Spring has spruuuuuuuuung and how are you? Obviously we are all so relieved to finally have the lovely warmer weather and the swelling buds and the crocuses and daffodils. The excitement with all the fresh clean energy around us our eyes can't help but simultaneously see the toll that the winter has taken. Taking inventory of our homes and gardens we clear out the gardenbeds, empty the gutters and clean the debris out of the yard. The work now is to clean up to make way for the new growth that is pushing up. Spring energy fills us with fresh ideas and a renewed sense of vitality and so we may start to ask what new growth is springing up within us and at the same time we can't help but take inventory on the toll winter has taken on us.
To begin with ...Does your exercise program need reviewing or even resuscitating?I know my movement plan needed a jumpstart and once again my walks feel appealing as it is a pleasure to be outside in the warm sunshine taking in the sights of the flowers and the lively happy birdsongs. It is especially fun to walk with a friend which has been a great motivation for me.
Perhaps you feel the need to lighten up, drop a few pounds and get moving again. Spring has a way of waking us up and thank goodness for that .....we feel glimmers of hope and the promise of warmer and longer days ahead....Yahooooo!
My eating plan needed adjusting as well and I have taken on my springtime detox by cutting out sugar, wheat, eggs, dairy, and soy....and eating tons of fresh veggies especially of the cruciferous family which to name just a few includes broccoli, cauliflower, kale, collards, cabbage, brussel sprouts. I've been eating lots of onions , leeks, garlic, radishes and anything green that I can get my hands on. I've been enjoying the simple flavors of apples and pears and other fruits as well as brown rice and quinoa and healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil and flaxseed oil. I'm also taking a rice protein based medical food designed to support liver detoxification and give me optimal nutrition. It's amazing how delicious veggies and fruits can taste when you make simple dietary changes....your taste buds really come alive. My energy has been good. The detox has been a good excuse to shift my energy and get focused again. It's a good time to lighten up and do a little bit of spring cleaning and I should be done in time for a nice simple Easter celebration.
I can't seem to grow tired of the lowly cabbage all varieties and colors. I've been roasting wedges of it in the oven with olive oil, seasalt and fresh ground pepper, splashed with a dash of fresh lemon juice. I've been slicing it super fine and making a coleslaw with apples (check out the recipe in a previous post). Making a simple soup with vegetable stock, onions and caraway seeds. The photo below is Simple Sauteed Cabbage. I started by just swirling some olive oil in a pan, then tossed in some finely sliced leeks and very finely sliced red and green cabbage. Stirred and sprinkled with fresh ground seasalt and black pepper and it was done in 5-8 minutes tops. Yummy.....! The idea of this side dish is vibrant color, interesting texture and delicious flavor without much fuss and bother!
And finally.....the fourth and final installment for Handbook 2010:Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change...
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37.. The best is yet to come...
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.
So there you have it. You should be good to go! Enjoy the Spring and your life!
All my Best,
Lisa
