My RESET Story - How I Lost 10 Stubborn Pounds

Me on the Parisian catwalk for DeSenneville about 1990

 
Everyone has an ideal weight where they feel their body working at it's optimal levels. For me that weight harkens back to my days as a 27 year old living in Paris while working as a fashion model. (Mind you those were the pre anorexic look days). For many years I was able to keep that ideal weight and then when I hit my mid 40's things changed. Much to my chagrin a favorite pair of classic striped pants were now impossible for me to wear. I couldn't close them at the waist. Surely I must be hallucinating, I thought, as I began to go to through my closet trying on old outfits that I used to breeze in an out of only to find that they were now unwearbable. My YSL safari style pantsuit bequethed to me by a French friend I couldn't get past my thighs let alone zip up the fly. My sexy blue zip up hot pants by Vivienne Westwood and my catsuits all off limits. All in all it amounted to ten stubborn pounds that had accumulated around my waist and on my thighs. What happened? Or more to the point what was no longer happening?

 

RESET or How I Lost 10 pounds

 BEFORE & heavier pictured with my grandfather

Up to this point I had never been on a "diet" in my life. I had committed to a vegetarian lifestyle three decades before at 18, ate organic and had no big vices to speak of other than chocolate. I had eaten chocolate all my life and my ex - boyfriend used to joke when he got home that he had my "health food" which consisted of no less than 3 chocolate bars and usually a bag of corn chips. I'd consume that much a week and without realizing it, I had my own little mini carb and sugar roller coaster scenario going on. I equated that dietary roller coaster with gorging on bagels and donuts and since that was not the portrait of my life, I didn't get it at first. Although the chocolate I was eating was labeled organic, the story lay deeper than that. It was still in a classic bar form and much more processed than cacao should be. Raw cacao is good for you as it it not only high in antioxidants but rich in minerals such as Magnesium which is used in over 300 bodily functions. It was the magnesium in higher doses that my body was really craving and I was simply not getting enough. Magnesium's functions include providing fuel to the mitochondria in the cell. The mitochondria is like a mini factory where the cell does what it needs to do to keep the body healthy like turning the foods I eat into energy. My cells need to breathe, reproduce,  and this is key - to  excrete what it can't use. If the cell is low on fuel, the waste matter just doesn't make it out and manifests as low energy, poor digestion and as unwanted weight on my thighs, behind and tummy. I had been espousing RESET to customers and seeing some amazing results and now it was time to do it myself. For two days I consumed nothing but the Usana Nutrimeal shakes, made sure I doubled up on my Healthpaks taking them morning and night and drank plenty of water. I kept up with my regime of biking to where I needed to go and ate fruits during the day and a light salad at night along with my evening shake. People I was not hungry at all. I thought I might need to use the Usana Nutrition bars which I love because they actually have nutrition in them but in this case I didn't  require them. That surprised me but like I said everyone is different. At the end of just two days I dropped those ten pounds and the fat pants I was wearing were now baggy on me. My friend Josefa gasped when she saw me. "My God you've dropped so much weight! What did you do?"  RESET baby.  I hit my goal after two days which may not be typical but was amazing nonetheless. I stuck to the program using just water to make make shakes keeping them nutrient rich and calorie poor. My body was able to rejuvenate tapping into my old high metabolic rate and the pounds literally melted away. My striped pants and I were now back in action!

My Happy Ending

Me June 3, 2013 with my grandfather Bernando LaPallo

That was two years ago and I have not gained a single pound back. In fact I have continued to slim down and tone as I keep up with my regular biking routine and comply on a daily basis with my MyHealthpak supplementation. I get my optimal nutrition daily with Active (magnesium) Calcium that keeps my legs from cramping from all the biking I do while keeping my cells chugging along. I take my mega antioxidants, chelated minerals, AO Booster, Visionex to keep my eyes and skin healthy, Proflavanol C for easy breathing, strong teeth, gums and skin. I indulge myself in chocolate when I desire but it is no longer my main go to source of energy. My days of eating 3 to 5 bars a week are gone and now I consume that many per month. In mathematical terms I have gone from consuming 20 bars a month to 5. What I love most of all about my refound youth is that while I look the part I am much more grounded because of all the years I have under my belt. I get to be "young again" minus all the stupid mistakes I made the first time. At 50 it's a wonderful feeling! Would you like to feel this way?

