There is no shortage of information on healthy lifestyle interventions and quick fixes. But there's a lot of space between the information and what makes sense for each individual person in their unique landscape. And sometimes, it can feel so big. A good financial investment strategy builds slowly over time and the same approach holds true when it comes to your health. Small adjustments and skills you build over time, add up to big payoffs and exponential growth in a healthy and thriving future.
Nature is talking. As we joyfully roll into spring, and the winter layers peel away, we can feel a shift in our approach. Spring is a wonderful time to focus on whole foods, and little by little, crowd out some of the heavier and more processed meals with fresh produce. This small step can shift the needle in the direction of a healthier body and mind. The air feels lighter, we feel more called to move into the warmer sweet air, and we notice subtle cues from the trees and flowers that it’s time to pay attention to new growth and possibility.
Be like the rabbit: Nature really knows best. After a winter of heavy meals, grazing on POWERFUL little greens is SO cleansing to the liver and entire digestive system. They are loaded with water and fiber, which is great for moving things along, and super easy on digestion (great for active days when bloat is not invited). Local little strawberries are making their appearance, and draw the eye to signal 'Hey! I have what you need!' Plump berries and sweet crunchy peas are SUPER HYDRATING. As the days get longer and warmer, we lose more water...and quicker (BOO). EATING your water is very effective! Strawberries are over 90% water, and whole foods digest a little slower, to keep some water in reserve as you go about your awesome day. When it comes to your health and wellness, the invitation this spring is to spend some time reflecting on how to best cultivate the garden within. What is one small step one can take today, to make a small shift in the direction of vibrant health?
Budgeting your resources: Taking some time to explore local farms and eating in season can be a powerful ally when it comes to making choices with our dollar. Organic and locally grown produce offers the highest level of nutrition without the unfortunate addition of pesticide residue. The Environmental Working Group offers a pocket guide outlining which produce is important to source organically, and which fruits and veggies are safer options to source conventionally with the lowest levels of pesticides. You can download this pocket guide to keep handy when gathering your nourishment at the market.
ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php
A Simple Dressing
Fresh spring greens shine their subtle sweetness with the simplest of dressings. Enjoy this easy blend over any combination of young lettuces. The olive oil helps to absorb all the fat soluble vitamins from the lettuce.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (two lemons)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp. honey or maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. With a whisk, combine ingredients to drizzle over the fresh, plated greens
2. Top with fresh berries, nuts or seeds. chopped or torn fresh herbs and some beans or other protein such as salmon, chicken or hard boiled egg.
3. Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Parsley is a mother herb (supports whatever is needed in the body), prolific this time of year, and loved for its healing and culinary diversity. It is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins A, C, K, and folate. These key nutrients in the human body translate to powerful spring energy.
Parsley pesto
Ingredients:
1 large clove of garlic, chopped
A nice bunch of fresh parsley (stems removed)
1/4 cup favorite nut
Salt and pepper to taste (just a sprinkle)
1/2 cup good extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup quality parmesan cheese
Directions:
1. Blend all the ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
2. Add more olive oil to achieve a creamy consistency (think chunky peanut butter)
3. Serve tossed with pasta or on top of your favorite grilled protein. The fresh punch of flavor is perfect with fish.
4. Invite friends, love and feed them. Then go play in the sunshine.
