Simply Living Well for March 2004: Spring Cleaning!

This edition includes a link to the China-Cornell-Oxford study, comparing the impact of the Chinese and American diets on overall health, recipes for Daikon radish for cleaning up the springtime diet, and an article on "Deconstructing Cravings" by Joshua Rosenthal, director of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

Please send any comments or suggestions to: Katherine@SimplyLivingWell.net
Website http://www.SimplyLivingWell.net 347-661-2143

This month's newsletter includes:

1. Quote of the month
2. Vernal Equinox Greetings
3. Link of the month: Why China Holds the Key to Your Health
4. March Recipes: Steamed Daikon and Daikon Condiment
5. Article: Deconstructing Cravings
6. 6-Month Counseling Program
7. More about Katherine Jamieson, Holistic Health Counselor

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QUOTE OF THE MONTH

Dare to say what "apple" truly is.
This sweetness that feels thick, dark, dense at first;
then, exquisitely lifted in your taste,

grows clarified, awake and luminous,
double-meaninged, sunny, earthy, real--.
O knowledge, pleasure--inexhaustible.

--Rainer Maria Rilke
(Stephen Mitchell, trans.)

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VERNAL EQUINOX GREETINGS

This Saturday, March 20, will be the Vernal Equinox, the beginning of spring, when day equals night and we enter into the most creative phase of the year, nature's birthing season. It's a powerful time to evaluate how 2004 is progressing for you, to recommit to health and wellness goals and most importantly to get outside! We've all been deprived of sunlight this past winter, and it's important not to underestimate the healing power of getting back to nature, reconnecting to the seasons through food, exercise and celebration.

This Spring, I am continuing to enjoy my work with the St. Francis nurses and New York City Department of Health. If you are a new recipient of this newsletter, thank you for attending the Wellness at Work programs and you can look forward to more exciting workshops in the coming months!

As a side note, for those of you who might be interested in seeing some of my published writing in actual print, I have an article in the March/April edition of Massage Magazine on Sister Fran Whelan, a nun in East Harlem who works as a massage therapist. Sister Whelan is an incredibly inspirational person and I really enjoyed putting together this profile of her dedicated efforts to bring massage to underserved communities.

Now stop reading your e-mail and get outside to enjoy the Spring weather!

Best wishes,

Katherine

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LINKS OF THE MONTH: Why China Holds the Key to Your Health

China-Cornell-Oxford Project: http://www.nutrition.cornell.edu/ChinaProject/

It is sometimes difficult to recognize the striking correlation between diet and health when looking only from a US perspective, where much of the information available to us is based on current dietary fads, or shaped by larger financial interests. The China-Cornell-Oxford Project was conceived in 1980-81 as a way to study the relationship between diet and cancer by contrasting the dietary habits of Chinese and Americans. 6500 rural Chinese participated in the study, all of whom tended to live in the same regions all their lives and to consume the same diets unique to their region each and every year. Their diets (low in fat and high in dietary fiber and plant material) were in stark contrast to the rich diets of the Western countries.

The Project has been called "The 'Grand Prix'" by the New York Times, "...the most comprehensive large study ever undertaken of the relationship between diet and the risk of developing disease ...tantalizing findings."

Some of the most striking findings of the study are:

** China: 70% of calories come from carbohydrates; 15% from fats
America: 50% of calories come from carbohydrates; 34% from fats

** Chinese consume 300% more fiber and 1/3 less protein than Americans

** 89% of Chinese protein is from plant sources; 70% of American protein is from animal products

** For every 5 American women who diet of heart trouble, only 1 Chinese woman dies

** Heart disease kills 1700% more middle-aged men in the USA, and roughly 900% more men in Italy or Greece, than in China

** China has the lowest rate of breast cancer in the world

** Chinese women get half the calcium of American women, yet have much lower rates of osteoporosis

** As economic reforms in China allow an invasion of fast-food joints, cities are starting to see a rise in heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

For an excellent summary of the findings of this study by one of its principal researchers, check out the following website:
http://newcentury.vegsource.com/public_html/webzine/archives/why_china.shtml

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MARCH RECIPE: Steamed Daikon and Daikon condiment

Daikon, or Japanese radish, is a pearly white root with a strong, crisp flavor. It has great nutritional value, containing diuretics, decongestants, and digestive enzymes, making it an excellent complement for difficult to digest or fatty raw foods. An adult serving, about 3 ounces, is only 19 calories, and daikon radishes provide a good source of vitamin C, and contain a substance that inhibits the formation of carcinogens in the body.

