Athletic Trainer? Personal Trainer?

Often I find the terms athletic trainer and personal trainer used interchangeably. Or, people will ask me, “What is the difference between a personal trainer and an athletic trainer?” Personal trainers and athletic trainers both bring their own set of skills to the table. Here is a run down of the ways to differentiate between the two.

Usually the largest and most immediate difference between Athletic Trainers and Personal Trainers is their job description. Personal trainers work in fitness and exercise to help people get in shape and lose weight. Athletic Trainers work with orthopedic injuries - treating people who are injured and returning them safely to activity in the fastest time possible. And, unlike Physical Therapists, Athletic Trainers specialize in athletic populations on and off the field, including on-field emergency response. If you’ve watched a football or baseball game and have seen someone run out onto the field after an injury, most likely, it was an Athletic Trainer. Athletic Trainers are responsible for the prevention, assessment and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. (Physical Therapists typically treat off the field and post-injury.) Personal Trainers may have a wide variety of backgrounds and certifications. They do not, however, treat or assess injuries.

Another large difference between Athletic Trainers and Personal Trainers is their level of education and certification process. Personal Trainers must demonstrate a level of competency for their certifications ranging from an examination to an internship and degree. Unlike Personal Trainers, all BOC Certified Athletic Trainers must hold a bachelor’s degree, complete an accredited athletic training program, receive approval from that program’s director and then pass a board of certification exam. Personal Trainers, depending on the type of certification, may or may not have an educational background of the same caliber. But, then again, comparing personal trainers to athletic trainers is like comparing apples to oranges.

[A tip: Always check into the level and type of certification a personal trainer has. The American College of Sport’s Medicine (ASCM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) are among the most rigid although they are not the only well qualified certifications.]

At The Body Defined, I blend both disciplines to provide you with the best care possible. If you would like to learn more about Athletic Trainers, please visit www.nata.org.

Incontinence and the Pelvic Floor

One of my clients complimented me the other day about her progress in the most unusual way and it brought me back to the importance of the pelvic floor. Although I’d been working on a fitness program with her emphasizing back care, cardiovascular endurance and balance, she reported to me that the exercises we have been doing have completely reversed her issues with incontinence.

If you have bouts of incontinence, you are not alone. According the the National Association for Continence, “one-third of men and women ages 30 - 70 have experienced loss of bladder control at some point in their adult lives and may still be living with the symptoms”.

Most of you are familiar with Kegel exercises especially if you have children. Stopping the stream of urine is impractical and uncomfortable at times. It does, however, help you find the muscles of your pelvic floor.

The good news is that there are other ways to activate your pelvic floor. Any exercise you perform that emphasizes balance and stability of the spine will encourage your body to utilize your pelvic floor for stability. Balance exercises like those performed in yoga, working on unstable surfaces such as discs and stability balls and core exercises such as bridges contribute to the strength and endurance of the pelvic floor. These exercises also contribute to stabilizing your body in the movements your perform every day - getting out of bed in the morning, picking up the groceries or even putting on your pants.

In order to stabilize your spine and, thus, your entire body you must stabilize from the ground up... Stabilization starts at the base of your spine, your pelvic floor. Then your body must coordinate the contraction of your abdominal muscles and back extensors to create a dynamically rigid center or core. All movement must either be initiate, stabilized and/or transferred through your core. The more that you activate your pelvic floor the more stabile, or dynamically rigid, your spine will be.

If you continue to stay active, perform functional exercises and attend a yoga class or two, you are more likely to have a stronger back, better balance AND suffer from less incidences of incontinence, as my client duly noted. So get out there and move. It’ll keep you healthy and dry.

* Get a balance disc of your own here http://www.nefitco.com/balance_disc_2.html. Image courtesy of www.netfitco.com.

Level 1-2 at True Yoga

I am so excited to be team teaching a Level 1-2 yoga practice with one of my favorite instructors Ericka Hansen at True Yoga. After my mom passed away, True Yoga was a place I went for a moment of reflection, silence and peace. More than anything else, this studio became my place to heal. Now, I am so honored to be teaching at "True". Please come join me and Ericka Saturday mornings at 9 AM. It will make your weekend.

Need more information? Check out True Yoga's website - www.trueyoga.com.

Namaste! t

Prosperity

I received this great reminder on our perception of abundance this morning from the Daily OM.

