Win a Kripalu cookbook and welcome to my new site!
March 25th, 2009
That’s right folks, we’ve moved from blogger over to a real deal, full on website, combining my blog with everything you need to take advantage of health counseling and yoga services. Welcome! The site is new but the blogging will be about the same for those of you who have been with me for awhile.
Now is the time to update your feeds and bookmarks, so please take a minute to do that before getting all excited about the giveaway. Also, consider signing up for my new newsletter in the box at the left.
To welcome you all to Find Your Balance Health Counseling and Yoga, I’m pleased to offer my first blogger giveaway: the Kripalu Cookbook full of gourmet vegetarian recipes! While I do not follow a strict vegetarian diet I believe we can always benefit from incorporating more veggies into our meals. And there are some great ideas in this book.
Kripalu is the largest residential yoga institution in America…in the world? Maybe that too. If you’ve ever been or know someone who has, you’ll agree the food is one of the best parts of any of their programs. Delicious stuff. After my last trip I bought this cookbook for me, my mom, and now…you 
I will hold a random drawing on April 8, 2009 at 10:00 am EST. The random number entry will be chosen by http://www.random.org/integers. The winner will have to provide a mailing address for me to mail the book too. (Sorry, US residents only!)
Here are the ways to get entered into the drawing. First, you must leave a comment on this post with your name, email address and answer to this question: What is your greatest health challenge? Earn additional entries by:
1. Signing up for a free health history consultation (email me)
2. Pre-enrolling for one of my upcoming Sunday Cooking Clubs (see events page)
3. Signing up for my newsletter (box on the left)
4. Subscribing to my RSS feed or blog by email (let me know in the comments)
5. Following me (MPfennighaus) on Twitter (let me know who you are in the comments)
6. Retweeting this contest on Twitter and including @MPfennighaus
7. Link to this contest from your blog (let me know in the comments)
That’s it, get to it kiddos. And don’t forget to change your feed and bookmark settings to this new site. Look forward to your entries!
sounds like fun! I’ve signed up for the newsletter.
March 25th, 2009 at 10:46 amMy greatest health challenge is staying active. With a variety of joint issues, activity usually isn’t fun anymore, so it’s hard to get a cardiac workout.
Like the new site! Oh love the book too!
March 25th, 2009 at 10:53 amYour new site is beautiful! I would LOVE that cookbook! I’ve updated your site in my reader!
March 25th, 2009 at 11:33 amMy greatest health challenge is eliminating sugar as much as possible. I have agave nectar, and maple syrup that I cook and bake with but it is a challenge for me. I really need to include more organic and healthy ingredients and find new ways that are vegan. I am a lazy vegan. As I tweeted, I LOVE the new site!!
March 25th, 2009 at 11:41 amMost difficult health challenge: eating healthy while cooking for my husband. He like nothing healthy, is against trying anything healthy, his diet would make you barf if I told you. I eat healthy for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and then have been working on a compromise for dinner, but that is my biggest challenge. I am subscribing to your blog via google reader.
March 25th, 2009 at 11:58 amMy biggest health challenge is not going overboard with exercise (which usually ends in injury). I’ve feel so much better after getting a great workout, but have to remind myself to take breaks and let my body rest.
I like the new site!
March 25th, 2009 at 12:57 pmGorgeosity! So what about us who a.) are already devoted fans and signed up ages ago, and b.) are lame at Twitter? Oh, and truth be told, I haven’t made the bars – YET.
March 25th, 2009 at 1:48 pmLove the new site! My biggest health challenge right now is working out with a newborn. I was really good before the baby came, but I’m trying to figure out how to juggle it all right now!
March 25th, 2009 at 2:13 pmI subscribed to your blog via email at heathbarna@msn.com. I love your posts and always look forward to your advice!!!!! You are FAB
March 25th, 2009 at 2:32 pmMy greatest health challenge is overcoming my fear of eating 3 meals a day
March 25th, 2009 at 2:33 pmThank you all for your comments and support. Remember to not only leave a comment but tell us about one of your biggest health challenges! There may be other people out there with success in that area to help you out
@Karen – never a better time to get yourself hooked up on Twitter, don’t you think?
March 25th, 2009 at 2:37 pmMy greatest health challenge is gaining weight on a veg diet.
March 25th, 2009 at 3:27 pmI love the new site! Thanks for the giveaway!
