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NYC Nutritionista


Live to eat deliciously and eat to live healthfully!

Try Something New   July/August 2009

Dear Julia,

Finally the much awaited summer season has arrived! Here in NYC the sunshine, heat (and humidity) and farmers' markets bounty are all at their peaks. I encourage you to take full advantage of this great time of year while it lasts. Get outside, go to the park or beach, enjoy dinner at an outdoor cafe or simply walk the long way home.

This month's newsletter focuses on trying something new. It never made sense to me in a temperate climate to have January be the time of new beginnings and healthy resolutions. Make the summer your new start or shift in perspective. Use your increased energy from the upbeat vibe of the warmer months to break free of your patterns or ruts and to go for a fresh, new approach to your food, lifestyle and exercise choices. You never know, you just may find a new and unexpected favorite....

I look forward to connecting with you soon. Happy Summer!

Yours in health,

Julia K. Haramis
NYC Nutritionista



Try Something New

Summer is finally in fully force, and the living is easy! Do you notice in summertime how everything seems promising? The plants are in full bloom and the sun feels glorious on your skin. The longer days give you boundless energy, making you feel like it's possible to achieve all your desires and dreams. Why not harness this energy, ride the wave of summer and try something new?

Throughout the year we live at an intense pace (physical, emotional and mental), and we often get stuck in routine, either for the sake of efficiency or out of fear of unfamiliar territory. The lack of variety in doing the same things over and over stagnates not only our minds, but also our bodies and hearts. Are you hesitant to break your routine? Fear and excitement have the same physiological expression in our bodies; it is our mind that classifies the feeling as either positive or negative. So the next time you consider a change in routine and your mind says "scary!" see if you can re-frame it as "exciting!"

What is something you have never done before or that you have wanted to do for a long time? Choose your own adventure: organize a kayak trip, take a dance class, do some exotic traveling or set a goal for a new personal challenge. Or try something simple, like playing flashlight tag with your kids and neighbors or reading in the sunshine. Maybe it's time to discover a new vegetable dish or to visit a new town, restaurant or beach.

Whatever adventure calls to you, use this summer to make it happen and enjoy yourlife. Increasing new experiences and excitement in your life can decrease your dependence on artificial stimulants like caffeine and sugar, leading to more vibrant health. Watch out for massive improvements in physical well-being, mental acuity and motivation, plus a full portfolio of fun.



                   


Focus Food: Raw and Cooling Salads

Why is it that in the summer we naturally crave more fresh and raw foods? These foods have a cooling effect on the body. The lightness and high water, fiber and vitamin content work together to act as our internal air conditioning during these warm months. At this time of year we also need less dense, high-energy food because we get so much energy from being outside in the fresh air and sunshine.

There is no better season than summer to have fun creating your own fresh, tasty, creative salad combinations. By simply tossing together several of your favorite raw veggies, naked or with a light dressing, you have a perfect meal for a hot summer's day.  

Try your favorite leafy lettuce with various sliced, diced or grated veggies. The possible combinations are endless. Fresh herbs are a wonderful option to mix in, as they are packed full of flavor. Experiment with adding diverse forms of protein to your salads, such as nuts, seeds, beans, tofu, fish or poultry. Pick up a light and healthy dressing at your local health food store, or mix up something easy, like lemon juice, black pepper and olive oil.

This is a great opportunity to try a new vegetable from your market. What are some creative flavors you've never tried before? Fennel and mint? Daikon radish and arugula? Summer squash with watercress? Whatever you choose, have fun with your food and stay cool. Happy summer!


Recipe of the Month

Bok Choy Apple Slaw

Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cooking Time: none!
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:
6 stalks bok choy (about 1/2 head), thinly sliced

1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 granny smith apple, sliced

1/2 cup sunflower seeds
Dressing:

1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon dijon mustard

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons honey or brown rice syrup
salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:
-- Make the dressing by combining all the ingredients and whisking well.
-- Chop all the salad ingredients, leaving the apples until last. Mix in a salad bowl.
-- Toss salad with half the dressing. Add additional dressing if desired.
-- Eat immediately, or chill for up to one hour and then add the apples just before eating.

Enjoy!




Recipe of the Month

Asian Watercress Salad

Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cooking Time: none!
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:
1 bunch washed watercress
1 cup grated carrots
1 cup baked tofu
1-1/2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
2/3 tablespoons plum vinegar or other vinegar

Directions:
-- Tear watercress into desirable size pieces.
-- Mix with carrots in a salad bowl.
-- Drizzle sesame oil and vinegar over salad and toss.
-- Dice tofu into bite-size strips.
-- Serve in individual salad bowls, sprinkle tofu on top of each and serve.

Enjoy!




Yoga with the Brooklyn Yogini


Have you been feeling stressed out lately?

Do you feel like you are out of balance?
Are you always wishing you were stronger and more flexible?

Yoga could be the answer!

Increase your energy, have fun, start a new practice or refine a current practice with the Brooklyn Yogini.

New expanded teaching schedule starting September 2009!




