This month we have a fantastic giveaway offer – Barlean’s Omega Swirl, an award winning Omega-3 product! I take mega Omega’s for the benefit of my heart, skin, joint mobility, mental health and overall well-being – maybe you should too!! All you have to do is check the facebook page for A Girl Named Guy Productions and check out the posts, respond and whoa-la! On any given day this month we’ll have fun questions, facts and contests – it’s easy! We love partnering with companies like Barlean’s to offer you great health options, education and free stuff! If you aren’t a facebook-er, you can also signup for my newsletter, Sage Advice, for a chance to win. Simply go to www.ModernSage.com.
Enjoy the Omega Swirl – truly it’s delicious!!

Been waiting to tell the news, but we are in production for a new talk series called Who’s On Deck! It’s a cool concept as we are shooting, literally, on my deck with some of today’s hottest celebs – overlooking all of NYC. Beyond the breathtaking views, the entertainment is endless and our featured segments are sure to wow. Today we got featured in US Weekly’s Hot Pics with David Good from the Bachelor series. Check it out here: http://m.usmag.com/?redirurl=/hotpics/photos/david-on-deck-201147
I’ll keep you posted as I can, but we are in full swing production so the hours become limited. The show will air this fall in the NE and parts of the Midwest as well as online at www.whosondeck.tv and other popular video portals.
Looking forward to bringing you some fresh new entertainment!

This Memorial weekend was one that will go in my diary as “memorable.” On Saturday night, I hustled up to Harlem to meet Flavor Flav for an interview. He’s got a new book out, The Icon, and I couldn’t resist a little time with Flav to ask the questions I want to know.
Flav’s a bright guy, multi-talented and an admitted addict to the front-line/hype scene, look-at-me-I’m-Flav. Deservedly so. If the cops weren’t watching him, millions of people in front of the television were. He’s been the face of the number one progressive rap group Public Enemy and has himself caused many public enemies. Mix all that up for 30+ years and you’ve got some flavor.
Catch the interview here: http://youtu.be/SrxGYqJF79w or above in my archives.

When you’re cleansing it’s generally not a good idea to over-exercise, but you also don’t want to be a couch potato! The best option is to balance the detox with light walking (20 min) and gentle yoga stretches. The ones I’ve posted here are side stretches and twists which will help invigorate and then relax your organs as well as your tummy muscles, helping to wring out toxins. Don’t do these poses right before eating and wait at least 30 minutes after eating! Enjoy!!

Side angle pose (pictured on blog):
On a non-slip mat (I use Manduka) step your right leg back about 3 feet. Point your left toes toward the front of the mat, angle your right foot 90 degrees toward the side of your mat. Bend your left knee so that your knee is over your ankle. Place your left elbow on your left knee, stretch your right arm up and over your right ear. Don’t hold your weight on your left elbow or knee, your legs should be balancing the weight evenly, only using your elbow for balance. Stretch up and out through your right arm, pointing your fingers toward the sky and gazing up toward your right arm. Hold for 5 breaths then repeat on opposite site.

Sitting twist pose (pictured on the front page):
Sit on your mat and bend your right leg at the knee so that your right foot is near your left buttock. If you can’t bend your knee, keep that leg straight and point your toes toward the ceiling. Bend your left knee up and place your left foot next to your right knee. Sit up straight and make sure both buttock cheeks are firmly on the ground. Take your right hand and place behind your back, raise your left arm to the sky and twist to the right. Wrap your left elbow over your left knee to help with the twist. Breathe in and raise up straighter, exhale and twist deeper. Hold for 3-5 deep breaths, shake legs out in front of you and repeat on the opposite side.

Each day you will consume the following diet. If you prefer (or need to) have the main meal at lunch, that is fine. Make SURE you are drinking enough water (I did not post all water consumption that is necessary, drink prior to each meal and in between), eating enough foods (smoothies, fruits and veggies) and getting enough rest. NOTE: EITHER take the fiber (psyllium) drink OR an herbal detox tea (for regularity like Smooth Move or Get Regular). DO NOT take both. Consult your health care professional.
The times are suggestions but try to set a schedule that works for you consistently each day.
See below Diet for Drink and Smoothie Suggestions
May use Stevia (no substitutes) in smoothies if needed.

