Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15-18 minutes
Yield: 3 dozen

Directions:
1.    Soak the raisins in juice overnight. Then puree in a blender.
2.    Add oil and blend again.
3.    Mix the rest of the ingredients in a separate bowl and stir in the raisin mixture until combined.
4.    Drop heaping teaspoonsful on a baking sheet and bake at 375 for 15-18 minutes or until lightly browned.
5.    Makes about 3 dozen. Enjoy! No sugar no wheat!!!

Prep time: 10 minutes
No cooking time
Yield: ???

Ingredients:
1/2 organic cucmber with the skin on
1/2 organic green apple with the skin on
2 handfuls baby spinach
2-3 leaves kale
2-3 leaves green chard
Cinnamon to taste

Directions:
Blend and add as much water as you need for the desired consistency.

Prep time: ??? minutes
Cooking time: ??? minutes
Yield: ???

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25-35 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients:
1 sweet potato
2 parsnips
2 carrots
2 turnips or 1 large rutabaga
1 daikon radish (or substitute/add in your favorites, like squash)
olive oil
salt and pepper
herbs: rosemary, thyme or sage (fresh if possible)

Directions:
1.   Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.
2.   Wash and chop all vegetables into large bite-sized pieces.
3.   Place in a large baking dish with sides.
4.   Drizzle with olive oil; mix well to coat each vegetable lightly with oil.
5.   Sprinkle with salt, pepper and herbs.
6.   Bake uncovered for 25-35 minutes until vegetables are tender and golden brown, checking every 10 minutes to stir and make sure veggies are not sticking.

Note: Any combination of vegetables will work. Roasting only one kind of vegetable also makes a nice side dish.

Raw Living

Allisa Cohen: The Raw Food Diet
It is possible to heal yourself of all kinds of diseases, chronic and acute, lose amazing amounts of weight and look and feel younger and healthier, not in years, not in months, but very often within weeks!

Supplements

Eniva's Vibe
Find out what the best of science and nature is all about. Vibe provides advanced nutrition for vibrant living. More product information.

JuicePlus+
It’s the one recommendation in almost every diet plan, every guide to nutrition, every fitness book. Even organizations such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the World Health Organization, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, and the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion agree. But as much as it’s preached, most people still don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables every day.
Juice Plus+ helps fill that gap.

Greens

Cleanse

IsaGenix
Cleanse your way to better health and a leaner body by following either 30 Day or 9 Day Program. These Cleansing and Fat Burning Systems help you lose pounds and inches safely and naturally through cleansing and replenishing your body with exceptional nutrients.

“You are what you eat” is an old saying that still holds true today. What you eat literally becomes your cells which make up your blood, tissues, organs, and even your thoughts. Given the right circumstances the body has the ability to heal itself. Proper nutrition and lifestyle contribute to the eradication of all kinds of conditions including obesity, blood sugar issues, feeling overstressed, and depression. So, when diet changes, everything changes. And when you understand how food affects your body and mind, you have the ability to choose how and what to feed yourself. Nutritionists, registered dieticians, diet books, diet plans, and the government model focus on food in a generalized way which is why these plans are successful in the short term, yet not realistic in the long run.

As a holistic health counselor, I often get asked the question, ”What is the difference between a holistic health counselor and a nutritionist or a registered dietician?” First, many nutritionists give their clients a list of foods to avoid. They think that in the name of health and wellness people accept giving up their favorite foods.  A holistic health counselor will work with a client to create an easier transition by using a method called “crowding out.” This means that as people gradually incorporate more nutrient-dense foods into their diet, their taste buds will change and their body will crave the healthier foods. With this method, the old favorites are never taken away; they simply diminish from everyday use or often disappear.

Secondly, a holistic health counselor understands that satisfying relationships, enjoyable exercise, a fulfilling career and a spiritual practice are also essential forms of nourishment. These combined elements are called Primary Food. These lifestyle areas are discussed and worked on with a client because if one’s Primary Food is not satisfying and fulfilling than most likely the food on the plate is out of balance as well. I teach the client to understand how food affects the body on different levels—how it affects one’s mood, energy and spirit in order to make better choices.  Lasting life changes are made through the process of goal setting, trying new and delicious nutrient dense foods, and a thorough education on the therapeutic uses of food.  This combined with understanding issues around emotional eating and Primary Food, is what sets the holistic approach apart from other methods.

