People like "stuff." We tend to hold onto it year after year. We save, and eventually stock up on, things we don't know what to do with anymore. Maybe we keep things because they hold precious memories of days gone by, or they remind us of our parents, grandparents, past loves or childhood. To part with these precious possessions seems out of the question. There is a saying that goes, "You have to get rid of the old to make way for the new." If you are feeling stuck or stagnant in your life, try spring-cleaning. Throw out some of that stuff, say goodbye to your past, and welcome the new energy of your happy, healthy future.

For good mental and physical health, we actually have two "houses" that need to be spring-cleaned: our dwellings and our physical bodies. Just as we accumulate "stuff" in the form of outgrown clothes, magazines, rusty bicycles, tools and random keepsakes, so do our bodies accumulate old food residues and toxins that need to be cleaned out.

To spring clean your body, give it a break from rich and complicated foods by either cleansing or fasting for a short period of time. Cleansing means paring down your food to just simple fruits and vegetables, lots of water and perhaps whole grains. Fasting means limiting most foods and drinking lots of water, fresh vegetable and fruit juices, teas and soups. Without much energy going towards digestion, more energy is available to the rest of your body and mind. Cleansing and fasting can sharpen your concentration, help you gain insight and promote spiritual awareness. They can also lead to improved immune function and better digestion.

While you're cleaning out your body and home, don't forget to spring clean your heart. Throw away negative thoughts and habits you've been harboring that no longer serve you. A clean heart will allow you to receive all the good that awaits you each and every day. If your heart and mind are cluttered, there is no room for life's gifts and surprises to enter in.

Leafy greens are some of the easiest and most beneficial vegetables to incorporate into your daily routine. Densely-packed with energy and nutrients, they grow upwards towards the sky, absorbing the sun's light while producing oxygen. Members of this royal green family include kale, collard greens, swiss chard, mustard greens, arugula, dandelion greens, broccoli rabe, watercress, beet greens, bok choy, nappa cabbage, red or green cabbage, spinach and broccoli.

How do greens benefit our bodies? They are very high in calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous and zinc, and are a powerhouse for vitamins A, C, E and K. They are crammed full of fiber, folic acid, chlorophyll, and many other micronutrients and phytochemicals. Their color is associated with Spring - a time of renewal and refreshing, vital energy. In traditional Asian medicine, the color green is related to the liver, emotional stability and creativity. Greens aid in purifying the blood, strengthening the immune system, improving liver, gall bladder and kidney function, fighting depression, clearing congestion, improving circulation and keeping your skin clear and blemish free.

Leafy greens are the vegetable most missing from the American diet, and many of us never learned how to prepare them. Start with the very simple recipe below. Then each time to go to the market, pick up a new green and try it out. Soon you'll find your favorite greens and wonder how you ever lived without them.

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound of shiitake mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1-2 cloves of crushed garlic
• 1 bunch of kale
• pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Prepare kale as follows: strip the green leafy part off the stem by slicing down, along the sides of each stem, or simply peel off. Chop the kale leaves coarsely, or slice into strips. Chop the stems finely.
2. Warm oil in pan on medium heat with minced garlic until aromas of garlic are released, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add chopped shiitake mushrooms, stir fry for 5 minutes.
4. Then add chopped kale stems, stir fry for a couple of minutes; then add the chopped leaves.
5. Add a splash of water and pinch of salt to pan, cover and let steam for 4 minutes.

In addition to working with my wonderful clients, I've been doing a lot of talking and teaching (two of my many favorite things!)-so I thought I'd give you some of the highlights. Perhaps it'll kindle an idea about bringing timely and relevant health and wellness information to your civic/nonprofit organization, school, women's/men's group, or corporation. Let's talk more about all the opportunities that exist - I'll send you a list of all the topics I can cover, and am open to customizing something for your needs.

South Orange-Maplewood Adult School - I taught two fun classes on healthy cooking, themed "Grains for Great Meals" and "Glorious Greens." (when people of Southern descent love my healthy preparation of collard greens, I know I'm on to something!)

Whole Foods Market/West Orange - Free, hour-long classes on "Spring Greens" (do you sense a theme?) and "Heart Healthy Foods"; see below for details on my next workshop there.

Washington Elementary School's Spa Night for Moms/West Caldwell - this was such a great idea, sponsored by the school's Health and Safety Committee, which featured mini-facials, massage, essential oils, yoga and healthy cooking classes for the hardworking mothers. I was asked to give the welcoming talk, in which I covered the reasons for healthy, whole-food nutrition and Primary Food in our lives. (if you're interested in replicating this event at your school, let me know and I'll put you in touch with the organizers, who can give you tips to get started).

Lotus Yoga, Montclair - a well-received workshop on "Making a Healthy Transition to Vegetarianism," during which participants were so giving of their own experience and journey toward meat-free eating. We'll be scheduling another one in the fall, so you can join us there.

Please check my website for updates on new events, or contact me directly for details.

Weds. May 23, 6.30-7.30 p.m. Spring Cleansing/lecture-demonstration They don't call it "Spring Cleaning" for nothing... learn what foods and lifestyle habits can be conducive to helping you cleanse your system, and whether a cleanse or fast is right for you. Get ready for the warmer weather ahead! FREE!
Location: Whole Foods Market, Prospect and Eagle Rock Aves., West Orange
Register at the WFM Customer Service Desk, or call 973.669.3196

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