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New Year Detox Smoothie

Transform Your New Year with Our Special Tradition

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Transform Your New Year with Our Special Tradition

Season’s greetings!

Amidst the holiday cheer, I’m excited to share with you a personal tradition that Dean-the-dream and I have implemented since 2018. It’s different from the usual festive fun, but trust me, the rewards are immense! We’ve been kickstarting each year with a special detox – a tradition that’s not just another holiday activity, but a true game-changer for our health.

This isn’t about quick detox drinks or intense fasts. We’re talking about a detox that truly respects and rejuvenates your body, and that’s important because not all detox methods are equally beneficial.

The truth is we’re all being exposed to historic levels of new toxins. (As if our air, water, food, pharma, and products aren’t already clogging up our organs of elimination.)

Yes, our bodies have miraculous systems of detoxification – but they’re overwhelmed! This is exactly why Dean and I chose to start our detox tradition, and why it might just be the perfect time for you to also join this journey towards rejuvenation.

My colleague Robyn Openshaw, the GreenSmoothieGirl, has studied human detoxification for 29 years for 10,000 hours (more time than she spent studying for her advanced degrees combined), including the time she spent studying with holistic doctors and professionals around the world.

Her GreenSmoothieGirl Detox has influenced over 19,000 lives, over the past 11 years, including mine!

Robyn believes that all her time and work is paying off, because, in 2024, EVERYONE needs to do a dedicated, science-based detoxification program more than ever! Everyone she talks to seems to be stressed, lacking energy, and dealing with health challenges.

She wants to help as many people as possible. Your first step is to watch her Detox Secrets Video Series.

She’s distilled all her knowledge, giving people a chance to learn the EASY way. And she’s opening it to my community — for FREE! — for this month only. Join today to discover the truth about detoxification.

Because what you learn could lead to unbelievable results (for you and for the people you care about).

Like dropping weight where you need to? Yes, participants see this, but also much, much more–where weight loss is just a byproduct of truly cleaning up your temple. She sent me a bunch of testimonials, and I’m blown away!

“I feel great. I have lost not only 12.5 pounds —

but fat, too. My love handles/muffin top are gone.

I feel like this program has benefited all aspects of my life.”

— Chantel H., Idaho Falls, Idaho

One thing is for sure:

The body wasn’t meant to deal with the level of highly processed foods and harmful chemicals it’s exposed to these days.

Yes, the body was meant to protect you. But the crazy-high levels of stuff your body must deal with daily is just too much.

Toxins — and the leftovers from unhealthy choices — build up in the body.

And then, they deplete your IMMUNE system. And it all just gets worse from there.

I learned a ton from Robyn’s videos. And I want you to discover these Detox Secrets.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • The 7 types of toxicity — and how to eliminate them, for good
  • Why detoxing (the right way) could finally give you the permanent weight loss you’re seeking
  • The 8 most detoxifying foods — and the 11 most toxic foods (some of these might surprise you)
  • Why detoxing the right way is about MORE than the physical results you’ll experience

>> Join Robyn’s Detox Secrets Video Series. Because it’s only open for my community until the end of the month!

I’m cheering you on!

Carolyn Cooper

P.S. Robyn runs her GreenSmoothieGirl Detox online with a group of thousands every January. Here are just a few of the hundreds of glowing testimonials people send her about her science-based Detox program:

“I have done other ‘cleanses,’ but this is by far the best. Thank you, Robyn, for putting in the time, effort, and love to research the ‘best of the best’ programs and put together a useful, DOABLE detox/cleanse for us ‘average’ people, and continually being a source of inspiration, education and, above all, support!” — Karen H., Las Vegas, Nevada

“I absolutely loved the GSG detox program! It was well thought out, comprehensive, informative, and practical. I would highly recommend participating in the full-support option because the additional videos, pre-recorded talks with experts, and the live Q&A calls were invaluable to my success.” — Holly V., Gig Harbor, Washington

Intuition Quiz

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SimplyAlign cerTrac - WAITLIST - (Facebook Post)
Watermelon Cake

Check out my Summer Watermelon Cake!

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Remember last January when you had goals and intentions for this year?

Well, it’s now halfway through 2022 – yep already!

Which leads me to two questions for you:

*Were any of those goals about your health/body/weight?

