Sunday was such a beautiful day and when I woke I couldn’t wait to get outside to walk around the woods and lakes with the dogs. I had a fabulous day of fresh air ‘walkies’ followed by a 2 hour Dance class in London and couldn’t wait to get started.
I love the quote “start each day as if it were on purpose”
Research (and personal experience) tells us that when we have purpose and direction we are much happier, and generally nicer people to be around, and we get things done!
As I walked around the lakes in the sunshine I said a prayer of thanks to those who have sacrificed in the past in the present and those who continue to serve us all enabling our liberty, wellness and safety.
I firmly believe that practicing thankfullness is a key element in maintaining good mental health, try it! Notice and mentally (if not aloud) comment on things that you are thankful for, notice beauty, kindness, originality, graciousness generosity, selflessness etc. give compliments and thanks freely. You will feel so much better for it and make others feel better too
You know that I love to be active; it’s easy to be active when we do something that we love – if you don’t love it then find something that you do.
If we aren’t following our heart and doing what we love, resentment builds, grows and festers turning us in to people that we don’t like which in turn makes us one of those people that others avoid being around. Of course there are always things that we do because we want the out come and don’t necessarily enjoy the process, but, we can focus on having the ability and opportunity to do those things in order to achieve what we want, and that always makes the process easier.
Christmas Party Menu Selections
For those of you joining us for the Christmas Party “Winter Wonderland” on the 20 December can you please email me your menu selections as below (plus special requests for allergies)
Christmas Build Up
Its only 6 weeks until Christmas! …and I would love your requests for routines from this year that you would like to revisit and any music selections that you would love included, so have a think and let me know.
We bring the Sunshine (even when there isn’t any)
I know it’s dark and miserable in the evenings but you know that you will feel better, be healthier and fitter (and if it’s a concern for you) look better too If you keep up your exercise over the winter months.
We all know that exercise boosts immunity, mood, health, strength, flexibility, endurance and maintains/improves posture, digestion, and metabolism and gets us out of the house mixing with your DYBO pals. Let’s keep each other on track, make a commitment to meet up with pals at class and bring friends old and new to join the DYBO family. If you’ve been missing for a while don’t let the worry of being AWOL get in the way of coming back, we will welcome you with open arms.
Immunity Boost
A few people have asked me about my magic immunity boost protocol involving no drugs and only nutrition. I’m happy to share with you if you want to get in touch.
I came across this recipe by Irena Marci of Food for Life and can’t wait to give it a try….
ROASTED PUMPKIN SALAD WITH GARLIC TAHINI DRESSING
For roasted vegetables
- 1/2large kabocha squash (Jap/Kent pumpkin)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoonsea salt
- 1 teaspoonpaprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of pepper
- 3–4small red onions, cut in halves
- 1head of garlic (10–12 cloves, unpeeled)
- Parchment paper + flat baking tray
Tahini garlic dressing
- 3 tablespoons orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1garlic clove, crushed or grated
- 1 tablespoonlight tahini
- 1 tablespoonolive oil
- 1/4 teaspoonsea salt
- Pinch of pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon honey
For the salad
- 2 cups mixed salad leaves (these go on the bottom)
- 1/2 cupalmonds (skinless or regular), toasted if you like
- 2medium beets (cooked and vacuum sealed or from a tin), sliced
- 1/3 cupsun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 1large Courgette, shaved into ribbons using a peeler
- 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons mixed seeds of choice (I used pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and flaxseeds – all part of the salad seed mix I had on hand)
- A handful of berries such as red currants, blueberries or raspberries or pomegranate seeds (sliced peach or apple would also work)
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200 C / 400 F. Line a flat baking tray with a piece of parchment paper and set aside.
- Peel the squash and remove the seeds. Cut it into slices and then dice those into medium-sized cubes. I like to leave some of the squash as slices as well, especially if I want to use it in more than just a salad. Add the squash to a large mixing bowl, season with salt, paprika, onion and garlic powders, and pepper, and drizzle with olive. Toss through and transfer onto the baking tray. Scatter the garlic around and add the onion halves. Place the tray in the oven, middle shelf, for 25-30 minutes. Once cooked, remove the tray and let the vegetables to cool slightly.
- While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the rest of the salad ingredients and mix together the salad dressing.
- If you want to toast the almonds, heat a small frying pan over medium-high heat and cook the nuts for 3-4 minutes, stirring them every 30 seconds or so, until lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
- I like to assemble this salad on a large platter with all of the key elements grouped separately and the dressing served on the side. Scatter the berries, seeds and herbs all over.
- You can, of course, mix it all in a large bowl or serve the salad in individual bowls. If making the salad ahead of time, make sure to leave the dressing out until service time.
Let me know what you think,
Have a fab week.
Love Ya,
Helen x
