In the Kitchen with Jillian Michaels

So this happened....

On Monday - one of the editors from Chatelaine Mag invited me to come in to Toronto for a meet & greet with Jillian Michaels in their Chatelaine Kitchen. So fun right?

Myself and a group of girls already have tix for her tour when she passes through London on Friday night, but how cool to have some 1:1 time with her beforehand! I was allowed to bring a friend up with me so I grabbed my girl Gill {aka podcast co-hostess} and we tripped up with a bag full of green juice, kombucha & a few Tiny Devotions Malas to gift out. {Gave her the Mama Mala}

My experience with her that day and through being a long time listener of her podcast is that she is an authentic & caring leader in this industry...even though the public pulse on her is that she's a big meanie as "America's Toughest Trainer". I think becoming a Mama this year has also put a different chip in her and has softened her approach some.

I asked her about what "ritual" she keeps that helps her stay grounded and in a place of being able to give so much all the time. She responded about how fulfilling her work is so she doesn't necessarily feel like she's "giving all the time" But hey - everybody's got their thing right? Mine has been an evolving process in the early morning lately with a sweat, meditation & planning sesh before the girls get up.
I'll come back to that question with Jillian sometime soon - because the other Gillian in my life and I are manifesting an interview with her on our Podcast. This has to happen- I think the 3 of us would have some fun hashing about health! And we're grateful to have been #2 on iTunes right behind her several times over the last few weeks!!

Here are a few healthy nuggets she shared with the group:

★ "Your health is the platform that your entire life is built upon"
★ "Reconnect with the life you want, not the one you think you should be living"
★ "You must be present and emotionally connected to your "why" for being healthy"
★ "80% of my time & energy goes to my work and children and 20% goes to herself. But I shift focus wherever the squeaky wheel is that day" She elaborated on this to say that in order to be a great mom, you have to take time for yourself
★ "My kids don't go to McDonalds, because they don't know it exists! If they don't know about it, they won't want it" I totally agree with this but there are obviously environments that sabotage this such as school settings and they odd trip to the grandparents ;) My own approach with this is to not bring the junk in the house, to eat the same meals together (ie - Mama doesn't just have a salad at night while the kids have mac n cheese) and to teach my kids to connect feeling great with eating

You can purchase tickets to her Maximize Your Life Tour HERE...inspiration to start living your best life now!

April Recap + Little Eco Footprint Review

The last 4 weeks have ran on pure jet fuel...that's to be expected though as they were also full of some of the most amazing life experiences to date...a few items of which I'll expand on in future blog posts.

★ April kicked off with a little vacay to Mexico - just me and the sahweet hubs for 4 days of total bliss.

★ Lead 25 women through a beautiful Retreat weekend in Muskoka filled with yoga, bootcamp, juicing, smoothies, beauty seminars and amazing raw vegan cuisine {a la my cohost Mary}. Basically all the essentials to live a rockin' healthy life.  While I was leading the retreat, my friend + cohost of our podcast, The Holistic Health Diary, sat down with Rich Roll & his wife Julie Piatt to bring your our very first interview.

★ Then I hopped right on a plane out to Whistler to spend 3 awesome days with the most inspiring Lululemon leaders & ambassadors from around the continent....will elaborate more on this in a future post as it was full of nuggets I'd like to share with you.

★ I lead another online class on how to make your own Kombucha, Kefir + Sprouts at home. This is one of my fave classes to teach as you not only learn a key way to ramp up your health but it's so freakin' cheap to make your own. I have noticed truly remarkable differences in my own health since I added fermented drinks & foods into my diet last year. You can purchase the recording and Ebook for the class HERE.

★ Led the first class of my 6 week Run ~Yasa Program with over 15 women learning to run their first 5km with juicy yoga after


★ And to kick off May - I launched The Ready, Set, GLOW 7 day Detox. This is a guided cleanse program that I'll be running the first week of every month. The May group has about 60 women cleansing their bodies + their life and they wrap up this Sunday. They have been reporting awesome results in their skin, digestion and weight...but more importantly, they have accessed their power. They are moving their lives from good to great. {it is so much more than the diet}
Registration is now open for the June cleanse if you'd like to join me.

Reflecting back on all of this, I am so grateful to have these opportunities to connect and share my passion with you. I attended a leadership event today and spent some time condensing what I believe my purpose to be in all of this and here was what leaped from my heart to the page:

I make GLOWING HEALTH accessible to people worldwide through innovative teaching + creative connection.

Boom. Feeling ultra clear about that one.

In the middle of all of this bus-y-ness, I came home one day to find my April Little Eco Footprint shipment waiting for me...and not to play favourites card - but this box was very fun!

