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Winter 2008 |
bodi newsletter – winter 2008 “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used to create them” – Albert Einstein |
by hollie green - naturopath |
Healthy Hot Chocolate! Imagine this. You’ve just bustled in the door with the kids, the shopping and the bills. You race around like a headless chook, getting the kids bathed and in their PJ’s , dinner made and into their tummies, dogs fed, dishes done, pop on a load of washing……and finally flop down on the couch with a cup or warm, yummy, healthy hot chocolate, AAAhhh! What was that? Healthy? Various recent studies are showing that Cocoa may help to prevent a whole range of health problems, largely due to its polyphenol and antioxidant content. Cocoa, or Theobroma cacao, may help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, prevent atherosclerosis, inhibit blood clotting and improve circulation. Cocoa could also be used therapeutically as a treatment for diarrhoea, mood enhancement, insulin sensitivity and cough suppression. Trials show that cocoa products (both food and beverages) should be at least 50% cocoa solids to be beneficial. So I hope you like your chocolate dark! Warming hot chocolate shot ½ teaspoon ground cardamom Place ground spices and water in saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes (this helps bring out their warming qualities). Remove from heat and combine with cocoa powder to form a paste. Add the soy milk and return to the heat, making sure the mixture does not boil, then stir in honey. I like to whisk the hot chocolate before pouring into expresso mugs (or shot glasses!). Serve with a cinnamon stick for a warming winter dessert. YUM! |
by rebecca tolhurst - chinese medicine |
The Yellow Emperor’s Medicine Classic and Rebecca Tholhurst share some winter tips The Three months of winter are the season for closing and storing. This means closing ourselves off a bit more from the world and storing our energy away. We go to bed earlier and sleep later. Do not disturb the Yang Qi this season. Try to avoid excessive activity that expends too much energy. Avoid arguments and try to remain relaxed. Instead of gym, try Yoga or Tai Chi. Avoid excessive consumption of foods that disturb Yang, like chilli, galangal, coffee and alcohol. Let your spirit be as calm as if it is in hiding. Partake in hibernation of the spirit, remain calm and quiet. Allow your spirit to nourish you throughout the cold season. Meditate quietly and clear your mind. Avoid the cold and keep warm. This means food as well!! Our insides are as vulnerable to cold as our skin, but we don’t feel it the same way. Therefore eat warm (not hot, as this will disturb yang) foods – in temperature as well as nature. Avoid raw foods like sushi, and eat more soups and stews, to nourish us and keep warm. |
by mark laidler - osteopath |
beep! beep! beep! the dreaded winter morning alarm clock wake up, during the winter months as the temperature drops and it gets harder and harder to warm the body up it is more important than every to look after your body. here is a very simple 2 minute morning stretching routine that can help get the blood flowing and loosen up those tight muscles and joints in your low back, and the best part is that is can be done in the warmth of your bed.
lie on your back with your head on the pillow. grasping both knees with your hands, gently pull your knees straight up toward your chest as far as comfortable and hold for 3 seconds, then lower your legs back down as far as your arms will allow, repeat 10 times
lie on your back with your knees bent up and feet flat on the bed, gently roll your knees as far as comfortable to the left, then slowly roll your knees as far as comfortable to the right. Repeat 10 times each side laying on your back, grasp your left knee with your hands, pull you knee toward your right shoulder as far as comfortable to feel a stretch in your gluteal muscles (bum). hold for 10 seconds then repeat with the right leg. please note: if any discomfort or pain occurs whilst performing these exercises cease them immediately. |
by gus higgins - remedial massage therapist and personal trainer |
yes it is cold and dark through winter but it is important to consider how valuable a consistant winter strength training program can be in perparation for a stunning spring and summer. the body needs at least 3 months of training to show clear signs of adaptiong to reveal an improved physique. so by the time the sun and longer days return you will be ready to take full advantage of the new you. |
