Tune In --
Health Talk with Gina Renee
 Tune in every Thursday at 4:05 pm for Health Talk with Gina Renee, where I uncover the truth about how to get healthy and stay healthy -- Real life topics that really matter, so you can take charge of your health, your well being and the quality of your life.
Thursdays, 4:05
AM 1240 KNRY
or
listen online
Click here to
|
 by Gina Renee, L.Ac.
The information in this book gives us a start on the education we need to make informed choices on ways to bring more wellness into our lives and to reclaim our natural state of health present within each and every one of us. Because we have a right to decide what happens to our bodies. Because we have a right to have access to education that can help us make important decisions regarding our health. Order your copy today.
Makes a terrific holiday gift for the women you love!! |
|
Green Beans with Mushrooms Amandine
Recipe inspired by Jennifer Cornbleet
Serves: 8
Marinade 3 tablespoons lemon juice 6 tablespoons olive oil 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 tablespoon onion, minced 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard 1/2 teaspoon Celtic salt 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
4 cups green beans, French cut 2 cups mushrooms, wiped, sliced thin 1 cup almonds, sliced thin
1. Combine ingredients for marinade and pour over beans, mushrooms and almonds. Toss well. 2. Allow it to marinade for 2 hours in a warm dehydrator, or overnight. 3. Serve room-temp or slightly warmed.
|
Pecan Spice Delight Cookies

- 1 1/2 cups pecans (soaked and dehydrated if possible) - 1/2 cup unsweetened, shredded dried coconut - 1 tablespoon raw honey
- pinch Himalayan crystal salt - 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup raisins - 10 dates, pitted
Process all of the ingredients, except for the raisins and dates, in a food processor, fitted with the "S" blade, until coarsely ground. Add the raisins and dates and continue processing until the mixture begins to stick together when pressed between your fingers. Roll and form into desired shapes and sizes. All raw! No baking required! How's that for a stress-free treat?
Source: Kristen's Raw
|
|
Makes 3 cups
Blend well: 3 ripe persimmons 3 cups spinach 1 cup water
Enjoy with a spoon! | |
Seasons Greetings this First Day of Winter!
The winter season and all the holiday celebrations are upon us!!
My wish is that this finds you well and happy. Here's some "food for thought" this season. Enjoy -- and remember to schedule a visit with me to help you to remain peaceful, centered and balanced this time of year. I'm here to you on your journey toward greater wellness this season and all year long. ~ Gina
|
|
Survive the Holiday Eating Frenzy!
I know, I know. Someone brought in Sees Chocolate and you just couldn't resist. Starbuck's has that Eggnog Latte you love - no, wait! Gingerbread Latte with whipped cream and nutmeg!! Your kids want to make those holiday sugar cookies with the little red and green sprinkles that have been a family tradition for generations. Holiday parties flowing with Asti Spumanti and well-meaning neighbors handing you fruitcake and holiday nut breads. So, what are you to do??!!
Don't worry. I wouldn't even think of suggesting that you "diet" this time of year. Here's some practical tips to help you eat your way through the holidays, avoid going into sugar shock and still maintain your well being.
1. ADD to your diet instead of denying yourself! YES!! ADD lots of veggies and salads and nourishing foods - when your body is nourished, you will be less tempted to crave and indulge in extras. Eat extra servings of veggies with your meals or a big salad at lunch time - and focus on eating MORE when it comes to veggies and nourishing foods, even putting extra lettuce, tomato and sprouts on your sandwich counts!
2. When it comes to your big holiday meal, enjoy yourself, because you can't get fat in one day. Who's kidding who? Denying yourself at the holidays is bound to bring on the Mother of All Binges. You'll be eating your head off for a week. So enjoy yourself, eat what you want, and you'll most likely be happy to go back to healthy eating the next day. You won't even want to look at another piece of pie or holiday cookie -- unless it's staring you in the face. That's the catch. If you can see it, smell it, reach it, you're in trouble -- because you want it. If it's out of sight, however, you're more likely to be happy to go back to your regular eating pattern. You're satisfied. You really don't want another cookie. So keep those tempting comfort foods OUT of the house -- and if you're eating at grandma's house or someplace outside the home, politely refuse the inevitable offers to take stuff home. If you're eating at home, get rid of the festive fare -- talk your guests into taking leftovers home and put the really bad stuff down the disposal. Just close your eyes and do it!!! At the very least put everything away, get it out of sight. Freezing is usually a good option for food you can't bring yourself to throw away. So eat up. Enjoy yourself. But don't keep stuffing your face. Go back to healthy eating and exercising the very next day.
3. Be physically active every day. Physical activity, especially aerobic activities like walking, bicycling, gardening and dancing can help relieve stress, regulate your appetite and keep your metabolism burning.
4. Drink half of your weight in ounces of pure water each day. Water will curb your appetite. When your body is dehydrated, you may feel like eating when really what your body needs is water.
5. Enjoy tea time. Drinking a cup of organic green tea with meals may increase your calorie burning by up to 4%! I'll take that! Studies show that green tea may also help enhance your body's ability to burn fat.
6. Enjoy your meal twice as much. When eating out, order a salad and share an entrée with a friend! If you are dining alone, ask the waitperson to wrap half of your meal BEFORE it comes to the table and save it to enjoy later.
7. Offer to bring food to the holiday party, such as a tray of fresh vegetables with a healthy humus dip or a beautiful platter of fruit in season, so you know that there will be something healthy to eat once you get there.
