Kris Carr's Crazy Sexy Blog!

Helllo Sun rays!

I'm sitting at my desk, sipping tea and reflecting on how wonderfully busy and powerful last week was. It started with a few signings, radio tours and lectures, then zoomed into my appearance on Good Morning America, Fox and The Mike & Juliet Show. Saturday kissed me with a little breather day which I filled with family and then Sunday (drum roll)....our seasonal wellness posse meet-up! Oh my goddess it was F.U.N.

But before I gab-o-la about all that, I gotta take a moment to hug you HARD. Last week I had just returned from my speech in St. Louis and I was emotionally bankrupt. I didn't know how the heck I was gonna pull the week ahead off. Tired, cranky and kinda feeling unprepared, I pouted and ate too much Indian food. Then I went to bed on a full and farty stomach. But like a magic unicorn, you came along and fluffed up my feathers. Your alkaline sassiness injected me with sacred sizzle. 80+ supportive comments on my last blog was the medicine I needed to get super JAZZED. Dang I'm lucky. I often forget that I too can share my personal ups and downs. Please keep reminding me.

That said, my new commitment to myself and to my phenomenal readers is to let ya in deeper and to show more of my warts and fears. I may be the one out front but you all are close behind and your energy - our energy is what is making this global shift possible. Slowly and steadily we are becoming a crazy sexy nation of change makers. PROUD I am (wow, I kinda channeled Yoda with that one).


Robyn Roberts was so good to me! She thanked me for helping her get through her canSer adventure with my first book. Blush....

It was so fun sitting and chatting about the vegan-mind-body-connect-the-dots-and-lets-save-our-collective-ass-lifestyle on national media. But it's not enough. The big $$$ needs to go to you. So many organizations approach us to help raise money for research, better screening and mountains of drugs. With the exception of my work with Stand up to Cancer, we generally say no. Not that we don't think these things are valuable and important but what WE (Team CSL) are interested in is YOU - the right-now, time is of the essence and good health is your birth right, YOU.

In my lifetime there won't be a "cure" for cancer. However, in my lifetime it is possible that less people will be effected by cancer and countless other diseases. How? Education and ACTION at a grass roots level. We can't wait for our very confused and mismanaged government to allocate the necessary funds towards prevention and MAINTENANCE of health. Ps. They're broke now so unfortunately more of this responsibility will fall on our able shoulders. It's gonna be tough but I bet we can all share some tips on cutting corners and stretching the dollar to include a healthy meal (different from a Happy Meal).

Enter: The New York based Crazy Sexy Wellness Posse Meet-up, Fall '08!


Our group was gorgeous, here's a shot of a few of the Crazy Sexy Yogi's

As promised we are continuing our seasonal commitment to gathering like minded kind warriors for a day of personal renewal. The compassionate peeps at the Jivamukti Yoga studio hosted a TERRIFIC class taught by my friend Sandhi Ferreira. Over 70 Crazy Sexies committed their Sunday to burning toxins and purifying the God Pod. It was AWESOME. I giggled with sacred Amen. Sandhi pushed us to get dirty with our fears by plopping us into headstands and other spooky inversions. I tell ya what, when I'm trying desperately to balance on my head I ain't thinking about what ails me. I'm in the now. NOW I must balance or fall. PS. Inversions are a great way to not only detoxify the body but to change our perception. Seriously, don't you see differently when your ass is pointing up?


Sandhi has really cool hair

After class we had an amazing raw lunch, yummy salad (thank you for the hemp seeds Nutiva!) and a knock out raw cacao pudding created by one of our cherished CSL ambassadors: Kristen's Raw. Thanks Kristen! And thanks to my pals at Organic Nectars for giving us the cacao. I swear they make the best stuff on the market. It's like healthy CRACK - addicting! Folks were fighting to lick the spoon. Also, many blessings to the generous companies who donated gifts for our raffle. Especially, to Vitamix. One lovely gal walked away with the Cadillac of blenders. Sure hope she shares some of her creations with us! Hint. Hint...

