And speaking of balance, how's yours?  This newsletter often addresses the necessity of consuming a balanced diet and staying hydrated.  Typically we do that in conjunction with workout information that encourages a thoughtful blend of cardio and weightlifting.  We also have shared information about the importance of rest and recuperation.   Ultimately, the goal is to balance everything.

This is your life and you only get one crack at it.  So regardless of your age, regardless of your station, create a blueprint that addresses diet, exercise, vacation, vocation, avocation, responsibility and relationships.  Challenge yourself mentally, physically and philosophically.  Trade in bad habits for those that are more productive and rewarding.  Stick to your guns when you know you are right but remember that palm trees bend in a hurricane to keep from snapping in two.
  
This is your life.   It's yours to pursue.  It's yours to tame.  It's yours to drive.  It's yours to work and to play.  It's yours to design, and redesign and redesign again as you evolve.  Now is a good time to decide if you want to be a bystander or an active participant in the life you lead.  Make a plan, and plan to work it.  If you design your life and abide your own plan, you minimize the unintended consequences that arise when there is no plan.  Make good health and happiness an expected outcome rather than a serendipitous event.

Greek yogurt has received much favorable press over the past few years and for good reason.  Along with the thick, creamy texture it also provides greater nutritional value.  Greek yogurt differs from typical American yogurt at least in part because the whey has been removed.
 
This is evident as soon as you open either one.  American yogurt often has clear liquid standing at the top of the container and needs stirring, while Greek yogurt is rich and creamy and ready to eat immediately.  According to a recent magazine article (http://motherjones.com/blue-marble/2010/06/greek-yogurt-better-regular ) the removal of whey serves to concentrate the protein and reduce the carbs in each serving.  Health.com lists Greek Yogurt as one of the world's healthiest foods and recommends it for a variety of uses.  For example, it can be mixed with whole grain cereal and eaten for breakfast or drizzled with honey and nuts as a dessert.  It is an excellent substitute for sour cream in dips and spreads.

Compared to American yogurt, Greek yogurt has less sodium, twice the protein, less sugar, is more easily digested and contributes to intestinal health.  Beyond that, it is just a hearty, tasty treat!  Greek yogurt is just one component of the Mediterranean diet that has been so well received in the medical community and is a simple, versatile addition to the American diet.

Greek yogurt is slightly more expensive, but you're worth it.

 
So excuse me for now, but it is time for me to change the bandages on Mr. Mojito.  Oddly, I noticed that yesterday it was his right front paw that he was favoring and today it seems to be his left...

2 teaspoons chili powder

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/4 teaspoon oregano

6 ounces extra-lean ground turkey

1/2 cup chopped onion

4 whole-wheat, low-fat flour tortillas, about 6 inches in diameter, warmed in the microwave

1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 cups shredded lettuce

2 medium tomatoes, diced

1/2 cup salsa
4 Tbls Greek Yogurt