tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26098348377979119232023-06-20T06:32:52.214-07:00LifeShineLifeShinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562834612352833553noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2609834837797911923.post-87842357395022090232009-08-17T12:10:00.001-07:002009-08-19T09:59:59.519-07:00LifeShine: Summer Dinner<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/SowtACouB3I/AAAAAAAAADE/PLi24U4J9kU/s1600-h/fiddleheads.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371717934277068658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 147px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 178px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/SowtACouB3I/AAAAAAAAADE/PLi24U4J9kU/s200/fiddleheads.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"><strong><em><u>Inspiration: Vegetarian Curious?</u></em></strong></span><br /><strong><em><u><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#009900;"></span></u></em></strong><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"><strong>If you are interested in eating more vegetarian-based meals here is a great new blog, </strong></span><a href="http://www.northshoreveggie.com/" target="_blank" linktype="link" track="on"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff6600;"><strong>North Shore Veggie</strong></span></a><strong><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="font-family:arial;">, to check out for more recipes. It's created by my dear friend, Melanie, a vegetarian for most of her life and beautiful person. Share the love...</span></span></strong><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><u>Recipes of the Month: Summer Dinner</u></em></span></span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="font-family:arial;">During college I worked with an artist painting murals for businesses and private homes. He was from Italy and prided himself almost as much for his cooking as he did his painting. One day, in the middle of painting the woman of the house came home in a panic because she wanted some special food for guests visiting that evening. My boss, known to say, "Hey, I'm a genius!" decided we would stop painting and cook an authentic Italian feast the rest of the day. Here is the bruschetta recipe he taught me. An easy delicious way to use up some garden-fresh tomatoes. </span></span></strong><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><strong><u><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/SowtPhdKsXI/AAAAAAAAADM/XCx_JZqIaNY/s1600-h/bruschetta.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371718200248152434" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/SowtPhdKsXI/AAAAAAAAADM/XCx_JZqIaNY/s200/bruschetta.jpg" border="0" /></a>Authentic Bruschetta</u><br />1 loaf Italian bread (baked fresh that day)<br />6 medium garden-fresh tomatoes<br />1 bunch fresh basil<br />3-4 garlic cloves<br />4 tbsp olive oil<br />2 medium fresh mozzarella balls (optional)<br /><br />Preheat oven to 350. Cut the loaf of bread in half through the middle (the long way). Wash and chop tomatoes into medium chunks (about 1/2 inch cubes). Fill a bowl with water and wash basil, then chop finely. Crush, peel and mince garlic. Mix all veggies together in a large bowl. Add olive oil. Pour tomato mixture over the bread halves, cut side up. Bake 15 min, until tomatoes are soft. While bread is baking, slice mozzarella into 1/4" thick medallions. Place mozzarella across top of breads. Bake 5 more minutes, until cheese has melted.<br /><br /></strong></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Try the bruschetta without the mozzarella, it's delicious and less calories. Or if you just gotta have the cheese, but want to cut back, sprinkle a little grated parmesan over the top and toast just a minute. Then use the parmesan rinds in your soup<br />Serve with a bean soup or salmon and a green salad. </strong></span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><span style="color:#009900;"><em>Too hot to cook?</em> </span></strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"><strong>Drizzle bread with olive oil and minced garlic, throw under the broiler for 2 minutes to toast. Top with raw tomato mixture (minus the garlic). Serve with cold green salad with salmon or beans on top straight from the can!<br /><br /><u><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/SowudJmAcnI/AAAAAAAAADc/9UZz2zIwcWQ/s1600-h/Bean+Parmesan+Soup.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371719533872575090" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/SowudJmAcnI/AAAAAAAAADc/9UZz2zIwcWQ/s200/Bean+Parmesan+Soup.jpg" border="0" /></a>Bean Soup with Parmesan Rinds</u><br />1 large Onion, chopped<br />2 Garlic cloves, minced<br />6 Carrots, chopped<br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color:#009900;">3 Celery stalks, chopped</span> </span></strong><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"><strong>6 cups Water</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"><strong>1 can Cannellini or Butter Beans, drained</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"><strong>1 can Kidney Beans, drained</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"><strong>A few pieces Parmesan rinds</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"><strong>3 tbsp Olive oil</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"><strong>Sauté onion in olive oil until translucent. Add garlic, carrots, celery, sauté until softened. Add water, bring to boil. Add beans, reduce heat, simmer 20 min. Add parmesan rinds, simmer 5 more minutes. Remove rinds. Enjoy any month of the year.</strong></span><br /></div></div><div></div>LifeShinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562834612352833553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2609834837797911923.post-15699559551567358622009-07-16T15:45:00.001-07:002009-08-18T15:08:09.871-07:00LifeShine: Making Healthy Taste Good<span style="color:#009900;"><strong><span style="font-family:arial;"><u><em>New Testamonial: "a full, happy, healthy, binge-free life"</em></u></span></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><strong><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><strong><span style="font-family:arial;">Thanks to my work with Kelly and LifeShine Holistic Health Counseling, I have a completely new outlook on life. Before Kelly, I first suffered from anorexia which then developed into binge-eating. She skillfully, lovingly, and patiently taught me how to build a new life and relationship with food. She equipped me with the tools that I use today to live a full, happy, healthy, binge-free life. </span></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><strong><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><strong><span style="font-family:arial;">All along the way, Kelly has helped me with nutrition, of course. She first taught me how to eat in response to my hunger and to stop eating when I was full. She then helped me learn to eat more protein, healthy fats/oils and square meals. </span></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><strong><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><strong><span style="font-family:arial;">Kelly helps with so much more, rather than just nutrition. It is her rare combination of detailed and in-depth knowledge of nutrition and her intuitiveness and infectious optimism that makes her program a success. She radiates a can-do spirit that makes working with her much more than mere consultation - rather, it is inspiration to move towards attaining ways of eating healthfully, being fit, and taking pleasure in the benefits of a sustainable, balanced truce with food. She is able to do this because she is both compassionate and determined to assist people like me along this journey. I undoubtedly recommend her to anyone who has found it difficult to set and maintain healthy eating goals. </span></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><strong><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />- Alexandra</span></strong></span><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#009900;"><u><em>Inspiration: Local Luxury</em></u></span></strong><br /><strong><u><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#009900;"></span></u></strong><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><strong><span style="font-family:arial;">Recently, I had the privilege of meeting a few local entrepreneurs who are not only super nice people but produce delicious, decadent and environmentally-friendly delights. I had to share! </span></strong></span><span style="color:#009900;"><strong><br /></strong></span><span style="color:#009900;"><strong><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/SoslEgEQjJI/AAAAAAAAACc/O53EUwDFMKA/s1600-h/KID.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371427739826949266" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/SoslEgEQjJI/AAAAAAAAACc/O53EUwDFMKA/s200/KID.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102641494080&s=216&e=0015dxHsDN8YKP2EkL9Xi56d1eoFdnSnQ2h0BIPQGpTPOJ-jsxpR1wYs52_NufW7_mHpUB2daqFsJcqM2M8oQukUmmx_dAKnqqcUO4UwZZFzc0D5Gv-S6ZsOQ==" target="_blank" linktype="link" track="on"><span style="color:#ff6600;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Pure Sweets</img></span></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">, a new local female owned business featuring all organic, no sugar, naturally sweetened, wheat-free, vegan treats. Pure Sweets is not only sweet tasting, it's sweet-hearted, donating 5% of sales to animal welfare organizations. A great gift idea that can be delivered to your door.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/SoslUoekAoI/AAAAAAAAACk/pC3a80_q6wY/s1600-h/organic+soaps.jpg"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/Soslm1Fd9mI/AAAAAAAAACs/Uf3KR0IJKno/s1600-h/organic+soaps.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371428329584719458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 182px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 170px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/Soslm1Fd9mI/AAAAAAAAACs/Uf3KR0IJKno/s200/organic+soaps.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102641494080&s=216&e=0015dxHsDN8YKPOFtcllMxKTJEo6WSdEFE6-_XoGyKx4Uy139P8kyExalWsMwhoyWoYS_rewhGMH5LtqbqKdQYDlLtwO3EU1z1t6NpjKAAVobwEvct2CItjET9bELMhMhcI" target="_blank" linktype="link" track="on"><span style="color:#ff6600;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Green Pad Living</img></span></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">, a family owned business with charm and heart. Green Pad Living creates handmade treasures ranging from organic soaps that smell like an aromatherapy spa treatment to eco-restored furniture that re-finishes and restores old wooden furniture with eco-friendly materials giving pieces a new birth and lovely beauty. Email </span><a href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102641494080&s=216&e=0015dxHsDN8YKNJeUKAfE5FjNav4TnBTJEfiE2BInJI_4aqASsGJKu5wEdORYn66dZCqAshAgu9_JP66OtaIlUVZQYjI5df7V9DxWEoc5gC3aG9ThfHZtUuYC-PLKpIDheRBFOHRxg-xrH586O3jRZeDuHt0pC6Tu_W" target="_blank" linktype="link" track="on"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff6600;">Darren's blog featuring the furniture restoration</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> process to your wood-work-loving Dad, so cool.</span><br /><br /><u><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"><em></em></span></u><br /><u><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"><em><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/SosmCRgGwBI/AAAAAAAAAC8/QifGfCrxneg/s1600-h/Greens+with+garlic.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371428801069105170" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 126px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/SosmCRgGwBI/AAAAAAAAAC8/QifGfCrxneg/s200/Greens+with+garlic.jpg" border="0" /></a>Recipe of the Month: Sweet Greens</em></span></u><br /><u><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></u><br /><u><strong><span style="font-family:arial;">Sweet Greens</span></strong></u><br /><strong><span style="font-family:arial;">1 bunch beet greens, swiss chard or kale</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:arial;">1 small bunch dandelion leaves</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:arial;">water</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:arial;">1 tsp butter</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:arial;">1/4 tsp cinnamon</span></strong><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><strong><span style="font-family:arial;">Fill a large bowl with water. Wash all greens. May need to rinse a few times to remove all sand. Chop beet greens, swiss chard or kale into 1/2 inch strips. Chop dandelion greens into 1/4 inch pieces. Fill a saute pan with a half inch of water. Add greens. Water saute for 5-7 minutes, mixing a few times, until all greens are wilted. Drain water (save for drinking or cooking broth). Add butter to pan and melt. Add cinnamon. Mix with greens.... Delicious, easy and power-packed!<br /></span></strong></strong></span><span style="color:#009900;"><strong><strong><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></strong></strong></span>LifeShinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562834612352833553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2609834837797911923.post-32451411827268053292009-06-16T15:08:00.000-07:002009-06-19T12:18:30.302-07:00Summer Breakfasts June 2009<span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><u><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">New Testimonial: "...I've accomplished more than I thought I would."</span></u></strong><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">" Kelly makes it easy and exciting to change your diet with realistic goals, small steps, and delicious recipes. She is a great listener and she caters her vast knowledge of healthy eating to fit your own specific individual needs. I did not think I would be able to improve my diet and enjoy doing it as much as I have working with Kelly. She taught me how to cook new healthy foods while making the process simple and surprisingly delicious! I've accomplished more than I thought I would and I owe it all to Kelly's Lifeshine program."<br /><br />David W, Artist</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><u><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Inspiration: Laughter Brings People Together</span></u></strong><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"><span style="font-size:130%;">This YouTube video was sent to me from a women who attended one of my Laughter Yoga classes. Watch for a smile, a laugh, and a new idea when riding the subway. Thanks for spreading the joy, Lorelie!<br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jedd2FiZTqM"><span style="font-size:130%;">Bodhisattva in Metro</span></a></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><u>Recipes of the Month: Summer Breakfasts<br /></u></strong><br />June is a funny month. Here on the Northeastern Coast, June can bring us everything from cheerful sunny, to sticky sweltering, to chilly gray days. Here are a few breakfast ideas to work with the weather.</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><strong><u><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">Overnight Muesli</span></u></strong><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/SjvjMaXA3ZI/AAAAAAAAABo/J_y-ziKu3gw/s1600-h/muesli.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349118784806378898" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 217px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 131px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/SjvjMaXA3ZI/AAAAAAAAABo/J_y-ziKu3gw/s200/muesli.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">1/2 c rolled oats (not instant)<br />1 c almond or rice milk<br />1/2 c chopped dates<br />1/4 c sunflower seeds<br />dash of cinnamon<br /><br />Soak all ingredients together covered in the fridge overnight . In the morning add your choice of chopped berries or fruit.<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><strong><u>Light Veggie Soup<br /></u></strong></span></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">1/2 med. onion<br />3 carrots<br />1/2 sm. head kale<br />1 in. piece kombu<br />4 c water or veggie broth<br /><br />Chop veggies add to broth. Rinse and add kombu. Boil all until carrots are softened, about 20 min. Remove kombu, mince and add back into soup.</span></span>LifeShinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562834612352833553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2609834837797911923.post-35893457500639982492009-04-01T12:00:00.000-07:002009-07-15T18:58:27.181-07:00Spring Inspirations<span style="color:#009900;"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Spring is a time to cleanse the body and mind from heavy winter foods and long dark days. I've so been enjoying the blossoms coming out on the trees! Just taking a moment to enjoy the pink, yellow and white colors of the blooms against an azure sky gives me a sense of calm happiness. Earlier this week we had a huge vibant rainbow in the sky! It's small things but, after a long winter, I just love to see the signs of spring.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><u><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">New Testimonial: "...treating myself with more love."