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If you're feeling gray, lethargic, clogged up, brain-fogged or
even just less-than-excellent, you could be in need of an early Spring clean-up - and pretty toxic. 

The truth is that when your body exhibits a symptom of imbalance or dis-ease, it is trying to let you know that the build-up of toxicity is too much for it to handle efficiently.  Think everything from pimples, excess weight and PMS to illnesses like Diabetes and Cancer.  Even though the groundhog hasn't even left his burrow yet, it's not too early to take some steps toward the natural detoxification that Spring inherently provides. 

1. Take in more greens

Just because the holidays are here, doesn't mean we have to abandon all manner of self-care.  In fact, these are the times when it is most important to listen to the messages our bodies are giving us and take control of the situation.  If we really love the soul inside of the body, then we will want to do everything to make sure it is happy, healthy and safe.

Sometimes, we need little reminders, so I put together a short holiday survival guide for those who feel they are already straying "off track."

One stunning realization I discovered, after years of being in a place where I had constantly wanted to change my situation, was that I was doing one thing every single day that kept me stuck exactly where I did not want to be. 

Halloween marks the unofficial start of the holiday season.  For some, it provides an excuse to indulge in less-than-healthy snack choices, like the candy that is "in the house" for the trick-or-treaters who may or may not empty the bowl on Halloween night.  This slippery slope can lead to poor food choices for the next three months. 

The holidays are a time of celebration, not an excuse to abuse yourself.  The truth is that all year long, there is always something going on:  birthdays, summer barbecues, anniversaries, family parties...it never ends, and that is one of the beautiful parts of being a human on this earth.  We get to celebrate - often with delicious food - with the people we love. 

This is part of our new Integrative Nutrition Reviews series, where we will consider books, movies, and other media related to health, food, and personal wellness. If you'd like to suggest a particular book or movie for Integrative Nutrition to review in the future, please comment!

"Let food be thy medicine." - Hippocrates, Father of Western Medicine

September 2011

Recipe of the Month
Vegan Caprese Salad 

This all-raw, summer vegetable recipe is inspired by the classic Italian Caprese salad, which consists of tomato, fresh mozzarella cheese and basil.  As the warm weather began to approach this year, I could not stop craving tomato and avocado, I added some organic extra virgin olive oil and Celtic sea salt, and found my new favorite lunch.  You can vary the salad with different varieties of tomatoes, which are abundant and easy to find during the summer months.

1 large heirloom tomato
1 large ripe avocado

Recipe of the Month
Not tuna salad

This all-raw recipe is not only delicious and refreshing, but highly nutrient-dense, with iodine from kelp, 42 trace minerals from Celtic sea salt, detoxifying lemon juice, protein-rich almonds, as well as living enzymes in each of the uncooked ingredients. 

1 cup raw sunflower seeds, soaked overnight
1 cup raw almonds, soaked overnight
1/2 bunch fresh dill, finely chopped
1 small or 1/2 large red onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced 

Thinking about taking part in our Spring Cleaning event?  As if you needed another good reason to join us for an awesome 28 days of transition from toxicity and inflammation to vibrant health and feeling great, the amazing Kristin Bamonte, LMT, is offering a FREE 30-minute detox massage for all who register by May 1, 2011.  See events page for details.