Fasts
Whether its a juice fast, water fast, lemon juice with maple syrup and cayenne pepper fast;  I don’t recommend these or any fast you come across.  Why?   Your body detoxifies in two phases. The first phase frees up the toxins and the second phase (which is dependent on amino acids from protein) removes them from the body. When you take protein out of your diet you slow down phase two detoxification, which means you now have a lot of toxins freed up in your body that can’t get out.  This causes more harm than good and you may start to feel really sick.  Not to mention, drinking nothing but juice or lemonade for days disrupts your blood sugar regulation, sending you to extreme highs and lows and resulting in a sugar dependence coming off the fast.  This is especially bad  for those of you who struggle with sugar addiction.

Colon Cleanses
We actually don’t have pounds of fecal matter built up in our colons like some folks would have us believe.  Many of these colon cleanses work by irritating your gut lining.  They draw water into your digestive track to cause the “flushing”. This can be damaging to your intestines as well as create a dependence on these pills to have a bowel movement.  Colon cleanses are often just case of diarrhea not detoxing.

Detoxification Programs

I am a big fan of professionally guided detox programs that use real foods (including the very important protein which is crucial for healthy liver detox!) and targeted detox supplements:

Why?

Toxins are Everywhere

• The air we breathe, 80 billion pounds of toxins are released world wide every year into the atmosphere, just 1 microgram of some of these toxins can cause severe bodily harm or death.

• The food we eat, We Are Self Polluting!  Sugar, High Fructose Corn Syrup. Processed, Packaged Foods, Hydrogenated Oils, Caffeine, Aspartame and artificial sweeteners, Alcohol, Pesticides, Herbicides, Fungisides, Medications all are toxins in our body

• Home Products, Chemicals in our environment, Plastics

• Stress: our thoughts That leads me to what I think is the biggest contributor: stress!  Stress can wreak havoc on your body, depleting vital nutrients that regulate your weight, your mood, and your health.

All these toxins that enter your body sum up to what is called your own personal “toxic load”.

When detoxifying, it is important to identify all the areas in your life that contribute to your own personal toxic load and then look to reduce those toxic inputs as much as possible. All while supporting your body’s own natural ability to detoxify.

We are constantly detoxifying; every second of every day
•         We detoxify with every cell in the body
•         Most notably:
•         Lungs
•         Skin
•         Intestines
•         Kidneys
•         LIVER!!!
•         The liver is the primary cleansing organ. The liver Filters Blood, Produces Bile, &   Neutralizes toxins to be excreted

Your livers detox system is a 2-phase process
2-Phase Liver Detoxifying System
Phase 1:          transforms toxins into intermediate compounds. These compounds are often more toxic than the original one, so they are not ready to enter the blood yet.
Phase 2:convert the intermediate compounds into harmless molecules next so they are safe for excretion.

Often times the liver can become overworked, what we call “toxic overload” which could result in: (check in with yourself to see if you relate to any of these symptoms) fatigue, poor skin, constipation and other digestive issues, inconsistent mood, brain fog, insomnia, joint pain, and weight loss resistance.

What can you do?
Following  carefully designed  program like Food Therapy’s will ensure you are detoxing, gently safely and effectively.

More on this in an article I wrote for the Bay Area Women’s Journal on detoxing: http://www.bayareawj.com/spring-detoxification-cleansing-in-your-everyday-life/

***Please note: You must register by May 21, 2012 to get your supplements in time***

This will be the last group detox until the Fall! Join now and get ready for summer.

Feeling run down, fatigued, stressed, or anxious?
Using sugar and caffeine to wake up and get through the day?
Having pesky cravings you can’t control?

Jump start your health and restore your energy with this amazing group detox!

Detoxing is a great way to clear toxins from the body, reset healthy eating habits, and let go of food fixations that don’t serve you.  Working with a professional nutritionist will help safely navigate you through the detoxification process. We will support and guide you as you spend three short weeks of your life clearing out the old and inviting the new.

Food Therapy’s 21-Day Holistic Detox is a simple, effective, and professionally-guided program which may achieve the following results:

• Increased Energy
• Better Sleep
• Clearer Skin
• Balanced Mood and Clear Mental Focus
• Decreased Food Cravings
• Weight Loss
• Improved Digestion
• Identify Food Allergies and Sensitivities
• Anti-Aging
• Relief from PMS
• Prepare Your Body for a Healthy Pregnancy
• A New and Healthy Relationship with Food

It is important to note that this is not a starvation diet or fast! You will be eating healthy whole foods, taking daily detox supplements and integrating special detox smoothies. This  21-day detox program is designed to gently and thoroughly flush the excess toxins from your body and is an excellent way to jump start weight loss.

