|
|
|
| Join our list |
 |
 |
|
Leda is the founder of Simply Leda. She is a Board Certified Holistic Health Counselor accredited by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP). She received her training from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in NYC and also holds a Certificate in Integrative Nutrition from Columbia University. She has studied all the different dietary theories from the top in their fields as well as both eastern and western nutritional philosophies. Leda also holds a BA in Journalism from NYU and a BA in French Studies from NYU, Paris.
Please see website for my services and more on my personal philosophy toward balanced healthy living.
www.simplyleda.com |
| Affirmation of the Month |
I am one
with all that is
and our essence is love.
|
| Soul Work
February Reading
by Anna Celestino |
|
Houston, we have separation!
Do you have some sort of spiritual practice you do every day? If so, you have provided yourself with consistency in a time when things are rapidly disintegrating. Your spiritual practice is the one place that will be there for you day after day. It may be 5 minutes of meditation. Done consistently it provides a point of orientation in these dizzying times.
Yesterday, I was thinking about some areas in my life that are challenging. I caught myself thinking, "It feels like I'm going under for the third time." That made me stop and ask myself, "What's really going under? It's not me." I began to separate out the parts of my life that are not working and recognize that my emotional state is not bound to the circumstances I am dealing with.
Clearly in these days, there are challenges. Topping the list for many is probably money. As we've talked about so many times before, there are aspects of our society that are passing away. Our economic system of "me first" is one of them. Imagine what it would take to unhinge that thinking. Now look around. It's happening - but we're not there yet.
As I thought about separating "me" from my circumstances, I got the image of a space launch when the power thrusters disengage, falling back to earth and the space ship is thrust into space. Hold that thought because this is what's happening. WE ARE SEPARATING FROM OUR CIRCUMSTANCES SO OUR CIRCUMSTANCES CAN CHANGE.
Another way of speaking of our "circumstances" is our "lifestyle." What do you want in your life - really? Quantum physics tells us that in any moment, there are unlimited possibilities. Now is the time for us to begin to draw from the ethers the possibilities we would like to manifest. They may not come into form just yet. The "earth" cannot receive all of them. But they will. It's like choosing which rail you want the train to run on. We can remain on the one we're on or switch to another. Dream. Imagine the possibilities.
This month is all about SEPARATION, letting go of the parts of your life that no longer work or you no longer want. It may not even require physical action. Just release them in your heart and mind. Let them go. Ask yourself why you needed them and how your life will be different without them. What are the risks of changing? What are the opportunities? Even if the way is unclear before you, take the leap. Let go.
There is a peace available this month the source of which is knowing that all is well. A larger cycle is in motion and we are held within it. Our work is simply to read the signs and move with the tide. Acknowledge your fear and recognize that it abides in what is passing away. Bless it. The act of blessing causes you to become separate from that which you are blessing. An easy way to detach from what is changing. |
| Where to find me |
|
You can now
find me on Facebook and Linked-In!!
I am starting a group entitled Simply Leda.
Come join and let's create an open forum for discussion on how to keep ourselves in balance beginning with good nutrition.
See you there...!!
|
| Simply Leda Blog
WRITE IN!! |
I would love to hear from you!
Comments, questions and thoughts are all welcome.
All the articles are posted.
Click above on the link in the heading to go straight to the Simply Leda blog and be heard.
| |
|
To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.
- David Viscott
Dear Friends,
February has long been known as the month for the celebration of love; love of a spouse, child, other family member, dear friend, co-worker, neighbor and the list goes on. But love should truly be celebrated every day, every minute - for it truly surrounds us constantly whether we recognize it or not, it is our life force. Where and what is the source of our life force? Our love? Read on in The Essence of Being One.
This month Anna talks to us about "separation" and letting go of that which no longer represents Who We Are.
Anna Francesca Celestino is an intuitive healer, life coach and author of the book "Igniting Change: From where you are...to where you want to be. Her insights are uncanny and healings restorative. Her newsletters offer a monthly energy reading which I believe will assist you in getting through these trying times. For a private session or to read Anna's newsletter please log on to www.annacelestino.com to contact her.
Some of you are already falling back on your New Year's resolutions finding it hard to get back on track due to your time constraints. Time Management offers some tips to get you back on your way.
Our food focus this month is a favorite treat consumed year round and had been long associated with love and other feel good moments due to it's serotonin properties. Cacao. Since I am asked much about this quintessential bean and it's uses, I have written an extra long informational piece to help clarify all your questions regarding it's many forms and nutritional properties.
Don't forget, you can now find me on Facebook and Linked-In!! I have started a group entitled Simply Leda, come join and let's create an open forum for discussion on how to keep ourselves in balance beginning with good nutrition.
And finally, all of the articles and recipes will be posted on the Simply Leda blog www.simplyleda/blog for comments and discussion. Jot me a note and tell me what you think. I look forward to hearing from you.
Happy Feel Good Month!!
Leda
|
| Time Management |
|
The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.
