posts tagged as: health
5 SIMPLE HEALTH GEMS THAT GIVE BIG RESULTS
Photo by Tracy Morford from the Suzanne Rae 2011 S/S collection
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it's important to remember that it's the things we do daily that make a big difference in the way we look and feel. There are many simple habits that when implemented help keep the body healthy, lean, energetic and clear.
1) Keep food that is on your 'avoid' list out of your house. It's much more tempting to reach for an unhealthy food choice if it is in your cupboards than if you have to travel to get it.
2) Keep a NO SHOE rule in your house: Most toxins are brought into our homes from outside. Toxins are held in fat cells. The less toxic your body, the easier it is to have a lean body.
3) Eat your last meal 3 hours before bedtime: This habit will improve your sleep, digestion and allow your body to cleanse. You will wake up feeling brighter and fresher in the morning.
4) Start your morning of with a glass of hot water: The body gets dehydrated at night. Drinking hot water in the morning will help with elimination and replenish you while your stomach is empty.
5) Give yourself at least 5 minutes of silence daily: Being centered in yourself brings relaxation and reduces effects of stress. Turn the cell phone, ipod and computer off and sit or lay down in a quiet space.
posted monday, may 23, 2011 by dr. karuna
tagged as: diet, health, stress, silence
Chocolate - Chocolate - Chocolate - Chocolate
We all know chocolate is its own food group.
Have you ever been to an exquisite place that stays with you long after you leave it? Having a fine wine or exquisite chocolate is quite similar; an experience that hits all five of your senses and stays with you. As foodies all know, amazing food silences you into pleasure of sensation.
Chocolate can be serious business as it brings many serious pleasure. From the artwork on the wrapper to the philosophy of the chocolatier; the subtle nuances make a particular chocolate experience what it is.
All health benefits and health issues aside, people indulge in chocolate for its pleasure. I find myself having chocolate conversations with people often. My motto, as many patients of mine know, is that if you are going to indulge in something, choose the finest product you can find, and of course …. enjoy it completely.
Raw chocolate has the most health benefits but also the higher caffeine content. With really good chocolate you only need a small bit, and eaten in the first part of the day is best.
Below are my current chocolate picks. They are all exquisite for different reasons. Enjoy!
Raw Favorites:
Fine and Raw - Bon Bon Bar
Righteously Raw - Acai Bar
Antidote- Red Flower + Berry Bar
Local Favorite:
Mast Brothers- Fleur de Sol
Luxury:
Teuscher - Dark Champagne Truffles
One Milk Chocolate Choice for Good Measure:
Vosges- Barcelona Bar
posted saturday, april 30, 2011 by dr. karuna
tagged as: chocolate, health, fine and raw bon bon bar, righteously raw acai bar, Mast brothers chocolate, teuscher, vosges-barcelona bar
Beat The Summer Heat
Because the 'Be Cool' tips were such a hit and here in NYC we are still living in a 'sauna' most of the time – here are more tricks to beating the summer heat.
Remember that the answer to cooling off doesn't always mean eating 'cold' foods. With humidity on the rise, prevent dampness, sluggishness and that 'blah' feeling through other creative ways to stay 'cool'.
Reduce foods that increase heat in the body such as cheese, tomatoes, raw onions, alcohol and lamb.
Also remember that you do not want your body to get too 'cold' if you spend the majority of your time in an air conditioned space, or run 'cold' most of the time.
Enjoy the rest of your Summer!
- Dr. Karuna
BE COOL.... TAKE TWO:
Peppermint Soap: Peppermint is not only cooling when taken internally, it also cools the body when applied to the body externally. Dr. Bronner's Peppermint soap is my favorite, it cools the body down a few degrees, works as a mild insect repellent and a little goes a long way.
Chrysanthemum Tea: This is a great flower tea to use for cooling the body internally and heat symptoms such as tension headaches and throbbing gums. This tea can also counteract the heat from over consumption of fried food and barbecued foods.
Peppermint Tea: Similarly to above, peppermint tea helps to cool internal heat and can be prepared hot or cold.
Pomegranate Juice or Grape Juice: Get straight pomegranate juice and/or grape juice and add a splash to your water bottle. This will add to the electrolyte content on 'sweaty' days, and give you tasty flavored 'cooling' water without the high sugar content of drinking juice alone.
