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JANUARY 2011

Diets In Review Logo
Natural Health Newsetter

" By accepting yourself and being fully what you are, your presence can make others happy. "

--Jane Roberts

Happy New Year and welcome to the NEW Natural Health Newsletter. I mentioned in the December issue that we were working on a new layout, and I can't tell you how excited I am to share it with you this month!!

While the newsletter has a fresh, clean new look, the content and topics will be just as you remember, but with one addition that I LOVE! Every newsletter will now include a slideshow that features in-season produce, which is a great way to ensure that you are including the most nutritious foods in your diet!! Look in "Monthly Features" for what produce to add in your shopping cart in February. Additionally, you can now find the table of contents listed along the top of the newsletter. Click on any header to jump into that section.

I would love your feedback on our new look and feel! I hope you enjoy the new issue and look forward to a year ahead of eating and living naturally while laughing along the way!

Amy's Photo

Best in Health!
~Amy Crews~

Natural Health
Expert

Featured Story

Unique Benefits for Trying Meat-Free

Meat Free January I introduced "Meatless Monday" in a previous issue of the Natural Health Newsletter as a way to promote taking care of our environment, respect the livelihood of animals, and improve our own personal health. Recently, Jennipher, one of our writers at DietsInReview.com, decided to give vegetarianism a try. Her motivation was to reduce her saturated fat intake, increase the quantity of vegetables and fruit she ate, and minimize her footprint on the Earth.

After 20 days of vegetarianism, Jennipher has a lot more energy, and feels that her overall health has improved. She thinks food actually tastes better, and she is more aware of how the food she eats impacts her body and state of mind. Jennipher also writes about the adventurous and fulfilling meals she has eaten. There are so many amazing foods to try and flavors to combine; no two meals are the same! By introducing foods like as quinoa, tempeh and even seitan into your diet, you can eat meals that are very similar to what you eat today, but with more nutritional content!

You can read more of Jennipher's experience here. Give "meatless days" a try, and make 2011 the year that you experiment with new ways of eating that will make you feel healthier stronger!

Recipe of the Month

Kale and white bean soup

Kale Soup Dark leafy greens are in-season this month. What better way to warm up this winter than a bowl of soup loaded with white beans and kale?

Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:
1 pound kale, stems (and veins, if desired) removed and leaves washed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cans cannellini beans, (14.5 ounces each), drained and rinsed
4 cups water
2 cups chicken stock or reduced-sodium canned broth
Salt and pepper
4 thick slices country bread
Grated Parmesan cheese, (optional)

Directions

  1. Cut or tear the kale into 1/2-inch strips. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add about half of the beans, and lightly mash with a fork. Add water and stock, and bring to a boil.
  3. Stir in kale, remaining beans, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
  4. Partially cover, reduce heat, and simmer until kale is tender, about 20 minutes.
  5. Toast bread. Ladle soup into bowls, top with toast, and drizzle with remaining tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle with Parmesan, if desired.

via of Marthastewart.com

In the News...

Oprah Network

On January 1, 2011, Oprah Winfrey launched a new television network called OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network). With several original programs that will be available only on OWN, one that caught my eye is called Ask Oprah's All-Stars.

This show features Dr. Oz, Dr. Phil and Suze Orman, who will answer all of our questions about health, relationships and wealth. Read more here and watch past episodes.

Giving Back

Plan org "Plan is a global movement for change, mobilizing millions of people around the world to support social justice for children in developing countries."

Plan was founded in 1937 and has been working in partnership with millions of people around the world to end global poverty, with one agenda: to improve the lives of children.

Each year, their work impacts the lives of more than 3.5 million families and their children in over 25,000 communities across 66 countries. Through the help of donations and volunteers, Plan can continue to work to help children, families and communities in developing countries.

To learn more and find out how you can help please visit Plan. One dollar/per day can change a life. Maybe a New Year's resolution could be to spend $1 less on coffee or lunch, and use that money to help someone in need!

Action Items

Action Items Running Man
  • Check out the new feature this month, "Produce in Season," in the weekly article section below, which features yummy items such as oranges and sweet potatoes.
  • Send me your feedback for the new look and feel of the Natural Health Newsletter. I would love to hear from you all.
  • Check out the DietsinReview.com blog for the latest in health and fitness.

Monthly Features

February Produce
February Produce Guide
Empty Calories Jan
Empty Calories Comic Strip
Tim Gunn
Project Runways Tim Gunn Joins Forces with Weight Watchers

Forward to a Friend

It's such a pleasure to help those closest to us become happier and healthier. Please forward this newsletter to friends, family members or colleagues who might be interested and inspired by it.

Also, if there is something you are interested in learning more about or would like me to feature in an upcoming newsletter please contact me.

Eat, Live Laugh newsletters are intended for overall general wellness. If you have condition specific concerns please feel free to contact me.