Meatless Monday: Reinvent Comfort Foods

One Step At a Time...

You Can Go Meatless

For All Three Meals

OUTSIDE of reducing your intake of saturated fat, the obvious improvement in your skin, and being able to sleep better, going vegan literally allows you to reset your body's chemistry to the level at which it should be functioning. This is according to sport nutritionist and wellness coach, Kamila McDonald-Alcock, who is also the face of Eden Gardens Wellness Resort & Spa's Vegan Mondays.

McDonald-Alcock, in an interview with the Jamaica Observer, issued a call for Jamaicans to be more mindful of what they consume.

"Becoming vegan and vegetarian forces you to become conscious about what you are putting into your body," said McDonald-Alcock. "Vegan goes beyond just giving up meat, it is about all animal products... Do your own experimenting and remove dairy from your diet for even three or four weeks and then add it back, you will realize (the changes)."

"Even if you are not becoming a full-blown vegan or vegetarian, at least try it to see how your body processes vegetarian food," the sport nutritionist urged.

According to information garnered from Eden Gardens Wellness Resort & Spa, it understands that vegan is a lifestyle choice that is worth every penny in moderation. It has therefore shaped its products and services to meet the expectations of customers with healthy alternatives, thereby promoting positive lifestyle and balance.

A release from the resort and spa said its Vegan Mondays has been heightening the enjoyment of healthy meals, making Mondays "kind and meatless".

As the face of Vegan Mondays, McDonald-Alcock enjoys vegan meals that are packed with proteins, complex carbohydrates, vegetable, natural herbs and spices, no additives, no preservatives, and little to no sodium.

"In the past, Eden Gardens was known as the place to host sophisticated and elegantly designed weddings and functions but this new, added attraction has been diversifying the brand and creating quite a buzz," the release said. "Our extraordinary culinary team effortlessly prepare artistically designed, healthy vegan meals that are pleasing not only to the eyes but also to taste buds daily."

Vegan Mondays is being touted as ideal for true vegans, vegetarians, healthy eaters, and individuals who want to eliminate meat from their diet at least once per week. Officially started in July of this year, the release said Vegan Mondays has been steadily growing with customers dining in and taking out.

"This concept further positions Eden Gardens Wellness Resort & Spa as the first premiere luxury and wellness inclusive boutique in Kingston, Jamaica," the release read. "Eden Gardens prides itself as the getaway oasis where locals and foreigners alike can escape the mundane and experience overall wellness - mind, body and soul."

So, next Monday, dare yourself to go meatless and reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases caused from animal fat consumption and have a meatless lunch or dinner.

"We don't realize that a lot of what we are consuming are contributing to the factors that are leading to one of our more severe and growing problems in Jamaica, and that's obesity," insisted McDonald-Alcock, who added that what we eat also contributes to other diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

~ Courtesy of Anika Richards ~

Healthy Meatless Recipe:

Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese

(Adapted from Lizzie Fuhr)

Is there anything more comforting than macaroni and cheese? Cold, damp nights call for this warming classic. If you're looking to lighten things up the next time you dig into this indulgent dish, opt for this twist on tradition that amps up the nutritional value as it cuts back on calories and carbs.

Versatile and nutrient-rich spaghetti squash lays the base to this recipe, while broccoli adds even more vitamin A to this Fall recipe. The best part of all? The mix of lower-fat cheeses that results in a dreamy, rich-tasting sauce you can enjoy sans guilt.

Ingredients:

• 1 large spaghetti squash
• Canola oil spray
• 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
• 1 tablespoon “healthy” butter
• 1 tablespoon whole-wheat flour
• 1 cup low-fat milk
• 1 cup reduced-fat cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• Salt and pepper
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional garnish
• 1 teaspoon grated parmesan, optional garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400ºF. Cut spaghetti squash in half, and scoop out and discard seeds. Spray the center of both halves of squash with cooking spray, and place cut side up on a cookie sheet. Roast until tender when pierced with a knife, about 50 minutes.
2. Remove squash from oven, and let cool. Once it's safe to handle, scrape flesh into a large bowl. Add in steamed broccoli florets to bowl and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt ghee on medium heat and whisk in whole wheat flour. Add milk and whisk quickly. Turn heat down to low, add both cheeses to saucepan, and stir until melted. Remove from heat.
4. Pour cheese sauce over spaghetti squash and broccoli mixture, and toss until all the squash is covered.
5. Dish into four portions, and top off with red pepper flakes and extra cheese if you wish!

Enjoy and Bon Appetit!

Healthy Weekly Motivator

Have you ever been in mid-sentence, then couldn’t remember what you were saying? Or maybe you’ve walked into a room, then your mind went blank and you couldn’t remember what you were going to get. Have you ever been trying to remember something, then you think of it an hour later?

Now in addition to creating longer, healthier lives, Shaklee – a name you can trust – has introduced Mind Works – a new product that will immediately enhance mental sharpness and support long-term brain health.

MindWorks is a revolutionary program that provides nutritional support + brain training software. MindWorks key nutrients have been shown in three clinical studies and dozens of laboratory studies to immediately enhance mental sharpness and focus and protect against age-related mental decline.*And a portion of the proceeds from each bottle of MindWorks purchased will be donated to fund brain health research.Every MindWorks bottle purchased includes a free month of access to brain-training software from CogniFit. An email will be sent to you within 48 hours of purchase including a link to activate your CogniFit account and your unique login code.

