Dear Informed Friends,

I hope this update finds you enjoying not only vibrant health, but
farmers’ markets, balmy evenings and other warm weather pleasures.
 Between Total TransformationŽ Programs (including another WONDERFUL
cruise), writing deadlines, trade events and product research outings
in Dallas, Los Angeles, the Caribbean, Chicago and Atlanta over the
last few months, I have been piecing together this update for you, and
hope that you’ll find it a worth the wait. Below, you’ll find my most
refreshing summer product staples, as well as answers to many of your
questions, and clear new perspectives on lingering controversies
regarding some familiar products like soy and Phase 2 supplements. And
I’m also very excited to announce the release of my new weight loss
booklet and CD (with Kimberly Day), Transform Your Health, Transform Your Shape,
as well as (finally!) the new dates and details of our upcoming Total
TransformationŽ Programs in Tuscany and New York. Read on!! 



First, to Answer Your Most Pressing Questions...

This past month I wrote a third guest author article in Dr. Susan Lark’s great newsletter, The Lark Letter,
on Healthy Conveniences. I hope you’ll check it out!. In the article, I
recommended Phase 2, which has been surrounded by a bit of controversy
and a lot of rumors. I want to tell you a little more about it, and try
to clear the air on what remains a standout among safe and particularly
effective weight loss aids. 



My Two Cents on Phase 2

Phase 2 (white kidney bean extract) is a nutritional supplement I
 (along with scores or respected physicians), recommend as a staple
purse stash to have on hand for isolated high-sugar or high-carb
occasions when celebrating or eating out, or when no low-glycemic foods
are readily available and you have to eat something. It
literally buffers such foods’ effects on blood sugar, insulin, weight,
and thus health, and is a fantastic transitional tool, particularly if
you are weaning off of starchy foods and don’t want to encounter a set
back that could start the “pendulum” swinging again. For anyone
addicted to the wrong foods as I once was, the supplement is a
potential godsend. Phase 2 is proven to significantly block starch’s
conversion to sugar (by blocking alpha amylase, the enzyme that
converts starch to sugar) and take pounds off (200% more than placebo,
and over 80% of it in the form of fat) with remarkable safety and
effectiveness, and without blocking absorption of important fats and
nutrients, as fat blockers do. Yet there have arisen the inevitable
too-good-to-be-true rumors (remember chromium?) spreading panic that
Phase 2 is toxic or leads to significant digestive problems or even
cancer — all of which have no merit in the science (the debate on the
street is largely about a toxic substance present in virtually all uncooked beans, called lectin, which is not found in Phase 2 supplements).  



Phase 2 has been proven effective and safe (other than causing gas in a
very small number of people) and was found to be very well tolerated,
be free of side-effects, and show no toxicity whatsoever in numerous
clinical studies. And so my position (as well as that of many respected
physicians) remains in great support of Phase 2, used judiciously to
buffer the effects of the occasional starch over-indulgence, is a
uniquely effective tool that, over time, can (and has been absolutely
proven to) dramatically reduce the carb and blood sugar spikes that
lead to high blood sugar, insulin, triglycerides, subsequent cravings
and thus, weight problems, food addiction and resulting disease. I
believe it is an amazing bit of arsenal when used occasionally (and not
as an excuse to eat more carbs and sugar). It is a wonderful supplement
for transitional support for those who are addicted to starch and sugar
and trying to get off of it, as well as an elective tool for special
occasions, even for those who no longer crave carbs. 



