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Myths about Happiness

8/26/2019

The biggest lie our society has sold us is that consumerism and money will make us happy. We need to have bigger, better, more expensive, more prestigious things to make us happy. We need to accumulate stuff, and lots of it. We need to make lots of money to buy that fancy stuff. Hogwash.

They make things easier for sure, like someone else to cook, clean, and take care of the kids, but it won’t truly make us happy. Is Disneyland the happiest place on earth? The one time I went there we spent hours in line for lame rides, spent way too much money on unhealthy food that made us all sick to our stomachs, and bought things we never wore again after the trip. This commercial Hollywood romance style of happiness and real life aren’t the truth. Real happiness comes after real struggles and challenges, and still after standing up to those heartbreaking issues, the Universe gives us more to deal with. So, no fairytale endings here for happiness. Those are myths we read to our children to teach them the value of hope despite everything.

Happiness is finding the time for real connection with those we love and building connections with those me may love. Taking chances can bring happiness...or not. But having the free will to take a chance, well, the freedom of choices makes me happy. How about you? I want to hear from you.

Sincerely,
KJ Landis
-Author and Creator of the Superior Self series
-CPT, CFI
-Nutrition Educator

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Let Go of Hate

8/19/2019

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Let go of anger and hate. Bold statement, huh? Easier said than done. With my two years of Vipassana meditation retreats experiences, I am less reactive to normal, everyday stressors that used to get me riled up to no end. The hate and anger would be eating away at my insides, even though I was hoping to direct the ange and hate outwards to get rid of it...

The longer that we are alive on earth the more negative experiences we have. The longer we are alive on earth the more positive experiences we have. So basically our holding onto those bad experiences more than our good experiences may result in resentment and bitterness towards the world, and it even poisons good moments in our lives. Basically, it is what we choose to look at; is the glass half empty or is the glass half full?

If we are holding onto the negative things that happened in our lives, sometimes writing down what we would have wanted the outcome to be is helpful in letting it go forever. For example, if you have been cheated on by a lover or spouse, rather than hate the future possible lovers or spouses or swear off relationships altogether with bitterness and hatred, write down how you would have preferred the ending of the relationship to be. Your imagination can be a healer.

If I’m treated unfairly at work and someone is sabotaging my efforts, I can hold on to the anger and not trust any new coworkers. I may be guarded. Rather than hold on to the anger, I can use the Negative Thought Pot. This is a small ceramic pot that I use to burn up negative thoughts on little strips of paper. I write down anything that I feel is holding me back inside my head or heart, or any self deprecating thoughts I may have. I scroll up the small piece of paper and I set it on fire inside the clay pot. This allows me to see a physical response to something that’s inside my body and mind. The next time that angry, negative thought or hatred comes into my space, I can remember burning it up physically and destroying it. Then I am free to write myself a new story.

I hope this helps you, dear readers.
Sincerely,
KJ Landis

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Dieting and Exercising with a Very High BMI

8/12/2019

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Today we are going to discuss why dieting and exercising regularly won’t always help someone with a very high BMI to lose the fat and weight. I prefer the term fat loss over weight loss because when someone loses a lot of weight they usually lose fat and muscle mass. It takes time and effort to lose the fat and not lose as much musce tissue. We should focus on the fat losses as we exercise because sometimes the scale won't budge but inches are going down all over the body.

When someone has a high or very high BMI, that means they have probably had excess fat for months or even years. This size and weight is the new normal, a set point for the individual. When the body has metabolic syndrome caused by the lengthy time of being overweight, the body’s ability to use the energy (food) coming in is broken. The insulin doesn’t respond well. The hunger and satiety hormones do not work well either. Essentially the hormonal system is broken. It takes a lot more effort than just diet and exercise to make lifelong shifts into a normal weight system. It takes a whole mind and body overhaul, focus, and lifestyle changes that one can commit to, long term.

We need to look at adrenal fatigue, stress and anxiety levels, sleep patterns, family support or sabotage, water intake, and a whole lot more.

