I had a dream once where I met a woman named Kimchi.  She would say I am Kimchi, and I would say, “No, I AM KIMCHI.”  Over and over we argued,  until someone finally asked would the Real Kimchi Please Stand Up?

Well, I’m definitely not the real Kimchi.  But  here’s my version.  It’s not real Korean kimchi –  it’s a lot less spicy.  You can really play with this recipe.

Marian’s Kimchi

Kimchi is a Korean-style  naturally fermented, probiotic  sauerkraut.  It’s a perfect side dish for protein or grains.   Promotes digestion, and adds probiotics to your diet.  

1 small head cabbage, cored and shredded
1 bunch green onions, chopped
2-3 carrots, shredded
1 beet shredded (optional)
2 parsnips, shredded (optional)
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
½ teaspoon dried red pepper flakes  (optional)
1 tablespoon sea salt
4 tablespoons liquid whey (see recipe below)

1. Place all ingredients in a bowl, and pound with a wooden pounder or a meat hammer to release juices.  You may also do this by using your hands to knead the mixture.
2. Place in a quart-sized, wide-mouth jar and press down firmly with a pounder or wooden spoon, until juice comes to the top of the cabbage.  Vegetables should be submerged in liquid.  If necessary, add a little water to cover  top of  vegetables.
3. Cover tightly and keep at room temperature for about 4-5 days before transferring to the refrigerator.  Keep vegetables submerged in liquid by periodically pressing them down with a wooden spoon.  Taste each day to check for desired sourness.

Whey and Yogurt Cheese

2 cups (or more) high-quality organic plain yogurt

1. Line a strainer with double or triple layer of cheesecloth.  Place strainer over a bowl.  Pour in the yogurt. Let stand for a few hours.   Whey will drip into bowl, and milk solids will stay in the strainer.
2. Store whey in sealed jar in the refrigerator.
3. Flavor whey cheese with ½- 1 teaspoon orange zest, 1-2 teaspoons raw honey and a sprinkle of currants or raisins.  Use as a spread on crackers or toast.

ENJOY!

Here are some easy-to-find, easy-to-use, foods you can use to gently detoxify your system.

Add them to juices, smoothies, soups, side-dishes, and everything else. Clear yourself out, and open up –  receive the energy of Spring!

Apple Cider Vinegar – Raw apple cider vinegar assists with fat digestion and prevents blood stagnation. It is detoxifying and helps relieve liver congestion. Unpasteurized, unfiltered vinegar contains nutrients, amino acids.

Asparagus – Reduces phlegm and mucus, eases constipation, soothes membranes. Contains asparagine, a diuretic. Useful for treating kidney problems. Also helpful for gout, rheumatism and edema.

Arugula – Bitter and pungent taste makes this an effective digestive.

Beets and Beet Juice — Beets are highly detoxifying — helping to cleanse and support the liver.

Celery – Effective as both a laxative and diuretic. Relieves liver congestion. Used to treat arthritis, rheumatism and gout. Useful for blood cleansing, hangovers, high blood pressure.

Cilantro – Assists in clearing. heavy metals from the body.

Flax Seed — Anti-inflammatory, cleansing, stimulates bowel by helping to move waste.  Must grind flax in order to release Omega 3′s. Pre-ground flax is available for purchase – but must be frozen or refrigerated.

Green Apple –Contains malic and tartaric acids, which inhibit fermentation in stomach. Green apples help cleanse the liver and gallbladder and help soften gallstones. Pectin promotes beneficial intestinal flora and supports normal colon function.

Lemon – Stimulates the release of enzymes – an essential part of the liver’s detoxification process

Turmeric – Turmeric helps detoxify the liver and regenerate liver cells. Turmeric has been shown to increase levels of two liver enzymes important for detoxification. In addition, turmeric helps lower cholesterol levels.

Of course, the list goes on, and on.  Seaweed, cruciferous veggies, garlic, daikon, burdock, and shiitake mushrooms are also stand-out detoxifiers.  Once you familiarize yourself with these foods,  use them often.  Enjoy them and  know that you’re giving your body an enormous gift.

To learn more about creating a ‘clean food’ diet, come to CLEAN FOOD, THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 7-9 p.m., at the South Orange/Maplewood Adult School.  Click here for info.  Or, contact me  to learn more about one-on-one guidance in easy, delicious ways to eat clean.

