The Hemp Connection:
resort

Hello everyone,

I want to take a moment to introduce you to our new sponsor, Green Mountain at Fox Run in Ludlow, Vermont, and explain how this partnership came to be.

Here is an introductory note from Robyn, Green Mountain's dietitian:

Women working to manage PCOS know first-hand that making lifestyle changes to promote better health is often easier said than done. To say nothing of the confusion about what's best to eat. At Green Mountain at Fox Run, you can begin to sort out the confusion and find what works best for you in terms of eating and physical activity with the help of professionals who understand the needs of women with PCOS, and who truly care about helping women take control of their health. Green Mountain offers a comprehensive program that allows women with PCOS to get a taste of how good they can feel while eating healthy and being active.

Here you'll practice healthy living that features foods you like and physical activity you enjoy. Our meals are comprised of high-quality choices such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fish, legumes, lower fat dairy products, nuts & seeds, and healthy added fats such as flax seed, olive oil & canola oil. We also leave room for “fun” foods to illustrate how healthy eating can be flexible and delicious. Our chefs strive to create exciting meals out of whole foods, with most menu items made from scratch. We offer a conservative level of carbohydrate as part of our balanced meals & snacks for better management of blood sugar and insulin levels. Generous amounts of fun fitness classes offered throughout the day encourage better insulin sensitivity as well.

Our strong focus on education not only guides women in practicing healthy habits while with us, but prepares them to integrate these new habits into their routines back at home.

First of all, I want to tell you that I'm very, very picky about who inCYST partners with, and who it accepts sponsorships from. Companies with products and services to sell see women with PCOS as a very lucrative demographic. That includes fertility centers, diet centers, supplement companies…you name it. With one in ten women in this country having PCOS, that's an awful lot of dollar signs.

It could mean an awful lot of money for a well-visited blog like this, to accept advertising from all of these companies wanting your attention, but that's not how this business is operated. I actually discontinued Google Ads because no matter how hard I tried to filter, I kept getting ads on here that were counterproductive to the message I wanted to project. And more opportunities are declined than accepted.

I also am very selective about who inCYST promotes as a PCOS expert. It's not just anyone you see here, it's someone who has been willing to invest time and money into the inCYST training. A training that is as much about the facts of PCOS, as it is about understanding what it means to go through a health care system with the syndrome and be treated poorly by doctors, dietitians, etc., who give counterproductive advice.

I know I've probably offended a few colleagues who wanted to be included in what we do here, but didn't want to participate in the training as I've outlined it. But this program is about women with PCOS, first and foremost, not about the many entities that want to profit from them.

What that means to all of you is, that you can be assured that professionals listed here and on my website are of a different breed, and that sponsors I choose to include in the inCYST mission have quality services and products, delivered with integrity.

Which brings me to our newest sponsor, Green Mountain at Fox Run. I love them! I actually had an opportunity to spend a week at their Vermont resort a few years ago, and wish that all of you had an opportunity to spend time there. Alan Wayler and Marsha Hudnall, the owners of this fitness retreat, work hard to provide quality programming that incorporates the principles you regularly read about on this blog. Marsha actually took the time to come to one of our professional trainings a few years ago.

Sometimes it helps to just get out of your personal situation and have some time to experience what healthy living actually feels like. Eating well. Moving your body. Sleeping well. Lower stress level. I know there are many people coming to this blog with the search words,"pcos""program". For you and anyone else who simply didn't know this program even existed, I encourage you to check out their website. Their logo will be up on the right if you ever want to come back and click through for information.

Welcome, Green Mountain at Fox Run! I'm so excited that our readers get a chance to learn about your wonderful program!

If you look to the right, you'll see an ad for Green Mountain at Fox Run, our sponsor on this blog. I wanted you all to get to know them, since they're not your typical weight spa and they're not your typical program. So I sent them a few questions. Here's what they shared. And if you want to learn more, just click their ad to get to their website.

The photo I chose is of Ludlow, Vermont, where Green Mountain at Fox Run is located. No matter what time of year you choose to go, it is breathtaking, a perfect place to step out of life for a bit and recharge your PCOS battery.

1. How did GMFR develop its interest in PCOS?

It's a pretty common problem for the women for come to Green Mountain. Although many of them aren't diagnosed with the problem before they come to us, we recognize the signs/symptoms and are able to help them explore whether they do indeed have PCOS. Our awareness of PCOS has allowed us to help our participants much more effectively as a result. We also feel it is very important to educate women on this subject so they can be proactive in discussing signs/symptoms with their healthcare providers.

2. Do you have a specific program for PCOS? If not…how do the programs you have help with PCOS?

We do offer a workshop on the topic and also offer individual consultations for any of our participants who either have been diagnosed with PCOS or are questioning whether they have it. Our whole program, however, is designed to combat insulin resistance, from the physical activity classes to what we serve in the dining room. This, of course, while also presenting a livable approach to healthy living that feels great, makes a real difference in our health and helps us feel better about ourselves and our bodies.

3. Can you share a success story of someone with PCOS who visited GMFR?

Before going to Green Mountain, I had a lot health concerns associated with having PCOS. I felt like there was nothing in my power to change my situation. I’d had no success losing weight and felt tired and drained all the time. I hadn’t had a regular cycle in over 6 months and had serious concerns about fertility in the future. While at Green Mountain, I learned how to not hate my body for “failing” me. I learned how to motivate myself and how to make my body work for me, not against me. With Green Mountain’s help, I have taken control of my PCOS and become proactive in my quest for healthy living. M.L., Texas

4. What's for dinner tonight?: )

Panko-Encrusted Fillet of Cod with Basil Aioli
Red Onion & Herb Quinoa
Gingered Carrots
Strawberry-Maple Parfait