Holistic health counselors are educated in all dietary theories and can counsel any client, ranging from meat eaters to vegans and anything in between. This style is a true hands-on approach and each counselor offers varied services within his or her practice. For instance, I help people learn how to find new, exciting, tasty and easy ways to prepare healthy food. I do this by supplying recipes, information and cooking classes. Other counselors may add body or energy work in their practice. In addition to counseling individually, I counsel groups such as parents, to support them in being role models for their children. I also lecture on various topics within corporate settings so that employees may benefit from the information and learn preventative care. This saves the corporation money in health care expenses, worker’s compensation, and productivity loss. In addition many health care plans will offer a deduction in rates to corporations who participate in these types of lectures because they know that in the long run they will be spending less on health care distributions.

Could one conversation change your life? The only way to fully understand how it works is to have an initial health consultation. We will discuss your health history, your concerns and goals, as well as what you have always imagined for your life. It could very well be a turning point in your life. Are you in?

Going Green - A Whole New Meaning

Leafy green vegetables rule the roost in the vegetable kingdom. Nothing against rutabagas or cucumbers, but leafy greens have the most concentrated source of nutrition of any food. 1 That's enough to make any vegetable feel superior!

The Power of Green
Just check in with a bowl of greens and you'll find they are brimming with vital nutrients that provide a variety of health, growth and fertility benefits.

A Lean, Mean, Green Machine
Just to give you an idea of how important they are to include in our diets at every meal, this is a sample of what you can expect with every bite of green goodness:

• Fiber - A leader in blood sugar regulation, blood cholesterol regulation and bowel function.
• Protein - Perfect for vegetarians! Who wouldn't rather have a side of escarole than a tofu cutlet?
• Calcium - That's right, leafy greens are an excellent source of calcium. Cows will rejoice everywhere!
• Vitamin A - Better to see you with, my dear. Vitamin A is essential for vision and bone growth.
• B Vitamins - Vital for human health and nourishes the nervous system.
• Vitamin C - Powerful antioxidants to supercharge the immune system. Great for strong muscles, bones and skin, too!
• Vitamin K - Just what you're looking for to help support the healing process. Leafy greens are your best source of vitamin K1 but vitamin K2 is synthesized in your gut by microflora. So eat greens and a probiotic diet together for both forms.
• Iron - Fit for a strongman, this mineral aids in immune function, cognitive development, temperature regulation, energy metabolism and work performance.
• Chlorophyll - Scan through your notes from your third grade science class and you'll be reminded that chlorophyll is what makes leaves green. Chlorophyll provides oxygen that's necessary for the healthy bacteria in your gut to grow and flourish. Go chlorophyll!

Experts Agree, Green is the Color for All Seasons!
Much research has been done on the benefits of greens. Take a look at what has been found when greens are put to the test:

• Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health found that individuals who eat leafy greens had a 23% reduction in coronary heart disease.2
• Scientists found that a diet rich in leafy green vegetables actually showed a significant reduction in the chance of developing colon cancer.3
• Research shows that folate, one of the impressive B Vitamins in greens, may protect against cognitive decline in older adults .4
• Studies found that caratenoids (powerful antioxidants) in green leafy vegetables can inhibit the growth of certain types of breast cancer cells, skin cancer cells, lung cancer and stomach cancer.5 Doesn't it make you want to have a plateful of broccoli rabe right now?
• Another study showed that women who ate the most leafy greens had half the risk of ovarian cancer compared to those who ate the least.6 Half!! Pile them on!

The Greener the Leaf, the Greater the Good
The darker the green in edible plants, the more nutrients they hold. Choose those that are lusciously deep in color and mix them with a variety of shades, textures and tastes for the perfect balance of vitamins and minerals.

Go Ahead, Eat Them - Nature Will Make More
The Body Ecology Diet recommends eating greens at every meal…yes even breakfast or at least for brunch. Starting your day with greens is an alkalizing, mineral-rich way to get your day going!

A steamy bowl of greens sautéed in coconut oil with a little garlic and Celtic sea salt is the perfect complement to a healthy lunch.

And if you're like most people, dinner isn't really dinner without a leafy green salad on your plate.

I'd like to see the look on my grandfather's face if I time traveled back to 1950's America and told him I ate a diet consisting primarily of uncooked, raw food. He'd probably spit hot borsht at me. A man of true serenity and balance, he did live to be 99 so, in preface to this article, I restate my overarching belief in the moderation of all things, including diet. Neuroticism around food is unhealthier than unhealthy food. At least that's my opinion.

