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	<title>Choose Energy</title>
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	<link>http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog</link>
	<description>Creating and Delivering Wholistic Interactive Lifestyle Strategies that Inspire YOU our client to a path of Dynamic Living.</description>
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		<title>What Ironman means to me &#8211; Its about being 100%</title>
		<link>http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog/?p=87</link>
		<comments>http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog/?p=87#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Aug 2010 21:47:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Administrator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health and Fitness]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog/?p=87</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Its about being 100%
As the days get closer to the date of my first Ironman everyone wants to know what brought you to this point? Why are you doing this? What time do you want to finish in?
And certainly these are common regular questions yet for me the answers did not come so easily.
Some may [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Its about being 100%</p>
<p>As the days get closer to the date of my first Ironman everyone wants to know what brought you to this point? Why are you doing this? What time do you want to finish in?</p>
<p>And certainly these are common regular questions yet for me the answers did not come so easily.</p>
<p>Some may believe it is an inevidable path for this athletic, health girl. Yet I tell you honestly I said never ever many times before.</p>
<p>Or its just an &#8221; Ally&#8221; thing to do &#8211; certainly true but not the reason I assure you</p>
<p>I once thought I just gave in, said it was time, I had friends, a team, and a coach its you time.</p>
<p>Yet that too did not seem to ring true.</p>
<p>And then it came after months of training, and enjoying it 100% an injury, and illness and now I had to face that maybe, just maybe this was not going to happen at all.</p>
<p>Through that came my answers as to why as was doing it. It had nothing to do with the physical act although I do have to say I have come to love this wonderful world of Triathlon. But it was the wonderful feel of BEING 100%  that drew me in push me past pain, and made me realize. This experience was happening through me not too me.</p>
<p>You see there is a path here that goes back 20 years in downtown Penticton Duncan and main, and intersection that would change my body and ultimately change the path of my life.</p>
<p>I was hit by a car interestingly enough 20 years to the date that this years Ironman will be August 29th. And through the injuries I sustained and eventually diagnosis would be made my knee was gone, no more athletics and you would be lucky to walk normal again..</p>
<p>It rocked me to my core, but eventually allowed me to find my way to who I am. It was those words, that changed my choice in career, and life and truly made me who I am today.</p>
<p>And so through this little twist and turn, I will eventually go back to that same intersection, and this time I will not be walking I will be riding my bike coming in and out of the bike finish and I will running in and out of the run finish. I guess the doctors were right about that &#8221; Normal&#8221; thing.</p>
<p>I will take on this journey with two things in mind &#8211; enjoy, live, love, play, and be 100% the entire day. The clock will take care of itself, you take care of you.  look up, smile, take in the energy from the crowd, feel the magic. live the dream. Know that life it different then what someone else chose for you because you chose your own path.</p>
<p>Know you will swim 3.8km, bike 180km, and run 42. 2km on August 29th in glorious style with the journey of a 1000 turns to get there. And when I turn that corner on my final 1km you will see two faces full of everything in there being for you. I will stop take in that moment of being with my parents i will celebrate and then move forward with the strength of Goliath to my magical blue carpet, and I will hear Ally Johnon you are a Iron Women, and I will say to myself now that was 100% awesome.  And I will BE in all that will be, and I will shine in the light of the day..</p>
<p>THAT&#8217;S WHAT IRONMAN MEANS TO ME~</p>
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		<item>
		<title>The Road to Ironman</title>
		<link>http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog/?p=81</link>
		<comments>http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog/?p=81#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Aug 2010 17:37:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Administrator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Random Acts of Fun]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog/?p=81</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[All that is to feel, and be on the road to IronMan or IronWomen]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This is an amazing summary of all that I know, and feel. I am hoping by the time I post this &#8212; I can read it. Right now the emotions, nerves and all that this journey is to close, to real, and my eyes and entire body wells up with tears and little fears.. read on and know what my journey has been and thank you for being on it with me&#8230;Ally<br />
 Right now you&#8217;ve all entered the taper. Perhaps you&#8217;ve been at this a few months, perhaps you&#8217;ve been at this a few years. For some of you this is your first IM, for others, a long-overdue welcome back to a race that few can match. You&#8217;ve been following your schedule to the letter. You&#8217;ve been piling on the mileage, piling up the laundry, and getting a set of tan lines that will take until next year to erase. Long rides were followed by long runs, which both were preceded by long swims, all of which were followed by recovery naps that were longer than you slept for any given night during college. You ran in the snow. You rode in the rain. You ran in the heat. You ran in the cold. You went out when others stayed home. You rode the trainer when others pulled the covers over their heads. You have survived the Darwinian progression that is an Ironman summer, and now the hardest days are behind you. Like a climber in the Tour de France coming over the summit of the penultimate climb on an alpine stage, you&#8217;ve already covered so much ground&#8230;there&#8217;s just one more climb to go. You shift up, you take a drink, you zip up the jersey; the descent lies before you&#8230;and it will be a fast one. Time that used to be filled with never-ending work will now be filling with silent muscles, taking their final, well-earned rest. While this taper is something your body desperately needs, your mind cast off to the background for so very long, will start to speak to you. It won&#8217;t be pretty. It will bring up thoughts of doubt, pain, hunger, thirst, failure, and loss. It will give you reasons why you aren&#8217;t ready. It will try and make one last stand to stop you, because your brain doesn&#8217;t know what the body already does. Your body knows the truth: You are ready. Your brain won&#8217;t believe it. It will use the taper to convince you that this is foolish &#8211; that there is too much that can go wrong. You are ready. Finishing an Ironman is never an accident. It&#8217;s the result of dedication, focus, hard work, and belief that all the long runs in January, long rides in April, and long swims every damn weekend will be worth it. It comes from getting on the bike, day in, day out. It comes from long, solo runs. From that first long run where you wondered, &#8220;How will I ever be ready?