</span></u></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">"I met Kelly at a pivotal point of my life; emotionally and physically I was feeling very off-kilter. One of the things she said that resonated with me the most was learning the enormous impact of what we put into our bodies. She said "what you eat becomes your thoughts, your emotions, your cells." I had never thought of nutrition in this way before and treated my meals as more of an afterthought. I now see my meals as a gift to my body, an opportunity to nourish my body, mind and spirit. We demand so much from our bodies in these modern, fast-paced times and I feel blessed to have met someone who communicated with her words and presence the value to treating myself with more love". </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">- Fatima A., Urban Planner, Artist</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><u>Inspiration: Local Artist, Fatima Adamu</u></strong> </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">If you like her paintings, wait till you hear her sing! Fatima will perform live this Saturday, April 11th at the Saturn Club Salon and Coffee shop (3426 Sansom Street) from 6pm to 9pm. She will be accompanied by Deirdre Loughridge on cello and Elliott Levin on flute and saxophone. For a sneak peak of her voice acapella check her out here:</span></span><a href="http://www.myspace.com/songsbyfatima"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">http://www.myspace.com/songsbyfatima</span></a><span style="color:#009900;"><br /><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/Sl6GVn--G_I/AAAAAAAAACU/0Ff0iGxUzSk/s1600-h/Fatima+Strange+Fruit.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358868312685943794" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 199px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/Sl6GVn--G_I/AAAAAAAAACU/0Ff0iGxUzSk/s200/Fatima+Strange+Fruit.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;"><br /></span><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Fatima Adamu was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1981 and grew up in Nigeria, West Africa with her American mother and Nigerian father. She began writing poetry and drawing when she was 10 years old and is a self-trained painter, costume and fashion stylist, poet, model, actress, singer and dancer with a B.A in Geography and Urban Studies from Temple University.<br />"The lines, shapes and emotions invoked by the dancing body as it responds to music have had a strong influence on me. Thus, I am more influenced by musicians than by visual artists."</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><strong><u><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Recipes of the Month: Spring Inspirations</span></u></strong><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Dandelions, contrary to popular belief, are not bothersome weeds but actually highly nutritious plants. They are very cleansing for the blood and liver and can be eaten raw or cooked. Try it, you just might like it. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><u>Dandelion Over Polenta</u></strong> </span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">1 tube premade polenta</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">2 c water</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">4 c chopped dandelion greens</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">2 tsp olive oil</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">2 tsp minced garlic</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">salt and pepper to taste</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">1/3 c pecorino romano or parmesan cheese</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">lemon wedges </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Thinly coat a skillet with olive oil. Cut polenta into 1/2 inch slices. Cook 3-4 minutes each side until golden and crisp. Fill a large bowl with water. Chop roots off dandelion greens. Dunk and rinse greens until all sand is washed away. Boil 2 c water. Add greens to water, boil 3-4 minutes. Drain greens, set aside. Save cooking water for stock or just drink plain for nutrients. In a skillet, heat oil, add garlic, sizzle 30 seconds, add dandelion greens and salt and pepper. Cook 1 min. Put on top polenta. Sprinkle with cheese. serve with lemon wedges. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Adapted from: Greens Glorious Greens by, Johnna Albi and Catherine Walthers</span><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;">Apricots are another seasonal Spring food. Here's a simple salad. </span></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><strong><u><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Apricot Salad</span></u></strong><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">2 c mixed baby salad greens</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">4 washed and chopped dandelion leaves</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">1-2 chopped fresh apricots</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">1/4 c pumpkin seeds Mix all. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Dress with flaxseed oil and rice vinegar.</span></span>LifeShinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562834612352833553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2609834837797911923.post-74100341899187419122009-03-13T20:43:00.000-07:002009-07-15T18:30:16.006-07:00March 2009: Slough Off Your Winter Muck<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">March 20th marks the first day of Spring, yahoo! Are you as ready as I am for some warm sunny days? This newsletter will introduce some ideas on how to lighten up after a long heavy winter. </span><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><strong><u><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Slough Off Your Winter Muck</span></u></strong><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/Sbxkp1gNleI/AAAAAAAAABI/F2FMQ0_CyGU/s1600-h/sun+n+leaves.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313232330289944034" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 207px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 311px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/Sbxkp1gNleI/AAAAAAAAABI/F2FMQ0_CyGU/s200/sun+n+leaves.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Tired of your winter muck? That's the dreary feelings of being cooped up and fighting the cold gray weather. The full sticky feelings of too much winter comfort foods. The lethargic feelings of laying around in winter hibernating the last four months. Or the exhausted feelings of trying to keep up with daily stress and holiday obligations when really all you wanted to do was hibernate.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"></span><br /><u><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Sloughing off that slothful feeling:</span></u><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Spring is here and it's a time of new life! There is so much beauty in life and we're all so busy, it's sometimes easy to miss. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">1. Go for a walk. Celebrate the budding trees and earth. Take off your sunglasses and let some sunshine into your eyes. Soak in 15-20 minutes of Vit D from the sun everyday on your hands and face (essential in preventing osteoporosis, plus it just feels good). </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">2. Sell your leaf blower on EBay and rake the lawn. Get some good old fashioned exercise and fresh air. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">3. Sing loudly in the car, shower or wherever you can get away with it. In Chinese medicine, Spring is a time of energy rising that includes old emotions rising to the surface. Let out what you've been holding in. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">4. Plant some herbs and discover the delight of eating your own fresh, alive, homegrown food while getting some relaxing nature time. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"></span><br /><u><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Spring food tips:</span></u><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Eating in harmony with the seasons keep us feeling healthier and more balanced. Most of us naturally eat heavier in the winter. Our bodies crave foods that keep us warm and feeling cozy. My personal favorite cold weather indulgence is lasagna! In the Spring, we may feel a weight gain and congestion built up from those heavy foods, but we might not know what to do about it. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">1. Spring is the season for green! Eat dark leafy green veggies every day. Try them steamed or simply in salads. Experiment with different lettuces, wild greens and fresh herbs. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">2. Sprouts are for Spring! What are the animals eating this time of year? Sprouts! Nature provides the exact foods we need at the right time of year. Sprouts can be put into salads, sandwiches, even a little pile on top of a light soup. Not only are sprouts very cleansing, many are complete proteins! </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">3. Try a juice cleanse. Dedicate one day or more to your health. I've done a few kinds of detox cleanses and always feel great after. I lose weight, my skin glows, and I learn more about my inner self. My favorite book on cleansing is 3 Days to Vitality by, Pamela Serure. It walks you through how to give yourself a weekend spa treatment right in your own home. Feel free to email me if you want to try this or any other cleanse and need a little more help figuring it out. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">4. Simply juice. If you are not up for a full-on cleanse, simply adding a vegetable juice to your diet will do wonders. You'll need a juicer and it can feel like a bothersome project at first, but once you get the hang of it and see how powerful these concoctions are, it's all worth it. With a bit of practice, it becomes easy and delicious. Remember, if you want to feel alive, eat live food!</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"></span><br /><strong><u><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Recipes of the Month: Green on Green</span></u></strong><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/Sbxk9w0F8eI/AAAAAAAAABQ/mB9P1Mvp7o4/s1600-h/Green+Juice+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313232672628535778" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 142px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 215px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/Sbxk9w0F8eI/AAAAAAAAABQ/mB9P1Mvp7o4/s200/Green+Juice+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color:#009900;"><u>Super Cleansing Concoction</u> </span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">1/2 a cucumber</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">4 stocks celery</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">1/2 bunch fresh parsley</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">1 granny smith apple, cored</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">1/2 inch piece of fresh ginger (opt) </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Juice all in a juicer. Add ice or blend with ice in a blender to create a smoothie. Drink immediately. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"></span><br /><br /><u><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Asian Bean Sprout Salad</span></u><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">4 cups fresh bean sprouts</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">1 red or green bell pepper</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">2 scallions </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">2 tbsp canola oil</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">2 tbsp minced garlic</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">1/2 tsp red pepper flakes </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">1/4 cup raw apple cider vinegar</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">2 tbsp agave nectar</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">1 tsp sea salt </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Place sprouts in a large bowl. Use a glass or ceramic bowl, if available. Cut pepper into matchsticks. Chop scallions thinly. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Heat oil in a saucepan on medium. Add garlic and pepper flakes. Saute 30 seconds while stirring. Pour hot over sprout mix. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Whisk together vinegar, agave and salt. Pour over sprout mix. Toss well. Serve immediately. Crunchy, spicy, sweet! </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">* For bonus healthy Spring points: Serve the sprout salad over lettuce and top with fresh chopped cilantro! </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Adaped from Moosewood Cookbook</span></span>LifeShinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562834612352833553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2609834837797911923.post-63600656153518377412009-03-13T19:59:00.000-07:002009-03-14T19:07:39.365-07:00February 2009 Chocolate is Love!<div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">More than any other holiday, Valentine's Day makes me think of chocolate. I love chocolate! Here are some reasons why you might feel the same. </span><br /></span></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Wishing you health and happiness,</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Kelly </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;"><u><strong>Food News: Chocolate is Love!</strong></u></span> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/Sbxh3TWJcEI/AAAAAAAAAAg/pKPxUNo0WYk/s1600-h/chocolate+i+love+you.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313229263104208962" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 204px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 118px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/Sbxh3TWJcEI/AAAAAAAAAAg/pKPxUNo0WYk/s320/chocolate+i+love+you.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Chocolate. We love it, we need it, we give it, we give into it... There are nutritional chemical reasons for our "love affair" with chocolate. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Chocolate contains: </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">B-phenethylamine, the same chemical your brain produces when you are in love!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Anandamide, a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) synthesized enzymatically in the brain. It is known as "the bliss chemical" because it is released when we are feeling good. The name is taken from the Sanskrit word ananda, which means "bliss" or "delight." Chocolate also contains two other ingredients that inhibit the natural breakdown of anandamide, which could lead to heightened levels of anandamide in the brain. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Serotonin, a neurotransmitter that makes us feel relaxed. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Dopamine, another "feel good" brain chemical. Cocoa contains monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO Inhibitors) which help improve our mood because they allow serotonin and dopamine to remain in the bloodstream longer without being broken down. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Tryptophan, an anti-depressant amino acid.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Magnesium, a mineral that helps balance brain chemistry (as well as essential to heart and bone health). </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Are you craving chocolate yet? But wait, there's more! Chocolate is high in antioxidants which gobble up free radicals, destructive molecules that are implicated in heart disease, cancer and acceleration of the aging process. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Now before you go out and decide to eat chocolate breakfast, lunch and dinner, of course, there are some cons to chocolate: Milk may interfere with the absorption of antioxidants from chocolate, so milk chocolate is out as well as eating dark chocolate with milk. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/SbxiL24-M0I/AAAAAAAAAAo/n5mW2lZ1J2w/s1600-h/Broken+Chocolate+Heart.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313229616242897730" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 157px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/SbxiL24-M0I/AAAAAAAAAAo/n5mW2lZ1J2w/s320/Broken+Chocolate+Heart.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Chocolate is high in fat, calories and usually sugar (which depletes the body of nutrients, taxes the immune system and adds empty calories). </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Chocolate is a stimulant and if you are already stressed out, chocolate will intensify your jitters. Theobromine comprises between 1% and 2% of the cocoa bean. It stimulates the central nervous system similarly to caffeine, but on a smaller scale. Chocolate also contains caffeine. A 50 gram piece of dark chocolate (the size of an average chocolate bar) will yield between 10 and 60 milligrams of caffeine; an average 5-ounce cup of coffee can yield up to 175 milligrams of caffeine. (But what goes better with coffee than chocolate?)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">If health is your excuse for eating chocolate, moderation is the best medicine in this case. Also, if you really want the benefits of the antioxidants, you have to eat the real thing. Highly processed chocolate has lost its nutritional value. The healthiest form of chocolate is raw, organic, unprocessed cacao beans (called "nibs") or cocoa mass. Here is a link to one source of excellent, high quality raw cocoa products. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Your next best choice would be organic dark chocolate with the highest percentage of cocoa liquor or cocoa powder and the lowest percentage of refined sugar (bitter or semi-sweet dark chocolate). There are lots of great bars like this on the market. Here is one example of a US brand dedicated to high quality chocolate, fair trade and environmental consciousness. Try different brands to see which flavor you like most and which aggravates your nervous system least. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">One last comment, all the health benefits in chocolate can be found in other whole natural foods with much greater benefits, like an actual meal. If you constantly crave chocolate, your body is missing something more than just chocolate. Use your common sense, get a good health counselor, indulge in some quality chocolate once in a while... savor and enjoy!</span><br /><br /><br /><u><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Recipes of the Month: Chocolate Chicken and Cookies</span></u><br /><br /><u><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Crock Pot Chicken Mole</span></u><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">1.5 lbs organic free-range boneless skinless chicken breasts</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">1 15oz can tomato puree</span> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/Sbxio2eaXAI/AAAAAAAAAAw/ZQqMY_XKbow/s1600-h/Chicken+Mole.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313230114347703298" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 146px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/Sbxio2eaXAI/AAAAAAAAAAw/ZQqMY_XKbow/s200/Chicken+Mole.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">1 tsp ground cumin</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">1/2 tsp ground coriander seed</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">1/2 tsp aniseed</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">3 tbs chili powder</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">1/2 tbs maple syrup</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">1 cinnamon stick</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">1/8 tsp ground nutmeg</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">2 tbs unsweetened cocoa powder</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">3 large garlic cloves, minced</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">2 tbs creamy natural peanut butter</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">1 canned chipotle pepper, minced</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Sea salt and pepper, to taste </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Turn the crock pot on high, and add the tomato sauce and peanut butter. Add all other ingredients accept chicken. Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Add the chicken breasts and immediately turn down to low. Cook for 6 hours. To serve, remove the chicken from the crock pot, shred with a fork, and put back into the sauce. Serve in warm corn tortillas with dark leafy salad greens and brown rice.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">(Adapted from: Spark Recipes)</span><br /><br /><br /><u><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Chocolate Chip Cookies</span></u><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">1/2 c. butter</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">1/4 c. agave nectar</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">2 tsp. vanilla</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">1 egg</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">1 c. whole wheat or oat flour</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">1/2 tsp. baking soda</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">1/2 c. chopped pecans</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">1/2 c. dark chocolate chips </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#009900;">Cream together first 4 ingredients. Sift in next 2 ingredients. Add nuts and chocolate chips; mix well. Drop a tablespoon of batter for each cookie onto greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Yields 1 dozen.</span> </span></div></div>LifeShinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562834612352833553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2609834837797911923.post-44637366280659994582009-01-15T18:00:00.000-08:002009-03-14T19:24:21.397-07:00January 2009: What do you want in your life this year?<div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">A new year! What do you want in your life this year? How can you start to move in the direction of your hearts desires? Here are some thoughts that will hopefully inspire. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">May you follow your bliss, </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">Kelly </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#009900;"><strong><u>New Testimonial: " ...an education that I will continue to utilize every day."</u></strong> </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="font-family:arial;">"Kelly is a wonderful listener. It was a pleasure to work with someone who had so much food knowledge and was able in every instance to provide healthy and nutritious alternatives to my every day foods, which allowed me to become so much more educated in the foods I now choose. I'm no longer intimidated by what I don't know about organic and healthy foods, through our talks and the books she suggested I became a lot more confident in what to eat, what I should look for and how to find a suitable alternative. </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Working with Kelly provided a condensed nutritional course that has given me an education that I will continue to utilize every day. " </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">- Margaret, Administrative Director </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#009900;"><strong><u>Food News: "New" Zero Calorie Sweetener - Stevia!</u></strong> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/SbxmEUTXz3I/AAAAAAAAABY/J9E75v3PhxQ/s1600-h/Stevia+w+white.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313233884745813874" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 198px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/SbxmEUTXz3I/AAAAAAAAABY/J9E75v3PhxQ/s200/Stevia+w+white.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">After many years of keeping the herb stevia only distributable as a supplement, the FDA has approved its use in foods. Well, colas seem to be the food. Stevia is a native plant of South America. Its leaves are very sweet and zero calories. When working with clients who are in the habit of using artificial sweeteners, switching to stevia is my first suggestion. Many health issues have been attributed to aspartame as well as other artificial sweeteners. Stevia has the benefits of artificial sweeteners without any known health risks. It has been used in South America and Asia for ages. This is the whole, dried stevia leaf or the green or brown powder or liquid, we're talking about, not what is about to be mixed into Coke and Pepsi. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="font-family:arial;">The present concern is the highly refined version of the original plant that will be used in diet sodas presently coming into the market. When you refine and process a plant to the extent that these food companies plan, a whole new substance is created. What this refined version of stevia's effect on the body will be long-term, we're not sure. In my humble opinion, at the moment, if you are someone trying to quit diet sodas a first step, if you must, may be trying one of the new stevia-based sodas as a way to start weaning yourself off. There are lots of other, better, tricks and tips to wean off artificial diet drinks. If you'd like support in this mission, let me know, I'd love to help! </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Here is an excellent </span></span></span><a href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=muhsmwcab.0.0.4ud4secab.0&ts=S0378&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sugarshockblog.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fstevia-approved-for-use-in-soft-drinks-etc-but-how-safe-natural-will-it-be.html&id=preview" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">short article</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"> on the subject of stevia and its new FDA approval, if you are interested in learning more. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#009900;"><strong><u>Inspiration: New Year, New Perspective</u></strong> </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">Start the new year by letting go of the past. In the Jewish religion there is a custom of asking for and granting forgiveness as part of bringing in the new year. The holiday Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the most important of all Jewish holidays. Traditionally, Jews fast and pray for forgiveness from God on this day. They also ask for forgiveness from other people whom they feel they have "wronged" over the course of the year. It is custom to terminate all feuds and disputes on the eve of the fast day. Even the souls of the dead are said to be included in the community of those pardoned on the Day of Atonement. At the end of Yom Kippur, one considers himself absolved by God and starts the new year with a clean slate. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">If you wish for greater happiness and health this year, peace of mind will help take you there. Is there someone you feel remorse for hurting? You may want to finally give up those terrible feelings and ask for their forgiveness. Or is there someone you have been holding a grudge against? Maybe you can start the year off by lightening your load and letting them off the hook in your heart. Maybe the person you want to forgive most is yourself. Accepting that we are all human and make mistakes, sometimes big mistakes, can be more healing than any prescription on the market. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#009900;"><strong><u>Recipes of the Month: New Year Paella Feast</u></strong> </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">Usually, I try to include fast, easy, nutritious recipes. Paella isn't necessarily known to be any of those. This is more a celebration dish and requires some time (and possibly some digestive enzymes, ha!). But if you are in the mood to play in the kitchen, try this or make up your own version. It's fun to listen to some </span><a href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=muhsmwcab.0.0.4ud4secab.0&ts=S0378&p=http%3A%2F%2Fvideo.google.com%2Fvideosearch%3Fsourceid%3Dnavclient%26rlz%3D1T4SUNA_enUS264US265%26q%3Dgypsy%2Bkings%26um%3D1%26ie%3DUTF-8%26sa%3DX%26oi%3Dvideo_result_group%26resnum%3D4%26ct%3Dtitle%23&id=preview" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">Gypsy Kings</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"> while you cook this meal! I made this New Years night and really liked it. You can make it healthier, easier and vegetarian by omitting the shrimp and sausage, using vegetable broth and adding more beans. You can also bake plantain rather than fry them. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#009900;"><u>Kelly's Paella</u> </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">1 lb. Shrimp <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/SbxmlJP43PI/AAAAAAAAABg/U8xvORgd6vA/s1600-h/Paella.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313234448714095858" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 219px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 176px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__HOk5Go1F3Q/SbxmlJP43PI/AAAAAAAAABg/U8xvORgd6vA/s200/Paella.JPG" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">2 Sausage (chorizo, turkey or soy sausage) </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">2 tbsp Butter (or soy butter) </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">2 cloves chopped Garlic </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">¼ c Olive Oil </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">1 Onion </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">1 Green pepper </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">1 Red pepper </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">1 Bunch Asparagus </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">2 Roma Tomatoes </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">4 t Parsley </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">1 t Paprika </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">½ t Thyme </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">¼ t Cumin </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">2 c Short Grain Brown Rice </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">4 ½ c Chicken broth </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">1 can Pigeon peas </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">2-4 T Capers </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">Salt and pepper to taste </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">Lemon wedges and parsley twigs to garnish </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">Start by preparing the sausage and shrimp. In a frying pan, add ½ inch water and sausage. Boil sausage until all water evaporates, cut sausage down the middle, pan fry until cooked all the way through (may need to add a bit of oil to pan). In a large soup pot, boil enough water to cover over shrimp. Boil shrimp until pink and float to surface. Start chopping veggies while shrimp and sausage cook. Dump shrimp cooking water, dowse shrimp in cold water, remove shells. Add butter and garlic to the now empty soup pot. Sauté shrimp 1 min. Remove from pot and set aside. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">Add olive oil to soup pot, sauté peppers, onion and tomato. Add spices, sauté another minute. Add chicken broth and rice. Boil 35 minutes, add sausage and asparagus. Cook until all broth is absorbed. Add pigeon peas, parsley, capers and shrimp. Salt and pepper to taste. Let all ingredients rest together 5 min. Serve with lemon wedges and parsley sprigs garnish. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">Serve with fried plantain and a simple salad. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#009900;"><u>Fried Plantains</u> </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">3 yellow-brown plantains </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">olive oil </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">coconut oil </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">sea salt</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">Cut ends off plantains, slice through skin in 3 places, peel skins off. Cut plantain on a diagonal into chips no more than 1/4 inch thick. Fry in oil until soft and just starting to crisp. Remove to plate layed with paper towels to soak up excess oil. Lightly salt, if desired. Like a dessert with your meal.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#009900;"><u>Simple Salad</u> </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">Chop: cucumber, red pepper, fresh parsley. Salt and pepper to taste. Mix n serve.</span></div></div>LifeShinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562834612352833553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2609834837797911923.post-87565564158722980862008-06-09T12:12:00.000-07:002008-07-13T11:05:35.363-07:00Nourishing Newsletter June 2008: Too Busy to EatDear Friends,<br /><br />Celebrate! Summer is here! <br /><br />What do you love about summertime? The sunshine? Hiking? Playing baseball? BBQs and popsicles? Airconditioning? Make sure you give yourself time to savor them this season.<br /><br />As I write, a bird is singing a song, familiar since childhood. I remember waking in the morning for school and hearing this sound. A light breeze passes through the window now and then and reminds me to take a deep breath. Everyday of summer is full of small pleasures. Life is good - enjoy!<br /><br />Wishing you health and happiness,<br />Kelly<br /><br />Upcoming Events <br /><br />Laughter Yoga:<br />Laughter as a form of exercise and stress reduction!<br />** Free **<br />Mondays 6-7pm<br />Louis I. Kahn Memorial Park<br />11th & Pine, Philadelphia<br />Laughter Yoga uses light breathing and movement along with "laughter exercises" to promote health and happiness. You don't already have to be in a good mood to do laughter yoga. Discover for yourself, laughter really is the best medicine!<br /><br /><br />Summer Detox<br />** Free Lecture **<br />Tuesday, June 24 6:30-7:30pm<br />Queen Village Holistic Health<br />953 South 6th Street, Philadelphia<br />Learn techniques to cleanse your body, mind and spirit this summer.<br /><br /><br />Health Food Store Tour<br />** Free for LifeShine clients (past and present)<br />$20 Public<br />Tuesday, July 29 6-8pm<br />Whole Foods Market<br />10th & South, Philadelphia<br />Discover delicious new options, how to use healthy shopping skills in regular grocery stores, what all that weird stuff is, and what is not so healthy in a health food store.<br />To register please email me at kelly@lifeshine.net. <br /><br />New Testimonial: Kelly R., Speech Therapist says: <br />"A Happier Place"<br />Lifeshine's nutritional counseling has led me to a better place than where I was a little over half a year ago. I signed up for the program expecting to learn some better eating habits, gain knowledge of the foods I was eating, and maybe look a little better after the fact. What I did not expect was support and guidance to help find contentment in other areas of my life. Kelly has been an accepting and loving light in my life that opened my eyes to not only ways to manage my nutritional intake, but also to ways to find increased inner peace. I hope that more people get to experience her patience and support. I believe with some commitment on the clients end, Kelly has the ability to gently lead clients to a happier place.<br /><br />Special Feature: We are the World <br /><br />Remember the 80's song "We Are The World?" As a young idealist, I was very moved by that song. Today, older and slightly more realistic, I know it's going to take a lot to heal the state of the Earth and humanity. Something else I have learned is: there is strength in numbers.