Security is a state of mind we achieve when we believe that we are capable of caring for ourselves no matter what our circumstances. We understand that the definition of plenty can change rapidly and that it is our personal power that allows us to achieve our goals rather than an arbitrary factor such as luck. Consequently, we feel comfortable pursuing a wider variety of goals—including those that could potentially expose us to situations in which our livelihood or confidence is threatened. We can face these bravely because we know that our inner light will remain intact no matter what. We recognize that the source of our prosperity lies buried in our minds, hearts, and souls, and no force on earth can convince us otherwise. You will discover the true nature of abundance today when you accept that your existence truly is defined by plenty.

If you would like a little inspiration each day, sign up for your Daily OM at www.dailyom.com.

Exploring the Chakras, a 8 week series at Soul Body Yoga

Please come join me Sunday evenings beginning January 30th from 4 to 5:30 PM for Exploring the Chakras, an 8 week series at Soul Body Yoga in Moorpark. This series is open to all levels of practice and is $150.00 for the complete series or $25.00 per drop-in. To register, please call 805-517-1330.

Chakras, the 7 wheels of energy comprising the core of your energy field, are our spiritual and energetic bodies link to our physical bodies. Our emotions, thoughts and actions determine the balance and well-being of these energetic centers within the body. Imbalance can lead to physical ailments and disease. Explore how your chakras can influence your health and wellbeing. Each class will cover a specific chakra, poses that support that particular chakra, the attributes associated with it, ways that imbalances in the chakra surface and methods to clear and balance each chakra.

Week 1 - review of all chakra’s

Week 2 - muladhara (root) chakra

Week 3 - svadisthana (sacral)

Week 4 - manipura (solar plexus)

Week 5 - anahata (heart) chakra

Week 6 - vishuddha (throat) chakra

Week 7 - ajna (third eye) chakra

Week 8 - sahasara (crown) chakra

Find out more at www.soulbodyyoga.com.

Chipotle Chicken Soup from Season's Catering

This recipe is from my friend Gabrielle Moes at Season’s Catering. She’s an amazing chef and teacher. Learn more tricks and tips from her at www.seasonscateringca.com or, better yet, hire her to cater your next event.

Enjoy!

2 Tablespoons pure olive oil1 large onion, coarsely chopped

2 large garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

2 cups canned (in glass) diced tomatoes with their juice

4 cups chicken or turkey stock

2 chipotle chilies in adobo, finely chopped

1 teaspoon dried oregano

2 cups diced cooked turkey (about 1/2 pound)

1 cup corn

¼ cup coarsely chopped cilantro

1 large avocado, diced, for serving

Lime wedges, sour cream and tortilla chips, for serving

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion, garlic, salt and pepper and cook over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender, about 10 minutes.

Add the tomatoes, stock, chipotles and oregano and bring to a boil over moderate heat. Reduce the heat to moderately low and cook until the tomatoes begin to break down and the soup is flavorful, about 10 minutes.

Add the turkey, corn and cilantro and cook just until the turkey is heated through. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the avocado. Serve lime wedges, sour cream and tortilla chips on the side.

Simple truths from Carolyn Myss.

As a way to refocus my energies for 2011, I have been re-reading Anatomy of the Spirit: The Seven Stages of Power and Healing by Carolyn Myss, PhD. Carolyn's down-to-earth, insightful prose takes the reader through a journey of self-examination, reviewing the steps to balance, health, healing and, ultimately, happiness. A central theme within the book is our relationship to power. Negative thought patterns based in jealousy, fear and anger relinquish our personal power. Here are some golden nuggets from her book on simplifying your spirituality:

- All circumstances can be changed in a moment, and all illness can be healed. The Divine is not limited by human time, space or physical concerns.

- Be consistent: live what you believe.

- Change is constant. Every life goes through phases of difficult change as well as peace. Learn to go with the flow of change rather than try to stop change from occurring.

- Never look to another person to make you happy--happiness is an internal, personal attitude and responsibility.

- Life is essentially a learning experience. Every situation, challenge, and relationship contains some message worth learning or teaching to others.

- Live in the present moment, and practice forgiveness of others.

Reclaiming your personal power is a direct result of mindful living and essential for creating health and well-being. I highly recommend picking up her book and going on a journey of your own this year.

