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Greetings!
I was reading an article in Body and Soul that really
captured the essence of what it means to live a
healthier life. It was a great reminder that I was
inspired to share with you.
They say that when you've got your health, you've got
everything. Your mood, your energy, your
relationships...they all skyrocket when you are feeling
good. Living healthier means more than just
preventing disease, it is an evolving lifelong journey
toward a sense of well being.
This month
make a promise to yourself to do the kinds of things
that your mind and body crave most. Take a walk in
the morning,, get in bed a little earlier at night, eat
nourishing fresh food and above all be gentle with
yourself. When you live in a way that invigorates as
well as calms, challenges as well as comforts, you
discover your own unique balance...one that leaves
you feeling lighter, brighter and younger than ever. So
why not give it a try ....
Wishing you health and happiness,
Kelly
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WEIGHT LOSS
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It's more than the food you eat....
While everyone is unique and needs to find what
works for them, here are some tips to set you up for
healthy weight loss.
- Load up on veggies and fruit.
- Add whole grains to your diet in place of the white
stuff like rice, flour, bread and pasta.
- Try new recipes and foods to discover new healthy
favorites.
- Go easy on sweets.
- Eat breakfast, it sets the tone for the day.
- Make exercise a priority. Find something you love
and do it!
- Make cleansing your body internally a part of your
lifestyle.
- Make a commitment to your health.
But remember, your body is only part of the equation
when it comes to lasting weight loss. You have to get
your mind involved too. When we disconnect from our
bodies during meals, either because we are multi-
tasking or using food to numb our feelings, we tend to
overeat and eat foods that provide quick energy
boosts instead of long lasting nourishment.
Conscious eating is a process that allows you to
recognize early hunger signs, make satisfying food
choices and be aware of your level of fullness. Try
eating one meal a week consciously. Turn off the tv
and radio, light a candle. Take a few deep breaths
before you start eating. Notice the smells and colors
of the food. Then slowly take your first bite. Chew
slowly and thoroughly. Set your fork down between
bites. Take your time. Listen to the signals your body
sends as it moves from hungry to full.
If weight loss is a goal you are committed to, and
would like support and guidance along the way,
Simple Balance offers a variety of programs and
classes. Simple Balance also offers a
Complimentary 1 Hour Health History Consultation.
Go to www.abo
utsimplebalance.com to sign up for a
consultation or to find out more about what program
or class may be right for you.
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FOOD FOCUS: KALE
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Discover the beauty and culinary value of kale...
One of my favorite fall greens is kale. In the last few
years, kale has gotten a lot of new attention because
of its very high nutritional value. This leafy green is
just about the most nutritious of ordinary garden
veggies, offering a powerhouse supply of calcium,
folic acid, and vitamins A and C. Once you have
discovered the beauty and culinary value of kale you'll
really look forward to it every season.
The important thing is to eat kale very fresh -- once
harvested, don't keep the leaves in the refrigerator for
more than several days before using them. If you
keep them too long, although they won't look much
different, kale's flavor becomes flat and even bitter,
losing its bright green flavor and acquiring more of a
pronounced cabbage flavor.
To prepare kale leaves for cooking, strip them from
their stems. An easy way to do this is to hold the stem
with one hand and run a knife along each side to free
the leaves, or fold both halves together lengthwise
and slice out the stem. Drop the leaves into a sink
filled with cool water and swish them about vigorously
to remove debris, then drain.
As a green vegetable, kale is just as versatile as
spinach, chard or cabbage. Very young kale can be
part of a salad -- but be sure to use only tender baby
leaves. Or cut bigger leaves into thin strips and steam
briefly for a few minutes to serve with organic butter.
Another easy way to prepare kale is to sauté
chopped garlic in a quality extra virgin olive oil just till
translucent. Then add chopped kale leaves, stir fry for
a few minutes and pour in a little vegetable stock to
braise the leaves until tender. Finish by topping with
freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
If you find it a little hard to convince your kids that
green vegetables are yummy, then be sure to read on
and try the Kale Banana Smoothie recipe .
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RECIPE OF THE MONTH: KALE BANANA SMOOTHIE
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Prep Time: 3minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 banana
- 1 cup chopped kale
- 1 - 2 tbsp. agave nectar or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup brown rice milk
- 1-2 tbsp. flaxseeds (optional)
Directions:
Blend it all up, be patient it takes a few minutes. It
ends up being a lovely vibrant green.
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