During weeks 2 and 3, you will be replacing 2 meals each day with a detox smoothie designed to deepen the detoxification process.  This protein based smoothie contains high levels of nutrients that aid in the processing and elimination of toxins and harmful chemicals that accumulate in our bodies.

Imagine what it would feel like to clear these unwanted toxins from your organs and body…
You will complete this detoxification program full of energy, life, and with a renewed sense of authentic self.

Group Detoxification Program Includes:

• Four Group Tele-Conference Calls, (the calls will be recorded in case you can not make the call time) with Kristin Hoppe, Certified Nutrition Consultant

Tuesdays May 29, June 5,  June 12, and June 19: 6:00 -7:00 pm PST

• May 29: 6- 7pm PST: Detox Kick-Off
• June 5: 6-7pm PST: Check-In Meeting
• June 12: 6-7pm PST: Check-In Meeting
• June 19: 6-7pm PST: Post Cleanse Meeting: how to re-integrate into the world post cleanse, maintenance of healthy habits
• Comprehensive Cleansing Guide and handouts including recipes, meal guidance, menus, lending library of e-cookbooks (on-line access)
• Detoxification Supplement Kit: contains all supplements needed for the detox including the 28 Meal Replacement Shakes ($260 value) mailed directly to your door.
• Unlimited Email support with Kristin
• On-line Group Forum for group support and communication throughout cleanse.

BONUSES FOR THIS DETOX!

• Shaker bottle with internal whisk to take your shakes on the go
• Recording of each call, in case you need to review or can’t make it to the call time.

Investment in Your Health:

(remember this includes all supplements & functional food powders  ($260 value) needed for the 28 meal replacement smoothies, not to mention without your morning Starbucks you actually save $ over the 3 weeks!)

• EARLY BIRD: (sign up before before May 18): $447 per person
• Sign Up after May 18: $497 per person
• Sign up with a friend, and save $50 each!

Space is limited! Must sign up by Monday May 21, 2012 to receive your detox supplement kit in time.

Group Detox Early Bird Registration

1 Person $447.00 USD 2 Persons $794.00 USD

For the friend discount, please e-mail me at kristin@foodtherapysf.com.  Seriously considering it but have questions or hesitations?   Please contact me at 415-407-7339 for a free 15 minute call.

Read what people are saying about this detox:
“This program was awe inspiring.  I found I had so much energy that I was running around doing projects I had been putting off for a long time; my mind was clear; I shed a good five pounds; I had better control of my emotions. The program was actually easier than I thought it would be, and I must say the results were fantastic.” Marjolaine

“I completed a 21 day cleanse with Kristin after years of eating just about whatever I wanted to and not paying attention to my nutritional needs.   At the end of the program I felt lighter, healthier, and I have re-learned how to eat.  Kristin is compassionate about what she is doing and cares about the success of her client’s.  She gave me the kick-start I needed to continue with new healthy eating habits and taking care of my body.  Thanks Kristin for helping me get back on track.”  Ginger

“I did the group cleanse and I loved it. Kristin was very helpful throughout the 3-week cleanse. I felt great and I lost weight after doing it. I highly recommend seeing her, especially during these tough times.”  Traci

“Recently Kristin supported me through her cleanse which was the BEST fit for me and my lifestyle. I’ve had some success with food based cleanses before, but Kristin’s approach truly fit my lifestyle so well that I finally created some PERMANENT SHIFTS in my relationship to food that just haven’t been possible before and couldn’t have been without her support!Kristin is incredible to work with and I’m so grateful to have her support, knowledge, and individual attention (not to mention awesome recipes!).”  Ennis

“Thank you Kristin for putting together this group detox- I really appreciate not only your knowledge, but also the way you support and guide us to really question and pay attention to how eating and taking care of ourselves really feel for each of us.  Your approach is so much more useful than a list of what “everybody” should do and feel to be healthy. As a result,  I lost 6 lbs.  I feel more present, content, calm, and clear.  I feel like I’m holding less stress in my body. I don’t react negatively in the morning to my alarm anymore and I got rid of that groggy / bogged down feeling. I feel better about maintaining my personal boundaries and giving myself what I need. I stopped eating all those “extras” and I don’t miss them.  The detox has been really great experience and it really helped to do this in a group. Thank you!” -Dawne

Big Thank you to Kristin for all your expert advice, tips, and encouragement… you rock! Being part of a group made this detox not only do-able, but fun!  I feel so much more energy! I Lost 15 pounds. I am way more patient in the face of stress and chaos.  I am sleeping way better… way way better.  This experience has been life changing! I feel like I got my life back… thank you Kristin!  - Salvatore

