Summertime and the Livin’ is Easy

It’s summer!  It is a time of luxurious growth, a time to wake up early in the morning and reach to the sun for the same nourishment it gives to our garden.  We can work, play, travel, be joyful, and grow as we spend more time outside with ourselves, as well as others.  The bounty that is in the outside world is all around us, and we feel more alive!

Summer is a time to use plenty of the brightly colored summer fruits and vegetables, and enjoy creating beautiful meals.  We can make a dazzling display with the colors of the food, as well as decorate our tables with the flowers that are now available.  This is the time when we can add a little spicy and pungent flavor to our meals.

Summer offers an abundance of variety, and the food choices we make will reflect this.  We sweat more minerals and oils out of our body as we spend more time outdoors, so we need to keep replenished with a variety of foods.

Summer also brings an abundance of gatherings – family reunions, town celebrations, vacation and travel times.  These create those moments when we might say, “Well, this one time won’t hurt.”  The problem is, it could.

Social events create the perfect stage for emotional eating.  This is the most important time to review the progress you’ve made in your health journey, and come up with a plan that will allow you to spend some precious time with family and friends, yet allow you to stick with those foods that you know will nourish you and support your health goals.  If you’re not doing it already, look over your calendar and see what events are coming up that you can be prepared to bring something to the event that will be delicious, fun, and festive.

A few weeks ago, I brought this cole slaw to a graduation.  It was a big hit!

Cleansing Cole Slaw

Ingredients:

• 1 head cabbage, finely shredded
• 2 stalks broccoli, finely shredded
• 1 cucumber, peeled and finely diced
• 3 Tablespoons raw sesame tahini
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 clove fresh garlic, or 1 teaspoon powder
• 1 lemon or lime, juiced
• 2 drops lemon or lime essential oil
• 1 teaspoon ground milk thistle seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon ground broccoli sprouts
• 1/2 teaspoon kelp powder
• Sea salt, to taste (optional)
• Dash of chipotle powder (optional)

Directions:

1. Shred cabbage, broccoli, and cucumber in a food processor.  Put in a big mixing bowl.
2. Blend all remaining ingredients in a blender until smooth and creamy.
3. Season to taste.
4. If too thin, add more tahini; if it’s too thick, add more water.

There are more recipes like this to be found in my video class Picnic Foods and Barbeque Ideas for Summer.   You will find an abundance of recipes, along with how to make them, in this 2-1/2 hour video, which also includes the e-book.

And, believe it or not, you can even bring Not Dog hot dog to your next shindig!

As a way to help you celebrate, and provide freedom for yourself, and take control of your own health and happiness, Picnic Foods and Barbeque Ideas for Summer is on special for the month of July at 45% off the regular price.

Prepare yourself for the days ahead by including these dishes in your meal planning.  Then you can relax and enjoy your fun in the sun!