Happy Monday folks!
We are happy to say that our month of "No Complaining" has been going very well. It's challenging and imperfect, but has really changed the way we are experiencing life in a positive way, as well as the way we have been communicating, and therefore experiencing each other. It is so interesting that such a seemingly small thing can have such a great impact. We are thinking we will keep this challenge going beyond the month.
So, here's what we've been doing this week...
FOOD EXPLORATION:
Have you taken a walk down the snack aisle at the grocery store lately? I often find myself strolling down the aisle in search of an easy-to-pack lunch treat or after school snack for my daughter and clients. Sadly, my search is usually fruitless and I am overcome with disappointment. Even seemingly benign foods (like nuts and jerky) are often tainted with dastardly seed oils and processed sugars. Aside from a handful of good choices, healthy snacks are really hard to find. Here are my go-to's:
I've been challenged by my clients (and especially my daughter) to come up with my own snack recipes. The criteria is that they need to be easy to make, easy to transport, heathy and pass the taste test across all ages. Luckily, the experimenting has been fun and the results super yummy. Below are two versions of a healthy seed bar.
Banana Walnut Seed Bar
- 3 large Medjool dates
- 3/4 cup dried bananas, unsweetened
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Remove pits from dates and pulse in a food processor or blender to form a paste.
In a medium sized bowl, mix dates and the rest of the ingredients.
Press into the bottom of a baking dish lined with parchment paper, cut into squares or rectangles and refrigerate until firm.
Turmeric Black Pepper Seed Bar
- 6 large Medjool dates
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
- 1/4 cup sprouted pumpkin seeds
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Remove pits from dates and pulse in a food processor or blender to form a paste.
In a medium sized bowl, mix dates and the rest of the ingredients.
Press into the bottom of a baking dish lined with parchment paper, cut into squares or rectangles and refrigerate until firm.
BOOKS WE ARE READING:
- The Fourfold Path to Healing by Dr. Thomas Cowen, Sally Fallon and Jaimen McMillen. It is a fascinating look at healing, fusing nutrition, traditional healing remedies, movement and meditation. Interestingly enough, Jaimen McMillen, one of the authors, was one of Gregg's teachers in a movement course called Spacial Dynamics he took way back in the early 90's. Dr. Thomas Cowen is also the man behind Dr. Cowen's Garden, where we get our amazing dehydrated veggie powders. They are a delicious and easy way to get additional micronutrients into your diet. Check them out here!
MOVEMENT OF THE WEEK:
- Goblet Squat. This exercise is great for all the muscles in your legs including quads, hamstrings, and glutes as well as for increasing core strength. Because the weight is held in front of the body, it can help with technique with a regular back-loaded squat. Because the weight is held in front of the body, it allows you to sit down into a squat in an upright position as opposed to leaning forward at the hips, a typical squatting mistake. Here is a quick demo.
Gregg has released his first podcast (yay). Have a listen to the intro session. So much more to come!
Have a lovely week and Happy Valentine's Day!