Thanks, Kristin, for putting this detox together!  It was a good experience even though it was challenging for me at times.  I feel like I learned a lot and can improve my life and health with what I’ve learned. I have learned to eat more healthily – choosing quinoa over bread with my salads! I’ve lost 5 pounds. I’ve built up my self-discipline; I’m not as tempted to eat bad foods as I was before. My friends tell me I am glowing!  -Carol

Kristin– Thanks for your guidance and support on the cleanse.  I feel better physically and mentally I’m more grounded and less anxious.  I am in a good place and my intention is to stay here. Thanks again for your help and support. – Diane

Thank you for guiding me through the last three weeks.  The elimination of sugar from my diet has been an amazing experience.  I feel like my body has stabilized in a healthy place.  I feel a completely different kind of hunger now.  Prior to the detox, I would experience bouts of overwhelming hunger.  I would come home from work and snack on crackers, candy, chips, popcorn- anything available.  Now, I get hungry but I’m still able to focus and I do not crave the sweetest, or saltiest food I can find. I definitely feel like I reached my goal of taking time to break some bad habits.   The experience was both challenging and rewarding.   It was great to have the group meetings and know that others were going through the same experience. The unexpected benefits include much clearer and softer skin- it’s really amazing.  I also do not feel bloated or “puffy.”  I’ve been eating less, but my energy level feels stabilized.  I’m able to make it to the next meal without a lot of snacking.  I have better focus and I feel more present in my interactions with others.  I haven’t been weighing myself, but I feel healthy. So, the experience exceeded expectations and definitely has pointed me in the direction of improving my overall health.  Thanks so much, Kristin!  -K.D.

There seem to be so many programs out there!  How do I know what I need?  What are the differences?

Read my latest blog post on the differences between fasts, colon cleanses, and detoxes.

Will this be the year that you finally throw in the towel and quit dieting?  Will it be the year that you stop spending time and money on diet books, supplements and solutions to a problem that just doesn’t seem to go away?  Will it be the year that you stop waiting to be thin and start living your life the way you’ve always dreamed?

We sure hope so!

Let’s face it.  What you’re doing hasn’t worked.  It’s not working now.  And it will probably never work!  It’s not supposed to work.  If the one magic bullet that could easily make everyone thin came out tomorrow it would be the end of a billion dollar weight loss industry.  And then what would all those diet pushing folks do?

There’s got to be a different path

Dieting and deprivation don’t work.  Neither does eating everything in sight.  In fact, it’s all a poor substitute for what we’re really after when we sit down to those cookies, fries, donuts, (insert your own favorite comfort food here.)   We’ve mixed up food with something else that’s missing in our lives and no amount of stuffing our faces will fill up our longing.

For many busy women, our world is full of stress and chaos.  We feel burned out, run down, like we’re just going through the (e)motions.  We wonder how long we’ll have to be lonely, overwhelmed, bored, tired, anxious, and stressed out.   Often, when those emotions get the better of us, we turn to food.

The way out is the way you came in

You have to back yourself out of this one.   Food is not going to make it better.  In fact, the only way out is to recognize what role food is really playing in your life and find a way to meet those needs better.  To make this a little trickier, we unconsciously picked these strategies so long ago that they pretty much run on autopilot. Even the conscious mind noticing them is not enough to get us out of those tired, old patterns. It takes a guide to get you out.

We declare the war over

We’re so tired of watching the women (and men) in our lives worn down by this tedious battle against the body that we’ve decided to declare THE WAR IS OVER!   The war against your body, your emotions, and food has only left you weary and wounded.   And in this time of peace, we would like to offer you a way of loving your body and enjoying your life.

So what do you do in a time of peace?

Kristin Hoppe, BS, NC and Dr. Scott Mills, Ph.D. have joined forces to create a day long workshop for busy professional women to connect to what’s really going on in their relationship to food and to their bodies.  This is an intimate experience for only 15 women to gather and use the powerful tools that Kristin and Scott have been developing over the years to help women create powerful, lasting change around their relationship to food and their bodies. We combine Kristin’s deep understanding of the struggles that women face with emotional eating with the powerful belief shifting work that Scott has done with people all over North America.

We’ve both helped many, many women lose weight and feel better in their bodies and we haven’t done it through dieting.   In fact, we encourage you to throw out every diet book on your shelf and decide that you are the expert on your own body.  Who knows it better than you do!

This work may not be for you

This workshop is designed for women who want to fundamentally change their relationship to food and their bodies.   This can actually be a scary process.  It will ask you to rethink who you are and how you are living.

Who will you be when you are not obsessed with your food choices?  Who will you be when food can just be food rather than an emotional stand in?   Who will you be when you can love your body exactly how it is in every moment?