&#8221; to the last long run where you smiled to yourself with one mile to go&#8230;knowing that you&#8217;d found the answer. It is worth it. Now that you&#8217;re at the taper, you know it will be worth it. The workload becomes less. The body winds up and prepares, and you just need to quiet your worried mind. Not easy, but you can do it. You are ready. You will walk into the water with 2000 other wide-open sets of eyes. You will look upon the sea of humanity, and know that you belong. You&#8217;ll feel the chill of the water crawl into your wetsuit, and shiver like everyone else, but smile because the day you have waited for so VERY long is finally here. You will tear up in your goggles. Everyone does. The helicopters will roar overhead. The splashing will surround you. You&#8217;ll stop thinking about Ironman, because you&#8217;re now racing one. The swim will be long &#8211; it&#8217;s long for everyone, but you&#8217;ll make it. You&#8217;ll watch as the shoreline grows and grows, and soon you&#8217;ll hear the end. You&#8217;ll come up the beach and head for the wetsuit strippers. Three people will get that sucker off before you know what happening, then you’ll head for the bike. The voices, the cowbells, and the curb-to-curb chalk giving you a hero&#8217;s sendoff can&#8217;t wipe the smile off your face.You&#8217;ll settle down to your race. The crowds will spread out on the road. You&#8217;ll soon be on your bike, eating your food on your schedule, controlling your Ironman. You&#8217;ll start to feel that morning sun turn to afternoon sun. It&#8217;s warmer now. Maybe it&#8217;s hot. Maybe you&#8217;re not feeling so good now. You&#8217;ll keep riding. You&#8217;ll keep drinking. You&#8217;ll keep moving. After all, this is just a long training day with valet parking and catering, right? You&#8217;ll put on your game face, fighting the urge to feel down as you ride for what seems like hours. You reach special needs, fuel up, and head out. By now it&#8217;ll be hot. You&#8217;ll be tired. Doubts will fight for your focus. Everyone struggles here. You&#8217;ve been on that bike for a few hours, and stopping would be nice, but you won&#8217;t &#8211; not here. Not today. You&#8217;ll grind the false flats to the climb. You&#8217;ll know you&#8217;re almost there. You&#8217;ll fight for every inch of road. The crowd will come back to you here. Let their energy push you. Let them see your eyes. Smile when they cheer for you &#8211; your body will get just that little bit lighter. Grind. Fight. Suffer. Persevere. You&#8217;ll plunge down the road, swooping from corner to corner, chaining together the turns, tucking on the straights, letting your legs recover for the run to come &#8211; soon! You&#8217;ll roll back &#8211; you&#8217;ll see people running out. You&#8217;ll think to yourself, &#8220;Wasn&#8217;t I just here?&#8221; The noise will grow. The chalk dust will hang in the air &#8211; you&#8217;re back, with only 26.2 miles to go. You&#8217;ll relax a little bit, knowing that even if you get a flat tire or something breaks here, you can run the damn bike into T2. You&#8217;ll roll into transition. 100 volunteers will fight for your bike. You&#8217;ll give it up and not look back. You&#8217;ll have your bag handed to you, and into the tent you&#8217;ll go. You&#8217;ll change. You&#8217;ll load up your pockets, and open the door to the last long run of your Ironman summer &#8211; the one that counts. You&#8217;ll take that first step of a thousand&#8230;and you&#8217;ll smile. You&#8217;ll know that the bike won&#8217;t let you down now &#8211; the race is down to your own two feet. The same crowd that cheered for you in the shadows of the morning will cheer for you in the brilliant sunshine of a summer Sunday. High-five people on the way out. Smile. Enjoy it. This is what you&#8217;ve worked for all year long. That first mile will feel great. So will the second. By mile 3, you probably won&#8217;t feel so good. That&#8217;s okay. You knew it couldn&#8217;t all be that easy. You&#8217;ll settle down just like you did on the bike, and get down to your pace. You&#8217;ll see the leaders coming back the other way. Some will look great &#8211; some won&#8217;t. You might feel great, you might not. No matter how you feel, don&#8217;t panic &#8211; this is the part of the day where whatever you&#8217;re feeling, you can be sure it won&#8217;t last. You&#8217;ll keep moving. You&#8217;ll keep drinking. You&#8217;ll keep eating. Maybe you&#8217;ll be right on plan &#8211; maybe you won&#8217;t. If you&#8217;re ahead of schedule, don&#8217;t worry &#8211; believe. If you&#8217;re behind, don&#8217;t panic &#8211; roll with it. Everyone comes up with a brilliant race plan for Ironman, and then everyone has to deal with the reality that planning for something like Ironman is like trying to land a man on the moon. By remote control. Blindfolded. How you react to the changes in your plan will dictate your day. Don&#8217;t waste energy worrying about things &#8211; just do what you have to when you have to, and keep moving. Keep eating. Keep drinking. Just don&#8217;t sit down &#8211; don&#8217;t EVER sit down. You&#8217;ll make it to the halfway point. You&#8217;ll load up on special needs. Some of what you packed will look good, some won&#8217;t. Eat what looks good, toss the rest. Keep moving. Start looking for people you know. Cheer for people you don&#8217;t. You&#8217;re headed in &#8211; they&#8217;re not. They want to be where you are, just like you wanted to be when you saw all those fast people headed into town. Share some energy &#8211; you&#8217;ll get it right back. Run if you can. Walk if you have to. Just keep moving. The miles will drag on. The brilliant sunshine will yawn. You&#8217;ll be coming up to those aid stations fully alive with people, music, and chicken soup. TAKE THE SOUP. Keep moving. You&#8217;ll soon only have a few miles to go. You&#8217;ll start to believe that you&#8217;re going to make it. You&#8217;ll start to imagine how good it&#8217;s going to feel when you get there. Let those feelings drive you on. When your legs just don&#8217;t want to move anymore, think about what it&#8217;s going to be like when someone catches you…and puts a medal over your head&#8230; all you have to do is get there. You&#8217;ll start to hear the people in town. People you can&#8217;t see in the twilight will cheer for you. They&#8217;ll call out your name. Smile and thank them. They were there when you left on the bike, and when you came back, and when you left on the run, and now when you&#8217;ve come back. You&#8217;ll enter town. You&#8217;ll start to realize that the day is almost over. You&#8217;ll be exhausted, wiped out, barely able to run a 10-minute mile (if you&#8217;re lucky), but you&#8217;ll ask yourself, &#8220;Where did the whole day go?&#8221; You&#8217;ll be standing on the edge of two feelings &#8211; the desire to finally stop, and the desire to take these last moments and make them last as long as possible. You&#8217;ll hit mile 25. Your Ironman will have 1.2 miles &#8211; just 2KM left in it. You&#8217;ll run. You&#8217;ll find your legs. You&#8217;ll fly. You won&#8217;t know how, but you will run. The lights will grow brighter, brighter, and brighter. Soon you&#8217;ll be able to hear the music again. This time, it&#8217;ll be for keeps. Soon they&#8217;ll see you. Soon, everyone will see you. You&#8217;ll run towards the lights, between the fences, and into the night sun made just for you. They&#8217;ll say your name. You&#8217;ll keep running. Nothing will hurt. The moment will be yours &#8211; for one moment, the entire world will be looking at you and only you. You&#8217;ll break the tape at the finish line, 140.6 miles after starting your journey. The flash will go off. You&#8217;ll stop. You&#8217;ll finally stop. Your legs will wobble their last, and suddenly&#8230;be capable of nothing more. Someone will catch you. You&#8217;ll lean into them. It will suddenly hit you.<br />
YOU ARE AN IRONMAN! You are ready.You are ready.</p>
<p>I look forward to hearing these words on August 29th, 2010</p>
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		<item>
		<title>A Ripple of Inspiraton</title>
		<link>http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog/?p=76</link>
		<comments>http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog/?p=76#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:33:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Administrator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Random Acts of Fun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[INSPIRE ON!]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog/?p=76</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A Ripple of Inspiration,
Wow, its been quite a journey so far.. I have always been one to love, admire and complete appreciate my life and everything and everyone in it. This time though I am almost overwhelmed with everything around me. The notes, emails, facebooks, quotes and real live comments, hugs, and cheers have brought [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A Ripple of Inspiration,</p>
<p>Wow, its been quite a journey so far.. I have always been one to love, admire and complete appreciate my life and everything and everyone in it. This time though I am almost overwhelmed with everything around me. The notes, emails, facebooks, quotes and real live comments, hugs, and cheers have brought me to a place that is profoundly inspired.</p>
<p>For sure it is a fate of destiny in following my own journey that has brought me to this place, yet I can not get over the simple fact that by simply following my path, and my passions it has created something so amazing. I have coined it a &#8221; ripple of inspiration&#8221;. As I wake-up every morning with butterfly&#8217;s in my stomach both from excitement and nerves I have come to realize that all that is real is happening right now.</p>
<p>And as it is happening in my life it is also happen in the lives of those that I have the great honour of sharing the same grass ( as the natives would say)</p>
