Donna Gallers Health Counseling Nourishment For Your Whole Life
July Newsletter: Try Something New This Summer!
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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
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Try Something New
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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?
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. 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.
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| Food Focus
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Fruit
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.
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| RECIPE OF THE MONTH
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Fresh Fruit Smoothie
Prep time: 5 minutes
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.
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ABOUT ME
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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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