October 2006 – Vol 1, Issue 3 

In This Issue
 
Time Management
Food Focus: Root Vegetables
Recipe of the Month: Roasted Root Vegetables
Upcoming Events!
Complimentary Health Consultation
 

Greetings! 
 
It’s hard to believe that it’s already October and that we’re quickly headed toward the end of the year. I often feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get done what I’d like to accomplish, however I’m actively practicing “mindful” time management – paying attention to what’s most important, building in extra time and not pressuring myself. I hope you’ll take some time to relax and do the same this month!

Here in Connecticut, the weather has been beautiful of late and it’s hard to remember that fall is actually here. In not too long, the leaves will reach their peak, the weather will be cooling off and we’ll be thinking of warming foods to nourish our bodies. Fall is the time when I think about the bountiful harvest of vegetables that are available especially delcious root vegetables. Read about root veggies in this month’s issue and then try them for yourself.

As many of you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a great opportunity to remind those that we love and care about to take the time for self-care. Breast self-exams are an easy and preventative measure that require little time but can have great impact.

In great health,
Wendy
The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.
- Mark Twain
 
 
Time Management 
 
Have you ever wished for a few more hours in the day? Why is it that some people seem to get everything done effortlessly and others feel that time constantly eludes them? The secret to managing your time well isn’t working more hours. The secret is working smarter, not harder. It is about prioritizing the important things and learning to use the time you have more efficiently and effectively.

Some of us, by nature, organize and get tasks out of the way before we relax, while others of us play first and work later. It is important to first recognize which type you are and whether your style is allowing you to have the life you really want. Maybe you are super-organized at work, but burned out because you don’t know how to make time for yourself. Maybe you are naturally a less organized person who knows how to relax, but you are dissatisfied because you aren’t fulfilling your goals and dreams.

Rather than labeling yourself or beating yourself up, realize that time management is an area of your life that you can strengthen. Like a new muscle, it takes practice and repetition to make it stronger. To help you get started, here are some steps to streamline your days at work and at home. Try the first one or two that jump out at you:

• Allocate time for planning and organizing.
• Create to-do lists that are realistic, not intimidating. Use only one to-do list.
• Under-schedule your time: leave time for the unexpected and for interruptions. When you estimate how long something will take, add on 1/3 of that time.
• Schedule your time in a way that reduces interruptions that lower your productivity.
• Practice the art of intelligent neglect: eliminate trivial tasks.
• Prioritize what is most important and do that first.
• Consider your biological prime time: at what time of day do you work best? Plan to do your most important work at that time.
• If you say yes to everything that comes your way, learn to say NO.
• In the evening make your to-do list for the next day, so it will be out of your brain and on a piece of paper. Leave work with a clear head and a clean desk. Acknowledge yourself daily for all that you have accomplished.

Also take a look at the two biggest hindrances to using time effectively: procrastinating and lacking purpose. We usually procrastinate when a task seems too daunting, too large, too complex, or when we feel we won’t be able to handle it. When you get that “deer in the headlights” feeling, try “chunking”: break the large task into smaller, manageable action steps, and start with the first one. We also often drag our heels or use our time inefficiently because we are bored, unengaged, and uninspired. The most effective people will tell you that they love what they do and are aligned with a greater purpose. When it comes to managing your time, you may need to ask the larger questions, “Am I doing what I love to do? Am I doing something meaningful to me?”

As you strengthen your new time management muscle, keep your focus on getting organized so that you can live the life you came here for. Instead of being a chore, good time management can be your ticket to bigger fun, greater satisfaction, and a vibrant, exciting life. 
Food Focus: Root Vegetables 
  
The roots of any plant are its anchor and foundation; they are the essential parts that support and nourish the plant. Root vegetables lend these properties to us when we eat them, making us feel physically and mentally grounded and rooted, increasing our stability, stamina, and endurance. Roots are a rich source of nutritious complex carbohydrates, providing a steady source of necessary sugars to the body. Instead of upsetting blood sugar levels like refined sweet foods, they steady them. Since they absorb, assimilate and supply plants with vital nutrients, roots likewise increase absorption and assimilation in our digestive tracts.

