January 2007 – Vol 2 Issue 1 
 
In This Issue
Eat Less, Play More
Food Focus: Sea Vegetables
Recipe of the Month
Upcoming Events 

There’s nothing better than starting a new year full of energy, hope and great expectations. Like many of us,  I often endeavor to turn over a new leaf, try something new or resolve that I’ll finally clean out a closet I’ve been meaning to get to for quite some time.  Truth be told, I’m able to achieve the goals I set for myself when I set realistic time frames, provide plenty of time for planning and pace myself. When that happens, I can achieve almost anything I set my mind to. I hope the same will be true for you in 2007 including making your own health a priority!  If we don’t take the time to care for and nourish ourselves, who will?

Here’s to your great health and happiness in 2007!

Wendy
Thought of the Day
Let’s live more in pleasure and bring pleasure to others. Pleasure can escort us safely through very difficult times and give our spirits a place to replenish.
~Sark
 
 
Eat Less, Play More
 
Remember when you were a child, and you got so wrapped up in playing, imagining or creating that you didn’t want to stop when it was time to eat? Do you remember leaving your meal half-finished to run off and continue playing? Children innately understand that food is secondary to what is most nutritious and primary in life: fun and play.

As adults we seem to have lost our instinct to prioritize play. In our busy world with its emphasis on work and responsibility, being healthy and balanced needs to include feeding our hearts, minds and spirits, not just our bodies.

Have you noticed that when your body, mind and spirit are engaged in a creative project or happy relationship that your reliance on food seems to decrease? Likewise, when you are unsatisfied with your relationships, your job or other areas of your life, you may lean on food to cheer, soothe or numb you. When your life is out of balance, no amount of food can feed you at the level where you truly need nourishment. The food that we eat is very important for health and balance, but what really feeds us-a full and fulfilling life-doesn’t come on a plate.

What is fun for you? What makes your insides light up? What excites you? Make time for it this week. Even if you don’t have much time for fun, try approaching a “serious” activity with an attitude of play. This can greatly reduce stress and anxiety and bring pleasure to your day. Take your focus off food, try adding more fun into your life and watch the magic unfold.
 

Food Focus: Sea Vegetables

In traditional Chinese healing, sea vegetables correspond to the winter season and to the kidneys, adrenal glands, bladder and reproductive organs. The strengthening, balancing and cleansing properties of sea vegetables are known to help these organs as well as the hair, skin and nails.

Sea vegetables (or seaweeds) provide a large array of minerals and vitamins, including calcium, iron and iodine, and can help balance hormone and thyroid levels in the body. They also contain copious amounts of magnesium, potassium and Vitamin A. Eating too many processed foods or foods grown in mineral-depleted soil can result in a lack of minerals in the body, leading to cravings for salty or sugary foods. Adding sea vegetables to your food repertoire can help balance your energy levels and alleviate cravings.

There are a variety of intriguing and delicious sea vegetables that are easy to find at your local health food. Usually found in the Asian cooking section, each of these vegetables has its own unique flavor and texture. Here are a few that might pique your interest:

Hijiki – When it comes to calcium, hijiki is king! With approximately 150 mg of calcium per 1/4 cup serving, you can’t beat this vegetable to help strengthen your bones (as a comparison an 8 ounce glass of milk has approximately 285 mg of calcium) and have supple skin and shiny hair. These small black strands plump up nicely when soaked in water. Prepare hijiki with carrots, toasted sesame oil or some hot pepper to bring out the flavor.

Kombu – Who’s eaten beans and several hours later regretted that decision? Not to worry if you cook your beans with kombu, a versatile sea vegetable that softens beans and makes them more digestible. Put a 3-4″ piece in the pot with the beans and your intestines will thank you. Alternatively, if you buy canned beans look for organic beans that have been cooked with kombu.

Wakame – Slippery to the touch when soaked in water, this green sea vegetable has a slightly sweet flavor and is a great accompaniment to dark leafy green veggies like collards or kale. Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to purify the blood, it’s also known to help regulate women’s cycles.
 