<p>Day after day, week after week I have been receiving emails, and messages about things people have been scared to do, and yet through words, or activities I have done just in my everyday life they were inspired to push past and take on their challenges. From asking for a promotion, to open new business, to running there first 5km race, or just running at all, to their first triathlons to Olympic distances. To talking on a goal to walk everyday, and admire the sun every morning.. Smashing old run goals and letting their feet dance..To a special friend who is now in front of the camera, after support me from behind it. To awesome group and individuals I train realizing there are more than what people tell they are bound to be, late night text, early morning cheers.. afternoon smiles and the perfect quote out of the blue. And reminders to not forget my &#8220;Ally&#8221;ness. Great Teammates, and coaches.. all feeding this amazing vibe of inspiration.</p>
<p>Could they to be feeling what is inside me, and wonderful excitement that feel of energy that comes from a special place. A vibration that just does not allow this silly grin to come off my face. Smile, laughter and whole bunch of Woo&#8217;s it all I want to do, every morning and every night too!</p>
<p>I am so inspired by all those in my life, so proud to see everyone achieve, and Celebrating to the highest degree</p>
<p>Everyday I seem to be getting just what I need when I need it.Just today I have been thinking of someone, very important to me and there she was.. and funny enough a comment was passed to me &#8221; Whenever I am having a bad day.. I just think of you or read your wall and I am happy again&#8221; Wow, if they only knew that is exactly what I would say back.</p>
<p>It really quite simple and quite true, what is happen to all of you, is happening to me too. The more you feel inspired by what I do, the more I look to all of you and get that same inspiration too! So for ever freak, foley, fumble and finish, yeah for us!. For the journey of fate is not in the finishing of the act, it is in the inspiration to go to the start!<br />
INSPIRE ON EVERYONE IS A RIPPLE EFFECT!</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Fitness, heath and weight loss one step at a time</title>
		<link>http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog/?p=72</link>
		<comments>http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog/?p=72#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 31 May 2010 21:40:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Administrator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health and Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[all the benefits of walking and more]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog/?p=72</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What are the Top 10 reasons to Walk?
1. Walking prevents type 2 diabetes. The Diabetes Prevention Program showed that walking 150 minutes per week and losing just 7% of your body weight (12-15 pounds) can reduce your risk of diabetes by 58%.
2. Walking strengthens your heart if you&#8217;re male. In one study, mortality rates among [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>What are the Top 10 reasons to Walk?<br />
</strong>1. Walking prevents type 2 diabetes. The Diabetes Prevention Program showed that walking 150 minutes per week and losing just 7% of your body weight (12-15 pounds) can reduce your risk of diabetes by 58%.</p>
<p>2. Walking strengthens your heart if you&#8217;re male. In one study, mortality rates among retired men who walked less than one mile per day were nearly twice that among those who walked more than two miles per day.</p>
<p>3. Walking strengthens your heart if you&#8217;re female. Women in the Nurse&#8217;s Health Study (72,488 female nurses) who walked three hours or more per week reduced their risk of a heart attack or other coronary event by 35% compared with women who did not walk.</p>
<p>4. Walking is good for your brain. In a study on walking and cognitive function, researchers found that women who walked the equivalent of an easy pace at least 1.5 hours per week had significantly better cognitive function and less cognitive decline than women who walked less than 40 minutes per week. Think about that!</p>
<p>5. Walking is good for your bones. Research shows that postmenopausal women who walk approximately one mile each day have higher whole-body bone density than women who walk shorter distances, and walking is also effective in slowing the rate of bone loss from the legs.</p>
<p>6. Walking helps alleviate symptoms of depression. Walking for 30 minutes, three to five times per week for 12 weeks reduced symptoms of depression as measured with a standard depression questionnaire by 47%.</p>
<p>7. Walking reduces the risk of breast and colon cancer. Women who performed the equivalent of one hour and 15 minutes to two and a half hours per week of brisk walking had an 18% decreased risk of breast cancer compared with inactive women. Many studies have shown that exercise can prevent colon cancer, and even if an individual person develops colon cancer, the benefits of exercise appear to continue both by increasing quality of life and reducing mortality.</p>
<p>8. Walking improves fitness. Walking just three times a week for 30 minutes can significantly increase cardiorespiratory fitness.</p>
<p>9. Walking in short bouts improves fitness, too! A study of sedentary women showed that short bouts of brisk walking (three 10-minute walks per day) resulted in similar improvements in fitness and were at least as effective in decreasing body fatness as long bouts (one 30-minute walk per day).</p>
<p>10. Walking improves physical function. Research shows that walking improves fitness and physical function and prevents physical disability in older persons.<br />
The list goes on, but if I continued, there&#8217;d be no time for you to start walking! Suffice to say that walking is certainly good for you!<br />
For more information: http://www.medicinenet.com/walking/article.htm</p>
<p><strong>Getting Started: 10 Tips for Fitness Walking<br />
</strong>Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stoppler, MD<br />
Medical Editor: Dennis Lee, MD<br />
Walking is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to stay physically fit. It&#8217;s also a versatile form of exercise that can be done indoors (many malls and public buildings offer walking routes) or outdoors, and you can tailor the intensity of your exercise based upon your individual abilities and goals. Whether you&#8217;d like to begin walking for exercise or if you&#8217;re already established in the habit, these tips can help you get the most from your workout.<br />
1. Before starting a walking program, check with your doctor if you have a chronic medical condition or if you have had a recent injury. But don&#8217;t assume that you aren&#8217;t able to start exercise walking if you do have medical issues. Exercise walking can help control disease progression and relieve symptoms in people with cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and many people with arthritis or other musculoskeletal problems will experience symptom relief from a medically-supervised exercise walking routine.<br />
2. Invest in good shoes. Since these are the only expense and equipment you&#8217;ll need, pay attention to the fit and quality of your shoes. Shoes should fit when you try them on without any areas of pinching or pressure that could cause blisters or calluses. Wear the type of socks you&#8217;ll wear when walking when you purchase your shoes, and remember that you&#8217;ll likely need a larger-sized shoe than you normally wear if you plan to wear thick socks. Shoes should have good arch support and a slightly elevated heel with stiff material to support the heel when walking and prevent wobbling.<br />
3. Always warm up by walking at a slow or normal walking pace for five minutes before picking up the tempo of your workout.<br />
4. Pay attention to your heart rate and breathing. Walk at a pace that challenges you and elevates your heart rate, but don&#8217;t overdo. You should be able to talk and carry on a conversation while you are exercising; if you can&#8217;t, you may be working too hard.<br />
5. Use good walking posture. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends maintaining the following posture when exercise walking: Swing your arms. Keep your head up, back straight and abdomen flat. Point your toes straight ahead. Take long strides, but don&#8217;t strain.<br />
6. ***Consider getting a pedometer to track the distance you&#8217;ve walked or the number of steps you&#8217;ve taken. Watching your improvement over time is a terrific source of motivation.<br />
7. Be sure to carry water if you&#8217;re walking long distances or are exercising in hot weather. In very hot weather you may need fitness drinks or other sources of electrolytes as well.<br />
8. In the heat of summer, don&#8217;t forget to wear a hat with a brim and to apply sunscreen to exposed areas.<br />
9. Vary your route if you&#8217;re getting bored. To increase your fitness, add a route with some hills or changes in terrain. Or alternate routes on different days of the week.<br />
