Podcasts about how alexandra

Maybe people's opinions are less about you and more about them…  Join Natalie Kraus with Alexandra Wood as they chat about wellness, yoga, and sustainability. Alexandra decided to make a change for herself, but people's opinions gave her doubts. After a lot of thinking, she learned how to follow her heart's desires and block herself from what others say. In this episode, Alexandra gives the importance of trusting intuition and checking oneself from time to time. Trust Your Instincts Alexandra used to ask others' opinions and let those influence her. After some time, she noticed that what people think was not in line with what she wanted. Most of the views were discouraging her from trying. They do not understand her vision and perception of doing something out of her comfort zone. Because of this, Alexandra stopped asking people their thoughts on what she wants to do and left all the thinking to herself. Alexandra now lives her life according to her liking. She would not have done it if she listened to what other people said about it. Everyone has a different point of view of things. That is why doing what is best for yourself is the best thing to follow. The same goals can be achieved in different ways, and you get to decide on how to get there. Taking advice is a good thing, but it should make you feel at ease and not regret your decision. Living Intentionally and Sustainably Back in the day, Alexandra had so much stuff as a consequence of consumerism and trends. She realized that it was ridiculous, so she donated most of her belongings until she was left with a few. Alexandra began to embrace the minimalist lifestyle when she moved to New York. She was also dedicated to eliminating her plastic waste to zero. Having to live by the ocean made her appreciate nature which even kept her determination to the cause. Sustainability is hard to achieve, though, when consumerism is just around the corner. Alexandra had to be creative to prevent herself from buying unnecessary products. Sustainability has become a trend nowadays that many companies try to take advantage of it using their products. Alexandra is now focused on sharing her knowledge on living sustainably and saving money at the same time. Intentional living is about looking at ideas as to how you can live with the environment better. Doing so has a positive effect not only on you but also on society and nature. About Alexandra Wood: Alexandra Wood is a multi-faceted female creator and entrepreneur who finds inspiration through life experiences and the beauty that planet earth has to offer. She created the space back in 2017, at a time when she was a full-time yoga instructor, newly navigating her way in the industry to find a deeper connection with a community and be a wellness resource. Over the years, Alexandra's perspective on wellness and her work has evolved in many ways. Through experience and practice, she understands that wellness is not one-way-fits-all, and every living being is unique.  Alexandra believes that health should be defined as living your life to its fullest potential. Physical and mental health are deeply intertwined, and wellness should be viewed from a “whole” perspective. Green smoothies and face masks are cool and all, but wellness is so much more and sacred.  As she journey through life, Alexandra aspires to live authentically and create connection by sharing the beauty of vulnerability. Everyone is a human navigating the way through the journey of life, and she is excited to be here sharing her story with you.   Outline of the Episode: [04:29] Moving across the country, and eventually embracing the van life [08:27] Thought process of making big decisions [12:02] A look into Alexandra's entrepreneurship journey [15:56] Encountering opinions and concerns about stability and security [20:22] Advice on how to keep striving for life pursuits [21:54] What does balance look in Alexandra's perspective [23:55] The importance of sustainability and intentional living [29:47] How Alexandra balances her guilt in terms of unintentionally using plastic [33:12] Reality check: van life minus the Pinterest-worthy vibe [39:33] Alexandra's biggest gain out of everything she went through   Resources: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__alexandrawood/ Website: https://alexandrawood.co/   Connect with Natalie! Surf and Yoga Wellness Retreat Details: https://bit.ly/surfyogaretreat  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliejkraus/  Membership: https://hereformore.supercast.tech/

This is the final rerun episode for December before we launch into a new season of interviews, solo episodes and amazing guest speakers! Love is the very fabric of the universe, and I get so excited when I see someone using their intensity to spread the love around. My guest this week is Alexandra Loves, and I actually approached a year ago to be on the show. I’m so glad we decided to wait until now, because my connection with Alexandra has grown and bloomed during that time, giving us plenty to talk about! Alexandra is a Love Attraction Coach, Intuitive Spiritual Guide, and Entrepreneur. She is on a mission to catalyze creative power, and use her intuitive spirituality to guide her clients into their best existence. In everything she does, Alexandra is all about harnessing the power of that abundant universal fabric from which everything is made, Love. Today, Alexandra and I are talking about how intensity can be a force for good, for love, and for large-scale transformation. Because of her international upbringing, Alexandra feels comfortable talking to just about anyone. Added to that, she never felt the need for all the labels and stereotypes in the world today, yet the world seems inclined to want to place them on everyone. Rather than let that be the reason for toning herself down, Alexandra has fully embraced who she is and what she stands for. Now she is using her gifts to help people find love, find meaning, and find who they really are. Alexandra is teaching us today how to use our intuition. Once we begin listening, nothing can hold us back, and we can only increase our impact on what is going on around us. Alexandra says it best, “We are changing the world right now.” More in this episode: Alexandra shares why she is so committed to understanding her gifts and using them for a higher purpose. Alexandra is on a search of Absolute Truth, and she is OK with that definition evolving over time. In love, Alexandra embraces the “Wise Beyond Her Years” label. Much of Alexandra’s practice deals with reconciling gender expectations within men and women. Alexandra is on a mission to help us understand the dangers instant gratification. The cultural factors that have shaped Alexandra’s ability to embrace her intensity and her racial identity. The segregation and racial terms that put shackles around Alexandra’s neck. Alexandra toned herself down in terms of dating and intensity. How Alexandra realized she couldn’t tone herself down anymore. Everyone struggles under assumptions and stereotypes, and we need to be aware of that! Alexandra was able to heal from a damaging relationship because of her incredible support system and her own intuition. What habits Alexandra uses to fuel her fire. Alexandra helps women do the hard work of diving deep within themselves. Learn to recognize when you are being diminished. Visit my Embracing Intensity Patreon Page for weekly reflection questions and other self-exploration tools! Links: Alexandra Loves

Alexandra has been teaching nutrition and traditional Chinese medicine for years. As a doctor for holistic medicine, she was working offline in her practice in Vienna. Her newest project was developing an app for nutrition recommendations, but she had no idea how to market and sell it. Then the Coronavirus hit, and Alexandra had to close her practice. In the four weeks she had to stay at home, she thought about what she could do to know more about marketing strategies in the online sector. A friend recommended SOMBA Accelerator to her and she signed up.  Alexandra started to learn all about online business, but when she talked about wanting to sell her app, I told her there was a better solution. In this episode of the Sigrun Show,  Alexandra shares how she had no idea what a launch was, made her first steps in the online world and ended up having a $25K launch with her brand new program.  Alexandra's story is amazing for everyone who wants to be inspired to take their business online!  “For the first time, I have the confidence to create my business in the online sector.”- Alexandra Knauer   What you will get out of this episode:  What was going on in Alexandra's life before she joined SOMBA Accelerator  Why I told Alexandra to not sell her app and what she sold instead  How Alexandra learned how to launch  What's next for Alexandra    Do you want to hear more about amazing women who took their business online? Find out how Elisabeth Engel quadrupled her prices within a year, or how Selen Graf took her passion for alternative medicine and animals online.  Did Alexandra's story inspire you? I would love to hear about your take-aways from this episode and your plans to go online. You can follow and connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  Doors for SOMBA Accelerator are open!  The doors for SOMBA Accelerator are open once again. If you want to get your online offer out into the world and make sales in just 10 weeks, this program is for you.  You will receive in-depth support and the accountability you need to successfully market and sell your services online.  Learn more Connect with Alexandra Knauer Alexandra Knauer   Please share, subscribe and review Thank you for joining me on this episode of the Sigrun Show. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review on Apple Podcasts or Google Play Music so more people can enjoy the show. Click here to learn how to leave a review, then head over to Apple Podcasts for your chance to win a special thank you gift!

Today's guest is the magnificent Alexandra Cousteau, a third generation member of the legendary Cousteau family who explore and explain the natural world. She is captivating.Continuing the work of her world renowned grandfather Jacques-Yves Cousteau and her father Philippe Cousteau, Sr., Alexandra is a National Geographic "Emerging Explorer," filmmaker and globally recognized advocate on water issues. She is a masterful storyteller dedicated to advocating the importance of conservation and sustainable management of water in order to preserve a healthy planet. Alexandra is the co-founder of OCEANS 2050, a global program of ocean afforestation aiming to restore abundance to the oceans in one generation. She is also a Senior Advisor to OCEANA and is deeply involved in its campaigns to curb overfishing. I had so many questions for her: What's it like to live as an explorer? And be a mother? What is your happiness? Are people meant to live among nature? What I got was an incredible series of stories, a wealth of wisdom on the state of our world's oceans and environment, and a whole lot of reasons to finally be optimistic about the future of our planet. Her words are essential listening.Listen as we discuss:How Alexandra exposed her "city boy" husband to natureWhy she avoids field missions and instead focuses on advocacy and activismThe pain of leading a mission you believe will help the world, only to face oppositionHer mindblowing OCEANS 2050 initiativeThe shocking state of our oceans (with horrifying statistics)Whether humans are meant to live in nature or cities (I'm feeling the itch)How the current generation is making her optimisticDid COVID-19 help the environment? The answer isn't so simple.Her amazing thoughts on happiness: "I'm aligning my beliefs with my actions for the first time in my life, and I feel like I'm leaving a better world for my children"How her father, who died when she was a child, left a lasting guide for herDoes Alexandra want her children to be explorers? - "I just want them to be happy."Instagram: @solve.for.happy, @onebillionhappy, @mo_gawdatFacebook: Slo Mo, onebillionhappyLinkedIn: /in/mogawdatConnect with Alexandra Cousteau on Instagram @acousteau, on Twitter @acousteau, on Linkedin @alexandracousteau, and on Facebook @AlexandraCousteauThanks to our friends at Aurum Speakers Bureau for connecting us to AlexandraDon't forget to subscribe to Slo Mo for new episodes every Monday and Thursday. Only with your help can we reach One Billion Happy #onebillionhappy.

Also welcoming back returning members: AbdouTooBeasty, Dyrus, Lacari, Macaiyla, ManuelFerraraTV, and co-producer Devin Nash.   In part two, we discuss: Favorite gaming memories (continued), Lacari's towel incident retold, CDL's market outlook, How Alexandra is dealing with BotezLive's astronomical growth, Belle Delphine's comeback, and more!  Links to watch the podcast LIVE, Twitter updates, and to get bonus content on our social media are all available here at: https://streamerlinks.com/scuffedpodcast  If you enjoyed the episode, make sure to subscribe, leave a comment, and rate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and YouTube. Outro music: "Okay Dude" by Constera. 