March 25th, 2009 at 3:42 pmCongratulations, Michelle!! The site is gorgeous–very light, airy, fresh and serene looking! I love the colors.
And cool that we both “moved” around the same time.
My biggest health challenge is the one I’m working on right now–dealing with my sweets addiction. The anti-candida diet is helping, but not curing. . . so far.
Oh, and I subscribed to your feed as well!
Would love that book!
March 25th, 2009 at 3:58 pmLove the new site!
My biggest health challenge is eating according to my dosha – I’m very Vata (I do have some Kapha/Pitta tendencies, but it’s my vata that gets out of balance so easily) – when I’m in balance, it’s wonderful, but it’s easy to fall out – I crave dry foods and raw veggies and fruits which easily send me into a crazy spiral.
March 25th, 2009 at 8:02 pmGreat giveaway! (And great-looking site!) I follow you on Twitter (I’m @blackkitt) … I don’t have medical proof but I’m certain my hormones are way off balance. This may or may not be contributing to some digestion woes
March 25th, 2009 at 8:41 pmYay Michelle!!! The new site looks AMAZING!!! You should really be so proud of yourself. You’ve really taken the bull by the horns and what a great turn out. I can’t wait to see where this takes you! And your giveaway is exciting as I try to not eat meat at least once a week (but usually come up with less-than-stellar recipes). I would say my biggest health obstacle comes into play when I’m marathon training. I’m running so much that I’m hungry all the time and want to eat any and everything. I know I should be fueling my body properly, but I also want something really tasty after all my hard work. Doing all that training can really wear you out so you at least have to have something yummy to look forward to at the end. Congrats again – the site is just awesome!!!
March 26th, 2009 at 6:22 amLove the new site, Michelle! I have several health challenges, but one of the biggest is keeping active. Thanks for the giveaway!
March 26th, 2009 at 9:07 amHello! Just recently came across your blog, really enjoying it.
March 26th, 2009 at 1:30 pmI signed up for your blog feed and I am following you on Twitter… @funderbug
Very, very nice! Love the new look and all the exciting changes! I’m headed over the Tweet it right now and I’ll include the contest in my links this weekend. Congrats! You have some exciting stuff going on!
March 26th, 2009 at 3:17 pmOops. Forgot my greatest health challenge. It changes from time to time and right now it is reducing heavy foods. There’s a lot of rice and beans around here and while good, they are also on the caloric side so I’m trying to get in more salads as meals. (ps. I have a US address
)
March 26th, 2009 at 3:18 pmThanks for commenting on my blog. I love your site! It’s so great!!
My biggest health challenge is probably coming up with new dinner ideas that are quick, easy, delicious and husband-approved!
March 26th, 2009 at 3:41 pmBiggest health challenge would have to be battling my sugar addiction. I am a veritable cookie monster! But I maintain a healthy weight with exercise and other diet. Love the new site!
March 26th, 2009 at 3:48 pmFantastic! Love your dangley kale
Thanks for stopping by and looking forward to keeping up!
March 26th, 2009 at 4:18 pmMichelle – congratulations on the new site, it looks wonderful. You have been busy. Hope you are happy in your new “home”.
March 26th, 2009 at 4:24 pmThanks for the wonderful site! I am one year in recovery from anorexia and so my biggest health challenge is eating healthfully, both physically and emotionally. For me that means learning to choose “healthy” foods in balance with pleasurable, supportive foods.
March 26th, 2009 at 6:45 pmLOL, I didn’t realize you were the same Michelle from Does A Body Good!!! (just checked reader). Awesome upgrade, love the new look! So new and awesome I subscribed before I figured out it was you
Congrats!!
March 26th, 2009 at 6:58 pmAH! How much do I lurrrrrrrrve your new website? Good stuff! I am adding it to my google reader right this very second!
March 26th, 2009 at 7:22 pmMy biggest challenge is staying fit and flexible, doing what my body needs as far as exercising is difficult. I have spine/ hip issues that arise and then I can’t do what I am use to doing. I eat very well but the issue is keeping the movement, strength training and aerobic consistant. I always need to find motivation. It does not come easily or natural to me to excercise!
I know what I need to do, it is the doing it that is the problem!
March 27th, 2009 at 10:06 amWow, just stumbled across your site – love it! My biggest health challenge is finding a natural approach to my thyroid imbalance. Also, my husband is an omnivore and I recently became vegan, so I struggle to find recipes for dinner that we are both happy with.