*And if so, how are you doing with them?

Oh, one more question…are you ready to try something else?

If you’ve been with me for awhile you’ve probably heard me talk about the science-based detox that I want to share with everyone because it’s so healing. It gets me back on track with all my health goals quickly and I LOVE the total feeling of well-being it brings my mind, body, and spirit!

If your health isn’t where you want it to be — or you want to do your best to protect it — it’s important to discover the truth about human detoxification. But, there are a lot of opinions and products out there. And not only could you lose money, but detoxing the wrong way can be harmful.

My colleague Robyn Openshaw, the GreenSmoothieGirl, has studied human detoxification for 10,000 hours (more time than she spent studying for her master’s and PhD combined), including time she spent studying with holistic doctors and clinicians around the world.

Dean-the-Dream and I have been doing this detox twice a year for

the past 4 years and it’s helped us in so very many ways.

That’s why I love to tell people about it.

Watermelon Cake

It is 26 days – but don’t worry, everything is all spelled out for you,
you will learn all sorts of new ways to help your body be its best, and
the detox Facebook group is super helpful at answering any questions and supporting you along the way. And just think, in less than a month you’ll feel clean, clear, brain fog gone, several pounds gone, inflammation gone,
and you’ll be OH SO proud of yourself!

You can watch Robyn’s Detox Secrets Video Series to see if this is a gift you’re ready to give yourself. (You can watch instantly after you opt in!)

This is what actual participants of her program experienced:

  1. Average 12.5 pound weight loss (some as high as 27 pounds!)
  2. Higher ENERGY, all day
  3. Joint pain disappearing
  4. Better digestion (MORE coming out, which is good)
  5. Disappearing autoimmune symptoms
  6. Food cravings gone
  7. Mood stabilizing (calming anxiety and depression)
  8. Skin clearing
  9. Blood sugar stabilizing
  10. Brain fog clearing, mind is sharp again

Robyn understands the SCIENCE of how proper detoxification works, and she developed a comprehensive, guided, whole-body Detox program that has changed nearly 20,000 lives, over the past 10 years.

Most people who do this detox once end up wanting to do it twice a year.

For the summer detox there’s no specific day to start. You can start whenever it works best with your schedule. I’m on day 5 today and feeling so great!

The Detox program systematically cleanses all the major body systems, in an order approved by detox experts, and with products that support and enhance the body’s natural immune function all the way.

What makes Robyn’s 26-Day Detox unique … and better than other detox programs?

  • It’s comprehensive, a WHOLE-body detox — rather than just focusing on detoxing one organ, or simply eating less or healthier food for a few days.
  • It’s based on SCIENCE — every step was created based on what is known about how the body detoxifies and how it can be aided and accelerated in that process.
  • You get to eat REAL food, and you won’t feel hungry — the foods required are real foods you can purchase at your grocery, and you eat plenty of food, and shouldn’t feel very hungry.
  • It’s GUIDED and supported — so you’ll know exactly what to do, and you’ll have support from health coaches and others doing the detox every step of the way.

You’ll hear more about the GreenSmoothieGirl Detox during Robyn’s Detox Video Series.

I hope you’ll join. I think you’ll learn information that will open your eyes to the possibility (and the truth) of detoxification done the right way.

Shine On,
Carolyn

P.S. Full transparency – I am an affiliate for this program -which tells you I really like it, because I’m very picky what I’ll endorse.

P.P.S. Check out what Kris K. of Payson, Utah, said after competing Robyn’s guided, comprehensive, science-backed GreenSmoothieGirl Detox:

“This program keeps you full, healthy, and happy! I have tried many other detox cleanses before and this one is by far the best. Although it took a lot of time to prepare the food, I made large quantities of Green Smoothies and learned to love them.

Overall, I haven’t felt this good in years! My energy increased every day I was on the program and I actually started running again. I’m happy to report that by keeping my energy high using Robyn’s recommendations, I easily kicked my caffeine & chocolate addiction. My husband lost 12 lbs. on the program and I lost 9. (We are both in our mid-50s.) Both of us LOVE the healthy education we have had over the past month and the support from our family and friends on this journey. We will continue this journey together and live to be 100 years old.”

Watch Robyn’s Detox Secrets Video Series— and then, consider joining her detoxification program (you can choose your start date and what works for you).