This week, Chicago designer Alexandra Kaehler chats with us about editing, when to know a room is finished, and how to make a meaningful antique feel chic. Alexandra also talks about her love of sourcing art, and how we can use art and wallpaper together in a way that works with the scale and intention of a room. What You’ll Hear On This Episode: Trials and triumphs including the obvious of working at home with young children, painting projects, outdoor lighting, and some moss-some yardwork. Alexandra talks about her own home being featured in Luxe Magazine, and how she went into it knowing that she had to take on her own space with the same detail oriented nature in which she works with her clients. Ways in which we can use traditional pieces mixed with the modern and chic to create a beautifully edited space. How Alexandra knows when the space she is working on is ready to be done, and why we can always go in and add more or change things around as time goes on. Alexandra sees less edited collections when working with her younger clients, however, creating a tradition of collecting a certain thing over a long period of time can be fun and add to the meaning of the decor. Ideas for taking an heirloom or antique and repurposing it make it feel chic and contemporary. Tips for working with brown furniture to make it feel chic and not outdated, and incorporating multiple wood finishes in one room. What to know when working with wallpaper according to the scale of the room. Alexandra loves the “grandma look” but mixes it with contemporary to make it feel fresh and clean. How Alexandra shops for her art and mixes it together in a room, and some suggestions on where to find great art that won’t break the bank. Using pillows for color and pattern in a room is an inexpensive way to add fun and experiment with different looks. Mentioned In This Episode: Alexandra Kaehler @alexkaehlerdesign Decorating Dilemma: By moving the sofa to a different area in the room you can open things up a lot. Alexandra envisions putting the sofa on the right side of the room up against the window and a pair of chairs on the other side with a bench for more seating. If you put your TV across from the couch, it will be off-center but will create a nice flow in the space. Adding some nice drapes could bring in more warmth and texture, and if you don’t use the blinds we suggest getting rid of them! It looks like your vibe is modern and simple so it could be an opportunity to add some color or black and white photography, but not pack the walls and overwhelm the already beautiful light space.  

Are you giving and receiving the intimacy and love that you desire from your relationships? Today I had the chance to speak with Alexandra Stockwell. Alexandra is a relationship and intimacy expert and author of Uncompromising Intimacy. We talk about getting in tune with your desires and the physical and emotional hallmarks that go along with those desires. She shares her advice on relationships including what you should do if you aren’t getting the support you wish for from your partner. She also details how to get comfortable with asking for what you want and need from your relationships. This conversation is full of so much wisdom to help nurture and develop both romantic and non-romantic relationships.  What’s in this episode: How Alexandra crafts a life she loves through relationships Navigating true fulfillment and her idea of success Honoring your feelings and paying attention to your desires The 4 basic feelings that we have and deciphering where you are on the spectrum Bringing your attention to the physical and emotional hallmarks that are associated with your desires Her advice for someone who feels motivated to create but gets bogged down by their do list What you can do when you feel a feeling that you don’t want to have Her advice for someone who isn’t getting support from their partner Why Alexandra doesn’t believe that compromise is needed for a great relationship Getting more confident and comfortable with asking for what you want Why you have to practice self-love and take care of yourself Bringing flirtatiousness into your relationships How Alexandra feels about balance and why she prefers harmony instead What she says to people who have a difficult time recognizing the difference between doing and being How she came about writing her book, Uncompromising Intimacy How learning to be fully yourself in day to day life contributes to better intimacy About Alexandra:Alexandra Stockwell, MD is a Physician turned Relationship and Intimacy Expert who believes the key to passion, fulfillment, and intimacy isn’t compromise--it’s being unwilling to compromise. A wife of 24 years and mother of four, Alexandra guides men and women towards the freedom to be themselves because it’s when we feel loved for who we are that our relationships become juicy, nourishing, and deeply satisfying. Through Conscious Partnerships, she helps couples infuse pleasure and purpose into all aspects of life—from the daily grind of running a household, to clear and intimate communication, to ecstatic experiences in the bedroom! Connect with Alexandra:Website | Instagram | Facebook Links:Craft a Life You Love: Infusing Creativity, Fun & Intention into Your Everyday by Amy TangerineUncompromising Intimacy by Alexandra Stockwell

If a simple dietary change could limit the destructive effects of cancer, reverse chronic conditions, and heal your body, how quickly would you make the switch?    We’ve all been touched by chronic disease, whether we’ve been personally diagnosed or watched a loved one struggle through an illness.    Dr. T. Colin Campbell has dedicated his career to proving that a diagnosis doesn’t have to be a death sentence and that prevention is possible.    Dr. Campbell is the Jacob Gould Schurman Professor Emeritus of Nutritional Biochemistry at Cornell University, where he also founded the online Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate program.    He’s the author of more than 300 peer-reviewed papers, has been featured in several documentaries including Forks Over Knives, and has delivered hundreds of lectures worldwide.    You’ve likely heard of the China Project, a comprehensive nutritional study lead by Dr. Campbell which was dubbed “the Grand Prix of epidemiology" by The New York Times. The study is the basis of The China Study: Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss, and Long-term Health, a book Dr. Campbell co-authored with his son, and which has sold more than 2 million copies.    In this episode, Dr. Campbell joins Dotsie and Alexandra to explain the link between animal products and chronic disease, as he has been doing for more than six decades.    You’ll hear the surprising effect of animal protein on cancer cells, why animal protein is detrimental to our bodies, and the truth behind “low-carb” fad diets.    He shares the evidence he’s accumulated over a lifetime of research to show that making the switch is the most effective way to better your health, fight illness, and prevent chronic conditions.     What we discuss in this episode:   - How Alexandra and Dotsie’s interview with Chef AJ encouraged Alexandra to ditch processed foods, and how she’s feeling one month later   - How Dr. Campbell went from trying to promote animal-based protein to proving himself wrong, and the biggest takeaways from The China Project   - The makeup of animal protein that leads to more cancer, and how we know we can turn cancer cells “off” by switching to plant-based protein   - What do people mean when they call animal-based protein “high-quality protein”? Is it really better for humans?   - The self-fulfilling prophecy of doctors assuming patients won’t comply with a plant-based diet   - How animal protein leads to higher cholesterol, and cholesterol’s role in heart disease   - Dr. Campbell explains the two types of fats and the correct way to incorporate fat into your diet   - Why Dr. Campbell considers low-carbohydrate diets the greatest scams in nutritional science and some surprising facts about the doctor who coined the term “carb”   - Why a whole-foods plant-based diet is ideal, regardless of whether you’re looking for short-term weight loss or long-term health   - Follow Dr. T. Colin Campbell on Twitter at @TColinCampbell, on LinkedIn, and on the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies at NutritionStudies.org.   Connect with Switch4Good   - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2toqAmlQpwR1HDF_KKfGg   - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Switch4Good/   - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/switch4good/   - Twitter: https://twitter.com/SwitchForGood   - Website: switch4good.org

This week we have an enlightening chat about freelancing and company branding with and absolute authority on the matter, Alexandra Watkins. As CEO of her own creative agency, Alexandra has worked with some very impressive clients such as Google, Amazon and Dunkin’ Donuts. She has also written the brilliantly titled Amazon-besteller, “Hello, my name is awesome!” See some of Alexandra’s top tips below: ** Be proactive. Don’t be afraid to find people on Linkedin who work for companies you like and offer up your services. ** Consider using virtual teams with employees based around the world. You can cut your overheads significantly ** Think seriously about your brand name. No other investment in your business will be used as much as your name ** Think about joining professional groups where you could meet potential future clients ** When naming your business, use a name that will mean something to your customers, not just you. In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn: ** How Alexandra has remained relevant for 15 years ** How to name your business ** The pros and cons of freelancing ** The dangers of too much automation ** How to make virtual teams work for your business Resources mentioned in this episode: ** If you’re a business coach, business adviser or would like to become one, go to: https://maxmyprofit.com.au/business-exceleration.html ** Alexandra’s agency website: http://www.eatmywords.com ** Find Alexandra on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrawatkins/ ** Buy Alexandra’s book on Amazon with this link ** All previous BBF episodes & show notes can be found at http://www.businessbrainfood.com.au ** Join the Business Brain Food Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessBrainFood/ ** Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell Call to action: We’ll end with Alexandra’s favourite quote: “To fail once is a lesson, twice is stupidity”. Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that! Until next time, have a profitable day! Cheers, Ben Fewtrell 02 8808 5500

In this episode, we are joined by Alexandra Mallard from Acton Coffee House, a family-owned café offering a variety of coffee, tea, and pastries, to talk about the ways she is loving her life through her work.  Alexandra shares how she started with Acton Coffee House and how working there makes her happy and enjoy her life even more! Episode Highlights How Alexandra started with Acton Coffee House The idea of professionalism and the cookie-cutter lifestyle How Alexandra is loving her life through her job How the way you present yourself changes the way you’re perceived Where to reach Alexandra: Acton Coffee House West Acton Villageworks, 525 Mass. Avenue West Acton, MA 01720 978-263-3700 | actoncoffeehouse@verizon.net Mon - Fri: 6:30 AM - 5 PM Saturday - 7 AM - 5 PM Sunday 7:30 AM - 5 PM LinkedIn Facebook   Want to hear more about how you can live a life you love? We would like to invite you to subscribe to the podcast on your preferred podcast platforms to get updated on the latest episodes. Please don't forget to share it with a friend so you can help them live a life they love too! Let us know what part you love the most by leaving a review and remember that life is a precious gift! + Apple Podcasts + Google Podcasts + Spotify + CastBox © Community Chiropractic of Acton | 282 Central St Acton, MA

Episode 264: Alexandra Roxo is a transformational mentor, healer, writer, and artist who is extremely passionate about empowering women.  Her writing on personal growth and female empowerment, the divine feminine resurgence, moon ritual, and modern spirituality can be read on Girl Boss.com, Teen Vogue, Mind Body Green, and Playboy. She has been featured in many publications for her deep, sensual, and raw approach to healing and transformation, and has also been named a "modern spiritual leader" by Well + Good. Her 15 years of meditation practice and moon ritual is what inspired her to create Moon Club as a place to gather for deep sharing and deep practice relating to the internal spiritual journey. She is working on her first book with the publisher Sounds True, out in early 2020 and will be leading retreats in 2019 at 1440 Multiversity, Kripalu Center, and Maha Rose Mexico and enjoying life between NYC and LA! Show notes: 3 spots left! Sign up for Maddy's 4-week women's coaching group to explore sacred feelings, shadow sides, feminine and masculine embodiment and archetypes. To register, send tuition to 'maddymoon' on Venmo. What happens when we clench our jaw and how it’s connected to our emotions. How Alexandra's body feels before she hosts a ceremonial retreat and her grounding rituals. How to be a transmutation chamber for other people’s shit. “I definitely don’t recommend everyone being a healer or practitioner of energy without really deeply knowing yourself and without knowing your own wounds.”  Why it took her 15 years of doing plant medicine and holistic healing before she taught it publicly. The 4-year-old hiatus that she took from relationships to heal her own wounds. A new perspective on having a relationship “work out." Changing the old paradigm of having it all together in relationships. The liberation of being a “messy lover” and clearing and healing yourself. If you're a teacher in the world, you cannot hold back the dark parts.  Previous podcast episode with Laya Martin HERE. It’s a lie that once you meet “your person” that everything is great. Maddy’s block with not being able to be physical with a man when she's not in a relationship. Maddy’s tantric experience and going to a play party. "Sex energy is the highest magic." Why Alexandra no longer enters into the space of playing with sex magic if she’s not in a relationship. Whatever wounds you have come out in the sex energy field. “If you’re interested in having a beautiful sexual experience, have them with yourself.” You have to be in a great relationship with your body or your pussy and heart will close. Must-read book: Dear Lover by David Deida  Alexandra's Sex Life Season: Voyeuristic documentary series about titillating sexual and erotic experiences HERE  A free month of Moon Club HERE Connect with Alexandra:  Alexandra Roxo's Instagram We Are Moon Club Instagram