March 27th, 2009 at 11:43 amLove the new site (I’ve updated my reader)! My greatest health challenge is finding time to exercise, seconded by my love of sweet things!
March 27th, 2009 at 11:46 amJust found your site – very nice. My greatest health challenge is weight. I love to eat, cook, try different foods. I also love to exercise but it doesn’t seem to be enough to balance with the eating. Also, I’m a Registered Dietitian so it is even more important that I keep my weight in control.
March 28th, 2009 at 6:14 amEating too much! And of course the wrong things!
March 28th, 2009 at 1:45 pmyogawithgaileee at gmail dot com
My biggest health challenge is taming the “fat tooth”. Big crispy steak fries, butter on baked potatoes, quesadillas dripping with cheese…
I’m working on substituting olive oil for animal fat as much as possible, which, fortunately, I enjoy a great deal…terrific on potatoes and veggies…one of my favorites is broccoli rabe with olive oil, walnuts, and garlic.
March 28th, 2009 at 3:46 pmMy biggest health challenge is with food. Both portion sizes and eating crap I know is bad, but doing it anyway. I love cookies and candy and eat way more than any normal person should!
March 29th, 2009 at 10:03 amGreat page, very tranquil. You give such great advice. Boston is lucky to have you, and the rest of us are lucky because of the internet. I need healthy cookbooks: come August I will finally have a place to cook (not just a dorm microwave) and will be across the country from my mother whose only hobby is to cook.
My biggest health challenge is to learn balance. I binge basically everyday as strategy to cope with stress; however, it only adds to my stress. (And this was how I ‘recovered’ from anorexia.) My physical health is greatly intertwined with my emotional health.
March 29th, 2009 at 6:20 pmMy greatest health challenge would be to cook “healthy” meals that are also “tasty” for my very fussy family!!
March 29th, 2009 at 8:51 pmGreat new site!
NAOmni
notanotheromnivore (at) gmail (dot) com
I would say my greatest health challenge right now is mental health related. Trying to get through this 5th year, which has been emotionally trying, and move on with life.
Physically speaking I would say it is trying to make sure I am doing the vegan thing correctly. As in taking the necessary supplements, eating the correct foods, etc. to ensure adequate nutrition during this transition.
If I already got counseled does that count
I won’t be offended if it doesn’t….
I will sign up for your newsletter as soon as I post this…
I am subscribed to your blog…
I’m following you on twitter…NAOmni….
I think that’s it? Anywho, hope all is well!
NAOmni
March 29th, 2009 at 9:06 pmOh! and I just managed to mention your contest on my blog…check in 30 minutes I’m still finishing the post!
NAOmni
March 29th, 2009 at 9:09 pmHi Michelle! I met you the other day at Back Bay (I was reading the Wisdom of Yoga and we chatted about Kripalu
My greatest health challenge – I have constant stomach issues (I think I’m allergic to certain things but can’t figure out what) and this leaves me feeling sluggish, weak, and tired most of the time…
Apart from entering for the contest, I just wanted to say that this site looks awesome! I’ve been searching for a site like yours, so it was very serendipitous for us to have met! I will definitely follow the site closely, and hope I run into you again soon at Back Bay!
Oh and I just signed up for your newsletter and RSS feed (I guess I really want this cookbook!)
March 29th, 2009 at 9:19 pmCongrats on the new site! I am subscribed on google reader.
My biggest health challenge is my emotional eating. When I get stressed out or am presented with a difficult task or decision I always reach for a sugary treat (or 2, or 3…) to help me cope. I eat healthfully (mostly vegetarian, whole grains, etc.) the rest of the time and exercise regularly, but I wish I could get rid of my emotional dependence on sugar!
Thanks for everything!
March 30th, 2009 at 9:39 amJane (janemangione@gmail.com)
I’m enjoying the new site. Congrats!
My greatest health challenge is working out consistently- I am the type who needs other people as motivation and I like going to gyms and classes, but it has been a difficult year financially for committing to that.
I subscribed to your blog (meagan.brown4@gmail.com)
Thanks
March 30th, 2009 at 11:12 amHi! I’m following you on twitter as gaileee
yogawithgaileee at gmail dot com
March 30th, 2009 at 11:14 amHello again!