Long roots include carrots, parsnips, burdock and daikon radish. Round roots include turnips, radishes, beets and rutabagas. Long roots like burdock and daikon are excellent blood purifiers and can help improve circulation in the body and increase mental clarity. Round roots are nourishing to the stomach, spleen, pancreas and reproductive organs and can help regulate blood sugar, moods, and alleviate cravings.
 
Recipe of the Month: Roasted Root Vegetables 
  
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25-35 minutes
Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:
1 sweet potato
2 parsnips
2 carrots
2 turnips or 1 large rutabaga
1 daikon radish (or substitute/add in your favorites, like squash!)
olive oil
salt and pepper
herbs like: rosemary, thyme or sage, fresh if possible
Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 375.
Wash and chop all vegetables into large bite- sized pieces.
Place in a large baking dish with sides.
Drizzle with olive oil; mix well to coat each vegetable lightly with oil.
Sprinkle with salt, pepper and herbs.
Bake uncovered for 25-35 minutes until vegetables are tender and golden brown, checking every 10 minutes to stir and make sure veggies are not sticking.

Note: Any combination of vegetables will work. Roasting one kind only of vegetable also makes a nice side dish.
Upcoming Events!
 
Tuesday, October 17 – Sugar Blues: Kick Your Sugar Habit For Good!
New Haven Public Library, corner of Temple and Elms Streets, 5:30-7:00 pm.
Are you addicted to sugar? Do you suffer the highs and lows of too much sugar in your diet? Do you routinely need an afternoon pick-me-up to give your energy? Learn simple techniques to steady your blood sugar and create lasting energy throughout the day!

Saturday, October 21 – Mt. Zion Baptist Church Health Fair
965 Main Street, South Norwalk, CT, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Join me as I discuss a variety of health related issues and provide information designed to keep you healthy. Snacks, taste tests of natural sweetners and healthy self-assessments are just the beginning. Bring you friends and get educated!

Tuesday, October 24 – East End Baptist Church Cooking Demonstration
548 Central Avenue, Bridgeport, CT, 6:00 pm
Green Glorious Greens! Dark leafy green vegetables are packed with essential nutrients that our bodies need for energy, strength and overall health. I’ll be demonstrating just how easy it is to make simple and delicious greens in just minutes. The class is sponsored by the American Heart Association as part of their stroke prevention program.

Thursday, October 26 – Senior Health & Wellness Fair, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Thornton Wilder Auditorium, Miller Memorial Library 2901 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, CT
Join me as I help local seniors enhance their health. In addition to lots of free information that I’ll be providing, a plethora of other information and resources will be available including flu shots, health screenings, information about medicare and much more! For more information call the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce at 203.787.6735.

Wednesday, November 8 – Housatonic Community College Health Fair
Broad Street Atrium, Bridgeport, CT – 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Join me for this free health fair designed to educate students, faculty and staff about simple ways to maintain and enhance your health. Interactive discussions, healthy information and tasty samples will be available. Please stop by and join us if you’re in the area!
 

Complimentary Health Consultation
 
How healthy are you? You may eat veggies and get a moderate amount of exercise but are you in optimal health? This complimentary hour-long session includes a full discussion of your health history and health goals (i.e., losing weight, getting more exercise, lowering cholesterol, etc), and the opportunity to find out more about a personalized health program, that meets your unique needs. Call 203.641.0653 or email me at wendy@healthy-endeavors.com for more information. 
 
 
Forward to a Friend
It’s such a pleasure to help those closest to us become happier and healthier. Please forward this newsletter to friends, family members or colleagues who might be interested and inspired by it.
Sincerely,
Wendy Battles
Healthy Endeavors
 

Filed under: Newsletter Archive