<br /><br />Is there an organization dedicated to making positive change that inspires you? Join up! Be part of the action. You don't have to tie yourself to a tree, just take one minute out of your week to sign a petition, or $1 out of your paycheck to contribute. Giving is soul food!<br /><br /><br />Here are a few petitions and organizations you may be interested in:<br /><br />President Bush is thinking about designating sizeable portions of U.S. territorial waters as marine protected areas. Support this wonderful possiblility!<br /><br />This week marked the first debate on comprehensive global warming legislation in the U.S. Senate. Tell your Member of Congress that we expect a serious debate that will result in strong, science-based global warming legislation.<br /><br />Avaaz.org is a new global web movement with a simple democratic mission: to close the gap between the world we have, and the world most people everywhere want.<br /><br />EcoWorld 100% of Reforesting Society membership fees and donations are passed through to nonprofit tree planting organizations.<br /><br />CODEPINK is a women-initiated grassroots peace and social justice movement working to end the war in Iraq, stop new wars, and redirect our resources into healthcare, education and other life-affirming activities.<br /><br /><br />Article: Too Busy to Eat? <br /><br />Are you feeling too busy to even make time to eat? Many of us with our fast paced lives rely on fast food, microwaves, sugar and caffeine to get through our days. <br />Food is our fuel. Our bodies are made to use food and water as our only sources of energy. Caffeine is really just a drug that taxes our adrenal glands, causes mood swings and can lead to chronic fatigue as well as many other health issues. So what's a busy person to do? Here are a few ideas that I hope you will find helpful during the busy (not so lazy) days of summer.<br /><br />1. Salads! - Salads are an excellent source of essencial vitamins and minerals and the best no-cook way to get your veggies in!<br /><br />How to make a quick super nutritious salad:<br />bag/box of pre-washed leafy greens<br />1 cup rinsed canned beans<br />1/2 cup organic cottage cheese<br />cherry tomatoes<br />sliced cucumber<br />shredded carrot<br />At the beginning of the week, open 3 cans of beans, rinse them, keep in a container for easy access. Wash and dry cucmbers and tomatoes. Keep all the ingredients next to each other in the fridge so when you reach to make a salad, it's all right there. Each night or morning make a fresh salad. Put the wet ingredients on the bottem, starting with the dressing of your choice. Keep the greens as the top-most layer to avoid sogginess. Throwing your salad together should take about the same time as sitting in line for the drive-through window. Experiment with different types of beans, dressings, and pre-chopped veggies until you find what you really like.<br /><br />2. Keep a stash of organic canned soups at your desk with a hand-held can opener and a microwave-safe bowl. Try lentil and bean soups to fill you up, give you energy and great dietary fiber.<br /><br />3. Instead of a candy bowl at your desk, make it a fruit bowl.<br /><br />4. Purchase a rice cooker for about $20. At the beginning of the week make a big batch of brown rice. Keep a big bag of mixed frozen vegetables in the freezer each week. Each morning throw a scoop of rice and a scoop of frozen veggies in a travel plastic container. Reheat it at work with a bit of water in the bowl. Add a bit of soy butter, soy sauce or salad dressing for extra flavor.<br /><br />5. Smoothies! See recipes below.<br /><br />I hope these are some helpful tips for you. If you try any of these please let me know how it worked for you. If you have any tips of your own you'd like to share, please email me and I'll feature it in my next email. kelly@lifeshine.net<br /><br />Keep breathing! Oxygen brings energy to the brain and body!<br /><br /><br />Recipes of the Month: Smoothies! <br /> Health Nut Smoothie<br /> 1½ cups soymilk, rice milk, or almond milk<br />8 medium-sized dates (pitted)<br />½ ounce raw or roasted almonds (12 almonds)<br />1 cup frozen blueberries, strawberries or raspberries<br />1 medium frozen banana (peel before freezing) <br />Add "milk", dates and almonds to a blender. Liquefy for several minutes until smooth. Cut the banana into 1" pieces. Add the frozen fruit and blend until thick and creamy.<br /><br />Caribbean Minty Ginger Smoothie<br /> 3 cups of soymilk or ricemilk<br />1 papaya - ripe peeled and seeded & cut into pieces<br /> Fresh mint - a handful of leaves to taste<br />1 inch of Ginger root - fresh peeled and minced<br />1 tablespoon of honey or agave nectar<br />1 frozen ripe banana<br /><br />Prepare papaya, ginger root. Put in blender. Add soy or rice milk. Blend. Add banana, mint & honey or agave. Blend until smooth. Yum!<br /><br />Garden Smoothie<br />4 medium carrots<br />2 ripe summer tomatoes<br />½ lemon, juiced<br />¼ cup fresh basil leaves<br />1 c water<br /><br />Chop veggies, blend.<br /><br />Turkish Delight<br />2-3 lemons to taste<br />1 tsp rose water<br />2 tsp honey<br />2 cups cold water<br />Ice cubes<br /><br />Juice the lemons. Stir in rose water, honey and cold water. Serve over ice.<br /><br />Popsicles!<br />Remember, any smoothie can be frozen into popsicles! Here's a link to some fun ideas. If you decide to try any of these recipes, you can always omit the refined white sugar (bad for you!) and use apple juice, pineapple juice, or stevia (zero calories) instead!<br /><br />Testimonials <br />"The first class was very inspirational, and I am doing a lot more cooking for myself. I am actually eating 'real' dinners now, about 5-7 days a week, which is a huge feat for me! If I was so inspired after one class, I know I'll be eating much healthier after two!"<br /> - Alane B, Personal Assistant<br /><br />"Kelly suggested herbs that help me sleep and that virtually eliminate monthly cramps, as well as a vegetable juice fast that helps regulate my digestion and my blood sugar. Kelly is not just a health counselor, she is an 'artist of being alive.' " <br /> - S. Miria Jo, Singer/Songwriter<br /><br />"Thanks to Kelly, I have satisfied both my appetite and my incessant need for energy! She taught me how to cook nutritious and delicious food, and gave me very helpful tips to sustain energy in order to cope with my busy lifestyle." <br /> - Eynat, Fashion Designer<br /><br />What LifeShine Holistic Health Counseling can do for You! <br /> - Reclaim your health and happiness.<br /> - Learn to understand cravings and how to disarm them without will-power.<br /> - Lose weight normally and naturally.<br /> - Increase your energy.<br /> - Disease-proof your body.<br /> - Discover delicious health-promoting foods.<br /> - Plan simple, quick, delicious, nutritious meals.<br /> - Create a joyful, successful lifestyle with step-by-step goal setting and support.<br /> - Become part of a fabulous community of people dedicated to living well.<br /> - Let your life shine!LifeShinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562834612352833553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2609834837797911923.post-30840262218486775512008-05-05T20:45:00.000-07:002008-07-13T11:03:15.131-07:00Nourishing Newsletter May: Creating Lasting ChangeDear Friends,<br /><br />Spring is in full swing! Hope you are getting outside in the sunshine and enjoying the new blooms on the trees. Life has so much beauty to offer us. As corny as it may sound, when we actually stop for a moment and "take time to smell the roses" it's amazing how sweet it is!<br /><br />Wishing you health and happiness,<br />Kelly<br /><br />Special Feature: GMO Foods - Their Impact on Our Bodies and the Planet <br /><br />An invaluable documentary on the impact of Genetically Modified Foods on our bodies and the planet is accessible to us through the website of Dr. Mercola, natural health physician.<br /><br />Learn how Monsanto, the same biotech corporation who created Agent Orange, is now in contol of the food you eat on a daily basis. Approximately 70% of the foods in American grocery stores are GMO and Monsanto is the source.<br /><br />Skip the Seinfeld reruns tonight and empower yourself with the life-saving information this documentary offers.<br />Special Event: Integrative Nutrition Comes to Philly! <br />Joshua Rosenthal, the founder and director of The Institute for Integrative Nutrition,<br />will give a FREE public talk to demystify the confusion about food and nutrition. You will get tips on how to cater your diet to your individual needs, rather than on someone else's theory or diet style. You will learn to understand your cravings and why you crave certain foods.<br />And you will discover other ways to nourish your life beyond the foods you eat.<br /><br />You will also receive special gifts, and the first 50 people who arrive<br />at the event will receive a free book.<br /><br />SPACE IS LIMITED so reserve a spot for you and your guests today<br />by emailing RSVP@integrativenutrition.com with 'Philadelphia' in the subject line.<br /><br />Wednesday, May 21, 6:30-8:00pm<br />University of Pennsylvania, Perelman Quadrangle - Logan Hall<br />3417 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104<br /><br />Article: Creating Lasting Change <br /><br />Spring is the time of new life. If you are feeling fed up with or stuck in your old ways, now is the time to make some changes! Like New Year's resolutions, we often set goals with great intentions and even greater expectations. We begin full force toward our goals, then life takes over and we find ourselves back in our old patterns. Or, if you have a personality like mine, you know you are going to make that change...tomorrow! How do we create real change in our lives while already feeling overwhelmed by daily pressures? The answer is: one step at a time.<br /><br />The following are examples of how to make small changes that can add up to a lot. Hope you enjoy them!<br /><br />Body: If you wish to change your diet, start by simply eating more of the vegetables you already like.<br /><br />Mind: Notice your mental "judge." When you hear that negative voice in your head, brush it off and counter it with something positive.<br /><br />Spirit: Start the day slow. Try taking 5 deep slow breaths first thing when you wake up in the morning. Then think of one thing you are thankful for or that makes you happy.<br /><br />Career: No matter what our job, most of us can always find something to complain about. Take a moment today to think about what your job gives you that's positive. See how many positive things you can come up with.<br /><br />Exercise: Find a form of physical movement or exercise you enjoy. Do it at least once a week. Try new forms once in a while - variety is the spice of life.<br /><br />Relationships: Next time you are with someone you love, listen. Really listen to them talk, hear their perspective, get a glimpse into their world. Then tell them one thing you love about them.<br /><br />Recipe of the Month <br /><br />Wedding Salad<br /><br />Arugula<br />Purple Cabbage, thinly sliced<br />Pink Grapefruit wedges<br />Pine nuts<br /><br />Dressing:<br />Olive Oil<br />Rice Vinegar<br /><br />Testimonials <br />"The first class was very inspirational, and I am doing a lot more cooking for myself. I am actually eating 'real' dinners now, about 5-7 days a week, which is a huge feat for me! If I was so inspired after one class, I know I'll be eating much healthier after two!"<br /> - Alane B.<br /><br />"Kelly suggested herbs that help me sleep and that virtually eliminate monthly cramps, as well as a vegetable juice fast that helps regulate my digestion and my blood sugar. Kelly is not just a health counselor, she is an 'artist of being alive.' " <br /> - S. Miria Jo, Singer/Songwriter<br /><br />"Thanks to Kelly, I have satisfied both my appetite and my incessant need for energy! She taught me how to cook nutritious and delicious food, and gave me very helpful tips to sustain energy in order to cope with my busy lifestyle." <br /> - Eynat, Fashion Designer<br /><br />What LifeShine Holistic Health Counseling can do for You! <br /> - Reclaim your health and happiness.<br /> - Learn to understand cravings and how to disarm them without will-power.<br /> - Lose weight normally and naturally.<br /> - Increase your energy.<br /> - Disease-proof your body.<br /> - Discover delicious health-promoting foods.<br /> - Plan simple, quick, delicious, power-packed meals, even if your time seems limited<br /> - Create a joyful, successful lifestyle with step-by-step goal setting and support<br /> - Become part of a fabulous community of people dedicated to living well<br /> - Let your life shine!LifeShinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562834612352833553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2609834837797911923.post-9846007842148657222008-04-04T18:50:00.000-07:002008-07-13T11:06:00.646-07:00Nourishing Newsletter April: Spring CleaningUp Coming Events <br /><br />"All of Me!" An 8 week class that will spring clean your life! Learn step-by-step how to clean up your diet without feeling deprived... and so much more!<br />(For women only)<br /><br />Mondays 6:30-8pm, April 21-June 9<br />Curves Gym, 2115 West Oregon Ave.<br />Sign up for just this class or the full seasonal package!<br />Call (215) 465-2005 to register.<br /><br />Dear Friends,<br /><br />Spring is a time of new growth and change. The time of year we all start to stretch out of our winter hibernation and start feeling alive again!<br /><br />A lot is new in my life. Recently, I've started health counseling at High Level Wellness in Cherry Hill, NJ. An amazing place, where I am so happy and learning so much! I am also looking forward to getting married in a few months. Changing jobs and lifestyle are huge adjustments. Sometimes, it's very difficult to become what feels like a new person, even when the changes are wonderful.<br /><br />The same is true in making dietary changes. Many of us would like to eat healthier, would certainly like to feel healthier, but our old habits get in the way of our good intentions. If this sounds familiar to you, and you would like to get support in reaching your health goals, call now to set up a free initial consultation! (774-280-2910)<br /><br />You can clutch the past so tightly to your chest that it leaves your arms too full to embrace the present.<br /> -Jan Glidewell<br /><br />Wishing you health and happiness,<br />Kelly<br /><br />SPECIAL FEATURE: CREATING PEACE <br />Petition for dialogue between China and the Dalai Lama<br />http://www.avaaz.org/en/tibet_report_back/97.php/?cl_tf_sign=1<br />One minute of your time adds another name to the list of people around the world demanding change and peace for Tibet. Help end the oppression of these innocent people and beautiful culture!<br /><br />29-Day Giving Challenge<br />http://givingchallenge.ning.com/<br />Your 29 gifts can be anything -- material objects, money, your time, smiles or kind thoughts. Sign up now and start giving!<br />Article: Spring Cleaning <br /><br />People like "stuff." We tend to hold onto it year after year. We save and stock up on things that we don't know what to do with anymore. Maybe we keep things because they hold precious memories of days gone by, or they remind us of our parents, grandparents, past loves or childhood. To part with these precious possessions seems out of the question. There is a saying that goes, "You have to get rid of the old to make way for the new." If you are feeling stuck or stagnant in your life, try spring-cleaning. Throw out some of that stuff, say goodbye to your past, and welcome the new energy of your happy, healthy future.<br /><br />For good mental and physical health, we actually have two "houses" that need to be spring-cleaned: our physical homes and our physical bodies. Just as we accumulate "stuff" in the form of outgrown clothes, magazines, rusty bicycles, tools and random keepsakes, so do our bodies accumulate old food residues and toxins that need to be cleaned out.<br /><br />To spring clean your body, give it a break from rich and complicated foods by either cleansing or fasting for a short period of time. Cleansing means paring down your food to just simple fruits and vegetables, lots of water and perhaps whole grains. Fasting means limiting most foods and drinking lots of water, fresh vegetable and fruit juices, teas and soups. Without much energy going towards digestion, more energy is available to the rest of your body and mind. Cleansing and fasting can sharpen your concentration, help you gain insight and promote spiritual awareness. It can also bring improved immune function and better digestion.<br /><br />While you're cleaning out your body and home, don't forget to spring-clean your heart. Throw away negative thoughts and habits you've been harboring that no longer serve you. A clean, open heart will allow you to receive all the good that awaits you each and every day. If your heart and mind are cluttered, there is no room for life's gifts and surprises to enter.<br />Food Focus: Greens <br /><br />Leafy greens are some of the easiest and most beneficial vegetables to incorporate into your daily routine. Densely packed with energy and nutrients, they grow upwards to the sky, absorbing the sun's light while producing oxygen. Members of this royal green family include kale, collard greens, swiss chard, mustard greens, arugula, dandelion greens, broccoli rabe, watercress, beet greens, bok choy, napa cabbage, green cabbage, spinach and broccoli.