July 2007 – Vol 2, Issue 7

In This Issue
 
Try Something New
Food Focus: Raw & Cooling Salads
Recipe of the Month: Bok Choy Apple Slaw
July Events
Why Wait? Optimal Health is Just Around the Corner
 
 
When was the last time you had an adventure? You know, something out of the ordinary that ended up being fun, unexpected or exciting? Sometimes it’s about not having a plan and seeing where the day or night takes you. I went to a favorite restaurant last weekend and sat on the patio on a perfect night under the stars. It was a spontaneous decision to go there, it just felt right in that moment, and the evening couldn’t have been better.

Check out this month’s article, Try Something New, and read about the possibilities that exist when we slow down, take a different path and have a new experience. I’d love for you to think about what adventure you can plan for yourself in July. How about a trip to your local farmers market on a Saturday or Sunday morning? Or a trip to a local farm where you can indulge in an afternoon of “pick your own” fruit? (raspberries and blueberries are great for picking right about now). It could be a hike in a park you’ve never explored or something as adventurous as skydiving or bungee jumping. Bottom line, it doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive, lengthy or complicated. Just something out of your ordinary routine that will inspire and encourage you to relax and have some fun.

And while you’re at it, read on about delicious summer foods that are nutritious and cooling and the same time.

In great health,

Wendy

PS To inspire you, I’ve listed several links to interesting adventures you can explore!
The man who does things makes many mistakes, but he never makes the biggest mistake of all – doing nothing.
- Benjamin Franklin
 
 
Try Something New
 
Summer is finally in full force, and the living is easy! Do you notice how during summertime everything seems promising? The plants are in full bloom, the sun feels glorious on your skin and the longer days give you boundless energy, making you feel like it’s possible to achieve all your desires and dreams. Why not harness this energy, ride the wave of summer and try something new?

Throughout the year we are conditioned to run our lives at an intense pace (physical, emotional and mental), and we often get stuck in a routine, either for the sake of efficiency or out of fear of unfamiliar territory. The lack of variety in doing the same things over and over not only stagnates our minds, but our bodies and hearts as well. Hesitant to break your routine? It is interesting to note that fear and excitement have the same physiological expression in our bodies; it is our mind that classifies the feeling as either positive or negative. So the next time you consider a change in routine and your mind says, “scary!” see if you can re-frame it as, “exciting!”

What is something you have never done before, or that you have wanted to do for a long time? Choose your own adventure: organizing a kayak trip, taking a dance class, doing some exotic travel or setting a goal for a new personal challenge. Or try something simple, like playing flashlight tag with your kids and neighbors or reading in the sunshine. Maybe it’s time to discover a new vegetable dish or to visit a new town, restaurant or beach.

Whatever adventure calls to you, use this summer to make it happen and enjoy the life you came here for. Increasing new experiences and excitement in your life can decrease your need for and dependence on artificial stimulants like caffeine and sugar, leading to more vibrant health. Watch out for massive improvements in physical well-being, mental acuity and motivation, plus a full portfolio of fun!
 
 
Food Focus: Raw & Cooling Salads
 
Why is it that in the summer we naturally crave more fresh and raw foods? These foods have a cooling effect on the body. Their lightness and high water, fiber and vitamin content work together to act as our internal air conditioning during these warm months. At this time of year we also need less dense, high- energy food, because we get so much energy from being outside in the fresh air and sunshine.

There is no better season to have fun creating your own fresh, tasty, creative salad combinations. By simply tossing together several of your favorite raw veggies, naked or with a light dressing, you have a perfect meal for a hot summer’s day.

Try your favorite leafy lettuce with different sliced, diced or grated veggies. The possible combinations are endless. Fresh herbs are a wonderful option to mix in, as they are packed full of flavor. Experiment with adding different forms of protein to your salads, such as nuts, seeds, beans, tofu, fish or poultry. Pick up a light and healthy dressing at your local health food store, or mix up something easy, like lemon juice, black pepper and olive oil.

This is a great opportunity to try a new vegetable from your market. What are some creative flavors you’ve never tried before? Fennel and mint? Daikon radish and arugula? Summer squash with watercress? Whatever you choose, have fun with your food and stay cool. Happy summer!
 
 
Recipe of the Month: Bok Choy Apple Slaw
 
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
6 stalks of bok choy (about 1/2 a head), thinly sliced
1/2 a small onion, thinly sliced
1 granny smith apple, sliced
1/2 cup toasted sunflower seeds

Dressing:
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons honey or brown rice syrup
salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:
1. First make the dressing by combining all the ingredients and whisk well.
2. Chop all the salad ingredients, leaving the apples until last, and mix in a salad bowl.
3. Toss salad with half the dressing. Add additional dressing if so desired.
4. Either eat immediately or chill for up to one hour and then add the apples just before eating.
 
July Events
 
Senior Health Fair, Guilford Senior Center
Wednesday, July 11, 10:00 am -12:00 pm, 32 Church Street, Guilford, CT

Calling all senior interested in health living! Join me and many other organizations for information sharing, taste tests and goodies designed to keep you in optimal health.
 
Why Wait? Optimal Health is Just Around the Corner
 
 
You may have been thinking for awhile, “I’m tired of not having enough energy, barely making it through the day.” Or another common refrain, “I want to enhance my health but I never seem to have enough time.” Many of us are so busy taking care of others that we fail to take care of ourselves.
Believe it or not, being healthy can be simple – it doesn’t have to require an inordinate amount of time or money. It’s really figuring out what foods will help you look and feel your best, creating a plan of action, and finding simple and economical ways to make it work over time. If you’re feeling stuck, I encourage you to take some action today. Give me a call at 203.641.0653; whether you live in Connecticut or California, I can help you figure out simple strategies to have you feeling your best in no time.
 
 
 
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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