10. Keep your workout interesting. Many people walk with a buddy or in groups for support and motivation. While lots of walkers swear by their iPods to keep them going, I prefer to pay extra attention to the sights and sounds around me. Find the solution that keeps you moving<br />
Where Can I Walk?<br />
1. The beauty of walking is that it can be done anywhere.<br />
2. When you travel (a great way to explore a new city)<br />
3. Around your block<br />
4. Your local track<br />
5. Architectural walking tours<br />
6. Mall walking is great for cold or rainy conditions, and it&#8217;s great for social support and meeting new people. Call your local mall to find out when their walking club meets (most of the time it&#8217;s before the mall opens).<br />
7. Trails in your local park<br />
8. Enter road races sponsored by your local running or walking club. Many running clubs sponsor walking events too, and plenty of people walk road races even when people are running. Check out your local clubs</p>
<p>More info on Walking:<br />
http://www.medicinenet.com/walking/page8.htm</p>
<p><strong>How Many Calories Will I Burn Walking?<br />
</strong>A 150-pound man burns 100 calories per mile; a 200-pund man burns 133 calories per mile; and a 250-pound man burns 166 calories per mile.<br />
You burn virtually the same number of calories whether you run or walk a mile; you just get there faster if you run.<br />
See below for a chart of calories burned during walking at different speeds and body weight<br />
Calories burned in one hour at different body weights<br />
Calories burned per hour at different body weights<br />
Walking 110 lbs. 125 lbs. 150 lbs. 175 lbs. 200 lbs.<br />
Strolling less than 2 mph, level 100 114 136 159 182<br />
Moderate pace about 3 mph 175 199 239 278 318<br />
Brisk pace about 3.5 mph 200 227 273 318 364<br />
Very brisk pace about 4.5 mph 225 256 307 358 409<br />
Moderate pace about 3 mph, uphill 300 341 409 477 545<br />
References:<br />
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/pubs/pubd/hestats/physicalactivity/physicalactivity.htm. May 14, 2007<br />
Walking links to Weightloss<br />
http://www.healthyexerciseworld.com/calories-burned-walking.html</p>
<p><strong>Pedometer’s 101<br />
</strong><em><strong>What&#8217;s a pedometer used for?<br />
</strong></em>A pedometer is a beeper-sized device you wear on your waist that counts the number of steps you take.<br />
How do pedometers work?<br />
There are two types of pedometers, spring-levered and piezoelectric. Spring-levered pedometers use a spring-suspended horizontal lever arm that moves up and down in response to the movement (vertical accelerations) of your hips as you walk or run. The movement opens and closes an electrical circuit, and as the lever arm makes contact, a step is registered. Spring-levered pedometers must be placed in a vertical plane, perpendicular to the ground, in order for them to work. They don&#8217;t work if they tip forward to a horizontal plane.<br />
***Pedometers work when you dance, climb stairs, or walk outdoors or on a treadmill, but they don&#8217;t work if you&#8217;re biking, skiing, rowing, or swimming.<br />
<strong><em>How do I increase my daily steps?<br />
</em></strong>My guess is that if you scanned your week, you would find times and opportunities when you could walk a little more.<br />
<strong><em>Pedometer Contest</em></strong>: Divide your office colleagues into teams and post a big chart in a conspicuous place with the cumulative number of steps that all of you take each week, and then at the end of the month, give awards to the members of the team with the highest step count and give a special award to the individual who takes the most steps. At home, post a chart on the fridge and see who takes the most steps. The winner doesn&#8217;t have to do dishes for a week! Make the contests fun. The good news is that anyone with a pedometer can participate<br />
Hints: Looking for ideas to increase your steps? Here is what a local company did: A researcher asked 34 employees of a small northeastern college what strategies they used to increase their steps. Below are the results (numbers in parentheses are the percentage of participants who used the strategies). The employees said:<br />
1. To a meeting or work-related errand (65%)<br />
2. After work (50%)<br />
3. Before work (35%)<br />
4. At lunch (47%)<br />
5. On the weekend (32%)<br />
6. While traveling (32%)<br />
7. With the dog (32%)<br />
8. To a destination (work/store) (29%)<br />
9. Parked farther away (50%)<br />
10. Used the stairs rather than an elevator (24%)<br />
11. Performed other cardiovascular activity (539%)</p>
<p>Happy Walking! … see you on the trails…. Allyson</p>
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		<title>5 tips to End insomnia &#8211; Deepak Chopra</title>
		<link>http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog/?p=71</link>
		<comments>http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog/?p=71#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 05 Apr 2010 21:19:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Administrator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health and Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stop trying]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog/?p=71</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[“Today I will practice acceptance. I will know that this moment is as it should be, because the whole universe is as it should be. I will not struggle against the whole universe by struggling against this moment. My acceptance is total and complete. I accept things as they are this moment, not as I [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>“Today I will practice acceptance. I will know that this moment is as it should be, because the whole universe is as it should be. I will not struggle against the whole universe by struggling against this moment. My acceptance is total and complete. I accept things as they are this moment, not as I wish they were.”<br />
~Deepak Chopra</p>
<p>According to Ayurveda, sleep is the nursemaid to humanity. During deep, restful sleep, our body recovers from stress and we wake up feeling refreshed, clear-minded, and energized. Unfortunately, with the turbulence in people’s personal lives and in the world at large, many of us suffer from insomnia and a lack of adequate rest.</p>
<p>While sleep medication can provide a temporary altered state that resembles sleep, it doesn’t offer the level of rejuvenation that comes with normal sleep. To restore our innate capacity to sleep soundly, Ayurveda suggests that we focus on creating a lifestyle that includes optimal nutrition, exercise, a regular meditation practice, and a daily routine. Restful sleep is the natural result of making choices that support physical and emotional balance throughout the day.</p>
<p>In ayurvedic terminology, insomnia is a Vata imbalance. Vata is the principle of movement and is light, changeable, active, and quick. When you have excess Vata, your mind will be overactive and filled with the racing, anxious thoughts that keep you up at night. There are many different approaches that can help calm an aggravated Vata. </p>
<p>1.Meditate<br />
One of the most powerful techniques for quieting the mind is meditation, which allows you to go beyond the mind’s noisy internal dialog into a space of silence and stillness. After your meditation session, you carry this sense of greater calm with you into your day, allowing you to stay more centered and peaceful even in the face of life’s inevitable stresses. Ideally, meditate first thing in the morning, and than again in the early afternoon or evening. You can learn Primordial Sound Meditation from a Chopra Center certified instructor in your area. Find a meditation instructor here.</p>
<p>2.Use Calming Oils and Herbs<br />
The essential oils from certain herbs and flowers have been traditionally used in Ayurveda to calm an overactive system. Fragrances that are warm, sweet, and heavy are most useful. Sandalwood, patchouli, and vanilla can be calming and are best diffused in your room as you are preparing for sleep or added to a warm bath.<br />
Herbs that tend to be calming include chamomile and valerian. A cup of either of these teas a couple of times per day can be soothing and help slow you down. The ayurvedic herb known as winter cherry or ashwagandha is one of the most potent tonics in both ayurvedic and Tibetan medicine. The usual dose is 300 to 400 milligrams twice daily. If you can locate them, the ayurvedic herbs jatamamsi (nardostachys jatamamsi) and shankhapushpi (canscora decussata) have calming and quieting effects on the mind and body.</p>
<p>A daily self-massage with a Vata-pacifying oil is a calming intervention. Use a couple tablespoons of oil after your bath or shower and allow it to soak into your skin. Snacking on roasted sesame seeds mixed with pump golden raisins in another Vata pacifying approach.</p>