What’s your favorite detox food?  If you have any questions or comments, please post it below.

Be Well,

Marian

Rainbow after the storm.

I just got back from an inspiring EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) certification weekend.  Despite the ‘work’ involved, I always feel so energized & clear when I complete EFT training programs.

EFT has got to be one of the easiest, most effective ways to release stress, limiting beliefs, and unwanted emotions. I use it on myself, and with my clients. 

In quick nutshell, here’s how EFT works:

1. According to EFT creator Gary Craig,  “The cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body’s energy system.” When we clear the energy disruption, we clear the negative emotions.

2.  EFT works by tapping on specific meridian endpoints to release and clear energy. There is an easy-to-learn ‘basic recipe.’

3.  Our bodies remember our experiences. Painful experiences, which are not properly cleared, form blocks in our energy system. This creates a disruption to our natural energy flow.

4.  Painful memories (energy disruptions) are triggered by events and people which seem similar to the original event. By clearing the energy disruption, the memory is deactivated, losing its trigger-ability.

5.   Neural pathways are strengthened and ‘thickened’ by consistently believing and thinking the same thoughts.  And vice versa. The stronger a neural pathway, the stronger the belief. These thick neural pathways are what ‘keep’ us in all sorts of limiting belief, thought, and behavior patterns.

6.  EFT helps disassemble old neural pathways, clearing energy disruptions, stress, negative emotions, and beliefs. Once a neural pathway is dissembled, it can be reassembled into new positive pathways.

7.  EFT is easy to use. Once you learn it, you will always have it at the tip of your fingers. Working with an EFT practitioner is helpful for working with persistent issues.

EFT IS THE ULTIMATE FUNK-BUSTING TOOL!  Try it for yourself!

 Questions?  Want to know more about how you can use EFT? Leave your comments below.

Contact me to learn how to use The Basic Recipe for EFT.

Be Well,  Marian

Disclaimer:  While EFT has been used by thousands of health professionals and individuals worldwide with minimal negative side effects, this does not mean that you will not experience any side effects. If you use EFT  on yourself or others, please take full responsibility for yourself and the treatment.  Always consult with a medical professional for medical concerns.

Miso Power

Me so love my miso.

Recently, while I was at the Omega Center in Rhinebeck NY, I felt a cold coming on. Luckily, the dining hall offered alkalizing Miso Soup for breakfast. That’s all I needed to feel better.

Miso is a fermented bean paste, usually made from soybeans, but sometimes with beans such as chickpeas and adukis. It is fermented with the Koji culture – rice or soy, which is inoculated with the Aspergillus oryzae culture. The culture breaks down the legume/grain mixture, creating a paste which is rich in active microflora, nutrients, and healing power.

Miso is highly detoxifying and alkalizing, and helps reduce the effects of radiation, smoking, pollution, and other toxins. Combined with seaweed, it’s a detoxifying super-power.

(After the Atomic bomb blast in 1945, Dr. Akizuzki, director of Nagasaki’s St. Francis Hospital, fed his staff and patients miso soup with seaweed on a daily basis, forbidding consumption of sugar and sweets. As a result, he protected everyone in the hospital from radiation poisoning. The hospital was only a mile from the blast site.)

Miso is also the perfect food to boost immunity and promote easy, smooth digestion. Its active enzymes and microflora help break down food, populate the intestines with beneficial bacteria, and protect you against illness and disease.

Miso comes in different strengths. Mellow white miso is aged for a few months and has a mild, sweet flavor. Darker misos such as barley and hatcho, have been fermented for a year or more. Darker misos are stronger tasting, saltier, and more powerful.

To use miso, add to soups, stews, dressings and sauces. NEVER BOIL MISO. Boiling miso will destroy beneficial enzymes and microorganisms.

What’s your favorite way of enjoying miso?  Post your comments and questions below.

Marian

Nourish Your Body-Mind, Transform Your Life.

Powerful, nourishing, grounding roots.

Roots.

Roots help us stay grounded, connected, well-nourished, and happy. During the days after Hurricane Irene, it was clear that even the most enormous, seemingly healthy trees, will fall to their deaths when uprooted.

