Peace On Earth Day

When I heard about the bombings at the Boston Marathon, I was shocked, saddened, and deeply disturbed. It seems that there are more and more acts of violence every day in our society. What disturbs me the most about the Boston bombings is that they targeted a global family event. The Boston Marathon attracts spectators and athletes from all over the world: people of all ages, races, and walks 

of life come to participate in or watch this annual event. Because such a global event was targeted, 

I see these attacks as a crime against humanity.

The Boston Marathon bombings are just another sign of how unhealthy our society has become. 

The real question is, what is fueling these violent actions and thoughts? Has the health of our society deteriorated to such an extent that people are becoming disconnected to their brothers and sisters, 

losing control of their humanity, and acting out their aggression on innocent people?

When people are not physically and mentally well, can they be helped?
I believe that the way we choose to “fuel” ourselves through the food we eat has a direct effect not only on our physical health but also our emotional and spiritual health. You cannot separate these three aspects of health: our physical health is reliant upon our emotional and spiritual health; our emotional health is reliant upon our physical and spiritual health; and our spiritual health is reliant upon our physical and emotional health.

Many of us live on fast foods that produce extreme energetic effects on our bodies.
A perfect example can be seen in all the problems related to blood sugar, such as hypoglycemia and diabetes. To make matters worse, our food sources have become unnatural and good-quality food is becoming scarce. Many foods contain harmful preservatives, additives, and GMO’s, and this is but a short list. For those who choose to eat animal and dairy foods, the situation is far worse. Most animals raised for food consumption live in sordid, unhealthy conditions and are not fed food that is conducive to their health. Can you imagine what energetic effect such living and eating conditions has on these animals and on the people who consume these animal products? If we make the connection between diet and health, then we are able to see more clearly that by making poor food choices it is not just our physical and emotional health that is at risk, but the spirit that makes us human.

The offers of help, prayers, and thoughts that I’ve heard and read about about in the past few days give this tragedy a slight silver lining. These acts give me hope for our society. Moving forward in order for our society to improve its health and heal, we need to look at the bigger picture and re-examine what creates peaceful people. I believe we need to take the initiative to improve our food quality and educate people on the importance of how food choices effect every aspect of our lives, including our behavior towards other human beings. Healthy people create healthy societies, and healthy societies create a healthier planet. Since we are just a few days away from Earth Day (Monday April 22nd), I would like to invite you to join me in celebrating “Peace On Earth Day.” On April 22nd, take a minute to do something for someone else, sit down to a balanced meal of whole grains and vegetables, or better yet, share a meal with someone else. Take a moment to remember that we are all in this world together!

Beat the Bloat

Now that Spring is here, we are all thinking about flip-flops, groovy sunglasses, and how to get rid of that spare tire we might be carrying (you know, the one around the middle). Perhaps you are looking in the mirror and feeling a little winter-weary when you see puffy eyes, or notice that your skin could use some TLC. All of these symptoms are often caused by and/or perpetuated by consuming too much salt or a combination of salty, hard, dry, baked foods.

Enter my "Beat the Bloat Approach”! 

Here are my favorite foods to put a spring in your step and help reduce bloating. However, please keep in mind that these are all quick fixes, and do not replace a balanced diet. In the long run, it is important to cut back on the amount of salt you use and the number of hard, baked foods you consume. Regarding exercise, the best and simplest thing to do is to walk outside as often as you can. Walking outside is naturally balancing, and will strengthen your digestion. Walking is also a great way to enjoy the warm spring weather!

Beat the Bloat Quick Fixes:

• Cucumbers: light and refreshing; also a natural diuretic.
• Asparagus with fresh lemon: although asparagus can be acidfying (too much can lead to mineral loss) bloating is often caused by too much salt. It can be helpful to eat a little asparagus to help take out any extra salt and relieve your bloat. 
• Vegetable Juice: please see my post on fresh veggie juice, "Green Cocktails Anyone" [April 2012.]
• Dried Shitake Mushroom Tea: this mild tea will help rid your body of excess salt. 
• Good-Quality Green Tea 
• Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice 
• Good-Quality Micro-Brewed Beer: serve at cellar temperature--not too cold!
• Eat plenty of quick-steamed greens with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