Summer Slimdown

 

If you'd like my guidance while participating in the 30 Day Summer Slimdown Challenge I am conducting in July using USANA RESET Transformation please write me at ekayani@usana.com I have Summer Specials but hurry as that ends July 25th!

RESET TRANSFORMATION Kit

Summer Slimdown Challenge Kicks Off July - Are You Ready?

Make the commitment to your health and join my 30 Day Challenge!

Summer is in full swing and already I have been out and about on two successive weekends enjoying the festivities that New York City and it's environs has to offer.  There are as many ways to celebrate the solstice as there are communities and boy do we have a lot of communities. You want to feel and look your best while enjoying the summer months sporting the latest fashions or better yet wearing a bikini. By now if you have been following along on my blog you understand the strain and stress that being overweight puts on your heart as well as the risks you face for diabetes. So before I share all the fun, I invite you and your friends to join in a 30 Day Summer Slim Down Challenge I am running using Usana's RESET Transformation kits now!  It's sure to be rewarding. When you start to regain your energy and zest for life your confidence will soar.  I want to emphasize that this is a sane weight management program free of gimmicks, hype and unsavory ingredients. A common sense approach with a daily exercise program while eating plenty of fresh fruit, veggies and water will contribute to your success. As part of your package you will receive a free and confidential True Health Assessment,  low glycemic recipes, weekly weight checks, and one on one phone consultations. I am  offering a gluten free version of this 30 Day Summer Slimdown program here.  The challenge begins in July.  RSVP by June 30th here to participate in this limited time offer.
So are you ready to look and feel your best while establishing healthy habits for a lifetime? Sure you are! So grab a friend and lets get started!

Summer Solstice Fun & Jazz Age Parties

The dance floor canopied by trees fab!

I hopped the ferry to Governor's Island Sunday,  June 16th to catch the Eighth Annual Great Lawn Party with Arenella's jazz age Dream Land Orchestra complete with a dance floor set up under a canopy of trees dancing till I could dance no more. The music played by his live orchestra hail from the 1920 and teens with everyone dressing the part. I brought a picnic lunch to share with friends though I did sample some of the treats on site. I got lots of complements on my socks as I tried my best to look like a gal of the period out to enjoy a day by the water.

Ekayani in striped chemise,ankle socks, polka dot heels

Michael Arenella sings into a megaphone 20's style

June 21 was the Summer Solstice and I went Swedish! I enjoyed my first ever MidSummer Festival held in Battery Park dancing around a maypole decorated in sunflowers to the strains of Swedish folk music while wearing a flower crown made for me by my friend the stylist Ulrika. It's been a while since I went to Stockholm but with the water from the bay lapping against the rocks and the steeple like roof of Pier 6 I believed I was there. The purpose of this festival is to celebrate and attract fertility and it's been going on a long time predating Christianity's foothold in Sweden. The whole village would come out for this with farmers as the foundation according to Ulrika.

Wearing a flower wreath

Dancing around and near the maypole on Pier 6

The weather was perfect and we enjoyed a picnic in the grass with a gaggle of friends and toddlers. After the dancing there was more eating and drinking. And then more eating and drinking. Ulrika instructed me to pick 7 different kinds of flowers to place under my pillow that night to help me "dream about my future husband". This is a Swedish tradition and this is what I picked. Sweet dreams!

All flowers I found in my neighborhood

Saturday 22 -  I went to the Mermaid Parade in Coney Island enjoying the sun, salt breeze and flamboyant costumes of men and woman dressed as mermaids. mermen,coral reefs,sailors, pirate ships and sea creatures. I am grateful that I have been taking care of my health all this time to dive into one festive occasion to another. What are the ways you celebrate summer? Leave your comments below. Remember to write what your Goal Weight is and your Current Weight when you sign up for the challenge by writing me ekayani@usana.com!

A barnacled lady! Looks like a coral reef to me Photo credit CBS News

Finally please learn about USANA's quality guarantee from the founder Dr. Myron Wentz.

Reset Transform Kit - 30 Day Summer Slim Down Challenge

Your challenge begins in July! Commit to your lifelong health now!