Wishing you the best of love, life and happiness this year and always, t

Origins

I thought you might be interested in learning how I got to where I am. Here is a little excerpt from a post I wrote on the history of The Body Defined:

After working in sport's medicine, physical therapy and doctor's offices for years, I became disillusioned with the state of the medical field. I saw people treated for symptoms, not for underlying conditions; I saw people who didn't get the access to care that they needed. It frustrated me because I really wanted to help people. At the same time, I watched my mother's battle with breast cancer. Her fight reaffirmed my belief that we, as the patient, are the strongest healers and we create our health. By establishing The Body Defined in 2006, I hoped to offer people a more comprehensive approach to their health - mental, physical and spiritual - and allow them to take over the driver's seat on their road to health. I hold true to this ideal today.

dive for dreams by ee cummings

I came across this poem via the book Charlie St. Cloud and I love it. Thought I would share.

dive for dreams

or a slogan may topple you

(trees are there roots

and wind is wind)

trust your heart

if the seas catch fire

(and live by love

though the stars walk backward)

honour the past

but welcome the future

(and dance your death

away at the wedding)

never mind a world

with its villains or heroes

(for good likes girls

and tomorrow and the earth)

in spite of everything

which breathes and moves, since Doom

(with white longest hands

neating each crease)

will smooth entirely our minds

-before leaving my room

i turn, and (stooping

through the morning) kiss

this pillow, dear

where our heads lived and were.

silently if, out of not knowable

silently if, out of not knowable

night's utmost nothing, wanders a little guess

(only which is this world) more my life does

not leap than with the mystery your smile

sings or if (spiraling as luminous

they climb oblivion) voices who are dreams,

less into heaven certainly earth swims

than each my deeper death becomes your kiss

losing through you what seemed myself, i find

selves unimaginably mine;beyond

sorrow's own joys and hoping's very fears

yours is the light by which my spirit's born:

yours is the darkness of my soul's return

-you are my sun,my moon,and all my stars

Be Safe. Be Effective.

Here are my Top 10 Workout Tips for the day:

1. 1.Know your body. Do you have an injury, weakness or imbalance? Address each issue with care every time you work out. Address problems. Don’t avoid. them.
   

2. 2.Know when to say when. No pain, no gain is not a great mantra. If you have pain, stop. Check your form. Adjust. If you still have pain, STOP!
   

3. 3.Make your time count. Maximize your time by working antagonist(opposite) muscle groups during your usual rest periods. You can also do exercises that target more than one muscle group.
   

4. 4.Add a cardiovascular component. To keep your heart rate up, do exercises between sets like skipping rope, jumping jacks or stairs.
   

5. 5.Mix it up. Your body knows routine. It will not adapt. Constantly change things up to continue to see changes in your physique.
   

6. 6.Work big to small. Use large muscle groups first like quadriceps and chest, before working on the smaller supporting muscles. If you fatigue your shoulders before you hit your max bench press, you are likely to injure your shoulder and be out for weeks.
   

7. 7.Use a mirror. It isn’t narcassitic to check your form in the mirror. Mirrors give you feedback allowing you to see your movement and check that you are using correct form.
   

8. 8.Knees and toes. The most common source of pain that I see is knee pain during exercise due to a simple misalignment of the knees. Make sure your knees are always in the same direction as your toes and that your knees do not drift over your toes.
   

9. 9.Be kind to your shoulders. The most common injury I see due to workouts gone awry is shoulder injuries. never let your elbows drift below your shoulders on a press. Learn exercises to support your rotator cuff. And, maybe, go a little lighter than you think you need to ensure you are using the best form.
   

10. 10. Ask for help. If you are not sure what you should be doing, if you are not certain that your are doing exercises correctly or if you have an injury, consult a qualified professional.

20 Minute Workouts

In my last post, I talked about finding time to workout... You can still get something in even if you only have 20 minutes. Today, I thought I’d continue on that theme. So what exactly can you do in 20 minutes?

If we divide an hour workout into 3 sections - upper body, lower body (legs) and core - we can mix and match our workouts creating 20, 40 and 60 minute workouts based on our available time. So you found twenty minutes in your day, what now? Here are two examples of 20 minute workouts:

Beginning

1 (legs): plie or sumo squats, step back lunges and heel lifts

2 (upper-body): chest press, bent-over row and biceps to overhead press to triceps to side raise combo

3 (core): ball crunches, ball bridges, planks and side planks

Intermediate

1 (leg emphasis with core and upper body): 2 sets hack squats, 2 sets squat with overhead press, 3 sets step-back lunges with biceps curls

2 (core emphasis with upper body): chest press on the ball, planks with shoulder rotation, 4 direction diagonals on the ball or bosu

3 (upper body with core): ball push-ups to knees to chest planks, standing cable rows with a 1 leg squat , TYI’s on the ball alternating with back extensions, planks with alternate arm and leg extensions

As always, ensure that you are getting enough recovery time. You should have 48 hours rest between working the same muscle groups. Generally you should not work upper body on Monday and then repeat it on Tuesday. Instead take 20 minutes to do cardiovascular exercise on Tuesday. Do things such as swimming, running, yoga, hiking, biking.

