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June 2014 Newsletter

In this month’s newsletter:

In this newsletter, read on to learn about summer sun and sunscreen options, squatting for exercise, and a great recipe for spicy curried broccoli. As always, please contact us with your questions, comments and suggestions. Have a great month!

 

Being Smart in the Summer Sunshine

Sunshine and summer time is here! It is important to know that sunlight is absolutely good for us and our health. We often hear that the sunlight can cause skin cancer. Overexposure and burning of the skin can cause changes that lead to skin cancer. However, being outside in the
sunshine is one of the best things you can do for your health.




The key is being outside enough to benefit, but not too much to burn! Of course there are occasions when we may not be able to limit our time outside and need some help. Loose clothing and hats are the best choice. Sunscreens are another option we can use for prolonged time out in the sun. Unfortunately, recent press has highlighted concerns with both traditional and ‘natural’ sunscreens. It seems that some of the chemicals in
traditional sunscreenscan be harmful and that
titanium dioxide, found in many natural sunscreens, may cause problems as well. Hopefully more research will help us develop even better sunscreen choices.








There are also
‘make your own’ sunscreen optionsusing coconut oil as a primary ingredient. In recent years, I have used
Dr. Mercola’s zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sunscreenwhen I need protection. In light of some concerns with titanium dioxide I look forward this summer to  experimenting with some coconut oil mixes as well. Do you have any sunscreen options or recipes that you would like to share? Please do!

Squats: Are you Squatting for Health?

Squats are an often criticized exercise. Critics say that squatting is bad for the back and knees. It turns out that this simply is not the case. There are some folks due to previous injuries that may need to modify squatting, but for most of us we can improve our health through squatting. Check out this link to understand
the three myths about squats that just won’t die. This
articlespeaks to the benefits of squatting. Should you have questions about how to begin squatting for exercise or improving your squat form, please let us know and we can connect you with a trainer to teach you to squat properly and confidently.




In related news, squatting seems to be preferable to sitting when it comes to bowel movements. Check out this
article.

A No-Soap, No-Shampoo Experiment

Julia Scott recently went a month without showering. Why you might ask? She was part of a trial group using a bacterial skin tonic from a company called
AOBiome. The idea is to promote healthy bacteria on our skin that help act as natural immune boosters, deodorizers, cleansers and anti-inflammatory agents. It’s a fascinating concept but from Julia’s account it looks like the products need more development.


Read More ›

Recipe of the Month: Spicy Curried Broccoli

This is a simple way to add a flavorful punch to a very healthy vegetable! Thanks to
Everyday Mavenfor the recipe. Let us know if you like it!









I
ngredients:



 

  • ¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 2” piece fresh ginger root, peeled and minced
  • ½ small yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 pound broccoli florets


Instructions:





PREP:

  1. Trim broccoli into evenly sized florets.
  2. Peel ginger and mince.
  3. Halve onion and thinly slice.
  4. Measure all spices, coconut flakes and oil.

COOK:

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot add coconut flakes. Cook, stirring constantly, for 3 to 4 minutes, until edges begin to brown and coconut is fragrant. Remove from pan and set aside.
  2. Place skillet back on burner and add cooking oil. Once hot, add minced ginger, sliced onion, cumin seeds, curry powder and salt. Cook, stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes.
  3. Add broccoli florets and 2 tablespoons of water to pan. Stir to coat, cover, raise heat to medium high and cook 3 to 4 minutes until broccoli is tender.
  4. Remove from heat, transfer to a serving dish and top with toasted coconut flakes. Serve hot and Enjoy!