Fathers Day & Summer Coupon

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Since this Sunday is Father’s Day here in the US, I hope you’ll indulge me while I give my dad a shout out today. It’s been twenty years now since my dad passed, but he had such an influence on the work I’ve done for those past twenty years.

I’m often asked how I got into holistic healing. Well, I was first interested because my dad taught me that our bodies all have a perfect blueprint for health and that our thoughts have a direct influence on the health of our bodies.

I have fond memories of being at the family dinner table with Dad, a Chiropractor by profession, telling us about different patients he had helped. Without revealing names or other confidential information about the patient, he would simply relate to us what their ailment was and how much better their body was functioning after getting it aligned.

Dad had patients drive for hours to come and see him, yet he was very humble about his gifts. His amazement at the body’s capacity to heal and his pure joy at being able to help facilitate that healing was what really sparked my interest in natural healing at a young age.

When I was first starting out in my energy healing business (what is now SimplyAlign), my dad’s enthusiasm and encouragement about what I was discovering and developing meant so much to me.

We all need a person in our life who encourages us.

For me, that was my dad. Whomever that was for you, I hope you’ll take the time this weekend to acknowledge them. If they are still living reach out and tell them thank you. You’ll both be glad you did.

Speaking of enthusiasm and encouragement….I’d love to encourage you this summer, so for a limited time you can schedule a SimplyAlign session using this coupon code: SUMMER22 for 30% off the regular price.

Or you can choose a bundle of 3 sessions by clicking on the View Products/Packages link and entering this coupon code: SUMMER22B to get 30% off the regular price.

Much Love,
Carolyn

Green Drink Smoothie

Drink Up for St. Paddy’s Day! [Green Drink that is]

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Top O’the Mornin’ To Ya!

So last week I was sucking down a Green Smoothie (as usual) while on my mastermind Zoom call.

When one of the gals on the call sends me a private chat message that asks:

What’s in your Green Drink?

Since I was trying to be attentive to the class, I just quickly replied: Spinach & Banana

Truth is…some days it’s much more than that, and some days that all I want or need in in it.

But since I often get asked that question…and, since it’s St. Patrick’s Day (oh, I love my Irish ancestors!)

I think a Green Smoothie is the perfect way to Celebrate this holiday…

or any holiday…

or any day at all.

For many years I’ve been drinking a green smoothie every day. Have there been times I got lazy and fell off the wagon for a month or so? Yes, – and those times I just never feel as good, vibrant, or mentally clear. I can definitely feel a difference in my overall well-being from this one powerful daily habit!

Green Smoothies get more greens in your body than you’d normally eat if you were chewing all that food. So all that goodness takes up a lot of room in your gut and provides fiber, nutrients, vitamins, and yes, protein.

Adding in all the right ingredients, green smoothies can help with weight loss, increased energy, mental clarity, better digestion, improved immunity, improved skin, less cravings, and have been found to reduce many common health complaints.

A few years ago, one of my friends thought it was a great idea to start having a daily green smoothie, so she jumped right in. And after a week, she called me saying, “I don’t know how you do this. I’m literally standing over the sink gagging every morning to get these smoothies down.”

After asking her a few questions I knew exactly what the problem was. Too bitter, too thick, too chunky – too much pressure to swig it down and not waste it! Ugh, that’s miserable…drinking a daily smoothie should be joyful!

So here are my 8 helpful tips I shared with her, and maybe something here is helpful for you too:

1. It shouldn’t be chunky! Ugh. Keep blending, a bit longer!

If you have a great blender – Blendtec, VitaMix (I have years of experience with both) you still need to whip it and whip it good (oh man, I just had a flashback of a dance team performance from my college days).

My point is, even with the expensive blenders, you still need to let it blend long enough to get the chunks out.

And you don’t have to have one of those expensive blenders. We just recently got a little Ninja ($69.) and we love it! Oh my gosh, it blends really well and is fast and easy! It’s what I use every day now.

2. Unless you love the taste of bitter greens, don’t use too much of swiss chard, arugula, chicory, kale etc. Yes, those are all super healthy for you, so FOR SURE use some. But I’ve found I won’t make and drink smoothies consistently if I don’t love the taste.