<p>3.Create a Soothing Evening Routine<br />
At the Chopra Center we find that if people can commit to a consistent sleep ritual, they can usually retrain their mind to experience healthy sleep patterns.<br />
From the ayurvedic perspective, the ideal bedtime is 10 p.m. Begin preparing for sleep shortly after dinnertime by taking a light walk and minimizing intense mental activity in the evening. Eat your larger meal in the middle of the day and try eating lightly in the evening, so that you’re not trying to fall asleep on a full stomach. Try not to work on your taxes, balance your checkbook, or watch a violent thriller on television right before bedtime – all of these activities can over stimulate the Vata dosha and make it hard to fall asleep.<br />
Begin getting ready about an hour before sleep by running a hot bath and performing a slow, oil massage on your body with Vata or Pitta massage oil. Put a few drops of lavender oil in the bath water and play some soothing music. Have the intention to allow the stress of the day to leave your body.<br />
Once you’ve completed your bath, try drinking a warm herbal tea or heated milk with a pinch of nutmeg. Alternatively jatamansi, an ayurvedic herb related to valerian can help quiet the mind. Once in bed, avoid watching television or reading mentally stimulating material. Reading spiritual or inspirational literature before bed can help shift your awareness away from the usual demands of your life to a more expanded perspective.</p>
<p>Turn off the lights, close your eyes and just lie comfortably on your back observing your breath. Allow your attention to float through your body. If you notice areas of tension, consciously release the pressure.</p>
<p>4.Use a Sleeping Mantra<br />
If after following the calming evening routine you are still having trouble falling asleep, the sleeping mantra Om Agasthi Shahina (Ōm Ah-gah´-stee Shah-ee´-nah) can sometimes be helpful. Simply repeat the mantra silently to yourself. If your mind gets pulled away to thoughts or distractions, gently return your attention to the repetition of the mantra. </p>
<p>5.Let Go of Trying<br />
Insomnia is a common problem, and many people try to force themselves to sleep at one time or another. Sleep is a natural process, and “trying” will have no positive effect. In fact, it will probably aggravate the insomnia because the harder you try and less successful you are, the more frustrated you’ll feel. Trying is not the way in which nature functions. The Law of Least Effort (from The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success) offers some useful guidance on how to let go:<br />
“Today I will practice acceptance. I will know that this moment is as it should be, because the whole universe is as it should be. I will not struggle against the whole universe by struggling against this moment. My acceptance is total and complete. I accept things as they are this moment, not as I wish they were.”</p>
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		<title>Deepak&#8217;s word on Exercise</title>
		<link>http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog/?p=70</link>
		<comments>http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog/?p=70#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 05 Apr 2010 21:14:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Administrator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health and Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[move it]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog/?p=70</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[“From physical exercise, one gets lightness, a capacity for work, firmness,
tolerance of difficulties, elimination of impurities, and stimulation of digestion.”
~ Charaka
Our bodies are designed for movement, yet many of us associate exercise with pain, boredom, or drudgery rather than with lightness and feelings of wellbeing. We may completely avoid exercise or, if we do manage [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>“From physical exercise, one gets lightness, a capacity for work, firmness,<br />
tolerance of difficulties, elimination of impurities, and stimulation of digestion.”<br />
~ Charaka</p>
<p>Our bodies are designed for movement, yet many of us associate exercise with pain, boredom, or drudgery rather than with lightness and feelings of wellbeing. We may completely avoid exercise or, if we do manage to “will” ourselves to exercise, we may remain disconnected from our body and our feelings as we move. Walk into any gym and witness the number of people staring at the TV monitors, reading magazines, or even talking on a cell phone as they pound out miles on the treadmill or hunch over a StairMaster set to a level that is too high to allow for the most beneficial posture and body alignment. </p>
<p>In vivid contrast with the “no pain, no gain” mentality, Ayurveda and other Eastern healing traditions view exercise as a way to experience the pleasure of moving, breathing, and circulating our life’s energy. It’s meant to leave us feeling invigorated, centered, and ready for rest of the day.<br />
The secret is finding some physical activities that you like and that are suited to your mind-body type, or dosha. No matter what your current fitness level is, you can begin to move your body and breathe on a consistent basis, even if the most you can do right now is walk around the block. In addition, keep in mind that a complete exercise program includes attention to developing flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular conditioning.<br />
Exercise offers prompt returns and within a week, you will begin to notice definite improvements in your wellbeing. </p>
<p>Exercise for your Mind-Body Type<br />
Vata Dosha<br />
Naturally enthusiastic, Vata types have bursts of energy but tend to tire quickly. If they are out of balance, Vatas are particularly prone to getting carried away and pushing themselves too hard. Feeling dizzy, exhausted or on the verge of cramping are all signs of Vata imbalance.<br />
Those who are predominantly Vata benefit enormously from grounding exercises such as yoga, easy walking, bicycling, and dance. These activities help Vatas develop much-needed strength, balance, and agility – as long as they don’t overdo it. In the winter, indoor exercise is recommended for Vatas because they are averse to cold and don’t have enough fat and muscle to protect themselves from the elements.<br />
Pitta Dosha<br />
Pitta types have a strong drive and tend to like challenging sports such as skiing, hiking, tennis, and mountain climbing. Because of their competitive nature, Pittas need to be careful not to increase their stress while exercising – stewing over every bad golf shot or wanting to win at all costs.<br />
If you are a Pitta type, you may especially enjoy winter sports of all kinds because you can handle cold better than Kaphas and Vatas. Pittas tend to have less endurance than Kaphas but are good at all exercise in moderation. You might like to try long-distance bicycling or Rollerblading. You also will benefit from taking a leisurely walk outdoors in a beautiful area. This will give you a change from your usual determined pace, allowing you to deeply experience nature’s beauty. Swimming is an ideal exercise for Pitta dosha. The water cools the heat of Pitta and relieves the accumulated tension of the day.<br />
Kapha Dosha<br />
Kapha doshas have strong, steady energy and great physical strength. They therefore can excel at endurance sports such as long distance running, aerobics, dance, soccer, rowing, and so on. Any kind of aerobic activity that works up a good sweat is powerful for clearing Kapha congestion and sluggishness.<br />
If you are predominantly Kapha, your biggest challenge may be finding the motivation to exercise. If you have not been exercising for a while, you can break the inertia by starting with brisk walking, beginning with half an hour.<br />
To feel a noticeable improvement in vitality, it’s important to experience some sweating during your exercise, so you may want try wearing a two-layer exercise outfit, such as an all-cotton sweat suit under a nylon suit. Gradually increase your exercise to include jogging, hiking, and bicycling.</p>
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		<title>Choose Energy 4 x 4 Weightloss and Tone</title>
		<link>http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog/?p=67</link>
		<comments>http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog/?p=67#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 22 Mar 2010 16:59:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Administrator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health and Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Clean Weight]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog/?p=67</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[4x 4 Choose Energy clean- lean machine program
40 Day program &#8211; it takes 30 days to create new habits and 40 days to commit to change. This is a 4 x4 x40 day program. Here you go&#8230;.