After reading all the participant comments we were amazed to see just how many of you wanted to learn to meditate. Your wish is our command. The next NYC meet-up is tentatively scheduled for December and you can bet your stiff back we're gonna learn how to sit on the pillow and wrestle our mind lizards. Let's embrace the holidays with clear thoughts so that we don't over eat and spend. See ya soon!

Peace and exhales,
kris

ps- Dive into our community forum by visiting: my.crazysexylife.com!
pps- NYC peeps can keep the magic alive by joining and gabbing in the New York Posse Group at the forum!

Hi peaches!

Greetings from the tour. I just landed in NYC after a great weekend in St. Louis. St. Mary's Health Center asked me to be their key note speaker for a wonderful lunch honoring survivors (I reminded them, we are ALL survivors, I live with canSer so I too am part of the pack). I must say, not only was it fabulous but they treated me so well. The highlight of my stay was a lovely dinner with some wonderful doctors and hospital staff. The conversation was open minded and so real! Get this, one of the cool docs suggested that up to 90% of the diseases they treat are a result of lifestyle choices. I listened to how backed into corners they feel when folks who abuse themselves expected them to "fix it" without ever changing the behavior that got them there in the first place. I loved their honesty! I loved that we could meet in the middle.

Plus, they not only picked a restaurant that had vegan options, those generous folks arranged for me to stay at the RITZ! Check me out! Marble bathroom floors and a lot of king bed diving. I was a pretty pig in high class heaven.



Note: My very first pair of Vegan shoes!

To be honest, that dinner really helped to heal a pain that has been bubbling in me.

Since Raw Spirit and a few other events lately, I have been thinking a lot about the pull I feel between Western and Alternative (AKA Integrative, Holistic) medicine. As many of you who read my blog know, I have committed my life to bridging the two worlds in order to find better solutions to our health crisis. I always suggest that patients find the best doctor for their particular disease FIRST and then think outside the box. But lately I have been coming up against a lot of resistance from the medical community.

I have been banned from hospital book stores (because of my titles and my content), have been labeled "dangerous" and have been used for free media with little to no thanks in return. Though I adore Dana Farber, about a month ago I heard some really sad news. At one of the young adult support groups, the moderator said "we don't bring her up here or recommend her work because many of us disagree with it." What part I wonder? Empowering patients? Helping them to get organized and then guiding them to create their own healing game plan - which includes western doctors? Wow, pretty radical stuff. I should be arrested! I wonder if this person disagreed with my work when I praised DF on Oprah? Hmmm. She has since been fired (so I hear).

At a hospital in the Midwest I was told that my ideas would never fly, they'd hire me for a speech but never sell my books or film, and that a plant-based diet lacks nutrition - people should be allowed to eat their hot dogs in peace. Hot dogs? Ps. Please read Dr. T. Colin Campbell's book The China Study. Learn how to turn off canSer cells by decreasing animal based protein.

Sometimes I feel like a lone voice love-shouting into a den of naysayers with swords. But I go anyway, hoping to change one life while ducking the tomatoes. It's not always like this, but I never know till I reach the stage and begin my story which I now call, "From Illness to Activist".

This is what I know for sure. I have to really know my stuff and so do you! Education is everything, and we must be able to talk in scientific terms or we will be totally dismissed. Gang, there is so much misinformation out there that it is easy to get confused. Stick with it. Share, question and always consider the source. Remember, our forum is a great place to toss around new ideas.


Me chatting for change at Raw Spirit

Even at fabulous RS I was stunned, a few so called leaders of the raw movement getting the science confused and creating fact out of the false. One fella, who I will not mention by name, got me so mad that I almost ripped him a new one. He had the nerve to stand up on the main stage, gush about his "cures", and to then tell the tale of a canSer cowgirl who he decided was "pathetic and whiney" because she wouldn't listen to him. Basically, in his mind she deserved what she had coming because she wouldn't go raw and chose chemo instead.