Finally, to those who believe that blocking any aspect of digestion is
harmful, I offer this: Yes, just as fiber also does to a degree, Phase
2 does allow some dietary starch (not significant nutrients) to pass
through the body undigested. We now know that that very starch poses a
cumulative deadly assault to the body, in and of itself. Yes, ideally,
we don’t eat those things in the first place, but as a former eating
disorder sufferer, I recollect the heroin-strength addiction I had to
starches, which are basically any food addict’s hard drug. And
successfully blocking a degree of that damaging intake is how Phase 2
achieves its amazing blood sugar, insulin, triglycerides and fat loss
effects. Certainly safe when used occasionally, Phase 2 appears safe,
even when used regularly,
if the clinical studies are any indication. If you’ve found
well-documented evidence to the contrary, I’d love to hear about it. In
the meantime, read this well-documented rebuttle to the Phase 2 debate
in the Townsend Letter.

More Quick Answers
Getting buzzed by the caffeine in green tea?
Then switch to a high-quality decaf green that is decaffeinated using
the CO2 method (such as Yogi or Triple Leaf), or drink only white tea
(much less caffeine) or rooibus tea (a red bush tea from South Africa),
or herbal coffee such as Teeccino or Maya Chai (www.teeccino.com)
during the second half of the day. Although the eczema studies referred
to in my book are based on drinking six or so cups of oolong tea per
say, using high-quality decaf green should also work. White tea might
even work better, since the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
would be even greater.
 
Cool Natural versions of Hot Skin Products?
Discover the Strivectin and “non-surgical Botox” alternatives offered
in the natural, or almost-natural cosmeceutical arena in my new story,
Extreme Alternatives, posted at InformedBeauty.com. Click here to read the story.

Somersweet ingredients?
Here’s something I’m asked about a lot, and here’s the lowdown on
Suzanne Somers’ famous sweetener: It contains a couple types of
fructose (not great), but the real concern here — for those who prefer
to avoid dubiously approved, rodent-tumor causing chemicals— is the
acesulfame K. For more details, go to: https://www.holisticmed.com/acek/

Papaya Enzymes vs. Alpha Hydroxy Acids?:
 I discourage a skin-thinning, exfoliating approach to wrinkle removal
in general. Instead, I recommend a nourishing, collagen-building
approach instead. That said, green papaya-based masks used weekly for
their more gentle enzyme action can dissolve the proteins that hold
dead cells to your skin surface, which is a far more youth-preserving,
and less irritating approach to exfoliation (and instantly smoother
skin) than constant use of alpha hydroxy acids or salicylic acid, which
force a deeper, more invasive exfoliation that can tire out the skin’s
collagen-producing fibroblasts over time and expose premature cells to
the elements (and premature aging) too soon.

Summer acne and fungal skin products?
For moderate to severe acne, Azelaic acid has been shown to prevent
buildup of skin cells  and inhibit bacteria without the irritation of
vitamin A derivatives like Retin-A. Your dermatologist can prescribe it
(it’s naturally derived). Cleanse and treat all acne conditions with
products free of perfumes and soaps, and loaded with detoxifying and
anti-inflammatory ingredients like seaweed extracts, burdock, vitamin
B, New Zealand Manuka oil, MSM and/or probiotics acne products, such as
those from Sunshine Living, New Zealand Manuka and Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotic line, that are currently at the top of my list.







 


New Booklet and CD!!: Transform Your Health, Transform Your Shape




My new weight loss

booklet/CD Collaboration with Kimberly Day has just been released!
This

super-succinct, (and super-affordable) new guide (CD is also

available!) featuring my approach and interviews about weight loss in
a

never-before, distilled format can now be purchased directly for $3.95

(or buy them in economical multi-packs at a discount to give to loved

ones or patients) directly from Sound Concepts by calling 888-225-6601

or online at www.naturestools.com












Upcoming Total TransformationŽ Programs

The following two exciting Total TransformationŽ  programs will be
offered this year, beginning in August!!  All include my core Program
sessions, as well as the phenomenal “low-impact” organic menu, pure
product experiences, giveaways and Workbook/Resource Guide, special
snacks, herbal nightcap gatherings, detox elixirs and world-class
beauty aspects and services featured at www.totaltransformation.com. 
 
