Eating in-season this Summer…

Why eat foods that are in season (particularly produce)?

There are several reasons that eating in-season are a better opion, including cost, taste and freshness – and it’s better for the environment too! Europeans have been doing it for years. Our advanced technology, growth of the processed food industry and easy access have all made eating foods out of season all too convenient.

When you purchase local foods in-season, you eliminate the environmental damage caused by shipping foods thousands of miles, your food dollar goes directly to the farmer, and your family will be able to enjoy the health benefits of eating fresh, unprocessed fruits and vegetables. Buying seasonal produce also provides an opportunity to try new foods and to experiment with seasonal recipes. And, many say, seasonal foods simply taste better!

In summer, stick with light, cooling foods in the tradition of traditional Chinese medicine. These foods include fruits like strawberries, apple, pear, and plum; vegetables like summer squash, broccoli, cauliflower, and corn; and spices and seasonings like peppermint and cilantro.

Try this fresh blueberry parfait:

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
1 pint of fresh blueberries
4 oz low-fat vanilla yogurt, stirred
1 TBS chopped walnuts

Optional:
1 tsp diced crystallized ginger or 1 peppermint sprig

Layer yogurt and blueberries in 2 wine glasses. Top with chopped walnuts. Sprinkle diced crystallized ginger or peppermint sprig, if desired.

Before you buy: kitchen cookware, gadgets and tool...

Most of us have the “traditional” kitchen appliances, like a microwave and blender, but it’s fun to try unusual kitchen gadgets and accessories. The right kitchen tools can make preparing and cooking healthy meals more manageable. No doubt about it, today’s kitchen tools are designed to be both functional and attractive. A corkscrew isn’t just a corkscrew; it’s doubles as a sleek bar accessory. From colorful enamel cookware to silicone bakeware, there are many eye-pleasing options. But before you unleash your inner favorite TV chef, ask yourself these key questions:

• Do I need and/or will I really use this item?
• Can I afford to buy the best-rated/my top choice?
• Does this gadget trump function for form or appearance?
• Will this tool help me become more efficient in the kitchen?
• What, specifically, do I intend to do with it?
• Is it microwave and/or dishwasher safe? If not, will it collect dust?
• Is it built to last/made from durable, quality materials?
• What type of guarantee comes with this product?
• Do I have enough storage space/room in my kitchen?

Yoga styles

Yoga by definition means “union” and has been around for thousands of years. The mind-body benefits of this form of exercise are endless. Practicing yoga on a regular basis promotes flexibility, relaxation, tones your muscles and can reduces stress, for starters. There are many types or styles of yoga. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced exerciser, start with a basic routine. Keep in mind that yoga is a completely new challenge that can work your body in a way it has never been worked before. Listed below is a rundown of some of the popular yoga styles. Several ‘styles’ serve as an ‘umbrella term’ for various types of yoga classes within each category (or sub-categories).

Five popular yoga styles

Hatha-  a great style for beginners, hatha yoga encompasses various class styles but tends to be slower-paced and gentler than other forms. For this reason it is an excellent option for individuals that desire to lay a solid foundational understanding of the basic postures and poses and/or who may be beginners to the practice.

Vinyasa- like Hatha, this term also encompasses a variety of class styles. It is comprised of a sequence of yoga postures connected with your breathing. They are designed to create a seamless ‘flow’ throughout the practice.

Ashtanga- or “power yoga” is more a more physically demanding style of yoga practice with an emphasis on muscular endurance as well as flexibility – it offers a rigorous workout.

Bikram- or “hot yoga” includes a sequence of 26 yoga poses performed in a heated room. It is not uncommon for Bikrim classes to last 90-minutes.

Iyengar- the focus of this style of yoga is on proper body alignment and includes the use of props and/or accessories to facilitate the correct body position for each pose. Typically, there is an emphasis on holding the postures for a longer period of time instead of flowing quickly from one pose to the next.