The sweet appeal of kindness

Written by Robin Glowa
Wednesday, 18 January 2012 01:00

“Shall we make a new rule of life from tonight? Always try to be a little kinder than necessary.”

— J.M. Barrie

When it comes to feeding our bodies, we are often not very kind to ourselves. We overindulge with sweets or stuff ourselves with salty, crunchy chips and crackers, drink too much soda or alcohol, or sometimes don’t eat at all. The stresses of life intrude, and often we react by starving ourselves, or mindlessly eating foods that are not invigorating or nurturing.

Just as we would treat a complete stranger with kindness, we need to treat ourselves with loving kindness. Taking time to breathe deeply, enjoy fresh air and exercise, and eat powerfully restorative foods is essential for wellness.

Conquering sugar cravings is a challenge for many people. Although I am a huge advocate for eating local foods, there is one exotic fruit — a pineapple — that satisfies on many levels. Fresh pineapple is a fabulous taste treat, particularly during the drab days of winter. Eating pineapple will definitely lift your mood, eliminating sadness and melancholy.

Bursting with Vitamin C, fresh pineapple is a superb anti-inflammatory food that can help in healing sore throats, colds and flu, acute sinusitis, arthritis and gout.

A superior digestive aid, fresh pineapple may also be effective at quelling the angst of an angry hangover.

A rare and expensive luxury back in the days of Colonial America, when a hostess could elevate her social standing by serving pineapple, this fruit is still considered a symbol of hospitality today.

Fortunately for us, pineapples are readily available in every supermarket. Look for heavy pineapples that are fragrant and free of any bruises or brown spots. Store them on your counter and use within 2-3 days. Once peeled and cut up, the fruit should last several days in your refrigerator.

Fresh pineapple will add vivacious flavor to fruit salads, salsas or seafood salads, and can be baked, broiled, blended into smoothies or simply enjoyed all on their own. Add the sweet appeal of kindness to your delicious life!

Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Salsa

1 ripe fresh pineapple

1/4 cup very finely minced red onion

2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice

1 minced fresh jalapeno (seeds and ribs removed if you want less heat)

1/2 cup minced red or orange sweet pepper

1 tablespoon canola oil

pinch of sea salt

freshly ground black pepper

Cut the top and peel off of pineapple. Remove the eyes (little brown spots and the core). Finely dice the pineapple and put in a bowl. Add remaining ingredients. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Let flavors blend for an hour before serving. Superb with grilled shrimp or tuna, sautéed scallops, grilled pork or jerk chicken.

Robin Glowa, HHC, AADP, is a food and wellness professional who earned her certification in holistic health counseling from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and Columbia University Teachers College. She specializes in teaching healthy cooking classes for children and adults, as well as cooking presentations and wellness workshops for many local organizations. For more information go to theconsciouscook.net, call 203-393-1037, or go to http://confessionsofaconsciouscook.blogspot.com/