April 2007 – Vol 2, Issue 4
 
In This Issue
 
Spring into Great Health on April 25!
Spring Cleaning
What Can Greens Do For You?
Recipe: Jumped Greens
Upcoming Events
Eating for Energy & Effectiveness Teleclass Recording
 
 
Happy Spring! With warmer weather on the horizon, I can’t help but feel energized and upbeat. Spring is the season of new beginnings and the opportunity for a frest start on many levels. I’m personally launching into the season by doing some spring cleaning of my own – both in my home and with my eating. I’m already visualizing cleaner, more organized closets and drawers. And by eating the healthiest organic fruits and vegetables, and drinking lots of water, how can I help feeling anything but great?

I can’t wait for the clarity, inspiration and new found energy I expect to gain. What will help you feel lighter, more energetic and satisfied this spring? I hope you’ll take some time this month to tune into your own version of spring cleaning.

In great health,

Wendy

You can clutch the past so tightly to your chest that it leaves your arms too full to embrace the present.
- Jan Glidewell
 

Spring into Great Health on April 25!
 
Need a little motivation to jump start your healthy eating? Interested in lightening up and feeling better for spring and summer? Then join me for Healthy Living 101, a 6-week group program held on Wednesday evenings beginning April 25. You will learn to be present, focused and in tune with your body, you will learn to put yourself first on the list instead of last, and above all, you will learn to take care of yourself the way you to take care of others!
What else will you gain?
Inspiration and motivation to get healthy and stay that way!
Lots of learning in a fun, interactive environment with others interested in making a change
Tips, information, recipes and other resources about how to stay healthy using whole foods
Go to www.healthy-endeavors.com for more exciting details or call 203.641.0653.

Hurry, classes fill up quickly, reserve your space now!
 
 
Spring Cleaning
 
With winter behind us and more bright, warm days ahead, it’s natural to think about spring cleaning in many parts of our lives. What’s more satisfying then successfully tackling a closet you’ve been meaning to clean out for quite some time or the delight you feel when you have multiple bags of “stuff” to give or throw away? Clearing out cluttered spaces helps up think more clearly, increases our energy and invites in new possibilities.

The same can be said for doing some spring cleaning with our bodies. During the winter months we often eat heavier, more warming foods that help keep us fortified against the cold. For some of us that might mean more meat , for others root veggies and soups. These foods can give us long lasting energy but can also be congesting, slowing down the efficiency of our digestive system.

But with spring comes more activity, feeling lighter and brighter and often the desire to “shed some pounds.” To spring clean your body, give it a break from rich and complicated foods by either cleansing or fasting for a short period of time. Cleansing means paring down your food to just simple fruits and vegetables, lots of water and perhaps whole grains. Fasting means limiting most foods and drinking lots of water, fresh vegetable and fruit juices, teas and soups. Without much energy going towards digestion, more energy is available to the rest of your body and mind. Cleansing and fasting can sharpen your concentration, help you gain insight and promote spiritual awareness. It can also lead to improved immune function, better digestion and better absorption of nutrients.

The beauty of cleansing or fasting is that it doesn’t have to take a lot of time or money, but rather, some basic preparation and a desire to make some changes. What’s the best way to approach it? Here are a few ideas:
choose simple low stress foods that don’t require a lot of preparation
choose a week when your schedule is less busy and you can focus on enhancing your health
buddy up with a friend or spouse to do a cleanse or fast, supporting each other in getting healthier
be open to all the possibilities that exist as a result of lightening your load

Taking the time to slow down, reflect and do some spring cleaning – whether in your home, your heart or your stomach – can give you a new perspective in many aspects of your life. Just like spring, why not start anew?
 

What Can Greens Do For You?
 
Ahh, dark leafy green vegetables. Do you know that they are the number item missing from most American diets? Why? In our busy society, focused on getting more done in record time, our healthy eating habits often fall by the wayside. Most of us don’t eat enough vegetables to begin with and getting in 5-7 servings a day is a pipedream for most. Throw in the additional task of making sure that at least some of them are green and leafy, and we’ve lost even more veggie eaters to iceberg lettuce and tasteless tomatoes.

Greens have been a mainstay of southern cooking for centuries, a key component of any soul food dinner. Traditionally, greens were cooked for many hours, often using fatback (the layer of fat along the back of a pig) for flavor. The notion of greens was perfected by slaves, who got the leftover food from the plantation kitchen. By combining the greens with ham hocks and pigs feet, the meal provided needed sustenance. In addition, slaves benefited from drinking “pot likker” the cooking water from the greens, full of nutrients.

The truth today is that we can prepare greens, with relatively minimal effort and time, all the while creating delicious and nutritious dishes that pack a powerful punch. What’s so great about greens? Let us count the ways.

Greens such as kale, collards, spinach, and swiss chard are bursting with important vitamins and minerals to keep us strong like vitamins A, C, E and K. In addition, greens are full of calcium and provide a tasty and low fat alternative to dairy products. Moreover, greens pack a powerful punch with abundant amounts of magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc, folic acid and fiber.

And we’re only scratching the surface. Greens are powerful antioxidants to help prevent cancer, help cleanse and purify our systems and give us abundant energy. Recovering from a cold? Think greens. They help reduce mucus and clear up congestion. In need of some spring time cleansing? Greens will do the trick, helping to detoxify your liver and kidneys.
Simply put, going green is the way to go. And with plenty of options to eat them both raw and cooked, the possibilities are endless.
 