<br /><br />How do greens benefit our bodies? They are very high in calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous and zinc, and are a powerhouse for vitamins A, C, E and K. They are crammed full of fiber, folic acid, chlorophyll, and many other micronutrients and phytochemicals. Their color is associated with spring, which is a time of renewal and refreshing, vital energy. In traditional Asian medicine, the color green is related to the liver, emotional stability and creativity. Greens aid in purifying the blood, strengthening the immune system, improving liver, gall bladder and kidney function, fighting depression, clearing congestion, improving circulation and keeping your skin clear and blemish free.<br /><br />Leafy greens are the vegetables most missing from the American diet, and many of us never learned how to prepare them. Start with the very simple recipe below. Then each time you go to the market, pick up a new green to try. Soon you'll find your favorite greens and wonder how you ever lived without them.<br /><br />Recipe of the Month <br />Simplest Swiss Chard<br />1/4 Cup Water<br />1 Bunch Swiss Chard<br />2 Cloves Garlic, minced<br />2 Tbsp Olive Oil<br /><br />Wash swiss chard in a big bowl of water. Chop stems into 1/2 inch pieces. Heat water in a frying pan until it starts to sizzle. Toss stem pieces and leaves into the pan. Water saute until leaves are soft, 2 minutes. Remove greens, dump (or drink) cooking water, add olive oil and garlic to pan heat for just a couple seconds. Pour oil and garlic over greens. Be amazed at the simple delicious, nutritious dish.<br /><br />Tips:<br />- It will take you less time to cook this recipe than it did for me to type the instructions.<br />- I like to mix a bunch of green and a bunch of red swiss chard together.<br />- To save time, mince a whole head of garlic at one time. Store left over in a few tablespoons of olive oil in an air-tight jar in the fridge. For the rest of the week, just scoop out the pre-chopped garlic and add to any recipe or veggies!<br />Testimonials <br />"The first class was very inspirational, and I am doing a lot more cooking for myself. I am actually eating 'real' dinners now, about 5-7 days a week, which is a huge feat for me! If I was so inspired after one class, I know I'll be eating much healthier after two!"<br /> - Alane B.<br /><br />"Kelly suggested herbs that help me sleep and that virtually eliminate monthly cramps, as well as a vegetable juice fast that helps regulate my digestion and my blood sugar. Kelly is not just a health counselor, she is an 'artist of being alive.' " <br /> - S. Miria Jo, Singer/Songwriter<br /><br />"Thanks to Kelly, I have satisfied both my appetite and my incessant need for energy! She taught me how to cook nutritious and delicious food, and gave me very helpful tips to sustain energy in order to cope with my busy lifestyle."<br /> - Eynat, Fashion Designer<br /><br />What LifeShine Holistic Health Counseling can do for You! <br /> - Reclaim your health and happiness.<br /> - Learn to understand cravings and how to disarm them without will-power.<br /> - Lose weight normally and naturally.<br /> - Increase your energy.<br /> - Disease-proof your body.<br /> - Discover delicious health-promoting foods.<br /> - Plan simple, quick, delicious, power-packed meals, even if your time seems limited<br /> - Create a joyful, successful lifestyle with step-by-step goal setting and support<br /> - Become part of a fabulous community of people dedicated to living well<br /> - Let your life shine!LifeShinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562834612352833553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2609834837797911923.post-37546150467589953732008-02-17T13:25:00.000-08:002008-07-13T10:59:02.626-07:00Nourishing Newsletter February: Follow Your BlissUp Coming Events <br /><br />Tour of a Health Food Store<br />Tuesday, March 4<br />6:30-8pm<br />at Whole Foods<br />10th and South<br /><br />Free for LifeShine clients and a guest, $12 general public<br />Join us to discover new delicious healthy options!<br />Please email me at Kelly@LifeShine.net to register.<br />Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull<br />of what you really love.<br /> -Rumi<br /><br />2008 is in full swing! I'd like to invite you now to take a moment and check in with yourself. Did you make any New Years resolutions? How's it going? If your personal goals have started to take a back seat to the everyday hectic pace, how could you realign with them? Maybe chose one that's most important to you and think about how to break it down into small steps. Schedule a time to do that small step once a day, or once a week. Give yourself credit everytime you do it. Most importantly, chose a goal that brings you joy....<br /><br />Wishing you health and happiness,<br />Kelly<br /><br />Article: "Soul Food" <br /><br />Think for a moment of a food from your past, one that makes you feel great after you eat it, for no specific reason. Maybe it is macaroni and cheese, slow-simmered tomato sauce, ice cream cones or potato pancakes. Eating food like this (every now and then) can be incredibly healing, even though your rational brain might not consider it highly nutritious.<br /><br />Food has the power to impact us on a level deeper than just our physical well-being. What we eat can reconnect us to precious memories, like childhood playtimes, first dates, holidays, our grandmother's cooking or our country of ancestry. Our bodies remember foods from the past on an emotional and cellular level. Eating this food connects us to our roots and has youthening and nurturing effects that go far beyond the food's biochemical make-up.<br /><br />Acknowledging what different foods mean to us is an important part of cultivating a good relationship with food. This month when we celebrate lovers and relationships, it's important to notice that we each have a relationship with food-and that this relationship is often far from loving. Many of us restrict food, attempting to control our weight. We often abuse food, substituting it for emotional well-being. Others ignore food, swallowing it whole before we've even tasted it.<br /><br />What would your life be like if you treated food and your body like you would treat your beloved? With gentleness, playfulness, communication, honesty, respect and love? The next time you eat your soul food, do so with awareness and without guilt, and enjoy all the healing and nourishment it brings you.<br /><br />Recipe of the Month <br /><br />Food Focus: Beans<br />Beans, or legumes, including peas and lentils, are an excellent source of plant-based protein. Beans are found in most traditional cultures as a staple food, offering grounding and strengthening properties that enhance endurance. They offer a highly usable, highly absorbable source of calcium for the body. A very inexpensive source of high nutrition, beans can be rich, delicious and satisfying,<br /><br />Lack of sexual energy is often due to overtaxed adrenal glands and kidneys. Beans are notorious for strengthening these organs (ever noticed the shape of a bean?) and can help restore vital energy as well as sexual energy.<br /><br />Beans have a reputation for causing digestive distress, but this is usually because they have been undercooked or improperly prepared. To help reduce gas-forming properties, soak beans overnight prior to cooking, increase cooking time, add spices like bay leaf, oregano or cumin, or add kombu (a sea vegetable) when cooking.<br /><br />Recipe of the Month: Easy Beans and Greens<br />Prep time: 20 minutes<br />Cooking time: 10 minutes<br />Yield: 2-3 servings<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />1 can of black beans (or pinto, red, kidney-your choice)<br />1 bunch collard greens (or kale, spinach-your choice)<br />your favorite toppings, such as salsa, avocado or guacamole, and sour cream<br /><br />Directions:<br />1. In a medium saucepan, heat drained beans. Add your favorite seasonings, if desired.<br />2. Fill a separate medium saucepan with 1-2 inches of water and bring to a boil.<br />3. Wash and chop greens (you can use the stems, too) and add to boiling water.<br />4. Cook for 2-3 minutes until greens are bright green and tender. Drain off water.<br />5. On a plate, arrange a portion of the greens, top with a portion of the beans, and finish with toppings of your choice.<br /><br />Testimonials <br />"The first class was very inspirational, and I am doing a lot more cooking for myself. I am actually eating 'real' dinners now, about 5-7 days a week, which is a huge feat for me! If I was so inspired after one class, I know I'll be eating much healthier after two!"<br /> - Alane B.<br /><br />"Kelly suggested herbs that help me sleep and that virtually eliminate monthly cramps, as well as a vegetable juice fast that helps regulate my digestion and my blood sugar. Kelly is not just a health counselor, she is an 'artist of being alive.' " <br /> - S. Miria Jo, Singer/Songwriter<br /><br />"Thanks to Kelly, I have satisfied both my appetite and my incessant need for energy! She taught me how to cook nutritious and delicious food, and gave me very helpful tips to sustain energy in order to cope with my busy lifestyle." <br /> - Eynat, Fashion Designer<br /><br />What LifeShine Holistic Health Counseling can do for You! <br /> - Reclaim your health and happiness.<br /> - Learn to understand cravings and how to disarm them without will-power.<br /> - Lose weight normally and naturally.<br /> - Increase your energy.<br /> - Disease-proof your body.<br /> - Discover delicious health-promoting foods.<br /> - Plan simple, quick, delicious, power-packed meals, even if your time seems limited<br /> - Create a joyful, successful lifestyle with step-by-step goal setting and support<br /> - Become part of a fabulous community of people dedicated to living well<br /> - Let your life shine!LifeShinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562834612352833553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2609834837797911923.post-49102978073885913242008-01-09T19:25:00.000-08:002008-07-13T10:56:35.202-07:00Nourishing Newsletter January: Effort and EaseUp Coming Events <br /><br />Tour of a Health Food Store<br />Sat. Jan. 19<br />11am-12:30 pm<br />at Whole Foods<br />10th and South<br />Free for LifeShine clients plus a guest, $10 general public<br />Join us to discover new delicious healthy options!<br /><br />Holistic Health and Weight Loss Class<br />Free Information Sessions<br />Curves Gym, 2 locations:<br />Sat. Jan. 12, 1pm, Curves Gym, 1100 S Columbus Blvd. <br />Mon. Jan. 14, 6:30pm, Curves Gym, 2115 W Oregon Ave.<br />If you have been thinking about getting support on how to loose weight, keep it off and feel great about yourself, now is your chance! Join us to hear about an affordable class that will change your life and start you on the path of health and happiness!<br /><br />Dear Friends,<br /><br />Happy New Year!<br /><br />Hope you have recovered from the holiday crazies and feeling "back on track." This last month has reminded me loud and clear of something I learned from a fellow health counselor:<br /><br /> "Life is a balance of effort and ease."<br /> - Teresa Kay-Aba Kennedy<br /><br />Give yourself time to rest and play as part of your 2008 goals. If you need a little support figuring out how to do this, give me a call!<br /><br />Wishing you very happy, healthy, peaceful year,<br />Kelly<br /><br />Article: "Eat Less, Play More" <br /><br />Remember when you were a child, and you got so wrapped up in playing, imagining or creating that you didn't want to stop when it was time to eat? Do you remember leaving your meal half-finished to run off and continue playing? Children innately understand that food is secondary to what is most nutritious and primary in life: fun and play.<br /><br />As adults we seem to have lost our instinct to prioritize play. In our busy world, with its emphasis on work and responsibility, to be healthy and balanced we must work on more than just our bodies; we must feed our hearts, minds and spirits.<br /><br />Have you noticed that when your body, mind and spirit are engaged in a creative project or happy relationship, your reliance on food seems to decrease? Likewise, when you are unsatisfied with your relationships, your job or other areas of your life, you may depend on food to cheer, soothe or numb you. When your life is out of balance, no amount of food can feed you where you truly need nourishment. The food that we eat is very important for health and balance, but what really feeds us-a full and fulfilling life-doesn't come on a plate.<br /><br />What is fun for you? What makes you light up? What excites you? Make time for it this week. Even if you don't have much time for fun, try approaching a "serious" activity with an attitude of play. This can greatly reduce stress and anxiety and bring more pleasure to your day. Take your focus off food, try adding more fun into your life and watch the magic unfold.<br /><br />Recipe of the Month <br />Food Focus: Sea Vegetables<br />In traditional Chinese healing, sea vegetables correspond to the winter season and to the kidneys, adrenal glands, bladder and reproductive organs. The strengthening, balancing and cleansing properties of sea vegetables are known to help these organs as well as the hair, skin and nails. Sea vegetables (or seaweeds) provide a variety of minerals and vitamins, including calcium, iron and iodine, and can help balance hormone and thyroid levels in the body. Eating too many processed foods or foods grown in mineral-depleted soil can result in a lack of minerals in the body, leading to cravings for salty or sugary foods. Adding sea vegetables to your diet can help balance your energy levels and alleviate cravings.<br /><br />Recipe of the Month: Mighty Miso Soup<br />Prep Time: 5-10 minutes<br />Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes<br />Yield: 4-5 servings<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />4-5 cups spring water<br />1-2 inch strip of wakame, rinsed and soaked 5 minutes<br /> in 1 cup of water, until softened<br />1-2 cups thinly sliced vegetables of your choice (see notes)<br />2-3 teaspoons barley miso<br />2 scallions, finely chopped<br /><br />Directions:<br />1. Chop soaked wakame.<br />2. Discard soaking water or use on houseplants for a boost of minerals.<br />3. Place water and wakame in a soup pot and bring to a boil.<br />4. Add root and ground vegetables first and simmer gently for 5 minutes or until tender.<br />5. Add leafy vegetables and simmer for 2-3 minutes.<br />6. Remove about 1/2 cup of liquid from pot and dissolve miso into it. Return it to the pot.<br />7. Reduce heat to very low; do not boil or simmer miso broth.<br />8. Allow soup to cook 2-3 minutes.<br />9. Garnish with scallions and serve.<br /><br />Note:<br />Any combination of vegetables can be used in miso soup. Here are some classic combinations:<br />onion-daikon: cleansing<br />onion-carrot-shiitake mushroom-kale: mildly sweet<br />leek-corn-broccoli: great in summertime<br />onion-winter squash-cabbage: great in wintertime<br /><br /> Variations:<br />Add cooked grains at the start of making the soup. They will become nice and soft.<br />Add a tablespoon of uncooked quinoa or millet at the beginning and let it cook with vegetables for 20 minutes.<br />Add cubed tofu toward the end.<br />Add bean sprouts toward the end.<br />Season with 1/2 teaspoon ginger juice for an interesting twist.<br />If using dry shiitake mushrooms, let them soak for 20 minutes, slice and add at the beginning.<br /><br />Testimonials <br />"The first class was very inspirational, and I am doing a lot more cooking for myself. I am actually eating 'real' dinners now, about 5-7 days a week, which is a huge feat for me! If I was so inspired after one class, I know I'll be eating much healthier after two!"<br /> - Alane B.<br /><br />"Kelly suggested herbs that help me sleep and that virtually eliminate monthly cramps, as well as a vegetable juice fast that helps regulate my digestion and my blood sugar. Kelly is not just a health counselor, she is an 'artist of being alive.' " <br /> - S. Miria Jo, Singer/Songwriter<br /><br />"Thanks to Kelly, I have satisfied both my appetite and my incessant need for energy! She taught me how to cook nutritious and delicious food, and gave me very helpful tips to sustain energy in order to cope with my busy lifestyle." <br /> - Eynat, Fashion Designer<br /><br />What LifeShine Holistic Health Counseling can do for You! <br /> - Reclaim your health and happiness.<br /> - Learn to understand cravings and how to disarm them without will-power.<br /> - Lose weight normally and naturally.<br /> - Increase your energy.<br /> - Disease-proof your body.<br /> - Discover delicious health-promoting foods.<br /> - Plan simple, quick, delicious, power-packed meals, even if your time seems limited<br /> - Create a joyful, successful lifestyle with step-by-step goal setting and support<br /> - Become part of a fabulous community of people dedicated to living well<br /> - Let your life shine!LifeShinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562834612352833553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2609834837797911923.post-44595218212707174022007-12-21T11:12:00.000-08:002008-07-13T10:51:05.730-07:00LifeShine Nourishing Newsletter: December "Cut the Chaos Tips"Up Coming Events <br /><br />Laughter Yoga Classes!<br />**Free** First Saturday of the month January - June 2008<br />12 noon, at Wake Up Yoga, 2329 Parrish Street, Philadelphia<br />Led by, yours truly, Kelly Mashu, now a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader!<br /><br />Holistic Health and Weight-Loss Information Sessions *Free*:<br />Sat. Jan. 12, 1pm, Curves Gym, 1100 S Columbus Blvd.<br />and Mon. Jan. 14, 6:30pm, Curves Gym, 2115 W Oregon Ave.<br /><br />Dear Friends,<br /><br />Season Greetings!<br /><br />This month I gave a few workshops about how to stay healthy and happy during the holiday season. Here are a few of my favorite tips. Hope you can find one that you'd like to try this season.