Happy Thanksgiving!

Turkey

Wow….that came fast, right?   Here are some great and healthy tips for better eating during the busy holiday season that is bursting with things to eat.

1.  Whole Food.  The best way to get the most nutrients and the fewest additives is to eat food that is whole, fresh, seasonal, local, unrefined, and unprocessed.

2.  Plant filled.  Restructure your dinner plate to accommodate plant based foods as the main focus.  Try to eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables along with beans, nuts and seeds.  Make the protein less of a focus, or not at all.

3.  Healthy Fats.  Fats are high in calories but essential to your diet.  Healthy fats often come from whole foods such as nuts, seeds, and avocados.  Choose these and try to stay away from high calorie, low nutrient extracted oils.

4.  Nutrient Dense.  Focus your diet on foods that contain a high nutrient per calorie ratio.  Fresh greens, produce and dense grains like lentils, quinoa fit the bill perfectly!

Have a great holiday and enjoy all your favorite treats but in moderation.  The rest of the time eat more healthy and all this stuff will balance itself out.

fresh fruit

Ripe-fresh-fruit

Eating fresh fruit is healthy!  We all know it but do we always eat a lot of it?  The answer (if you are like me) is probably NO!  Here are  some easy tips to get you and your family to eat more healthy fresh fruits.

Snack smarter.  Try to encourage healthy eating with a bowl of fresh mixed berries, sliced bananas, apples, peaches, plums, pears, etc.  Increase the appeal by pairing it with a delicious cashew dip.  Soak cashews in water for about 4 hours, drain, then mix in a blender or food processor with dates, water, and vanilla.  Yummy!

Add a twist to you favorites.  Instead of PB&J try almond butter with date paste.

Mix your own.  Make your own blend of dried fruits, nuts and seeds for home-made trail mix…it’s great on the go!

Even dessert can be better and healthier with some fruit.  Try mixed berries, sliced pineapple or orange slices on your favorite deserts instead of whipped cream.

And don’t forget…healthy snacks do NOT spoil dinner like traditional sweet treats will.  So go ahead and eat more fruit starting NOW.

Who Knew?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The first astronomers thought they could keep time by following how long it took the sun to go from one high noon to the next.  However, they soon realized the sun is not a good time keeper because the length of time it takes to do this changes with the seasons. The Earth is tilted as it moves around the sun.  It rotates around the sun every 365.25 days and spins on its axis once every 24 hours.  The Earths axis, a line extending from the Earths north and south poles is tilted 23.5 degrees.  As the Earth reaches a particular point in its orbit about the sun, the northern hemisphere tilts towards the sun while the southern hemisphere tilts away from it.  The imaginary line that divides the Earth into the northern and southern hemispheres is the equator.  Massachusetts is in the northern hemisphere.  The season when we are tilted toward the Sun is our summer.  During our summer, the daylight lasts more than 12 hours because the sun is at it’s northernmost position from the equator.  During winter, daylight lasts less than 12 hours for the north because the sun is at its southernmost position from the equator.  The farther north from the equator you are, the shorter the daylight hours.

Stretch

stretching

I thought it was only for when I wake up, or before or after I run?  No?   Why should I stretch all day?

If you have an exceptionally tight area in your body, like your hamstrings or shoulders, I give you an A-plus for stretching after your cardio or strength training. Unfortunately a few minutes of stretching once a day is not enough time to really loosen those chronically inflexible areas. It is important to take the time to stretch and lengthen those troubled tight zones at least a few times a day.

Try to incorporate stretches into your daily routine at least three times. Why not take a stretch break along with your coffee breaks?

Don’t overdo it and if you feel pain stop the stretch immediately.  For this or any other exercise routing please consult your physician or expert for advice on proper form and safety.

Delicious!

