Perfectly Nourished

True life is lived when tiny changes occur. 
- Leo Tolstoy

New Life New Hope

New Year, New You!

A lot of people begin the New Year by making resolutions. We've all been there. We take a vow to lose weight, exercise more, or spend more time with our family. We start the year with great intentions, but then we quickly relapse into old habits. Why is it so hard to stick to those New Year's resolutions?   

Here are some ways you can make your resolutions a reality this year.  First, focus on intentions:

1. Write down your intentions and keep them in a visible place, like taped to your bedroom mirror or the dashboard of your car.
2. Get to the source of whatever is keeping you in a rut. Are you in a stressful relationship that causes you to overeat? Are you stressed at your job and feel too tired to exercise after work? If you don't tackle the root of the behavior, it will be much more difficult to accomplish your goal.
3. Be clear about what your life will look like once you achieve your goal. If you resolve to go to the gym more, how will this benefit you? Get connected to the result of your action, and you will be more likely to stick to your plan.
4. Share your intentions with friends and family. Hold each other accountable for achieving your goals. If you want to go to the gym more, have a friend call you two or three times a week to check on you or invite them to join you.
5. Reward yourself with every little accomplishment. If your intention is to lose weight and you lose 1 pound per week, pamper yourself with a massage. (do not reward yourself with food)

Big changes do not require big leaps. Permanent change is more likely to happen gradually than through one big restrictive plan. Allow yourself to climb the ladder one rung at a time.  This is the premise of my teachings.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!​

Food Focus: Sea Vegetables

In traditional Chinese healing, sea vegetables correspond with the winter season and to the kidneys, adrenal glands, bladder, and reproductive organs. The balancing and cleansing properties of sea vegetables are known to help these organs as well as the hair, nails, and skin. Sea vegetables (or seaweed) provide a variety of minerals and vitamins, including calcium, iron, and iodine, and can help balance hormones and thyroid levels in the body. Eating too many processed foods or foods grown in mineral-depleted soil can result in lack of minerals in the body, leading to cravings for salty or sugary foods. Adding sea vegetables to your diet can help balance your energy levels and alleviate cravings.  

Recipe of the Month: Mighty Miso Soup

Prep time: 5 - 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 - 15 minutes

Yield: 4 - 5 servings

Ingredients:
4 - 5 cups spring water
1 - 2 inch strip wakame, rinsed and soaked 5 minutes in 1 cup of water until softened

1 - 2 cups thinly sliced vegetables of your choice (I recommend onions, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, and kale)
2 - 3 teaspoons barley miso
2 scallions, finely chopped

 Directions:

1. Chop soaked wakame.
2. Discard soaking water or use on houseplants for a boost of minerals.
3. Place water and wakame in a soup pot and bring to a boil.
4. Add root vegetables first and simmer gently for 5 minutes or until tender.
5. Add leafy vegetables and simmer for 2 - 3 minutes.
6. Remove about 1/2 cup of liquid from pot and dissolve miso in it.  Return it to the pot.
7. Reduce heat to very low; do not boil or simmer miso broth.
8. Allow soup to cook for 2 -3 minutes.
9. Garnish with scallions and serve.

TIP:  For an added twist, try adding cooked brown rice or quinoa at the start of making the soup.  

What are some of your intentions for the New Year?  If you need accountability, I'd be honored to offer you that support.

Be well,

Janelle

Interested in learning more?  Please visit my website.

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