Spring into Health!

“Smile, it is the key that fits the lock of everybody's heart.” Anthony J. D'Angelo

Hallelujah! Spring is finally here and the days are longer, the sun is shining and the temperatures are on the up and up! Now that is something to smile and get excited about!

Spring is about nature’s inherent ability to grow, turn over and start new again. It's evident through the budding flowers, the birds chirping, and the ubiquitous color of green after a long winter season. For many of us, all these things are also a sign that we need to get going on our spring cleaning.

So for good physical and mental health we have more than one house that needs to be spring-cleaned, our dwellings and our physical bodies. Just as we accumulate old clothes, magazines and knick-knacks, our bodies accumulate old debris in the form of old food residues and toxins that need to be cleaned out of your body and mind. To spring-clean your body, follow some of the tips below or you can choose to do a cleanse or a fast. When you start to really pare down your food, you see a tremendous increase in your energy levels. Without much energy going to digestion, more energy is available to the rest of your mind and body. It can sharpen your concentration, help you gain insight and promote spiritual awareness. It can also lead to improved immune function, better digestion and for some a difference of a few pounds.

While you are at it, throw away negative thoughts and habits that hold you hostage and no longer serve you. A clean heart will allow you to forgive, move on and receive all the good that awaits you each and every day. Now who doesn't need more of that!

Collards with Dill and Parsley

*Here is one of my all-time favorites. For a 'light' meal, I top it off with a dollop of goat cheese. And I can tell you, there are no left overs when I make this one!

Ingredients:
3/4 pound of collard greens
2 tsps extra virgin olive oil
2 carrots, cut diagonally into ovals
1/2 cup of water
pinch of sea salt
2 tsps fresh dill
1/4 cup minced parsley
1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions:
1. Trim all stalks from greens. (I lay a bunch of collards on top of each other and cut down either side of the stem.) Roll leaves into fat cigar and slice into strips.
2.Heat oil in skillet. Add carrots and cook for 2-3 minutes.
3.Add collards and toss to coat with oil for 1 minute. Add water, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes. Sprinkle with sea salt.
4. Stir in dill and parsley and cook 1 minute. Season to taste with lemon juice and serve.

*As seen in Green Glorious Greens by Johnna Albi & Catherine Walthers

1. Give your body a break from rich and complex foods by either fasting or cleansing for a period of time.
2. The key word for spring is 'light', so pare down your food and include lots of green vegetables and simple fruits.
3. Drink lots of water, fruit juices, teas and soups.
4. Eat some whole grains and a low-fat diet.
5. Make sure you are getting more outdoor exercise. The fresh air and sunshine will do wonders for you!
6. Increase your fun factor and find something new to get excited about.
7. Forgive someone.
8. Spring clean your physical dwellings so the inside matches the outside. It's amazing how much more energy, focus and clarity you will have.
9.Use some fresh herbs like parsley, dandelion, basil or mint. They are healing, pack a real punch and can take a dish from good to great.
10.Don't be afraid to hire some help! Contact me to set up a consult and discuss your goals.