mediterranean diet
May Newsletter 2013
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Contents of May Newsletter
Baked Bananas
CYH Blog & Archive
 Greetings!

CYH Lauren 2013 We all know that stress is a part of life and impossible to avoid.  We also know that stress leads to health issues, from anxiety, fatigue and headaches, to cancer, heart disease and autoimmunity. Some people are very much aware of their stress level, while others are blind at the fact that they are actually stressed.  Many of us suffer from chronic, low-level stress on a pretty consistent basis. 

Some of the ways to tell if stress may be affecting you are:

feeling exhausted

catching colds or other infections over and over

digestive distress, pain or bloating and/or bowel changes

inability to turn brain off

headaches/migraines

feeling overwhelmed

getting less than 8 hours a night of sleep

worrying about life, work, family and health

long list of things to do

         emotional, weepy, irritable

 

So what can we do to stay healthy under stress?
The good news is that the weather warming up - spending time outdoors and enjoying nature is a favorable way to relieve stress and solve major health issues.  Other suggestions are to:
learn to let go
sleep, enough
practice listening to others
take deep breaths whenever you think of it
laugh a little more
exercise, go for a walk
read a book or your favorite magazine
give a friend or family member a phone call
listen to good music
spend time & play with pets/animals
enjoy a square of dark chocolate a day
sip on flavorful herbal tea

These activities above can decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol, raise endorphins (feel good hormones), increase oxytocin (bonding hormone), relax muscles and improve mood. 
Score!

It's also very important to support your adrenals.  The adrenal glands are little heard of, and yet extremely important. Adrenal fatigue is very prevalent these days due to this chronic, low-level stress many of us suffer from, and it's something that is beyond most doctor's radar.  Most adrenal issues are found with more accurate, personalized testing and working with specialized doctors who run alternative testing - not just the regular blood work that your doctor does.  To consider if you may have adrenal fatigue, download THIS to check your symptoms, learn more about how to nurture your tender little adrenal glands, and to find out where to go from there as far as finding proper care and support. 

Namaste,

Lauren Forney, HHC, RYT  *   Holistic Health Coach  *  Registered Yoga Teacher
Please visit my website at Center Your Health & follow me on Find us on Facebook
Baked Bananas
For many of us stress leads to overeating...and the things we overeat may not be the healthiest.  I know that when my adrenals are exhausted and I'm beyond stressed out, I crave SWEETS.  Loads of them.  Especially at night.  This recipe for baked bananas is a naturally sweet recipe, without all of the guilt attached.  I actually make them along with breakfast sometimes, or especially on a night where I'm having major sweet cravings.  It's simple, fun and enjoyed by all.  I didn't include a picture of the bananas actually baked because they look downright awful (even though they taste divine!). 

Ingredients:  
4 firm bananas
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1-inch piece grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 tablespoon nutmeg
1/2 cup raisins

Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Peel and cut bananas in half, lengthwise.
  3. Oil a baking pan and arrange bananas.
  4. Sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg and raisins.
  5. Cover and bake for 10 to 15 minutes.
  6. Serve right away. 

If you're serving this to others or are in an ultra-decadent mood, add a tablespoon or two of So Delicious's coconut milk vanilla bean ice cream. Top with a sprinkle of chopped nuts of your choice.  ENJOY!


Center Your Health's BLOG & Archive
Check out what I've been blogging about since my last newsletter.  Enjoy!

Birthday Yoga Class & Kirtan
Sing a Happy Tune
Take Care of MYSELF
Finding Harmony

If you're behind on some newsletters, here is a full archive
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If you say to yourself that you'll contact me later, you know you won't.  Reach out now & let's get you healthy!