If a simple dietary change could limit the destructive effects of cancer, reverse chronic conditions, and heal your body, how quickly would you make the switch?    We’ve all been touched by chronic disease, whether we’ve been personally diagnosed or watched a loved one struggle through an illness.    Dr. T. Colin Campbell has dedicated his career to proving that a diagnosis doesn’t have to be a death sentence and that prevention is possible.    Dr. Campbell is the Jacob Gould Schurman Professor Emeritus of Nutritional Biochemistry at Cornell University, where he also founded the online Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate program.    He’s the author of more than 300 peer-reviewed papers, has been featured in several documentaries including Forks Over Knives, and has delivered hundreds of lectures worldwide.    You’ve likely heard of the China Project, a comprehensive nutritional study lead by Dr. Campbell which was dubbed “the Grand Prix of epidemiology by The New York Times. The study is the basis of The China Study: Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss, and Long-term Health, a book Dr. Campbell co-authored with his son, and which has sold more than 2 million copies.    In this episode, Dr. Campbell joins Dotsie and Alexandra to explain the link between animal products and chronic disease, as he has been doing for more than six decades.    You’ll hear the surprising effect of animal protein on cancer cells, why animal protein is detrimental to our bodies, and the truth behind “low-carb” fad diets.    He shares the evidence he’s accumulated over a lifetime of research to show that making the switch is the most effective way to better your health, fight illness, and prevent chronic conditions.     What we discuss in this episode:   - How Alexandra and Dotsie’s interview with Chef AJ encouraged Alexandra to ditch processed foods, and how she’s feeling one month later   - How Dr. Campbell went from trying to promote animal-based protein to proving himself wrong, and the biggest takeaways from The China Project   - The makeup of animal protein that leads to more cancer, and how we know we can turn cancer cells “off” by switching to plant-based protein   - What do people mean when they call animal-based protein “high-quality protein”? Is it really better for humans?   - The self-fulfilling prophecy of doctors assuming patients won’t comply with a plant-based diet   - How animal protein leads to higher cholesterol, and cholesterol’s role in heart disease   - Dr. Campbell explains the two types of fats and the correct way to incorporate fat into your diet   - Why Dr. Campbell considers low-carbohydrate diets the greatest scams in nutritional science and some surprising facts about the doctor who coined the term “carb”   - Why a whole-foods plant-based diet is ideal, regardless of whether you’re looking for short-term weight loss or long-term health   - Follow Dr. T. Colin Campbell on Twitter at @TColinCampbell, on LinkedIn, and on the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies at NutritionStudies.org.   Connect with Switch4Good   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2toqAmlQpwR1HDF_KKfGg   https://www.facebook.com/Switch4Good/   https://www.instagram.com/switch4good/   https://twitter.com/SwitchForGood   switch4good.org

Episode 264: Alexandra Roxo is a transformational mentor, healer, writer, and artist who is extremely passionate about empowering women.  Her writing on personal growth and female empowerment, the divine feminine resurgence, moon ritual, and modern spirituality can be read on Girl Boss.com, Teen Vogue, Mind Body Green, and Playboy. She has been featured in many publications for her deep, sensual, and raw approach to healing and transformation, and has also been named a "modern spiritual leader" by Well + Good. Her 15 years of meditation practice and moon ritual is what inspired her to create Moon Club as a place to gather for deep sharing and deep practice relating to the internal spiritual journey. She is working on her first book with the publisher Sounds True, out in early 2020 and will be leading retreats in 2019 at 1440 Multiversity, Kripalu Center, and Maha Rose Mexico and enjoying life between NYC and LA! Show notes: 3 spots left! Sign up for Maddy's 4-week women's coaching group to explore sacred feelings, shadow sides, feminine and masculine embodiment and archetypes. To register, send tuition to 'maddymoon' on Venmo. What happens when we clench our jaw and how it’s connected to our emotions. How Alexandra's body feels before she hosts a ceremonial retreat and her grounding rituals. How to be a transmutation chamber for other people’s shit. “I definitely don’t recommend everyone being a healer or practitioner of energy without really deeply knowing yourself and without knowing your own wounds.”  Why it took her 15 years of doing plant medicine and holistic healing before she taught it publicly. The 4-year-old hiatus that she took from relationships to heal her own wounds. A new perspective on having a relationship “work out." Changing the old paradigm of having it all together in relationships. The liberation of being a “messy lover” and clearing and healing yourself. If you're a teacher in the world, you cannot hold back the dark parts.  Previous podcast episode with Laya Martin: https://maddymoon.com/layla-martin/ It’s a lie that once you meet “your person” that everything is great. Maddy’s block with not being able to be physical with a man when she's not in a relationship. Maddy’s tantric experience and going to a play party. "Sex energy is the highest magic." Why Alexandra no longer enters into the space of playing with sex magic if she’s not in a relationship. Whatever wounds you have come out in the sex energy field. “If you’re interested in having a beautiful sexual experience, have them with yourself.” You have to be in a great relationship with your body or your pussy and heart will close. Must-read book: Dear Lover by David Deida https://amzn.to/2LQ071k Alexandra's Sex Life Season: Voyeuristic documentary series about titillating sexual and erotic experiences: https://www.amazon.com/Sex-Life-Season-1/dp/B07SZKXQ3F A free month of Moon Club: https://www.moonclub.co/wanna-trial-moon-club/ Connect with Alexandra:  Alexandra's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandraroxo/ We Are Moon Club's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radicalawakenings/ [Tweet ""If you’re interested in having a beautiful sexual experience, have them with yourself.” #mindbodymusings"] COACHING: receive personalized, 1:1 coaching from Maddy Moon to create your own feminine and masculine embodiment. Heal your heart, build confidence, create an online business (if that’s a goal!) or simply feel happier. Apply here: http://maddymoon.com/coaching FEMININE SPIRIT SCHOOL: this school is the one-stop-shop for all things feminine energy! If you’ve been wanting to embody the feminine but feel stuck on the how, this program will take you through the entire realm from start to (well…we’re never really finished, are we?). Learn about the feminine/masculine, shadow sides, ancestral healing, boundary setting, empowerment,

In this episode of Eyetrepreneur, Alexandra Peng takes a deep dive into the fitting of eyewear and all of the challenges associated with it. Enjoy! In This Episode: [5:55] How Alexandra first got into eyewear. [08:10] The fitting of eyewear. [19:35] Helping people with self frame selection. [26:50] Alleviating fitness challenges. [33:00] The next type of challenging fit. [53:15] Establishing your presence as an optician. About Alexandra Peng: Alexandra Peng Charton is a veteran of the industry, spending more than 20 years designing and producing eyewear for global brands. However, despite helping countless clients find the perfect eyewear to match their needs, there was one person she could never find the right frame for: herself. So, with her vast knowledge of the eyewear industry and firsthand experience with difficulty finding well-fitting glasses, she started TC CHARTON in 2009 - the first North American brand that focuses solely on making distinctive, beautiful eyewear for Asians. The brand was designed to accommodate higher cheekbones, lower nose bridges and other ethnic features that make conventional eyewear impossible or uncomfortable to wear. With over a hundred different frames to choose from, the wearer can have a great fit without having to compromise on style and luxury. Alexandra is constantly studying faces wherever she goes, always on the lookout for her latest muse. Each style is crafted to fit the features of people that she has met in her travels, and the finished product even shares the name of the person that inspired them. TC CHARTON was created foremost to fit Asian features, however the multitudinous styles available in the collection appeal to people of many other ethnic backgrounds, and they are finding that TC CHARTON eyewear fits them fabulously. Check out the rest of the show notes at eyetrepreneur.com!

Have you ever felt so hopeless in your love life before? You feel that things aren’t going right no matter what you do. You’ve followed and done the advice and tips you’ve got from others. You’ve been reading books and blogs. You’ve been putting yourself out there and dating but you still end up in the same place to where you started. Maybe you’re even enrolled in an online course but still, nothing’s happening. You’re almost close to thinking that you’re one of the bitter gals who thinks that “maybe he’s not just there” or “I don’t know what to do!? I’m never gonna get a love life!”. You are desperate, but what should you do? In this episode, Lara interviews Alexandra as she shares about her journey of positivity and hopelessness on becoming her own soulmate first. The true path to true soulmate love. In this episode we talk about: - Feeling down and hopeless when you’re walking the wrong path - Alexandra’s swing dance partner - How our Love Breakthrough Online Master Course brought healing to Alexandra’s love life and relationships - Being in a community with like-minded women who go after your dreams inspires you to chase after yours too - How Alexandra stepped out of her comfort zone - Obstacles that almost prevented Alexandra from stepping up into being herself - Important lessons Alexandra learned from our Master Course Working with Johnny and Lara allowed Alexandra to walk her own path to discovering her inner self, becoming her own soulmate first before being with her soulmate love partner. When you're with the right person, you get to be more like yourself. You get to be more real. Start walking your own path to true soulmate love and live the life of your dreams   Valentine's day has passed with you having no one to date. But don't worry next year you be celebrating it alone. Once a year we conduct a powerful life-changing highly interactive and super supportive live online group mentoring program called the Love Breakthrough Online Master Course. Where you’ll be able to not only learn more about yourself, but you’ll also get to meet and interact with amazing single women from around the world who take their dreams seriously just like you! Grab this opportunity and work with us personally. Be on our VIP waitlist and save 50% off on the tuition fee plus get thousands of dollars worth in bonuses! Seats are very limited so register now! We’ll notify you immediately when the doors are open. Just go to www.singletosoulmate.com/vday to learn more. --- Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please share it with a friend and let us know by leaving a review. To get notified when a new episode comes out, subscribe to the show on your favorite platform.

