Remember when you were a child, and you got so wrapped up in playing, imagining or creating that you didn’t want to stop when it was time to eat? Do you remember leaving your meal half-finished to run off and continue playing? Children innately understand that food is secondary to what is most nutritious and primary in life: fun and play.

As adults we seem to have lost our instinct to prioritize play. In our busy world with its emphasis on work and responsibility, being healthy and balanced needs to include feeding our hearts, minds and spirits -- not just our bodies.

Have you noticed that when your body, mind and spirit are engaged in a creative project or happy relationship that your reliance on food seems to decrease? Likewise, when you are unsatisfied with your relationships, your job or other areas of your life, you may lean on food to cheer, soothe or numb you. When your life is out of balance, no amount of food can feed you at the level where you truly need nourishment. The food that we eat is very important for health and balance, but what really feeds us—a full and fulfilling life—doesn’t come on a plate.

What is fun for you? What makes your insides light up? What excites you? Make time for it this week. Even if you don’t have much time for fun, try approaching a “serious” activity with an attitude of play. This can greatly reduce stress and anxiety and bring pleasure to your day. Take your focus off food, try adding more fun into your life and watch the magic unfold.

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

Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Serves: 4-5

Ingredients

• 4-5 cups spring water
• 1-2 inch strip of wakame rinsed and soaked 5 minutes
• 1-2 cups thinly sliced vegetables of your choice (see notes)
• 4-5 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 and ground 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 into it. Return it to the pot.
7. Reduce heat to very low—do not boil or simmer miso broth.
8. Allow this to cook 2-3 minutes.
9. Garnish with scallions and serve.

Notes Any combination of vegetables can be used in miso soup. Here are some classic combinations:

• onion-daikon: very cleansing
• onion-carrot-shiitake-mushroom-kale
• leek-corn-broccoli: great in summertime
• onion-winter squash-cabbage: great in wintertime

Variations

• Add cooked grains at the start of making the soup. They will become nice and soft.
• Add a tablespoon of uncooked quinoa or millet at the beginning and let it cook with vegetables for 20 minutes
• Add cubed tofu toward the end.
• Add bean sprouts toward the end.
• Season with 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger for an interesting twist.
• If using dry shiitake mushrooms, let them soak for 20 minutes, slice and add at the beginning.

These are dates for confirmed presentations through March -- others are currently being finalized. Please check my website for the latest news, or contact me directly for details!

Saturday, 2/24, 4-6 p.m. Making a Healthy Transition to Vegetarianism/lecture From a yogic perspective, Ahimsa, or nonviolence toward all sentient beings, is a key reason that many practitioners choose to become a vegetarian or vegan. Are you considering eliminating more, many or all animal foods from your diet? Or are you doing so now, but not sure how to optimize your eating plan for maximum vitality? In this enlightening presentation, learn about the moral, ethical, and health implications of a plant-based diet, and find out how to make the switch gradually, safely, deliciously, and for all the right reasons. Recipes and food samples will be provided.
Location: Lotus Yoga, 3 Midland Ave., Montclair. $15 suggested donation
Call 973.783.5060 to register.

MARCH
Tues. 3/13 7-9 p.m. Great Grains Make Meals Work/lecture-cooking demo
We’re often too busy to spend long hours in the kitchen cooking up delicious, health-promoting meals. But, with a little advance planning and an understanding of how to use whole grains as the backbone of your meal planning, you can create many delicious food options from one main dish.
Location: South Orange-Maplewood Adult School, Maplewood
Register online at somadultschool.org

Tues. 3/27 7-9 p.m. Glorious Greens/lecture-demonstration Ever wander through the aisles of the market and wonder how to prepare some of the fantastic green vegetables you see there? Greens are the #1 healthy food missing from modern American diets; yet they are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and delicious taste. This class is an excellent opportunity to learn about the many benefits of greens -- and quick, easy ways to prepare them.
Location: South Orange-Maplewood Adult School, Maplewood
Register online at somadultschool.org

Are you a member of a civic/religious/social group that welcomes up-to-date, accessible and enlightening health and wellness information? If so I'd love to talk with you (or your group's decisionmaker) about developing a presentation for your audience. Contact me at 973.944.4878 or shininglifenutrition@gmail.com

Do you want 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. Please contact me for a complimentary consultation.

email: shininglifenutrition@gmail.com

phone: 973.944.4878

web: http://www.shininglifenutrition.com