The pursuit of wellness: It's berry season

Written by Robin Glowa
Thursday, 05 July 2012 12:30

It's the season for berries, which make great additions to many recipes.We live in a complicated, messy, unpredictable, ever-changing world. Life is filled with new challenges every day. 

Focusing on feelings of gratitude can redirect us to a state of happiness and calm. Making choices that bring us personal satisfaction will lead to an abundant life. Diet and lifestyle adjustments could bring about enormous change and a wonderful state of wellness for so many.

Take a look in your pantry and your refrigerator. Are the foods found inside made from whole ingredients that will sustain and nurture you? Processed foods such as chips, crackers, diet soda, TV dinners and packaged cookies are full of chemicals, additives and  excess sodium that can cause the body to feel sluggish, unresponsive and slow.

When you begin to crowd out unhealthy choices and introduce more wholesome options, your life can become more satisfying on many levels. A nutritious diet including organic, local and natural foods can help pave the way towards more balanced emotions, clearer thnking, deeper spiritual connections and more passionate relationships. 

There are so many dietary theories, books and programs out there today. We have all heard incredibly compelling stories of weight-loss success that can be marvelously motivating. What is important to remember is that each person’s body is unique. Your body is your own personal laboratory and you will need to discover what combination of foods works best for you.

Choosing organic foods as often as possible gives the body the immense benefit of naturally and lovingly grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, whole grains and legumes. These wonder foods are the building blocks of pure and natural eating.  Organically grown edibles are brightly colored, intensely flavored and loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and protective phenols.

Organic foods are becoming more readily available, so seek them out in your market and enjoy the fresh ingredients of preparing a delicious life.

Berry Good  for You Salad

Serves 4.

2 heads of Belgian endive

1 head of raddichio

1 bunch baby arugula

1/2 cup mixed chopped organic herbs (parsley, dill, cilantro)

1 small container organic raspberries

1 small container organic blackberries or blueberries

1/2 cup crumbled goat or feta cheese

1/2 cup toasted almond slivers

Dressing:

     1 10-ounce package silken tofu

     4-6 tablespoons organic, seedless raspberry jam

     2 tablespoons canola oil

     3 tablespoons raspberry vinegar

     1/4 cup of water

     pinch of sea salt

     freshly ground black pepper

Wash and dry the endive, radicchio and arugula. Divide among 4 salad plates.

Combine dressing ingredients in a blender until smooth. 

Top salad with berries, cheese and almonds and drizzle dressing over salads. 

Garnish with edible flowers for an extra pretty presentation. 

Robin Glowa, HHC, AADP, teaches healthy cooking classes for adults and children and presents wellness workshops to many organizations. For more information, visit theconsciouscook.net.

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