I met film director turned transformational healer Alexandra Roxo through Ruby Warrington, the guest on episode 3 of Woke and Wired podcast (they’re the co-founders of the Moon Club). As soon as I saw her, I knew that I was meant to connect deeper with this fiery, sensual, deeply present woman. I have run into Alexandra several times at the Assemblage, where we recently did a sacred cacao ceremony together. Her vulnerability and artistic way of expressing her truth and her teachings are potent and refreshing, and I’m very excited to share them with you. In this conversation, we talk about: How Alexandra went from austere yogic practice to ecstasy The interconnection between sex, money and creativity Alexandra’s manifestation process A key element in manifestation that’s often overlooked Embracing your feminine fire One exercise you can do to create more power in your sacral chakra, the center of creativity where the divine life force enters the body How an ayahuasca ceremony led her to pivot from a career as a director to bring a spiritual coach What actions she took to turn her coaching into a successful business Behind the scenes of her powerful and acclaimed online presence How sharing her heart on Instagram daily has created her business with no email list or funnels Energetic practices that will help you raise your rates and feel confident about receiving money The tantric way of looking at social media and online entrepreneurship The importance of letting yourself take baby steps in your personal growth Why it’s important to have a coach   Connect with Alexandra Roxo: @alexandraroxo alexandraroxo.com Moon Club Membership - free month How To Embody Your Feminine Fire Moon Club Master Class - use code MOONLOVE20 for 20% off until 10/31 midnight pst Mentioned in this episode: Coach that Alexandra worked with – David, thebusinessmonk.com About Alexandra Roxo: Alexandra Roxo is a transformational mentor, healer, writer, and artist who is extremely passionate about empowering women.  Her writing on personal growth and female empowerment, the divine feminine resurgence, moon ritual, and modern spirituality can be read on Girl Boss.com. Teen Vogue, Mind Body Green, and more. She has been featured in many publications for her deep, sensual, and raw approach to healing and transformation, and has also been named a "modern spiritual leader" by Well + Good.   She was called to find a way to share her spiritual work with women in places in the world where there is less access to workshops and classes and retreats so together with Ruby Warrington she created the online community Moon Club, which consists of hundreds of women worldwide who attend monthly online rituals, empowerment talks, and are guided by in journey and breathwork practices. Alexandra has been called to help women find their voices, release limiting beliefs imposed by society, and come home to their true nature for as long as she can remember.  She currently works with clients one on one and in groups, empowering and guiding them on their spiritual paths, leading events and retreats across the world, and writing daily empowering messages online. She has helped and inspired thousands of women to radically claim themselves and lead more passionate and conscious lives and it brings her great joy! Prior to that she directed documentaries, a web show, and a feature film, wrote plays and created art along the same topics of what it means to be modern woman and what spiritual awakening feels like,  which have been viewed by millions of people and featured in international press. Her first spiritual mentorship began when she met her first teacher at age 12 whom she studied with annually until his passing in 2015.  She began studying yoga and meditation at age 19 when she lived and studied with monastics abroad. Through her studies at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts where she earned a BFA she learned how to use theatre, embodiment work, breath work, movement, and storytelling for healing and personal transformation. She went on to study shamanic journey practice, sacred intimacy work, Earth based spiritual pratice, Reiki, and plant medicine ceremonial traditions with many teachers around the world. Her 15 years of meditation practice and moon ritual is what inspired her to create Moon Club as a place to gather for deep sharing and deep practice relating to the internal spiritual journey. Her current studies include Vajrayana Tantric Buddhist practices with the renowned teacher and author, Lama Tsultrim Allione, and Kashmiri Shaivist Tantra practice with author and teacher, Sally Kempton, and alternative mental healthcare training. She is working on her first book with the publisher Sounds True, out in early 2020 and will be leading retreats in 2019 at 1440 Multiversity, Kripalu Center, and Maha Rose Mexico and enjoying life between NYC and LA! Connect with Woke and Wired: If you enjoyed the podcast, please share it. Rate and review the show on iTunes. Your rating and review help more people discover it. Subscribe on iTunes. DM me on Instagram @wokeandwired and let me know your favorite takeaways and show requests.  

We’re on the cusp of COUTURE NYC Bridal Market, and we have so much to talk about in preparation for the show. It’s Julie’s 27th market, and she still can’t wait for it to get started! On today’s show, Julie talks with Alexandra Macon from Over the Moon. We get to hear how her career got started to how Alexandra built Over the Moon. Alexandra shares with us her favorite bridal fashion trends and what she hopes to see more of at the Market! Show Highlights: Where Alexandra started her career How Alexandra decided she wanted to be a managing editor Working with Vogue Alexandra talks about Vogue.com How Alexandra built “Over the Moon” How to submit your wedding Real time weddings Heavy fashion presence on Vogue.com Over the Moon is more “couple next door” Social Media is very important today Featuring collections on Over the Moon What Alexandra would like to see more of Alexandra would like to see more unexpected things on fashion Creating instagramable moments Julie really wants to hear from you, so if you have questions or comments, please reach out to her so you can be sure you are dressed, styled and down the aisle! Links Mentioned in the Show: The Stylish Brideon Instagram The Stylish Bride website Subscribe to The Stylish Bride Podcast. Over the Moon Website Vogue.com

Welcome to episode 83 of the Sexology Podcast, today I’m joined by Alexandra Katehakis, Ph.D., L.M.F.T. who talks to us about the common misconceptions about intimacy after recovery, the difference between healthy sex and addictive sex and incorporating your values into your sexuality.     Alexandra Katehakis, Ph.D., L.M.F.T. is Founder and Clinical Director of the Center for Healthy Sex in Los Angeles, Senior Fellow at The Meadows, faculty for the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals, and the recipient of the 2018 IITAP Leadership and 2012 Carnes Award. She is a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist/Supervisor and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist/Supervisor specializing in the treatment of sexual addiction and other sexual disorders.     Dr. Katehakis is author of Sexual Reflections: A Workbook for Designing and Celebrating Your Sexual Health Plan (2018), Sex Addiction As Affect Dysregulation: A Neurobiologically Informed Holistic Treatment (2016), co-author of the 2015 AASECT award-winning Mirror of Intimacy: Daily Reflections on Emotional and Erotic Intelligence (2104), contributing author to the Clark Vincent award-winning Making Advances: A Comprehensive Guide for Treating Female Sex and Love Addicts, in M. Feree (Ed.) (2012), and author of Erotic Intelligence: Igniting Hot Healthy Sex After Recovery From Sex Addiction (2010).    In this episode, you will hear:     The common misconceptions about intimacy after recovery   Why Alexandra encourages people to explore their sexuality after recovery   The difference between healthy sex and addictive sex   How sex addiction is often a re-enactment of trauma   Incorporating your values into your sexuality   Understanding your sexual template   How Alexandra helps people create a sexual health plan   Creating a sexual framework that both partners can be happy with   Understanding the connection between your body and mind through recovery    Survey - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MCM62XY      Resources  http://centerforhealthysex.com   https://www.facebook.com/oasis2care   https://www.instagram.com/oasis2care   https://twitter.com/oasis2care   

In this interview with fellow Yoga Health Coach, Alexandra Epple, she gets real about her struggle with Anorexia and her journey to finding deep appreciation for who she is. Her passion for supporting women to love and care for themselves comes from her very real journey of learning to do so for herself. Listen as Alexandra not only reveals her personal trials, but also her triumphs. She offers practical tools for exploring how to enjoy your own company.   How Alexandra’s anorexia transformed into a relationship of self-love Why nourishing touch can be foundational to cultivating self-love How time in silence and stillness can enhance one’s self-love   Show Highlights: 02:59 Easeful Living Practice: Mindful Eating Practice 11:20 Interview with Alexandra Epple begins 15:12 Alexandra’s recognition of her privilege and the development of her anorexia 20:02 Lack of self-love rooted in lack of purpose 26:35 Impact of another reflecting love as foundation of self-love 29:32 Spiritual self-discovery through Yoga & Thai Massage -- the power of touch 41:10 Nourishing the spiritual body with silence, sound, stillness, prayer Favorite Quotes “There is so much that can be done by the changing way we feed ourselves, the way we treat ourselves, the way we look at our bodies.” -- Alexandra Epple “For so long I thought I was going to be a mom, I always thought I was going to be a mom. And now, I feel like my children are my students or my clients or my patients.” -- Alexandra Epple “Purpose really comes from knowing your spirit, what your spirit wants, what you’re deeply desiring.” -- Alexandra Epple “I still wasn’t loving myself; I still wasn’t eating” -- Alexandra Epple “Falling in love [is] a mirror [in which] we see ourselves through someone else’s eyes.” -- Andrea Catherine (credit to my therapist Michael Joseph) “If you can’t enjoy your own company, how can you expect someone else to enjoy your company?” -- Alexandra Epple “Life is a lot more fun when I’m confident” -- Andrea Catherine “Physical and emotional cleansing...needed to happen in order to actually get to the spiritual self, to get more subtle.” --Alexandra Epple “By bringing hands onto our body the nervous system calms down, and the access opens to self-love.”  --Alexandra Epple “Once you really embrace money and just see it as an energy exchange...I’m giving something and someone sees it as being so worthwhile that they’re giving energy back.” -- Alexandra Epple Meet Alexandra: Alexandra Epple CAS, CMT is an Ayurvedic Practitioner & Teacher, Yoga Health Coach, seasoned bodyworker and Midlife Coach. Her approach to health is super practical and down to earth. She supports mature women through menopause and midlife so they come out the other end feeling better than they ever have; vibrant, joyful and luxuriously healthy. There is no complicated hormone stuff, vitamin hunting or mineral counting. When it comes down to it, healing is super logical and pretty easy too. You  just need to learn some principles. Alexandra helps you do that. Her podcast Women Gone Vibrant revolutionizes the way you think about your body so you can create the next you, unapologetically. Download her FREE Better Menopause Video Series to get the scoop on a natural, easeful menopause.

