Do you live in your own little world…. Where you’re consumed with YOUR day to day “goings on” ~ not really tuned in to the world around you? Yeah, we can all be like that from time to time. But, when you step outside of the “world of you,” amazing things can happen. This past weekend, I witnessed this firsthand. At a Landmark seminar, a participant reached out to a homeless man named Randy on the streets of Manhattan and engaged him in a conversation. When he shared this occurrence with the seminar group, he was saddened that he didn’t have completion with Randy. So, before our evening session last night, a few Landmark participants reached out to Randy, bought him some new clothes, treated him to dinner and brought him to the evening session last night. Wow!
Some of us don’t really “see” these people – the people on the outskirts of life for whatever reason. We’re too busy with our day to day activities and are blind to the world around us. Randy is really no different than you and me. The only difference is Randy hasn’t believed in himself. He hasn’t realized that he can create his life…. He can make the impossible possible. He just needs to realize he’s worth it and that if he fails, we ALL fail. We’re really not alone in this world, only responsible for ourselves. We’re part of a much larger picture. Until we come to a place where we actually feel part of that, we’ll most likely stay in our cocoon.
In a world of possibilities, opportunities, diversity and abundance, I challenge you to reach out to someone and make a difference….create a future that wasn’t going to happen anyway! Go beyond the reasons that stop you from fully participating in life. Share in a way that leaves people touched, moved and inspired. See how this makes you feel…..
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Local? Organic?
It seems as if these words are thrown around quite often, but do we really know what they mean? When it comes to produce, what matters more: pesticide-free treatment, despite high fossil fuel usage or chemically treated, yet sustainable food? In a perfect world, food would be local AND organic, which would also make it much easier to eat seasonally (i.e. eating a mango in the middle of winter is not very seasonal). We are not all organic farmers, however I do encourage you to try planting some seeds in the backyard, on the deck, or even the fire escape! I plant fresh basil and parsley, and boy does that taste beat any organic store-bought herb!
The issue of local versus organic food is a personal choice. Organics supports nutrition and the environment by refraining from using chemical fertilizers on produce. However, trucking organic produce halfway around the world uses an enormous amount of energy and valuable resources.
In my opinion, the order (from most preferable to least) is:
1.) Local organic produce
2.) Organic produce
3.) Local produce
4.) Produce (from anywhere)
Some people may disagree, but it is truly your own decision. Also, how local does your produce have to be in order for it to be considered local? I usually make sure my local produce comes from within 150 miles of where I live. Think back to before we had mass transportation and aircraft. It would literally be impossible to ship coconuts from Thailand to New Jersey. It almost seems ridiculous. People would travel by foot or by horse to get their food. Of course technology offers a great deal of convenience and availability, but it's good to be aware of how we can refrain from taking advantage of important resources.
I invite you to research farmer's markets in your area. Farmers markets usually offer a variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and humanely-raised, antibiotic-free animal products. Some offer organic options, but all are usually local. Also, health food stores such as Whole Foods offer local selection, as well as organic. Buy an apple from the supermarket and an apple from the farmer's market. Any difference?
What are your thoughts on local vs. organic? Please share!
Learn more about farmer's markets in your area:
www.cenyc.org
http://www.localharvest.org/farmers-markets/M23973
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
The BEST Green Smoothie Ever!
I don't know about you, but I'm addicted to my smoothies! It's pretty much what I eat, or rather, drink, every mornning around 9:00am. Yep, that's my breakfast! Everyone at my office knows that I drink a giant smoothie for breakfast so the remarks have stopped. They used to say things like, "How can you drink all that?" or "What the heck is that?" or "Ugh!" or "What would make something that color?" Too bad they have no idea what they're missing out on -- and, dare I share my smoothie with them?!! Not a chance! Even though it varies depending on my mood, I'll tell you what I put in my smoothie this morning....
About 3-4 cups organic spinach
1 tblsp raw almond butter
2 tblsp hemp seeds
1 tblsp E3 Live (blue/green algae)
1 tblsp Lucuma powder
1 cup organic blueberries (frozen)
1 cup organic raspberries (frozen)
1 cup organic strawberries (frozen)
1 organic date
2-3 cups spring water
DELICH!
Now this may not appeal to everyone's appetite so if you're just starting out, try some spinach, a frozen banana, some strawberries (or other fruit of your choice) and some kind of sweetener -- either dates or raw honey. Put enough spinach or kale or whatever greens you're using to make sure you get a good portion of greens in your diet first thing in the morning.
How is your emotional health?
Okay, so when we think of health, we probably think about our physical health first, right? Well, as we all know, our overall health is dependent on our emotional well being in conjunction with our physical well being. This weekend beginning on Friday morning at 10:00am, I will be attending the advanced course of the Landmark Forum in NYC. I’m beginning to feel “stressed” just thinking of the hours I will be sitting in one chair. The seminar ends Sunday at midnight after 32 hours – in that one chair! Well there are 30 minute breaks every 2-3 hours and an hour and a half dinner break each evening. Just sounds grueling to me!
