Marilu Henner's Blog, page 132

Moving forward

We are four weeks into the new year.  By now most New Years resolutions are either a habit or a memory. 

If you made resolutions that you haven't kept today is amnesty day.  Give yourself a break and forget about sweeping declarations.   When it comes to setting goals there is no deadline. Forward motion is really all that matters in your health journey. 

JUST KEEP ON MOVING !

Plant based diets hailed as lifesavers!

There have been some amazing stories in the spotlight lately about plant based diets and their healing properties.  Most notably President Clinton has shared the benefits of embracing veganism. 

You don't need to jump in with both feet today to begin to experience these benefits.  But you COULD start taking some baby steps towards better health beginning right now. 

Take a few minutes to read these testimonials recently published in VegNews, and also citing one of our favorite organizations, The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM)

http://vegnews.com/articles/page.do?pageId=4122&catId=7

If you've had success with a plant based diet in your own life we'd love to hear from YOU !

Citrus

A fun and easy way to add variety to your diet is through citrus.  The flesh of the citrus fruits provides fiber while the zest has higher concentrations of vitamin C; so important during cold and flu season.

There are the obvious menu additions such as having an orange for breakfast, or adding lemon slices to your water but try using the juice of an orange as part of your salad dressing.  Whisk it with olive oil and toss it over fennel, and red onion slices. 

Grate the zest of a lemon over steamed asparagus, or green beans.

Marinate chicken, seitan, or tofu with lime juice, chili paste and olive oil. 

Have fun and get creative!

Gimme Ten !

We're four days into the work week.  The weekend is in sight but it's too soon to close down shop.  It's time to give yourself a break.  If you think you can't carve ten minutes out of your day then you probably need it more than you realize. 

Ten minutes to read. Ten minutes for a soothing eye mask or hand massage.  Ten minutes to write a note to a friend or take a walk around the block.  Ten minutes for prayer, meditation or playing an instrument.  Ten minutes to play with your pet,  have an unhurried conversation with your partner or child.  Do the thing you know will help you recharge.

 

The only rule is that it be something that you enjoy…not a catch-up task.

Something to chew on

The Total Health Makeover places strong emphasis on nutrition of course.  Proper digestion is a very important part of that equation, which is why Marilu has been cautioning us for years to slow down, chew well and savor our food.  Adding to the nutrition benefits of this advice, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition recently announced that people who chew each mouthful of food 40 times consumed 12% fewer calories than those who counted only 15 "chews". 

Just one more reason to trade in "fast" food for real meals.

$ $ $

It's all about simple addition.   Add up the money you spend on food or activities that have the potential to harm and you know what you might find hiding under that sum?  Your motivation !! 

The cost of a sugary drink, or drive by doughnut,  might add up to 50 dollars at the end of a month.  That could be the cost of a gym membership,  a new hairstyle (to boost your confidence level)  some new gear to keep you warm on a winter walk, a fun afternoon at the health food store, or 5 classes here at Marilu.com!!

The increased exercise, the healthy foods on your plate, and the new knowledge in your arsenal will equal more energy, and better health. 

Cutting back on your bar bill by interspersing your drinks with a glass of water will help keep you hydrated and save you even more money. 

Nicotine is clearly addictive AND expensive; a health robber in every sense of the word.  If you can find the most effective means to kick this one to the curb you will save BIG bucks.  New wardrobe bucks! Vacation bucks! 

Getting healthy can make you physically and FISCALLY fit !

Rosemary Roast Chicken

We normally use this space to include a meatless dish each Monday, so you may be surprised to find a chicken recipe here.  We realize that not everyone visiting this site is vegetarian or vegan and we want you to know that this community is here to help you make healthy choices no matter where you are in your health journey. 

1 organic free range chicken (3-3 and 1/2 pounds) rinsed and giblets removed

4 garlic cloves, peeled

6 fresh rosemary sprigs (plus extra for garnish)

3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 teaspoons kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 400.  Pull the fat from inside the chicken and discard.  Set the chicken in a small roasting pan and put the whole garlic cloves under the skin in the meatiest part of the chicken.  Stuff the chicken with 3 rosemary sprigs.  Pour the oil over the chicken and sprinkle it with the salt and pepper to taste.  Rub the oil and seasonings into the chicken.  Tuck 3 rosemary sprigs under the chicken. 

Roast the chicken, uncovered, basting occsionally, about 1 hour, or until the juices run clear.  Remove the rosemary from the chicken and from the pan.  Carve the chicken and put the pieces on a platter.  Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs.  Skim the excess fat from the roasting juices and add salt and pepper to taste.  When serving spoon a little of the pan juices over the chicken.

CHANGE

"CHANGE YOUR THOUGHTS AND YOU CHANGE YOUR WORLD."

Norman Vincent Peale

Today make a conscious decision to change one thought, or one habit.  One small change can be a new, healthy, beginning!

Hot and Steamy

This comes just in time for the more extreme temperatures some of you are facing.  Beginning February 6th we're launching another brand new class here at marilu.com.   We're going to get hot and steamy in the kitchen.

Comfort doesn't have to mean "cushion".    One pot meals and soup recipes will fill the need for hearty fare and they're also a great way to include lots of vegetables and wet foods in your diet. 

Think; Whole Foods for Total Health !

If you're considering membership this would be a great time to check out the members area.  Please post any questions you may have about this, or any of our classes.

Family and Friends

Don't leave your family and friends behind when you embark on your health journey.  If you've got a household, or social network, that's resistant to change try to identify why they aren't receptive.

Are they afraid that they'll be living on tofu and celery?  There are so many delicious meals, and recipes, right on this site, that are packed with flavor AND nutrition.

Are they worried that they'll have to find time for a punishing work out every day?  Everyone has something that they enjoy.  Don't make exercise a chore…find the fun. 

Are they tired of the lectures?  Be honest with yourself.  We can all be guilty of  being a little "hard hitting" when we're excited.  Think about backing off and living as an example.  Let your gusto speak for itself. 

Join the conversation here at Marilu.com.  Many people have dealt with this situation successfully and would love to share what works.  Post questions and share tips.  We're all getting healthy together.