The stated benefits of this way of eating are compelling. Increased energy, improved skin appearance, better digestion, weight loss, reduced risk of common illness such as flu to more serious problems such as heart disease and cancer are just a few of the plusses. Raw foods contain enzymes which greatly aid in their own digestion, freeing the body's own enzymes to do the work unimpeded of regulating all the body's many metabolic processes. Heating food degrades or destroys these enzymes in food, putting the burden on the body's own enzyme production.  Eating food without enzymes makes digestion more difficult, leads to toxicity in the body, to excess consumption of food, and therefore to obesity and to chronic disease. Raw foods contain bacteria and other micro-organisms that stimulate the immune system and enhance digestion by populating the digestive tract with beneficial flora and raw foods have overall higher nutrient value than foods which have been cooked. The diet is also low in sodium and high in potassium, magnesium, folate, fiber and phytochemicals.

Narrative added by Stacey Weckstein:
So what can you eat?  Basically unprocessed, organic, whole foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, grains, legumes, dried fruit, seaweed, freshly juiced fruit and vegetables, purified water and young coconut milk.  There are many books written about the diet but the one describing the easiest transition is 12 Steps to Raw Foods by Victoria Boutenko.

Now although at least 75% of what you eat should not be heated over 116 degrees F there are a few cooking techniques that can make foods more digestible and add variety to the diet, like sprouting seeds, grains, and beans; juicing fruit and vegetables; soaking nuts and dried fruit; blending and dehydrating food.   

Skeptical? Try it for a month. Stacey can help! Schedule a health consultation. She supports many clients that want to incorporate more raw food in their diet.

Length: 1 hour
Cost: $15

Description:
Now you can attend a Radiant Mind and Body seminar from the comfort of your own home. Join me as I discuss various topics to learn the latest tips and techniques for acquiring a healthier lifestyle. During this call you will have the opportunity to ask questions and handouts and materials will be emailed to you following the teleclass. Upon registration you will be given a long distance dial-in number and passcode. Sign up now to start your journey toward proper nutrition.

Length: 12 sessions
Required: 25-30 participants
Cost: $50 per person per session. Payment in full for all 12 sessions will be discounted.

Description:
Includes education on how to implement better nutrition and life choices to create a healthier life, more efficient day, and reduced stress in the work environment. It serves as a first step in allowing you to improve workplace health, and therefore experience many of the benefits described above.

The workshop is a fun and informative forum for the discussion of healthy living. I utilize an interactive approach to facilitate active learning and individual empowerment. This approach allows participants to engage in discussion and interact with other attendees, through various exercises and brainstorming. Participants also receive valuable giveaways to take with them, furthering their knowledge after the workshop.

The workshop is one hour in length, and may be presented at multiple times to allow for the varying schedules of your employees. A small group format of 25-30 participants is recommended per workshop session. In this workshop, participants will learn:

• the current state of health in the US
• foods and lifestlye approaches that cause poor health
• the effects of sugar on health and energy
• how to make better food choices at work and at home
• how to improve lifestyle, including exercise and relaxation
• ways to efficiently take action towards achieving goals
• options for having ongoing support after the workshop

Benefits to Employees
Educating your employees about healthy food and lifestyle choices, stress reduction, exercise, and eating for sustained energy will provide the following benefits:

• improved overall health
• improved nutrition & healthier eating habits
• reduced stress & anxiety
• less food cravings
• increased energy & vitality
• increased daily satisfaction

Length: 1-2 hour session
Cost: $200

Description:
Companies are realizing that preventative measures for their employees save them money in health care expenses. If they provide wellness support by booking knowledgeable speakers, employees can implement this information in their daily lives which will increase the overall productivity of the company. This is a great way to build a supportive employee environment where everyone is working on health together.

Educate your employees about healthy food and lifestyle choices, reduce stress, and encourage exercise. Participants receive valuable handouts to take with them, furthering their knowledge after the seminar. The seminar can be structured to best fit your needs and can cover a variety of topics. We welcome special arrangements. Please contact Stacey for more specific information.

If you are a business participating in this type of education then you know how hard it is to find innovative speakers. We all want the latest and most effective health information based on what works. We want someone to make sense of all the confusion created. Stacey will inspire and empower you to make the necessary changes to help us live happier, healthier lives.

• Eating for Energy
• Spring Cleaning: How to detox your body, mind and spirit
• Understanding your relationship with sugar
• Stress Management: Tips and techniques to reducing stress
• How to live a balanced life
• Stop emotional eating
• Weight loss without diets or deprivation

Our healthy culinary classes include both cooking classes and raw foods classes.
Check out our nutrition section for a complete description of upcoming classes.