But, after having attended the first Forum the beginning of June, I knew the advanced workshop would be something that I wanted to complete and something that would transform my life. For those of you who do not know about the Forum, let me say that it’s one of the most profound experiences I’ve ever been through. It’s not easy to convey just what it entails except to say that on a philosophical level you do come to many realizations…. Some that are extraordinary! Then you need to apply what you’ve learned to your very being. That can be challenging…. We all know what we would like to do and what we would like to happen, but applying ourselves to achieve the outcome we want doesn’t always come easy. Yet, through Landmark, it really is easy. It’s so easy that it makes you smile. And, even laugh! I know, I know….. sounds too good to be true. Yes, that’s right ~ it is that good.
So, whatever you need to do to add to the health of your emotional state, please do it! Please realize that your “health” comprises of your mind and your body. In the word health is “heal” – we need to heal our minds in order for our bodies to heal. I believe this is where good health starts!
What do you think?
But, after having attended the first Forum the beginning of June, I knew the advanced workshop would be something that I wanted to complete and something that would transform my life. For those of you who do not know about the Forum, let me say that it’s one of the most profound experiences I’ve ever been through. It’s not easy to convey just what it entails except to say that on a philosophical level you do come to many realizations…. Some that are extraordinary! Then you need to apply what you’ve learned to your very being. That can be challenging…. We all know what we would like to do and what we would like to happen, but applying ourselves to achieve the outcome we want doesn’t always come easy. Yet, through Landmark, it really is easy. It’s so easy that it makes you smile. And, even laugh! I know, I know….. sounds too good to be true. Yes, that’s right ~ it is that good.
So, whatever you need to do to add to the health of your emotional state, please do it! Please realize that your “health” comprises of your mind and your body. In the word health is “heal” – we need to heal our minds in order for our bodies to heal. I believe this is where good health starts!
What do you think?
Monday, July 13, 2009
Raw Collard Wrap Recipe
Need to whip up something quick for lunch? Try this crafty (and simple) way of incorporating greens to your daily diet! After all, greens are the most missing food in the modern diet.
What you will need:
1 or 2 collard leaves (depending on how hungry you are)
1 avocado, sliced
2 handful of organic sprouts (alfalfa or sunflower)
2 tablespoons tahini
spices to taste
What you will do:
1.) cut the stems off of the collard leaves.
2.) spread tahini on collard leaf, add avocado, sprouts, and spices
3.) roll up the collard leaf like a wrap, cut in half, and ENJOY!
If these flavors don't make your taste buds sing, try mixing it up by substituting the tahini for other condiments such as guacamole or hummus. The options are endless!
SUN! SUN! SUN!
Doesn't everything feel better when the sun's out?.... just getting out of bed in the morning is easier when the sun is shining. Of course, these days I'm getting up a little before sunrise ~ 5:20am for me and 5:35am for the sun!
Did you know that Vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin) is one of the most underrated vitamins today. Probably the #1 reason for that is because it's absolutely free! Vitamin D is produced by your skin when the sun's ultraviolet rays hit it. This can't happen if you're sitting in your car on a sunny day as the UV rays cannot penetrate glass. You actually need to be basking in the sun ~ not too hard for some of us! But, many of us are too scared to sit in the sun unless we're putting sunscreen with SPF 50 all over us. Do you ever wonder how much the pharmaceutical companies are making off of all the different sunscreen varieties -- levels from 2 to probably 60 or so! It's actually a very big business. Surprised? Of course not! Just look at the amount of drugs we're exposed to every day on the radio commercials, tv commercials, magazine ads, etc.
I did my own research (which I love to do with most things I question) and, according to a New York Times article in the Health section on February 16th, sunscreens do limit the amount of Vitamin D we produce. Yet it seems after a few tests and following people over the course of a few months and, in some cases years, it seems that while sunscreens do hamper the production of Vitamin D, it's not enough to cause a deficiency. And, that's mainly because most people do not apply enough of it. But, I encourage you to do some of your own research. We all need to make sure we have good levels of Vitamin D. You might want to have your levels tested.
So, bottom line is.... get out in the sun at least 2 times a week for 30 minutes WITHOUT sunscreen.... see if you feel better!!!!
Did you know that Vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin) is one of the most underrated vitamins today. Probably the #1 reason for that is because it's absolutely free! Vitamin D is produced by your skin when the sun's ultraviolet rays hit it. This can't happen if you're sitting in your car on a sunny day as the UV rays cannot penetrate glass. You actually need to be basking in the sun ~ not too hard for some of us! But, many of us are too scared to sit in the sun unless we're putting sunscreen with SPF 50 all over us. Do you ever wonder how much the pharmaceutical companies are making off of all the different sunscreen varieties -- levels from 2 to probably 60 or so! It's actually a very big business. Surprised? Of course not! Just look at the amount of drugs we're exposed to every day on the radio commercials, tv commercials, magazine ads, etc.
I did my own research (which I love to do with most things I question) and, according to a New York Times article in the Health section on February 16th, sunscreens do limit the amount of Vitamin D we produce. Yet it seems after a few tests and following people over the course of a few months and, in some cases years, it seems that while sunscreens do hamper the production of Vitamin D, it's not enough to cause a deficiency. And, that's mainly because most people do not apply enough of it. But, I encourage you to do some of your own research. We all need to make sure we have good levels of Vitamin D. You might want to have your levels tested.
