Simply Living Well for August 2004: Forever Young

This edition includes information on the Tibetan Five Rites, a series of exercises to reverse the aging process, a recipe for Spirulina truffles, and information on Superfoods to promote longevity.

The Simply Living Well newsletter is published monthly and provides articles, recipes, and tips on creating and maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

Please send any comments or suggestions to: Katherine@SimplyLivingWell.net or call her directly at 347-661-2143.

For additional recipes and resources on Holistic Health and Wellness, please visit www.SimplyLivingWell.net.

This month's newsletter includes:

1. Quote of the month
2. August Editor's Letter
3. Book of the month: Ancient Secret of the Fountain of Youth
4. END of SUMMER SPECIAL: One month of free health counseling!
5. August Recipe: Super Spirulina Truffles
6. Article: Forever Young with Superfoods
7. More about Katherine Jamieson, Holistic Health Counselor and Yoga Teacher

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QUOTE OF THE MONTH

"A long life may not be good enough, but a good life is long enough."
-- Benjamin Franklin

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AUGUST EDITOR'S LETTER

Greetings from the US!

I have returned from an amazing trip to Pune, India in time to enjoy the last few weeks of New York City summer and celebrate my 30th birthday on August 10th!

In honor of that milestone (any birthday that ends with 0 seems to provoke great life decisions...) I have decided to move my home and my business to the Washington, DC area. I'm excited for this transition, which will provide me with a break from city life, a chance to live closer to nature and focus more on my writing about holistic health and wellness. In the coming months, you can expect me to be publishing more articles on health and wellness, making major improvements to my website (adding valuable content, upcoming events and many more recipes and articles), and offering educational teleconferences and lectures by phone.

As far as you, the readers of this newsletter are concerned, this move will only mean more extensive and detailed newsletters, and a greater chance to participate in my programs and events no matter where you live in the country. As an outgrowth of my work with numerous out-of-state clients, I have developed a comprehensive Distance Holistic Health Counseling program (see the August special!) which will include a high level of phone and e-mail support, the chance to participate in on-line Holistic Health and Wellness communities, and the convenience of a fully- supported program that can be designed around your busy schedule.

My lectures and workshops will continue in the New York City and Washington, DC area and, potentially, in other areas of the country, so there's a good possibility that I'll have a chance meet many of you in person through my public speaking. I'm very excited to make this transition in my business as it will allow me to reach more people and continue to spread the word about the importance of holistic health and wellness, every day becoming a more critical issue for the millions of Americans suffering from diet-related ailments.

Thanks for your continued readership--the newsletter now has 600 subscribers and is growing! Please continue to pass it along to friends and family, anyone you know who is interested in the connection between diet, lifestyle and a long, healthy life.

Best wishes,

Katherine

PS--Thanks again to all of you who sent information about available housing in Manhattan; although I obviously won't be needing it now, I greatly appreciate your support and have passed on the messages to others who are interested.

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BOOK OF THE MONTH: Ancient Secret of the Fountain of Youth

Praised by fans as diverse as Martin Sheen ("I recommend them without reservation") to Dr. Bernie Siegel, the Tibetan Rites of Rejuvenation or the Five Rites have intrigued many with their promise of longevity and age-reversal through the practice of a series of simple daily exercises. Author Peter Kelder was introduced to the rites by Colonel Bradford, a retired British army officer who learned of the rites from Tibetan monks while journeying high up in the Himalayas. The book offers practical instructions for each of the five rites, which are somewhat similar to yoga postures and take just minutes a day to perform. Reputed benefits for practitioners have included increased energy, weight loss, better memory, new hair growth, pain relief, better digestion, and just feeling younger. Worth a try right?

You can also review this website: http://www.twilightbridge.com/youth/ which, (aside from annoying pop-ups) has an abbreviated version of the text of the book on-line, as well as full descriptions of the five rites, including clear illustrations of how they can be performed.