Recipe of the Month: Mighty Miso Soup
 

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Serves: 4-5
Ingredients:

4-5 cups spring water
1-2 inch strip of wakame (my favorite sea vegetable) rinsed and soaked 5 minutes
   in 1 cup of water, until softened
1-2 cups thinly sliced vegetables of your choice (see notes)
4-5 teaspoons barley miso
2 scallions, finely chopped
Directions:

1.  Chop soaked wakame.
2.  Discard soaking water or use on houseplants for a boost of minerals.
3.  Place water and wakame in a soup pot and bring to a boil.
4.  Add root and ground vegetables first and simmer gently for 5 minutes or until   
     tender.
5.  Add leafy vegetables and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
6.  Remove about 1/2 cup of liquid from pot and dissolve miso into it. Return it to the
     pot.
7.  Reduce heat to very low-do not boil or simmer miso broth.
8.  Allow this to cook 2-3 minutes.
9.  Garnish with scallions and serve.
Notes:
Any combination of vegetables can be used in miso soup. Here are some classic combinations:

onion-daikon: very cleansing
onion-carrot-shiitake-mushroom-kale
leek-corn-broccoli: great in summertime
onion-winter squash-cabbage: great in wintertime

Variations:

Add cooked grains at the start of making the soup. They will become nice and soft.
Add a tablespoon of uncooked quinoa or millet at the beginning and let it cook with vegetables for 20 minutes.
Add cubed tofu toward the end.
Add bean sprouts toward the end.
Season with 1/2 teaspoon ginger juice for an interesting twist.

If using dry shiitake mushrooms, let them soak for 20 minutes, slice and add at the beginning.
 

Upcoming Events
Tuesday, January 16 – Sisters’ Journey – Breast Cancer Survivor Support Group
6:30-7:30 pm, St. Luke’s Church, 111 Whalley Ave, New Haven, CT

There’s nothing more important than providing yourself with loving care and nourishment after something as serious as cancer. I’ll be facilitating a discussion on healthy eating habits and nourishing self-care to this amazing group of women!

Wednesday, January 17 – Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce Business Expo 2007, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm, 1 Science Park, New Haven, CT

Join me at this business to business expo for two informative and engaging workshops sure to help keep you healthy!

2:30-3:00 pm: Healthy on the Go: The Lowdown on Quick, Satisfying and Healthy Snacks
3:30-4:00 pm: Power Foods, Power Eating: How to Create Lasting, Focused Energy
Thursday, January 18 – Southern Connecticut Exchange Meeting                                     7:45-9:45 am, BKM Total Office, 1913 West Main Street, Stamford, CT

“Keeping Your Business and Personal Resolutions for the New Year” – Join me for this engaging presentation on the how-to’s of keeping your goals on track for the year.
Thursday, January 18 – Building Healthy Communities: Foods and Traditions from Our Diverse Community                          6:00-7:30 pm, Yale University, Hall of Graduate Studies, 320 York St., New Haven, CT

Come and enjoy wonderful food traditions from our diverse community groups in New Haven featuring specialities from many ethnic restaurants and lots of taste testing! And you don’t want to miss the cooking demonstration that I’ll be doing with sea vegetables, whole grains, and root veggies!

Wednesday, February 14- Health Body, Healthy Business!
12:00-1:30 pm, Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce, 900 Chapel St., New Haven, CT

Are you a local real estate agent always on the go? Then join me for a 3-part series starting on January 23 (subsequent sessions will be held February 14 and March 13) designed to help you expand your business and grow your income by starting with you! When we’re eating healthfully and taking care of ourselves, our energy increases, we have a more positive attitude and we’re in the right frame of mind to grow our business successfully. Sponsored by Kim Hafford of Washington Mutual, this free series includes a healthy lunch, great learning environment and information to keep you healthy. For more information call 203.641.0653.
 
New Office, New Year, New You!
I’ve recently moved into a beautiful new office in North Haven, CT that’s warm, inviting and tranquil – the perfect setting to work on enhancing your health. Join me for a complimentary consultation to jump start your health in 2007. Don’t live in the area? No worries! I work with clients both near and far by phone. Give a call today to set up an appointment…joy, fun, inspiration and great health are just a phone call away! 203.641.0653
 
 
 
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 
 

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