5-Day Total TransformationŽ Thalasso at Gurney’s Inn, Montauk, NY, October 10-14th.
The most intimate group, at a 10 person capacity, $2650.00, includes a
full-immersion (literally and figuratively) ocean experience. Gurney’s
is the only true thalasso (authentic seaweed and sea water) spa in the
continental United States, featuring actual seawater treatments and
experiences, including detoxifying treatments, Roman baths and ocean
plunges. The more intimate gatherings for this program take place in a
particularly enchanted location on a cliff overlooking the ocean, and
it is the most beautiful stretch of beach on the East Coast, surpassing
the pristine beauty of many West Coast beaches. Special evening
gatherings, including a bonfire and other Total TransformationŽ
features are customized for the small size of the group. Air not
included; inexpensive private transportation for our group from JFK
airport is arranged.) This is the most sea-connected, detoxifying and
de-stressing Total TransformationŽ experience to date.
 
 If you have
special interest in one of these, or would like more details, please
reply to this email or call 877-54-TOTAL. Space is limited so book
early!

Also, if you have a group that would like to experience Total TransformationŽ together, please let us know. 
 

To see Conde Nast Traveler’s “Makeover Travel” feature on Total
TransformationŽ (with pictures from last year’s Gurney’s Inn
program!!), click here.  (PDF; 1325K)
 


Summer Staples: 
Some of Most Refreshing and Effective Pure Products I’ve Found

While participating in an expert panel at Natural Products Expo
West, I relished the opportunities to comb the vast aisles for the
latest and greatest natural food and personal care finds. Here are a
few:


Mojito-fresh body and hair-care:
Triple Treat Tea Tree shampoo and conditioner from Giovanni will cool
your head, while Terressentials’ Cool Mint body wash and Cooling Foot
Balm from Spa Technologies will cool the rest of you in an uncommonly
pure way (that’s REAL peppermint you’re smelling and real shea butter
your feet are enveloped in). Find Giovanni and Terressential’s products
at health food stores (or online), and call Spa Technologies at
1-800-998-8728 (mention my name and get 10% off your first order).
 
Room and Body Spray: in Embrace, by Erbaviva is
an intoxicating, organic combination of jasmine and grapefruit to spray
on yourself, in your hair and on linens and wind-swept curtains. Find
it at www.erbaviva.com
 
Real-looking bronzers in a natural mineral-base formulations
from Ecco Bella have just passed my own professional makeup artist
test. In two colors — Sunflower (a versatile sun-bronzed tone), and
Hibiscus (more of a highlighter) that will work for most skin tones.
The amazing thing about the mineral makeup powders is that they carry
their own substantial sun protection factor (from 17-20), and are
anti-inflammatory. So applying as a bronzer should be applied — to
sun-kissed areas of the face, such as nose, forehead and cheeks, not
only looks great, but gives you great protection exactly where you need
it most.
 
Kiss of Color Natural Mineral Lip Shimmers
by Mychelle Dermaceuticals come in colors that look great anywhere on
the face. The only reason to prefer them on the lips other than
anywhere else on the face is that they contain lysine to inhibit
cold-sore flair-ups. As a beauty pro, I can’t help but break the rules
with these amazing colors (like the Chai, which is fantastic on eyes,
cheeks AND lips. Find them at www.mychelleusa.com 
 
Safer, Better Sunscreen
by UV Naturals and Lavera offer natural, effective protection without
synthetic chemical sunscreens, which have been shown to accumulate in
breast milk and influence hormonal systems (not something I would EVER
slather over my body every day). Find online or in health stores.
DEET alternatives like Buzz-Off,
are finally up to the task, guaranteed (and proven) to repel biting
insects with lemongrass, thyme, peppermint and rosemary oils without
the truly scary neurological side-effects caused by DEET containing
products (which are particularly dangerous to children).
 
