mediterranean diet
June Newsletter 2011
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Center Your Health Newsletter June 2011
USDA's MyPlate
Cucumber Peach Salsa
CYH Blog - Quick Eggless Salad, 8 Causes of Cravings, Tanning, Slowing Down
DIY Bug Spray
 Greetings!

laurbeachheadshot

I'm enjoying the sunshine, warm weather and yummy seasonal food at the farmers market and hope that you are as well.  The sun is our life force and we thrive off of it's incredible energy and light.  Be sure to get some unprotected sun exposure for 20 minutes at least 3 times a week, and then protect yourself by using a natural sunblock for longer periods.  Natural vitamin D is essential to good health.  If you want a good laugh, I talk about my tanning obsession here (but I'm very serious!).   

 

Berries are in season and I love slicing up fresh organic strawberries mixed in a dab of honey and cinnamon then spreading onto either a rice cake or a piece of sprouted whole grain bread with a swipe of peanut butter.   Check out the cucumber peach salsa below for another seasonal recipe idea.   

 

Stay hydrated in this heat by flavoring your water with cucumber slices, mint sprigs and/or citrus slices.  Enjoy! 

 

 

I appreciate being able to share my newsletter with you.  Feel free to pass this along to anyone you feel may be interested.  Wishing you health & happiness!

Namaste,

Lauren Forney, HHC, RYT, AADP
Holistic Health Counselor
Registered Yoga Teacher

For more information please visit my website at Center Your Health & follow me on Find us on Facebook
Are you located in the Monmouth County area?  Stop in to one of my yoga classes
3 Healthy Chicks - Follow us on Find us on Facebook & Follow us on Twitter
USDA's MyPlate
An improvement, but still not quite there. usda foodplate
First Lady Michelle Obama unveiled the USDA's update on America's visual nutrition guide early this month, replacing the familiar pyramid with a plate. Click on the food plate to the right to see the government's website and the advice they provide.  I love how simplified and colorful it is, yet there are a few things that I disagree with.  I could go on and on, but Dr. Weil takes most of the words right out of my mouth in his response to the new plate, and he says it in a much nicer tone that I would!  I do love how they've emphasized the importance of fruits and veggies.  I also am thrilled that they put protein instead of "meat."  I won't even get started on the cup of dairy that they encourage to be fat-free or low-fat...that is so NOT the trend anymore.  Click around the plate for more information, read Dr. Weil's brief thoughts on it and decide how you feel about the pyramid.  Overall, the plate is a huge step in the right direction and I'm generally pleased with their overall effort and advice, but it's still not quite there. 

The Integrative Nutrition pyramid still sits on a golden pedestal in my eyes, encompassing all forms of essential nourishment for our bodies and minds.  
Cucumber Peach Salsa
Speach salsaummer wouldn't be complete without delicious salsa!  This salsa is super-Summer friendly with cucumbers and mint to help keep your body cool and your taste buds satisfied. 

Ingredients:

2 cups peach, peeled and pitted (or for more texture, leave skin on)
1 cup cucumber
1/2 red bell pepper
1/2 cup red onion
2 tablespoons fresh mint
1 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
sea salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar

 

Directions:

Chop all ingredients.  I like to blend a cup of the peaches in a blender so that the salsa isn't so chunky, but it's up to you.  Mix all ingredients together and let refrigerate for a good hour before serving.  Enjoy!.   

Center Your Health's BLOG
If you haven't gotten around to checking out my blog, here are some of the things I've been blogging about this past month.  I hope you enjoy!

Obsessed with Being Tan
8 Causes of Cravings
Slow Down at Mealtime
Quick Eggless Salad

Wellness Tip of the Month

  mosquito

DIY Bug Spray 

Need a bug repellent that doesn't contain a bunch of harmful nonsense?  Do it yourself!

  

Ingredients:
1/2 cup witch hazel
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
5-10 drops eucalyptus oil

Directions:
Mix in spray bottle, shake and spray on body (avoiding eyes and mouth).  Enjoy a bug-free summer night! 

LETS

TALK

NUTRITION

Lauren offers one-hour in home presentations on a variety of different nutrition topics.  Giveaways, handouts, recipes and light snacks are provided.  These informative presentations are for anyone who is interested in living a healthier lifestyle, but just needs some direction.  Rally up a small group of your friends and/or family and pick what topic you'd like to learn more about below! 

Topics to choose from:
Basic Nutrition 101, Fridge/Pantry Raid, Healthy Skincare, Cravings, Sugar Blues, Quick Healthy Meals, Detox & more...

Cost: $20 per person ($10 each if you bring a younger daughter/son),
Free for host!

Contact me for more details and we'll plan a nutrition talk for a small group in your home!  Please contact me at lauren@centeryourhealth.net or call 732.383.7784
CENTER YOUR HEALTH                                                                                                           www.centeryourhealth.net