Summer is often a time for serious play, time off and deep relaxation. Many of us use the summertime to rebuild our reserves for the rest of the busy year. In our work-crazed society we can lose sight of the benefits of slowing down and taking time to rest. Now that summer is in full swing, it's time to enjoy the restorative powers of reconnecting to your body through movement and relaxation.

Summer is a unique time of year when we can do both our relaxation and our movement out in nature. Take a nap in a hammock and enjoy the smell of freshly cut grass. Go to the park and meditate or read under a favorite tree. One of the greatest places to rest in the summertime is by the water. There is something magical and restorative in water, and we naturally crave to be near it, by it or in it. Heading to the water, whether it is the beach, lake, or a kiddie pool, can be relaxing and restorative. Raymond and I did just that last week - took a day-long mini-vacation "down the shore" in Long Branch, NJ and it was totally rejuvenating! (BTW there's been a lot of redevelopment in Long Branch, and it's an incredibly nice place to spend time, with an easy-access ocean beach, and nice shops and restaurants.)

Just as much as the body loves to relax, the body loves to move. Even though our body is most healthy when it is getting appropriate physical activity, we often feel dread and boredom when we hear the word "exercise." Personally, I love the warm weather, and this time of year I do like to get my exercise outdoors - so I'm spending more time walking and doing trail maintenance in beautiful Eagle Rock Reservation and South Mountain Reservation. We took a slightly longer mini-vacation last month in New Paltz, NY for a few days of mountain biking in the magnificent Mohonk Preserve, staying at the wonderfully hospitable Hungry Ghost Herb Farm.

Think for a moment of what type of movement you would consider fun, as opposed to torturous. Perhaps you loathe the idea of a gym, but miss taking dance classes. Maybe you secretly want to try yoga or rollerblading. You could play touch football with your kids, walk with a neighbor in the mornings or go for a swim. The summer offers so many choices - it's simply up to you to choose which style of movement excites you. Your heart will thank you, your soul will be gratified, your limbs will be more fluid and you'll sleep better at night.

Whether you are relaxing, exercising, or both, notice that being outside in nature has a profound way of quieting the mind and reconnecting us to ourselves. Often this relaxation and peace of mind are what our bodies crave the most. So while summer is with us, strap on your sandals and enjoy to the fullest the rich elements of sun, wind and water and the nourishment that they bring.

Most of us are aware of the importance of drinking enough water. Getting our daily requirement of water helps our organs perform their functions, keeps our skin clear and hydrated, and allows physical action in our bodies to flow smoothly. Even with this knowledge, it can still be challenging to drink all the water our bodies deserve daily. In the summer, when we tend to play hard, sweat, and spend prolonged time in the sun, drinking plenty of water is critical. Those who are not drinking enough may experience poor digestion, sluggish thinking, skin breakouts, headaches, bad breath and general fatigue.

My clients know that I'm a big believer in starting the day off right with at least one large glass of water. For easy access, set a large by your bed each night and drink it when you wake up. When the first thing that flows through your body each morning is water, it pulls out toxins left over from the previous day and freshens your system for the day ahead. Keep a bottle of water accessible throughout the day, whether you are on the go or at a desk. (Please strongly consider buying your own refillable bottle or thermos, to cut down on all the waste caused by empty plastic bottles). Having one close by will remind you to take a sip when thirsty. The first sip will usually let you know how much more water you need. A sip or two may be enough, or you may need a big glass. If you drink most of your daily water before early evening, you most likely will not be thirsty before bed. This is good, because drinking before bed and then waking to use the bathroom disturbs your peaceful night's sleep.

What about quality? Some people like bottled water, while others prefer filtered water. The key is to like the taste of the water you are drinking, and the water should agree with your body. If the taste of plain water is unappealing, experiment to see how you can make it tasty and drinkable. Try adding a few mint leaves, a wedge of lemon, a sprig of parsley, slices of cucumber, a twist of lime or a squeeze of orange to make water more tempting, or to jazz up your routine. Also, drinking tea or juice and eating raw fruits and vegetables contribute to the hydration process. So, splash in the waves, swim in the sun, drink plenty of water and enjoy the summer fun!

