March 2010

In This Issue

Nutrition Tip – Eat in color read more...
Featured Recipe – Zucchini Hummus read more...
Featured Article – The Power of Breath  read more...
Tools to Create a More Balanced Life – Two targeted home-study programs read more...
Get to Balance read more...
Looking for a Speaker? read more...
New at Seeds To Change Featured CD – An Introduction to Meditation read more...
Quote of the Month    Life…    read more...

Nutrition Tip

Eat a wide variety of colors of foods.  This insures you are consuming a wide variety of different nutrients.  Nature gives us a plethora of different colors – why not enjoy them?

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Featured Recipe

Zucchini Hummus --- An interesting (and lighter) twist on a staple.  And, a great way to sneak in an extra veggie.

1 large zucchini or 2 small zucchini
1 / 2 cup Tahini
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Cumin
1 Large Garlic Clove ( I prefer 2 -3 cloves)
Sprinkle of Paprika

Peel the zucchini until all the green skin is removed. Not peeling the zucchini will make it chunky and green, not like hummus at all. I happen to like the green flecks – so the choice is yours.  Slice the zucchini into smaller pieces. Combine all ingredients except Paprika into food processor and blend until creamy and thick. If not desired consistency add a little bit of water while blending.

Note: Great garnishes or hummus variations can include other fresh or dried herbs, sun dried tomatoes, red peppers, a drizzle of olive oil, olives, or pine nuts.

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Featured Article

The Power of Breath    by Brenda Jaeck

We often think we need a lot of tools, equipment and other resources to be healthy.  The truth of the matter is – we have LOTS of internal tools at our disposal all the time.  One example is our breath.  IT can be a powerful resource.  I am sure you use this tool often and are not even aware of it.  Think – sigh, gasp or holding your breath.  These are all automatic (even subliminal) responses that engage this very power inherent tool.

Having said that – how can you use this tool consciously and with positive intent?   Here are some examples:

Meditative Breath – this is an exercise clients have found very helpful and versatile.  You can do it ANYWHERE.  (except when you are driving J)  Sit somewhere quiet (at home this can be an isolated room; at work this can be your office with the door closed, an empty conference room or even a stall in the restroom!)  Make sure you are sitting as straight and tall as possible.  Close your eyes take a few quiet breathes in and out.  Then follow these instructions:

                                    Breathe in slowly

Hold the breath in for a few seconds (don’t let yourself get to the point of being anxious about holding your breathe but do hold the breath as long as possible).

Exhale Slowly

Hold the emptiness (again don’t let yourself be uncomfortable)

Repeat all the above steps two more times – each time try to extend the holding a little longer than the previous time

In this exercise the holding is THE most important part.  This is where the stillness sets in; this is the part that allows you to let go of whatever you need to.

Clients have found this helpful to do before or after a stressful event (like a meeting, giving a speech or dealing with a difficult person).   It seems benign but is VERY powerful.  Try it once with an open mind.

Note: This exercise is contained on my Introduction to Mediation CD.  It contains more detailed instructions about how to do this exercise as well as several other short, guided meditations.

Alternative Nostril Breathing – This is a yoga technique and is good for cleansing the sinus passages and the mind.    Sit comfortably, take a few breathes in and out.  Bring your right hand up to your nose.  With your thumb, gently hold your right nostril closed and inhale through your left nostril.  Release your thumb, hold your left nostril closed with your ring finger and then exhale through your right nostril.  Now inhale through you right nostril, release your ring finger, close the right nostril with your thumb and breathe outthought your left nostril.  Repeat.  Start with five rounds and work up to ten.  I know it rounds like walking and chewing gum but you will fall into a pattern pretty quickly with a little focus.

One of the great things about the power of breathe is that --  EVERYWHERE you go, you bring your lungs.  You can use either of these exercises any time, any where; in an instant to can affect change for yourself by yourself.  Try it.

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Tools to Create a More Balanced Life

Two targeted home study programs available --

Here is the ultimate at-home support for creating physical change! A vibrant collection of audios and workbooks take you on a step-by-step journey to success.