-Mark Twain
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.
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.
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:
- Allocate time for planning and organizing.
- Create to-do lists that are realistic, not intimidating. Use only one to-do list.
- 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.
- Schedule your time in a way that reduces interruptions that lower your productivity.
- Practice the art of intelligent neglect: eliminate trivial tasks.
- Prioritize what is most important and do that first.
- Consider your biological prime time: at what time of day do you work best? Plan to do your most important work at that time.
- If you say yes to everything that comes your way, learn to say NO.
- Ask for help and delegate.
- 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.
- Acknowledge yourself daily for all that you have accomplished.
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?"
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. |
| Food Focus: Cacao |
|
Cacao, a small and handsome evergreen tree is native to South America. It grows very close to the equator in an area sometimes referred to as the "Cacao Belt." Today, though, cacao trees are cultivated in many countries. There are four major types of cacao trees and the cacao bean flavor depends on where it is grown. Cacao was named Theobroma by Linnaeus, the word meaning "food of the gods," so called for the goodness of its seeds. When the cacao fruits/pods are ripe they are cut open and the beans, surrounded by their sweetish acid pulp are transferred to ferment. The fermentation process provides the chocolate flavor - the longer the process the stronger the flavor. Afterwards the beans are then sun-dried or steam dried in a shed. The beans are then polished and packed for domestic consumption or for export to cocoa and chocolate manufacturers.
Before making cocoa or chocolate the beans are roasted to develop the final chocolate flavor. The shells are then removed and the beans are ready for making chocolate paste, cocoa, cocoa butter and chocolate.
The beans are then ground and heated making cocoa liquor (this hardens to unsweetened chocolate). When pressure is added to the liquor the fat separates creating cocoa butter. As the grinding process continues cocoa powder as well as the many variations of chocolate are then created; such as milk chocolate, white chocolate, semisweet chocolate and bittersweet chocolate, in some cases using additional ingredients.
Sometimes the cocoa powder is made alkaline by a treatment with potassium carbonate; this is called dutched cocoa and lends a darker color and a stronger flavor. American recipes usually call for natural unsweetened cocoa powder, which has a higher acidity.
There have been many studies linking the cocoa bean with health benefits. They contain large amounts of polyphenols with antioxidant properties called flavinoids. These flavinoids reduce the blood's ability to clot thus reduces the risk of stroke and heart attacks. The darker chocolate with the most concentrated cocoa will be the most beneficial. Cocoa beans are approximately 50% fat and contain very small amounts of caffeine. They also contain phenylethylamine; an antidepressant similar to the body's own dopamine and adrenaline. Cocoa and chocolate can increase the level of serotonin in the brain causing us to feel good. Cocoa beans are rich in a number of essential vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, C, E and pantothetic acid, minerals include; magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, potassium, manganese and sulfur.
Because of the chemicals and sensory properties of chocolate many people find them psychologically addictive, although it is not physically addictive. What is true is that cacao; especially eaten raw can increase your focus and alertness and contains nutrients to keep you happy. As a note, statistics show that the average American consumes nearly 11 pounds of chocolate per year. Keep it dark and in small portions and you'll reap the benefits without all the added fats.
References: Cacaoweb.com, botanical.com, rawcacao.com |
| The Essence of Being One
by Leda Anagnostopoulos |
|
All you need is love...
As I sat down to write this month's article I realized I felt less than inspired...nothing came...at all. This was rather unusual so I walked away from my laptop and waited. A few days later a wonderful teacher and mentor of mine posed a question. I found I could not answer right away and wanted to just sit with it. A day or two later after that a very clear and rather profound answer surfaced. As I wrote, never, mind you, with the intention of publishing it - after all this was my own journey stuff, but yet, here it was - I felt a sudden urge to put it out there - to share it with you. So here it is...and to whomever this is meant to touch, bless you.
What if you really believed that you and God are one? What would that mean?
It means that I am not separate that I am truly never alone and therefore have nothing ever to fear. It is "knowing" that there isn't anything I must "do" to be perfect, I already am. I have merely forgotten becoming lost in the illusion. It means I realized that even in this imperfect world we currently live in, even in these perceived imperfect circumstances that I am in...it really is perfect. It is perfect in regards to the plan that my soul embarked upon before entering the earth plane; living a specific human existence which creates the "perfect" circumstances for the evolution of my soul. This is why we are ultimately here. What I need to remember is to always look at my circumstances from this knowing and this knowing breeds acceptance of what is - even if I don't like it. God has said that when we fight so desperately against certain circumstances and the universe still keeps us there...there is something "big" to remember and/or learn about oneself.