Upon rising
1 cup of hot water with fresh lemon – amount is to choice
15 – 20 mins later
1 500ml [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>4x 4 Choose Energy clean- lean machine program</strong></p>
<p>40 Day program &#8211; it takes 30 days to create new habits and 40 days to commit to change. This is a 4 x4 x40 day program. Here you go&#8230;.</p>
<p><strong>Upon rising<br />
</strong>1 cup of hot water with fresh lemon – amount is to choice</p>
<p>15 – 20 mins later<br />
1 500ml glass of water with 1Tablespoon of Liquid Chlorophyll<br />
REPEAT THESE TWO THINGS BEFORE SUPPER ie 2x / day</p>
<p>Breakfast – must have protein, good fats, and fiber based carbohydrates – for a suggest check my website for my smoothie recipe</p>
<p><strong>Throughout the day</strong> –<br />
* Eat every 4 hours – 4x / day with about 400 calories / meal ( meal size about the size of a salad plate 2 &#8211; 3 handfuls)<br />
* Meals should consist of the following 4 items:<br />
1. Max. 4oz of protein (meat, poultry, beans/ lentils, nuts seeds, fermented soy, fish are all good choice – no pork or cow dairy)<br />
2. Good fats – nut oil / or butters 1 Tablespoon, raw nuts ¼ cup, Olive or Coconut oil 1Tbpsoon<br />
3. 2 fiber based carbs – whole grains max 1/3 cup raw, multi colored veggies 1 – 2 cups ( except carrots / beets and corn max ¼ cup) , mixed berries or one small local fruit would be a serving ( no tropical fruits, bananas, or melons)<br />
Focus if your digestion can handle it on 20% raw or light steamed<br />
4. Sprinkle a tsp of flax seed or hemp seeds in or on each meal</p>
<p><strong>Drink</strong> good clean water, herbal teas or organic espresso based black coffee between meals &#8211; 2l of Water / day</p>
<p><strong>No</strong> – cow dairy, refined sugar, tropical fruits, alcohol, black tea, peanuts or peanut products</p>
<p><strong>Supplements:</strong></p>
<p>• Drink 330ml of Zico Coconut water / day or 500ml diluted in 2l of water sip throughout the day<br />
• 1000iu of Vitamin D with Breakfast and Supper<br />
• 300 – 500mcg of Chromium at lunch<br />
• BONUS OPTIONS – take 2 Wobenzym N upon rising and before bed – on a empty stomach * they reduce excess debris in the body</p>
<p><strong>Exercise</strong> 4 x / week, for a minimum 40mins and MUST  consist of the following</p>
<p>1. 2 days cardio – run / walk / swim / bike / hike – at a good pace get your heart up 40 mins.<br />
2. Strength training – full body 40mins<br />
3. Yoga – best for those with high stress / adrenals – you know who you are restorative or Yin Yoga for other find what you like<br />
4. if you exercise more than 4x / week or if any work out is more than 60mins – increase your meals to 5 x day same proportions<br />
5. 2 days rest or not thinking about it fun activities are 100% necessary<br />
• if you would like organized training I can work out something for you – let me know lots of options<br />
• Focus on being outside as much as possible</p>
<p>• Take a 15 – 20 min. <strong>outside breaks</strong> daily and this is so minimum I would love to put 1 hour here</p>
<p>• <strong>Journal</strong> all the amazingly positive things that happen to you everyday – Yes you need to do this daily and you will find positive every day.</p>
<p>• In Bed a <strong>sleep by 10pm</strong></p>
<p><strong>None &#8211; negotiable</strong></p>
<p>- Absolutely NO weighing yourself for the 4 weeks on the program<br />
- Food is mandatory, EVERY 4 HOURS  in proportion<br />
- Exercise is mandatory – to your best level<br />
- Rest is mandatory</p>
<p>Contact me and let me know how it went &#8211; stay dedicated and YOU will get RESULTS!!!</p>
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		<title>Got passion?</title>
		<link>http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog/?p=65</link>
		<comments>http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog/?p=65#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:24:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Administrator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[The Choose Energy Center]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Choose Energy center open in 2010 is looking for Wholistic partners]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog/?p=65</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Got Passion?
If so then Choose Energy is interested in talking with you!!!
