In her new film Country Strong, Gwyneth Paltrow plays Kelly Canter, a country-western star who likes to hit the hooch. After her alcoholism causes a miscarriage, Kelly heads to rehab—but before she finishes, her manager husband (played by Tim McGraw) pulls her out and sends her back on the road. Cue train wreck.
Of course, in real life, Gwyneth Paltrow—wife, mother, yogi—leads a supremely serene and healthy existence. And she’s committed to helping us mere mortals achieve the same bliss with her weekly newsletter, Goop, written by her and a rotating crew of similarly enlightened, glamorous friends.
What pearls of wisdom would Goop have for hard-livin’ Kelly Canter? Below, we offer some possibilities.
Move your body. Exercise, dance, or do some yoga. Whatever movement you enjoy will help reduce tension, boost your energy, and decrease your need for a sugar lift.*
If your bowel movements get sluggish, you can accelerate things by drinking half a cup of castor oil or using a mild herbal laxative. Bowel elimination is paramount for correct detoxification.*
[Today], over a third of the calories we consume come from sugar or white flour, which is highly refined and acts just like sugar in our system. Our bodies cannot cope with such an enormous load. Sugar gives you an initial high, then you crash, then you crave more, so you consume more sugar. *
Be open to explore the emotional issues around your sugar addiction. Many times our craving for sugar is more for an emotional need that isn’t being met. *
It is that time of year, folks. I need to lose a few pounds of holiday excess. Anyone else? I like to do fasts and detoxes a couple of times during the year, the most hardcore one being the Master Cleanse I did last spring. It was not what you would characterize as pretty. *
New Year’s Resolutions
1. Do not get upset for stupid things
2. Do Pilates 3 times a week
3. Wear a helmet when I ski
- Valentino *
Stills from Country Strong © Screen Gems, 2011. All rights reserved.
