Summer is in full force, and the living is easy! Do you notice how during summertime everything seems promising? The plants are in full bloom, the sun feels glorious on your skin and the longer days give you boundless energy, making you feel like it’s possible to achieve all your desires and dreams. Why not harness this energy, ride the wave of summer and try something new?

Throughout the year we are conditioned to run our lives at an intense pace (physical, emotional and mental), and we often get stuck in routines, either for the sake of efficiency or out of fear of unfamiliar territory. The lack of variety in doing the same things over and over not only stagnates our minds, but our bodies and hearts as well. Hesitant to break your routine? It is interesting to note that fear and excitement have the same physiological expression in our bodies; it is our mind that classifies the feeling as either positive or negative. So the next time you consider a change in routine and your mind says, “scary!” see if you can re-frame it as, “exciting!”

What is something you have never done before, or that you have wanted to do for a long time? Choose your own adventure: organizing a kayak trip, taking a dance class, doing some exotic travel or setting a goal for a new personal challenge. Or try something simple, like playing flashlight tag with your kids and neighbors or reading in the sunshine. Maybe it’s time to discover a new vegetable dish or to visit a new town, restaurant or beach.

Whatever adventure calls to you, use this summer to make it happen and enjoy the life you came here for. Increasing new experiences and excitement in your life can decrease your need for and dependence on artificial stimulants like caffeine and sugar, leading to more vibrant health. Watch out for massive improvements in physical well-being, mental acuity and motivation, plus a full portfolio of fun.

Food Focus: Raw and Cooling Salads Why is it that in the summer we naturally crave more fresh and raw foods? These foods have a cooling effect on the body. Their lightness and high water, fiber and vitamin content work together to act as our internal air conditioning during these warm months. At this time of year we also need less dense, high-energy food, because we get so much energy from being outside in the fresh air and sunshine.

There is no better season to have fun creating your own fresh, tasty, creative salad combinations. By simply tossing together several of your favorite raw veggies, naked or with a light dressing, you have a perfect meal for a hot summer’s day.

Try your favorite leafy lettuce with different sliced, diced or grated veggies. The possible combinations are endless. Fresh herbs are a wonderful option to mix in, as they are packed full of flavor. Experiment with adding different forms of protein to your salads, such as nuts, seeds, beans, tofu, fish or poultry. Pick up a light and healthy dressing at your local health food store, or mix up something easy, like lemon juice, black pepper and olive oil.

This is a great opportunity to try a new vegetable from your market. What are some creative flavors you’ve never tried before? Fennel and mint? Daikon radish and arugula? Summer squash with watercress? Whatever you choose, have fun with your food and stay cool. Happy summer!

photo by Raymond H ...cosmos grown from seeds from Irene B ...butterfly by Mother N

Prep time: 7 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

Another miracle of this time of year is that the farmer’s markets are full of beautiful ripe, local fruit. Infinitely customizable, I make this dish differently every time, often to take to parties, and it’s always a big, healthy hit. This approximate recipe can be scaled up or down depending on the quantity you need. Estimate about 1 cup per serving.

Ingredients:

• A mixture of your favorite fruits: include berries, apples, pears, fresh figs, apricots, watermelon, cantaloupe -- whatever looks good
• ¼ cup lemon or lime juice, or more if needed
• 1 2-inch piece of peeled, fresh ginger root, finely grated
• a sprinkling of sweet ground spices to taste: cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, etc.
• a handful of fresh mint or lemon balm leaves, washed, dried and finely shredded
• about ½ cup of shredded coconut
• a drizzle of sweetener (honey, maple syrup, agave nectar) if desired

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shininglifenutrition@gmail.com/973.736.0980

OCTOBER 23-NOVEMBER 13 -- 4-WEEK NUTRITION SERIES AT THE ADULT SCHOOL OF MONTCLAIR Registration begins in September for this fun, informative and interactive discussion and demonstration series where you'll learn to understand your peskiest food cravings, find out how to truly nourish yourself, and prepare tasty, easy and healthful meals.

Have you been wanting to improve your eating habits, feel confident in choosing and preparing better food for your self and your family, find balance in all areas of your life, and experience a lasting increase in your energy? Not sure where to begin – or how to stay on course? As a Holistic Health Counselor, I am committed to being your guide and advocate on the path toward health and vitality. I can help you clear away the clutter of old food and lifestyle habits so that your best self can shine out to the world. Working together, you’ll learn to tune into your body’s innate wisdom, find clarity about what really nourishes you, and move closer to the balance that’s essential for accomplishing all that you came here to do.

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