Body Images Archives - Jovanka Ciares

What a Health Coach Eats, Winter Edition

I often get asked what I eat in a day and the answer to that question is “it depends”. I eat differently in winter than in summer and regularly check with my alternative medicine practitioners to check for imbalances and nutrient deficiency.

Having said that, you can still follow some simple basic principles to help your body feel its best regardless of the time of the year.

Here’s what a health coach (moi) eats during winter!

Now, below the video, tell me: do you eat for the seasons? What are you eating these days and how does your body feel? Let me know in the comments below!

The Power Of Words

Do you words have power? Is there some truth to the claim some people make about the power of words? Most people have strong opinions about this and I was one of them.

But after watching a documentary about water, where a scientist (dr. Masaru Emoto) that explains how your words and even your thoughts (positive or negative) can affect molecules of water. I was curious, even fascinated. Then, a few months ago, I saw a Facebook post from Danielle Laporte about an experiment she did with her son. So I set out to recreate the exact same experiment on video and see for myself.

Here’s what my experiment looked like: I cut out 1 apple in half, sealed each half in an identical Mason jar and stored them in the exact window sill for approx. 21 days.

Every day for a month I said negative and demeaning words to what I called the “bad apple”. Things like “you’re nasty, fat and ugly. You’re stupid and incapable. You can’t do anything right. Why do you even try! You suck and I hate you”.

The other half, the “good apple” heard beautiful words of encouragement. I told her things like: “you are so smart, amazing, sweet and gentle. You are amazing and I am in awe of you, you are the best, I love you”.

The first 7-10 days not much was happening… but then things started to change.

Check out the video above to learn the results.

How To Practice Self Love

Yes, I’m naked on this video because I want to talk about self-love. And no, not the physical act of self love! It is about accepting and loving who you are exactly as you are!

Today, I want you acknowledge and honor your needs and feelings and practice some kindness and compassion with yourself. You can try some of these 5 different ideas on the video below.

Now, which one of these tips are you willing to try right now? Do you have any other fun ways to practice self love? Make sure to leave a comment below and let me know!

I Healed After Years Of Pain And Stiffness With This AMAZING Product!

I’m an avid yogi and crazy about salsa dancing. Years ago I push my body too far on an advanced yoga class and hurt some of the tendons in my groin. I went home and put some ice on the injury, alternating it with heat to help the tissue heal. Many months, X-rays, steroids and other prescription drugs later I was stiffer and more in pain than ever.

I even went to weeks of physical therapy, which ended up aggravating the injury and setting me back months! I couldn’t dance or practice yoga and since I wasn’t a professional dancer or athlete, the doctors gave up on trying to heal my injury and instead focused on simply managing the symptoms.

THAT’S WHEN I WENT INTO OVERDRIVE!

I wasn’t going to let an injury keep me away from shakin’ my booty and enjoying my passions. I started to find natural alternatives to steroids (for pain) and therapy (for tissue regeneration and healing). After months of searching I found something called Shilajit and my life was forever changed.

What Is Shilajit?

Shilajit is a type of resin, similar to tar in look and consistency. It grows naturally in mountain regions in India, Russia and other parts of Asia. It has a proven history of health benefits from energy and healing to detoxification powers. Doctors in Asia and Eastern Europe have been using this mineral substance to treat injuries and other ailments for many years.

Why Is It So Effective?

Shilajit contains over 85 different minerals, which together, which gives it strong antioxidant properties, higher than blueberries! This helps the body not only prevent cellular degeneration but potentially restore and heal tissue at a cellular level. Shilajit is also considered an adaptogen, which helps your body adapt to environmental stressors more efficiently.

What Is It Know/Used For?

There are countless studies done on the health benefits of Shilajit. Yet somehow it is still fairly unknown in the Western world. Most of the studies conducted have shown that the traditional claims made about Shilajit are actually true. Here are just some of the benefits:

Restore And Regenerate Bones And Tissue Faster
Improve Sleep
Reduce Inflammation
Natural Performance And Memory Enhancer
Reduce Stress And Anxiety
Anti-Oxidant
Relief Debilitating Pain

Click on this link to learn more about the studies done on this amazing substance.