Episode 209: As the best-selling author of Women, Food & Desire, co-creator and co-star of the Oscar-nominated documentary Super Size Me, and highly-sought-after wellness expert for thousands, Alexandra Jamieson has made it her mission to empower women to create epic lives–by honoring their cravings and kicking body shame to the curb. Alex is the creator of Her Rules Radio, a #1 rated podcast on iTunes where listeners from around the world are educated and captivated by thought-provoking interviews on wellness, cravings, sexuality, and more. Her work has been praised and adored by Oprah, The Today Show, Dr. Oz, Goop, Martha Stewart Living, the New York Times, CNN, Fox News, Elle, Marie Claire, USA Today, People, and the American Heart Association amongst many others. As a life-long learner, her wellness expertise has grown out of a decade of experience, as well as her education at the Natural Gourmet Institute, the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and a certification in Applied Positive Psychology. Show notes: Go to fitt.co/moon to discover your new favourite restaurant, outdoor activity and/or health-conscious event in your city To get a list of my top 100 favourite books FOR FREE, go HERE To get a free 30-day trial of Audible + 1 free book, go HERE Apply for my 1:1 coaching and read testimonies of my previous clients HERE An experiment Alexandra did with her son to show him the power of language (see the original Instagram post I refer to HERE) Ways you can teach your child consent Why Alexandra does not tickle her child or make him hug anyone he doesn't want to huge (even those in the family) A few memories I have where consent boundaries were crossed as a child in my family (being forced to ride rollercoasters that terrified me, being sat on when I had eyedrops put in my eyes, tickling) Setting boundaries with your family and not getting lost in the cycle of guilt Soul Friends by Stephen Cope Acknowledging that relationships will uncover new layers of yourself for your entire life How to know the difference between when you need to set boundaries with someone and when you need to take a hatchet to the relationship The question to ask yourself: "How much more pain are you willing to endure?" Insight into Alexandra's previous marriage with famous director Morgan Spurlock and the infidelity she experienced in that marriage Why complaining about your partner/ex-partner to your child is one of the most damaging things your child can experience When you talk negatively about your spouse, you are talking negatively about your child. Children associate their parents as them. They are 50% their mom and 50% their dad. So when you speak negatively about a parent, you are speaking negatively about the child-- except it's even worse because they can't change that thing about them that you're hating on. They can't fix it because it's not literally a problem within them...it's within their parent and that is out of their control. When Morgan Spurlock came out about his contribution to an unsafe, sexist work environment after the #MeToo movement picked up speed How Alexandra was able to rebuild trust in both female friendships and romantic relationships How Alexandra's current partner was completely honest with her from date number one because he both respected her and he respected himself. Bob, her husband, was far from perfect on paper but he provided for her many trustable qualities she desired in a future partner. This was a huge step for her healing process and her ability to trust a partner again. Compersion: the opposite of jealousy, finding joy in another person's joy. Getting to Hell Yes: the book Alexandra and Bob are writing together on the four step process to having a high-stakes emotional conversation (Intention, Concerns, Boundaries, Desires) Must-read book: Dodging Energy Vampires by Dr. Christiane Northrup Janelle Monae's Dirty Computer Album (watch the motion picture here) Connect with Alexandra: Website Facebook Instagram  

Episode 209: As the best-selling author of Women, Food & Desire, co-creator and co-star of the Oscar-nominated documentary Super Size Me, and highly-sought-after wellness expert for thousands, Alexandra Jamieson has made it her mission to empower women to create epic lives–by honoring their cravings and kicking body shame to the curb. Alex is the creator of Her Rules Radio, a #1 rated podcast on iTunes where listeners from around the world are educated and captivated by thought-provoking interviews on wellness, cravings, sexuality, and more. Her work has been praised and adored by Oprah, The Today Show, Dr. Oz, Goop, Martha Stewart Living, the New York Times, CNN, Fox News, Elle, Marie Claire, USA Today, People, and the American Heart Association amongst many others. As a life-long learner, her wellness expertise has grown out of a decade of experience, as well as her education at the Natural Gourmet Institute, the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and a certification in Applied Positive Psychology. Show notes: Go to fitt.co/moon to discover your new favourite restaurant, outdoor activity and/or health-conscious event in your city To get a list of my top 100 favourite books FOR FREE, go HERE To get a free 30-day trial of Audible + 1 free book, go HERE Apply for my 1:1 coaching and read testimonies of my previous clients HERE An experiment Alexandra did with her son to show him the power of language (see the original Instagram post I refer to HERE) Ways you can teach your child consent Why Alexandra does not tickle her child or make him hug anyone he doesn't want to huge (even those in the family) A few memories I have where consent boundaries were crossed as a child in my family (being forced to ride rollercoasters that terrified me, being sat on when I had eyedrops put in my eyes, tickling) Setting boundaries with your family and not getting lost in the cycle of guilt Soul Friends by Stephen Cope Acknowledging that relationships will uncover new layers of yourself for your entire life How to know the difference between when you need to set boundaries with someone and when you need to take a hatchet to the relationship The question to ask yourself: "How much more pain are you willing to endure?" Insight into Alexandra's previous marriage with famous director Morgan Spurlock and the infidelity she experienced in that marriage Why complaining about your partner/ex-partner to your child is one of the most damaging things your child can experience When you talk negatively about your spouse, you are talking negatively about your child. Children associate their parents as them. They are 50% their mom and 50% their dad. So when you speak negatively about a parent, you are speaking negatively about the child-- except it's even worse because they can't change that thing about them that you're hating on. They can't fix it because it's not literally a problem within them...it's within their parent and that is out of their control. When Morgan Spurlock came out about his contribution to an unsafe, sexist work environment after the #MeToo movement picked up speed How Alexandra was able to rebuild trust in both female friendships and romantic relationships How Alexandra's current partner was completely honest with her from date number one because he both respected her and he respected himself. Bob, her husband, was far from perfect on paper but he provided for her many trustable qualities she desired in a future partner. This was a huge step for her healing process and her ability to trust a partner again. Compersion: the opposite of jealousy, finding joy in another person's joy. Getting to Hell Yes: the book Alexandra and Bob are writing together on the four step process to having a high-stakes emotional conversation (Intention, Concerns, Boundaries, Desires) Must-read book: Dodging Energy Vampires by Dr. Christiane Northrup

I've been following Alexandra Franzen since early in my blogging days and so it's a huge pleasure to get to interview her for the podcast. In the noisy world we live in, it's a big deal to find people whose newsletters you ALWAYS open and I think I'm not alone when I say I've subscribed and unsubscribed to MANY newsletters over the years but I've always opened her emails with joy. I tried not to fangirl too much (I failed) but just soak up the goodness that is Alexandra Franzen (including a few minutes at the end where we get super excited about coffee, and cookies in bed). We also chat about: :: How Alexandra has created a business that's aligned with her introverted nature, despite what other people tell her; :: How to deal with overwhelm by subtracting more from your life; :: Saying no in business and in life that works for you and that other people appreciate; :: Doing less with ease and enjoyment; :: Tips to write a story in a genuine way without oversharing; :: Setting an intention for your writing before you start so you know where you're going;

This episode with Alex is all about navigating through the world as an empath and how we can connect and protect our energetic field. I know for myself, I had no idea I was an empath and constantly felt drained by other people's energy. She's all about focusing on what feels good to us individually and honoring that it may look different for everyone. We chatted about connecting to our true desires and releasing any thoughts, beliefs and actions that no longer serve us. Even if you don't know what you want, you know what doesn't feel good. Alexandra has a great resource called How To Write Your Fuck It List that will allow you to focus on what you want to get rid of and invite more of what you love.   About Alexandra  Best Selling author of Women, Food & Desire, co-creator of the Oscar-nominated documentary Super Size Me, the host of Her Rules Radio and highly-sought-after wellness expert, Alexandra's mission is to empower women to create epic lives–by honoring their cravings and kicking body shame to the curb. She's been on Oprah, The Today Show, Dr. Oz, Goop, etc. She attended the Natural Gourmet Institute, Institute for Integrative Nutrition and has been certified in applied positive psychology since 2004.   In this episode, Alexandra shares:     How to protect your energy as an empath.     Getting rid of dependency and trusting yourself.     Relying on yourself to choose your next best step.     Alexandra's How To Write Your F*ck it List eBook.   What you'll hear: 4:06- What it's like to be an empath and how to protect/recharge your energy. 15:42- Shifting the dynamic of the body positivity movement. 20:14- Choosing what works for you and living life on your own terms. 34:00- How Alexandra invites more play into her life.   You can find more of Alexandra at: http://www.alexandrajamieson.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/herrulesradiocrew/ https://instagram.com/deliciousalex     Join the Hungry For Happiness community for more! www.facebook.com/hungryforhappiness    

If you’re just getting your feet wet with the whole online business thing, it is likely that you have been working as a generalist, taking on a wide variety of projects for a wide variety of clients. Perhaps you are starting to figure out which projects you really love – and which ones you hate with the fire of a thousand suns. If that’s the case, it may be time to niche down and build your expertise in the areas you truly enjoy, and make more money while you’re at it!   Alexandra Ramirez got her start on the platform fiverr, making just five bucks per gig! She moved up via Kimra Luna’s Freedom Hackers, meeting entrepreneurs in need of a VA in the Facebook group. After a few months performing a wide range of tasks, Alexandra discovered her love of sales funnels, email marketing, and course creation. She changed her title to reflect this role as a specialist, and Divine Business Management was born. Now Alexandra specializes in helping entrepreneurs automate their marketing through sales funnels to attract ideal clients and generate passive income.   Alexandra is here to explain the specifics of a sales funnel as well as the benefits of email marketing. Listen and learn how she transitioned from generalist to expert – and boosted her income in the process!   Key Takeaways How to use Facebook groups to land clients Don’t use the language of desperation Offer value by explaining the specific service(s) you can provide   How Alexandra transitioned from a generalist to an expert Changed title from VA to ‘sales funnel creator’ Positioned self as specialist   The advantages of email marketing Unlikely to be shut down (unlike social media accounts) Can be personalized to nurture potential clients Better chance of opening email vs. seeing post on social   The vocabulary of a sales funnel creator Lead magnet – a freebie (e.g.: eBook, checklist, video) that potential clients access by providing email address Landing page – the web page where potential clients submit an email address to opt-in and receive a freebie Tripwire – an affordable product (under $50) that is advertised to potential clients on the ‘thank you’ page; may expand on or complement the content offered in the freebie Nurtured email sequence – the first five to seven emails a potential client receives right away after opting in, provides free content before promoting core offer toward the end of the series (i.e.: one-on-one services, course)   The nuts and bolts of a VA’s role in online course creation Collaborate with client to define strategy and timeline Support by holding client accountable   Alexandra’s key tips for entrepreneurs who are just getting started Create an emotional connection to land clients Niche down to define your ideal client Leverage attraction marketing by making yourself an expert   Resources Freedom Hackers on Facebook Freedom Hackers Mastermind Group Connect with Alexandra Ramirez Divine Business Management Free Sales Funnel Workshop