If you've never tried daikon before, springtime is a very appropriate time to experiment with this versatile vegetable. It also promotes weight loss, so it can be a wonderful aid in taking off the extra winter pounds and supporting overall spring cleaning!

Recipe: Steamed Daikon with Toasted Sesame Seeds

Ingredients:

2 large daikon radishes
1/4 cup black sesame seeds
1 tablespoon umeboshi vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions:

1. Toast sesame seeds by placing them on a heated skillet.
2. Stir until they smell nutty. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Wash radishes with vegetable brush.
4. Cut radishes in half moon shapes, lengthwise first, then across.
5. Put radishes into steaming basket, bring to boil, cover and steam for 3 minutes.
6. When radishes are done sprinkle them with the toasted sesame seeds.

Recipe: Daikon Condiment

Ingredients:

1/4 cup freshly grated raw daikon
1/4 teaspoon soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon mirin (optional
1/4 teaspoon fresh ginger juice or a pinch of ginger powder

1. Combine the ingredients and mound on a small plate.
2. Serve with any meal that has cheese, a fatty fish or meat to clear the palate and promote digestion

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ARTICLE-- Deconstructing Cravings

The focus of this newsletter is usually on what to eat, and what not to eat in order to create and maintain lasting health. However, I have seen again and again in working with my individual clients and workshop participants that having a great diet does not always lead to a fulfilled and happy life.

Many people are able to figure out through logic and experimentation what foods will work best for them, and repress their cravings for the "wrong" foods through willpower and determination. But, as the following article explains, sometimes the wrong foods are just what the body actually needs because of imbalances in "primary food" or the aspects of life that truly nourish us, like our relationships, our careers, our exercise and our spirituality, however we define it.

It's important to realize that we are whole beings, with a diversity of needs and desires, of which clean, healthy, vibrant food is only one. We also need connection, joy, movement, release, pleasure and fun, and no amount of dietary control and manipulation will change this or leave us feeling truly satisfied.

As we transition into spring this month, consider the possibility that your cravings for certain foods are also cravings for sunlight, nature, and regeneration from the travails of winter. Consider that looking beyond food, examining other aspects of your life that might need attention could be the best thing you could do for your diet and your health right now. And have fun with it!

Deconstructing Cravings

by Joshua Rosenthal
Director of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, www.IntegrativeNutrition.com

Mad Cow Disease, Foot and Mouth Disease, Cloning, Genetic Engineered, Bovine Growth Hormone, Irradiation, Biotechnology.... Help! What do we eat?

"You are what you eat" is now understood by more and more people, yet somehow, nobody is cooking at home and there is increasing reliance on poor quality, commercial food.

There are so many theories out there and all of them say "I am right, the others are wrong," and they can each scientifically prove it. But the problem is that it's like religion - everyone saying their god is the best and only god.

What they don't understand is that we're all different. For convenience they want to put people into categories by blood type, body shape, metabolism, yin / yang, whatever. But other factors are there. Two people might be the same blood and body type but one has an office job and the other is a construction worker, so they need to eat differently.

You eat differently on Saturday night before a party than on Monday morning before work. You must eat differently if you are 60, than if you are 20. And have you noticed men eat very differently than women ?

People use food for medication, as in "food valium," or for entertainment, to numb out when they are feeling feelings they don't want to feel; or to increase their energy when they're actually exhausted and need to rest. And then of course, there is our conditioning around food as reward. I was good at work today, so I deserve an ice cream.

Our body is amazing. It knows when to go to sleep, wake up, go to the bathroom, maintain 98.6, tighten the eyes when the light gets bright, and much much more including the miracle of pregnancy and childbirth. Your heart never misses a beat. Your lungs are always breathing, even if you forget. It is a true super-computer.

And it never makes mistakes. Your mind can make a mistake drinking too much alcohol or eating too much sugar, but your body will always be there for you; instantaneously re-organizing itself to clear out the inappropriate materials from the blood stream.