 
Refreshing Coffee House Alternative: Iced
Teeccino (Chocolate mint is the flavor for summer) is my favorite
herbal coffee which I brew in a coffee pot or espresso maker then serve
over ice on outdoor days at all of my Total TransformationŽ programs.
And for die-hard iced coffee drinkers, there’s now the even more
authentic-tasting organic Maya line, available starting August at www.teeccino.com. If you thought Teeccino was the only true dead ringer herbal alternative to coffee, you have a new experience ahead of you...
 

 Have You Found an Amazing Product? We’d Love to Know About It!!  

But here’s how you must do it. If you run across a rare product that
meets my criterion for purity, performance and appeal, email us only specific product names, not entire lines or brands of products. Also, you must submit the full ingredients list of any product you recommend, along with the website address to the company.
In the subject line, put “Product Recommendation” Let me know if I can
use your name, and I will if you’ve discovered a great one!



Reader-Shared Tidbit: The Dark Side of Soy

This compelling article from Mothering Magazine was referred to me
by West coast nutritionist, and Total TransformationŽ attendee Karla
Maree. It discusses the under-reported concerns regarding soy that may
make you think twice before serving soy to your child, or overdoing it
yourself. A great article on the subject. Thanks, Karla! Read the article here.



Transformation Profile: Waking up from a Soy Nightmare: 

Speaking of soy, I’d like to share this testimonial from a woman
whom I consulted one on one during one of my Total TransformationŽ
programs:

            

“At this time last year, when I had a one-on-one session with Kat
James, I suffered from chronic stomach pains, constant gas and eczema,
particularly under my eyes. I was already avoiding sugar and carbs
(other than a few glasses of wine a week), and was eating mostly soy
products. After suggesting that I see my doctor, which I already had (I
had also seen my dermatologist, who suggested steroid creams for the
eczema), Kat reviewed what I was eating and pointed out that my diet
was made up mostly of processed soy, and that soy caused problems for a
lot of people, including thyroid issues and skin reactions related to
autoimmune responses. She also mentioned there might be a link between
my diigestive problems and my skin problem, which was an interesting
theory. We worked out a complete dawn-to-dusk trial menu for me
excluding soy, including alternative beverages and protein powders,
etc. I’m also sensitive to dairy, so it was tricky to figure out what
to eat and drink. But it turned out to be quite worth the initial
planning, which we really worked at to make it something I could stick
to. To make a long story short. My stomach pains, gas and eczema began
to subside within a week and were soon after completely gone, and have
never returned. I have also around ten pounds without cutting back on
food, and my abdomen has flattened out. I have so much more life and
joy back now, it is simply amazing.  It is also amazing that my doctor
never questioned what I was eating, and only suggested drugs I could
take to relieve my symptoms. I am grateful for that session with Kat
that led to such a simple solution, and the end of what was becoming a
serious problem.” — J. Miller, editor, New York City





Attend Total TransformationŽ at a steep discount: Have you had
success with my program or book? We will be giving a few qualified
readers  greatly discounted Total TransformationŽ trips and a chance to
be a part of the program. Email us at Programs@InformedBeauty.com
and tell us your experience with my program and your background and
skills, and how you think you could contribute. Success stories are
contagious!



This concludes this edition. Please forward this email to your friends
and loved ones if you think they could benefit. You’ll be receiving
additional info on my upcoming programs as they arise, and another
newsletter between our travels in the next couple of months. Keep an
eye out for current and upcoming summer articles in Health (on body image), The Lark Letter (on Healthy Conveniences), Woman’s World (a feature on chromium), Healthy Habits (exclusive interview), Viva (on healthier acne solutions) and Healing Lifestyles and Spas (a look at aloe)!! 



To your radiant health,



Kat James

Founder, Informed Beauty and Total TransformationŽ Programs

Author and public television host of The Truth About Beauty 



“Total Transformation was an awakening... a turning point in my life.
The time with Kat and those other amazing women in Tuscany gave me
courage to believe in myself, and even to end a destructive
relationship.  — M. Marek, New York, City


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