Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.
- Unknown
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Finding the Middle Ground 
Most people associate wellness with nothing but positive connotations; for example, exercising is the solution to obesity and stress, and eating fresh, local, healthy foods is the secret to a long and disease-free life.
Obviously, healthy eating and and exercise make a tremendous difference in how we feel. However, do you control them or do they control you? When striving for wellness becomes obsessive, when you weigh yourself every hour, compensate for the extra food you ate with even more exercising, get upset because you missed your workout, refuse to eat a piece of birthday or wedding cake at a special occasion, then it's time to take a look at the big picture.
Finding the middle ground is about developing the right mindset. Exercising and healthy eating are simply tools to help you live a happier and more fulfilling life, meant to complement it, not become it. Life is a series of highs and lows. We all make mistakes. As cliche as it sounds, the important thing is to learn from our mistakes; for instance, find out what triggered an episode of overeating. If it was stress, learn what is causing the stress and what can be done to fix it. When your lifestyle and wellness habits allow for the occasional dips, when they work together in a comfortable harmony, you'll feel more satisfied and find that everything you do will become more enjoyable.
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Spring Detox: May 11 - 20, 2015
Join this 10-day group program and feel your best for the warm weather ahead! Choose from Basic Detox for beginners or Detox Plus for repeaters. Custom programs are available to get in shape for the season's special occasions. Details to follow in early April.
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Food Focus: Cilantro
Cilantro, also known as coriander leaf or Chinese parsley, (family Apiaceae, scientific name Coriandrum sativum) is native to regions spanning from the Mediterranean and north Africa to southwestern Asia. Its use dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. With leaves and stems possessing a slightly citrus flavor, cilantro is one of our most polarizing green herbs; people seem to love it or hate it. The seeds, used as a spice, have a flavor that is aromatic, sweet, citrus, and slightly peppery.
The leaves and stem tips are rich in numerous antioxidant phytochemicals, among them quercitin, which supports cardiovascular health and helps balance blood pressure, and apigenin, which has relaxing effects on the central nervous system and possibly reduces the risk of cancer. The herb has an abundance of vitamins, including A, beta-carotene, C, and K. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting, and studies show that it may also help prevent Alzheimer's disease. Cilantro's many minerals include potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, and magnesium.
Cilantro is widely used by naturopaths and is most often cited as being effective for toxic metal cleansing. Studies on people suffering from mercury exposure report a reduction in the associated feeling of disorientation after consuming large and regular amounts of cilantro over an extended period of time. Research shows antibiotic properties as well; a compound in the leaves called dodecenal has been found to kill salmonella.
Cilantro leaves are available in markets all year round. Always buy fresh, organic if possible. Look for vibrant green leaves with firm stems and no spots or yellowing. Wash in clean water, discard roots and any bruised leaves, and store in the refrigerator in a zip bag or wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel. Use as soon as possible to get flavor and nutrients at their peak.
Cilantro leaves have many uses in various cuisines. They are popular in Asian dishes, Mexican recipes such as guacamole, and in salads, soups and sauces. For a concentrated dose, use in fresh-pressed green juice or smoothies.
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Recipe of the Month: Detox Pesto 
Soaking time: 8 hours
Prep time: 10 minutes
Serves 4
1/3 cup Brazil or macadamia nuts
1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup fresh cilantro
1 cup fresh parsley
2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic
pinch sea salt
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1. Soak nuts and seeds in cold water to cover 8 hours or overnight. Rinse and drain.
2. Process the cilantro and parsley with the olive oil in a food processor or blender until chopped.
3. Add nuts and seeds, garlic, pinch salt, and lemon juice and blend into a fine paste. Store in the freezer in a glass jar until ready to use.
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Happiness and healthy living are contagious! Please forward this newsletter to family members, friends, or colleagues who may be inspired by it.
All the best,
Sue
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