<br /><br />Wishing you very happy, healthy, peaceful holidays,<br />Kelly<br /><br />Article: "Cut the Chaos Tips" <br /><br />3 Party Tips:<br /><br />Make time for a stress reliever before the event. Create good cheer before you even get there!<br /><br />Choose quality over quantity.<br />Make a plate with just a little taste of everything, try a bite of each, discard the rest. Then make a meal plate of only what is truly delicious.<br /><br />Chew gum after dinner to avoid picking. Try mint-flavored to refresh the palate or fruity for an extra dessert!<br /><br /><br />3 Stress Survival Tips:<br /><br />Don't sweat the small stuff.<br />Look at the tasks that most stress you out and find ways to cut them down to manageable size, or cut them out altogether. Learn to enjoy the mantra, "It doesn't have to be perfect."<br /><br />Move your body every day.<br />Doctors, Psychologists and Health Counselors agree, exercise is a proven stress reliever, mood enhancer and physical motivator.<br /><br />Laugh!<br />A burst of laughter is a huge stress relief. Try a laughter yoga class soon to learn ways to laugh, even when laughing seems like to last thing you feel like doing. Laughter Yoga will change your life!<br /><br /><br />My favorite Gift Tip:<br /><br />Give a gift that isn't stuff.<br />Some suggestions are: a gift certificate for a session with a holistic health counselor, a session with a personal trainer, a massage, yoga classes, dance classes, or tickets to a show, sporting event or museum.<br /><br /><br />Recipes of the Month <br /><br /><br />Christmas Salad<br /><br />Arugula (or mixed baby greens)<br />Dried cranberries (sweetened with apple juice)<br />Clementine sections<br />Chopped pecans<br /><br />Mix all (proportions to your liking). Dress with unrefined olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or try a quality store-bought raspberry vinaigrette. Colorful, sweet, healthy, yum!<br /><br /><br /><br />Simple Squash 2<br /><br />Butternut Squash<br />Water<br /><br />If the squash is organic and you don't mind a bit of chunkiness, leave the peal on. There is great nutrients in the peel. Cut squash in half so that the bulbous end is separated from the long end. Place bulbous end, cut side down and cut in half from top to bottom. Clean out seeds. Cube the entire squash and place in large saucepan. Add about ¼ inch of water to the pot, cover, boil 15-20 minutes, until squash is very soft, mash till creamy.<br /><br />Notes:<br />Check the water while cooking to be sure it hasn't evaporated and the squash isn't sticking to the bottom of the pan.<br /><br />It may take a few tries to discover the perfect water to squash ratio that creates your perfect texture.<br /><br />For fancy flavor you can add a little butter or sprinkle a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg and swirl the spice over the top.<br /><br /><br /><br />Baked Pears<br /><br />3 Pears<br />1/3 cup Dried Dates<br />1/3 cup Pecans<br />2-4 Tbsp Ground Cinnamon<br />Water<br /><br />Cut pears in half length-wise. Place in baking pan, add ¼ of inch of water to pan, cover with tinfoil. Bake at 400 degrees for 45 minutes until pears are very soft and the water has turned into a golden syrup. While the pears are baking, blend dates, pecans and cinnamon in a food processor until small and crumbly. When pears are cooked, remove the seeds and core with a spoon. Make a packed heaping tablespoon of the date mixture and stuff the core area of the pears. For extra sweetness and flare, drizzle the pear syrup over the stuffed pears. Serve hot or cold.<br /><br />Testimonials <br />"The first class was very inspirational, and I am doing a lot more cooking for myself. I am actually eating 'real' dinners now, about 5-7 days a week, which is a huge feat for me! If I was so inspired after one class, I know I'll be eating much healthier after two!"<br /> - Alane Benson<br /><br />"Kelly suggested herbs that help me sleep and that virtually eliminate monthly cramps, as well as a vegetable juice fast that helps regulate my digestion and my blood sugar. Kelly is not just a health counselor, she is an 'artist of being alive.' " <br /> - S. Miria Jo, Singer/Songwriter<br /><br />"Thanks to Kelly, I have satisfied both my appetite and my incessant need for energy! She taught me how to cook nutritious and delicious food, and gave me very helpful tips to sustain energy in order to cope with my busy lifestyle." <br /> - Eynat, Fashion Designer<br /><br />What LifeShine Holistic Health Counseling can do for You! <br /> - Reclaim your health and happiness.<br /> - Learn to understand cravings and how to disarm them without will-power.<br /> - Lose weight normally and naturally.<br /> - Increase your energy.<br /> - Disease-proof your body.<br /> - Discover delicious health-promoting foods.<br /> - Plan simple, quick, delicious, power-packed meals, even if your time seems limited<br /> - Create a joyful, successful lifestyle with step-by-step goal setting and support<br /> - Become part of a fabulous community of people dedicated to living well<br /> - Let your life shine!LifeShinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562834612352833553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2609834837797911923.post-50472147357977852262007-10-18T18:15:00.000-07:002008-07-13T10:49:12.298-07:00LifeShine Nourishing Newsletter: Sweet OctoberUp Coming Events <br /><br />Oct. 28: Pumpkin Party, Ladies Luncheon<br /> (LifeShine members only)<br /><br />Dec. 4: How to Have a Healthy, Happy Holiday Season<br /> Treat Yourself Right Center (TYR members only)<br /><br />Dear Friends,<br /><br />Autumn is here, glowing with all the colors of a cornucopia (just like LifeShine's new fancy newsletter)! <br /><br />Autumn is the perfect time of year for hiking and making leaf collages with the kids! Fall is also a great time to bring to fruition all those projects you started in the spring. Included in this newsletter are tips on time management to help you keep things rolling.<br /><br />The feature foods this month are sweet root vegetables. One thing that eases the transition from the joys of summer to the quieter months of autumn are sweet vegetables like: butternut squash, pumpkin, beets, carrots, parsnips, turnips and red potatoes. I can smell the garlic and rosemary now!<br /><br />What do you love about autumn?<br /><br />Wishing you health, happiness and colorful scarves,<br />Kelly<br /><br />Article: "All in Good Time"<br /><br />Tips for Time Management<br />Have you ever wished for a few more hours in the day? Why is it that some people seem to get everything done effortlessly and others feel that time constantly eludes them? The secret to managing your time well isn't working more hours. The secret is working smarter, not harder. It is about prioritizing the important things and learning to use the time you have more efficiently and effectively.<br /><br />Some of us, by nature, organize and get tasks out of the way before we relax, while others of us play first and work later. It is important to first recognize which type you are and whether your style is allowing you to have the life you really want. Maybe you are super-organized at work, but burned out because you don't know how to make time for yourself. Maybe you are naturally a less organized person who knows how to relax, but you are dissatisfied because you aren't fulfilling your goals and dreams.<br /><br />Rather than labeling yourself or beating yourself up, realize that time management is an area of your life that you can strengthen. Like a new muscle, it takes practice and repetition to make it stronger. To help you get started, here are some steps to streamline your days at work and at home. Try the first one or two that jump out at you:<br />· Allocate time for planning and organizing.<br />· Create to-do lists that are realistic, not intimidating. Use only one to-do list.<br />· Under-schedule your time: leave time for the unexpected and for interruptions. When you estimate how long something will take, add on 1/3 of that time.<br />· Schedule your time in a way that reduces interruptions that lower your productivity.<br />· Practice the art of intelligent neglect: eliminate trivial tasks.<br />· Prioritize what is most important and do that first.<br />· Consider your biological prime time: at what time of day do you work best? Plan to do your most important work at that time.<br />· If you say yes to everything that comes your way, learn to say NO.<br />· Ask for help and delegate.<br />· In the evening make your to-do list for the next day, so it will be out of your brain and on a piece of paper. Leave work with a clear head and a clean desk.<br />· Acknowledge yourself daily for all that you have accomplished.<br /><br />Also take a look at the two biggest hindrances to using time effectively: procrastinating and lacking purpose. We usually procrastinate when a task seems too daunting, too large, too complex, or when we feel we won't be able to handle it. When you get that "deer in the headlights" feeling, try "chunking": break the large task into smaller, manageable action steps, and start with the first one. We also often drag our heels or use our time inefficiently because we are bored, unengaged, and uninspired. The most effective people will tell you that they love what they do and are aligned with a greater purpose. When it comes to managing your time, you may need to ask the larger questions, "Am I doing what I love to do? Am I doing something meaningful to me?"<br /><br />As you strengthen your new time management muscle, keep your focus on getting organized so that you can live the life you came here for. Instead of being a chore, good time management can be your ticket to more fun, greater satisfaction, and a vibrant, exciting life.<br /><br />Food Focus: Sweet Root Vegetables <br /> The roots of any plant are its anchor and foundation; they are the essential parts that support and nourish the plant. Root vegetables lend these properties to us when we eat them, making us feel physically and mentally grounded and rooted, increasing our stability, stamina, and endurance. Roots are a rich source of nutritious complex carbohydrates, providing a steady source of necessary sugars to the body. Instead of upsetting blood sugar levels like refined sweet foods, they regulate them. Since they absorb, assimilate and supply plants with vital nutrients, roots likewise increase absorption and assimilation in our digestive tracts.<br /><br />Long roots include carrots, parsnips, burdock and daikon radish. Round roots include turnips, radishes, beets and rutabagas. Long roots like burdock and daikon are excellent blood purifiers and can help improve circulation in the body and increase mental clarity. Round roots are nourishing to the stomach, spleen, pancreas and reproductive organs and can help regulate blood sugar, moods, and alleviate cravings.<br /><br />Recipes of the Month <br />Sweet Roasted Root Vegetables<br />Prep time: 10 minutes<br />Cooking time: 25-35 minutes<br />Yield: 4-6 servings<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />1 sweet potato<br />2 parsnips<br />2 carrots<br />2 turnips or 1 large rutabaga<br />1 daikon radish (or substitute/add in your favorites, like squash or red potato)<br />olive oil<br />salt and pepper<br />herbs: rosemary, thyme or sage (fresh if possible)<br /><br />Directions:<br />1. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.<br />2. Wash and chop all vegetables into large bite-sized pieces.<br />3. Place in a large baking dish with sides.<br />4. Drizzle with olive oil; mix well to coat each vegetable lightly with oil.<br />5. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and herbs.<br />6. Bake uncovered for 25-35 minutes until vegetables are tender and golden brown, checking every 10 minutes to stir and make sure veggies are not sticking.<br />Note: Any combination of vegetables will work. Roasting only one kind of vegetable also makes a nice side dish.<br /><br /><br />Rediculously Easy Baked Squash<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />1 Squash (Butternut, Acorn, Buttercup, Spaghetti...)<br /><br />Directions:<br />Set oven to 400 degrees. Put squash on a pan and into the oven. (That's right, just put the whole darn thing right in). Set timer for 45 minutes. Go do something else. Come back when the timer rings. Eat delicious, soft, sweet, baked squash.<br /><br /><br /><br />Testimonials <br />"The first class was very inspirational, and I am doing a lot more cooking for myself. I am actually eating 'real' dinners now, about 5-7 days a week, which is a huge feat for me! If I was so inspired after one class, I know I'll be eating much healthier after two!"<br /> - Alane Benson<br /><br />"Kelly suggested herbs that help me sleep and that virtually eliminate monthly cramps, as well as a vegetable juice fast that helps regulate my digestion and my blood sugar. Kelly is not just a health counselor, she is an 'artist of being alive.' " <br /> - S. Miria Jo, Singer/Songwriter<br /><br />"Thanks to Kelly, I have satisfied both my appetite and my incessant need for energy! She taught me how to cook nutritious and delicious food, and gave me very helpful tips to sustain energy in order to cope with my busy lifestyle." <br /> - Eynat, Fashion Designer<br /><br />What LifeShine Holistic Health Counseling can do for You! <br /> - Reclaim your health and happiness.<br /> - Learn to understand cravings and how to disarm them without will-power.<br /> - Lose weight normally and naturally.<br /> - Increase your energy.<br /> - Disease-proof your body.<br /> - Discover delicious health-promoting foods.<br /> - Plan simple, quick, delicious, power-packed meals, even if your time seems limited<br /> - Create a joyful, successful lifestyle with step-by-step goal setting and support<br /> - Become part of a fabulous community of people dedicated to living well<br /> - Let your life shine!LifeShinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562834612352833553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2609834837797911923.post-86998670948497731912007-09-15T09:09:00.000-07:002008-07-13T10:46:35.419-07:00LifeShine Nourishing Newletter, September: Deconstructing CravingsHello,<br /><br />In this newsletter you will find:<br />- Upcoming Events: "Healthy on the Go", Sept. 19<br /> "Dairy and Other Obsessions", Sept. 26<br />- Article: "Deconstructing Cravings"<br />- Food Focus: Natural Sweeteners<br />- Recipe of the Month: Maple Fruit Compote with Honey-Ginger Toasted Nuts<br />- How can LifeShine Holistic Health Coaching benefit you?<br /><br /><br />Nobody can give you wiser advice than yourself.<br /> -Cicero<br /><br />Upcoming Events:<br />"Healthy on the Go", Sept. 19<br />Learn tips, tricks and recipes for eating healthy within a busy schedule.<br /><br />"Dairy and Other Obsessions", Sept. 26<br />Learn about the dangers and benefits of dairy products, how to enjoy dairy in a healthy way, and how dairy effects moods and cravings. We will also discuss briefly a few other favorite foods such as sugar, chocolate, pizza and chips - their dangers, benefits and delicious healthy versions.<br /><br />What one woman had to say about LifeShine classes:<br />"The first class was very inspirational, and I am doing a lot more cooking for myself. I am actually eating *real* dinners now, about 5-7 days a week, which is a huge feat for me! If I was so inspired after one class, I know I'll be eating much healthier after two!"<br /> - Alane Benson<br />Classes are held at Wake Up Yoga<br />7:30-9pm $20 walk-in<br />2329 Parrish Street, Philadelphia, PA<br />215-235-1228 www.wakeupyoga.com<br /><br /><br />Deconstructing Cravings<br />The body is an amazing source of intelligence. It is always there for you, pumping blood, never skipping a heartbeat, digesting whatever food you put in it, and maintaining homeostasis. Is this reliable, intelligent bio-computer making a mistake by craving ice cream or a hamburger or chocolate? Are cravings due to lack of will-power or discipline? I'd like to suggest that cravings are not a problem. They are critical pieces of information that tell you what your body needs.<br /><br />The important thing is to understand why you crave what you crave. Perhaps your diet is too restrictive or devoid of essential nutrients. Perhaps you are living a lifestyle that is too boring or stressful. Your body tries to correct the imbalance by sending you a message: a craving. A craving for something sweet could mean you need more protein, more exercise, more water, or more love in your life. The key to stopping the sugar craving is to understand and deliver what your body really needs.<br /><br />Your body knows best and is always trying to create balance. However, products like refined foods, sugar, caffeine, alcohol and drugs (which have little or no nutritional value) are confusing to the body. They throw the body off-balance and can create serious cravings as your body tries to get what it needs to restore internal harmony. The more your food is whole and healthy, the easier it is for your body to stay in balance and provide you with a happier, healthier life.<br /><br />No book or theory can tell you what to eat. Only awareness of your body and its needs can tell you. Of all the relationships in our life, the one with our body is the most essential. It takes communication, love, and time to cultivate a relationship with your body. As you learn to decipher and respond to your body's cravings, you will create a deep and lasting level of health and balance.<br /><br />The next time you have a craving, treat it as a loving message from your body instead of a weakness. Try these tips to respond to your body:<br /><br />Have a glass of water and wait ten minutes.<br />Eat a healthier version of what you crave. For example, if you crave sweets, try eating more fruit and sweet or root vegetables.<br />What is out of balance in your life? Is there something you need to express, or is something being repressed? What happened in your life just before you had this craving?