I suggest those struggling to lose weight after being very heavy for a while get medical tests from their health practitioner, as well as a wellness coach to support the journey. I think a mind overhaul and emotional sharing with famly and friends is necessary as well. Journaling one’s daily feelings around what they eat and why they choose the foods they eat will help with identifying patterns of self destruction. I believe the negative self thoughts have a physiological effect as well. Silence through walks in nature, yoga, or meditation also can be a positive tool.

Unfortunately, most folks who lose weight on a fad diet gain it back and more within 2 years. Getting one person who you trust to hold you accountable on a long term plan and vision is priceless. An exercise buddy and a food preparation buddy will make the work more fun and educational instead of a chore.

Those with a high BMI need to work harder and longer to achieve their goals. It is a life long struggle, but the health and peace within are well worth the efforts.

I hope this has helped you on your life's journey.
Blessings,
KJ Landis

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Easy Summer Family Recipes

8/5/2019

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Happy August my friends! Are you tired of the endless warm days and BBQ parties? Nooooo. Well, sometimes we take the cooking back indoors during the rainy days or on family game night. Let's keep healthy when hanging out in front of the tv or while playing cards and board games. I'm a wellness and life coach who focuses on shifting slowly away from the Standard American Diet. What does that mean? It means swapping out processed and refined foods, fake foods, and toxic oils for healthier options. It means detoxing naturally along the way. It doesn't have to be a struggle if you have a support system. For me, building a tribe of support in lifestyle changes is key.

This works for the whole family. Kids don't know if you swap something yummy and similar to their flavor profiles. Cooking as an open family project to eat healthier together involves the kids choices too.

The recipe I love to share for healthy swapping is pizza! I developed a cauliflower crust pizza that provides fiber, healthy dietary fat, and protein. The cauliflower is great for the digestive tract and elimination. If you have constipation, try this instead of prune juice! The oil used is extra virgin olive oil, a heart healthy oil and, oh so fragrant! When using butter and cheeses I recommend grass-fed, pastured dairy. This increases the health benefits to the body because the animal ate its natural diet.

What's more, my clients and their entire families don't feel like they have missed out on a favorite common food.

If you miss wheat and gluten containing processed foods, there are alternatives. If you love pizza, try a gluten free flour to make your crust. Most restaurants offer a gluten free version nowadays. For salad dressings, I suggest making your own. They are easier than you think! Here is a recipe to get you started on the wheat free and gluten free path. Good luck and bon apetit!

Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Ingredients:
2 bags frozen riced cauliflower or 1 giant head of cauliflower
3 eggs
1/2 cup coconut flour
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream or coconut milk
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup butter or coconut oil
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup hard Parmesan cheese, grated by hand
1/2 cup nutritional yeast flakes
salt and pepper to taste
garlic powder to taste
dried oregano to taste
8 oz. sliced, sundried tomatoes in olive oil
optional toppings: tomatoes, zucchini, olives, spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, leeks, meats, seafood, and other family favorites.

Directions:

Cook riced cauliflower on stovetop according to directions on the bag. If using the whole head of cauliflower, mash with potato masher.
Roll mashed cauliflower in paper towels until all moisture is out.
Add eggs, garlic, oregano, and nutritional yeast flakes. Mix thoroughly.
Add salt, pepper, and butter or coconut oil. Mix thoroughly.
Add coconut flour and mix thoroughly.
Add half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan.
Mix with hands.
On a large cookie sheet, spread olive oil on parchment paper.
Spread mixture evenly over parchment paper.
Bake for 30 minutes at 400° or until bottom of crust is golden brown.
Take out of oven and spread sun-dried tomatoes evenly with a little of its own olive oil.
Add rest of cheeses and veggies (meats) of choice.
Bake in the oven for another 35 minutes at 400° or until edges are crispy and dark brown.
Be creative! Add meats you haven't tried before, different sauces, cheeses, and try vegetables you have never tried before either!

Sincerely,
KJ Landis

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Myths about Happiness

Let Go of Hate

Dieting and Exercising with a Very High BMI

Easy Summer Family Recipes

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