Whom You Know: MOVERS AND SHAKERS: Karim H. Fugel, CHHC, Reiki Practitioner, CST

Sunday, March 22, 2009

MOVERS AND SHAKERS: Karim H. Fugel, CHHC, Reiki Practitioner, CST

Karim H. Fugel, CHHC, Reiki Practitioner, CST

Karim is a Holistic Health Counselor specializing in nutritional guidance. She is certified by Teachers College Columbia University in partnership with the Institute for Integrative Nutrition as well as the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. Karim has received a certificate in Food Therapy from The Natural Gourmet Institute for Food and Health. She is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Holistic Nutrition from Clayton College of Natural Health. Karim has cultivated the vital correlation between food and living a life of balance in order to achieve optimal health. She brings a lifetime love of learning and research on how food affects every aspect of our lives to her work. Karim knows first-hand that when our diet changes, everything changes. The food we eat literally becomes our cells, blood tissues, organs and even our thoughts. Karim has studied a wide array of dietary theories under such diverse natural health luminaries as Andrew Weil, MD, Deepak Chopra, MD and Marion Nestle. She uses this knowledge to guide her clients to find which food and lifestyle choices help them achieve the energized and passionate life they desire. Karim’s approach is not about acquiring more self-discipline or willpower. It is about helping her clients to discover what nourishes them, what feeds them and ultimately what makes their lives extraordinary.

‘My desire is to change my client’s relationship with food…for the better.’

‘Many people today are scared of food and confused by the conflicting information presented by the media. My system helps you sort through all of the myths and fads and takes you back to the basics to discover what is truly nourishing – to the individual.’

‘I help people use food as a tool, which empowers them to take charge of their lives.’

In addition to Karim’s passion for health counseling she believes strongly in gentle hands-on touch to help client’s bodies release the pressures and stresses of everyday living. Through her Reiki practice she combines the theory of CranioSacral Therapy to create a truly individual healing treatment. The delicate and very personal sessions Karim offers leave clients feeling deeply relaxed with an improvement in whole-body health and performance. Karim treats clients in Dobbs Ferry, New York at Inspire Mind Body Spirit as well as in Manhattan on Madison Avenue at JF Gymnastique.

Peachy Deegan met Karim Fugel recently at JF Gymnastique and chatted with her.

Peachy Deegan: How did you get started as a Holistic Heath Counselor?
Karim Fugel: I have spent my entire life reading/studying on health, healing and balance. After the birth of my second child I decided it was time to formalize my education and move my career to something that was heartfelt for me.

What are your favorite guilty pleasures in terms of food and how often do you have them?
I do not deprive myself of any type of foods on a regular basis, just pay attention to my body and the cravings I do have. Most of the time I act on them. One special treat is CHOCOLOVE Cherries & Almonds in Dark chocolate.

What is the biggest mistake(s) people make in terms of their diet?
They micro-manage their diets and are scared to eat which leads to extreme cravings and bingeing.

What are some of the best restaurant menu items to order?
Simple grilled protein and extra veggies - sauces on the side.

How do you define CranioSacral Therapy ?
A scientifically based system of very light touch manual therapy to both evaluate and treat the body to enhance it's ability to heal itself.

What was it like to work with Andrew Weil, MD, Deepak Chopra, MD and Marion Nestle?
Incredibly motivating - it made me truly feel that we have a chance as a country to be healthy.

What is your favorite place to be in NYC?
The Union Square Farmer's Market - it has so many wonderfully healthy and local foods!

What is your favorite shop?
ABC Carpet & Home.

What is your favorite drink?
On the healthy side - kale/pineapple juice, on the indulgent side - red wine.

What is your favorite restaurant?
My latest love, which is near my office is Geisha. another favorite is Le Pain Quotidien.

What is your favorite NYC book?
Time and Again by Jack Finney.

What is your favorite thing to do in NYC that you can do nowhere else?
To go from hearing the NY Philharmonic, having a first rate Indian meal to ending the evening in a jazz bar.

What do you think is most underrated and overrated here?
Underrated: that it is hard to find peace in nyc. Overrated: that if you can make it here you can make it anywhere.

What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
I am passionate about educating people on health and wellness and empowering them to feel confident about making the best choices to nourish themselves and their families. Feeling good is not an option, it should be the norm. My mission is to help as many people as I possibly can to connect with that knowledge. I love doing corporate events as well as working one-on-one with clients.

How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers? karim@lettuceandfreedom.com - or - www.lettuceandfreedom.com
Karim: 917/385-6069

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