In This Issue
Try Something New...
Focus Food: Raw and Cooling Salads
Recipe of the Month: Bok Choy Apple Slaw
Recipe of the Month: Asian Watercress Salad
Yoga
5 Cooling and Raw Summer Treats
This Month's Workshop
Are you a Nutritionista?
Quote of the Month
Nutrition News






5 Cooling and Raw Summer Treats

1. Add fruit to your salad - Berries, oranges, melons, apples, pears or grapes are a wonderful summery addition to enliven your favorite salad.
2.  Freeze your fruit - Puree assorted fresh fruit in a blender and freeze in ice cub trays or ice pop molds for a delightful and cooling treat. For a grown up twist add a splash of your favorite spirit or for an electrolyte boost include some coconut water.
3.  Keep your root veggies in the raw - Dice or julienne beets, carrots, celery root, kohlrabi and parsnips for inclusion in a slaw or salad. Top diced root veggies with a raw greens pesto for a fresher take on a side dish.
4. Brighten up your H2O - Increasing the amount of water you drink is very important for keeping the body hydrated during the summer. Liven up your refreshing glass of water - try lime, lemon, orange, mint, cucumber or other fresh herbs.
5. Have you always wondered about the whole raw food thing? Check out that local raw food restaurant you have been meaning to try. The hot summer months are when it is easiest for our body to assimilate and be invigorated by uncooked foods. If you are in NYC, Pure Food and Wine is a personal favorite.







This Month's Workshop
 
** Monthly Workshops will be on vacation for August, resuming in September **
Detox and Cleanse for Optimal Health

Learn about cleansing in general, the importance of detoxifying the body, the role of Yoga and sample Isagenix cleansing products.
 

Date: Monday, September 21, 2009
Time: 7:00 - 8:30pm
Location: Brooklyn, NY (full details provided upon registration)
Cost: $10 (current clients with one guest are free, reserve here)


Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

Our natural state of being is health and happiness, learn how to support this ideal with Dorene Hyman, Licensed Acupunturist and Certified Herbalist.


Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Time: 7:00 - 8:30pm
Location: Brooklyn, NY (full details provided upon registration)
Cost: $10 (current clients with one guest are free, reserve here)

Space is limited!
Contact us for more details and location information.



Are you a Nutritionista?

A Nutritionista is.....
A person devoted to eating fresh and delicious whole foods, living a
healthy lifestyle, being considerate to our environment, staying active in fun ways and constantly striving to be happy while living life to its fullest!





Quote of the Month:

The man who does things makes many mistakes, but he never makes the biggest mistake of all - doing nothing. 

 -Benjamin Franklin




Nutrition News:

-- Wondering why it is so important to eat grass-fed, free range and organic meat products? Check out a clever cartoon that will tell you why at The Meatrix.

-- You will never look at dinner the same way, find out what is in your food and why eating locally is so important for our health and the earth, see the movie Food, Inc.





Escape to Shape
Zihuatanejo, Mexico - October 28-November 3, 2009

Join the NYC Nutritionista on a Yoga and Relaxation Retreat!



Highlights of what the trip includes:
-- Six nights of luxurious accommodations at the Tides
-- Daily Vinyasa Yoga Class held beachside with the Brooklyn Yogini
-- Daily Fitness Class - including beach walks and body sculpting
-- Healthy Cooking Classes
-- Surf lessons for all levels, sea kayaking and hiking for those not interested in surfing
-- Each guest receives one complimentary massage
-- Beach bonfires and events
-- Delicious, healthy and locally inspired meals are served daily, check out this article in the May 2009 issue of Food and Wine for an idea of what is in store
-- Three swimming pools and a secluded private beach
-- Round trip ground transportation to and from the airport and taxes
-- Space is limited, a smaller number of guests ensures you get the attention and quality of service you deserve
-- At an additional cost spa services, private Yoga sessions and private Health Consultations are available

Special offer for newsletter subscribers!
Just mention the NYC Nutritionista sent you and receive a discount off the regular rate.

Are you ready to sign up? Contact us.

For more information on Escape to Shape, Tides or the retreat with the Brooklyn Yogini.

Please pass this information on to friends, family and anyone you know that may be interested in joining.



About the NYC Nutritionista

Julia is a lifelong New Yorker who truly understands the daily stresses of the hectic and high-paced urban lifestyle. She transformed her mind and body through changes in diet and a dedicated Yoga practice, shedding 40 pounds in the process!

Julia is a certified Vinyasa Yoga Instructor as well as a Certified Holistic Health Counselor. She received her nutrition training at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN). She is certified by IIN, Purchase College of SUNY and by the AADP. A firm believer that no one way of eating works for everyone, she works closely with her clients to find the unique path that leads them to their optimal physical and mental self.

To learn more, click here....

Julia K. Haramis, HHC
NYC Nutritionista
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 797-0889


 
Could one conversation change your life?

When was the last time you talked with someone about your health and received the personal attention you deserve?

It's rare for anyone to get an hour to work on their nutrition and goals with a trained professional. As a health counselor, I am here to create a supportive environment while we explore what really works for you.

Find out by scheduling a free consultation with me. In person and phone programs are available. Contact me by email or at (718) 797-0889.

We will discuss your unique situation in depth and determine how I can help you reach your personal goals.


Save Now!
Refer a friend! Are you an existing client? Do you have a friend or family member that could benefit from Health Counseling? Refer them to the NYC Nutritionista! When they sign on for a six-month program enjoy a special referral gift and a happy and healthier loved one!  Contact us now for more details.
 
Offer Expires: September 30, 2009            Offer Code: Newsletter 7809