They are so thorough, it’s almost like I am in the room with you!  Since they are self-guided you can work at your own pace.

Available topics:

• Healthy Weight Loss                        An eight week program to help you get a

handle on your weight

For more information or to order visit: http://www.seedstochange.com/item.asp?id=83&cat=10

• Detoxifying Cleanse Program         This complete  program guides you through

a week-long internal cleanse at home.

For more information or to order visit: http://www.seedstochange.com/item.asp?id=86&cat=10

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Get to Balance –How will you bring more balance to your life?  How about a healthier, more balanced life plan?

Are your health concerns impeding you from living life fully? Do you want to change your relationship with food from the inside out? Are you seeking deep seeded balance and wellness?

I would eagerly welcome the opportunity to work with you on a personal level.  We can work together privately to create a customized life-long plan for you AND create the steps to incorporate those changes into your existing routines.

Through my counseling services I can help you create and maintain balance in your life by using nutrition as a focus and a tool.  To do this I look at your entire lifestyle to achieve maximum health.  This is accomplished through education and private consultations where an individualized program is developed for you.  These consultations include evaluating your current diet and overall lifestyle and then making easily implemented, gradual changes.  Additionally, you’ll receive outside information in the form of articles, books, tapes and recipes.  Also included are additional monthly forms of education and participation -- activities like cooking coaching, health food store shopping hints, light exercising functions and other activities. My practice is telephone based, allowing for maximum flexibility and ease.  

There is also an email version of my program now available. 

To learn more to go http://www.seedstochange.com/programs.asp.

To schedule an initial consultation contact me today at Brenda@SeedsToChange.com or (917) 213-9305. 

By starting today, you will; Create action NOW

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Looking for a speaker?

One of my greatest joys is speaking to groups.  It is always a dynamic exchange and we all come away enriched.  Would your company or group benefit from an entertaining, motivating speaker on how to get healthier?   If so, please let me know the name and contact information of your program coordinator so that I may send them an informational packet.  I would love the opportunity to serve your favorite group.

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New at Seeds To Change

NEW PODCAST POSTING – hear a rebroadcast of my radio show on Using Food Medicinally  We all use food medicinally but usually it’s after the fact.  We’ll look at ways to use food to support your lifestyle and other health concerns. Just click the “listen to my podcast button on my website: www.SeedsToChange.com

FEATURED CD  This month’s featured CD is—  An Introduction to Meditation

I will discuss the benefits of meditation, its powerful qualities and how it can help in so many areas of your life. I will also discuss some of the misconceptions around meditation. In a relaxing guided meditation you will see for yourself. You will leave the meditation both relaxed and energized.

To order go to : http://www.seedstochange.com/item.asp?id=65&cat=1

PERFECT FOR YOUR CAR LIBRARY OR A GIFT. Informative CD’s - You can lean about anything from Sugar to How to Eat Out Healthily in my new series of nutrition and lifestyle lectures on CD. Other topics include: Fasting and Cleansing, Eat for Balance and Energy, Healthy Weight Loss, Your Nutrition Questions Answered, Get out of Your Head: How To Stop the Chatter, and an Introduction to Meditation and five new titles: Sleep Issues, Water: How and Why to Drink More, Ten Top Tips for a Healthier You!, Constipation and Food Cravings. They are informative, interesting and even a little entertaining!  You can order them individually or join the CD of the month club.  To order go to http://www.seedstochange.com/category.asp?cat=1

GIFT CERTICIATES ARE AVAIABLE – Give the gift of health for any occasion.

NOW AVAILABLE --  CD OF THE MONTH CLUB  What a GREAT way to create change or to give the gift of health.  For details: http://www.seedstochange.com/item.asp?id=96&cat=1

WEBSITE: Check out my website.  It is chock-full information and resources. www.SeedsToChange.com

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Quote of the Month

Life is like riding a bicycle - you don’t fall off unless you stop pedaling – Claude Pepper

Please forward this newsletter to anyone and everyone that would benefit from Nutritional and Lifestyle Advice. Enjoy and thanks for reading.

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Helping you grow a happy, healthy life