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Donna Gallers Health Counseling
Nourishment For Your Whole Life
July Newsletter:  Try Something New This Summer!
In This Issue
Try Something New
Food Focus: Summer Fruit
Recipe of the Month
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Greetings!,

Happy Independence Day!  I hope you were able to enjoy time with friends and family this past weekend, and maybe catch some fireworks. 
 
There are so many ways to think about the idea of independence.  Lately I've been considering true independence, on a personal level, to mean freedom from the self-limiting thoughts and beliefs we sometimes allow ourselves to depend on in order to feel comfortable or safe.  So often these thoughts actually keep us trapped in situations that don't allow us to grow or expand our lives, to prioritize our health and well being, or to reach for our dreams. 
 
In honor of Independence Day (and always!) I encourage you to appreciate yourself and where you are right now, and to let yourself be free to take the next steps forward toward an even healthier, happier life. 
 
Holistic health counseling offers you a chance to take a look at your food and lifestyle with support and guidance to make changes that will work for you for the rest of your life.
 
Feel free to contact me with any questions or to set up your free initial consultation.  Have a wonderful summer!
 
Warmly,
Donna
 
Try Something New
 
Summer is finally in fully force, and the living is easy! Do you notice in summertime how 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?
 
Donna learning to ride a wave boardThroughout 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. In doing the same things over and over, the lack of variety stagnates not only our minds, but also our bodies and hearts. Are you hesitant to break your routine? 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!"
 
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, or set a goal for a new personal challenge. Or try something simple, like taking an evening walk with a friend, or reading in the sunshine. Last weekend I learned to ride a waveboard (also known as street-surfing), which is like a skateboard with two independently pivoting platforms on one-wheeled casters.  Talk about an exercise in balance!  My first try was so scary that I just walked away, but I went back later and finally "got it", and it felt thrilling!
 
Whatever adventure calls to you, use this summer to make it happen and enjoy your life. Increasing new experiences and excitement in your life can decrease your dependence on artificial stimulants like caffeine and sugar, leading to more vibrant health. Look out for massive improvements in physical well-being, mental acuity and motivation, plus a full portfolio of fun.
 
Food Focus
Fruit                                                                           Lettuce from our garden 05.09                      
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.
 
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 can be 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, puréed or juiced fruit can make great summertime cool-down treats. Try frozen strawberries, banana-coconut smoothie popsicles or lime juice ice-cubes in iced tea!
 
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:
 
Apricots: Great for lung conditions and asthma; used to help treat anemia due to their high copper and cobalt content.
Blueberries:  Loaded with anthocyanin, a powerful antioxidant that improves circulation and helps protect against aging.  Also help improve brain function, lower cholesterol, and improve the skin. 
Bananas: Help to lubricate the intestines, treat ulcers, detoxify the body and manage sugar cravings; are rich in potassium (which helps hypertension).
Cherries: Slightly warming in nature; increase overall body energy, remedy arthritis and rheumatism and are rich in iron, which improves the blood.
Grapefruits: Treat poor digestion, increase appetite during pregnancy, alleviate intestinal gas and reduce mucus conditions of the lungs.
Raspberries: Benefit the liver and kidneys, cleanse blood of toxins, regulate menstrual cycles, treat anemia and can promote labor at childbirth.
Strawberries:  Rich in vitamin C-essential for collagen production that maintains skin structure.  Also a good source of ellagic acid, an anti-carcinogenic phytonutrient.
 RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Fresh Fruit Smoothie
Prep time: 5 minutesBlueberry Fruit Smoothie
Yield: 2 servings
 
Ingredients:
1 banana
2 cups coconut water
2 cups berries
2-4 ice cubes
 
Directions:
Mix in blender for 1-2 minutes and serve.

Optional: Add 1/2 cup plain yogurt (I like to use goat's milk yogurt), or a small handful of raw almonds.  You can also add other ingredients for added nutrition such as a spoonful of bee pollen or spirulina powder.  Adjust the amount of liquid to achieve the thickness you desire. 
 
ABOUT ME
Donna Gallers, NYC I am a Holistic Health Counselor, Licensed Massage Therapist, and Certified Qigong Instructor.  I work with clients individually or in groups to learn how to eat and live well, address health issues naturally and holistically, and set up their lives for optimum health and happiness. 

Nutrition, diet, exercise, mind-body awareness, stress management, and detoxification have transformed my life, helping me to heal from rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pain, allergies, and digestive problems.  I've moved from worrying about my health all the time and fearing the worst, to knowing that I'm in charge of my life and have the power to create my own well being.  I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and especially that experience of transformation and empowerment with you. 

Warmly,
Donna Gallers, LMT, HHC
 
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