So, bottom line is.... get out in the sun at least 2 times a week for 30 minutes WITHOUT sunscreen.... see if you feel better!!!!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Welcome and Happy Belated 4th of July!
Welcome to Holiscious.com! Isn’t holiscious the best word ever? My mom and I came up with the term when thinking of how to convey a holistic lifestyle being, well, delicious. It just makes sense. I’m not usually a blog writer, but I am a fan of reading other people’s (isn’t that always the case). I basically want to share my experience, knowledge, and life with you. Aren’t you lucky?! My mom will also be posting to this blog.
So yesterday was the 4th of July. Holidays used to be very stressful for me when I started transitioning to a healthier lifestyle. Hotdogs and hamburgers were no longer on the menu, and my family members took it personally that I was not being ‘patriotic’ anymore. I guess I was unaware that eating factory farm raised animals and a side of potatoes covered in artery-clogging lard was patriotic. Anyway, this year was a breeze. It has taken some time for my family to honor the fact that I choose to bring my own food. I used to get angry at the fact that they were eating so unhealthy. However, what interests me is that they seemed to be having all the fun eating their unhealthy food while I was huffing and puffing about the situation! That’s when I learned to let go and allow them to do their thing. If people are interested in adopting a healthier lifestyle, I have to be a positive role model and then they may or may not start asking questions. Not only did I steer clear of the grill this year, I chose to eat a raw dinner on the 4th. When the weather is hot, my body can’t even fathom food being cooked by flame. I ate some raw corn chips with homemade organic guacamole and a HUGE salad consisting of fresh organic greens, tomato, cucumber, hempseeds, and nori seaweed with some apple cider vinegar, flax oil, and cayenne pepper. Sound good yet? Holidays require dessert, so I continued on to the coconut crème pie with a nut crumble crust. By the way, every day is a holiday at Holiscious!
So yesterday was the 4th of July. Holidays used to be very stressful for me when I started transitioning to a healthier lifestyle. Hotdogs and hamburgers were no longer on the menu, and my family members took it personally that I was not being ‘patriotic’ anymore. I guess I was unaware that eating factory farm raised animals and a side of potatoes covered in artery-clogging lard was patriotic. Anyway, this year was a breeze. It has taken some time for my family to honor the fact that I choose to bring my own food. I used to get angry at the fact that they were eating so unhealthy. However, what interests me is that they seemed to be having all the fun eating their unhealthy food while I was huffing and puffing about the situation! That’s when I learned to let go and allow them to do their thing. If people are interested in adopting a healthier lifestyle, I have to be a positive role model and then they may or may not start asking questions. Not only did I steer clear of the grill this year, I chose to eat a raw dinner on the 4th. When the weather is hot, my body can’t even fathom food being cooked by flame. I ate some raw corn chips with homemade organic guacamole and a HUGE salad consisting of fresh organic greens, tomato, cucumber, hempseeds, and nori seaweed with some apple cider vinegar, flax oil, and cayenne pepper. Sound good yet? Holidays require dessert, so I continued on to the coconut crème pie with a nut crumble crust. By the way, every day is a holiday at Holiscious!
Happy Summer!
Hi Everyone! Welcome to Holiscious.com…. We’re so excited to share our tips on creating a healthy lifestyle. As a true “baby-boomer,” I grew up in a middle-class family where my parents worked hard to put food on our table. While both my parents worked outside the home (mom worked part-time), my dad’s favorite hobby was tending to his 5 acres in Hillsdale, NY where he had the most incredible organic garden. He prided himself on planting his garden in such a way as to eliminate certain insects or animals from devouring his plants. And, it worked! He never used pesticides and taught me to eat straight from the garden – no washing…. just wiping the fruits and veges on my clothes. I didn’t know people actually bought jams, jellies, pickles, relish or, for that matter, most anything at the supermarket! Everything in our house came from the garden. What couldn’t be eaten at the time it was picked got pickled, canned or frozen for the months the garden was preparing for the next planting season. So, fast forward to 2007 when my daughter, Shayna, graduated from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and began to take her health and everything associated with optimal health to new heights. Slowly, the memories of my upbringing began to emerge and I realized that I had a burning desire to know as much as I could about new, cutting edge information regarding health. I knew there was so much information around me – in magazines, books, internet, TV – that it was overwhelming to figure it all out. But, in talking to my daughter, it began to make sense. There was a time when I didn’t truly understand how a person could stop eating processed foods. What actually was processed food? How could I possibly make such a drastic change?
All I can say is that once you change your diet, YOU change! It’s exhilarating, liberating and powerful! I now feel the passion that my daughter feels and together we want to spread that passion to our friends and family.
Please join us as we “blog our way to good health – both in mind and body!”
All I can say is that once you change your diet, YOU change! It’s exhilarating, liberating and powerful! I now feel the passion that my daughter feels and together we want to spread that passion to our friends and family.
Please join us as we “blog our way to good health – both in mind and body!”
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