The Top Ten Reasons to Go Green (Vegetables, that is)

1. They are high in fiber and rich in minerals. 
2. They are a good source of calcium. 
3. They go great with any meal, breakfast, lunch and dinner. 
4. They can be sautéed, steamed or blanched. 
5. They can be cooked in grain and pasta dishes. 
6. Some of them can be cooked with their roots, very dynamic! 
7. They can be sautéed and added to beans dishes. 
8. You can roll them up and smoke them (don’t worry, just kidding!) 
9. They can be used in salads. 
10. They can be grown in a backyard garden or on your back porch. 

Here is a list of my favorite greens that also just happen to be the most beneficial for your health. 

Arugula
Baby bok choy
Belgian Endive
Bok choy
Broccoli Rabe
Collards
Carrot greens
Daikon radish greens
Dandelion greens
Escarole
Kale, such as Lacinto, Red Russian, Green Curly
Leeks
Lettuce greens, such as Iceberg, Romaine, Red Leaf, and Bibb
Mizuna (a kind of green that can often be found in an Asian market)
Mustard greens
Napa cabbage
Purslane
Red radish greens
Turnip greens
Wild Watercress

I wish you all good health and good luck! Also, érinn go brách!

Sweet Seduction

Entice your tastebuds (and your lover(s)...) with my Caramel Rice Pudding this Valentine’s Day. 

For an extra sensorial pleasure I use risotto rice for its creamy texture. My first preference is the Carnaroli variety because I find it to be lighter in consistency than other types of risotto rice. 

Grain-based sweeteners combined with a touch of maple syrup yield a rich caramel flavor, and high-quality olive oil creates a decadent, buttery richness. Garnish with your favorite fresh berries and a sprig of mint to enhance the refreshing quality and balance the sweetness. This dessert is both beautiful and delicious but will not give you a sugar headache-- definitely something to celebrate! I have served this dessert at dinner parties to my non-macro, non-vegan, sugar eating friends and it was even a hit with them. To me, this is the ultimate compliment.

Happy Valentine's Day, I love you all!

Mini desserts served at our New Years Party

Caramel Rice Pudding
This recipe is similar to traditional rice puddings which are usually made with milk or cream. By using the risotto rice I achieve a creamy texture without the use of any dairy or dairy-like substitutes.
Please note that the success of your pudding depends upon using quality ingredients and taking the time to cook the rice properly. If you have a special bottle of olive oil hiding in your pantry, break it out to use in this recipe. 

Ingredients:
1 cup organic carnaroli risotto rice
5 cups water
1 cup apple juice
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
¼ to ½ teaspoon organic olive oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons of fresh squeezed orange juice

Preparation:
Heat the apple juice and water together in a stainless steel stockpot (to cook the risotto).

Heat a little olive oil in a heavier style pot. Add the risotto rice and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes.
Ladle the warm liquid over the rice; add the sea salt and stir. Allow the liquid to begin to absorb into the rice almost completely before adding additional liquid.
Continue to ladle the liquid into the rice and stir after each ladle is added. You will be cooking the rice slowly over a low flame. When you reach the consistency and texture you desire turn off the flame and add the fresh orange juice. Gently fold to blend all the ingredients together.

Note: If you want a more creamy texture use the entire amount of liquid. If you like the rice to have more texture use a little less liquid.

Caramel topping :
½ cup brown rice syrup
½ cup barley malt
1 Tablespoon of water
2 -3 drops of Umeboshi vinegar
1 teaspoon of fresh squeezed orange juice

Preparation:
Put the water, rice syrup, and barley malt in a saucepan.
Add the umeboshi vinegar and mix well with a wooden spoon.
Gently heat the mixture until it begins to boil around the edges of the pan.
Turn the flame off. Add the fresh orange juice and mix well.

To serve:
Add a small amount of the "caramel sauce" into a serving dish.
Add the rice, then top off with a little more sauce.
Add some fresh berries and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

Happy New Year

Happy 2013! A new year always brings a sense of promise.We often make promises to ourselves

during this time by making resolutions for the upcoming year. I have learned that one of the best promises that you can make is to take better care of yourself. This can be through improved dietary practice, more exercise, or organizing certain aspects of your life, among many other possibilities.  