Alexandra Merisoiu shares her story of how she went from guzzling Coke and eating at all hours to lean, fit and healthy. Plus a tiny food that you'd never guess has more calcium than dairy, and a food for sport that keeps you going all day long!The food that I'll share with you is not only an amazing source of protein, energy and healthy fats, but one tiny ounce contains 18% of the recommended daily allowance for calcium. So it's also an amazing bone food for all you people who don't eat dairy and might be worried about where you're getting your calcium. And I bet you don't know what it is! Or maybe you do...you'll find out in a bit! Our guest, Alexandra MerisoiuI am very excited to be joined here today by Alexandra Merisoiu, also known as The Body Engineer.Alexandra specialises in working with runners, beginners and advanced, who want to run faster and further, with less effort and fewer injuries. She also has a 3rd Dan Black Belt in Karate Shotokan, and she is a Martial Arts British National Champion, with a host of national and international awards in the sport, including World Cup Champion. And if that weren't enough, in between helping others with their running, Alexandra still competes at an international level!Alexandra's storySo let's get to the story. Alexandra welcome to the Clean Food, Dirty Stories podcast! I'm really excited to have you here today!Alexandra: Thank you very much for the invitation. And thank you for the introduction as well.Me: Oh well you're welcome! I just find it astounding, everything that you manage to do. And I don't know how you do it, but I'm sure you'll share a bit about that in a moment.I mean, I know when we talked about you coming on the podcast, you mentioned that there was a time when you were drinking like 2 liters of coke a day and definitely with a very different level of health and fitness compared to what you have today.And I would really love for you to tell everybody how you changed your relationship with food, because there are a lot of things that you've overcome that a lot of people still struggle with, you know?Alexandra: Yeah, well that's true. 2 liters of Coca-Cola, 2 liters of Sprite, I kind of changed from one to the other. Me: Variety, yeah...Training hard in RomaniaAlexandra: I mean, back then in my family I didn't have the education that I have today. When McDonald's came to my country, I was there a few times a week. But we didn't really know what and how and why...Me: Oh sorry, so can you remind people where you grew up, then?Alexandra: Oh yes, in Romania. In Eastern Europe.So I was practising martial arts 6 days a week, sometimes 12 sessions a week. Twice a day was in school holidays.Me: Wow!Alexandra: A holiday with my family didn't really exist because I was always training. And yeah, I was just eating, burning calories, eating, burning calories...There was no way I could have put on weight.But fast forward to today, it's not actually about being able to burn calories. It's about what's going on inside your body, it's all about calories.Alexandra's first turning pointMe: I know you had a turning point at one stage, right? Because you said you had Coke and a sandwich, and...what led you to change?Alexandra: Oh yes, I remember it. I was actually a little bit scared. I was twelve, thirteen years old, and I was eating a sandwich really quick. And I was drinking Coke while eating a sandwich, right?Me: As many people do, right?Alexandra: Yes, and two minutes into eating, I just threw it up. And I think from what I remember, that was the turning point. At that point I just stopped drinking Coca-Cola.Me: Yes because you weren't feeling sick, right? It wasn't like you had an illness and threw up, it was actually the...Alexandra: No, no, I actually think I was getting ready to go to my karate training. I actually went!Me: (laughs) That doesn't surprise me!Alexandra: (laughs) Yes, my training is a bit like if I'm not in the hospital...Me: Were you competing at that time too?Alexandra: Yes, yes, I think my first competition was when I was ten years old, or nine. It was an in-house competition, so small. But yeah, I was competing, and then at fourteen I received my first black belt.A definite U-turnMe: Wow! And what were you thinking when, I mean, you've eaten the sandwich, you've drunk the Coca-Cola, you've thrown it up. I mean, what thoughts were in your head when you were like 'I've had enough, I can't eat this way any more'?Alexandra: Oh it's been such a long time, I don't remember. But the shock of throwing up and of feeling sick...I think it was a U-turn, basically. I don't think I thought about it too much. I don't remember thinking 'Oh this isn't too good for my health'.Me: Yeah, a twelve-year-old probably wouldn't think like that, right?Alexandra: Yes, probably I thought 'This made me throw up so I'm not gonna have it anymore'.From training to clubbingMe: Cause you were quite heavier at one point, right? You said that you were like ten kilos heavier at one stage, so how did that happen?Alexandra: Yeah, so when I was eighteen I stopped karate. I did the other martial arts, but I stopped karate because I started travelling. And I kind of...when you are an athlete, you don't go out much. You don't have a lot of friends.So I made some friends and then we started going clubbing and dancing and drinking and all the other stuff. I saw the other side of life and karate all of a sudden didn't seem so fascinating anymore, you know?I trained less, but I was eating the same. And when you're an athlete and you train 6 times a week, maybe 12 times a week, and you eat a certain quality of food and a certain quantity of food, you're balanced. You don't put on weight.Piling on the poundsBut when you stop that, when you take your training to 3 days a week, and you eat the same, you start putting on weight. And you put on weight fast. So that's what happened. I stopped karate and I went to visit my father who was living in France. With my friend. And basically what we were doing was we were eating McDonald's and other fast food at midnight, and you know, watching movies...Me: Whoa! So like the worst time ever to eat the worst kind of food ever!Alexandra: Exactly! So I think I was there for 2 months during the summer holidays. And when I came back I was 10 kilograms heavier and my mom was like, 'What happened to you!'Me: Ohhh!Alexandra: Of course, going from 49 kilos to 60 kilos doesn't seem like such a big thing. But for me it was a huge contrast.Me: Yeah, because you're not like super tall, right?Alexandra: Yeah, exactly. And as an athlete I was skinny, as skinny as...Me: Skinny as a rail, right?Alexandra: Right! So for me that was a bit of a psychological downfall.Me: Yeah, of course.Weightloss: a fast-moving trainAlexandra: No-one was looking at me in any other way, but it was how I saw myself. I mean, I was used to being lean, being fast and strong. And all of a sudden – well not all of a sudden, over a few months – that changed.Me: But it creeps up on you as well, right? I mean, that's the difficult bit. You said you put it on fast, but I imagine it wasn't like all of a sudden you woke up and the 10 kilos were there, right?Alexandra: No, it wasn't. It was a few months. I don't remember exactly because it was a while ago, but probably when I was in France I put a few kilograms on and then...I see weightloss like a fast moving train. It gains momentum. You put on a little bit of weight and then faster and faster until...Me: Out of control!Alexandra: Yeah, and with weightloss the same, but you have to stop the train and then go back and build the momentum. So that's a weightloss lesson, for example.Me: Yeah, yeah.Alexandra's second turning point: in the poolAlexandra: So one turning point was with Coca-Cola, and the second turning point was with the fast foods when I gained weight and I just didn't feel good about myself anymore.Me: So then you made a massive commitment at that point. What did you say to yourself? Were you just like 'This ends here, I have to just change everything'?Alexandra: Well I actually remember – I don't know if this is the first, but I do remember – I went swimming. There's a 50-meter Olympic swimming pool that I learned to swim in. And I was struggling to do 3 or 4 lengths!Me: Wow!Alexandra: In the past I could do 15, 20...I could just do it! So my fitness level was just...And that was the turning point. That scared me and I thought 'I need to get my fitness back'. And I think that was in 2007 when I became a runner.Motivation for changeMe: Did you start both at the same time then?Alexandra: Yeah, I think from what I remember that I used running to lose the weight. I was also going to the United States, it was the first time that summer and I was going with a working travel program on the shore of the Atlantic. At the beach. So that kind of motivated me more, because my swimming suits weren't fitting me anymore!Me: Oh no!Alexandra: My clothes weren't fitting anymore! Now I do have to say this, because it's really, really important. The people you surround yourself with.I had some very good friends. Very good friends, I learned a lot from them. However from a health and fitness point of view, they weren't the best people to be around me. So in the personal development world, you know, they say you're the average of the 5 people you surround yourself with.And looking back, I didn't know about personal development then. I know now, but looking back, I was drinking a lot. And I could take the spirits. I wouldn't have a hangover. It was so easy for me, that I could just drink.Me: (laughs) I can't do that!Alexandra: (laughs) Well, I can't do that either, it's been 4 or 5 years since I've had a sip of alcohol, so...yeah. The swimming pool, that's what turned me around and made me start running and made the commitment to give up the fast foods.And my mom had a very important role in this. She understood that in order for me to lose the weight and get back to normal, I needed to make some drastic but gradual changes.The plan of attackMe: So what were those changes? Because I know you said you cut out a lot of foods, right?Alexandra: Yeah. So first of all, the drinks. My mom always said, 'Don't drink Pepsi and Coca-Cola and all this stuff. These are the first things to cut out.' So we started with that.And I say 'we' because my mom was there all the time. She always said, 'Have one day a week where you can eat whatever you want. Don't deprive your body because then you will crave it'.And she's right again, right? (laughs) Moms just know!So one day a week I would have, I don't know, whatever I wanted. But it's important to say that I made these decisions. My mom supported and advised. She's not a nutritionist but she has a very good intuition when it comes to nutrition and weightloss.The next foods to go were...The second thing I cut out was pretty much anything that had sugar. So any chocolates, ice creams, anything that tasted sweet.And then we started taking out the potatoes, oh and bread. Bread was actually together with the drinks. The drinks and the bread were like the first things we started with.Me: But when you started, you did it gradually, right? First you cut out the bread and the drinks for a little while, but you were still eating ice cream and other sweet things?Easy does itAlexandra: Yeah. But I wasn't replacing. I was still eating the same amount. So it wasn't like, 'Oh, I'm not gonna drink Pepsi anymore but I'm gonna eat 3 more ice creams!' (laughs) I wasn't eating ice cream every day, I was eating ice cream once or twice a week maybe.Me: But I think that's a really interesting point though. That you did it really gradually. Because most of us are like, 'Right! No more ice cream, no more bread, I'm gonna eat super healthy every day'. And then like 3 days later we just fall down, right? Whereas you did it really gradually, right?So for example, just to give people an idea of the timeline, you know? When you said the drinks and the bread, do you remember how long you went before you decided to cut out the next thing? Was it really like...was there a system behind it? Or did you just go with what you felt?How you can know when you're ready to cut out a foodAlexandra: At that point I didn't know about systems. I just went with what felt comfortable. So if I was still thinking about having Sprite or another fizzy drink, then it meant that I'm not ready for taking out the next food or foods.Me: Oh, that makes sense! Oh!Alexandra: Yeah. So once my craving for something or the thought of having something disappeared...Now for example if I think of a sandwich, no matter how good the sandwich looks, I don't really want it, right?So I guess we went with how I felt. And I think to give people an idea, I probably would go 4 to 6 weeks of taking out one group of foods. Or one food, not necessarily one group of foods.Me: Yeah, that makes a lot of sense, because they say it takes at least 30 days if not longer to establish a new