Learn about the science behind MindWorks and see for yourself.

Scientific studies have shown the key ingredients in MindWorks work in 3 ways:

Immediate improvement in cognitive performance, 3X better than the control group**

Over time, neural connections become less efficient, impairing our ability to recall, think, and respond. A key nutrient in MindWorks was shown in multiple clinical studies to significantly enhance memory, sharpen focus, and improve reaction time.*

Protects against age-related mental decline*

Key nutrients in MindWorks were shown in laboratory studies to promote the formation of new neural connections and in a clinical study to reduce brain shrinkage rate by 30% over two years.† In addition, MindWorks key nutrients were shown in laboratory studies to effectively cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain.*

Supports healthy circulation*

Blood circulation is critical for delivery of oxygen and key nutrients to the brain. It is linked to neural activity.*

**At 6 hours vs. control

†Based on a two-year study of 223 adults with mild cognitive impairment.

Shaklee’s appearance on Dr. Phil is just a couple of days(Nov 17) away and we can’t wait to introduce millions of people to our blockbuster new product innovation MindWorks! Just in time for this appearance, members who purchased two bottles of MindWorks will receive free shipping (up to $9.). This offer will remain available thru 12/31/14.New people joining with the purchase of one bottle receive free membership. New people joining with the purchase of two bottles receive free membership and free shipping (up to $9). The Join Free with MindWorks and get up to $20 fee shipping offer will expire on the date of the Dr. Phil Show.

PS:

What can we say? It's show business!

Shaklee’s appearance on the Dr. Phil Show has been pushed back to early December. We’re working with the show to create content that will not only be relevant to Dr. Phil’s audience but also (and most importantly) give Shaklee an opportunity to highlight what makes our company, our mission and our product so special.

Why Dr. Phil?

Dr. Phil McGraw, perhaps the best known mental health professional in the world, is the host of the leader in daytime talk, Dr. Phil. Launched in 2002, Dr. Phil provides the most comprehensive forum on mental health issues in the history of television. For 12 years, Dr. McGraw has used the Dr. Phil platform to make psychology accessible and understandable to the general public by addressing important personal and social issues. Using his top-rated show as a teaching tool, he takes aim at the critical issues of our time. Today, Dr. Phil has the leading daytime audience of 4.1 million viewers daily. Dr. Phil is so excited about what Mindworks™ does to make a real difference in people's lives.

Here is what has Dr. Phil so excited:

Jim Campbell (NM)

I learned "touch typing" over 50 years ago and have used it daily ever since. After my 5 coronary artery bypass surgery, my speed and accuracy were notably reduced. Now on MindWorks, I can see an improvement in both returning.

During my yoga class today, I discovered an unexpected benefit of MindWorks. After just 24 days of using MindWorks; my balance, which had been poor since my heart surgery, has significantly improved!

Mike C. (TX)

Since I started MindWorks, I stutter less and my mind is clearer.

Lori W (NM)

I am so glad I was using MindWorks as I studied for my state Registered Nursing exams, which I passed on my first try.

Trudy B (TN)

I have noticed better memory, focus, alertness, energy, and mood. Love it!

Diane S (TX)

After six days using MindWorks, I find that I stay more focused with greater attention and am more productive.

Carol C (NM)

I'm loving how my head feels. Clear.

Jerry W (NM)

My recall has been quicker, especially names. I feel like junk is being flushed out of my brain. It feels like my mind is shifting gears.

Nancy B

Amazingly, and incredibly, my fog had lifted, and I proceeded to get on with my day.

A. D. (NM)

I had been having difficulty in concentrating when reading, then after a few days of using MindWorks, I realized that I remember a whole article I read about administrative law.

Monica Sue D (GA)

I feel that in conversations I am more present and alert.

Donna K (NM)

After using MindWorks for less that a week, I am more alert and remember things better.

Linda H (NM)

I think I have less brain fog, better retention of thoughts leading to actions, so far that is what I notice.

Della B (NM)

My vision is sharper and I like the effect.

Bob F (IA)

Bob F was one of the first users of MindWorks in July 2014. He said,"I felt like my mind had been lubricated, two days into MindWorks the difference was palpable. Can't wait to see what happens down the road!"

Mary K (FL)

I have noticed an elevation in mood, and I never felt depressed before. I just was unaware of what it meant to feel "lighter." You know when sometimes people tell you "lighten up," and you wonder why they said that to you.

Well, I truly feel "lighter," and I had not realized what it meant to "lighten up" until I started using MindWorks!

Ralph H (NM)

I have had very good focus in my financial planning business this week after using MindWorks after less than a week.

Vlad K (NM)

I recently studied for and passed two professional certification exams the first try, which does not come easily to a middle-aged man. I feel that MindWorks made that possible.

A sharper mind and more focus! What's not to like?

Wishing you health and wellness from the inside out,

Lisa

LQ WELLNESS

Professional Wellness Coach

973-383-0955

lisaquinnwc@embarqmail.com

Interested in Optimal Wellness? Take a look at products available here!

Make sure to follow me on Twitter @lq_wellness

Like me on Facebook

Follow me on Pinterest

"Concentration is the secret of strength"

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~