Recipe: Jumped Greens
 
 
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 Minutes
Yield: 4 Servings
Ingredients:
1 bunch kale
1 medium sized yellow onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt to taste
Directions:
1. Wash kale, cut stems off and chop into small pieces and put aside.
2. Warm oil in pan, add ginger, garlic and saute for one minute.
3. Add onion, saute for a few more minutes.
4. Add kale, stir well and then add a splash of water Cover and allow to cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add salt, check for desired tenderness and serve.
 

Upcoming Events
 
The Power to End Stroke
Monday, April 9 American Heart Association, Wallingford, CT
I’ll be motivating American Heart Association staff in support of the Power to End Stroke program, an important initiative geared toward reducing the incidence of stroke in the African-American community. Stating with a healthy breakfast, we’ll break bread, discuss healthy eating strategies and learn simple techniques to be in optimal health.
Living Healthy for Business Success – FREE
Tuesday, April 10 12:00-1:30 pm, Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce, New Haven CT
Do you know the keys to being in optimal health? Do you understand the correlation between a healthy body and great business results? Join Dr. Eric Meyers of Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation Centers and myself for this free workshop designed to keep you healthy. Bring your lunch and stay for some great conversation and healthy snacks.
Live/Raw Food Dinner
Tuesday, April 10, 7:00 pm, The Loft, South Norwalk, CT
Have you ever experienced a completely raw meal? Would you like to learn about the benefits of raw foods? Enjoy a delicious raw foods dinner prepared by my friend and colleague, Lisa Storch. $60. For more information, go to www.catchahealthyhabit.com and click on the Events page or call 203.829.9065.
Oasis in the PhD Program: 60-Second Strategies for Reducing Stress!
Wednesday, April 11, 4:00 pm, Hall of Graduate Studies, Yale University
Are you a stressed out Yale graduate student so focused on your studies that you neglect yourself? Then join me for this interactive workshop designed to teach you simple yet profound strategies you can use anytime and anywhere to reduce stress and have a calmer, more satisfying life.
Oasis in the Overwhelm: 60-Second Strategies for Balance in a Busy World – FREE workshop
Wednesday, April 11, 6:00 pm, Jared Andrew Studio, 42 State Street, North Haven, CT
Got stress? Join Millie Grenough, author of Oasis in the Overwhelm and business coach extraordinaire, and I for this fabulous, fun and fascinating approach to stress management. You’re sure to feel calmer, more confident and ready for your own Oasis when we’re done.
The Ecstasy of Eating: Six Steps for Satisfying Self- Nourishment – FREE
Friday, April 13, 12:00-2:00 pm, Sogno Boutique of Dreams, 83 Audubon Street, New Haven, CT
Do you know the secrets to creating a pleasurable eating experience? How can you increase the enjoyment you get from your meals? Come to this free workshop and learn to be more present, focused and in touch with your body as it relates to eating and enjoying your food. For more information, call 203.777.3226
Book Signing: Fat Loss 10: The 10 Commandments of Fat Loss
Saturday, April 14, 2:00 pm, AKAD’s Unisex House of Styles, 1382 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, CT
Mubarakah Ibrahim, owner of Balance Fitness in New Haven will be signing copies of her new book, Fat Loss 10! Don’t miss the chance to connect with Mubarakah and hear her unique story (She was recently featured on Oprah!) about how as a Muslim personal trainer, she inspires women of all backgrounds to get fit.
The Principles of Investing: A Seminar for Women – FREE
Tuesday, April 17, 5:30 pm, UBS Financial Services, 750 Washington Blvd, Stamford, CT
Join my colleague Sandy Cerqueira and I for an engaging discussion on investing for women. And not only with you gain the benefit of Sandy’s wisdom, but you’ll also have a chance to learn some simple stress management strategies that I’ll be sharing. For more information and to reserve your spot, call 203.326.7109 or 877.202.6340 ext. 109.
Calling all Real Estate Agents: Let’s Get Healthy at the Health Body, Healthy Business Seminar Series – FREE!
Wednesday, April 18 – 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 the Healthy Body, Healthy Business series that’s designed to help you expand your business and grow your income by starting with you! This month’s topic is entitled Oasis in the Overwhelm and focuses on how you can use simple yet profound techniques to reduce stress and create calm. Sponsored by Kim Hafford of Washington Mutual Home Loans and Edna Colucci of the Colucci Law Firm, LLC, this free series includes a healthy lunch, great learning environment and information to keep you healthy. For more information call 203.641.0653.
“Supersize Me” and a Healthy Shopping Extravaganza
May 1 & 2, Common Ground HS, New Haven, CT
What’s better than viewing Supersize Me and facilitating a lively discussion with high school students about the perils of McDonalds? I’m teaming up with one of Common Ground’s amazing teachers to provide an engaging learning experience on May 1. And the following day we’re headed to the supermarket for some healthy shopping tips.
 
Eating for Energy & Effectiveness Teleclass Recording
 
Have you had a chance to listen to my Eating for Energy & Effectiveness teleclass? If not, what are you waiting for? Learn great tips and strategies to increase your energy throughout the day! To listen, go to: http://www.totalbusinessfitness.com/cafe/cafeselectio ns/march-14-wendy-battles/
Read on…
 
 
 
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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