I tweeted about the Kripalu Cookbook on Twitter!
yogawithgaileee at gmail dot com
March 30th, 2009 at 11:15 amMy greatest health challenge is doing enough stretching exercises and relaxation poses. I have gotten into a good routine of cardio, but the others seem to get pushed out of the way many times!
March 31st, 2009 at 8:31 pmHappy to follow you over to your new site! I’m recently unwillingly unemployed too and it is motivating for me to read just how you are turning this change in fortune into something new.
My biggest health challenge is binging on food, particularly sugar, and making sure I am planning ahead enough to prevent those tendencies.
March 31st, 2009 at 11:14 pmHi Michelle – your new site looks fab! Biggest health challenge is sorting out conflicting info from the research side. Drink wine, don’t drink wine. Eat soy, don’t eat soy. Oy!
April 1st, 2009 at 8:15 amFantastic website! easy and fun to read! very informative…
April 2nd, 2009 at 11:26 ammy challenge is staying healthy while traveling so much…
Hi there,
Biggest health challenge is getting myself to try new foods. I eat the same thing all the time! A new cookbook would help.
April 2nd, 2009 at 2:47 pmI’m definitely mentioning this contest tomorrow! (And I’m subscribed… did I tell you that?!)
April 2nd, 2009 at 9:49 pmHi Michelle! I just found your blog through healthy ashley and it’s great! I made the black bean brownies recently for my blog too.
The cookbook looks wonderful, so I will tell you that my greatest health challenge is eating sweets in moderation. For some reason, one cookie or one scoop of ice cream is never enough. I have to make a very conscious effort to tell myself to stop after a reasonable portion. I’m seriously a bottomless pit when it comes to desserts!
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:18 ammy biggest health challenge is eating out… i am aiming to make more meals at home so i can save cals and my money in my pocket
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:20 amHi Michelle; The new site is awesome! Seems you got the snags worked out. Love todays Collard Wraps. I have long been a huge fan of greens, all of em…Except Collards. They have never appealed to me but you just crossed that bridge for me! I love it. Thanks and Thanks again for the FREE HEALTH INTERVIEW!!!
April 3rd, 2009 at 7:34 pmMy greatest health challenge is feeding my family. I can eat as healthy as I like but need to cook additional meal items for the rest of the family. Converting them is slow going. I’m happy to report that I’ll be getting your emails and I’m following you on twitter as darling216.
April 5th, 2009 at 1:55 amI love your blog! I just found it through Healthy Ashley’s spotlight, and I can tell that I’m hooked already
My biggest health challenge is doing things that are healthy when I feel like being lazy – a lot
April 6th, 2009 at 10:43 am[...] Michelle, over at Find Your Balance, is offering up a Kripalu Vegetarian Cookbook. [...]
April 6th, 2009 at 12:03 pmAwesome contest with lots of interesting entries. I’ve added your blog to my google reader and signed up for your newsletters, can’t wait to see the updates!
April 6th, 2009 at 12:24 pmMy greatest health challenge would be eating out. I love the social perks but it puts a dent in my budget and backside, lol.
And I linked to your giveaway on my site!
April 6th, 2009 at 3:06 pmFinding balance, and making sure that I need to make time to relax and unwind!
April 6th, 2009 at 3:35 pmMy greatest challenge right now is staying active despite a knee injury.
April 6th, 2009 at 4:37 pmGreat site! I’m so glad to have stumbled upon it.
My greatest health challenge is feeling good about myself.
April 6th, 2009 at 5:59 pmMy greatest challenge is getting back on the fitness wagon. Last spring and summer I was in the best shape of my life and the journey was incredible. I have recovered from a sports injury; but just can’t seem to get back in the groove. The more I make plans to do so, the further off track I get. I really feel defeated. :\
April 6th, 2009 at 6:21 pmMy biggest health challenge is my weight.(losing it) Trying hard to eat those 5 to 7 helpings of veggies everyday. I do luv my carbs! Signed up for daily e-mails, hoping for some good advice and recipes.
April 7th, 2009 at 10:02 amMy greatest health challenege is more mental…honoring my body and always respecting it.
I love your website! What a neat cookbook. I hope to spend some time at Kripalu in my future =)
April 7th, 2009 at 3:14 pmMy biggest health challenge is eating a balanced vegan diet with sufficient protein. I think I get far too many carbs and not enough protein. Following you on Twitter. Thanks!
April 8th, 2009 at 7:57 am