 Science based nutritional weight loss

 Dr Brian Dixon Executive Director of Clinical Affairs at USANA Health Sciences does an excellent job in the video above  explaining why this programs succeeds where so many fail.  Please take 3 minutes to watch. Dr. Dixon  covers the hows, touches on the glycemic index and makes suggestions on how you can customize your experience. By now if you have been following along on my blog you understand the strain and stress that being overweight puts on your heart as well as the risks you face for diabetes. I invite you and your friends to join in a 30 Day Summer Slim Down Challenge I am running using Usana's RESET Transformation kits also available Gluten Free. Check out the details below.

When it starts

The Summer Slimdown challenge begins in July - that's just 5 days away so I recommend you throw away your hesitations and jump in feet first to a new you. The hard work has been down for you by our outstanding world class nutritional science research team.You can join at any point in July.

 How it Works

 

USANA’s Transform Kit contains over a month’s supply of everything needed to help transform your body for a healthier, happier you. Following the 5-Day Jumpstart Phase of USANA’s RESET™ weight-management program, the Transform Phase will help you achieve your goal weight. This kit includes Nutrimeal™ meal-replacement shakes, along with Nutrition Bars, a supply of nutritional supplements, and Rev3 energy drink. All foods included in this kit are made with a low-glycemic formula, designed to deliver sustained energy and control hunger, giving your body what it needs to lose weight. This program will not only help you shed pounds, it will help you make positive changes to your overall lifestyle and keep weight off for good.*
Health Basics

• Helps control hunger and the stress of dieting
• Boosts metabolism and helps with energy
• Provides balanced nutrition and all you need for weight-loss success
• Contains low-glycemic ingredients to control carbohydrate cravings
•    
• One of the healthiest and most balanced weight-loss programs in the market



RESET Transform Kit

• USANA^® Essentials™ Green
• Rev3 energy Surge Pack (28pk)
• Nutrimeal, Dutch Chocolate (2)
• Nutrimeal, Vanilla (3)
• Nutrimeal, Wild Strawberry (1)
• Peanut Butter bars
• Chocolate Fusion bars

 Ready to Get Started?!

Contact me now for with this affordable and sane weight management program notoriously free of hype  Write me ekayani@usana.com  Look under Diet and Energy To Order products here  Learn about your Gluten Free options here

The product specials on RESET Transformation kits ends July 25.

*It is suggested that you take these products to your physician and secure his or her advice if you intend to change your diet, begin an exercise program, are pregnant or lactating, have allergies, are taking medications, or are under the care of a physician. The components of the USANA RESET 5-Day Kit are FOODS, not DRUGS.

As with any health or fitness program, a sensible eating plan and regular exercise are required in order to achieve long-term weight loss results. Results will vary.

Gluten Free Weight Loss Kit - Transform during the 30 Day Summer Slimdown Challenge

Reset Transformation Kit is a 30 Day supply

 Gluten Free Package for Weight Loss Transform

For those who are gluten intolerant I have something for you. USANA’s RESET Gluten-Free Transform Kit^† contains over a month’s supply of everything needed to help transform your body for a healthier, happier you. Following the 5-Day Jumpstart Phase of USANA’s RESET™ weight-management program, the Transform Phase will help you achieve your goal weight. All foods included in this kit are made with a gluten-free, low-glycemic formula, designed to deliver sustained energy and control hunger, giving your body what it needs to lose weight. This program will not only help you shed pounds, it will help you make positive changes to your overall lifestyle and keep weight off for good.* I also have the delicious vegan Go Nuts n Berries bars from USANA if chocolate or peanut butter is not your thing that comes separately.

