December 2008 Newsletter
Greetings from Green Spirit Healthy Living!
Treat YourselfHappy Holidays! Hope you are taking some time for yourself during this very busy time of year. Don’t forget that you deserve a nice “present” of treating yourself. Whether that means a massage, a nice long soak in the tub, quiet time to read a book that feeds your soul or feeding your body some delicious raw foods to thrive on, spending a little time on yourself is important.

Over the next few weeks, you may also want to start thinking about any changes you’d like to make in the new year, to make 2009 your healthiest year ever. If you need some inspiration, joining like-minded people helps tremendously. If’ you’re in the Chicago area, there are several raw food meet-up groups that have monthly activities and pot-lucks. One of the largest groups and one I’ve been involved with for the past 4 years is the Chicago Raw Food Community. We are having a New Year’s Eve event, so that’s a great way to start the year off. It’s a nice alternative to going out to traditional events and even if you come alone, you’ll be sure to make new friends.

If you’re not sure where to start, or need a boost on your healthy new year, my January class just might be for you. It’s based on “Light and Healthy” eating ~ which most of can use after the holidays. You’ll also learn how to grow your own wheatgrass and sprouts which is a great money saver as well. If you’re not in an area where you know other raw-foodists and are feeling a bit out on your own, the internet may be your best tool. There are so many websites and blogs now that it almost makes my head spin ;-). Some of my favorites are:

  • Karen Knowler’s, The Raw Food Coach – Karen’s an amazing, inspirational woman and I highly recommend getting on her email list.
  • Dhrumil Purohit’s WeLikeItRaw – this is full of interesting reading about what is going on it the raw world.
  • Carmella’s blog, The Sunny Raw Kitchen - really great recipes and I love the simple way she lives and writes.
  • Heidi and JS Ohlander’s blog Raw Food Right Now – a Minnesota couple that are passionate about sharing their love of raw food.
This month’s recipe is a simple, tasty treat that as a good friend of mine says “tastes like Christmas” even when I make it in July! If you have soaked and dried almonds and walnuts on hand, this recipe only takes a few minutes to prepare. If you don’t and do not have the time, you can substitute unsoaked nuts. Just as tasty but not as easy to digest.

Wishing you radiant health!
Linda Szarkowski