Ice Packs: Heat headaches are a common complaint during the hot months of the year. A very simple and effective way to reduce not only your headache symptoms, but to cool you off quickly is to place an ice pack on the top of your head. If you dont have a ice pack on hand a pack of frozen peas or blueberries will suffice.
Spices: Many spices naturally bring 'warmth' to our body. Two spices that naturally bring 'cool' to the body are CORIANDER and FENNEL. Use these when cooking your Summer dishes.
posted sunday, july 25, 2010 by dr. karuna
tagged as: diet, sumner heat, cooling foods, health
Be Cool
The heart of summer is upon us and so are the numerous ways we are all seeking to cool off! As the temperatures have been rising, especially here in NYC, the questions of how to reduce redness of the face and eyes, general heat discomfort, headaches and irritability have been on the rise.
It's as important to change your diet seasonally as it is to change your wardrobe. As you put away your winter clothes and bring out your summer ware, you should store your heating spices/foods and bring out ones that cool you down.
Foods, spices and drinks all have warming or cooling properties; some bring 'warmth' to the body and some bring 'cool' to the body. Some cooling foods are also called 'refrigerant' foods (such as cucumber or watermelon) as they bring cold to the body the quickest.
As always, it's important to do everything in moderation as too much cold food for some, even in the heat of the summer can be too cooling. Using heating and cooling principles in all aspects of health is a deeper discussion that should be explored carefully in a private session.
Dry ginger, cloves, garlic, basil, cinnamon, thyme, pepper and rosemary are some of the warmest spices and should be reduced or completely stopped in summer months for most.
There are many ways to beat the summer heat and keep an internal 'cool'. Below are some of my favorites which are very simple and people really enjoy:
1) Cucumbers: Keep a bowl of cucumbers around during the summer months, add them to salads, eat them as snack or add as an accompaniment to your main entree.
2) Red Grapes: Eat them and enjoy...enough said!
3) Coconut Water: It seems a new company comes out every week with coconut-water-to-go, not only will coconut water cool you down quickly, it will hydrate your and replace your precious minerals you loose with sweating. The freshest and best tasting is to drink the water directly from a young coconut. Many stores will cut them open for you if you request it.
4) Mint: Add fresh mint to your food and water.
5) Cilantro: Garnish your meals with this cooling herb
6) Watermelon: Drink fresh watermelon juice and eat this cooling fruit.
7) Rosewater: There are many companies that make rosewater misters and hydrosols. Find a mister you like, or put a few drops of rose essential oil into a spray bottle and add distilled water. Spray on your face and body to cool off.
posted monday, june 21, 2010 by dr. karuna
tagged as: health, sumner heat, cooling foods
GETTING DOWN TO THE ROOTS
Winter is the best season to enjoy the hearty, nourishing and delicious variety of root vegetables. Eating seasonal food is optimal for your well being and root vegetables are in abundance at this time of year.
There are an array of root vegetables one can choose from, including: Rutabagas, Turnips, Sweet Potatoes, Parsnips, Butternut Squash, Beets, Rainbow Radish, Celery Root, Kohlrabi and many more!
It is important to try and choose vegetables which are grown in your local area. This website below is a great resource for you to use through out the year to find out this information:
http://www.nrdc.org/health/foodmiles/default.asp
While root vegetables are a winter vegetable, they are still 'heavy' in nature and should be eaten in small amounts and prepared and spiced properly for their best digestion.
Roasting is my favorite way to cook 'roots' as this dry method works well with the dampness of this season. Below is a general recipe for preparing your 'roots' . You can substitute root vegetables of your choice and mix/match as you desire.
I also recommend adding fresh green onions or basil after the vegetables are cooked as the pungent nature of these spices add a great flavor and help with their heavy nature.
INGREDIENTS:
8 to 12 baby turnips, peeled
1 or 2 large parsnips, peeled, trimmed, and cut diagonally into 1-inch-thick slices
1 or 2 medium onions, trimmed, peeled and halved, each 1/2 cut into quarters (optional)
1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into wedges
1 or 2 large beets, peeled and cut into thick wedges
2 or 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, sage, or thyme
Extra-virgin olive oil
Salt (to taste)
Freshly ground pepper (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Put all the vegetables and the herb sprigs in a large baking dish. Season well with salt and black pepper, drizzle generously with olive oil, and toss them with your hands to coat them evenly.
Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and cook, stirring the vegetables occasionally, until they are tender and golden brown, about 45 minutes. Serve the vegetables from their baking dish or transfer them to a platter to accompany a roasted main course.
posted saturday, january 30, 2010 by dr. karuna
tagged as: health, Recipes, Root Vegtables
Up Up And Away
It’s the holiday season, and for many, that means extra stress and extra calories. Thus making it even more important to keep on top of your endorphin inducing exercise routine. Whether it’s a run across the Brooklyn Bridge, a long walk along a promenade, working out at your local gym, or dancing in your room: music that makes you want to “dance dance dance” definitely helps the burn go by faster.
Here is our motivational music playlist:
Kid Cudi: Up Up And Away
Blonde: Call Me
Phoenix: 1901
Jay-Z: Empire State Of Mind
La Roux: I'm Not Your Toy
Yeah Yeah Yeahs: Heads Will Roll
Patti LaBelle: New Attitude (remix)
Lissy Trullie: Ready For The Floor
Flo Rida: Low
Cyndi Lauper: Echo
As Dr. Karuna says: “ Moving everyday, even if it’s just some stretching/yoga in your living room, or a 10 min walk on your lunch break can make a big difference to your overall well being”
Another tip Dr. Karuna recently shared with me is that, “The most effective type of exercise for an individual varies depending on his or her body type and constitution." If you are interested in a consultation and protocol that will give you the best results for your specific constitution, you can contact Dr. Karuna here for more information.
posted thursday, december 3, 2009 by trinity
tagged as: Fitness, health, Inspiration, weight loss
Distance Sessions
Interested in an Illumé styling session or health & beauty consultation but not available to meet with us in Nyc? Well, we are now offering ‘Distance Sessions’ enabling us to work with clients all over the world via Telephone and Web. For rates and details on how this all works email info@illume.me
posted friday, november 27, 2009 by illumé
tagged as: beauty, Fashion, health, Illume News
For the Love of Chocolate!
I pretty much think chocolate is the best food on earth, so when I heard of this 'healthy' Raw chocolate I got very excited. I was like: "YES, now I can eat chocolate all the time guilt free!" However, slightly skeptical and wanting to learn more before purchasing a whole box, I sought out Dr. Karuna's knowledge on just how 'healthy' is this 'healthy' Raw Chocolate? She didn't exactly burst my: chocolate for breakfast lunch and dinner bubble, but she did bring me back down to earth. What I learned, is that like most foods, how much you eat, how often you should you eat it, and whether the food is healthy for YOU, needs to be looked at both holistically and specifically.
Raw Cacao is becoming more and more popular these days, so I asked Dr. Karuna to share with you all, what she shared with me.
- Trinity
It's true that raw chocolate is better for you than other chocolate. A few reasons are because: there are no processed ingredients added, raw chocolate is not heated allowing for it to retain its 'bitter' quality, and that most brands out there do not add sugar as their sweetener. Raw chocolate also naturally contains antioxidants, calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron.
My main concern with the 'raw chocolate hype' is that people tend to overdo things they think 'are good for them'. Nothing is good for everyone, period. Raw chocolate has a lot of caffeine and even a small amount in some people can cause jitters, sleeplessness and heart palpitations. If chocolate is something you are fond of and you want to try the 'raw' variety, I suggest trying a small amount to see how your body handles the amount you eat. Start with a small amount and eat it in the morning or afternoon. Raw chocolate is medicinal. If you are a sluggish person who needs the 'bitter' pick me up, then a little raw chocolate is a better choice than other processed sources of caffeine. Raw chocolate can also enhance the mood. Once again, a small amount goes a long way. Use it when you need it rather than as an everyday 'thing'.
For the best medicinal effects, you should try the Raw Cocoa Nibs and Raw Cocoa Powder. There are also many packaged varieties out there with natural sweeteners, choose one that has the least added ingredients. Other than that, it is a personal preference!
- Dr. Karuna
posted sunday, november 8, 2009 by illumé
tagged as: health, Individual, Raw Chocolate, cacao
Sharing Har Meditation
In times where there seems to be uncertainty, this is most likely certain…we all could use a little more prosperity in our lives. 