Leek fritters with minted yogurt……yummmmmmmmmm……

Post image for Summer CSA Recipes: Leek Fritters with Minted Yogurt

3-4 Leeks
I bunch Spinach
¼ cup Olive Oil
1 tsp Kosher Salt
1 cup Flour
2 Eggs
½ stick Melted Butter
½ cup Milk
1 tbsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Coriander
1 tsp Cumin
¼ tsp Cinnamon
1 pinch Clove
¼ tsp Chili Powder
1 tsp Red Chili Flakes

1 cup Greek Yogurt
½ cup Chopped Mint
½ cup Chopped Parsley
2 cloves Garlic
Juice from 1 Small Lemon
½ tsp Salt

Start by making the sauce. The flavor gets better if it sits while making the fritters. Combine the yogurt, mint, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, and salt in a food processor until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and reserve for later.

Remove all of the dirt from your produce. Chop the leeks and spinach into thin, half-inch pieces. Heat a large frying pan with olive oil and sauté the leeks with salt until soft. Add the spinach and heat until wilted. Set aside to cool. In a large mixing bowl combine the flour, eggs, butter, milk, and baking powder with a whisk until smooth. Stir in all of the spices and cooled greens until evenly combined. This is your batter, fry them up just like little pancakes until golden brown on both sides. Serve warm with the minted yogurt sauce. Enjoy!

YOGURT!

YogurtYogurt is very versatile, but maybe you need some new ideas?  Try these:

1. Boost your breakfast. Eat it straight with your favorite fruit as usual, OR spread on toast instead of cream cheese or butter!

2.  Use in Salad Dressing.  Add oil, salt, pepper, cider vinegar or shallots and have an instant creamy dressing for your favorite salad.

3.  Replace your mayo.  Lighten up chicken salad, dips or spicy crab salad on toast.

4.  Try in a marinade.  Yogurt has built in enzymes that break down proteins and tenderize meats and fish.

5.  Just add a Dollop!  To almost anything yogurt is a great accent as a finishing touch…try it on roasted veggies, grilled meats, eggs or sauteed greens.  Mix in toasted spices, chiles, or fresh herbs to boost the flavor.

6.  Swirl into soups.  Add creaminess and body to any soup.  Stir in some Greek yogurt right before serving.

7.  Creative Appetizer or Dessert.  Greek yogurt, sliced fruit ( figs are awesome) top with honey and toasted pine nuts….YUMMY!

Be creative and enjoy….

Massage, then Sports, then more Massage!

SportsMassage

What is sports massage?  Why is it so popular?  Well, there are many reasons actually.  Sports massage can be traced back to the early Greek Olympics.  The Olympians were massaged vigorously before and after the events to improve performance in the games.

How do we kn0ow this works?  In the United States Jack Meagher is thought to be the father of present day sports massage.  He and his team massaged horses before and after their races improving performance measurably.  The assumption being horses don’t look forward to massage. They don’t know it is beneficial, therefore the improvement could not be psychological as it might be in humans..  Interesting, right?

These days sports massage refers to pre-event or post-event massages focusing on the muscle groups vital to the particular event; running, cycling, swimming, etc.  What are the benefits?

  • Increased blood flow
  • Increased joint range of motion, flexibility
  • Increased sense of well-being; relaxed
  • Decreased muscle tension
  • Decreased recovery time
  • Decreased chance of injury

I would encourage a fantastic sports massage including some stretching before or after your next athletic event.  We work with dancers, marathon runners and more!  We would love to work with you.

Banana’s

bananas

Bananas are amazing…but you already knew that right?   Well….I bet you didn’t know this…..

This is interesting. After reading this, you’ll never look at a banana in the same way again.Bananas contain three natural sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world’s leading athletes.

But energy isn’t the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

PMS:
Forget the pills – eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

ANEMIA:
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

BLOOD PRESSURE:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit’s ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

BRAIN POWER:
200 students at a Twickenham school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

CONSTIPATION:
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

HANGOVERS:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

HEARTBURN:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

MORNING SICKNESS:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

MOSQUITO BITES:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

NERVES:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system..

