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Relaxation and Exercise
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August 2008 |
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Fresh From The Farm:
This week I received the following produce from my CSA (community supported agriculture)on Long Island.
*Peaches
*Apricots
*Sugar Plums
*Corn
*Kale
*Mesclun Lettuce
*Cucumbers
*New Potatoes
*Spinach
*Basil
*Garlic
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 Greetings!
I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July. With summer underway and the celebration of our country's freedom, take a moment to think about the freedom in your life. Are you doing what you want to be doing with your life? Is anything holding you back and preventing you from living life freely, like your job or a particular relationship?
My grandfather always said "Life is not a dress rehearsal." I love this idea. Take on your dreams. Don't wait for next month or when you lose 20 pounds or for the kids to be older, start now. I encourage you to check in with where you are and where you want to be. Take some time to do a visualization exercise and ask yourself these questions: Where do you want to be a month from now? In six months? Next year? In 10 years? Start making these "dreams" reality.
Be Well,
Liz |
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Interested in Holistic Health Counseling?
Contact me today for a free initial phone consultation and get started on your path to vibrant health! In this 45-minute conversation we will discuss your health history, your diet and your health goals and concerns. During this comprehensive evaluation we will work together to identify a program that will get you the best results and come away with a better understanding of how I can help! Still feeling uncertain if this for you? Don't worry! Most people don't know how holistic nutritional counseling could benefit them. Here are some FAQ's
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Relaxation and Exercise
 Summer is often a time for serious play, time off and deep relaxation. Many of us use the summertime to rebuild our reserves for the rest of the busy year. In our work-crazed society we can lose sight of the benefits of slowing down and taking time to rest. Now that summer is in full swing, it's time to enjoy the restorative powers of reconnecting to your body through movement and relaxation.
Summer is a unique time of year when we can do both our relaxation and our movement out in nature. Take a nap in a hammock and enjoy the smell of freshly cut grass. Go to the park and meditate or read under a favorite tree. One of the greatest places to rest in the summertime is by the water. There is something magical and restorative in water, and we naturally crave to be near it, by it or in it. Heading to the water, whether it is the beach, a lake or a pool, can be relaxing and rejuvenating.
Just as much as the body loves to relax, the body loves to move. Even though our body is healthiest when it is getting appropriate physical activity, we often feel dread and boredom when we hear the word "exercise." Think for a moment of what type of movement you would consider fun as opposed to torturous. Perhaps you hate the idea of a gym, but miss taking dance classes. Maybe you secretly want to try yoga or rollerblading. You could play touch football with your kids, walk with a neighbor in the mornings or go for a swim. The summer offers so many choices - it's simply up to you to choose which style of movement excites you. Your heart will thank you, your soul will be gratified, your limbs will be more fluid and you'll sleep better at night.
Whether you are relaxing, exercising or both, notice that being outside in nature has a profound way of quieting the mind and reconnecting us to ourselves. Often this relaxation and peace of mind are what our bodies crave the most. So while summer is with us, strap on your sandals and enjoy to the fullest the rich elements of sun, wind and water and the nourishment that they bring.
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Food Focus: Kale
Also known as the "King of Calcium" Kale is one of the healthiest foods you can eat. One cup contains your daily requirements of Vitamin A and C, providing powerful antioxidants and helping to fight free radicals in the body. The high calcium content provides a great alternative for those who do not consume dairy products. Kale is also high in fiber, folic acid, manganese and potassium. On top of that its high alkaline property makes it a great detoxifier for the body.
The best way to cook Kale is to quick steam so that the greens aren't too chewy yet retain a bright green color (about 4-5 minutes). Once cooked, Kale has a sweet flavor. It can be used in soups, stir-fries or even grilled. Kale tastes great sautéed with just some olive oil, garlic and salt
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 Product Highlight: Kombucha Tea
This past month it has been so hot and humid in New York. Sometimes even for me, water just doesn't do it. I've always hated drinks with fizz, well except for champagne,but I have come to love Kombucha Tea. It has been so refreshing to drink in this heat! ("kom-BOO-cha") tea, a centuries-old Chinese drink, has just the perfect amount of fizz. Aside from its refreshing qualities, Kombucha offers a host of health benefits. Essential nutrients form during fermentation, such as active enzymes, probiotics (the kind found in yogurt), amino acids, antioxidants and polyphenols, all of which purportedly enhance digestion, increase metabolism, boost the immune system, aid in detoxification and control appetite. |
This Month's Recipe: Kale and Avocado Salad
This is the most incredible salad I have ever made. If there w as one food I could eat for the rest of my life, this would be it! It's fast, easy and above all delicious.
Ingredients
1 head kale, shredded
1 avocado
1/4 red onion chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon
Celtic sea salt or Himalayan sea salt, to taste
½ teaspoon cayenne
Preparation
In mixing bowl, toss all ingredients together. Mush everything together with hands to created marinated/wilted effect on kale (This is crucial step). This makes it much tastier and easier to digest.
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