Ease tension...

Muscle pain, back ache, and fatigue tip the iceberg of chronic pain.  At times, chronic pain may seem distant, a dull ache.  Other times, the pain sharply raps at the door, demanding our attention.  How do you manage?  Medication may help, and as I mentioned last Thursday, methods such as acupuncture can provide alternate relief. 

Another way to ease tension is by stretching.  Increasing flexibility and maintaining muscles that are supple and loose ease pressure and keep us mobile.  Regardless of your limitations, there are stretching exercises for every ability.   Classical Stretch is a program I tune into weekday mornings.  It only takes 25-30 minutes, is taught by a retired ballerina, and is a great start to my day.  Check it out!

www.classicalstretch.com

Be Well!

Tiffany

Soothe chronic pain…

In February, my Thirsty Thursday topic discusses how to soothe chronic pain.  Chronic pain is the unwelcome visitor refusing to leave.  Check my resource page for free resources to help you soothe and tame the beast of pain.   Tribe members have access to my Free Download, 4 Proven Methods to Manage Chronic Pain. 

My preferred method to manage pain is acupuncture.  Acupuncture is an ancient therapeutic method that minimizes or eliminates pain.  Want to learn more?  Connect with me in February and receive a free guide to acupuncture. 

Become a more active participant.

Be Well,

Tiffany

The mighty potato...

Long before I read Dr. McDougall's Starch Solution, emphasizing the importance of eating a whole food plant based no oil diet (WFPBNO), I read Potatoes Not Prozac by Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D.  Kathleen founded Radiant Recovery, an online international community dedicated to healing unbalanced sugar sensitivity. 

I understood my own addictive and obsessive patterns when it came to foods, especially sugars.  Did you realize that a simple potato can treat depression, and addictions?  Both Dr. McDougall and Dr. DesMaisons view foods as healing agents.  The mighty potato is a tasty, affordable, and nutritious tuber.  Potatoes nourish and heal the body, mind and spirit.  Dine well, and eat more potatoes!

Be Well.

Tiffany

Pizza with a punch...

Popular foods such as pizza, enchiladas, lasagna, and casseroles are terrific ways to add variety to your diet.  Each of these dishes can use any number of ingredients; helping you make use of whatever is in your fridge or pantry.  Last night I rooted through my kitchen and found 2 peppers, some mushrooms, a bit of onion, a dab of my vegan 'cheez' sauce, and a packet of pesto.  These toppings added to a frozen pizza crust provided a quick and simple meal.  Another option? Sauté the vegetables, add the pesto, and pour over whole grain pasta. 

I offer custom meal plans and would be happy to design a menu specific to your taste buds, budget, and health goals.  Contact me, let's talk!

Be Well,

Tiffany

Nourish, on a budget...

If you want to improve your health you might begin with an exercise plan.  Fitness is very important for good health, especially your cardiovascular strength.  Though the foundation of good health begins and ends with food.  Maintaining a healthy weight is impossible without a quality meal plan.  Too expensive you say?  A healthy diet need not be costly or time-consuming.  I use basic staples and prepare quick meals that are satisfying and affordable. 

Check out my breakfast ingredients.  From my local dollar store I purchased quick oats, frozen blueberries, organic (yes, organic from a dollar store) soy milk, and stevia.  Using this $4 purchase I am able to make breakfast for several days.  Is this all the food that I ate this morning?  Nope, I start each day with a hearty meal and began early with a plate of hash browns topped with Tabasco.  Check back next Thursday, I'll share another budget friendly meal. 

Be Well!

Tiffany

Repeated refrains...

"There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature - the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter." - Rachel Carson

Daily rituals are practices that bring meaning to life and define us.  Some are mundane such as brushing our teeth or washing the dishes, while others have deep personal meaning such as meditation or prayer.  Repeating words, actions, or thoughts creates a rhythm and sets a pattern.  Like day into night and season to season our rituals provide us with a flow and create harmony. 

Consider daily rituals that serve your highest good.  Perhaps it is your morning breakfast, or an evening walk with your pet.  Could you adopt an additional ritual to improve your well-being this month?  Add one more vegetarian or vegan meal to your week - stretch daily - stay hydrated - eat more greens - laugh out loud.   What would bring you more joy this month?  Enjoy the exploration.

Be Well!

Tiffany

Evaluate and reflect...

As December closes and we leave 2016 behind, you may be setting your focus on New Year Resolutions and prefer to look ahead.  Rather than leaping quickly into the future, I suggest some additional time to reflect on the happenings of 2016.  What took place in your life?  What did you accomplish?  What were your most positive moments...and what were most negative?  Time spent in reflection brings about deep understanding and will set a stronger foundation for any changes you wish to make. 

"Do not dwell in the past...Do not dream of the future...Concentrate the mind on the present moment."  - Buddha

Be still - reflect, and learn from the experiences that 2016 provided - gain wisdom, and know you are better prepared for whatever tomorrow brings.

Be Well!

Tiffany