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END OF SUMMER SPECIAL !--One month of FREE health counseling

** Has your exercise routine slacked off in the hot summer months?

** Have your intentions to cook and eat healthily been sidetracked by your vacation?

** Do you want to have more energy and enthusiasm to return to your job this fall?

Between now and September 15th, I am offering a FREE month of health counseling when you sign up for a 6-month program. This is a great opportunity to jump-start your fall with a comprehensive program to address your individual health concerns and goals. Preserve your healthy vacation glow and state of relaxation by reducing stressful eating patterns, learning to eat for optimal energy, and reducing and eliminating your cravings. Call or e-mail for a free consultation today!

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.

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.

My fully supported 6-month Health Counseling Program includes :

** Two 1-hour phone counseling sessions per month, including a full set of notes and follow-up suggestions

** Books, tapes, CDs, videos, articles and magazine subscription with a focus on individual health concerns and goals

** Cookbooks, quick, easy to cook recipes, and healthy cooking video

** Supplements, lifestyle and self-care aids, and other materials

** 24-hour e-mail support and membership to Holistic Health e-group

** Monthly e-mail newsletter with recipes, articles and tips for healthy living

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

Simply Living Well
Because being well doesn't have to be complicated
347-661-2143 Katherine@SimplyLivingWell.net

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AUGUST RECIPE: SUPER SPIRULINA TRUFFLES

Spirulina, one of the superfoods described below, is a tiny aquatic plant that provides protein, essential vitamins and phytonutrients such as the antioxidant beta carotene (in a form 10 times more concentrated than carrots!). It is also contains Gamma-linolenic acid, a rare essential fatty acid found in mother's milk. Spirulina is rich in iron, magnesium and trace minerals, and is easier to absorb than iron supplements. It is one of the highest source of B-12, essential for healthy nerves and tissues, especially for vegetarians.

The following simple snack recipe is a great way to bring this high-powered food into your diet, a great sweet alternative to candybars!

Super Spirulina Truffles

Ingredients:

2 cups Brazil Nuts raw
1 cup dried figs and/or raisins
1/2 cup shredded coconuts
1 Tablespoon spirulina powder or flakes
dash of celtic sea salt
1 teaspoon lemon rind

Directions:

1. Process all ingredients and form into balls.

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ARTICLE-- FOREVER YOUNG WITH SUPERFOODS

More and more research is pointing to the reality that the choices people make around diet early in life largely determine how we age later in life. According to Elizabeth Somer, MA, RD in a WebMD article from October, 2001, "If you want to stay young, you have to make a long-term commitment to eating right. The word from researchers: Tipping the balance toward more nutrient-rich foods while you're still young can go a long way toward keeping you healthier longer."

While many of the whole foods discussed in this newsletter could be considered "superfoods" by virtue of containing high levels of vitamins and nutrients, the foods described below, chlorophyll rich food and bee products, are particularly high in beneficial substances. Adding these superfoods to the diet can indeed promote longevity in the long-term, and in the short-term provide more natural energy, boost immunity and keep you feeling younger on a day-to-day basis.

SUPERFOODS

BENEFITS OF CHLOROPHYLL RICH FOODS
Green food supplements or "superfoods" are totally natural chlorophyll rich foods. They are made from grasses or algae. Green superfoods have similar properties because they all contain large amounts of chlorophyll. All plants contain at least some chlorophyll; it has been referred to as the "blood of plants" and is indeed rather similar to hemoglobin at a molecular level. Chlorophyll rich foods have the action of building the blood; they contain a wide range of nutrients including iron and B vitamins that will help to treat anemia. Chlorophyll has been shown to stop bacterial growth; counteract yeast and fungi; and detoxify the body of drugs and carcinogens. It can help to reduce inflammation; renew tissue and counteract bad breath and body odor. Chlorophyll supports the liver; it helps to counteract the toxic effects of modern western dietary habits.