Without roots, we’re cut off from the source of life.

In our bodies, our intestines act our roots. Ancient healers told us that life and death begins in the colon. It’s still true. A well-nourished and well-cared-for digestive tract keeps us connected to the flow of vibrant, energized health.

Without healthy roots, we suffer.

A clogged, neglected digestive tract will encourage stagnancy and toxicity, blocking the flow of nourishment. Eventually, the toxic build-up will seep into the other parts of the body, disrupting body and mind.

Signs of clogged, dysfunctional digestion are numerous — ranging from brain-fog, fatigue, anxiety, depression, indigestion, bloating, and acne, to serious illnesses –  including cancer.

Bottom line, when your digestion is off, so are you.

It’s relatively easy to nourish and transform your digestion, once you know the crucial elements. Root vegetables, leafy greens, whole grains, and probiotic foods are a good place to start.  Additionally, there are a number of  helpful herbs, supplements, and superfoods to clear and cleanse digestive pathways.

Clean, strong digestion will provide you with the power to transform your life.

For tips, techniques, and recipes to transform your digestion, come to Transform Your Digestion, Thursday, October 13 at the South Orange Maplewood Adult School . Click here to register.

Can’t make it? Contact me to find out how I can help.

Be Well,

Marian

Nourish Your Body-Mind, Transform Your life.

I love hearing from you.  Leave your questions and comments below.

Tulsi Tea Break. Ahhhh.

Though it’s technically still summer, it sure feels like fall. Labor Day ushered in the winds of change. School has started. Schedules are filling up. Daily routines have tightened to meet the demands.

It’s easy to feel disrupted, ungrounded, and anxious during the first days of a new season. Especially the shift from summer to fall. Fall brings such a sense of duty and responsibility. Worry and anxiety are frequent companions.

Don’t despair.

Tulsi Tea is here to rescue you, strengthen you, and soothe your soul as you brave the season.

Tulsi, or Holy Basil, is considered a sacred herb in India and is dubbed the “Queen of Herbs.” It has been used throughout the ages by healers and spiritual leaders as a medicinal herb, purifying agent, and spiritual tool.

So, Tulsi will indeed enhance your yoga and meditation sessions. It will also help calm seasonal jitters, boost brain power, strengthen immunity, improve metabolism, increase energy and endurance, lower blood sugar and reduce stress.

Sharper Focus. Calmer Nerves. Better Metabolism. More Endurance. More Energy.

The golden keys to success. All this in one delicious tea bag. Organic India produces a high quality tea, in a variety of flavors. I love it. So do my clients. You can find it at most health food stores.

For me, Tulsi tea is the perfect funk-buster for easing back into the hustle & bustle of fall. I’m enjoying a cup as I write this post. Wow, did it help me focus!

Contact me to learn how to integrate funk-busting foods, herbs and techniques into your life. Nourish your body-mind, transform your life.

What’s your favorite funk-buster? Post your questions & comments below. I’d love to hear from you.

Be Well,

Marian

I’ve always loved green.  It’s been my favorite color since I was a little girl.  I used to ask for green soda on my birthday.  Now, thankfully, instead of green soda, I favor green drinks and green tea.

Click on this quick little flick I made to celebrate green.

Green is so many things.

Green foods are nourishing to fortify our bodies.

Green tea is loaded with antioxidants to boost immunity.

Green drinks are alkalizing to clear minds and lift energy.

Green seaweed is detoxifying, to clear the funky muck that clogs us.

Green scenes are peaceful, bringing us calm.

Green, beautiful green. It feeds us, cleans us, shades us, cools us, fuels us, protects us. Enjoy some green today.

What’s your favorite green?

Be Well,

Marian

Nourish Your Body-Mind, Transform Your Life

Water flowing at NJ's Hacklebarney State Park.

Look anywhere in nature to see continual flow. Nourishment flows ground-up to reach the tippy top leaves on a tree. Water flows down from heavy clouds to nourish the ground below. Rivers and brooks flow through pathways of rocks and roots to nourish wider waters beyond.

Nature’s flow is easy. Knows where it’s going.

Digestive flow is meant to be easy. Flow just happens, easily, when pathways are strong and clear. And, just as in outdoors, when pathways are blocked or weakened, flow is stopped, disrupted. Sometimes it runs out of control.