habit, right?Here's how to test yourselfThat's really cool, I just want to really emphasize that point, because it would never have occurred to me to cut out one thing and then wait until the cravings for that one thing disappeared before cutting out the next thing! I think that is amazing! I've never heard that before, actually.Alexandra: Well, it's just going with what you feel. It's a test. If you think about having bread, how do you feel? Do you really want it? You know, if you have a slice of bread in front of you, are you gonna take it? Or can you just ignore it?So I think that's when the change happens. When you can go to the next phase.Change for lifeMe: Yeah! Plus the other thing that I love about that is...that's like lifetime change, right? That's not the kind of thing where you fall down again after a year. I mean you hear about people who deprive themselves for months and months and then they just...they manage to go past the 30 days and yet they still fall down because they haven't passed the test yet!Alexandra: Exactly! And no matter, it can be 30 days, it can be...you can do the same habit for 2, 3, 6 months and then go back to it. Seriously. Nothing is guaranteed.Me: Yeah, of course.Alexandra: That's why I don't go with 30 days or 44 or 60...Me: Well, we're all different as well, right? One food isn't going to have the same effect on everybody, right?Alexandra: Exactly, yeah.How to refuse politely...Me: Wow, that's really cool. Oh and I wanted to ask you, because you said that in those first 3 to 6 months, that was the worst, right? And that sometimes you had people offering you other foods, foods that you don't eat and stuff. So how did you manage to a) resist the temptation and b) manage to say no in a nice way? (laughs)Alexandra: (laughs) Yeah, well I don't know how to say no in a nice way actually! (laughs) I say “No thank you” and that's it!Me: (laughs) Oh! Ok! The truth comes out... (laughs)Alexandra: Right, well it's about educating the people around me. It's about how you educate the people around you, or reeducate.So they know I like this kind of cheese, it's like a kind of cottage cheese, a type of cottage cheese pie that we make in the east. And I love it, you know? I always loved it. So all of my family, when you go for Easter, they always have it for me. And it has the right amount of cheese in it... (laughs)And you know, in the first 6 months it was difficult because I was trying to cut out all these things. But there you have it in front of you on the table! So...Me: And made by people for you, right? So the guilt thing could come in if you let it, right?Alexandra: Exactly!What to say to friends and familySo there were 2 ways, well a few ways, actually, out of this situation that people can use.First of all, you say “Thank you, but I can't eat anymore”. You know, after your meal, you are full. “Just leave it for later”, right?Sometimes it's good to tell people, “I don't eat this anymore, but I'll just have a small piece”. And you just have a small piece! Not a whole slice, you know?And here's what you tell yourselfBut it's good to voice it. What you tell yourself, that's what you're going to believe. So if you tell yourself, “I can't eat this” or “I can't have this” or “I'm not allowed this”, it's like an interdiction. You tell your brain you can't have it and it wants more.Me: And you want it, yeah.Alexandra: So what I did – unknowingly I did it – I said, “ I don't have this”. I mean, it's my choice not to have this any more. And in my head I always said that, it's my choice to have this or to not have this.Alexandra: And then, you know, people insist, because, you know, that's how family is...Me: Yup!Get a family member to support youAlexandra: And they're right...I love them all. But I have to say that after a few times of insisting, I would start to get a bit bothered or annoyed by it, and that's when they would leave me alone. (laughs)But also my mom was a big supporter, to be honest. Because she would say “No, no, she doesn't eat that”. And when my mom would say it, then everyone would just let me be.Me: Oh, that's really nice!Alexandra: So it's very important if you can have someone in your family to support you and to, you know, be on your side for the first year or so. That makes a huge difference.Make the right choice, every single dayAnd if not, always remember that your mind is the most powerful. So you make the choice, every single day.Me: I love that. I'm glad you said that again because I love that idea of making the right choice every single day and remembering that it's always a choice. Because it's kind of like reminding yourself how powerful you are over your life, right?Alexandra: Absolutely!Me: Yeah, that's really cool!Alexandra: Many times – even today – when I have pizza...Well, I can have pizza maybe 3 times a year even though it's one of my favorite foods. I always say I want pizza but I never get it.How to take charge of your mindEven if I have a pastry or an ice cream, I always tell myself, “I choose to have this. I don't need it, and I don't crave it, but I choose to have it today”. And if I do crave that stuff, I don't have it in that moment.This is basically one of the food discipline lessons. It's like disciplining my mind to say that if it craves something, it doesn't mean it's gonna have it. So there's no point in craving it. It's when I decide.Me: Oh!Alexandra: There's this book, The Chimp Paradox. You know it.Me: Yeah.Alexandra: It's talking with your chimp, telling it “You're gonna have this when I tell you, not when you want!”Me: Exactly, yeah!Alexandra: So that's one of the food discipline lessons: don't have them when you crave them.Cravings: what they really mean...Me: Yeah! That's really good! And also because some people think that...I think it can be an excuse sometimes. Not all the time, but sometimes...especially if it's something unhealthy. Some people think, 'Oh well, I have this craving because I'm lacking in iron' or some other nutrient. I mean, I don't know what your take is on that?My take is that if it's a healthy food you're craving, yeah then it's probably true. But if it's an unhealthy one...Alexandra: Yeah, absolutely. That's right. If it's unhealthy...If you lack iron, get foods that have iron. Or, I don't know, vitamin E. Get foods that have that. Don't lie to yourself. Don't say, 'I want this pastry' or whatever it is. Or chips, or ice cream, or whatever, because you crave the healthy stuff that's in the chips.If you crave salt, that means maybe you've trained and you haven't replaced your salts. But you can do that without eating chips.Me: Yeah, exactly, yeah. (laughs)Take your time with the processOh I remember what I wanted to ask you. When I read your story on your website, I remember you were saying that it was really important to you to take your time with the whole process. I think you said the whole process took...How long did it take? Like 1 to 2 years or something?Alexandra: Yes, it took about 2 years to get to a stable point, so I took the 10 kilograms off. Then I would know that I could eat other stuff and not put on weight.But I have to say that I did not want to deprive myself and restrict myself, right? So in the 2 years my weight went up and down. You know, 2 kilos down then half a kilo up, then 1 kilo down and 2 kilos up. So up and down, up and down. I wasn't looking to starve myself. I didn't want to be hungry. That was the last thing.Me: Oh yeah, yeah.Alexandra: So I would eat quite a lot of healthy stuff. I would eat quantity and quality. Both. So that's why my weight went slowly. 1 to 2 years.But at the end of 2 years I could start eating other stuff as well without worrying about it. Although if I had eaten cakes and stuff in the first 6 months to 1 year, I don't think I would have actually taken the weight down. Because I would have just fallen back into...Me: Old habits, right?Alexandra: I still have that one day a week. That's really important.Me: Yeah, that's really good! And so for the other 6 days a week, what do you eat typically now?What Alexandra eats nowAlexandra: Well, since then, this is what I eat. I would say 80% of my food is fresh vegetables. I have salads and fresh vegetables in my fridge day in and day out, 80%. Then about 10% is dairy, 10% is meat. Meat I would say...turkey and...turkey, actually. Chicken very little, and the rest is mostly when I go home and my mom says “Have this because it's healthy”. And I say “Mom even if I don't have it, I'm not going to be unhealthy”. But yeah, meat's about 10%.Me: And fruit? Do you have fruit as well?Alexandra: Yes, I have berries, but not as much as I used to. Berries I have, but not the other fruit. The reason for that is because fruit is healthy but it still has a lot of sugar. I love fruit! I can eat 2 or 3 kilos of apples a day! Without my stomach having any problems.Me: Wow! That's a lot of apples!Alexandra: Yeah, I can eat that. Or clementines...I like them. They're fresh, they're sweet, they have water so they hydrate me, so I like it. So for me fruit is...I need to be in control, because otherwise I could just eat fruit all day!Me: Oh, OK!Alexandra: Yes, it's healthy, but it's a lot of sugar.Alexandra's other food guidelinesMe: And is that something that you suggest to the people that you train? To the people that you work with? To eat very little fruit?Alexandra: Well, I advise them 5 a day, as a nutritional guideline. But obviously you can have 6 or 7, you can have less. Everyone has to know where they're at.Like I don't need that much fruit. I need vegetables, fresh vegetables. If I don't have vegetables...Red peppers, I like red peppers because they are very refreshing with all the water. I like baby plum tomatoes because again, they're slightly sweet, but they have water in them. So for me if I don't have that, at the end of the day I feel like I'm missing something.For some people, if they don't have some fruit they'll feel like that. So you kind of have to look at it and judge the what and how to have the minerals and vitamins that you need. But again I take, upon my Sensei's advice, I take a multivitamin. Because I train so much, he said 'You need to get this, because the foods nowadays are not the ones you grew up with'.You can still do it, even working full timeMe: And one thing that I read in your story where I almost fell off my chair, I mean I was like amazed. When you started running and eating really healthily and doing all the food and stuff, you were working like 8 hours a day? Is that right? In an office?Alexandra: Yeah, at some point I was working 8 hours a day, 9 to 5.Me: Oh wow!Alexandra: So in the morning I would wake up at 5. And I was a student back then, yes?Alexandra's routine (in a full time job)This was my routine, and I loved it actually. At 5 am I would wake up, by 5:15 I was out the door going for a run, running 1 hour. 1 hour meant 12 k for me. Then I'd come back and cook breakfast and cook lunch, had breakfast and took the lunch to go. I took my bike, because I could cycle about half an hour to my office.I was working in corporate banking back then. And, you know, I would stay for 8 hours there. And like anyone who works in an office, people would come with chocolates and with biscuits and all the other stuff. My answer was always, “Thank you, but I don't eat this kind of stuff”. Not like that, but “Thank you, I don't eat that”.And from time to time if it was someone's birthday, I would take a small piece of chocolate. But one – and one every once in a blue moon. Most of the time though I'd say no thank you, even if I was hungry. I would have a tea, I don't know, I would just...Me: Yeah, the reason I ask is because there are so many people who are working full time in an office, and they already struggle with just eating healthy, you know? So being able to do that, plus working in the exercise regimen as well, I mean I just find that really incredible.And evening classes on top of everything elseAlexandra: And after that actually I would cycle to university which was about 1 hour cycling. I would have my master's degree and most of my classes were in the evening by then. It was full time, but classes were in the evening. I would have my master's degree classes, and then I would be back at 7 or 8. Then I would eat something, and then go ice skating if it was winter, or go for another run if it was not winter.Me: Wow! And you were still competing at that stage, right?Alexandra: No, at that stage I wasn't competing anymore. That was...I think I was 19 or 20 years old. So I left karate behind for a while and then I started another martial art: Daitoryu, the ancestor of aikido. I don't remember when I started it, I was doing it at the weekend, 3 hours on Saturday and 3 hours on Sunday I think. It was in the time I was in corporate banking. I think that's what it was, if I remember well.Me: So then how did you...You were in corporate banking and then 1 to 2 years later, you lose all the weight, you