Excuse me? There are no promises with the raw diet. Plus, this lifestyle is tough no matter how sparkly you package it up (and then charge ridiculous amounts for some goodies). He was the least educated of the crew and as usual, the most opinionated. I wanted to cry and rage. But more than that, I wanted to LEARN! Learn for me, for you, for all they naysayers and for the confused. To learn for the curious and for the hopeful so that the simple truths of conscious living, loving and eating will never be made silly again. I prayed for my artist brain to change and remember facts to spit them on command. I prayed for tolerance and for love, for a medical world (BOTH sides) committed to health and hope as opposed to wealth and praying on the hopeless. I got on my knees and prayed....

Then I got up.

Sooooo, back to St. Louis and the topic of this post. After chatting about the benefits I have seen from a plant-based diets and the power of mind, body, spirit connection, this amazing sun-bright woman in the audience asked, "Why don't the doctors tell us this?" Well, though I'm a little mad at the white coats right now - mad but healing thanks to this last trip - I told her that my doctor will never have all the answers and why should he? I don't expect my surgeon to clean my teeth so why should I expect my oncologist to be up to date on the latest nutrition? That said, I do expect the designated hospital nutritionist to understand that food is medicine but sadly most of them don't. They teach what they have been taught, a model that is often out dated. As someone who is passionate about nutrition I understand that it advances just like medicine does. They should too. Stay informed, hellooooo. Read!

Also, our wonderful doctors often have one hand tied behind their backs. They are so pressed for time due to our deranged medical system that they're only allowed to see patients briefly. It's a factory, just like the farms and so often they must stick to the schedule in order to cram as many folks in as possible.

Our economy is in the toilet, the elections are coming (Goddess, I'm so scared). So much is at stake during these difficult times - especially the environment. There is no better time to renew your vows to self. Vow now.

I will share one last story. At a signing last week a young girl listen to me speak as tears flowed from her soul windows. When it was Q&A time she asked "how do you do take care of yourself if you don't like yourself, your body?" I wanted to walk over and hug the hate right out of her. "But you are God. You are Jesus, Buddha, Elvis, Etc. You are a Divine vessel sweet lady. How can you hate u? This sack is just your vehicle. Nothing more. Your job while clonking around in sneakers is to feel the love and shine it out, that's all. Because when we go back to the universal disco we bring more positive energy to the soup. We recharge the universal gigawatt! If we choose not to love this time then perhaps we have to do it all over again. No judgment, only opportunity."

Which brings me back to St. Louis one more time. I think the reason I loved them so much was because they were a group steeped in open minded spirituality. I could feel the Divine the second I walked to the podium. Hundreds of people filled with acceptance. Ultimately, they will probably heal with greater ease.


Check out these 2 Crazy Sexy beauties!

Thanks for letting me let it out.

Peace and sometimes I'm not so sure but I try anyway,
Your K

Hiya spelt muffins!

Just a little reminder that I have a signing for my new book, "Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor: More Rebellion and Fire for your Healing Journey" tonight in NYC. All you New Yawkers - come ovah!

More on Raw Spirit tomorrow...

Barnes and Noble
396 Ave. of the Americas (8th St.)
New York, NY 10011

Peace and publishing,
K

Hello sunshine!

I have gobs of pix to share. But since blogger won't let me show ya all at once, I'll have to make an album per day throughout the week.


This is just a sample...imagine hundreds of booths filled with rawsome goodness and treats. YUM!


The Rock Star of the raw world - David Wolfe. He's wild and wild and wild. Brian scratched his head, I loved him. David is a one man show and a boat load of knowledge. I think he does tons of shrooms though. He he he...


Stilts and butterfly wings for big people. Why don't you have them in your life everyday? Get some now!


I could listen to Philip's amazing story 500 times. He is literally half the man he used to be thanks to this diet and lifestyle. WOWZA! BO BOWZA!


Bunny Berry is my new idol. I have a girl crush on her and was so excited to meet the rockin' rabbit. As she's says, "Girrrl, I'm bringing raw foods to the housewives of America". Amen sista sledge. OM SHANTI OM! If she doesn't speak at Raw Spirit next year then I am never going back (gosh I feel dramatic today). Bunny leads 100 day raw food challenges on her Raw Fu site. Read her blog. Love her. Do a challenge! PS. She likes Karate.