How To Order

 I offering a discount for a limited time only. The Summer Slimdown 30 Day Challenge begins in July! Write me here about how you can participate or order your Gluten Free Transformation kit by going to my website. Look under Diet & Energy here

Go Nuts N Berries

Health Basics
  

• Helps control hunger and the stress of dieting
• Boosts metabolism and helps with energy
• Provides gluten-free, balanced nutrition and all you need for weight-loss success
• Contains low-glycemic ingredients to control carbohydrate cravings
   
• One of the healthiest and most balanced weight-loss programs in the market



RESET Gluten-Free Transform Kit Includes

• USANA^® Essentials™ Green
• Rev3 Energy Surge Pack (28pk)
• Nutrimeal, Chocolate Whey (3)
• Nutrimeal, French Vanilla (3)
• Peanut Butter Crunch Nutrition Bars (1 box)
• Chocolate Fusion Nutrition Bars (1 box) 
•  You may also want to try the Vegan Go Nuts N Berries bar. It's delicious and packed with Omega 3's! Flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds, cranberries, raisins and more good stuff held together with  brown rice syrup. GMO free.
• 
  

†For our customers sensitive to gluten: No gluten-containing ingredients are used in this pack. However, USANA Foods are produced in a facility that manufactures other products that do use wheat.
*It is suggested that you take these products to your physician and secure his or her advice if you intend to change your diet, begin an exercise program, are pregnant or lactating, have allergies, are taking medications, or are under the care of a physician. The components of the USANA Gluten-Free RESET Transform Kit are FOODS, not DRUGS.
As with any health or fitness program, a sensible eating plan and regular exercise are required in order to achieve long-term weight loss results. Results will var

Champagne Riot Hits a High Note for Bernando LaPallo

Kate Manning sang like a bird  Photo S Sheddy

The Champagne Riot NY put on a stellar show for the conclusion of the New York leg of Bernando's112th Birthday & Book Tour on June 6, 2013 at the downtown club The Slipper Room which boasts an adorable gilt framed stage. Here is a recap of what you missed to try and give you the feeling of what fun we had! Personally, I couldn't stop dancing and the time just flew by. I wrote this thank you to the group which summarizes my feelings. The performers that night were the husband and wife team Jesse Gelber (piano, musical direction) and Kate Manning (vocals), Gin Minsky (tap dancer), burlesque artists Jezebel Express, Evelyn Vinyl, acrobatic showgirl Miss Kae Burke from the House of YES, Kevin Dunn on drums, Mike Hashim on sax and Master of Ceremonies Dandy Wellington who recently appeared on Page Six for his role in the opening night festivities for the film launch of The Great Gatsby.This band does not disappoint so give yourself a treat and beat it to see them asap at The Cutting Room July 20.

 Happy Birthday Bernando! photo credit Jane Kratochvil Photography

Dear Champagne Riot New York -
Thank you for the marvelous show you put on Thursday night for Bernando! It was stellar and classy! How perfect and lovely The Champagne Riot is! Bernando was transfixed watching and enjoying every moment, moving along to the music! The music fit him like a glove and it was sheer pleasure to see him transported to his younger days of the jazz age. "That guy can really play piano"!
The trio was HOT and on the mark!

Evelyn Vinyl

And speaking of hot Miss Evelyn Vinyl you are gorgeous and I heard that more than once! Kate my dear you were really on FIRE Thursday night and we loved every single song you covered. So funny, so witty we wanted more!

Jezebel Express watch out for curves! photo S Sheddy

 When it was Jezebel's turn Bernando said "Take it easy baby take it easy"! Gin Minsky what a delight you are! I personally loved your attention to detail with glittering knee high socks that matched your umbrella. Emerald Green as you spun out of one costume to another until you were right down to your tassles. Classic!

Gin Minsky taps her way into our hearts Photo Shell Sheddy

Mike your playing has an élan and we hung on every note as you soared! Thank you Sir for the ride!
Dandy and Kevin - number 721 and 428 very good and looking sharp as always!  :)
Jesse stand stands for Joy! I am so glad you got to wield your magic on a real set of piano keys. It was so much fun watching you having fun.

The Lovely Kae Burke poses with Bernando Photo S Sheddy

 And SURPRISE! Kae Burke from the House of YES! appears out of nowhere, the magical circus queen dressed like one of Lee Chappell's cupcakes thrilling the audience with worry and suspense slithering up and down white fabric ropes. You were a VISION  and I was so proud and delighted! Thank you for saying YES!

