beauty of reflection is it gives us an opportunity to resolve to reach new heights and achieve new goals for the year to come.

For many, health resolutions are top of mind - losing weight, quitting smoking, exercising etc. Those are usually things we SHOULD be doing...but what about things we shouldn't be doing - moreover, what are the things we do to ourselves that we should really put an end to?

Well I recently read this wonderful blog about "30 Things You Should Stop Doing to Yourself"  and it really struck me because so many of the items list are things I see us as people in general, doing to ourselves without even realizing.

Here are a few of the points these bloggers so eloquently made:

-Stop Berating Yourself for Old Mistakes

-Stop Trying to Compete with Everyone Else

-Stop Wasting Time Explaining Yourself to Others

...just to name a few. Pretty powerful stuff.

I encourge you to read the entire blog and take even 2-3 of these and make them your resolution to stop doing to yourself!

 

Wishing you a Healthy, Happy 2012!

Dr. Shamira

 

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