I am finding that it is vital to find time to do the things that you love in both your work and your play,

and to recognize when things get overwhelming and adjust accordingly.

The Mummers Parade, a unique Philadelphia tradition!

 Oftentimes it can be too easy to do nothing but work in anticipation of future successes. However, by not creating personal time for enjoying ourselves, we sometimes ignore the basic joys of life. When we take time to nurture ourselves, we actually become more productive in our work. 

For example, I love to cook and teach. However, when I do too much cooking or teaching, I sometimes start to ignore other parts of my life that are important to me (such as personal projects, having fun with my friends and family, or cultivating my hobbies). In the long run, not making time for personal enjoyment actually hinders my productivity and enjoyment in my work. Taking the time for some self-care, such as going to a yoga class, swapping massages with a friend, or giving myself a facial makes me a better chef and teacher. Making the time for small personal pleasures brings a sense of satisfaction and joy in my life, and ultimately  makes me more relaxed and productive in my work.


One of my favorite daily personal pleasures is the body rub. Doing the body rub each day is a great way to incorporate some self-care on a daily basis. It only takes about ten minutes of your time, and you always feel alert, refreshed, and relaxed afterwards. If you want to learn how to do a daily body rub, check out Denny Waxman’s book “The Great Life Diet,” which has detailed instructions, or order the DVD “The Art of Skin Rejuvenation.”


And, for the ultimate in self-care, come spend a week at the Strengthening Health Institute! Check our website for upcoming seminars and events.

Broad and Washington New Years Day, 2013
I hope this year brings many good things your way, 

Peace, Love and Joy

Just a quick note to wish all of you and your loved ones happy holidays!

 

As we reflect on the season may our hearts be filled with love and compassion. I will return after the New Year, with recipes in hand! 

I wish you all good health and happiness in 2013.

Love,

Susan

Love Park, Phildelphia, PA
Photo credit ronsaari.com

Thanksgiving Thanks!

What does the word “thanksgiving” really mean? Try reversing the order of the words to get “giving thanks,” which implies something that goes beyond just saying “thank you.” Giving thanks means demonstrating appreciation. While the words “thank you” are mannerly and polite, appreciation goes deeper than words as it implies action.

Some acts are small, and others are larger. Macrobiotic Philosophy teaches us that the small shows the large, or the part shows the whole. What can we do to demonstrate our appreciation?

Thanksgiving is also a time when families come together. Who is our family? In a sense, our family is larger than just our blood relatives and close friends. What about the food that we eat? The food that we eat creates the quality of our blood, establishing a connection between people who eat similar foods. Food also carries a vibrational quality, which means that food creates our spiritual quality and influences our dreams and goals.

What do I mean by all of this? Well, we are all in this world together. While we may have our separate differences we also share the commonality of the food that we eat. We need to unite and work together to make the world a better place. This is the only way to get what we want, a healthy society, good quality organic foods, and a healthy environment. Together we have a voice and a bright future.
And remember, everyone feels good when they are appreciated.

To show you my appreciation, here is a haiku that I wrote 20 years ago, when I first started practicing macrobiotics:

Brothers and Sisters
all from One Infinity
Love One another

I would also like to share a holiday recipe for Walnut Rice. This grain dish is so simple to make and loved by all. The combination of the walnuts together with the brown rice provide a rich, satisfying, and nourishing quality.

Please follow my recipe for cooking brown rice from my previous post.


Preparation:
Place 1 cup of walnuts in a bowl and rinse with filtered water.
To begin toasting, place the walnuts in a skillet.
Turn on the flame to a lower setting and begin toasting.

*Note: When toasting nuts or seeds it is helpful to be patient and take your time. 

Use a wooden spatula to move and turn the walnuts to prevent them from burning.
The walnuts are done when they are lightly toasted. Place the nuts in a bowl and allow them to cool. When the nuts are cool, they are ready to be chopped. My preference is to chop them by hand.
To serve, place a layer of rice in a bowl and a layer of  walnuts on top of the rice. Continue to layer, with the final layer being walnuts.