SUN TEA
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 24 hours
Yield: 2 liters

Ingredients:
3-4 tea bags of your choice
water
optional: fresh mint leaves and/or lemon wedges

Directions:

1. Fill an extra-large mason jar with water, add 3 or 4 of your favorite tea bags, and cover with lid.
2. Place in sun for one full day and let the shining rays pour in heat and energy, bringing out the wonderful tea flavors.
3. Sweeten if so desired with natural sweetener, garnish with mint or lemon, and serve room temperature or cold over ice.

GINGER DRINK
Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 24 hours
Yield: 6-8 servings Ingredients:
1 pound fresh ginger root
2 quarts of water
juice of 2 limes
maple syrup or agave nectar to taste

Directions:

1. Thinly peel the fresh ginger, grate and mix with water in a large saucepan
2. Bring to a boil and simmer for 4 minutes. Cover the pan, turn off the heat and leave
3. Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve
4. Add the lime juice and maple syrup or agave. Stir until dissolved. Serve chilled

Attention Fabulous Women Age 40+

• Are you STRUGGLING WITH CHANGES your body is experiencing before, during or after MENOPAUSE?
• Are you CONFUSED ABOUT WHAT TO EAT for optimum health, energy and balance as you work hard to STAY FIT AND LOSE WEIGHT?
• Do you want to CONQUER YOUR CRAVINGS, improve your overall relationship with food, and LEARN HOW TO PREPARE EASY, HEALTHY, DELICIOUS ALTERNATIVES to "fast" and "diet" food?
• Would you like this phase of your life to be JUICY, VITAL, FUN, SEXY, HEALTHY AND ABUNDANT?

If you answered "YES" to any of these questions, join me and other likeminded women for a group experience tailored especially for you: Shining Life Healthy Vibrance after 40.

In six 90-minute sessions, we'll explore some of your most pressing health issues while you learn about practical, manageable ways to support your goals for an amazing life. You'll learn how to:

• tap into the mind-body connection that can help you reach your ideal weight
• bring your eating habits and lifestyle into balance for optimum energy (and better rest!)
• minimize menopausal symptoms and food cravings naturally, without deprivation
• prepare tasty, easy health-supportive "whole-food" meals and snacks
• find fun new ways to move your body (and quiet your mind) to increase your vitality
• and much, much more

  Starting September 24, six consecutive Mondays, 7.30-9.00 p.m. at Spa Lady, 461 Rt 46 West/Crown Plaza Shopping Center, Fairfield, NJ (open to non-members too!)

  Are you ready to FEEL GREAT and let your life shine? Space is limited, so call today for details. 973.944.4878 or shininglifenutrition@gmail.com

For updates and a complete list of my Fall events, please check my website or contact me directly.

Thurs. August 16, 7.00-8.00 p.m. "Back to School"/Eating for Immunity/lecture-demo Whether you're a student, a parent, or someone in between, find out what foods and supplements can help you keep your immune system strong as we enter fall and "back to school" time. FREE!
Location: Whole Foods Market, Prospect and Eagle Rock Aves., West Orange
Registration: at the WFM Customer Service Desk, or call 973.669.3196

Tues., Sept. 25 7.00 - 8.00 p.m. Manage Menopause Naturally with Healthy Eating/lecture-demo Women -- Are you struggling with the changes in your body is experiencing before, during or after menopause? Come and learn about the right foods and lifestyle habits that can help you feel great and nourished at every level during this time of your life. FREE!
Location: Whole Foods Market, Prospect and Eagle Rock Aves., West Orange
Registration: at the WFM Customer Service Desk, or call 973.669.3196

Tues., Oct. 9, 7:00-9:00 P.M. GLORIOUS GREENS/lecture-cooking demo. 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, of course, delicious taste. This cooking demonstration and tasting is an excellent opportunity to learn about the many benefits of greens -- and quick, easy ways to prepare them. $24 + $10 materials fee
Location: South Orange Middle School, 70 North Ridgewood Road, South Orange, NJ 07079
Registration: South Orange-Maplewood Adult School or 973-378-7620

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