8. Eat a healthy light meal or snack BEFORE you go out. This way, you will not be hungry and will be more likely to make healthier choices. Try a healthy raw soup, salad, smoothie, or a bit of salmon and broccoli, for example. When you are at the party, choose your indulgences wisely and then walk away from the buffet table! Enjoy the socializing instead!
9. Enjoy a soothing cup of tea or even hot apple cider instead of an empty-calorie alcoholic drink, rich dessert or candy. Sip it slowly and really taste the sweetness.
The key to surviving the holidays is to savor and enjoy all your favorite foods, rather than stuffing yourself mindlessly -- and immerse yourself in the merriment of the season. Here's to a happy and healthy holiday! |
| Wrap Green this Holiday
Did you know that Americans spend an estimated $2.7 billion annually on ribbons, paper, and bows, and almost all of those goods end up in the dumpster?! That's purely wasteful. With the holidays here upon us, let's help save our precious earth, by taking a look at gift wrapping...
This year, try re-purposing stuff. Eco-stylist Dany Seo, author or the new book, Simply Green Giving, writes, "It's amazing what you can find at Goodwill. Vintage fabrics, wallpaper, and sweaters all make great wrapping - just look for rich textures." Sometimes the wrap will serve as part of the gift, as in the case of a belt or scarf used as a bow.
Here are some more ideas that you can use for wrapping: Magazines, newsprint, comics, and so on make cool gift wrap. Get creative and find ads that "speak" to the person you're giving the gift to; this makes it extra special, fun and personal. You can also reuse gift wrap from previous years or use brown paper bags you get from the grocery store.
If anyone looks at you funny, just say, "I'm doing the Green thing." People not only get it, they usually appreciate it, or comment on how they might consider doing it themselves.
And remember, you can also visit Greenspace in Santa Cruz for all your eco-friendly needs. |
|
Boost Your Energy with Acupuncture this Winter!
If you feel tired and drained, you If If you feel tired and drained this season, you are not alone. "Lack of energy" is one of the top five complaints that doctors hear in their offices. According to Oriental medicine, the cold months of winter are the perfect time to recharge your battery and generate vital energy - Qi - in order to live, look, and feel your best. The ancient Chinese believed that human beings should live in harmony with the natural cycles of their environment. The cold and darkness of winter urges us to slow down. This is the time of year to reflect on health, replenish energy and conserve strength. Winter is ruled by the Water element, which is associated with the Kidneys, Bladder and Adrenal Glands. The Kidneys are considered the source of all energy or "Qi" within the body. They store all of the reserve Qi in the body so that it can be used in times of stress and change, or to heal, prevent illness, and age gracefully. During the winter months it is important to nurture and nourish our Kidney Qi. It is the time where this energy can be most easily depleted. Our bodies are instinctively expressing the fundamental principles of winter - rest, reflection, conservation and storage. The Nei Ching, an ancient Chinese classic, advises people to go to sleep early and rise late, after the sun's rays have warmed the atmosphere a bit. This preserves your energy for the task of warming in the face of cold. Eating warm hearty soups, miso, green and herbal teas, and raw nuts can help to warm the body's core and to keep us nourished. Be sure to balance this with plenty of raw leafy greens, which are key to nourish our kidney Qi, and provide essential enzymes, minerals and super-nutrients. Sleep early, rest well, stay warm, and expend a minimum quantity of energy. Here are some dietary suggestions that can lead to an increase in vitality and radiant health. Water - The Kidneys are associated with the Water element. Drink ample water, at room temperature, throughout the day. Kidney Shaped Foods - Black beans and kidney beans are excellent examples of kidney shaped foods that nourish and benefit Kidney Qi. Blue and Black Foods - The colors blue and black correspond to the Water element of the Kidneys and are thought to strengthen the Water element. Include blueberries, blackberries, figs, eggplant, black beans and mulberry and in your diet. Seeds - Flax, pumpkin, chia, hemp, sunflower and black sesame seeds relate to fertility and growth which is governed by Kidney Qi. Nuts - Raw walnuts and chestnuts have been found to be especially effective for increasing Kidney Qi. Vegetables - Dark, leafy green vegetables are the best choice for Kidney Qi. Other Kidney Qi boosting veggies include asparagus, cucumbers and celery.
Seasonal acupuncture treatments in winter serve to nurture and nourish kidney Qi which can greatly enhance the body's ability to thrive in times of stress, aid in healing, prevent illness and increase vitality. Call now for more information or to schedule your seasonal tune-up! (831) 886-5750
Here's what some of my patients are saying... |
'Tis the Season for Giving
...and receiving! In the spirit of love and appreciation, I am happy to offer you a way to give the gift of health this season... instead of purchasing gifts which collect dust or add to the clutter of life, show yourself and your loved ones how much you care by investing in wellness care. What could be more important or valuable? Treat yourself or someone you love to the gift of wellness through acupuncture and holistic nutritional guidance. If you or someone you love is suffering from pain, stress, anxiety, digestive issues, infertility, weight gain, depression, allergies, or even acne, give the gift of wellness by taking advantage of these special offers:
One 60 minute Visit:
$75
Package of Three 60 minute visits:
Save $30
Special $195
Package of Five 60 minute visits:
Save $45
Special $330
BEST VALUE -- Package of 10 visits:
Save $100!
Special $650
($995 for Ten 90-minute sessions)
Enjoy these offers in time for the holidays....why fight the crowds at the mall and all that stress??!! Give and receive the gift of health .... and may you be well in all aspects of your being, now and in the year to come. | |
|