As you progress, increase your intensity by combining exercises. You can also piggy-back exercises by working the antagonist (opposite) muscle groups during your rest period between sets. Both ways you cover more ground in a limited amount of time and burn more calories.

Now that you’ve seen that you can get a workout in 20 minutes, you have no excuses. Get out there!

No time? Break it up!

So many times we think, “ I have to get in an hour of exercise for it to count.” Obviously, an hour of exercise each day is great but it isn't always practical when you are on the go. In fact, research has shown that small bouts of exercise throughout the day increase your metabolism. Simply put, something is always better than nothing. You aren't always missing out.

One easy way to break up your workout is to divide it into thirds - upper-body, lower body and core. I prefer to break up workouts this way as opposed to back and bi's, chest and tri's and legs because my focus is to come back to function. How do each of these exercises translate into your daily life? Often times exercises can overlap each designation. As you increase the intensity of your workout you can combine exercises to hit two areas or more at once and amp it up.

So, if I have a limited time, I can break up my workout into 20 minute increments: 20 min for my legs, 20 min for my core and 20 for my arms. Lets say I am tight on time Mon, Tues and Wed but I have Friday off. I can complete a full body workout in 20 minutes a day on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, take Thursday off for recovery and am set for an hour full-body workout on Friday. Worse, I am booked tight all week I can fit in 20 min Mon, Tues, Wed, take Thursday off and get in another full body over Fri, Sat and Sun. You can really mix and match for whatever serves you. I can find 40 min Tuesday and Thursday and can fit in 20 Sat and Sun. Get the picture?

Further, by changing up my training schedule, I continue to add variety to my workouts. Wollf's law is simple, the body will adapt to imposed demands. Keep changing the demands and the body will continue to adapt. Simple techniques such as changing up your workout schedule may get you out of difficult plateaus when you body just doesn't seem to progress.

So no matter how hectic my schedule appears, I usually can find twenty minutes in my day and I always feel better when I do. You can too, can’t you?

Yoga meets Hike Wildwood.

Check out the new classes I will be offering through the Conejo Recreation and Park District this Fall.

Hike Wildwood. Tuesday and Thursday mornings 9:30 AM. 1 hr

This moderate 1 hour hike winds through different trails in beautiful Wildwood Park - past waterfalls, over the mesa, through the chaparral and creekside. Well mannered, leased dogs are welcome to join. 8 weeks - $60

Hike & Yoga in the Park. Saturday mornings 8:30 AM. 2 hrs

Start your weekend finding balance, increase your felxibility and calm your mind as you hike and practice yoga in Wildwood Park. Please bring your own mat, strap and any other props you would like. All levels welcome. 8 weeks - $90.00

Stay posted here or at www.thebodydefined.com for updates on registration and class dates. I'll be seeing you on the trails!

Finding Peace through Yoga

The practice of yoga began centuries ago as a system to prepare the body for meditation. Today in Western culture, the practice of asanas, or postures, has dominated the practice of yoga. While the practice of asanas is vital to any yoga practice, yoga encompasses much more.

Yoga, as an exercise practice, does much the same things as a traditional cardiovascular and resistance training workouts would - toning muscles, increasing cardiovascular capacity and reducing stress - with all the associated benefits over time - lower blood pressure, cholesterol, heart rate, ect. However, because the primary goal of a physical yoga practice is to link or yolk the breath to movement it does much more. By harnessing the breath several things are achieved. The mind is brought to a single point of focus, calming and quieting our overactive brain. Breath is directed through the body - healing tissues, improving flexibility, increasing mental clarity, soothing the body and bringing it back to homeostasis. The constant stresses of our day, the perceived dangers that put our body into the sympathetic nervous system of fight or flight are reversed. Throughout a practice, the body gradually returns to the parasympathetic system allowing digestion and rest. Once the parasympathetic system takes over, the body can return to a healthier, clearer, more focused and efficient state.

Most yoga classes incorporate a short meditation period at the beginning and end of the practice. Through the practice of meditation, you begin to direct your thought and actions more effectively, reducing your stress and your reactions to others. The practice of meditation slows down your “monkey-mind” and brings you moments of inner peace. So, each time you go to the mat you can do more for yourself than merely follow a physical practice. Form an intent or direction for your practice. Watch your breath and bring your mind into focus. You will begin to find moments of peace within your practice. As you continue to practice yoga these moments grow and stay with you as you go back out into the world.

The light in me salutes the light in you. Namaste.

Knees and Toes, Knees and Toes

Here's a quick note on knee safety:

Whenever you are doing lower body exercises such as squats or lunges, make sure that your knees and toes are pointed in the same direction.