More tomorrow....

Reminder: I have a Barnes & Knoble signing in Stamford, CT tonight! Please come hug.

Peace and black sharpies are my favorite writing utensils,
Kris

Hiya Rawsome Cowgirls/dudes!

Brian and I just got back from four days at the magical Raw Spirit Festival! Holy Guacamole was it SWEEEET. Picture this: The Age of Aquarius meets Cacao in the middle of an energetic power vortex known as Sedona, Arizona. From sun up till sun down we soaked in nature, world famous speakers, amazing raw cuisine and lots of shopping! Mama was in heaven-ola. I spoke on the mainstage Saturday morning and wow was I nervous. This lady is used to chatting at hospitals, medical centers and corporations that serve hot doggies for lunch. RS was a completely different crowd. Since I never "preached to the choir" I wasn't sure what the heck to say. Raw foodies are generally an educated bunch but somehow I was able to barf out some thought provoking sparkle (I think). Anyway, I'll tell you more about it in detail tomorrow, I'm wicked behind on my work so I gotta dive in. YUCK! More blab tomorrow, promise

Also, I have 2 signings this week. One tomorrow at the B&N in Stamford, CT (6-8 pm 100 Grey Rock Place) the other on Wednesday night from 7:30-9pm at the B&N in downtown NYC (6th ave and 8th street in the West village). Hope you can come!

AND are you ready for the second NYC Posse Meetup? Join me and the CSL Team at the Jivamukti Yoga Studio (downtown) on Sunday, September 28th at 12pm! Starting at noon we’ll practice yoga side by side with instructor, Sandhi Ferreira. Then we’ll have lunch in the Jivamukti Café! The Jivamukti chefs are whipping up a special Crazy Sexy Alkalizing Salad and a delicious Raw Cacao Mousse for dessert. Catch up with new and old friends, trade recipes and tips, and ask me questions during the Q & A session. We’ll also have a raffle and book signing! Please RSVP by Wednesday, September 17th.

Email: rsvp@crazysexylife.com (indicate if you will be coming for yoga and lunch or only lunch)

Address:
Jivamukti Yoga Studio (Downtown)
841 Broadway , 2nd floor
New York, NY 10003

Date: Sunday, September 28th
Time: Noon (If only coming only for lunch, 1pm)
Cost: $40 (Yoga Class, yoga mat, and lunch: salad and dessert) or $17 (for only lunch)


Peace and see ya soon!

Kris

Hiya Kale blazers!

So sorry I have been away but thank you Terri for a great guest blog! I'm back in LA, launching my new book, Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor: More Rebellion and Fire for Your Healing Journey, and getting ready to answer the phones for Stand Up to Cancer. What a week! It’s hard to believe that this time last year Crazy Sexy Cancer aired on TLC and my first book hit the stands. I started my media whirlwind with The Today show and ended it with my idol, Oprah. I wouldn’t tell ya this last year, but I’ll tell ya it now: WOW, WAS I NERVOUS! Butterfly-stomach-puke-city-highway. Without the guidance of my husband Brian and my vision board I would have cracked.

Looking back, on how much we have accomplished this year I am utterly amazed. When so many said I’d never get there, I refused to back down and instead I just kept writing, filming and JUICING. I created the Crazy Sexy world to survive and I knew that so many of you needed it just as much as I did. As you know we receive hundreds of emails per week. People seeking help and guidance through their tough times with canSer, diabetes, heart disease, depression, obesity, etc. As much as we can we point folks in the only direction we personally rely on - back to nature and back to the garden. Well guess what, we've been piling up the testimonials and it's astounding.

Just last week I read about a woman with horrendous rheumatoid arthritis. This rockin' chick saw the film, read my first book and changed her lifestyle (Go veggie!). Now she's off all her hardcore meds and is able to hold her children. What can I say. Thank you Goddess for helping me/us download this practical information in a fun, safe and sassy ass way. Today and everyday, YOU crazy sexies are my fuel and as I said on the CSL forum, though I’m not as vocal as I’d like to be I read every letter, cry with you when it’s tough and cheer when you’re victorious.

Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor is another little prezzie made from me for you. I really hope it helps (and makes you laugh and knee slap - good for the immune system). Again, like the film and first book, it's not just for canSer cowgirls and dudes, it's for everyone looking to live a healthy, spiritually wealthy, and vibrant life. But this time it's your turn to dig deep and with a little guidance and lots of room to journal, I will be by your side with a wink and a high five. Let me know what ya think angel wing. And remember, many "miracles" come from the land of the gods and goddess (don't know who you're down with, I like 'em all), BUT many others come from a combination of hard work and personal commitment to health. YOU can move mountains. No matter what they say, you are a FORCE.

Now, on to the major cancer fest '08. Holy crow, what a historic event it will be. All 3 networks will come together to raise money to cure a disease that many of us who read this blog have faced. It's with great pride that I get to answer phones (don’t blink or you’ll miss me) and help bring in the moolah. The last time I was in the land of Tinsel I had the privilege to sit and chat with the producer of the show, Laura Ziskin. She and her dedicated team have been working around the clock for months to make this dream a reality. Believe it or not, Brian and I got to see the show opener. Goosebumps, hairs raised! And guess what gang? Though the show is mostly geared towards research and Western treatments, Laura is a canSer cowgirl 80/20 style! Oh yeah. Her diet means as much to her as the work she is doing to raise awareness and create change. What a role model. There aren't many Hollywood big guns who enjoy the kinda chat I like to chew and if you read this blog you know exactly what I mean - especially about the lifesaving importance of alkaline chow. I’ll be writing for their on-line magazine when I get a little free time and you can bet I’ll be a LOUD voice for alternative (hate that word, INTEGRATIVE) medicine.

As I said on the updated resource section of CSC, though I have never used Western treatments (because the canSer - aka beauty marks in my body - are slow moving, and there is no cure anyway), not everyone can take this approach safely. It is crucial to find the best doctor for your disease, even if it’s just to monitor it. That said, I strongly encourage a deep exploration of holistic treatments. We can't "cure" cancer if we don't address it's origins in the first place. With each passing year cutting edge research unanimously points to the benefits of a plant-based diet high in alkaline veggies and fresh green juices. In addition, exercise, stress reduction, meditation, bodywork and therapy as well as other modalities can help to unlock your body’s innate power to regenerate.

For new readers facing a diagnosis, I encourage you to seek second and third opinions when consulting any health care practitioner. One of the first doctors I spoke with suggested a triple organ transplant! I’m not an expert but that was ridiculous. So do your homework like a detective and don’t settle or be bullied.

Once you find a solid home base, take responsibly in rebuilding your inner terrain, especially through proper diet. And I don’t mean the diet they feed ya in hospitals or rules that old school nutritionists push. I mean a diet high in raw and living foods and low in sugar and processed crapola – low in tushie too – that’s never good for anyone, especially the poor soul who lost her precious tushie.

Remember, a good doctor is only one part of the success equation. Only wonderful you can become an empowered participant in your healing. Join the adventure and take back your health! The choice is yours….

For the old timers reading this blog you know that mantra all too well. Thanks for hanging in there with me friends. If you haven’t signed up for our newsletter please do. We have lots of amazing events happening this fall. A meet-up, raffle, wellness retreat, lots of signings and more. I’ll also be back on the boob tube on Good Morning America and a few other national shows, plus, drumroll…we have an entirely NEW site complete with a HUGE online store (finally – Ok, almost finally, we’re about 2ish months away with that)! Why do ya think I’ve been so quiet? Why do ya think Brian and the team haven’t slept a winkity wink? Shit’s been mad busy yo! We’re gathering many of the tools that help me and that we think can help you under one easy, breezy roof. Literally, a warehouse!

Tune in tonight. 5 pm Pacific, 8 pm EST. I’ll be the gal with the Crazy Sexy Cancer Goddess T-shirt….

Peace, better healthcare and eat your veggies,
Kris