This prosperity meditation was shared with me by my friend and gifted healer, Sylvia Kalicinski, MA of Angel Heart Therapy. Sylvia credits Yogi Bhajan with sharing this meditation with the world.
HAR MEDITATION FOR PROSPERITY
Sit in easy pose, with a light neck lock.
To apply the “neck lock”:
• Sit comfortably with a straight spine.
• Lift your chest and sternum upward.
• Stretch the back of your neck gently straight by pulling the chin in toward the back of the neck.
• Keep your head level and centered without tilting forward or to either side.
• Keep the muscles of your face, neck, and throat as relaxed as you can.
EYE POSITION – Focus at the tip of the nose, through the eyes 90% closed.
MUDRA – Touch/tap the sides of the hands together alternately. The pinky fingers and base of the palms touch/tap when the palms face up. The index fingers touch/tap, and the thumbs touch/tap under the hands when the palms face down.
SPACE of ACTION – 6 -7 inches in front of your heart chakra.
MANTRA – Chant “HAR HAR HAR…”continuously from the navel, using the tip of the tongue touching the roof of your mouth. (This may sound like “HUD”.)
TIME – Week 1 - continue for 3 minutes. Week 2 – continue for 7 minutes. Week 3- continue for 11 minutes. (and so on if you wish to increase…)
I was advised to go no longer than 11 mins...as not to be greedy. However, after doing some research, Yogi Bhajan has said about the timing: Normally this is done for 11 minutes, but 3-31 minutes is a choice. Once you make your choice, stick to it, and your glandular system becomes habitual to it. So, go with what feels right to you.
“This meditation stimulates the mind, the moon center and Jupiter. When Jupiter and the moon come together, there is no way in the world you will not create wealth.” -Yogi Bhajan
www.yogibhajan.com
www.kundaliniyoga.com
posted wednesday, september 23, 2009 by
tagged as: health, har meditation, Great Quotes
Naturally Thin
Healthy weight is a desired goal by almost all of my patients. A way to attain this naturally is to follow basic principles rather than exacting and strict rules.
When it comes to weight loss, there is no magic pill. All of us have to have a healthy DAILY routine of sleep, food and exercise.
The way to make healthy weight loss an attainable goal is to apply the rules of Nature into your daily life. The Sun outside is correlated with the digestive fire inside. The more often that you keep your richer and heavier food intake during the middle of the day and lighter foods at the beginning and the end of the day, the more likely you are to feel clear and slim.
Conversely, the morning between 6am and 10am is the heaviest part of the day as we move from dark to light. This time should be used to exercise as much as possible.
It's important to go with Nature for the best results. In the realm of weight loss you want to think of what will help your metabolism stay in high function and not get sluggish.
The below tips are general guidelines and a starting point without detailed explanation. A more specific protocol created for you is highly recommended if weight loss is a core goal you have been working with.
Weight Loss Tips:
1) Exercise: Every little bit counts. Pick a daily exercise you enjoy. Incorporate exercise into your regular work schedule, making it a point to park a few blocks away from your car, walking a few extra blocks to get to your subway, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator etc… Take a short walk before you eat and after you eat to assist digestion. Exercise is the MOST beneficial when done between 6am-10am.
2) Times to eat: Eat your biggest meal at lunchtime between 12-2pm. Eat a lighter breakfast if eating before 10am. Ideally, try not to eat 3 hours before bed or after dark as often as possible.
3) Foods to Reduce or Eliminate: Avoid LEFTOVERS, processed foods, pasta, rice, potatoes, cheese, breads, yogurt, butter, deep sea fish, fatty meats, cakes, pastries, cookies, biscuits, milk, nuts and other fatty or heavy foods.
4) Drinks: Start your morning with a glass of hot water or herbal tea and drink hot water throughout the day. Do not drink cold liquids generally and especially don't drink cold liquids during or after exercise to keep your metabolic fire high. REMOVE or reduce: carbonated drinks, juice, beer and keep other drinks besides water to a minimum.
5) Portion size: Practice eating less at each meal and always stop eating before you are stuffed.
6) Sleep: No lying down for 1 hour after eating during the day or sleeping on a full stomach at any time.
