Keeping Healthy Through the Holidays

The holidays are upon us as are the parties, the stress and the co-workers with colds. This year brings an added pressure to some with economic trouble looming in the forecast. So how do we keep our heads above water and our immune systems from plummeting?

1. Most importantly, mental health and sanity through this season is key. Stress breaks down the immune system and makes our bodies more vulnerable to foreign invaders like the flu. Remember that the holidays don't have to be about expensive gifts and pretty wrapping paper. If money is a concern suggest a "Secret Santa" plan with friends and family. Perhaps instead of spending money, spend your time and volunteer at an organization that needs help. This year especially charities are hurting and can use our time and resources. If you don't have time or money to give, do a massive house cleaning and donate old clothes, blankets, and gadgets. This will also help you manage your spiritual health as well by feeling good by being of service as well as purging things that no longer serve you to let in newness for the new year.

2. Boosting your immune system from the inside out is another key to remember this season. Load up on foods that are high in antioxidants like pomegranite seeds, green tea, blueberries, and even spices like cinnamon and oregano. Vitamin C rich foods like papaya, kale, kiwi, broccoli and of course ,citrus fruits, are also great to add to your arsenal. Don't put your fitness routine on hold, now is when your body needs it the most. Remember the healthier you are the more immune you are to "catching" a cold. If your immune system is tough it will fight off those invaders that keep us from enjoying our holiday season.

Enjoy your holidays, stay well and start preparing for the New Year! God Bless, Jennifer.

January Health and the City Detox

Toxins, toxins, everywhere. NYC living, chemicals in our food and stress can lead to a build up of toxins in our body. This build up, or what I like to call "sludge", can lead to a depressed immune system leaving us vulnerable to many disorders and weight gain.

There isn't a better time of year to participate in a nutritional detox than right after the holidays. January is a great time to start removing that "sludge" and kick off a new health and fitness routine in a more efficient body.

Health and the City's detox is more of a gentle cleansing diet than a harsh shock to your body. Benefits of the detox include:
- increased energy
- train your body to burn fat as fuel by hormonal control
- prevent the top 4 killers: heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes
- decrease inflammation and pain in the body
- increase awareness around food patterns
- clear up skin irritations
- increased clarity of mind


The Health and the City Detox Program includes:

- Group initial consultation/seminar
- Seven day meal plan
- Shopping list
- Unlimited email support
- Follow up consultation/seminar


New Year Price: $175 (Value $350)
$50 discount for Health and the City newsletter subscribers.

Group sessions will be held at World Martial Arts Center located at:
69 w. 14th street, 4th floor
Corner of 6th Ave.

Two group sessions to choose from:

Session 1: Saturday, Jan. 10th, 11am
Saturday, January 17th, 11am

Session 2: Saturday, Jan. 17th, 1pm
Saturday, Jan. 24th, 1pm

RSVP with Session number to jennifer@healthandthecity.net.

Raw Lettuce Wraps

INGREDIENTS:
• 2 very ripe avocados
• 3 tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 jalapeno pepper, diced
• 2 tbsp yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• kernels from one ear raw organic corn
• 2 tsp fresh lime juice
• 6-8 large romaine lettuce leaves

PREPARATION:
In a medium sized bowl, mash the avocado.
Add remaining ingredients and stir until well mixed.
Spread 2-3 tablespoons of this mixture onto lettuce leaves and wrap. Enjoy!

As you can see these are simple and great for children to experiment with. We have these quite often and never quite the same way. Have fun and try new things!!

Mixed Spring Mushrooms with Pine Nuts

1lb. mixed mushrooms (morel, portobello, shiitake, oyster, cremini and white button
4 to 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 to 5 cloves of garlic, chopped
sea salt and ground pepper
2 tbsp dry white wine
1/3 cup pine nuts
2 tbsp chopped fresh chives

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Remove tough stems from mushrooms and cut the larger mushrooms so that all of them are about the same size. Put them in a roasting pan.

Roast the mushrooms until they begin to sizzle and brown, about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with pine nuts, and return to the oven to continue roasting for about 10 minutes more. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Sprinkle with chives and serve.