How It Helped Me

I started using just a pinch (about ½ a pea size) twice per day. The resin is thick and semi hard so I would put it in about ½ a glass of warm water and let it dissolve (it would turn the water a dark brown color) and drank it like a tonic first thing in the morning and then late at night.

After 3 weeks of using Shilajit the stiffness in my groin started to go away and I could finally stretch without pain. About 8 weeks later, I could stretch my legs farther than I could in over 3 years and I slowly want back to salsa dancing and yoga. I used the product every day for 3 months and my body never felt stronger, more flexible and healthier.

Click here to check out more awesome information about the benefits of Shilajit and how to try it.

Have you ever tried Shilajit? How was your experience with it? Let me know in the comments below!

Tips To Help You Speed Up Your Metabolism

Here I am, offering another fabulous video series. This one is all about metabolism. And this is video #1!

On this video you will learn what the heck is metabolism, how it affects your weight management and 5 tips that keep my clients’ metabolism nice and high and their weight nice and low.

Women as young as 24 and as old as 53 have the same amazing results following these 5 simple tips. Check them out!

So tell me, which of these tips are you willing to try first? Which one has helped you so far?

Let me know, in the comments below!

How Do You Get Rid Of Cellulite?

Can you really get rid of cellulite?

This is the age-old question for the roughly 80% of women out there suffering from pesky cellulite (and for the men who have to hear the regular complaints!)

The short answer is YES! I believe you can.

The long answer is, this is a very complex question and the answer can vary from person to person, depending on your diet, lifestyle, genes, even your level of toxicity (which varies from person to person).

I also started practicing some beautifying routines that I’m sharing on today’s video with you. Check them out and let’s put them in practice and get rid of the cellulite once and for all!

http://youtu.be/XIOLX_isEag

I still have cellulite (yes, I hate it too) but I have a LOT less than I did years ago when I was still eating foods that are considered to be “okay” but we all know deep down are not that “okay” for us.

Patience and perseverance are KEY! You must try these for a minimum of 8 weeks before you start seeing results. Give them a try and let me know below how is your progress going!

The Food For Thought Summit Coming Soon!

For the last 4 months, I’ve been working on a little project that I’m really excited about and now I’m ready to share with you!

It’s called Food For Thought: The Mind, Body, Spirit Summit!

From April 14th-18th, I’ll be interviewing top wellness experts (doctors, nutritionists, therapists, coaches, best-selling authors) on how they manage to sustain a healthy lifestyle. All interviews will be available online at the Food For Thought website.

Since I know you’ve been searching for practical ways to live a healthier, more active lifestyle, the Food for Thought Summit is here to help you!

The #1 reason why people struggle to keep a healthy lifestyle is overwhelm. There’s just too much information out there! This summit will help you cut through the clutter, learn ways to stay motivated and create your own personal wellness revolution!

Click Here to check out the website and more details!

As a loyal member of my community you have immediate access to the summit and the Facebook Group Absolutely FREE!

SHARE this post with your friends so they too get FREE access to the summit.

Why is Working Out So Important

I admit it, I hate working out! That’s right, I said it! I don’t like gyms, people screaming at me to “motivate me” or weight rooms. But I recognize how essential it is to shake your butt on a regular basis.

That’s why I decided to interview my friend and fitness expert Sylvia Nasser. Sylvia can teach you to love workouts and motivate you like no one else I’ve ever met and I wanted to get her take on why working out is so important and how you can get motivated to shake you butt as well!

Check out the interview below!

So… do you struggle to find time and motivation to exercise? What do you normally do as a workout? Let me know in the comment section below!

My Issues With Body Image Issues

I don’t know about you but I’m sick and tired of the skinny obsession in this country.

It’s bullshit. LADIES, we’re supposed to HAVE CURVES! I have yet to meet a man that doesn’t like curves in a woman’s body.

For me, this is a highly spirited topic and I hope this video will help motivate you and see your own beauty and worth!

What’s your take on this issue? Let me know by leaving a comment below!

SHARE this video with your beautiful friends, to remind them that they are beautiful and totally worth it!