Healthy Endeavors: Developing Healthy Eating Habits for Life! » Creativity

Are you an Intuitive or By-the-Book Cook?

Wendy — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:19:43 +0000

I’ve always been of the mind that I’m a master at cooking from recipes but when it comes to creating dishes from scratch, that’s where my talent ends. Or does it? Do you think that you have to be a master chef to throw some creativity into your dishes and make them healthy and delicious? Of course not!

The thought came to mind when I was flipping through my April O magazine at the gym and came across an article that totally spoke to me, “The Creative Cook.” Although in the last few years I’ve gotten a lot more creative in the kitchen, it’s still something I’m trying on for size. Yes, I can whip together all kinds of smoothies and fresh vegetable juices based on what I have on hand and what inspires me, but that’s less true say, for a dinner menu.

But I love the premise of the article — we can all find inspiration and learn to trust our intuition in the kitchen. Bingo! Love the concept because I say the same thing about learning to trust our intuition when it comes to tuning into our bodies to notice when something isn’t right. In this case, it’s all about having fun (I’m all for that), knowing there’s no right or wrong answer and starting the process in simple ways.

For example, the article suggests taking a favorite recipe and just changing one ingredient, perhaps something you’re naturally drawn to that you think will taste good. You have to figure it’s hard to mess up a recipe when you’re just making small tweaks, right?

Another idea: buy yourself a copy of The Flavor Bible, the quintessential book if you’re serious about a little fun in the kitchen. It fills you in on all the details on how to take a few ingredients in your frig and turn them into a delicious meal. I got so inspired reading about the book that I just ordered it — clearly my next step in the creative process!

What about you, are you naturally intuitive? What inspires you in the kitchen? What do you do to become a more creative cook? Do tell!

Want daily inspiration? Check out tut.com

Wendy — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 14:49:16 +0000

I want to share a resource that some of you may like. Recently a friend of mine turned me on to www.tut.com. It’s a great resource if you’d like some daily inspiration to help you reach your goals. When you sign up to receive a daily message, you get a note from the Universe reminding you about what’s possible to create in your life.

Let me share an example. Some of you have read in my blog that I’m interested in creating a TV show about living a healthy life that inspires millions of people. When I get my messages from tut.com, they’re often personalized to me, asking me about my progress toward making my show a reality. It’s great to get these messages – it’s fun and light and gives some levity to your day. Plus it’s a great way to keep your goals and dreams on the radar screen in the midst of everything else you’re doing.

Check it out and tell me what you think!

Upcoming Events – September

Wendy — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 01:28:55 +0000

Common Ground Harvest Celebration
Saturday, September 15, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, 358 Springside Avenue, New Haven, CT

Join us to celebrate community, sustainability, and local farms. Learn about how local farms contribute to a healthy community as you tour Common Ground’s organic farm and learn tips and techniques for growing healthy food. Visit the garden tasting stations and sample over 25 varieties of vegetables, including 15 kinds of heirloom and hybrid tomatoes. Enjoy a tractor pulled hayride and visit the animals. On-site farm stand open during the celebration, specializing in fall greens and bunches of basil and garlic for home pesto-making! $3 per person ages 6 and up, ages 5 and under are free.

Tween Tribe: Social and Emotional Education for Girls
Tuesday, September 18 and ongoing on Tuesdays from 4:30-6:00 pm, Guilford, CT

If you have young daughters between 6-12, you’ll want to check out Tween Tribe. Facilitated by Kari Henley and Sarah Suatoni, this dynamic program is geared toward bringing girls together for activities that build social and emotional skills, confidence and provide an environment to unleash creativity and fun. Go to www.tweentribe.com for more details or call Kari at 203.453.4715.

First Baptist Church of Stratford Health Fair
Saturday, September 22, 10:00 – 3:00 pm, 1301 Stratford Avenue, Stratford, CT

Join me and other organizations for a day of information, tips and presentations about creating and maintaining great health.

Christian Tabernacle Church Health Fair
Saturday, October 6, 1:00 pm, 425 Newhall St., Hamden, CT

Join me for my How to Be Heart Healthy talk at the health fair. Come for the talk and stay to check out other health-related information.

Eat Less, Play More

Wendy — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 17:24:34 +0000

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.