SPIRULINA: The protein digestibility of spirulina is rated at 85% (versus about 20% for beef). Spirulina is useful for vegetarians and vegans who are sometimes lacking in protein. Signs of protein deficiency include weakness, cravings for protein rich foods and over consumption of foods such as cheese and refined soya products. Spirulina also contains Mucopolysacharides (MPs), which have the effect of making connective tissue more elastic and resilient. MPs are also strongly anti-inflammatory.

CHLORELLA: Chlorella contains much less beta-carotene than sprirulina and twice the nucleic acid and chlorophyll. It also contains more essential fatty acids than spirulina. It is a more gentle choice for those with weak digestive systems. It is nevertheless still an effective detoxifier, it is able to bind to heavy metals and pesticides and carry them safely out of the body. Chlorella has a property known as CGF or Chlorella Growth factor. This factor relates to it's immune strengthening properties, supporting the body's defence against viruses and other invading microorganisms.

CEREAL GRASSES: The therapeutic properties of wheat grass and barley grass are practically identical, although barley grass is slightly more easily digested. Wheat and barley grass do not contain gluten (as the grain does) and are therefore suitable for those with allergies to wheat or barley. Unlike the algae, grasses contain digestive enzymes, which help the body deal with processing toxic or indigestible material in the gut. The chlorophyll in the grasses also aids this process. Wheatgrass or Barleygrass is suitable for support in the treatment of: arthritis; constipation; anaemia; fatigue; pre-menstrual syndrome; yeast imbalance; heavy metal toxicity.

BEE PRODUCTS

Bee products provide natural anti-bacterial agents and have been recognized historically, as far back as the ancient Egyptians, for their natural cleansing and healing properties. Many believe bee nutritional products to be powerful, safe and have a wide range of health benefits.

ROYAL JELLY is considered to be particularly successful in increasing longevity. It is a unique biological substance, a white or almost yellowish liquid secreted from the hypopharangeal glands in the heads of the nurse bees and used to sustain the Queen bee throughout her life. Royal Jelly has been shown to beneficially affect metabolism, growth, and cellular renewal within the human body. It provides a full spectrum of vitamins, including pantothenic and folic acids, and minerals including calcium, copper, iron, phosphorous, potassium, silicon, and sulfur. It also contains at least 18 amino acids. Royal Jelly acts as a physical regulator by balancing the body's functions and increasing its physical resistance against external influences that ordinarily attack the immune system. It is antibacterial, antibiotic and antiviral.

BEE POLLEN: contains the male gametes of plants found as small dust pellets in the stamen of flowers. Bee Pollen has been called nature's perfect food. It is very rich in vitamins and contains almost all known minerals, trace elements, enzymes and amino acids. It contains the essence of every plant from which bees collect pollen, in combination with digestive enzymes from the bees. It builds the immune system and provides energy for the entire body. It contains 35% protein, 55% carbohydrate, 2% fatty acids and 3% minerals and vitamins. It is high in B-complex and vitamins A, C, D, and E. It also contains lecithin, beta-carotene, selenium.

Information reprinted and adapted from:

Paul Pitchford, Healing with Whole Foods: Oriental Traditions and Modern Nutrition (North Atlantic Books, California; 1993)

http://www.jonesbee.com/remedies.html

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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 been a speaker at the United Nations, the New York City Department of Health, the Hospital for Joint Diseases, and the Ethical Culture Society and has taught registered nurses to design and facilitate health education programs. She maintains a private practice for individuals committed to addressing their health concerns through diet and lifestyle change. She will be presenting at the United States Department of Agriculture and the Embassy of Australia in the upcoming months.

If you are interested in reading back issues of this newsletter, in publication since May 2003, please feel free to visit the web hosting site where you can find the full editions catalogued:

http://casts.webvalence.com/sites/SimplyLivingWell/

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SPECIAL QUOTE FOR PEOPLE WHO READ TO THE END OF THE NEWSLETTER:

"Eat butter first, and eat it last, and live till a hundred years be past."
-- Old Dutch proverb

THANK YOU FOR READING AND BE WELL!