So many little goodies to share:

• Earth Berries Soap Nuts: I love nuts...love soaking them, eating them and now I can love them in the laundry room. They're enviro friendly and affordable and natural. Love em! I've been making my own liquid deterg for a while now but will definitely be keeping these on hand for back up.
• Elma + Sana Moroccan Argan Oil: Was very excited to receive this as I have fallen in love with oil cleansing my face. I apply this on after I cleanse to areas that need extra love such as under the eyes and cuticles. And the aroma is so soothing.
• Smith Farms all natural lip tint: A sheer and beautiful red colour perfect for summer. Now you see why this box was super fun!
• A set of natural blocks from Re-Wood Toys provided a little extra time for me to eat my lunch the day the box arrived. I'm a sucker for anything wood and these are so sweet!
• 2 large bags of Prana Organic snacks - tamari almonds and a dark chocolate nut mix. I think I had about 2 almonds before my husband scarfed both bags on me. Seriously delish! 
• Some awesome discount cards were included for $15 to spend at Wee Woolies and $7 off for Maple Hills Dryer Balls
• And a little booklet with lots of inspirational nuggets from myself and my fellow team of Healthy Living Experts. My contribution this month was on sneaky ways to add more exercise into your day!

If you'd like to subscribe yourself or gift a special Mama in your life, CLICK HERE and enter coupon code MOTHERSDAY to save 15% off your first month as a new member!
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Ready, Set....GLOW! HolFit 7-day DETOX {new program}

Glow Seekers.....

I just put the finishing touches on a brand new program for you called Ready, Set, GLOW...the HolFit 7-day Detox. Oh...this is a goody and the timing couldn't be better with Summer right around the corner. You'll be Refreshed, Vibrant, Glowy & buzzing with Energy after these 7 days.... Watch my quick video announcement below and then keep reading for all the details!

This 7 day detox will run for the first week of every month. So take a look at your calendar and decide which month is right for you to start! This is a WHOLE FOODS & nutrient dense liquid nutrition cleanse that I've created a whole week of recipes for which are provided in the accompanying PDF book. I've also outlined specific detoxifying rituals for you to do that will work synergistically with the diet to produce awesome results!

We kick off the program with a LIVE virtual seminar in my powhow classroom to review the program and address any questions before you get started.

---> You'll receive:

 - a 35 pg PDF book with all the details of the cleanse and tons of Detox Recipes for Juicing, Blending, nut mylking, salading, souping, snacking and beauty {all recipes are plant based, gluten free & mostly raw}

 - a Detox grocery & supply shopping list

 - a Sample detoxing calendar

 - a How to Guide for the rituals including skin brushing, tongue scraping, exercise, epsom bathing & oil cleansing for beauty

 - a 20% off discount for any future class with me (sprouting/probiotics, meal prep, superfood smoothies or 1:1 personal training)

 - Be part of a special Facebook group of fellow Ready, Set GLOWers
Cost is $45

---> Who's this For?
 - Anyone who is feeling off or showing some of the classic toxic overload symptoms such as skin issues, bloating, constipation, headaches or insomnia {to name just a few haha}. Or maybe you're just looking to give your body a rest, drop a little weight and break some bad habits. {please chat with your doctor first if you're not sure if this is a good time for you to cleanse}

 - And any of my Eat Clean Get Lean clients will LOVE this! After building a solid foundation of health in your life - this is a great way to step it up and accelerate some of the great results you've already experienced

---> Who's this NOT for?

 - Pregnant or nursing mamas

 - Those with kidney or liver disease, cancer or diabetes

In an organic nutshell...this cleanse is amazing (I just finished it myself last week). It's not gimmicky - it simply works using what nature has provided us so the body can do its thang. And it's the perfect way to welcome a new season or kick off a fresh new month!

Okay - so are you ready? You can register HERE....

...Sample of what's included in Ready Set GLOW Ebook:

❤ Feedback from Recent Ready, Set, GLOW'ers:

"Thank you for organizing us, preparing us, supporting us and guiding us on this amazing week long journey!! I am thankful for taking the detox in soooo many ways!!! I learned things I didn't expect I would, felt ways that surpassed my expectations and am grateful for having this cleanse!! Can't wait to do my next detox.....kind of addicted to the way I feel and look!"

"As I finish up this awesome detox this week I feel really proud of myself and that I took the time to take care of myself. This body has done some pretty great things, carried two babes and battled an autoimmune disorder. So much inflammation is gone!"

"This week has been amazing. I feel incredible and lost a few pounds on top of that. Thank you for all the wonderful information. I will definitely take these tips forward as I ease out of the detox and beyond. You should see my skin....and hair!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE"

"Thank you for all of the amazing lessons this program has taught us. This week has been incredible for so many reasons, and I am so appreciative of the tools you have given us to make our lives GREAT!  My body, mind, and soul are feeling it and I am excited to move forward knowing what we know now. Here's to a refreshed life!"

"Thanks so much for everything this week. It was just what I needed to go a little deeper into this healthy lifestyle I have choosen. I have learned a lot about myself (I can live without cheese for one) and I have really enjoyed watching my 3 year old learn along with me."