<br />When you eat the food you are craving, enjoy it, taste it, savor it; notice its effect. Then you will become more aware and free to decide if you really want it next time. <br /><br /><br />Food Focus: Natural Sweeteners<br />Who among us doesn't love sweets? The sweet flavor releases serotonin in our brains, the chemical responsible for our sense of well-being and contentment. But when it comes to sweeteners, not all are created equal. There are side effects and health risks from refined sweeteners like white table sugar and high fructose corn syrup, and from artificial sweeteners like NutraSweet, saccharin and Splenda. Because they have been stripped of vitamins, minerals and fiber, refined sweeteners can spike blood sugar, which can often lead to cravings and mood and energy fluctuations. Instead, using naturally and minimally processed sweeteners can reduce cravings for sugary things, level blood sugar ups and downs, stabilize moods and have a dramatically positive effect on long-term health. <br /><br />Here are a few natural sweeteners to substitute in drinks, food and baking. Since they are all approximately 1.5 times sweeter than refined sugar, you can use less. You can find them in most supermarkets or natural food stores. When replacing sugar with liquid sweeteners in a recipe, reduce the amounts of other liquids.<br /><br />Raw Honey<br />Everyone seems to love honey, one of the oldest natural sweeteners on the market. Honey will have a different flavor depending on the plant source. Some are very dark and intensely flavored. Wherever possible, choose raw honey, as it is unrefined and contains small amounts of enzymes, minerals, and vitamins.<br /><br />Agave Nectar<br />Agave is made through the extraction and purification of the juice of the agave cactus. It does not stimulate insulin secretion as other sugars do, so it does not create a "sugar rush." It has a delightfully light and mild flavor.<br /><br />Maple Syrup<br />Maple syrup is the concentrated extract of the sap of maple trees. It adds a rich, deep flavor to foods and drinks, Make sure to look for 100% pure maple syrup, not maple-flavored corn syrup. As with all sweeteners, organic varieties are best.<br /><br />Adapted from "The Cane Mutiny," New Age Magazine, March/April 1999.<br /><br />Recipe of the Month<br />Maple Fruit Compote with Honey-Ginger Toasted Nuts<br />Prep time: 10 minutes<br />Cooking time: 20 minutes<br />Serves: 4<br /> <br />Ingredients:<br />2-3 apples<br />2-3 peaches or pears<br />2 tablespoons maple syrup<br />1/2 cup raisins<br />juice of 1 lemon<br />1 teaspoon cinnamon<br />1 cup walnuts, or nuts of your choice<br />1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced<br />2 tablespoons honey<br /><br />Directions:<br />1. Wash, core and chop fruit into slices or chunks. <br />2. Place in a large saucepan with 1/3 cup of water. Add the maple syrup and raisins. <br />3. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 10 minutes.<br />4. Add lemon juice and cinnamon. Cook for another 10 minutes, until soft.<br />5. While fruit is cooking, place chopped nuts in a skillet over medium heat and toast, stirring often for 5 minutes.<br />6. Drizzle honey over the nuts and add ginger, but keep stirring since the honey can easily burn.<br />7. Top warm fruit with toasted nuts and enjoy!<br /><br />How can LifeShine Holistic Health Coaching benefit you?<br /> - Lose weight normally and naturally<br /> - Increase your energy<br /> - Disease-proof your body<br /> - Discover the most delicious health-promoting foods<br /> - Learn to understand cravings and how to disarm them without will-power<br /> - Plan simple, quick and easy menus even if your time seems limited<br /> - Create a successful lifestyle with step-by-step goal setting and support<br /> - Reclaim your health<br /> - Be part of a community of people dedicated to living well<br /><br />Testimonials:<br />"Kelly suggested herbs that help me sleep and that virtually eliminate<br />monthly cramps, as well as a vegetable juice fast that helps regulate my<br />digestion and my blood sugar. Kelly is not just a health counselor, she is<br />an 'artist of being alive.' " - S. Miria Jo, Singer/Songwriter<br /><br />"Thanks to Kelly, I have satisfied both my appetite and my incessant need<br />for energy! She taught me how to cook nutritious and delicious food, and<br />gave me very helpful tips to sustain energy in order to cope with my busy<br />lifestyle." - Eynat, Fashion Designer<br /><br />Forward to a Friend<br />It's such a pleasure to help those closest to us become happier and healthier. Please forward this newsletter to friends, family members or colleagues who might be interested and inspired by it.LifeShinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562834612352833553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2609834837797911923.post-46514604672258257312007-07-01T14:43:00.000-07:002008-07-13T10:45:21.331-07:00LifeShine Nourishing Newsletter: July - Exciting and Raw!In this newsletter you will find:<br />- Upcoming Class Announcement<br />- Article: "Try Something New"<br />- Food Focus: Raw and Cooling Salads<br />- Recipes of the Month: Bok Choy Apple Slaw, Asian Watercress Salad<br />- How can LifeShine Holistic Health benefit you?<br /><br />Upcoming Class Announcement:<br />Vibrant Vitality –<br />Eating for Amazing Health and Vivacious Living!<br />Wednesdays, July 11 – October 3<br />7:30 - 9 pm<br /><br />Classes held at:<br />Wake Up Yoga<br />2329 Parrish Street<br />Philadelphia <br /> 215.235.1228 <br />www.WakeUpYoga.com<br /><br />Early Registration Incentive: $240<br />This cost is equal to $20/class, if enrolled by July 9.<br />A fantastic offer for a life-changing class!<br />After July 9, Tuition: $300<br />Or 3 monthly payments of $100<br />Walk-ins/pay by the class $27<br />(no class 9/5)<br />This 12 class series is an introduction to nutrition from a holistic perspective. We will discuss different food theories as well as healthy lifestyle options. Learn about macronutrients and micronutrients and their healthiest sources. Understand how food affects our moods and why we get cravings. Consider your own bio-individuality and experiment with what foods give you the greatest energy and balance. The series includes a field trip tour of a health food store – demystify the "weird" foods, detect "healthy junk-foods" and discover delicious new options. Each class will include informative handouts, delicious recipes, great tips, and fun!<br />Learn to think about food and health in a whole new way!<br /><br /> Life is an amazing adventure! Live it!<br /><br />Try Something New<br />Summer is finally in fully force, and the living is easy! Do you notice how during summertime everything seems promising? The plants are in full bloom, and the sun feels glorious on your skin. The longer days give you boundless energy, making you feel like it's possible to achieve all your desires and dreams. Why not harness this energy, ride the wave of summer and try something new?<br /><br />Throughout the year we live at an intense pace (physical, emotional and mental), and we often get stuck in routine, either for the sake of efficiency or out of fear of unfamiliar territory. The lack of variety in doing the same things over and over not only stagnates our minds, but also our bodies and hearts. Hesitant to break your routine? It is interesting to note that fear and excitement have the same physiological expression in our bodies; it is our mind that classifies the feeling as either positive or negative. So the next time you consider a change in routine and your mind says "scary!" see if you can re-frame it as "exciting!"<br /><br />What is something you have never done before, or that you have wanted to do for a long time? Choose your own adventure: organize a kayak trip, take a dance class, do some exotic traveling or set a goal for a new personal challenge. Or try something simple, like playing flashlight tag with your kids and neighbors or reading in the sunshine. Maybe it's time to discover a new vegetable dish or to visit a new town, restaurant or beach.<br /><br />Whatever adventure calls to you, use this summer to make it happen and enjoy the life you came here for. Increasing new experiences and excitement in your life can decrease your need for and dependence on artificial stimulants like caffeine and sugar, leading to more vibrant health. Watch out for massive improvements in physical well-being, mental acuity and motivation, plus a full portfolio of fun.<br /><br /><br />Food Focus:<br />Raw and Cooling Salads<br />Why is it that in the summer we naturally crave more fresh and raw foods? These foods have a cooling effect on the body. The lightness and high water, fiber and vitamin content work together to act as our internal air conditioning during these warm months. At this time of year we also need less dense, high-energy food, because we get so much energy from being outside in the fresh air and sunshine.<br /><br />There is no better season than summer to have fun creating your own fresh, tasty, creative salad combinations. By simply tossing together several of your favorite raw veggies, naked or with a light dressing, you have a perfect meal for a hot summer's day.<br /><br />Try your favorite leafy lettuce with various sliced, diced or grated veggies. The possible combinations are endless. Fresh herbs are a wonderful option to mix in, as they are packed full of flavor. Experiment with adding diverse forms of protein to your salads, such as nuts, seeds, beans, tofu, fish or poultry. Pick up a light and healthy dressing at your local health food store, or mix up something easy, like lemon juice, black pepper and olive oil.<br /><br />This is a great opportunity to try a new vegetable from your market. What are some creative flavors you've never tried before? Fennel and mint? Daikon radish and arugula? Summer squash with watercress? Whatever you choose, have fun with your food and stay cool. Happy summer!<br /><br /><br />Recipes of the Month:<br />Bok Choy Apple Slaw<br />Prep time: 7 minutes<br />Yield: 4 servings<br />Ingredients:<br />6 stalks of bok choy (about 1/2 a head), thinly sliced<br />1/2 a small red onion, thinly sliced<br />1 granny smith apple, sliced<br />1/2 cup toasted sunflower seeds<br /><br />Dressing:<br />1 teaspoon ground coriander<br />1 teaspoon dijon mustard<br />2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)<br />1/4 cup olive oil<br />2 teaspoon honey or brown rice syrup<br />salt and black pepper to taste<br /><br />Directions:<br />1. First make the dressing by combining all the ingredients and whisking well.<br />2. Chop all the salad ingredients, leaving the apples until last. Mix in a salad bowl.<br />3. Toss salad with half the dressing. Add additional dressing if so desired.<br />4. Either eat immediately or chill for up to one hour and then add the apples just before eating.<br /><br />Asian Watercress Salad<br />Prep time:<br />7 minutes Yield:<br />4 servings Ingredients:<br />1 bunch of washed watercress<br />1 cup grated carrots 1 cup of baked tofu<br />1-1/2 tablespoons of toasted sesame oil<br />2/3 tablespoon of umeboshi plum vinegar or other vinegar<br /><br />Directions:<br />1. Tear watercress into desirable size pieces.<br />2. Mix with carrots in a salad bowl.<br />3. Drizzle sesame oil and vinegar over salad and toss.<br />4. Dice tofu into bite size strips.<br />5. Serve in individual salad bowls and sprinkle tofu on top of each and serve.<br /><br />How can LifeShine Holistic Health benefit you?<br /> - Lose weight normally and naturally<br /> - Increase your energy<br /> - Disease-proof your body<br /> - Discover the most delicious health-promoting foods<br /> - Learn to understand cravings and how to disarm them without will-power<br /> - Plan simple, quick and easy menus even if your time seems limited<br /> - Create a successful lifestyle with step-by-step goal setting and support<br /> - Reclaim your health<br /> - Be part of a community of people dedicated to living with health and happiness<br /><br />Wishing you vibrant health and vivacious living!<br />Kelly<br /><br />Testimonials:<br />"Kelly suggested herbs that help me sleep and that virtually eliminate<br />monthly cramps, as well as a vegetable juice fast that helps regulate my<br />digestion and my blood sugar. Kelly is not just a health counselor, she is<br />an 'artist of being alive.' " - S. Miria Jo, Singer/Songwriter<br /><br />"Thanks to Kelly, I have satisfied both my appetite and my incessant need<br />for energy! She taught me how to cook nutritious and delicious food, and<br />gave me very helpful tips to sustain energy in order to cope with my busy<br />lifestyle." - Eynat, Fashion Designer<br /><br />Forward-to-a-Friend<br />It's such a pleasure to help those closest to us become happier and healthier.<br />Please forward this newsletter to friends, family members or colleagues who may find it interesting or inspiring!LifeShinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562834612352833553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2609834837797911923.post-44571778796575622092007-06-09T08:47:00.000-07:002008-07-13T11:08:15.632-07:00LifeShine Nourishing Newsletter: June - Snack AttackHello,<br /><br />In this newsletter you will find:<br />- Article: "Snack Attack"<br />- Food Focus: Fruit<br />- Recipe of the Month: Fruit Nut Smoothie<br />- Upcoming Events:<br /> "Beating the Sugar Blues" workshop June 27<br /> "Vibrant Vitality - Eating for Amazing Health and Vivacious Living" July 11-Oct. 3<br />- How can LifeShine Holistic Health Counseling benefit you?<br /><br /><br />The world belongs to those with the most energy.<br />-Alexis de Tocqueville<br /><br />Snack Attack<br />There's no denying that everyone, at one time or another, has had a snack attack. Views on snacking differ. Some of us feel that snacking is bad and that eating between meals leads to weight gain. Others believe that eating many small meals and snacks throughout the day is healthy for maintaining energy levels and optimal weight. If there were one way of snacking that was right for everyone, we would all be doing it!<br />To alleviate snack attack guilt, try to understand why you are snacking and what snacks work best for your body. Perhaps you snack because your daily diet is missing nutrition, or because you are eating too little at meals. You might be snacking to soothe jangled nerves when you are emotional, or to entertain yourself when you are bored. Whatever your reason, acknowledge it and start thinking about how to create a life that is nourishing and truly satisfying.<br /><br />Although snacks are no substitute for loving your life, they can be great energy boosters, mood lifters and a healthy and fun way to keep your body fully nourished, as long as you use a little common sense. So many convenient snack foods are highly processed and full of chemicals, additives, damaging fats and refined sugars. When a snack attack hits you, try foods that are filling and satisfying, but also nutritious. Snack on things that don't come in a plastic wrapper or a box, like fresh fruit, leftover vegetables or rice cakes with almond butter and fruit spread. Make your own signature trail mix, organic hot chocolate made with almond milk sweetened with agave nectar, or blue corn chips with hummus.<br /><br />You can also try "upgrading." If you are craving something crunchy, upgrade from potato chips to raw carrots, apples or whole grain crackers; if you are craving a candy bar, upgrade to a handful of nuts and dried fruit; instead of a cup of coffee, upgrade to green tea; instead of ice cream, upgrade to applesauce with cinnamon. Upgraded snacks are high in nutrition and give you a greater sense of satiety and satisfaction; you won't feel physically or psychologically deprived, and you'll have plenty of energy to sustain your activities for hours.<br /><br />Snacking is enjoyable and there are a wide variety of healthful goodies for whatever you're craving, be it sweet, crunchy, salty, creamy or spicy. Dive in, be creative and enjoy your snack attack.<br /><br />Food Focus: Fruit <br />A healthy lifestyle is the key to longevity, optimum weight, abundant energy and balance. By using fruit to satisfy our taste for sweetness, we can leave behind the use of chemical, processed and refined sweeteners. Fruits are easy to digest, are cleansing and cooling and are great for those who are overstressed and overheated from excessive mental strain or hot climates. Fruits are filled with fiber and liver stimulants, which act as natural, gentle laxatives. Whenever possible, buy fresh, locally grown fruit as opposed to imported fruits shipped from far-off places. This keeps you eating in season, and more in harmony with your environment and climate.<br /><br />Eating raw fruit in summer months is highly cooling, while baking it in the winter months neutralizes the cooling effect. Fruit in the form of juice is a great choice for cleansing the body, but be aware that juice rapidly raises blood sugar levels, leading to an energy crash soon after. Frozen, whole, pureed or juiced fruit can make great summertime cool-down treats. Try frozen grapes, banana-coconut smoothie popsicles or lime juice ice-cubes in iced tea!<br /><br />Whether you are having fresh fruit for a light early morning breakfast, a midday snack or evening treat, enjoy nature's sweetness and whenever possible buy organic. Here are a few summer fruits and their health benefits:<br /><br />Apricots : Great for lung conditions and asthma; used to help treat anemia due to their high copper and cobalt content.<br />Bananas : Help to lubricate the intestines, treat ulcers, detoxify the body, and manage sugar cravings; are rich in potassium (which helps hypertension).<br />Cherries : Slightly warming in nature; increase overall body energy, remedy arthritis and rheumatism, and are rich in iron, which improves the blood.