get really trim again, and then you went back to competing, is that right?Competing againAlexandra: I went back to competing when I moved to England. So I moved to England when I was 24, I went to London when I was 25, so about 5 years ago. I joined the SKC – Shotokan Karate England. They invited me in the squad and I've been in the squad for 3 and a half years now I think. And now I wear the English flag!Me: That's really cool! That's so cool! I really love your story, I think it's just absolutely incredible. And I really want people to know where they can find you, because you help other people do the same, right?Can you say a little bit about what you're helping people with now, and what you've got going on at the moment?How Alexandra helps others nowAlexandra: Right, so now I specialize in working with runners. I'm very passionate about body mechanics. And that's because I've had a lot of injuries when I was 12 or 13. Structural injuries, damage to joints. So my interest in how the body functions was fueled by that curiosity to understand why that happens.So now I specialize in working with runners who experience these injuries. Obviously not any injury. Some injuries you need to see a physio, osteopath, chiropractor, it depends on the injury. But a lot of aches and pains come from the way we use...the way we move, particularly if you're a runner.I'm also qualified to work with lower back pain...people...so most lower back pain is due to activity - a lack of it, or the wrong type of activity and poor posture, so we work on that. And obviously the nutrition, the food discipline lessons which are part of my system.How people can get in touch with me is through themerisoutechnique.com - or easier – themtechnique.com – m like Mike. And should I say something about my event in the summer?Me: Yes! There's an event you're doing that I've got to have you talk about, because I just think it's fantastic! I looked at the description and if I didn't have events of my own going on, I would be on a plane! I want to hear all about it!Alexandra's summer eventsAlexandra: It's called Dracula's Retreat.Me: Yay!Alexandra: As the name goes, it's at Dracula's castle. Well, it's not at Dracula's castle, it's like 1 kilometer away.Me: But still! That's pretty close!Alexandra: (laughs) Some people think it's scary, but it's not scary.Me: No, it looks beautiful!Alexandra: Yes, and in summer because we will be in the mountains, you have the green, you have the forest, you have trails to go up the mountain.3 aspects to the retreatSo Dracula's Retreat has 3 components.One is touristic, so obviously you learn about the culture of Transylvania, you learn about Dracula's story, you visit the castle, then another fortress which is close by. Then it's the fitness, so we will go hiking. Now hiking is more like trekking. So we don't need axes...Me: (laughs) You're not gonna be chopping down the jungle and stuff.Alexandra: (laughs) Not on this occasion, no. And natural movement fitness. Now if we have runners, we go running. And actually we do have runners as well. And natural movement fitness, which has to do with animal movements, balance, logs: carrying, throwing, lifting logs, slack lines...So for people who don't know, that's a flat type of rope, you'd call it. But it's flat and it's slack, so for upper body exercises. Hanging off of branches...And it's all about exploring nature, leveraging nature. And understanding that to get fit and healthy and to experience the joy of training, you don't really need a gym. So people who are bored with the gym, they come to me, basically. And then there's the social part because you get to be with a group of people and you do the whole thing...The food is also a very important part of it.Me: Yup, I'll bet!Alexandra: Trying to keep it as healthy as possible, but it will be traditional. So there will be the odd pleasure for everyone.Mindfulness and meditationMe: Yup! And there's a meditation aspect to it too, right? A mindfulness component to it?Alexandra: Well, yes. Natural movement and balance exercises first of all, you know, you need that body awareness and mindfulness. But we will go through guided meditations. Guided meditations are a big part of Qigong and Tai chi which are a big part of my personal training.We will practice breathing exercises, mindfulness meditations, and some Qigong exercises. We're gonna look at what Chinese medicine says and how the meridians connect to the internal organs. I'm not a Chinese medicine expert, but I read a lot and I practice a lot, so...I'll be just sharing the knowledge.Me: Oh, that's really cool. And so where's the best place for people to find information about the retreat? I mean, I'll link to it in the shownotes, but...Alexandra: Simply draculasretreat.comMe: Oh! That's easy! Alexandra thank you so much, I mean I just love your story, I mean, it's inspiring and also I learned a lot. I can't wait to hear how Dracula's Retreat went, and I'm definitely coming on one of them!Alexandra: Yes, it's going to be every year. This is it. I have such a big vision for it, and it's going to be an amazing adventure, really. I'm taking people on an adventure, not only on a retreat.Me: No, of course. That's really cool.Well thank you so much, I'll link to everything that you've mentioned in the shownotes so that people can find it easily. I'm going to share our food tip now, and thank you so much! Awesome!Food for sportRight, so I also mentioned at the beginning of this episode that I'd share with you a tiny but amazing food that is an incredible source of protein, energy, healthy fats and calcium. Not only is it a fantastic food for sport, but it's a great bone food as well. And that food is...are you ready?Chia seeds!Benefits of chia seedsChia seeds are one of the best foods ever for everybody to eat in my opinion. I don't really care if you're vegan, vegetarian, paleo, junk food addict – you want to be eating these little guys. They have so many benefits it's ridiculous. I'll link to a really good article that I found in the show notes if you'd like to read more about the health benefits and the nutritional analysis of chia seeds. And a recipe of my own as well.Eating chia seeds has been linked to not only bone health, but also gut health, stabilizing your blood sugar and helping reduce inflammation.Components of chia seedsOne cool thing about chia seeds is that they do contain a good amount of fiber but they're also gentle on the gut. So this is important for people who have trouble digesting high-fiber foods like broccoli and cauliflower. Chia seeds actually are soothing for your whole digestive tract.They're small and hard when you get them in the packet, but when you soak them or when they mix with your digestive juices and things, they puff up and they're quite viscous which sounds horrible but they're actually quite delicious!They also contain minerals like phosphorus, manganese and magnesium, as well as calcium. And for those of you who don't eat dairy and you get people asking where you get your calcium, you can tell them that ounce per ounce, chia seeds actually contain more calcium than most dairy products.Chia seeds are also a complete protein, so if you don't eat meat and you get the 'where do you get your protein' question, well you can tell them that one ounce of chia seeds has 4 grams of protein. So you won't wilt.Why chia seeds are a great food for sport On the contrary. Besides providing protein, calcium, minerals and antioxidants, chia seeds also release energy over a long period of time rather than all at once. That's why they're such a good food for sport.Also if you've got a long day ahead of you and you know you won't be able to eat for a while, chia seeds can help keep you going for longer. You can try this out for yourself actually, have yourself a chia seed pudding for breakfast and see how you feel.How you use chia seedsWhich brings me to how you eat chia seeds. A lot of people just sprinkle the dry seeds over food, like you would any seed. Over salads, for example. Because they absorb liquid, you can also use them to thicken sauces and other dishes.But my favorite way to eat chia seeds is to soak them in some nut milk for an amazing pudding. It's a bit like tapioca, so if you like tapioca, you'll love chia seed pudding.There's a lot of them out there on the internet which you can find, but I've got a gorgeous recipe for chia seed pudding on my website which I'll link to in the shownotes, along with other recipes as well.And as an extra special bonus for you, Alexandra has an extra special recipe that uses chia seeds!Alexandra's super food for sport recipeAlexandra: Right! So I compete a lot. I go to a competition at 8 am and I come back home at 9 or 10 pm, so it's a very long day. And in 12 hours, I probably compete 10 or 15 minutes throughout the day.Me: Wow!Alexandra: Yeah, sometimes I have my fights at like 6 or 7 pm. So it's like, it did happen, I had one fight at 7 pm. You have one event in the evening. Because it's senior – senior meaning plus 21 - you have to wait a lot.So I read in a book this chia seed drink. The first time I had it was the world championships in Bulgaria, and I did not need water, or food, or anything else for the whole day. I was not hungry. And it was really amazing, because by 4 or 5 pm, I would be so dehydrated that nothing – tea, water...No matter how much I would drink, I would be dehydrated. My tissues, my body...my body was just saturated with water.Having this drink, what it did was it kept my energy levels up. I did not need to eat solid foods because it gives you protein, omega 6 and 3 fats, and in the drink it also has carbohydrates. You also have something that gives you a bit of a zing.So I was with my energy levels up, nourished, hydrated, focused...pretty awesome. Strong! Everyone else by 7 pm, they were down, you know, they can't drink anymore...but I was, yeah!How you make itFor the drink, how I make it, so everyone needs to test and see whatever they like. 500 ml of water, 2 tablespoons of chia seeds, the juice of 1 lime...sometimes I put 1 ½ depending on how sour I want it. And 2 or 3 teaspoons of organic honey. You just mix it up, shake it up, and it becomes like a gel to be honest. You just drink it throughout the day.I have 3 or 4 bottles with me when I go to a competition. And I had 3 competitions already. I tested it – it works!No drugs, just food for sportMe: Wow! That is so cool! And I think you said somebody...you were afraid they were gonna think you were on like, you know, performance enhancing drugs!Alexandra: Yeah! Well, you know, it's a food. So if they were to test anything, they wouldn't find anything besides chia seeds! (laughs)Me: (laughs) They'd find a lot of chia seeds!Alexandra: A lot of chia seeds! But yeah, people look a bit weird at you because the bottle is see-through, you know? You can see all the bits, and they don't really know what it is. So you have to say, “It's chia seeds, it's a food”.But you know, it's not their problem. As long as you don't have any weird substances. And you don't need weird substances, you know? You have all these foods...try this! This is good!And for runnersAnd if you're a runner and you do marathons and stuff, see if you can create a thicker gel. You put it in those pouches, and it's a lot better than the geogels and all that other stuff.Me: Oh yeah, yeah.Alexandra: Much, much, much better, so...Me: That's fantastic, yay! You guys have to try it! I'm gonna try it! Thank you so much!Alexandra: My pleasure.Have YOU got a story to share?So I hope you've enjoyed Alexandra's amazing story today as well as our food tips. And if you've got a crazy, true story to share (and you'd like to know what food could have been helpful, or even saved the day in your situation), I'd love to hear from you! Got a question, or a comment?Got a question, or a comment? Pop a note below in the comments, that would be awesome. You can also subscribe to the podcast to listen 'on the go' in iTunes.I hope you have an amazing day. Thank you so much for being here with me to share in my Clean Food, Dirty Stories. Bye for now!RESOURCESAlexandra's website: http://themerisoiutechnique.com/unleash-your-physical-potentialAlexandra's retreat: http://draculasretreat.com/Book The Chimp ParadoxChia seed pudding recipe: http://rockingrawchef.com/gluten-free-rice-pudding-recipeOther 5-minute recipe ebooks: https://rockingrawchef.com/5-minute-recipes/Article on benefits of chia seeds: https://authoritynutrition.com/11-proven-health-benefits-of-chia-seeds/Alexandra Merisoiu, The Body Engineer, is the Founder of The Merisoiu Technique Institute and Dracula’s Retreat. She is also a qualified Low Back Pain Prevention Exercise Instructor and REPS registered. She specialises in working with runners, beginners and advanced, who want to run faster and further, with less effort and fewer injuries. This is done through natural movement fitness and running technique and mechanics.