A new year, a new focus

Welcome to 2012!!!  Many of you I’m sure are getting into the spirit of “resolutions” and trying to forget 2011.  I found that a lot of people tend to focus on all the bad things that happened through the year, and leave out all the positive and fun things that they did.  Why is that?

For me 2011 was a great year!  I turned 40, celebrated both 10 years in business and 10 years of marriage, had some amazing holidays and finally got to the realization on what is truly important in my life.  “My health & being happy”.   This is what most people strive for, but always come up short.

I read an article written by “Bronnie Ware” about the biggest regrets of palliative care patients when faced with the reality of dying that I’d like to share with you.  It was one of those reads that impacted the way I now live my life and the choices I make.  Here are a few of top regrets:

“I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me."
This was the most common regret of all. When people realize that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.

It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realize, until they no longer have it.

“I wish I didn't work so hard”
This came from mostly male patients. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.

By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.

“I wish that I had let myself be happier. “
This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realize until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.

When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying. Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously.  Choose wisely.  Choose honestly. Choose happiness.

Start today to build positive momentum for 2012 and choose to live your life without regret.

Stay Healthy, Happy & Fit


SFL Founder & Foodaholic
  
~ Featured Recipes ~


Green Winter Ginger Smoothie

Ginger is a “power house” food for your immune system!

Blend:
  • 1 cup organic frozen berries (any kind, but I prefer a good mix with blueberries)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/4 inch ginger-root, or to taste (I will usually grate mine into the blender first.)



Quick Chicken Cacciatore


Ingredients 
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch strips
  • 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large green pepper chopped  
  • 1 teaspoon fresh parsley
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery  
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 chopped medium onion  
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms  
  • 1- 16-ounce can peeled tomatoes   
  • 2 teaspoon oregano  
  • 1 - 8-ounce can tomato sauce  
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

Directions:
Preheat pan over heat, add olive oil.  Add the chicken and cook stirring for 3 – 5 minutes or until no longer pink. Reduce heat.  Add tomatoes and their juice, tomato sauce, green pepper, celery, onion, mushrooms, oregano, basil, parsley and salt.  Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered for 10 minutes.
Serve over brown rice or whole grain pasta. (1 cup cooked per serving)
20 minutes total, serves 4.
The Real Deal or a Real Dud?  The Magic Bullet
By Claudine Sweeney 

Ever since seeing the “As Seen on TV” ads for the Magic Bullet I always disregarded its credibility as a useful kitchen tool, until one day a co-worker arrived with a slick mug filled with a delicious shake that she brought from home. The cup she was drinking from was also the cup used to blend the shake.  So I made my way to the local box store and picked one up for around $35.

The convenience of a quick 10 second shake that I can drink directly out of the blender and leave the house with, revived my love of a great smoothie.  The old “I have no time for breakfast” doesn’t work anymore.  There are many more recipes to create other than just smoothies with this little gadget… salad dressings, salsa, sauces… just put your creativity to work. 

Fast food IS good for you… if you make it yourself!



  
Greg de Graaf, Kentville, NS

If you’re smart you take the time for reflection, when life throws you a curve ball. Being a business man the natural place for me to start is at my Financial Advisor’s.  He is a trusted advisor and I knew I could count on his advice. The funny thing was our conversation ended up having had nothing to do with MONEY, but rather my HEALTH.  He said he had seen it many times before.  Men working hard to “earn” their retirement, only to find themselves at doctors appointments and the hospital with chronic health issues.

Click here for more...

 
Red Lentil Curry


Ingredients
  • 2 cups red lentils
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red curry paste
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger root, minced
  • 1 (14.25 ounce) can tomato puree

Directions
Wash the lentils in cold water until the water runs clear (this is very important or the lentils will get "scummy"), put the lentils in a pot with water to cover and simmer covered until lentils tender (add more water if necessary).

While the lentils are cooking: In a large skillet or saucepan, caramelize the onions in olive oil.

While the onions are cooking, combine the curry paste, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, salt, honey and sauté for about 1 minute.  Add the garlic, and ginger and sauté for another minute. When the onions are cooked, add the curry & spice mixture to the onions and cook over a high heat stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes.

Stir in the tomato puree and reduce heat, allow the curry base to simmer until the lentils are ready.

When the lentils are tender drain them briefly (they should have absorbed most of the water but you don't want the curry to be too sloppy). Mix the curry base into the lentils and serve immediately.

Serve with brown rice or on its own… make a big batch and very filling.  Perfect for freezing.

Prep Time: 10 Min Cook Time: 30 Min
Serves 8


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