With the opening of the new Choose Energy centre we are looking for passionate individuals ready to join our Co-operative Community based team
WE Want people living their passion and want to work together to build the business of their dreams
 * Practitioners &#8211; alternative [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Got Passion?<br />
If so then Choose Energy is interested in talking with you!!!<br />
With the opening of the new Choose Energy centre we are looking for passionate individuals ready to join our Co-operative Community based team<br />
WE Want people living their passion and want to work together to build the business of their dreams</p>
<p> * Practitioners &#8211; alternative and medical<br />
* Therapists &#8211; athletic, physio, emotional<br />
* Fitness instructors<br />
* Yoga instructors<br />
* Personal training<br />
* Spin masters<br />
* Cooking instructors<br />
* Dance instructors<br />
* Coaches<br />
YOU</p>
<p>Need space?<br />
* Got a team looking for winter training area<br />
* sports teams &#8211; space and training / trainers available<br />
* Triathlon teams &#8211; great open areas for spinning on trainers lots of windows,close to pathway system<br />
* Workshop space<br />
* Dance classes<br />
* Yoga  </p>
<p>The Choose Energy Centre is where you take your passion and make it action</p>
<p>WE are also looking for affliates, sponsors, investors and pure energy to support our dream</p>
<p>Ordinary need not apply<br />
contact Allyson at allyson@chooseenergy.ca</p>
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		<title>In the begining &#8211; The history and evolution of Choose Energy</title>
		<link>http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog/?p=64</link>
		<comments>http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog/?p=64#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:31:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Administrator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health and Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy how to get it how to keep it turns into a Global concept]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog/?p=64</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Choose Energy, came about in March of 2007 as the evolutionary concepts by Allyson Johnson, CEO. After 17 years of living a Whole Energy lifestyle and continually being asked, recognized and acknowledge for her energy and energy education the programs became clear. Recognizing early in life and in her clinical practice, and fitness world that [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Choose Energy, came about in March of 2007 as the evolutionary concepts by Allyson Johnson, CEO. After 17 years of living a Whole Energy lifestyle and continually being asked, recognized and acknowledge for her energy and energy education the programs became clear. Recognizing early in life and in her clinical practice, and fitness world that Energy did come about by one single entity isolated (i.e. healthy food, fitness, personal growth etc.) that it come from a synergy of all of these elements of energy coming together in Building and Balancing the Body, Mind and Spirit. Realizing the need and niche for Choose Energy by seeing, experiencing and working with clients, friends and colleague that for many reason did not see the connection between all the realms of energy.  Allyson set –out to create a program that took people through an environment of empowerment to connect those dots on both how to and why they needed to build and Balance the others. That is how Choose Energy came to be<br />
Choose Energy the company, and the programs are a delivery of the template, context, and application strategies for people to make Energy a lifestyle Choice. </p>
<p>The Name Choose Energy:<br />
CHOOSE:<br />
As a company of Empowerment the first step in all Choose Energy programs is simply that Choose. This philosophy had come clear, through much of the travel, activities, and world engagement that the Founding CEO had created, participated and chose to have in her life. Quoted as saying “The power of Choice in the most powerful of our elements yet so often we do not Choose to Use it”. At Choose Energy,<br />
The Choice is yours Energy is infinitely; it is available to you every moment of every day. This is about you, Do you Choose Energy? If the Answer is Yes then you are Energy ready now directionalize it and go.</p>
<p>ENERGY &#8211;<br />
 Once you choose it the Energy is there, A CEO history<br />
The Energy part was something this CEO new something about. Right from Childhood life was Energy based, from sports, school, family, life in general, it seems The “Energizer Bunny” as her friends called her was known for her Energy.<br />
Harnessing that in as Nutritionist, Wholistic lifestyle Coach, and Athlete. Allyson is a woman of action.<br />
With a 17 year history in the Natural Health industry, and successful clinic, and coaching practice, successfully completing 12 marathon (5 of which were for charitable organization JIM and individually raising over $30,000) over a 2- dozen half marathon, 17 triathlons in 2 year, The ride to conquer cancer in 2009 and has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in 2006, and Manchu Pechu in September of 2007 and the Pinnacles and Mount Kinabalu in Borneo in 2008. A Personal Best level 3 graduate, and women entrepreneur and world travel and cultural volunteer. You could say she knows a little something about Energy. Allyson truly believes life is about living and that we all must step in to our own power, and shines our light brightly (as Marian Williamson and later Neilson Mandel said) and by her doing so she creates an environment of empowerment for all, ignites and radiates their lights and brighten the world.</p>
<p>Also during this time of action, Allyson Also began to really formulate the application strategies of which will evolve to be Choose Energy. As a self proclaimed Energy advocate, Energy became her passion and in essence Choose Energy was being built well over 17 years ago.<br />
Look from a whole foods direction, fitness, body mind connection and self case experiment Allyson Began to do lectures in the health food store she worked at, and to here local fitness groups and although her over all concepts were about health it always came back to how to get more energy. In fact, even today as people walk through her door, or just in public in General the number one complaint is “ I am too tired”, “ I wish I had more energy” and so on and so forth.<br />
Energy and the lack of it seem to be a plaque affecting the vast majority of the population. From that realization, her passion for knowledge and education a little Lecture called Energy, How to get it, How to Keep it! Came to be<br />
In essence the program which is now as Choose Energy was already beginning to be written, and spoken about through this little lecture. As the years passed Allyson became an international public speaker, primarily focused in the Natural Food Industry Allyson was continual asked to present her lecture Energy how to Get it how to keep it.<br />
Although she was growing her practice, and continuing to Educated on all natural health matters Energy seem to be the topic of Choice, and through each experience the concepts began to more concrete, in content. So much so Allyson’s was delivering her entire lecture concepts on Energy, as well as Part of it were used in articles, and presented in lectures across North America and in Europe, as well as many natural food products we formulated based on the core concepts of the lecture theory, and generated contracts to share her passion for Health and Energy Education. Even radio and TV were attracted to Allyson’s Energy and Health knowledge as she is continually asked to speak to many topics of Natural Health to that end Allyson, did a radio serious called the Natural Health show, and continues to be a lively guest, expert on radio around his world on Health and especially Energy. Media continues to be an area Allyson shines including be the “Energy Expert” on an America information commercial early in 2007.<br />
Through all Allyson continue to educate herself, attending health conference around the world as a speaker, participant, and attendee. Continual upgrade and taking new courses including becoming a personal trainer, attending lecture, on Health and Fitness and personal growth. Engaging with new coaches on all aspect of life, be open to all opportunities and experiences and take those concepts as a student into leadership action in her practice and lectures. Choose Energy was brewing the whole time. Know her techniques had been well applied, not just to the outside world As Authentic as it gets Allyson believes in walking her talk and Choose Energy would be an expression of that. Truly, each and every strategy in the program she does and loves to engage in. And on May 15, 2007,<br />
22 test Choose Energizers entered into the 8- week program (with a 17 year percolation history),<br />
Together over 8 weeks starting with a open lecture capturing all the steps, and each week learning from Knowledge and Skill and with the attitude of Energy as a Choice – Energy Habits were created. Each participant, became engaged in their Energy Journey, We talked about Whole foods, we blended smoothies, we cooked, we dug in the dirt, a lot of walks were had, Yoga, water, sleep, meditation all became part of our daily routines, as we learned the concepts and applied in our daily lives. We went through the process of passion and purpose and at the end we realized we could live our dreams and we celebrated by dancing the night away on June 22. It Was Choose Energy realized</p>
<p>Here is what was said the very next day?</p>