<br />Grapefruits : Treat poor digestion, increase appetite during pregnancy, alleviate intestinal gas and reduce mucus conditions of the lungs.<br />Papayas : Tone the stomach, act as digestive aid, moisten the lungs and alleviate coughing; contain carpaine, an anti-tumor compound.<br />Raspberries : Benefit the liver and kidneys, cleanse blood of toxins, regulate menstrual cycles, treat anemia and can promote labor at childbirth.<br /><br />Recipe of the Month: Fruit Nut Smoothie<br />Prep time: 5 minutes<br />Yield: 2 servings<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />1 banana<br />1 cup soy or rice milk<br />1 cup berries<br />1 cup diced melon<br />1/2 cup almonds<br />2-4 ice cubes<br /><br />Directions:<br />1. Mix in blender for 1-2 minutes and serve.<br />Note: You can add other ingredients for added nutrition such as a spoon full of bee pollen, coconut oil, flax seed oil, spirulina powder or a scoop of protein powder.<br /><br />Upcoming Events:<br /><br /> "Beating the Sugar Blues" workshop June 27<br /> 7:30-8:30pm at Wake Up Yoga, 2329 Parrish St, Philadelphia<br /> Understand your cravings and learn how to cure them with nourishment!<br /><br /> "Vibrant Vitality - Eating for Amazing Health and Vivacious Living" July 11-Oct. 3<br /> 12 Classes, Wednesdays 7:30-8:30pm<br /> This class is and introduction to nutrition from a holistic perspective.<br /> Each class will include informative handouts, recipes, tips, and fun!<br /><br />How can LifeShine Holistic Health Counseling benefit you?<br />- Lose weight normally and naturally<br />- Increase your energy<br />- Disease-proof your body<br />- Discover the most delicious health-promoting foods<br />- Learn to understand cravings and how to disarm them without will-power<br />- Plan simple, quick and easy menus even if your time seems limited<br />- Create a successful lifestyle with step-by-step goal setting and support<br />- Reclaim your health<br />- Be part of a community of people dedicated to living well<br /><br />Testimonials:<br />"Kelly suggested herbs that help me sleep and that virtually eliminate<br />monthly cramps, as well as a vegetable juice fast that helps regulate my<br />digestion and my blood sugar. Kelly is not just a health counselor, she is<br />an 'artist of being alive.' " - S. Miria Jo, Singer/Songwriter<br /><br />"Thanks to Kelly, I have satisfied both my appetite and my incessant need<br />for energy! She taught me how to cook nutritious and delicious food, and<br />gave me very helpful tips to sustain energy in order to cope with my busy<br />lifestyle." - Eynat, Fashion Designer<br /><br /><br />Forward to a Friend<br />It's such a pleasure to help those closest to us become happier and healthier. Please forward this newsletter to friends, family members or colleagues who might be interested and inspired by it.LifeShinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562834612352833553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2609834837797911923.post-49281501975400126692007-05-04T10:45:00.000-07:002008-07-13T11:07:05.155-07:00LifeShine: Nourishing Newsletter, May: Why Weight? Diets Don't WorkIn this newsletter you will find:<br />- Article: "Why Weight? Diets Don't Work"<br />- Food Focus: Spouts<br />- Recipe of the Month: Spring Sprouting Steamer<br />- How can LifeShine Holistic Health Counseling benefit you?<br /><br />Getting my weight under control has come from a process of treating myself as well as I treat others in every way.<br /> - Oprah Winfrey<br /><br />Why Weight? Diets Don't Work<br />You can't turn on the TV, drive down the road or go to a party without being confronted with America's hottest obsession: weight. Diets are a billion-dollar industry; companies spend millions and millions luring you to try the latest diet (low carb, high protein, low fat, no fat, you name it) with promises that this will (finally!) be the solution—your shortcut to a thinner body. Advertising efforts also deeply affect our children, who develop distorted body images and are often on diets as early as 9 or 10 years of age.<br /><br />Our culture touts diet pills, celebrity workouts, convenience foods, and trendy diets to help us achieve our desired weight, but these quick fix solutions have backfired. America's populace has reached its highest weight in history. About half of Americans are overweight; one third are obese. Diets steer us away from our common sense and dip deeply into our pocketbooks while eliciting few, if any, lasting results.<br /><br />Diets don't work because each person is unique, with different needs based on gender, age, ancestry and lifestyle; how could one diet be right for everyone? Diets don't work because they are extreme solutions. As in physics, if a pendulum swings to one extreme, it has to swing equally to the other. A diet might work for a short amount of time, but research shows that almost all diets result in a 10-pound gain once off the diet. Diets don't work because they are too restrictive. People who fail on diet plans are not flawed and weak. Diets by nature require discipline and restriction at levels that are unsustainable by a healthy human body.<br /><br />Most people are disconnected from why they gain weight, and see diet as the only culprit. For example, ignoring or discounting emotions is often the first thing to cause weight imbalances. In our fast paced world, we have lost sight of many aspects of life that truly nourish and balance our bodies, such as slowing down, eating a home-cooked meal, and spending quality time with loving people. Eating consciously and making simple lifestyle changes will create positive results and release you from the endless cycle of dieting.<br /><br />B alance and a sustainable weight are your birthright. Given half a chance, your body will balance out by itself, but this is only possible by getting out of the diet mentality and listening to what you truly need. Imagine taking all of the outward energy you expend on diets, fads and gimmicks and turning it inward, so that you can listen to your heart and inner wisdom. There is no such thing as a quick fix; you already have everything you need within you. With careful thought and loving reflection, you can feed yourself wisely and purposefully and be completely nourished. Working with your body rather than against it will bring about increased energy, stabilized weight and sustainable health.<br /><br /><br />Food Focus: Sprouts<br />In the spring season, seeds flaunt their vitality and energy by sprouting. Sprouts of all varieties contain the building blocks of life in the form of vitamins, enzymes, amino acids and simple sugars. In their early growth state, sprouts are very easy to digest, allowing our bodies to access many wonderful nutrients. Recent research by the American Cancer Society has backed what holistic nutrition has known for years: that sprouts contain anti-cancer properties, high levels of active antioxidants, concentrated amounts of phytochemicals and significant amounts of vitamins A, C and D.<br /><br />In their raw form, sprouts have a cooling effect on the body, and therefore are best consumed in warm weather or by robust, warm body types. Those who tend to feel cool can try steaming spouts or adding them to warm dishes such as stir-fries and soups, to reduce the cooling effect. There is a wide variety of edible and delicious sprouts, each with a different texture and flavor: alfalfa, mung bean, lentil, radish, clover, sunflower, broccoli, garbanzo and adzuki.<br /><br />Here are some great ways to serve up sprouts:<br />· add to salads<br />· combine with other vegetables in wraps, roll-ups or stir-fries<br />· use as garnish on top of soups, stews, omelets or scrambled eggs<br />· add to rice or whole grain dishes<br />· use in sandwiches instead of lettuce.<br /><br />Spring has arrived! Eat sprouts and feel alive!<br /><br />Recipe of the Month: Spring Sprouting Steamer <br />Prep Time: 3 minutes<br />Cook Time: 5 minutes<br />Yield: 4 servings<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />1 zucchini<br />1 summer squash<br />1 package mixed crunchy sprouts (lentil, adzuki, mung, garbanzo)<br />3 tablespoons of freshly chopped tarragon<br />1 tablespoon of ghee (clarified butter) or butter<br />4 lemon wedges<br />salt to taste<br /><br />Directions:<br />1. Slice zucchini and summer squash in discs, about 1/4 inch thick. Steam with sprouts for about 5 minutes or until desired tenderness.<br />2. Toss with tarragon, ghee and salt in bowl.<br />3. Serve with lemon wedge.<br />Note: Try fresh herbs like parsley, dill, cilantro, or mint for a totally different taste.<br /><br /><br />How can LifeShine Holistic Health Counseling benefit you?<br /> - Lose weight normally and naturally<br /> - Increase your energy<br /> - Disease-proof your body<br /> - Discover the most delicious health-promoting foods<br /> - Learn to understand cravings and how to disarm them without will-power<br /> - Plan simple, quick and easy menus even if your time seems limited<br /> - Create a successful lifestyle with step-by-step goal setting and support<br /> - Reclaim your health<br /> - Be part of a community of people dedicated to living well<br /><br />Testamonials:<br />"Kelly suggested herbs that help me sleep and that virtually eliminate<br />monthly cramps, as well as a vegetable juice fast that helps regulate my<br />digestion and my blood sugar. Kelly is not just a health counselor, she is<br />an 'artist of being alive.' " - S. Miria Jo, Singer/Songwriter<br /><br />"Thanks to Kelly, I have satisfied both my appetite and my incessant need<br />for energy! She taught me how to cook nutritious and delicious food, and<br />gave me very helpful tips to sustain energy in order to cope with my busy<br />lifestyle." - Eynat, Fashion Designer<br /><br />Forward to a Friend<br />It's such a pleasure to help those closest to us become happier and healthier. Please forward this newsletter to friends, family members or colleagues who might be interested and inspired by it.LifeShinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562834612352833553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2609834837797911923.post-67908823732524575322007-04-06T14:37:00.000-07:002008-07-13T10:39:24.385-07:00LifeShine Nourishing Newsletter: Spring CleaningHello, Happy Spring!<br /><br />In this newsletter you will find:<br />- Article: "Spring Cleaning"<br />- Food Focus: Greens<br />- Recipe of the Month: Shiitake and Kale<br />- How can LifeShine Holistic Health Counseling benefit you?<br /><br /><br />Spring Cleaning<br /><br />People like "stuff." We tend to hold onto it year after year. We save and stock up on things that we don't know what to do with anymore. Maybe we keep things because they hold precious memories of days gone by, or they remind us of our parents, grandparents, past loves or childhood. To part with these precious possessions seems out of the question. There is a saying that goes, "You have to get rid of the old to make way for the new." If you are feeling stuck or stagnant in your life, try spring-cleaning. Throw out some of that stuff, say goodbye to your past, and welcome the new energy of your happy, healthy future.<br /><br />For good mental and physical health, we actually have two "houses" that need to be spring-cleaned: our physical homes and our physical bodies. Just as we accumulate "stuff" in the form of outgrown clothes, magazines, rusty bicycles, tools and random keepsakes, so do our bodies accumulate old food residues and toxins that need to be cleaned out.<br /><br />To spring clean your body, give it a break from rich and complicated foods by either cleansing or fasting for a short period of time. Cleansing means paring down your food to just simple fruits and vegetables, lots of water and perhaps whole grains. Fasting means limiting most foods and drinking lots of water, fresh vegetable and fruit juices, teas and soups. Without much energy going towards digestion, more energy is available to the rest of your body and mind. Cleansing and fasting can sharpen your concentration, help you gain insight and promote spiritual awareness. It can also bring improved immune function and better digestion.<br /><br />While you're cleaning out your body and home, don't forget to spring-clean your heart. Throw away negative thoughts and habits you've been harboring that no longer serve you. A clean, open heart will allow you to receive all the good that awaits you each and every day. If your heart and mind are cluttered, there is no room for life's gifts and surprises to enter.<br /><br /><br />" Our past is a story existing only in our minds. Look, analyze, understand, and forgive. Then as quickly as possible, chuck it." <br /> - Marianne Williamson<br /><br /><br />Food Focus: Greens<br /><br />Leafy greens are some of the easiest and most beneficial vegetables to incorporate into your daily routine. Densely packed with energy and nutrients, they grow upwards to the sky, absorbing the sun's light while producing oxygen. Members of this royal green family include kale, collard greens, swiss chard, mustard greens, arugula, dandelion greens, broccoli rabe, watercress, beet greens, bok choy, napa cabbage, green cabbage, spinach and broccoli.<br /><br />How do greens benefit our bodies? They are very high in calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous and zinc, and are a powerhouse for vitamins A, C, E and K. They are crammed full of fiber, folic acid, chlorophyll, and many other micronutrients and phytochemicals. Their color is associated with spring, which is a time of renewal and refreshing, vital energy. In traditional Asian medicine, the color green is related to the liver, emotional stability and creativity. Greens aid in purifying the blood, strengthening the immune system, improving liver, gall bladder and kidney function, fighting depression, clearing congestion, improving circulation and keeping your skin clear and blemish free.<br /><br />Leafy greens are the vegetables most missing from the American diet, and many of us never learned how to prepare them. Start with the very simple recipe below. Then each time you go to the market, pick up a new green to try. Soon you'll find your favorite greens and wonder how you ever lived without them.<br /><br /><br />Recipe of the Month: Shiitake and Kale<br /><br />Prep Time: 2 minutes<br />Cooking Time: 10 minutes<br />Yield: 4 servings<br /><br />Ingredients :<br />1/2 pound of shiitake mushrooms<br />1 tablespoons of olive oil<br />1-2 cloves of crushed garlic<br />1 bunch of kale, chopped<br />pinch of salt<br /><br />Directions :<br />1. Warm oil in pan on medium heat with minced garlic until aromas of garlic are released, about 2-3 minutes.<br />2. Add chopped shiitake mushrooms, stir-fry for 5 minutes.<br />3. Add chopped kale, stir-fry for a couple of minutes.<br />4. Add a splash of water and pinch of salt to pan, cover and let steam for 4 minutes.<br /><br /><br />How can LifeShine Holistic Health Counseling benefit you?<br />Lose weight normally and naturally<br />Increase your energy<br />Disease-proof your body<br />Discover the most delicious health-promoting foods<br />Learn to understand cravings and how to disarm them without will-power<br />Plan simple, quick and easy menus even if your time seems limited<br />Create a successful lifestyle with step-by-step goal setting and support<br />Reclaim your health<br />Be part of a community of people dedicated to living well<br /><br />Testimonials:<br />"Kelly suggested herbs that help me sleep and that virtually eliminate monthly cramps, as well as a vegetable juice fast that helps regulate my digestion and my blood sugar. Kelly is not just a health counselor, she is an 'artist of being alive.' " - S. Miria Jo, Singer/Songwriter<br /><br />"Thanks to Kelly, I have satisfied both my appetite and my incessant need for energy! She taught me how to cook nutritious and delicious food, and gave me very helpful tips to sustain energy in order to cope with my busy lifestyle. " - Eynat, Fashion Designer<br /><br />Forward to a Friend<br />It's such a pleasure to help those closest to us become happier and healthier. Please forward this newsletter to friends, family members or colleagues who might be interested and inspired by it.LifeShinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562834612352833553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2609834837797911923.post-20925412317008388832007-03-01T12:10:00.000-08:002008-07-13T10:38:08.238-07:00Hello Everyone!Hello Everyone!<br /><br />Spring is on it way! Soon the daffodils will be greeting you cheerfully as you head to work each morning.<br />I have a recipe and an article to share with you today.<br /><br />Recipe:<br />Here is a super quick delicious recipe, great for cleansing after all that heavy winter food:<br /><br />half a head of bok choy<br />half a bunch of arugula<br />olive oil<br />hot pepper flakes<br /><br />Wash bok choy and arugula. Chop bok choy.<br />Heat the oil, sprinkle a dash or two of hot pepper flakes, sizzle a few seconds till you can smell the pepper.<br />Add bok choy, cover, cook 1 min. Add arugula, toss, cover and cook 1 more min. till bok choy is soft but not mush.<br />Eat! (serves 2)<br /><br />This is a delicious side to any meal or make a big batch and serve over brown rice.<br />Tastes like the best Chinese take-out you've ever had!<br /><br />Bok choy is high in Vit. A and C with satisfying crunch.<br />Arugula is one of the most nutritious leafy greens with a unique, addicting fresh peppery flavor.<br /><br />Article:<br />Here is a link to a short interesting story about Frito Lay and their attempt at a new "health food" line.<br />http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/02/28/FDGKBO9K081.DTL<br /><br />Wishing you a happy healthy day!<br />Peace,<br />KellyLifeShinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562834612352833553noreply@blogger.com0