I use a lot of spinach (it’s mildest), then add in a little of other greens – depending on what I have: beet greens, chard, any left over greens – throw them in…just not so much that the bitterness overpowers the taste.

3. Keep your greens in the freezer. That way you’re not wasting money on greens that have gone bad and you end up throwing out. And it’s so easy to grab handfuls of the frozen greens to put in your blender. And no, you can’t use those in a salad, but the frozen greens are handy-dandy to add to soups, pasta dishes, etc.

4. Smoothies are great with plain WATER. Yep, that’s all I ever use for my liquid. I know many people use nut milk or juice but for me that’s not necessary, I don’t want to add extra, unneeded calories by adding those. And…be sure to add enough water so it’s not super thick -ugh that was my friend’s problem, and yes that’s hard to drink down. I like my smoothies on the thinner side, do what you prefer but don’t be afraid to water it down a bit.
AND…speaking of liquid, I usually squeeze 1/2 lemon in mine as well.

5. A little squirt of liquid Stevia can make a big difference, that’s what I use, but if you don’t want to use Stevia, go to tip #6….

6. A great natural sweetener is dates. Ahh, my love for dates knows no bounds! If you like a little sweetness in your green smoothies throw in a date or two (make sure the pit is out!). Deglet dates are firmer than Medjool dates, so if you use deglet just be prepared for some little chewy nuggets at the bottom of your glass – it’s a delightful treat when you get to the end of your smoothie.

Pro tip: I keep some medjool dates in my fridge…if I ever just need “a little something sweet”, one of those is the perfect snack. It’s like eating a little piece of caramel *wink*

7. Frozen fruit adds flavor, variety, nutrition, AND a bonus I’ve found is, those frozen berries, etc. spinning around in the blender, really help to smooth out any remaining chunks of green, so I usually throw a little in. Personally, I’m not one who needs/likes lots of other frozen fruits in my smoothie because I’d rather eat fruits in their whole form during the day, instead of all blended up in my smoothie where I can’t really taste their deliciousness anyway. But yes, I usually do add 1/2-1 cup of frozen fruit. (Except pineapple – it can have a “stringy-ness” that’s weird for me.)

A few ice cubes kicking around in your blender will do the same – help break up the green pieces.

8. It’s ok to make earlier and keep in fridge until you’re ready to drink it. I’ve heard people say you must blend and drink your smoothie as FRESH as possible. Umm…ok, but that makes it tough for anyone who has…you know…a life.

Dean the Dream makes a big blender full every evening, and puts in his glass jars in the fridge to take to work with him the following day. If I know my morning will be busy I also make mine the night before. I personally don’t think they taste as great longer than 36 hours after blending, but if I know I’ll be drinking it within a day, I don’t mind making it ahead.

(And we are both a little picky about exactly how we like our own smoothies…so we each like to make our own separately. And that’s how we’ve stayed married 40+ years, hahaha!)

9. BONUS tip: Anytime you have fruits/veggies that are still good, but not for long, put them in the freezer now and use them in an upcoming smoothie. This is a great way to use up those grapes, bananas, celery, spring mix…anything! Anything that, if not eaten, you’d end up throwing out in another day or two, unless…you save it by putting in a baggie in the freezer. Those items will add variety to your smoothies and make you feel warm and fuzzy because you didn’t waste it that food, you still got good use out of it. You’re welcome!

These are some things that I’ve discovered over the years work for me, but a lot is personal preference -you do you!

I’d love to hear what smoothies tips you’ve discovered and love. Really…let me know! Also, I’ve had a few requests to shoot a video showing how I quickly make my smoothies, so if you want me to do that, reply to this email and let me know.

And really, make sure you eat (or drink) something HEALTHY and GREEN today!

As the Irish saying goes….May the wind always be at your back,

Much Love,

Top 10 Ways to Eat Healthy Every Day

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Whether you are dieting to lose weight or changing your food choices to improve your health, making change isn’t always easy.Top 10 Ways to eat Healthy Experts say that we have to stay with a change for at least 28 days to make it “stick.” Here are 10 ways to make your new food habits a solid part of the “new you.”

1. Start slowly and be realistic The reality is that old habits die hard. So don’t try to do too much too quickly. Make one or two changes at first, solidify those new habits, and then when you feel ready, take the next step. It’s better to make a few healthier choices—not drinking sugary sodas or switching from fast food to home-prepared food—than to completely change the way you have been eating all at once.