We recommend that you be committed to a process of growth and self-discovery to join us in this process.  We suggest that you be in search of lasting change rather than magic bullets. (Without a war, who really needs bullets anyway?)

If this is for you…

If this workshop is a fit for you, we invite you to register at the link below.  The workshop will be held Sunday January 29th, 2012 from 10-6pm in San Francisco.  The cost is $147 for the day.  It’s conveniently located in downtown San Francisco easily accessible by BART and MUNI as well as having ample parking nearby.  We will provide a vegetarian, healthy lunch as part of the day.Please note that there are only 15 spots so we encourage you to register as soon as you are able.

To register visit: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/571943699

To your health,

Kristin and Scott

P.S. If you want more info or to talk to someone please email Kristin at kristin@foodtherapysf.com or Scott at Scott@insideoutsuccess.com and one of us will get back to you soon!

P.P.S. Think about bringing a friend to this workshop.  It’s a great way to connect to someone you love as well as have ongoing support in creating the changes you want in your life!

BONUSES:

Wow! Our workshop just got even better…

- Julie Baumhoffer, of Butong Acupuncture (http://www.butongacupuncture.com/) will be sharing her skills with us for part of our End the Diet War day. Julie is an expert in helping busy women find their vital, energetic lives again. We’re really excited to have her joining us.

- And as an added bonus, Scott is going to release 7 videos from the Brainy Bodies series to anyone who signs up for the workshop before January 28th. (The program sold for $497 and isn’t available anywhere.) The videos he’ll be opening up for us use the power of the unconscious to help you create the healthy, vibrant bodies you want. Each video is about 20 minutes long and are amazing support for anyone wanting to lose weight. (You’ll get your password to these videos on the day of the workshop.)

OFC is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 grassroots organization focused on Oakland’s heritage of Food, Community and Culture. They exist on your kind tax-deductible donations, and their work and progress cannot exist without your support!

Read more about Oakland Food Connection

To schedule your initial consultation with Food Therapy, call 415.407.7339.

Detoxing is a great way to reset healthy eating habits, let go of food fixations that don’t serve you, and clear toxins from the body. Working with a professional nutritionist will help safely navigate you through the detoxification process. We will support and guide you as you spend three short weeks of your life clearing out the old and inviting the new.

Our 21-Day Virtual Detox is a simple, effective, and professionally-guided program which may achieve the following results:

• Increased Energy
• More Restful Sleep
• Clearer Skin
• Fewer Allergies
• Balanced Mood and Mental Focus
• Decreased Food Cravings
• Increase in Creativity
• Weight Loss
• Improved Digestive Function
• Anti-aging
• A New and Healthy Relationship with Food!

It’s important to note that this is not a starvation diet or fast! You will be eating healthy whole foods and integrating special detox shakes. Detoxing can be an effective tool to jump start weight loss because it will help you to let go of eating habits (such as overeating and sugar cravings) that don’t serve you.

We will focus on integrating more vegetables, healthy beverages, essential fats, non-glutinous grains, “clean” proteins, and special detox shakes into your diet. Gradually, we aim to reduce and/or eliminate caffeine, sugar, and allergenic and processed foods. (Note: During weeks 2 and 3, you will be replacing 2 meals each day with a detox shake.)

Virtual Group Detoxification Program Includes:

Three Group Tele-Conference Meetings, facilitated by Kristin Hoppe, Certified Nutrition Consultant

Monday May 3, May 10, May 24: 6:30 -8:00 pm PST

• May 3: 6:30-8pm PST: Initial Meeting: Detox 101, explanation of cleansing protocol/manual and program supplements.
• May 10: 6:30- 8pm PST: Mid-Point Check-In Meeting
• May 24: 6:30-8pm PST: Post Cleanse Meeting: how to re-integrate into the world post cleanse, maintenance of healthy habits, food re-introduction
• Comprehensive Cleansing Guide and handouts
• Recipes, meal guidance and shopping list
• All Detoxification Support Supplements and Functional Food Powders for 28 Meal Replacement Shakes (Over $240 value)

BONUSES FOR THIS CLEANSE ONLY!

• A 30 minute private phone consultation with Kristin ($95 value!) (must be scheduled between April 26, 2010 & May 31, 2010)
• On-line access to handouts, recipes, and lending library of cookbooks
• Shaker bottle with internal whisk to take your shakes on the go
• On-line Group List Serve for group support and communication throughout cleanse.

Investment in Your Health:

• This is special pricing for this cleanse only!
• $397 per person
• Sign up with a friend, and save $50 each!

Space is limited! Must sign up by April 26, 2010 to receive your detox supplements in time.