Vipassana: What it’s really like

Sharing my first Vipassana experience for those who want to know what really goes on at one of these retreats. I’ve been asked so many questions like how you can survive on a silent retreat for 10 days and not go crazy….is it as hard as it sounds? How can you be off your phone and out of touch with society for so long?

In many ways, it’s a lot easier than you think! Like being disconnected from the world for 10 days, and practicing noble silence (no talking, no eye contact or facial interaction with anyone on the retreat) can seem a bit absurd. A lot of people wonder: How do you deal with the boredom? All the thoughts in your head? All the time on your hands? What’s the schedule like? Do you really wake up at 4:30 a.m. and meditate for 10 hours a day?

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Change is an inside job

Change is an inside job. If you truly want to see change in the world, you need to start by changing yourself. In a world so broken, that needs so much repair; we can each do our part by healing what’s broken inside each of us.

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We can’t change our government systems in one day, but we can change how we
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Kids, Health and what they can teach us about it!

Life long habits start developing at a young age, so it’s important to help children cultivate healthy food and lifestyle habits when they’re young; plus they’re so open and eager at that age.

Children are also super intuitive, perhaps even more than adults. So if you want them to listen, learn and take to heart what you’re teaching them, you gotta be an example. If you’re not, they’ll see through that in-authenticity in you right away.

Don’t preach kindness when you are not kind.

Don’t preach eating healthy when you don’t.

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No Bake Decadent Almond Cookies

While you’re busy in the kitchen prepping for Rosh Hashanah, try these delicious and healthy holiday (or everyday) cookie bombs that take no time to prep! No baking needed, decadent, rich and amazing and will take just five mins…one bowl, easy recipe!

Although some call me a health nut, I’m not a believer in deprivation to be healthy. Sweets are delicious and satisfying, especially when made with real, wholesome ingredients. Keep some on hand in the freezer and you’ll never need crappy sugary treats to fill that craving.

These are high in protein, healthy fats and fiber, and can even be made Keto!
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Health benefits of being outdoors early morning

I’m curious…at what time of day do you workout and where do you workout? Indoors? In a gym? Outdoors? In nature? Perhaps this will inspire you to change up your workout routine and get some zen and nature in with your daily workout.

Being outdoors early morning,  preferably before sunrise is magical and there’s many proven health benefits you’ll get from it mentally, emotionally and physically.


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Death and Rebirth

Three years ago today, I faced death in the face. Today’s post is in honor of my dad, whose 3rd yartzeit is today, the 21st of Sivan on the hebrew calendar;  27th of June on regular calendar.  I think we all carry a fear of losing someone we love. That was definitely a big fear of mine when my dad got sick. But somehow the day of his death wasn’t scary at all; it was actually magical and awe inspiring. Watching a human being, my dad, a vibrant, fiery, wickedly passionate, full of life human being, take his final breath and rest eternally, forever was quite peaceful. Perhaps, because I’ve shed enough tears at his bedside prior to his death praying for a miracle, perhaps it’s the tools I’ve learned in the last few years studying reiki and shamanic energy healing that gave me an appreciation for death which I accept is a natural pattern of life, perhaps it was having my mom and siblings by my side every step of the way – we were glued in this together, perhaps it was the short day trip that my brother and I took to my home in CA when times looked bleak in NY a week before my dad’s death to rejuvenate and renew ourselves before the final blow, perhaps it was the fact that we all got together for my dad’s last (70th) birthday in March or our last holiday with him in June (Shavuot ’16)….all these things probably contributed to the strength I felt that day, to not let the fragility of death consume me.

I was also lucky because
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Clean & Delicious Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins!

It’s so important to have a stash of healthy treats in your home for you or your kids to grab when needed. The food industry is so full of crap these days, that “home made” is 100% better than almost anything you can buy in the stores; especially when it’s made with clean ingredients like this. My clients ask me all the time for healthy muffin and cookie recipes, cuz we all love healthy treats. This is a great one, and so easy to make!

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What’s your favorite part of Chanukah?

While not my typical healthy food blog post, I wanted to convey a quick thought that I shared as a guest on Temple Isaiah’s Podcast yesterday. Click here to listen.

What is your favorite part of Chanukah? And how are you feeding your body and soul this holiday season?

Here’s what I shared yesterday:

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Chanukah is great because Continue reading “What’s your favorite part of Chanukah?”

Why you need to get your kids in the kitchen with you!

Cooking is an art.

Cooking is a creative expression of the soul.

Cooking is an essential life skill that allows you to nurture yourself and helps you take care of your body!

Cooking is a great way to distress and explore your creativity.

Cooking is something you need to teach your kids and allow them to experience when they’re young.

Food made at home is made with LOVE and that’s an ingredient that you cannot buy.

Food made with kids is infused with so much JOY!!!

I love teaching cooking classes to teens and kids, because
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