7:00 am 4 oz luke-warm water
7:15 am 8 oz luke-warm water with juice of 1/2 lemon
Shower/Bath with Full-body dry-brush scrub, loofah scrub or sugar salt scrub (entire body)
8:00 am 8 oz Fruit Smoothie with 1/4-1/2 cup non-fat plain yogurt & 1 teaspoon flaxmeal sprinkled on top (if using prepackaged smoothie pack you will need 1/2 cup apple juice. No sugar added).
10:00 am Snack: Herbal Tea with 1/2 banana & almond butter or 1 grapefruit or 1/2 avocado with organic cherry tomatoes or small handful nuts with berries (no peanuts or cashews)
12:00 pm 8 oz Fruit Smoothie (Same as above)
3:00 pm Loaded Veggie Salad (with lemon juice spritz & olive oil dressing) or Green Drink
6:30 pm Brown Rice, 1 cup cooked vegetables (sweet potatoes, squash & peppers, or broccolli) & 6 -8 oz white, light fish (if you have an aversion to fish, may substitute organic lean turkey or tofu). Serve with loaded green salad or green drink.
8:00 pm Herbal detox tea OR 8 oz water with 1/2 tsp psyllium husks (start with 1/2 tsp, work up to 1 1/2 tsp if you can tolerate)
9:00 pm 6 -8 oz water prior to bed

Smoothie suggestions:
1/2 c Blueberries, 1/4 c strawberries, 1 kiwi, 1/2 banana, 1/4 c raspberries with 1/2 cup non-fat plain yogurt, sprinkle of stevia powder and 1 tsp flaxmeal.

1/2 c mango, 1/2 pineapple, 1/4 c passion fruit, 1/2 cup non-fat plain yogurt, 1 tsp flaxmeal.

Green/Veggie Drink suggestion:
Kale (about 8 stems), 1 beet, 3carrots, 2 quarters green apple, 6-8 ginger slices, 2 stalks celery

TIPS: Include lots of fresh cleansing veggies like beets, asparagus, fresh ginger. If you absolutely need a dash of salt, make it sea salt!

A few precautions before you begin your 3-Day Detox….
~You may experience cravings, moodiness, a bit of lethargy or feeling slightly “not right” – this is normal to a certain extent as the cleansing is taking place. Drink plenty of water and make sure you are not starving yourself – this is NOT a starvation or liquid diet cleanse.
~Staying hydrated is extremely important, in particular if you are taking psyllium or other fiber supplements/teas during the cleanse. Also, if you are exercising to the point of sweating, taking hot baths or have a demanding job, it is crucial to stay hydrated and supplement with electrolyte water/vitamin or mineral water during the cleanse.
~If possible, take a 3-day break from your normal supplement routine.
~If you are taking medication for any reason, consult with your doctor prior to cleansing.
~If you are hypo or hyper-glycemic, consult with your health care professional prior to cleansing.
~If you are pregnant, nursing or menstruating, do not follow the detox diet at this time.
~If the yoga/movement exercises are too intense or you do not have the proper mat, please do not attempt. Modify or ask for other suggestions.

Good luck and happy cleansing! The SHOPPING LIST is posted, and the DAILY DIET for the 3-Day Detox will be posted Saturday, April 30 and the following 2 days!

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Welcome to your 3-Day Detox Diet Planner! This is a great way to cleanse your body and feel totally revitalized, but first you need to get prepared. Two to three days before starting this cleanse (in this case, Thursday prior to the Sunday start date) start reducing intake of heavy foods, meats, alcohol and caffeine from your diet. During this time, whatever you can buy organic, I recommend you do so. Get creative with the fruits & veggies, we want to pack in the nutrients and avoid boredom. The details of how to cleanse will be posted by Friday and I’ll lead the cleanse from Sunday, May 1 – Tuesday, May 3. See the blogs prior to this post for additional cleansing tips and equipment you may need!

FOOD SHOPPING LIST:
Fruits** (bananas, grapefruit, green apples, mangoes, kiwi, blueberries, figs, oranges, raspberries, etc.)
Veggies (broccoli, beets, sugar snap peas, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, kale, bell peppers, lettuce, carrots, etc.)
3-6 Lemons
Brown Rice (short grain preferable)
Nuts (unsalted pistachios, almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans) NO Peanuts
Olive Oil &/or Coconut Oil
No-Fat PLAIN yogurt (I like the thicker, Greek yogurt myself)
Fish (white fish preferable or salmon or tuna)
**To reduce cost and increase ease of preparation, I’ll be using a pre-packaged frozen smoothie by Jamba. They are super easy to make and contain a variety of fruits with a bit of yogurt, so you can eliminate chopping and cleaning fruit before making smoothies! Store locator and product info is on Jamba’s site. Will require juice.