"Absolutely loved the oil cleansing last night and feeling great today!"

"I can already see changes in my skin! :) Can't wait to see day 7!"

Run ~Yasa Training Program

I heard on the radio this morning that we can expect today to be the last sign of Winter...double digits are gonna give us a big hug by next week - yay! The first thing that makes me think of is RUNNING!  I love switching up my movement routine from the gym ---> running outdoors while listening to podcasts & audiobooks. {multitasking mental & physical fitness}

If you live in London and want to dust off your runners with me....I will once again be running a Couch to 5K Running Program at Rebirth Wellness Centre starting in May. But this year I've added a little twist...in the form of juicy hip opening yoga after our weekly run!

I've called the program RUN~YASA and we will meet Sat mornings from 9a-10a starting the first Sat in May (May 4th). This 6 week group training program will have you running 5k by the end, you'll be leaner, stand taller and meet some new healthy friends!
Spots are starting to fill up - you can register HERE if you'd like to join.

My Couch to 5K program will end on Sat, Jun 8th which will roll perfectly into a 10KM training program that my friend Brandon Laan has setup to prepare runners for the most awesome race in London on Aug 18th: The Michelob Ultra Rock the Road 10K. I ran this last year and have already registered for this year!

★ And special for all of my London readers - you can use promo code HOLFIT to give you $10 off the race registration. ★
YOU CAN REGISTER HERE with that promo code until end of April

Also - my friends over at Vega sent me a package last week full of their Vegan One products which have been rebranded & so amazing! The bars I especially love for those days I'm crazy crazy - quick grab from my purse with my afternoon organic coffee and I'm totally satisfied between lunch & dinner. For those of you stepping up your training - look for these convenient bars next time your shopping as they're a perfect choice for post workout with 15g protein, key vitamins & minerals, a full serving of greens and 1 billion cfu probiotics per bar! Vega is one of my fave supplement lines because of their high quality ingredients and they're really accessible as you'll find them in most grocer & health foods stores. We're planning to interview the founder of Vega, Brendan Brazier, on our podcast this summer!
Happy Trails!

Seasonal Shifts + LIttle Eco Footprint {March Delivery}

What's up April?

Cleanse :: Renewal :: Refresh :: Raw :: Sweat.....

Just a few words that come to mind on the 1st of April....what do you think of? It's time to dust off the juicer and start planning the veggie plots. I love the shift going on right now...the days are longer, the meals are gradually getting more raw and I'm ready to exchange knitting & soup for gardening & Yonanas (oh my word...have you tried it)
I was able to get out for run the other day - it's still pretty cold here in my corner of the world but I can feel the buzz of Spring. Seasons rock. But Spring & Summer rock the most! I've got a b.u.s.y month with the Muskoka Retreat and then some biz travel out to Whistler with Lululemon {can't wait to share more details on that!} Just focusing on having a solid gameplan in place each day and watching the stress levels...which just happens to be the topic of our 4th episode on the podcast ;)

I also received the March shipment of the Little Eco Footprint - a super fab delivery box program for Mamas that's full of healthy & green products for my girls & I. It's such a nice treat to find this on my doorstep mid month! You can sign up for the service HERE.

I present you the March box:
...I opened this up on Sunday morning before Church and was very pleased to see my fave stain remover, soy crayons and a few generous pouches of Organic Banana Munch - all of which I tossed into my giant purse, confidently knowing I had everything I needed to get through a busy Sunday ;)

• Soy, wax free Crayon Rocks that are perfect for little hands (just be careful of little mouths)
• Natural Foam Wash from Carre Jaune which could be used on babies & Mamas. I added it into my coconut oil/baking soda cleansing ritual and it was amazing!
• A natural stain remover stick from Buncha Farmers was the highlight for me...this stick smells divinely fresh and is super effective! Perfect for keeping in your purse.
• A large giraffe growth chart by Ecojot that my 3.5yr old Chloe was very proud to be "off the charts" with. It's nice that my 18 month old Emme can have something all to her own for once ;)
• The infant/toddler snacks by First Food Organics were a hit..I should also note that I caught my husband stealing some of the Banana Munch Mix & Yogurt Yums....not sure what to make of that.
• A small bottle of Orange Vanilla Body Wash by John Masters Organics will be part of every hot shower I have at the gym this month - it is so delicious smelling!
• A $10 giftcard for Boske Kids which is a Canadian owned & operated company that has the most adorable clothing & accessories. And I love that their brand means Forest Kids 

Lastly  - the booklet of articles submitted by myself and the panel of Little Eco Footprint Experts has awesome Healthy & Green information! Last month, my contribution was on What Motherhood Taught Me About Health. You can find more articles from last month posted to the LEF blog. For next month, I'm writing an article on sneaky ways to multitask Fitness & Motherhood - stay tuned!

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