Monthly Archives: July 2014

Ginger Garlic Bok Choy Stir Fry

bok

This year we are growing a mystery garden of sorts which has made it even more fun. A friend dropped off left over seedlings and the markers had all washed away. I love this time of year when I can plan meals based on what’s growing just outside our back door. This recipe was delicious with home grown garlic and bok choy and pretty quick and easy to make.

choy

What you need:

2 bunches bok choy

1 inch of ginger,

grated 5 cloves of garlic, pressed

soy sauce

2 T grapeseed oil

1 pound of chicken breast

1 1/2 cups of rice salt

dinner

What you do:

Boil 3 cups of water for rice and let rice cook while stir frying.

Cube chicken and season with salt, pressed garlic and cook in wok or pan with grapeseed oil. Once cooked through set aside.

In same pan stir fry bok choy with remaining garlic and ginger just until greens become slightly wilted.

Splash soy sauce to taste just before removing from heat and add cooked chicken back.

Place rice in bowls and top with stir fry. Enjoy!

How to Make Watermelon Juice

melon

We’ve already talked about watermelon and why its great to have around in the summer time here. Watermelon is known for its ability to maintain a healthy weight and used alot to help with weight loss and water retention. This recipe is the perfect balance for summer with the cool refreshing watermelon and warm ginger to help your digestion. Its a great way to use up leftover watermelon after a day at the beach or camping too. Let me know what you think!

ginger

What you need: 

1/2 cup water

8 cups watermelon, include rind for extra heat clearing properties

3 T fresh ginger

1/2 tsp of salt (preferably pink Himalaya salt)

juice

What you do:

Place all ingredients in blender and juice. Add more water or less depending on your preference and how juicy your watermelon is. Enjoy! 🙂

Stay Healthy for Summer

The heart and small intestine system are most active in the summer time.

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The energy of the heart is responsible for circulating the blood. When the heart qi is strong the complexion is rosy. The heart also houses the mind which means controlling both the outward appearance of vital activities of the entire body as well as consciousness in terms of spirit and mental activities. Because of this, the heart governs the memory as well as sleep. It is also said that the heart opens to the tongue. When the heart qi becomes imbalanced or depleted one might experience trouble finding words or becoming tongue-tied due to this connection.

This system is most susceptible to heat. This is the time of year where our energy is abundant and close to the surface. If you’re not feeling energized it can be a sign you didn’t rest enough during the winter months or you may be experiencing “burn out”. Because of the relationship with the Kidneys and Heart if you struggle in the winter months or have a hard time with cold now is the time to fill your reserves so to speak. The Kidneys store your essence (genetics 25% + lifestyle 75%) Your lifestyle choices are constantly replenishing your stores of energy and this is the best way for prevention as well to thrive. Here are a few tips to stay cool for summer and support the heart and small intestine. 

The Heart/Small Intestine System also relates to:

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Emotion: Joy

Taste: Bitter

Pathogen: Heat

Color: Red

Season: Summer

The heart system is damaged with over stimulation. This can be easy to do in our high tech, fast paced world. There is the old adage, “all work and no play….” All play and no work can be just as damaging. Even if you enjoy the work you are doing, if all you are doing 24/7 is work this will eventually catch up with your heart and manifest in ways of insomnia, memory loss, restlessness, and other abnormal mental activities. Balance is key so that you can be the best at your job when you’re working and the best at play with you’re playing. Think about the guy at the office always working that finally “cracks.” The heart can also be easily affected by heat and you might see this manifested on someone who has a bright red face, dry mouth or mouth sores.

Nourish your Heart:

Eat foods in season. Local grown foods are best because the food has adapted to same environment you have.  Avoid heavily processed and/or greasy fried foods. 

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Eat red foods especially watermelon that has a cooling effect on the body. Think strawberries, cherries, red peppers, radishes, and beets.

Cooling foods like celery, cucumbers, brocoli, zucchini, summer squash, salads and fruits.

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Bitter greens like dandelion greens, kohlrabi and collard greens are great additions to your diet to help the heart and cleanse the blood. Leafy greens in general nourish the blood.

Laughter is the best medicine! Laugh and learn to be playful if you tend to be too serious. LaughingOutLoad.gif