This is the third in a series of columns by Kat James. A self-proclaimed "informed layman," James' rare personal perspective on self-transformation and real (as opposed to merely apparent) victory over an eating disorder has given her insight into compulsive self-sabotage — and freedom from it — beyond what most doctors and nutritionists can grasp. As someone who actually transformed herself beyond recognition (beyond dropping ten dresses, she reversed a serious liver disorder, chronic eczema and myriad other problems, in addition to banishing a twelve-year eating disorder) she has faithfully translated her principles, and the copious medical references that now support it, into a book and a cruise experience that are as exciting to experience as they are physically rewarding. (To see pictures of Kat's transformation, click here).
HealthWorld: Kat, tell us about your Total Transformation® Cruise in February 2004.
Kat James: Total Transformation® is the real-time, real-life translation of my principles, which I have arranged for participants to experience in both a one or two day land-based program or my Total Transformation® Cruise at sea. The land-based programs are life-changing and more practical and affordable for most, but for those who are interested in more dramatic results combined with a vacation experience that if truly rejuvenating (as opposed to physically challenging, like most vacations), the cruise allows people the opportunity to experience the lifestyle upgrades I recommend in my book, The Truth About Beauty without the work, including:
- The gourmet low-glycemic menu prepared from scratch,
- The detox elixirs, herbal "nightcaps"
- Pure body and skin care products made for and given to all participants, and
- The "Oscar-caliber" natural makeover using natural cosmetics, executed by my crew of star stylists from NYC
- Educational, lifestyle, and resource strategizing sessions that can result in dramatic physical and quality-of-life rewards
Most importantly, attendees learn how to reprogram auto-pilot self-care routines to improve their quality of life. Various experts, including PhDs in various areas of health-related research present educational seminars, and I also present an elective seminar about overcoming food obsession from the perspective of someone who actually did it, along with the science to support that journey to freedom. Supplements are a focus in two of the seminars. Including the one on food obsession, which also delves in to the emotional issues.
HealthWorld: Who is this cruise for? What age range; gender?
Kat James: I encourage women to bring their daughters, as I have received letters from women both young and older who tell me that the seminar — particularly the elective on food obsession — has really changed their relationship with food and their relationship with their daughters. The skincare and makeup demonstrations support a more intuitive, self-affirming approach that begins with reversing regimen overkill. Often times, very health conscious, informed women will bring their "unenlightened" husbands, boyfriends and daughters to my programs and cruises. During the cruise, I give a session for men, which touches not only on food, but on personal care issues as varied as problems with hair loss or folliculitis (ingrown hairs from shaving).