"Do Something Nice for Yourself Today!"

A good friend will often say to me, "Do something nice for yourself today".  It always makes me smile to hear him say that but I honestly don't usually do what he suggests.  I recently went on a trip to Kripalu with my daughter, which if you have never been, I strongly urge you to do so.  We spent just a little over 24 hours there but it was wonderful.  The atmosphere there is just so calming.  It is an escape from the fast-paced lives that we all live these days.  One of the best parts of this getaway is the idea of no electronic devices.  How wonderful!  My daughter and I actually enjoyed ourselves much more because we did not have the distraction of the cell phone.  It was great.  We did yoga, sat in on a whole foods cooking class and relaxed in the sauna and whirlpool.  Shortly before our departure we attended a workshop on "Inhabiting your Body".  It too was great.  It really made me think about how little time I/we spend just being still and paying attention to our bodies and what they are trying to tell us.  We take such good care of everything else, our cars, our homes, our pets, our children and so on.....  I myself do try to take good care of myself.  I eat well (most of the time, lol)  I try to squeeze in exercise but when life gets busy it gets put on the back burner.  We only get one body to take us through an entire lifetime.  We must make taking care of it a priority.  So I have made the decision to take time out for me everyday and I challenge you to do the same.  So in the words of my dear friend, "Do something nice for yourself today".  Slow down a little and take time to nurture yourself :)!

Looking for a new delicious recipe?

Try this one for Anise-Almond Biscotti

Almonds have strong medicinal qualities, including inhibiting cancer and the ability to lower cholesterol and alkalize the body.  They are high in magnesium, protein, calcium and vitamin E.  Almonds are also very versatile as this recipe will demonstrate.  A vegan version of the famous biscotti is truly one of life's pleasures...Enjoy!!

INGREDIENTS:


-1 T. whole anise seed
- 1 3/4 C. whole wheat pastry flour
- 1 C. whole raw almonds, ground to a powder (*)
- 1/2 C. extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 C. pure maple syrup
- 1 T. vanilla extract
- 1/2 t. salt
- 1/2 C. sesame seeds

DIRECTIONS:


1) Toast anise seeds in a small, dry skillet over medium-low heat for three minutes.  Transfer to a coffee grinder or mini-blender and grind to a powder.
2) Combine the pastry flour with the ground anise seed and ground almonds in a large bowl.  In a separate bowl or measuring cup whisk together the oil, syrup, vanilla and salt.  Stir into flour mixture.  Cover and let rest for 20 minutes.
3) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Have the oven rack in the center of the oven.  Spread sesame seeds on a large plate.  Shape dough into two 8 inch logs, packing dough tightly together so that it doesn't crumble.  Roll the logs into the sesame seeds and place on a foil-lined baking sheet.  (or just on baking sheet)
4) Bake for 45 minutes or until browned and firm.  Set baking sheet on a wire rack and cool for 5 minutes.
5) Cut each log into 1/2 inch diagonal slices with a serrated knife.  Place the flat side down on baking sheets and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool on wire racks.  Store up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.

(*) You can purchase almond flour (pre-ground almonds) in a package, but grinding your own will give these cookies a more intense flavor.

Makes about 24 cookies

Recipe from Vegetarian Times Magazine

I make these all the time and I am certainly NOT a baker.  Very easy to make and come out great every time.  I have even sustituted rice syrup for maple syrup and still delicious!  Let me know how they come out!

Does Your Liver Need an Overhaul?

I stumbled upon this article by Andreas Moritz, the author of  the book "The Amazing Liver and Gallbladder Flush"  as I was perusing his website and planning my next liver cleanse.   I found it to be very informative.   Many of my clients have asked me for information over the years on liver cleansing and I truly find this to be the best cleanse for most people.  As I have suggested the book to so many clients, I have yet to complete a long series of liver cleanses myself with the frequency that the author suggests for the best results.  I am committed to doing so this time and will certainly be happy to report my results.   Feel free to join me and would love input from anyone who has done this cleanse in the past!!

　

http://www.ener-chi.com/pdf%20files/liverarticle.pdf

Spring Cleaning!!

Check out this article

http://emf.mercola.com/sites/emf/archive/2011/01/19/the-hard-core-science-of-how-cell-phones-and-other-emf-damages-you.aspx

Anyone Up for a Challenge?

With the holiday season upon us, it is harder and harder to make good food choices.  I was thinking about this the other day and trying to come up with an idea to make it through the holidays feeling good.  Most people gain 5 to 10 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Years.  It is the time of year when not only holiday parties steer us away from our normal routines, but the change in weather creates the desire for warm, comfort foods as well.  

This led to my idea. The 10-Day Challenge.  It's this simple.  Make the decision to take the challenge.  Start right away. (no time like the present)

Rules:

No Sugar (poison)
No White flour (another poison)
No Wheat (rough on the digestive system, mucous forming)
No Dairy (another poison, also very mucous forming)

You might say, "what's left?" 

You may eat lots of fruits and vegetables, good whole grains, nuts, seeds, lean protein (for non-vegetarians).  Drink plenty of water.  If you own a juicer, juicing is great.

Things to help you on your way: 

• Start each day with a cup of warm water with lemon. 
• Dry skin brush each morning before you shower.
• Drink a blend of Just Cranberry juice diluted with water twice a day. (4 oz. cranberry to 32 oz. water)
• Take time to breathe deeply throughout the day
• Exercise!  You must move for 30 minutes each day.  Any kind of exercise will do as long as you are moving.  Walking, running, weight training, yoga, raking leaves, shoveling snow, etc.  You get the idea.
  
  Ideally, we will all feel so good that we will continue our healthy eating well into the New Year.  We can connect via email or Facebook to encourage each other. 
  
  So, what do you think?  Are you ready to take the challenge?  Let's step into the New Year together with a healthy mind and body!!!
  
  

Colon Hydrotherapy: a neater, cleaner way to prepare for colonoscopies

It is often said that the prep for a colonoscopy is worse than the procedure itself.   The traditional prep involves fasting and drinking laxatives in order to thoroughly clean the colon before the procedure.   That means staying close to a bathroom during the laxative portion of the prep.  This prep is not only unpleasant, it is also has adverse side effects as recently reported by the FDA.  See the following link:  http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm150561.htm

Colon hydrotherapy, combined with fasting, is a more dignified and convenient preparation for the procedure, and is approved by the FDA. 

One of my clients, whose gastroenterologist had tried unsuccessfully to perform a colonoscopy three different times following Phospho-soda prep, had a successful procedure following prep with colonics and fasting.  Her doctor was thrilled with the results using colonics.

Colon hydrotherapy is a more comfortable way to prepare for colonoscopies and sygmoidoscopies, without the use of chemicals.  It is safe and effective.  Please contact me directly to discuss your options for appointment times.  I will work with you to ensure that you have a successful procedure!