Holistic Family Wellness

I was always a little leery of drinking out of a coconut (it just seemed…odd), but I have fallen in love with coconut water! Cold coconut water on a hot day (like the sweltering humidity and scorching sun of Mexico) is unbelievable! Not only does it taste exquisite and refresh you, it is a healthy choice. Coconut water is an isotonic solution which replaces the fluids and minerals that the body loses during physical activities or sweating. Coconut water contains more potassium (at about 294 mg) than most sports drinks (117 mg) and most energy drinks and coconut water has 5mg of natural sugars where sports and energy drinks range from 10-25mg of altered sugars.

Looking for an alternative to Gatorade? Try coconut water. The greener the coconut, the more coconut water inside. As the coconuts age, the water and meal turn to coconut milk, also a healthy choice but much more dense and calorie rich.

Coconut is also great for boosting energy, an antimicrobial agent, and good for the immune system.

In the land of Bhutan, a small country nestled in the Himalayas, progress is measured by the GNH, or “Gross National Happiness”. As a result of this more humane style of governance, Bhutan has developed high environmental protection standards (the use of plastic bags, for example, is completely banned) and a peaceful and harmonious society that actively protects its rich culture and profound Buddhist traditions.

When is the last time I measured MY progress by my happiness? I think I will incorporate the LDH indicator, or Leah’s Daily Happiness. It is time to throw away judgments based on financial gain, celebrity status, or career achievements. This past week in Mexico, I scored a 10+ on the LDH indicator scale when I took the time to step away from the craziness, breathe and relax. I wish you all the same.

Today is my 30th birthday, I begin my 30th year of life, and my driver’s license says I am 29. I really want to thank my mother for going through 18 hours of pushing during a strenuous labor 29 years ago. I can’t believe she went on to naturally birth two more babies after me!

I am a firm believer that birthdays are special, always have, always will. But I don’t think I really understood the miracle that happens when a new soul enters this world until recently. So, thank you parents for giving me the gift of life on this day 29 years ago.

Tonight I learned that this is NOT true. I have many issues with McDonald’s as a nutritionist and propagator of eating REAL, WHOLE foods, but now I have yet another reason to speak unfavorably towards this establishment. They flavor their fries with gluten and dairy! Ugh. As if it wasn’t bad enough to fry the potatoes in trans fats, they are also adding two of the most allergenic foods in America to some of the most commonly eaten foods in America. I guess that is job security for me. This is just one example of how we have adulterated the foods we eat. Vote with your wallet and choose REAL, WHOLE foods. Bake your own potatoes at home with a light sprinkling of sea salt. Click here to read an article by MSNBC.

In a Hurry Green Curry with Bruschetta

Today I tried to whip up a healthy but yummy surprise lunch for my husband’s return home from working on a Saturday. I got the yummy and healthy part right…too bad I procrastinated this morning and got home from the grocery store just as he was pulling into the driveway! No surprise lunch for him. Turns out we had fun in the kitchen cooking together for the 30 minutes it took the two of us to whip this up and do the dishes! It was soooo good! I had been craving bruschetta since going out to eat at an Italian restaurant with my husband’s family and NOT able to eat the bruschetta because I was cleansing (no wheat or cheese). This lunch more than made up for it!

In a Hurry Green Curry is a recipe from 101cookbooks in which I substituted chicken for tofu.

yum

Who would have known that baking soda would have so many uses. You can use it as a non-toxic and very effective cleaning agent to help scrub bathtubs, sinks and floors, it is a great detoxifying agent for your skin when used as a soak with Epsom salts in a warm bath, and it makes for a useful ingredient when baking to react with an acidic medium such as cream of tarter, lemon juice, yogurt, buttermilk, cacao, vinegar, etc. to release carbon dioxide and help bread rise. Medical uses include use as an anti-fungal against dandruff, as an antacid, and as a paste to relieve insect stings and to absorb the poison.

I’ve been using this stuff for years and never realized the vastness of its powers until now. Guess I know what will be on my grocery list for tomorrow.

I’m back home today. That is, I’m back in California. I have lived in CA for 6 years now, almost to the day. But hovering in the plane looking over San Francisco as we descended today was the first time I ever muttered the words, “I am so glad to be home”, at least in reference to California. So, if you are wondering where home is…just ask yourself that very question. Your heart will know the answer. And yes, Mom and Dad, it is possible to feel “at home” in two places at the same time

Day 4 visiting my parents in MN. I love going home to spend time with my family, although sometimes it can be stressful, I end up learning a lot about myself, my relationship with my parents, and how I have become the person I have become. Some interesting things I learned on this trip:

1. I know where I get my need to have sweets in the house! My mom always has the most delectable chocolates and baked goods on hand. We always used to get to have a “treat” after dinner. Boy, has it taken be a long time to break that habit. It also makes a difference to be “out of sight, out of mind”. Note to self: if there are sweets out in plain sight, I will eat them.
2. You cannot push your loved ones to change their diet and their lifestyle just because you know (or think!) it is in their best interest. The more you push, the more they will push back. If you really love someone and want to help them, be gentle with your suggestions and give them time and space to change. Note to my husband: I know you are my sounding board and hear more than you care to! Thanks for understanding it is all out of love!
3. Californians (at least those who live in the Bay Area) should be so grateful for the variety and abundance of fresh, organic, seasonal and local produce we have at our fingertips. Grocery shopping in Minnesota was an internal battle of increasing my carbon footprint from buying organic produce from long distances or buying a very limited choice of non-organic local produce. I would have had to drive quite a bit to go to a Farmer’s Market or shop within a couple miles at Target Greatland!?! Boy, do I miss the Sunday Farmer’s Market in Walnut Creek! Note to Minnesotans: keep voting for fresh, local, seasonal, organic produce with your wallets! Seek out the Farmer’s Markets, Co-ops or Health Stores that can provide these items. Change will happen.