The message, really, is quite simple. To strengthen digestive flow, go back to nature.

An organic plant-based diet will give you the vitamins, minerals, and fiber crucial for optimal digestive flow.

Naturally fermented foods, such as sauerkraut and kimchi, will empower your digestion with enzymes and probiotics.

Clean, clear water will carry the flow of nourishment, and clear the path to ease the flow.

Yoga, deep breathing, and walks in Nature will soothe and strengthen the flow.

In a nutshell. Pure foods and easy movement for easy natural flow.

Contact me for guidance in harnessing your own easy flow.

Where do you see flow in Nature? Post your questions and comments below.

Be Well,

Marian

Nourish Your Body-Mind, Transform Your Life

Dried Astragalus Root

When I’m coming down with something, sick, or just plain exhausted, Astragalus is one of my all-time favorite herbs. I always have some in my cupboard, with my stash of Chinese Herbs.

I didn’t always like Astragalus, though. In fact I couldn’t stand the taste. But, that was back when I used it as a tincture in a dropper bottle. Now I use the dried Astragalus root slices. They taste much better.

I first learned about dried Astragalus root several years ago, at the Academy of Healing Nutrition. Astragalus slices look a little like tongue depressors. They are easy to use and easy to store.

I use them two ways – as an addition to my vegetable stock, and as the base for Astragalus tea. Generally I use about  4-5  slices – or a small handful – for whatever recipe I’m making.

Astragalus root, also referred to as Milk Vetch, Huang qi, and Wong kei — is perfect for building energy and immunity. It increases the number of white blood cells, and also helps to regulate blood pressure. You can find it at a Chinese Pharmacy. Or, try Mountain Rose Herbs.

Astragalus is especially helpful for stress-induced fatigue and exhaustion.

But beware. Astragalus is not for everyone. In fact, years ago when I had an autoimmune disease, I couldn’t take it without it triggering symptoms. Because of its immune-boosting qualities, Astragalus is often contraindicated for people with autoimmune disease,(such as MS, Crohns, Lupus, Diabetes 1) or who are taking immune-suppressant drugs.

Luckily, I can now safely enjoy a cup of Astragalus tea when I’m feeling sick and tired, or tired and sick.

To make the tea – fill 2 quart (or so) pot with water. Add 5-6 slices of Astagalus. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20-30 minutes. Strain tea. Add honey to taste, if desired.

Questions or comments? Post them below.

Be Well,

Marian

Nourish Your Body-Mind, Transform Your Life

Beautiful Chinese Herbs for my Tonic.

A couple of weeks ago I had the absolute sheer pleasure of attending a 5-day Intensive Chinese Herbal Tonic Workshop. It was held at the Academy of Healing Nutrition, where I was trained and where I now teach.

AHN faculty member Nam Singh taught the course. Nam is a Taoist Priest, Chinese Herbalist, and Chef. An amazing guy.

He cooked for us the whole week long – delicious and exotic Chinese Herbal Medicinal Cuisine.

We began class each day with a steaming bowl of jook.  Jook, or congee, is a soupy rice porridge, infused with herbs, vegetables, and occasionally meat. Each morning, we tasted a new jook, depending upon the day’s topic.

Traditional Chinese Cuisine is used as medicine, the chef choosing ingredients for both taste and healing. Each food or herb has energetic qualities. One might be strengthening and invigorating, while another one produces a moistening, calming effect. Herbs and foods also have a temperature, being hot, warm, neutral, cooling, or cold.

The well-trained chef knows exactly how to combine ingredients to create desired effect.

At the end of the week, we each got to make our own tonic, choosing from a variety of herbs. My tonic will be ready by late fall, winter. I chose herbs that will energize, warm, moisturize and strengthen me during the cold winter months.

After the class, I shopped at Kam Wo, a Chinese Pharmacy on Grand Street in NYC. I purchased a number of beautiful herbs which will keep me strong, energized, healthy, and supple. Looks like I’ll be making a lot of teas and soups.

Interested in Chinese Herbs, but just don’t know how to use them? Stay tuned — in future posts I’ll show you which Chinese herbs are safe to use for teas and soups. I might even give you my tonic recipe.

Post your questions or comments below.

Be Well!

Marian