It also means that I am one with everything around me. I have felt this many a times, especially when I am in nature, which is why I crave it so much; when I save my leftover bread; making it crumbs and feeding it to the seagulls, when I re-pot a dying plant giving water and nutrient dense soil and placing it in the light, when I bring a cumbersome plant indoors to save it from the cold winter and it takes up half my room, when the singing of the birds awaken me, when I smile at a stranger on the street and say good morning, when I give a homeless man money for food, when I pet my neighbor's dog, when I accommodate my friends and help them out with their kids and mostly when I embrace and let go of all of the "supposed" hurts inflicted upon me by those I've been in conflict with (I'm still working on this last one).
It means great self-love, internal freedom, internal bliss, endless joy, no matter where or what. It means knowing Who I AM and once believing it; being able to maintain a certain emotional detachment from my circumstances knowing they are there to show me, to help me remember Who I Am without defining Who I Am. In every moment, I choose Who I Am by what I say, do, think - the pain and suffering comes in when these three things are not in alignment with our spiritual beings but rather with the illusion. Being one with God means knowing all this and creating from this knowing my next human steps - Who do they serve, God and myself or the illusion and ego?
"Surrendering" is not giving up on something or someone but rather owning all parts of ourselves; good and bad. I am realizing that even in my own imperfections, I am still perfect in the eyes of God...a relief I cannot begin to explain. It's ok to be imperfect, if God loves and embraces me as I am in this illusion, then so can I - for if we are truly one, then I also can embrace and love myself as I am. | |
|
| Recipe of the Month |
|
Eating Well has found a wonderful balance between healthy and sweet. This cake reminds me of the greek walnut torte with the added touch of chocolate.
Scrumptious!!
Chocolate Walnut Cake
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients:
8 eggs, room temperature
1 cup sugar, divided
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1- 1/2 cups toasted ground walnuts
2 tspn vanilla extract
6 tbs all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder, sifted
1/2 tspn salt
1/4 tspn ground cinnamon
3/4 cup orange marmalade
1 tspn confectioner's sugar
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly oil and flour a 9-inch springform pan, tapping out any excess flour.
Crack 2 eggs into a large bowl. Separate 2 more eggs, placing the whites in a second large bowl and adding the yolks to the bowl with the whole eggs. Separate the remaining 4 eggs, adding the whites to the other whites (reserve the 4 yolks for another use.) You should have 6 whites in one bowl, 2 whole eggs plus 2 yolks in the other bowl.
Beat the egg whites with an electric mixer at high speed until foamy. Add 1/3 cup granulated sugar and continue beating until soft peaks form. Set aside.
Clean and dry the beaters. Add brown sugar and the remaining 2/3 cup granulated sugar to the eggs and yolks and beat with the mixer at medium speed until thick and light in color, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula; beat in the toasted ground nuts and vanilla until combined. Beat in flour, cocoa powder, salt and cinnamon just until combined, scraping down the sides as needed. Fold in 1 cup of the beaten whites with a rubber spatula until smooth, then fold in the remaining whites with very gentle arcs, just until incorporated (some white streaks may still be visible). Gently pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Place the pan in the oven and reduce heat to 325 degrees F. Bake the cake until set, puffed and spongy but nonetheless firm, 40 to 45 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely, about 2 hours. As it cools, the cake will shrink away from the sides of the pan.
Remove the pan's side. Release the cake from the pan's bottom using a long, thin, metal spatula and carefully transfer it to a serving plate. Slice the cake horizontally into two layers with a long, thin knife. Gently lift off the top. Spread the marmalade (or jam) over the bottom layer and replace the top. Do not press down. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar just before serving. |
| Kids Recipe of the Month |
|
|
A great treat for kids encompassing fruit and yogurt and yummy chocolate! (Recipe from Eating Well) The kids will love it!
 Roasted Bananas with Chocolate Yogurt Cream
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Yields: 4 servings
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups low-fat vanilla yogurt
4 bananas, cut in half crosswise then lengthwise
3 tbs dark brown sugar
1/2 tspn ground cinnamon
1 tbs lemon juice
1 tbs cold butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup whipping cream
2 tbs unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tbs confectioners' sugar
Directions:
Line a sieve or colander with cheesecloth and set over a bowl, leaving at least 1/2 inch clearance from the bottom. Spoon in yogurt. Cover with plastic wrap and let drain in the refrigerator for at least 1 1/2 hours.
About 20 minutes before serving, position rack in top third of oven; preheat to 425°F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
Place bananas, cut sides up, on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice. Dot with butter. Roast in the oven for 5 minutes. Turn on the broiler; broil until the bananas are golden and the sugar is bubbly, about 2 minutes.
Meanwhile, beat cream, cocoa and confectioners' sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer, scraping down the sides of the bowl once or twice, until soft peaks form. Push the cream to one side; add the drained yogurt and fold into the cream with a rubber spatula until blended. Drizzle the roasted bananas with any juices accumulated in the pan and serve with a dollop of the chocolate cream. |
Simply Leda is a philosophy of nourishment that embodies your whole self thus enabling you to find balance and come home to your essence. For more information of my services, please log on to www.simplyleda.com.
Eat well and be happy and healthy.
Leda Anagnostopoulos
|
|
|