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

ULCERS:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

TEMPERATURE CONTROL:
Many other cultures see bananas as a ‘cooling’ fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has FOUR TIMES the protein, TWICE the carbohydrate, THREE TIMES the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals.. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, ‘A BANANA a day keeps the doctor away!’

When was your last facial?

facialmassage
4 Surprising Health Benefits of Facials:
Of COURSE facials are relaxing….but did you know?

Facials Can Increase Circulation

The warm steam that is applied to the face during a facial not only helps to open pores, but it can also open blood vessels and increase circulation. Increasing circulation to the face helps bring beneficial nutrients and oxygen to the skin which in turn encourages new cell growth. In addition to the steam, the light massage that is used to apply facial products can also increase circulation to the face and neck.

Facials May Help Reduce Blood Pressure Caused by Stress

According to the Mayo Clinic, stress can temporarily raise your blood pressure to unhealthy levels. The hormones that the body releases under stress can cause an increase in heart rate and a narrowing of the blood vessels. Reducing stress, anxiety, and tension can help to lower the risk of temporary spikes in blood pressure.

The calming atmosphere of the spa room, a soothing facial treatment, and just taking a few minutes to relax may help reduce the risk of short-term high blood pressure due to anxiety and stress. In addition to setting aside time for a facial treatment, lower your risk of high blood pressure by making healthy lifestyle choices, eating a balanced low-sodium diet, and exercising regularly.

Facials Can Increase Lymphatic Drainage

The lymphatic system is made up of a network of lymph nodes or glands located throughout the body, including many in the neck and chest. These glands are an integral part of the immune system and also work to drain excess fluid from parts of the body.

During a facial, as the esthetician rubs the products into the skin around the neck and chest, the lymphatic system is stimulated. By “awakening” these lymph nodes, the body increases drainage, and helps to reduce any fluid retention in the face and upper body; this helps one receiving a facial feel and look less “puffy.”

Facials Can Help Reduce Minor Congestion

The spa may be the last place you would think to go when you feel congested, however, the combination of steam and massage that accompanies many types of facials may help to reduce the pressure associated with both nasal and sinus congestion. The steam can help to open clogged nasal passages and massaging certain pressure points on the face can help to reduce sinus pressure and congestion.

Get a facial today and see the results for yourself!

Bernadette, Dina, and Robyn are the BEST!

Hamburgers……

burger-photo

Nothing says summer more than a burger fresh off the grill. These days, burgers are more than the classic beef-and-cheddar variety. We’ve taken to making burgers out of everything, from chicken to seafood to beans!

When choosing your burger, don’t be afraid to mix things up a little. Try adding international flair through toppings like kimchi or tzatsiki sauce, or mix some pesto right into the meat before cooking. Adding chopped olives, onions or jalapeños can add so much flavor with minimal effort.

Even if you’re a red meat fan, branching out with a burger made from mushrooms or lentils will surprise your taste buds, in a good way. Vegetarian burgers are often a little more finicky on the grill, so if you’re worried about them falling through the grates, use a special grilling sheet, or stick to cooking on the stovetop or baking in the oven. No matter how you cook it, you’ll get a meal worth celebrating.

Best Burger Tips

  • Portobello and Pineapple Teriyaki Veggie BurgersKeep the ground meat very cold and handle it as little as possible.
  • Make the patties much bigger than you would normally  as the burgers cook they will shrink up significantly. (This doesn’t apply to veggie burgers.)
  • Use your thumb to make a dent in the center of each patty. This helps the burger from becoming too round when it cooks.
  • If you’re a fan of melty cheese, add a square to the center of an uncooked burger patty then fold the ground meat around it. The cheese will melt as the burger cooks but remain in the core.
  • Don’t salt the burgers until right before they hit the grill. Salting too early will change the texture of the burgers making them springy instead of tender.
  • Be sure to prepare the grill, oiling and cleaning the grill grates and getting the fire nice and hot.

Now go ahead and experiment and ENJOY!