7) Foods to Include: Foods with fiber. Green vegetables. Lean meat. Fruit in moderation.
8) Lifestyle not Diet: Remember that staying lean and fit is a lifestyle and not a 'fad' diet. Relaxing into something that works for 'you' is key. Find a general regimen that you can stick with easily or see a professional to create a program made specifically for you.
posted tuesday, september 8, 2009 by dr. karuna
tagged as: health, Fitness, Individual, weight loss
Not Just Any Manicure
Sunbathing and a nice Mani-Pedi pretty much go hand in hand. However nothing irritates me more than getting or giving myself a manicure and then having it go to ugliness 3 days later when it starts to chip. Thus for the past few years I have gone all natural on my fingernails.
However, recently I discovered CalGel. CalGel is a new honey like nail polish system that is actually strengthening to your nails and is free of harsh chemicals. It was first developed in South Africa in 1981, and was popularized in Japan a few years later.
It is amazing on many fronts: for one it dries instantly so when leaving the salon there is no chance of mussing up your fresh manicure. The solutions that are used with CalGel are hypoallergenic and do not have the offensive smell that traditional nail products have. It allows your natural nails to breath and it lasts for 3 to 5 weeks without chipping, peeling or breaking. The final result is an elegant natural look.
Not many nail salons carry it, and it can only be applied by a certified CalGel Manicurist. In NYC the salon that I recommend is Sakura, they do a lovely job. Michi Beauty & Hair Salon on the Upper East Side and Bellissimo Spa in the East Village also have CalGel certified manicurists.
posted monday, august 31, 2009 by trinity
tagged as: beauty, health, Manicure, eco friendly, CalGel
Behind the Scenes
Sometimes when I am sitting at my desk, working a bit too seriously, a random thought will cross my mind that will make me laugh out loud. Behind the scenes at Illume we are often laughing and pleasantly amused at the connections between how we both work with Fashion and Medicine.
Last week, I had a flashback of a conversation I had with Trinity about my newly purchased pair of tan vintage boots – a color and style I have never worn before. At the end of an Illume phone meeting I asked her what I thought would be ‘a simple’ question on what my new boots would match best with, if I could wear them with gray tights or black clothes. The following is a playback of her response to me:
“What kind of tights? What color gray are they? Are they knit, sheer, patterned, solid? Can you not wear tights? Black? Black what! What material are we talking about? What shade of black? Tan could look great with black, but it also could look horrible. Wait….are you thinking of wearing black jeans with them or are we talking about a black dress? Where are you going to wear this outfit too? Honestly, I would have to see the outfit on you with the boots. Karuna, an apple is not just an apple right? It depends on who is eating it? Well, boots aren’t just a pair of boots!”
I forget that when you ask an expert, you get expert advice! I thought I was looking for a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer not taking into account that just because something is beautiful in the box that I could just put them on and they would automatically be beautiful on me.
Similarly and very comically, Trinity recently called me from lunch at restaurant to ask me a ‘quick’ health question about whether shrimp would be a good new food for her to try? Here was my response:
“Do you know if you are allergic to shrimp? Shrimp is heating, what are you eating it with? How is it cooked? What is the temperature in NYC? Can you have it with some bitter greens to help with its digestion? Is it farm raised shrimp? Jumbo shrimp, baby shrimp? Dressing? What did you eat for breakfast? Trinity, if you are going to eat shrimp for the first time, only eat a few!!!”
What I love about the way Trinity and I work together is that she can give me the fashion lens to look through and I can give her the one on health. Our view is very synergistic. Patients often come to me and say, “I am eating _________” because I read it was ‘healthy’. I let them know that a certain food is only ‘healthy’ if it is ‘healthy’ FOR YOU! Even too much kale can be hard on the digestion.
I have seen Trinity work with clients the same way, oftentimes people will tell her that they heard that a certain style of clothing is ‘in’ and so they buy it and wear it. Yet, ‘black leather pants” may not be the right style for “YOU”, regardless of what is said ‘out there’ or how good it looks on the hanger!
What is healthy and fashionable is very individual based on one’s body type and overall constitution and preference! Of course, wear what you love and eat what you love……and if you want the fine tuned details…….you know who to call!