Often our knees fall in toward the center of our body.

Sometimes they toward the outside.

Regardless of the direction your knees go, if your knee cap does not line up with your second toe, you are putting undue stress on your knee joint. Over time this stress can wear down the meniscus, inflame tendons and stretch ligaments in and around the joint.

One other thing to watch is that your knee does not pass your toe. When you are doing a squat or a lunge, you should be able to see your big toe.

When you can see your big toe, it is a good bet that your knee is stacked up over your ankle. This position decreases the amount of compression behind your knee cap (patella), an especially important factor if you have arthritis.

So remember, knees follow the toes wherever they go and your knees never should pass your toes.

The Body Defined is on Twitter

The Body Defined is now on Twitter. If you'd like to get little tidbits now and then follow me at www.twitter.com/thebodydefined. Some tweets you are likely to see include: tips on diet and exercise, inspirational quotes, useful gadgets and links to relevant news articles and research findings. I'll still be posting longer stories and articles here too.

Hike Wildwood is Back!

Summer sessions for the Conejo Recreation and Park District begin next week. I am offering 3 classes this summer. Please come join me!

Fitness Walks at Wildwood Park - Tuesdays at 8:15 AM (45 min) 6 wks -Fitness Walks are for beginning to intermediate hikers who like to get out and explore. We hike through various trails at Wildwood Park, past waterfalls, over the mesa, through the chaparral and along the creeks. You can't find a better way to get moving in the morning!

Hiker's Bootcamp at Wildwood Park - Thursdays at 8:15 AM (1 hr) & Saturdays at 8:00 AM (1 hr) 6 wks -Hiker's Bootcamp is for the more adventurous, active individual. These hour long sessions traverse Wildwood's scenic beauty and incorporate resistance training. You will get a fantastic, challenging workout outdoors. What could be better?

Don't forget to register at www.crpd.org!

Ageless Wisdom

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio:

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written"

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and
parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.
Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of whom God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

The Energy of Breath

What is the simplest, easiest thing that you can do everyday to BE GOOD to YOURSELF? You wouldn't believe me if I told you. The absolute best thing you can do for yourself everyday is to breathe. Simple, right? You are already doing it.

Prana, or energy in Ayurvedic traditions, is built through the breath. Biologically speaking, your breath - the transport of oxygen, allows for the breakdown of ATP. Literally, your breath creates energy. Not only does your breath create energy, it removes toxins from your body. Transporting CO2 and other metabolic biproducts out through the lungs. Deep breathing also soothes our nervous system, creating a natural sense of calm and relaxation.

Diaphragmatic breathing, the most cleansing sort of breathing, is what we do naturally. Diaphragmatic breathing is the rhythm that we automatically take when at rest. Have you ever watched someone sleep? If you pay attention, you will see his or her belly rise and fall. The rise and fall you notice is the expanse of the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a muscle the spans the bottom of your rib cage and actually pulls your lungs down, allowing for more air to fill them.

Make a habit to practice taking 10 deep breaths a day. It is a fantastic way to wake-up, energized and refreshed. It is also a great way go to sleep, clearing your mind as you drift-off into peaceful dreams. Here is how:

Take a quite minute for yourself. Relax on the bed, seated in a chair or standing weight evenly distributed in both legs. Set the intent to follow your breath. Inhale slowly and smoothly. Feel the breath enter through your nose, down your throat and into your lungs. Feel your lungs and your belly expand. Hold your breath for a second or two at the end of your inhale. Now slowly exhale, releasing your breath. Notice your belly and lungs drift inward as you exhale. Feel the breath exit your lungs, through your throat and out your nose. Pause for a second or two before your next breath.

If you would like to calm and quite your mind, turn your breath into a mediation. As you begin, focus on inhaling light or energy. Imagine it expanding through your lungs, into your body and all the way out to your fingers and toes. As you exhale, imagine any negative thoughts, energy or products coming from your fingers and toes, through your body and lungs, exiting out your mouth. Perhaps you will visualize your breath as a dark or smokey color as it exits your body.

You should never feel uncomfortable. Don't hold your breath for prolonged periods. Try to match each inhale to each exhale, creating a smooth rhythm. The more your practice, the easier it becomes and you'll find you naturally kick over into this form of breathing in or before stressful situations, during your workouts and as you drift off to sleep.

So, do you think you can manage 10 deep breaths a day? Thought so.

t

Food, Inc. Trailer

Here is some food for though. Food, Inc. is another documentary that reiterates some of Charlotte Gerson's argument for changing the traditional American diet. While I have yet to see this movie, it is released June 12th, I am certain that it is worth watching.