2. Get support Find a nutrition buddy! It’s easier to make changes when you declare your intention to others out loud. Once you do, select a few supporters to lean on during those times when you feel yourself wavering. Team up with a friend. Ask a sibling or spouse to cheer you on. Get the support of your social circle for when you go to parties or get-togethers.

3. Clean out your kitchen You can’t eat those potato chips if they aren’t there! Working with your nutritionist or healthcare professional, decide what a “healthy” pantry looks like. Then clean out your cupboards and restock them with the healthier alternatives. Grocery stores are changing to meet the growing consumer demand for healthier foods, especially snack choices, so look beyond the brands you are accustomed to buying on automatic pilot.

4. Dare your taste buds Most people eat the same foods over and over again, and tend not to roam too far afield in the culinary world. Seek out tasty new recipes that use the foods you are substituting into your new diet. Dare yourself to be adventurous in your palate. Love burgers? Try a portobello mushroom burger instead. Always wondered what a kiwi tastes like? Now is the time to find out!

5. Plan ahead Temptation tends to strike when we are away from home and can’t control our food choices. So if you are planning to go out to dinner, go online first and see if the restaurant posts its menu on its website. That way you can determine if their culinary offerings support your new dietary preferences. When it comes to work, traveling and on-the-go activities, prepare some healthy snacks and pack them to take with you.

6. Deal with cravings When the craving for a donut strikes, have a healthy alternative available. Better yet, wait out the craving by busying yourself. You will be surprised how quickly a craving passes when you occupy yourself with something else.

7. Go easy on yourself No one is perfect. If you occasionally slip in your new dietary habits, that’s okay. Let go of any guilt, move on, and renew your commitment to the new, healthier you.

8. Set goals Work with your nutritionist or healthcare provider to set realistic goals. Then write them down! By having clear, identifiable goals and tracking your progress, it will be to celebrate your successes, which keeps you motivated, and to alert yourself to problem areas and find solutions.

9. Accentuate the positive Continually remind yourself why you have made the dietary changes you have. Post positive affirmations around your home and workplace, even in your car. The more you remind yourself of the benefits of healthy eating, the more motivated you will be.

10. Reward yourself Changing a habit isn’t easy, so celebrate your decision to do so. Give yourself regular pats on the back. If you have a support person or group, celebrate milestones with them. Doing so on a weekly, or even daily, basis not only will help you stay motivated but also will help you feel good about yourself and your progress.

And finally…

11. Join me for this month’s Group Call “Weight Loss”. Let’s get rid of those pesky little triggers that get in the way of being able to make and keep our weight loss and healthy eating goals!

Author’s content used under license, © Claire Communications

What’s Up With A Plant Based Diet?

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What's Up With A Plant Based Diet?

Many of you know I eat a whole food plant based diet and have asked for some resources to look into and get a feel for how that would work in your life. Yay You!

I’ve gathered up some of my favorite videos to help get you started:

Forks over Knives

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfY2C4WaJ3s

If you are interested at all in moving towards plant based diet, I highly suggest watching the documentary Forks over Knives. Here is their website: http://www.forksoverknives.com/

There are so many documentaries similar to this. If you google “plant based documentaries” you’ll find several lists. You can probably find many of themat your local library or on Netflix.

Also, if you go to Youtube and search for plant based diet, there is a lot of info.

My favorite authorities on this subject are:

Dr. Neal Barnard  –love this-  “Breaking the Food Seduction”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDgA3T_JF2A

Dr. McDougall

Dr. Furman

Dr. T. Collin Campbell   author of “The China Study”

Dr Caldwell Esselstyne

Rip Esselstyne author of “The Engine 2 Diet”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dv-lE6f7Gug

Juliana Hever –author of “The Idiot’s guide to Plant Based Nutrition”

Juliana has a great 9 min Tedtalk here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgCSunBfREQ

That’s the talk I wish I would have written and given. *smile* She also has many videos (short cooking demos) on YouTube with Chef AJ, called “The Chef and the Dietitian”.

You can also do a search for plant based nutrition BLOGS –there are many with great recipes and ideas!

I will list some of my favorite plant based recipe blogs in an upcoming blog post.

Please comment below on how these helped you, or if you have any questions!