Elevated Existence attended the annual Omega NYC conference a week ago in New York, and I had the pleasure of attending a workshop by the best-selling author of “Crazy Sexy Diet,” Kris Carr, and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) expert Nick Ortner.

I’ll admit, I was new to Carr’s work, but was intrigued by eating an anti-inflammatory diet. I have suffered from chronic sinus inflammation for more than 10 years, and was getting tired of the antihistamines. (I’m sure many of you can feel my pain!) Also, I had recently read “Ultra-Prevention: The Six-Week Plan That Will Make Your Healthy for Life,” by Mark Hyman, M.D. and Mark Liponis, M.D., which recommends a more plant-based diet for easing inflammation and better overall health.

So I attended the workshop (read all about it in our June 2012 issue out soon!) and became inspired. Carr is a wonderful, living example for what she teaches, and as someone living with what the doctor’s call an incurable cancer, I applaud her for taking healing into her own hands – and sharing what she has learned to help others! It’s been 10 years since was diagnosed, and her cancer has not progressed at all! BRAVO!

What inspired me was her complete self-care plan, which includes physical, emotional and spiritual health. Our June article will go into more depth, but I wanted to share the small changes I am making in my diet in hopes that I will inspire you to do the same!

One of the things I love about Carr is she is NOT an all or nothing girl! She is vegan, eating an 80 percent plant-based, gluten-free diet, but encourages people to “lean into” a healthier diet. For example, start by adopting a 50/50 plan – 50 percent of every plate of food is vegetables, and the other 50 percent is dedicated to a grains, meat, tofu, etc. (and the meat amount shouldn’t be bigger than a deck of cards if you choose that option). Also, incorporate what she calls “green juice” into your daily routine (more about that below!)

So far, here are the changes I have made:

–      Dairy is the first thing I decided to eliminate since I suffer from chronic sinus inflammation. Dairy contributes to this, as well as creating excess mucus in the body. I already drink almond milk, so it was really just cutting out cheese, butter, etc.

–      Since meat has always been part of my diet (I grew up in an Italian, meatball-loving family), I decided to start slow. I’m eliminating red meat, and only eating chicken, turkey or fish no more than once per day (eventually cutting down to a couple times per week.)

–      I’ve added a PB8 probiotic supplement to my daily routine. (I also take a multi-vitamin; vitamin D3; Omega 3; vitamin C; and Calcium Magnesium supplements daily. I’m a big fan of Andrew Lessman’s vitamins)

–      Incorporating more vegetables into every meal.

–      Significantly cut down on sugar and chocolate (thank goodness those Cadbury Crème Eggs are off the shelves!)

–      I bought a brand-new Breville juicer (thank you Bed, Bath & Beyond for your 20-percent-off coupons that never expire), and am drinking at least 8 ounces of green juice every morning. (Carr recommends 16 ounces per day, and I’m going to build up to that. But I’m starting slow!)

Now a quick word on the green juice — A basic recipe using a juicer (which is different than a blender) is a combination of the following: cucumber, celery, spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, green apple and lemon – and there are many variations on it. Carr advises in her book “Crazy Sexy Diet,” if your stomach tends to be sensitive, you can start with straight up cucumber juice, and then gradually add other ingredients that might be harder to digest. I started with cucumber one day, then added celery and green apple to that, and then I recently started adding a handful of spinach.

Well so far – I’ve cut down on antihistamines (about every other day from daily), and I’m feeling really good about doing something for myself and my body – or what Carr called the “God Pod.” And as of writing this blog, it’s only been one week!

I highly recommend her book “Crazy Sexy Diet” if this blog is at all interesting to you. She offers so many brand-name recommendations for replacing gluten, wheat and dairy products, as well as recipes and a wealth of information about the things we put into our body. She also offers detox tips, such as dry brushing the skin daily!

And be sure to check out her Web site, www.crazysexylife.com for more advice, recipes and tips!

Here’s to living a healthy, inflammation-free life! Thanks for the inspiration Kris!

Tammy Mastroberte
Founder, Publisher & Editorial Director
Elevated Existence Magazine
www.elevatedexistence.com