SUPPLEMENT SHOPPING LIST:
Psyllium Husks (ground)**
Epsom salts (if you have a bath tub)
Flaxseed Oil or flax meal (I use Forti-Flax by Barlean’s)
Herbal Teas (and/or natural coffee substitutes) – See below–
**If you want to use herbal colon/detox elimination teas in the evening, do not take psyllium husks during the cleanse. You may do one or the other. Some of the detox teas that are recommended may include licorice, red clover, dandelion, chamomile, mullein and a variety colon cleansing herbs such as senna. Use as directed and with caution, along with ample water.
Filtered Water
**If you are extremely active &/or participating in sports/yoga during the cleanse, I recommend a good energy elixir like YogaEarth pre/post exercise elixirs. They are easy to mix, fortify your body with nutrients and keep your energy up! At the least, with heavy activity, make sure you are hydrated and don’t overdo it during the cleanse. Coconut water is a great way to replenish your body as well.

ELIMINATE:Coffee, caffeinated and fizzy drinks
Sugar, chocolate (my addiction!),
Breads, pasta or other yeast or gluten products
White rice, potatoes, crackers
Dairy (with the exception listed)
Fast food & fatty food
Alcohol
All meats (fish listed ok)

If you have any questions, please leave a comment so I can address them for all to see. I will post the How-To Cleanse along with meal suggestions, pictures and cleansing yoga moves by Friday!

I’m excited – let’s do this!

The cleanse is coming, the cleanse is coming! On May 1, I’m going to lead a 3-Day Detox so we have 1 week to prepare. The Shopping List will be posted by Tuesday morning, so check back to allow time to get the goodies! This cleanse won’t break the bank, no worries.
Below are some items you want to get together (either borrow or buy if you don’t have) and pre-cleanse healthy living tips. As mentioned, this spring cleanse involves some movement (basic yoga type) exercises that will assist in the detox process. I’ll be walking you through the daily diet and movement regime with pictures, food ideas and inspiration. It’s going to be a great 3-Day rejuvenation for your body, mind and spirit. Join us!

1 – Blender (or food processor)
2 – Exercise mat. I prefer a good yoga mat (if you’ve been wanting to buy a mat, now’s a perfect time! Manduka’s eKO Mat For the same price as at target $39 you can get a great quality mat that will support your body and keep you safe!)
3 – Loofah, dry skin brush or sugar salt body scrub
4 – Juicer (optimal but not necessary)

That’s it! The food and supplement list will be posted by Tuesday.
2-3 days prior to the cleanse, begin to reduce your meat, coffee, alcohol and sugar intake. We want to be gentle to our bodies and allow time to purge the toxins.
Of course, if you can’t start the cleanse on Sunday, May 1, do it at your leisure but we would all love your support!

Couple of new things to kick off the spring! It’s that time of year to do a cleanse, and I’m hosting a 3-Day Detox in early May! Last year’s 2-week spring cleanse was so popular and we have even more asking for a shorter version (imagnine that!) so here we go. I’ll be posting everything you’ll need for the detox starting April 15th so you’ll have time to get it together. This year, we’re also going to be adding “movement” to assure a body that is strong, lean and purged of that icky winter weight and toxins. So if you’ve been wanting to detox and want some support, find it here!
Two new giveaways coming your way: April’s prize is a generous gift package from FruitFast’s CherryFlex. The winner will receive pure cherry juices, supplements and fruit bars from the country’s finest! This stuff is amazing for your health, especially your heart and joints!
In May, we’ve got a great giveaway from Manduka Yoga Mats!
To get a chance to win, simply sign up for my newsletter, Sage Advice (right side bar on homepage).
Looking forward to cleansing with you!

I haven’t started lots of things because I get overwhelmed with the commitment. The great thing about yoga is that you can do a little anytime you want, on your clock, your dime, according to your interest. Don’t let the idea of “you have to practice yoga every day for an hour each time or it’s not going to benefit you,” keep you from doing any yoga at all. That’s just not true. When I take that kind pressure off myself, I find that a simple pose is just what I need from time to time and I look forward to a moment when I can take a break and bust into a down-dog. This week, why don’t you try coming into a gentle up-dog and taking a moment to stretch your core, broaden your shoulders and strengthen your back.
Lie down on your tummy, bend your arms and put your hands to the ground next to your breast area on each side. Spread your fingers and make sure the palm is completely on the floor. The tops of your feet should be on the floor also. Push into your hands and bring your chest and head forward. The weight should be distributed between the tops of your feet and your palms. Everything else is off of the floor. Find a spot in front of you to focus on, spread your shoulders wide but pull the blades down. Hold the pose.
This should feel great on your front muscles. If you have a bad back or don’t have the strength yet to go this far into the pose, just go back to the beginning and only raise your chest and head about 6 inches from the floor. In this position you will not be holding yourself off of the floor.
Spring is a great time to start or return to yoga. I always think of expansion when spring arises, and that’s exactly what yoga does for me – it creates space within and allows my body to breathe. Don’t get hung up on the posture so much – it will come. I’ve been doing yoga off and on for a long time and as you can see, it’s not perfect. It’s just where I am in my practice and that’s perfect.