Happy August! I hope this note finds you enjoying a fun and relaxing summer filled with family, friends, and of course…delicious, healthy food! I’ve recently upgraded the Healthy Endeavors newsletter to this easy-to-read format. I hope you’ll enjoy this month’s articles focused on nourishing your body with water (are you really drinking enough?) and relaxing (one of my favorite pastimes!). Have ideas for articles you’d like to see featured in future issues? Drop me a line and let me know what interests you. In great health, Wendy

Relaxation and Exercise

Summer is often a time for serious play, time off and deep relaxation. Many of us use the summertime to rebuild our reserves for the rest of the busy year. In our work-crazed society we can lose sight of the benefits of slowing down and taking time to rest. Now that summer is in full swing, it’s time to enjoy the restorative powers of reconnecting to your body through movement and relaxation.

Summer is a unique time of year when we can do both our relaxation and our movement out in nature. Take a nap in a hammock, enjoying the smell of freshly cut grass. Go to the park and meditate or read under a favorite tree. One of the greatest places to rest in the summertime is by the water. There is something magical and restorative in water, and we naturally crave to be near it, by it or in it. Heading to the water, whether it is the beach, a lake, or a kiddie pool, can be relaxing and rejuvenating.

Just as much as the body loves to relax, the body loves to move. Even though our body is most healthy when it is getting appropriate physical activity, we often feel dread and boredom when we hear the word “exercise.” Think for a moment of what type of movement you would consider fun, as opposed to torturous? Perhaps you loathe the idea of a gym, but miss taking dance classes. Maybe you secretly want to try yoga or rollerblading. You could play touch football with your kids, walk with a neighbor in the mornings or go for a swim. The summer offers so many choices-it’s simply up to you to choose which style of movement excites you. Your heart will thank you, your soul will be gratified, your limbs will be more fluid and you’ll sleep better at night.

Whether you are relaxing, exercising, or both, notice that being outside in nature has a profound way of quieting the mind and reconnecting us to ourselves. Often this relaxation and peace of mind are what our bodies crave the most. So while summer is with us, strap on your sandals and enjoy to the fullest the rich elements of sun, wind and water and the nourishment that they bring.

Food Focus: Water

Most of us are aware of the importance of drinking enough water. Getting our daily requirement of water helps our organs perform their functions, keeps our skin clear and hydrated, and allows physical action in our bodies to flow smoothly. Even with this knowledge, it can still be challenging to drink all the water our bodies deserve daily. Especially in the summer, when we tend to play hard, break a sweat and dance in the sun, drinking plenty of water is critical. Those who are not drinking enough may experience poor digestion, sluggish thinking, skin breakouts, headaches, bad breath and general fatigue.

To start your day right, set a large glass of water by your bed each night and drink it when you wake up. When the first thing that flows through your body each morning is water, it pulls out toxins left over from the previous day and freshens your system for the day ahead. Keep a bottle of water accessible throughout the day, whether you are on the go or at a desk. Having one close by will remind you to take a sip when thirsty. The first sip will usually let you know how much more water you need. A sip or two may be enough, or you may need a big glass. If you drink most of your daily water before early evening, you most likely will not be thirsty before bed. This is good, because drinking before bed, and then waking to use the bathroom, disturbs your peaceful night’s sleep.

What about quality? Some people like bottled water, while others prefer filtered water. The key is to like the taste of the water you are drinking, and the water should agree with your body. If the taste of plain water is unappealing, experiment to see how you can make it tasty and drinkable. Adding a few mint leaves, a wedge of lemon, a sprig of parsley, slices of cucumber, a twist of lime or a squeeze of orange are great ways to make water more tempting or to jazz up your water routine. Also, drinking tea or juice and eating raw fruits and vegetables contribute to the hydration process. So, splash in the waves, swim in the sun, drink plenty of water and enjoy the summer fun!

Recipes of the Month

Recipe #1 of the Month: Sun Tea
Prep time: 2 minutes.
Cook time: 24 hours.
Yields: 2 liters.

Ingredients: 3-4 tea bags of your choice water. Directions: 1. Fill an extra-large mason jar with lid with water, add 3 or 4 of your favorite tea bags. 2. Place in sun for one full day and let the shining rays pour in heat and energy, bringing out the wonderful tea flavors. 3. Sweeten if so desired with natural sweetener, serve room temperature or cold over ice. Option: Garnish with mint leaves or lemon wedge.

Recipe #2 of the Month: Ginger Drink
Prep Time: 7 minutes.
Cook Time: 24 hours.
Yields: 6- 8 servings.

Ingredients: 1 pound fresh ginger root, 2 liters water, juice of 2 limes, maple syrup or agave nectar to taste. Directions: 1. Thinly peel the fresh ginger, grate and mix with water in a large sauce pan. 2. Bring to a boil and simmer for 4 minutes. Cover the pan, turn off the heat and leave for 24 hours. 3. Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve. 4. Add the lime juice and maple syrup or agave. Stir until dissolved. Serve chilled.

Healthy Living 101 Starts Wednesday, September 27!

Are you convinced that it’s impossible to lose weight and keep it off? Do you think getting and staying healthy has to be difficult and filled with frustration? Think again! Enhancing your health isn’t about going on a diet or a quick fix; it’s about making simple and lasting lifestyle changes. In fact, there’s a way to lose weight and work on health issues that’s gentle, effective and sustainable…and it’s FUN!

Join me for Healthy Living 101 and see what you can achieve in just six months:

* Get in tune with your body and its unique nutritional needs
* Learn about and experiment with healthier food choices that taste great!
* Understand the connection between food and mood
* Kick the emotional eating roller coaster many of us find ourselves on
* Identify your body type and what kinds of exercise best suit you
* Learn self-care strategies to nurture yourself everyday!
* And much, much more

And best of all, set realistic goals and actually achieve them!

If you’re enticed by learning with others who want to make positive changes and you like to be inspired as well as inspire others, this is the program for you.

Details:

* Wednesday evenings from 7:30-9:00 pm beginning September 27 and meeting every two weeks
* Location: Scranton Professional Building, 200 Orchard Street, New Haven
* Cost: $125/month which includes books, handouts, CDs and other materials to support you in creating your best life

For more information and/or to sign up call 203.641.0653 or email wendy@healthy-endeavors.com. Hurry, space is limited!

Let Me Help You Stock Your Kitchen!

Health Food Store
You can’t cook a healthy meal if the ingredients aren’t in the kitchen! Need some help stocking up your kitchen and making healthy choices? Want to learn the ins and outs of buying whole foods? Need to learn the difference between collard, mustard and turnip greens? I’ll meet you at your local health food store and take you on a tour… we’ll concentrate on buying foods that are delicious, nutritious and will energize you and your family, leaving them wanting more.
Health Food Store Tour: $60

Tour includes a brief phone consultation to get an understanding of your individual food needs and preferences as well as your family’s, and your present and desired cooking level.

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