What are Your Intentions for the New You?

in·ten·tion

1

: a determination to act in a certain way : resolve

2

: import, significance

3

a : what one intends to do or bring about

Some intentions are good some bad, but in light of the New Year, let’s make worthy and admirable intentions this time around. Are you with me??

I intend to start slowly in all of these areas: Health/fitness, food& diet, beauty & personal care, clutter & personal organization, attitude and outlook on life, creativity, play, & sexuality.

Using a pie chart like this one, put each area around the outside, then determine where you are in this area by shading the pie slice according to the % you feel you are doing well in that category. This is a visual way to see where you require a bit of work. I aim to do this in these areas and work around the pie continually throughout my new year. I will be gentle with myself and patient, not giving up but growing in these areas.

    If you are willing to take this challenge with me, please let me know and I will walk this road with you, support you and help you along the way. We can benefit from each other and set goals together. A personal coaching system if you will. I’m in the process of designing a system of success, for myself and others and could use this opportunity to help.

I will have a healthy menu each week/month, a work out plan, and inspirations in all the other areas as well.

“Don't hold to anger, hurt or pain. They steal your energy and keep you from love.”

Leo Buscaglia

Food for thought…

Collard greens

are amazing.

They lower cholesterol, protect against cancer, fight free radicals that cause inflammation and chronic disease, contain fiber that aids in digestion, and help reduce the bad bacteria in your stomach. Collard greens are an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), vitamin C, manganese, folate, & calcium. In addition, collard greens are a very good source of potassium, vitamin B2 and vitamin B6, and a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B1, vitamin B5, niacin, zinc, phosphorus, and iron, vitamin E, magnesium and pantothenic acid.

Collard Wraps with Zesty Almond Butter Dipping Sauce

½ cup chopped raw cashews

1 tablespoon sesame oil

½ teaspoon sea salt

½ head Savoy cabbage thinly shredded

Collard Leaves cut in two and stems discarded.

Sprouts

1 large carrot cut into matchsticks

1 large ripe mango (or pineapple) sliced into ¼ stripes

1 handful cilantro

1 handful torn basil

1 handful mint

Zesty Almond Sauce

1/4 cup maple syrup

½ cup lemon juice

2 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger

1 tablespoon chopped fresh red chili w/ seeds

1 ½ tablespoons Nama Shoyu or Braggs Liquid Aminos (raw soy sauce)

¾ cup raw almond butter

1. In small bowl mix together the chopped raw cashews, sesame oil and sea salt.  Set aside.

2. In blender combine all ingredients for the Zesty Sauce and mix well till smooth.  Set aside.

3. In large bowl combine ¼ cup of Zesty Sauce to shredded Savoy cabbage and mix together blending well.

4. Clean and dry collard wraps removing the bottom and middle stems with knife.  Carefully fillet the thickest part of the stem so that the leaf is pliable. Cut into two pieces.  Place one half of collard wrap on cutting board.  Place a small amount of cashew mixture on top of the collard green then next layer the Savoy cabbage, carrot, mango, sprouts, cilantro, basil and mint. Roll like a wrap. Continue with remaining wraps and pieces.

5. Plate on a pretty dish with remaining almond sauce for dipping.