You might make mistakes, errors in judgment, like the wrong relationship, or the wrong job, but your body doesn't, ever. It is always there for you. Always has been, always will be.

So you think it's making a mistake craving ice cream or cookies or chocolate ? I doubt it. Its more likely you are making an error in judgment eating a diet that is too strict or living a lifestyle that is too boring or stressful, so the body comes in to create correction.

People can deconstruct their cravings to understand what does it mean; what is the body saying? What is this intelligence wanting?

It's like a relationship. Any relationship doesn't just happen. It takes communication, love, time. Out of all the relationships in our life, that with our body is most essential. So you have to check in and say, "Hi, sweetheart, what's going on? What are you feeling? Am I not treating you well? Do you need some attention?"

It's impossible that a book or theory can tell you what to eat; only awareness can tell you, and having this deep connection with your body and its needs.

When you go to a restaurant, instead of reading the menu--which is designed to make your mouth water and buy more - you can just close your eyes and ask: What is my body wanting ? Or if you are about to binge, close your eyes and say: What's going on in me that I want to binge? Maybe what I need now is just a hug, a warm bath or some rest.

All the nutrition theories only address the food that is on the plate. And people switch from one food to another because they miss the most important thing, which is that it's not about the food--the measuring, the restrictions, the discipline, the suffering. That's really stupid!

Everything is a food--for example, if you hug someone, kiss someone. Or dancing, laughing --that feeds you. When you are in love you don't need to eat very much. On the other hand, when you are out of balance, you can eat all the food in the world and still be left hungry.

Really what you want on a plate is only secondary. What's primary is joy, love, touch, intimacy, spirituality, freedom, a satisfying daily life. The more you have on this level, the less crucial is your secondary food, your daily diet.

The contradiction is that the more healthy is the food on your plate, the more likely you are to have a happy healthy life. Enjoy.

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6-MONTH HOLISTIC HEALTH COUNSELING PROGRAM

Nutrition is a fundamental aspect of health. The food we eat becomes part of our blood cells, which then feed our tissues and vital organs. When we eat food that has limited nutritional value, our cells weaken. When we eat quality foods our bodies reflect that nourishment through vitality, balance and joy.

Whole, natural foods--vegetables, whole grains, beans, fruits--are quality foods. By shifting your diet to healthy, balanced, quality foods, you can support your body to heal itself and prevent future disease.

My fully supported 6-month program includes :

** Two individual counseling sessions a month
** Yoga, meditation and breathwork
** Reiki and massage
** Books, tapes, and articles on health and wellness
** Food and supplement samples
** Easy to cook recipes
** Health Food Store Tour
** Group hands-on cooking classes

Working together, we will discuss all the issues that contribute to your relationship with health and nutrition. Often our health concerns arise from a lack of attention to our mental, physical, spiritual and emotional needs. Holistic health care addresses all of these needs equally. As a result of our work together you will feel healthier, more energized, and you will have the skills to maintain this state of wellness for years to come.

Call or e-mail to schedule a one-hour initial consultation about the 6-month Holistic Health Counseling Program.

Consultations are held in Manhattan and Brooklyn and can also be done by phone.

Simply Living Well
80 E. 11th St, #336
Between Broadway and University
347-661-2143
Katherine@SimplyLivingWell.net

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ABOUT KATHERINE JAMIESON, HOLISTIC HEALTH COUNSELOR

Katherine was trained in Holistic Health Counseling through the Professional Training Program at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York, and certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. She was certified to teach yoga in 2001 through the New York Open Center Prana Yoga Teacher Training, instructed by Dr. Jeffrey Migdow, MD. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology from Wesleyan University. Before entering the Holistic Health field, Katherine was a Peace Corps volunteer for two years in Guyana, South America.

Her practice combines cutting-edge, holistic nutritional theory and yoga breathing and postures, to help people address their health concerns and attain optimal health and well being in their lives. She has taught yoga and Holistic Health practices with the New York City Department of Health Wellness at Work program, the Hospital for Joint Diseases, and Beth Abraham Health Services. She maintains a private practice in Manhattan and Brooklyn, as well as lecturing and presenting at Health fairs and seminars. This fall she is completed an 11-week series of lectures on Holistic Health and Lifestyle at the United Nations.

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THANK YOU FOR READING AND BE WELL!