<p>“From the beginning I knew they would get lots of information, have a lot of fun, and take their Energy nutrition to the next level. I never could have imagined what I saw and felt happening to people, lives changed, I changed. We all became a little more empowered; we all grew a little taller. Choose Energy purpose was met it inspired lives of Dynamic living. It was truly something magical is gave us Energy to BE in our lives” I am so glad to be a part of co-creating that experience. Lets do it again; I could do this for the rest of my life. It was Fun.<br />
Allyson Johnson CEO, Choose Energy</p>
<p>Thank you for guiding others and me on Choose Energy Journey. I learned a lot and opened my mind and, help my body to have a healthier mind, and lifestyle.<br />
Ida<br />
Choose Energy Graduate</p>
<p>Your abundant energy, love for life and incredible knowledge is<br />
truly amazing and inspirational. I am blessed to have been introduced to you<br />
and will keep using the tools you have shared to take my life in a new<br />
direction.<br />
Jill Baker<br />
Choose Energy Graduate</p>
<p>Many thanks again for hosting a fun Course&#8230; and inviting all<br />
these interesting people into my life over the last few months.<br />
I feel energized, motivated, inspired and ready to really take hold of my dreams and<br />
Listening to the dreams of others really reminded me of so many things I<br />
have yet to do.<br />
Thank you,<br />
Nancy<br />
Choose Energy Grad</p>
<p>Our Purpose:<br />
Choose Energy’s purpose is to Create and Deliver Wholistic Interactive Lifestyle strategies that Inspire our Clients to a path of Dynamic Living.<br />
Grounded on the core concept that Energy is a choice and reinforced with the lifestyle strategies that make the choice a daily reality. Based in the physical level of Nutrition, health and built on the concept of balanced energy in body mind and spirit creates Wholistic Wellness. Each program: 8-week program, weekend workshops/ retreats, travel options, events, corporate recharges and one-on-one coaching, draw light on Health, Nutrition, fitness and Wellness as an a Lifestyle Choice with Energy consequences</p>
<p>Out Programs<br />
The Core programs offered are using the WILS( Wholistic, Interactive, Lifestyle, strategies) and 9-part method creation of CEO “ Chief Energy Officer” Allyson Johnson.<br />
A Nutritionist, Lifestyle Coach, and Wholistic Energy Advocate.<br />
Included in the WILS offering<br />
A. 1. Choose It – a 3-hour intro into the WILS philosophy<br />
2.	Step into it – a Weekend recharge program<br />
3.	Live it – a 8 week fully interactive program<br />
4.	BE it: a   balanced Energy Boot Camp for the Body and Mind<br />
All four programs are based on the Choose Energy steps<br />
1.	Choose Energy<br />
2.	Whole, Fresh and Often<br />
3.	Key Essentials<br />
4.	The 4 rules of Oxygen<br />
5.	Keeping it clean<br />
6.	The stress tool Box<br />
7.	Pursue your passion<br />
8.	Choose it and Use it<br />
9.	The Energy of Engagement<br />
B. AS well as the WILS programs &#8211; 1. CEE – Choose Energy Events – 3 hour interactive Events focusing on Health as a lifestyle<br />
Including:<br />
1.	The Natural Night of Beauty – A night of Beauty Magic<br />
2 Choose Energy – Choose It! Lifestyle Choices with Energy Consequences<br />
3.The Stress tool box- Balanced Energy from the Inside out<br />
C. Finally, Choose Energy – CEO Empowerment program – 1-on-1 Lifestyle Coaching</p>
<p>Our Values<br />
Choose Energy, founding values are<br />
1.	Passion<br />
2.	Synergy<br />
3.	Infinite growth<br />
4.	Knowledge,<br />
5.	Concious leadership<br />
6.	Authenticity<br />
7.	Balanced Energy ( BE).<br />
Are integrated in all that Choose Energy is, from the driving force of passion; to the Synergy of all relationships, to infinite growth on all levels. Rooted, experiential knowledge, and authentic content created and delivered by a conscious leader. Grounded on the one concept of Balanced Energy</p>
<p>Our Future<br />
Fast – forward to today:<br />
Choose Energy now in full flight has set-up a full schedule events see. Through the 2007 year and into 2008www.choosenergy.ca and also join the be blog at www.chooseenergy.be . Things are happening and this will be a company to watch. Better yet make the choice to participate and Choose Energy today</p>
<p>The Power of Engagement:<br />
Finally, It is also a company, which believes that being engaged in the world is our most powerful energy.<br />
To that end all the core values, purpose and vision where created on a conscious commerce model.<br />
Each course and event will have a scholarship program in place to all the opportunity for all to participate<br />
Choose Energy and the CEO Power of the 1% of PEACE “ People Empowered Aligning Connected Energy” Initiative (see website for more info) in general 1% of all profits, energy daily/ persona and in organize projects, and exposure will be dedicated to organizations focusing on empowering through all levels the developing world. For an organization such as that visit www.opportunityinternational.ca</p>
<p>Creating Energy Habits<br />
Choose Energy and the programs it offers brings context, and connection between energy in the body, mind and spirit and how the synergy of that energy creates balanced energy </p>
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		<title>OverComing the decision making pitfalls</title>
		<link>http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog/?p=61</link>
		<comments>http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog/?p=61#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:21:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Administrator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health and Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[choose now!]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.chooseenergy.ca/blog/?p=61</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Overcome the Most Common Decision-Making Pitfalls
Just for a moment, think about the various decisions you’ve made this week. Which ones were easy? Which were difficult? Are there any decisions you have been putting off or avoiding? Did you make any impulsive choices?
The way you make decisions is important because, ultimately, the quality, happiness, and fulfillment [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Overcome the Most Common Decision-Making Pitfalls</p>
<p>Just for a moment, think about the various decisions you’ve made this week. Which ones were easy? Which were difficult? Are there any decisions you have been putting off or avoiding? Did you make any impulsive choices?</p>
<p>The way you make decisions is important because, ultimately, the quality, happiness, and fulfillment of your life is shaped by your choices. This quiz will give you some insight into your decision-making style and show you how to become a master decision maker.</p>
<p>Quizzes by Quibblo.com<br />
I Need to Make the Right Decision</p>
<p>If you obsess over making the so-called right decision, you need to reframe the decision-making process away from a life-or-death dilemma to an enjoyable process of taking assessment, choosing, and then working with that choice until you make your next choice. </p>
<p>Remind yourself that there are no mistakes in life. If you make a decision that doesn’t lead you in the direction you want, you can then make another decision. Don’t feel like you have to be certain that your decision will be “right” and don’t think you have to wait until you have perfect knowledge of the situation. In reality, it isn’t possible to have complete certainty or complete knowledge.</p>
<p>&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;</p>
<p>I Avoid Risks and Make Decisions Based on What Seems Safe</p>
<p>In reality, every decision involves some level of risk. There are no safe paths, and that is actually a good thing, for it is in the wisdom of uncertainty that we find freedom from past conditioning. Realizing that at the level of spirit, your choices are always supported. When you have a decision to make, instead of getting caught up in risk analysis, ask yourself the following questions:</p>
<p>•Does this choice feel right for me?<br />
•Am I interested in where this choice is leading?<br />
•Do I like the people involved?<br />
•Is this choice good for my entire family?<br />
•Does this choice make sense given my stage in life?<br />
•Do I feel morally justified in making this choice?<br />
•Do I feel inspired by what I’m about to do?</p>
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<p>I Feel a lot of Regret about Past Decisions</p>
<p>We are always doing our best we can at our current level of awareness. If you have made a decision that has resulted in pain for yourself or others, you have the option now to make new choices. Remember that every event in life can only cause one of two things. Either it is good for you, or it’s bringing up what you need to look at in order to create good for yourself and others.</p>
<p>&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;</p>
<p>I Tend to Base My Decisions on Other People’s Opinions</p>
<p>This pattern is a clear symptom that you aren’t in touch with your inner self and what you really want. Instead of trying to fit in or please other people, find out who you really are. Turn inward and follow the path that leads to your inner intelligence. From this place of knowing, you will be able to make decisions that will serve your higher good and, ultimately, those around you as well.  How do you do this? The most effective way to connect to your deepest self is a regular practice of meditation. In meditation, you go beyond the mind’s perpetual noisy chatter and enter the silence and peace of pure awareness. This is where you’ll discover your true self and connect to your deepest desires and purpose</p>
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