Letter From Laura

HAPPY (achoo!) SPRING

With April showers, come spring flowers - and with spring flowers, come allergies. This year we were off to an early start with seasonal allergies. Some sufferers were affected all winter long, as there were not as many days below freezing temperatures in our region. Whether we like them or not, the cold temperatures kill off certain allergens that can irritate us.

30 to 40 percent of the population is born with a genetic tendency for allergies. Most discover they have them as a child, but as many as 20 percent may experience adult onset allergies. Symptoms can include runny nose, itchy eyes, sore throat, headaches, sinus and ear pain, sneezing, and overall fatigue. Allergies can also leave you more susceptible to other germs and illnesses as they tax your immune system.

A study on treating allergies with acupuncture showed an overall relief in symptoms relating to the eyes, nose and sinus, as well as an increase in physical energy and better moods. Acupuncture also brings the body and immune system back into balance, addressing the root cause of allergies as well as the symptoms.

QI GONG FOR DETOX

GENTLE YOGA

Instructor: Laura Chey-Warren

Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30am

This gentle class is designed to help you create breath awareness, learn basic yoga poses, and increase flexibility and relaxation. It's a great class if you are new to yoga, or looking for a class with a more relaxed pace.

OPEN LEVEL VINYASA

Instructor: Nora Doebrich

Wednesdays, 6-7 pm 

In these classes, we link a series of poses together using our breath and participants are encouraged to go at their own pace, depending on fitness levels and individual needs. Modifications for beginners and special challenges for more advanced yogis can be added to each flow series, in an effort to meet the needs of all individuals in the class. 

PRENATAL YOGA

Instructor: Nora Doebrich

Mondays, 6-7 pm

Prenatal yoga classes focus on offering mothers-to-be a quiet place to turn their focus inward and bond with their child, while strengthening their bodies and utilizing the breath to prepare for birth. These classes also provide a time for women to be comfortable with the changes in their bodies throughout pregnancy, and bond with other women who are pregnant. Available modifications and challenges to each pose make these classes equally appropriate for women who have prior yoga experience, as well as those who have never tried yoga before.

YOGA WORKSHOP TO BEAT THE BLUES

Instructor: Nora Doebrich

Saturday, April 21

10:30am-12noon

fee: $20

Awaken your mind renew your spirit and shed away those winter blues. This workshop will include restorative poses to ground and center your mind and body, a series of poses to awaken your senses, and a guided meditation to reconnect you with your inner peace.

FEATURED RECIPE   

SIMPLE TOMATO SOUP

 We found this recipe on  www.101cookbooks.com , our favorite food blog (and it was inspired/adapted from the Curried Coconut Tomato Soup recipe in Melissa Clark's Cook This Now). It has a lovely creamy texture that we long for when we are doing our spring detox. It tastes clean and flavorful and lends itself to many additions and toppings that make it into a meal. (PS: A number of you are concerned about the BPA liners in canned tomatoes. If you can't find tomatoes packed in glass jars, Muir Glen has transitioned to BPA-free liners, although those cans aren't labeled BPA-free. Look for cans with expiration dates as far out as possible, as those will be newer cans and are more likely to have the new liners.)

Prep time: 5 min

Cook time: 25 min

Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, olive oil, or coconut oil

2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon fine grain sea salt, plus more to taste

3 teaspoons curry powder

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon chile flakes

2 (28-ounce) cans whole tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)

1 14-ounce can coconut milk

• In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions really soften up - 10 minutes or so. Not so much that they brown, just until they're completely tender and unstructured.

• Stir in the curry powder, coriander, cumin, and chili flakes, and cook just until the spices are fragrant and toasty just 30 seconds or so - while stirring constantly. Stir in the tomatoes, the juices from the cans, and 6 cups / 1.5 L of water. Simmer for fifteen minutes or so, then puree with a hand blender until smooth. If you'd like your soup a bit thinner, use more water; or if you like a creamy version, add some coconut milk. Adjust with salt to taste.

• This soup is great served simply with a dollop of cream from the top of a can of coconut milk (a little goes a long way) and a toasted wedge of good bread. Or partner it with rice, and top your bowl with extras including fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime or lemon juice, avocado, chopped red hot chili pepper, toasted almond slices, pan-fried paneer, fresh thyme or oregano, oregano drizzle or even a poached egg.

10% OFF ALLERGEASE        

Allergease is a Chinese herbal formula that provides excellent relief for allergy symptoms without the side effects of over-the-counter medications. In April, take 10 percent off the purchase of Allergease at balance!

Note: This offer expires Monday, April 30, 2012, has no cash value, and may not be used in conjunction with any other discounts or special offers.