Kae Burke from House of YES photo credit Jane Kratochvil Photography

Last but no least, thanks to Lee Chappell for baking and bringing all those cupcakes making Bernando's birthday wish as he blew out his candles delicious! Everyone in the room had a treat!! Lee, thank you for making my acquaintance with The CRNY

Making a wish! Photo  Shell Sheddy

My only regret is that I sang so badly! Next time on Bernando's 113th I insist on a run through. Hopefully everyone forgave me. I wanted to do it well but I guess I just had a bit too much on my mind. I hope you will reserve your judgment on me. I admire you all so. The Slipper Room is a perfect venue for you and I do hope you go back! Soon!
Again many, many thanks for the conclusion of Bernando's Birthday & Book Tour  week in New York made as fabulous and memorable at it's conclusion as it was at it's beginning with the Yankees!
Much Love to you all xoxoxoxo - Ekayani Chamberlin, Assistant and Granddaughter to Bernando LaPallo

LaPallo meets Jeter Saturday June 1, 2013 during batting practice NY Daily News

Jazz Age Tonight Jeter Meets LaPallo

What a week! Our honored guest Bernando LaPallo met Derek Jeter at Yankee Stadium,revisited the Harlem Renaissance  and Tonight is his New York side Jazz Age Birthday Bash with The Champagne Riot! A final reminder to get your tix and dress to impress baby! http://lnkd.in/JR8b5J  http://lnkd.in/dVddY5

Beyond 100 Tour Schedule Announced - Where to Meet Bernando LaPallo

Hi Everybody! It has been a very exciting first day Bernando and I had yesterday upon his arrival May 31. I am thrilled to say due to the efforts of many Bernando will be attending the Yankees vs the Red Sox game today Saturday June 1, 2013 at Yankee Stadium! This is a fantastic birthday present to the oldest living Yankees fan on the planet who is turning 112 in just two months!  We want to thanks the Yankee organization who are giving us the VIP treatment so very much! So be sure to watch the pregame activities because you just might see a glimpse of someone you recognize. August 17th is his official birthday and we are going to kick off New York style with a tour of Yankee Stadium, batting practice, a chat with some media, dinner and then the ballgame!
A new radio appearance has been added today Saturday June 1st from Noon to 1PM  on Eye Opener. Our hosts are Broher Marlyn  and Double R. A list of appearances with information on how to attend is here. We hope to see as many of you in New York as possible. Please bear in mind that seating is limited.

Saturday June 1 – Yankees vs Red Sox Yankee Stadium
                                                       Go YANKEES!

Sunday June 2 –Day of Rest after all the excitement.

11am Monday, June 3 – Radio The Double Diamond Wellness Hour from 11AM  to 12PM EST on Talking Alternatives Radio with host Sam Leibowitz.  Be sure to tune in for  a special offer! Tune in over the internet here

Monday evening June 3  - For Brooklynites

Lecture followed by Q & A
Nicholas Brooklyn
570 Fulton Avenue
Tickets are $25 Call Kunfunya Ife at (347) 972 – 0901 for more information.
Limited Seating. 7PM





Tuesday,  June 4

OFFICIAL Beyond 100 – How to Live Well Into The Second Century Book Preview Lecture and Juice Tasting $25 Buy tickets here: Advanced purchase required
Each attendee will receive a complimentary glass of fresh juice courtesy of Master Juice. Limited copies of Bernando’s first book on sale.  Special discount on Pre Orders of DVD of this lecture to be filmed. Juice provided by Master Juice.
Time Doors & Check in 7PM  Lecture begins at 7:30
Where: Stanton Street Yoga & Sanctuary Guest Suites
196a Stanton Street NYC 10002
Phone (917) 388 – 2686





Wednesday, June 5th – Join Bernando in Harlem with the Big Apple Jazz Tour

Gordon runs Big Apple Jazz Tour

 7PM sharp! Enjoy the Harlem Renaissance Orchestra
Venue : Dinosaurs BBQ
700 West 125 Street (near 12th Avenue)
$15  Email Gordon gordon@bigapplejazz.com or call (800) 979 – 3370 for more information.



Thursday, June 6th – My 112th Jazz Age Birthday Party at The Slipper Room with The Champagne Riot! 

The Champagne Riot!

$20 while supplies last. Dress to impress! We suggest you buy tickets in advance here
Doors 7:30  Show 8PM Ends 10PM
167 Orchard Street NYC 10002