In 2010, I’m Bringing My Yoga Practice and Clean Lifestyle to the Next Level. What About You?

I’m excited!  I am leaving tomorrow for a 10-day yoga, detoxification and juice cleansing at the Sivananda Yoga Retreat in the Bahamas.  Yay!  I am so happy to start the New Year this way. During my stay, I will also meditate and enjoy the sun and the beach every day. Ahhhhhhh!

In 2010, I am quitting caffeine and alcohol completely.  Yes.  Completely!  I am not a huge coffee and wine drinker.  However, in order to get to the next level, with respect to my objective of building a strong, healthy and clean body for pregnancy, I feel this week is imperative.  I am ready for all of it.  My 10-day yoga and cleansing retreat is a jump-start and will support me in achieving my goal.

I’ll be honest with you. The end of 2009 was challenging emotionally. I had a miscarriage at week 5 last November.  At 41, I want to give myself every chance. I don’t want regrets to be part of my life and later think: “Maybe I should have done this or that.”

Enough about me!  What's new with YOU? Do you have any goals or desires for 2010 regarding Health & Beauty? What about your life in general?

Wishing you a Happy, Healthy 2010! Many blessings to you, with lots of Fun and Joy.

Till next time,
Cathy


Get FREE Tips, Articles, Recipes and Resources to Improve Your Health, Raise Your Energy and Be More Beautiful (Both Inside and Out) at CathysHealthTips.com.

Delectable and Guilt-Free Desserts

MANGO-LIME PARFAIT
MAKES 4 SERVINGS

This dessert always impresses clients.  So healthy and so good!  It comes from Nomi Shannon's book 'The Raw Gourmet.'  To learn more about The Raw Gourmet, click here.

Almond-Maple Mixture:
1 cup almonds
3-4 teaspoons maple syrup

Mango-Lime Mixture:
4 cups mango, coarsely chopped (about 5 mangoes)
1 cup lime or lemon juice
1 teaspoon lime or lemon zest
4-8 dates, pitted and chopped

For almond-maple mixture: In a food processor, chop the almonds until they are very fine. Gradually add the maple syrup, using just enough for the almond meal to hold together. Reserve in a bowl.

For mango-lime mixture: In a blender, place the mango pieces, blend until smooth. Before adding the dates, taste the mango mixture; you may not want to add too many if the mangoes are already sweet. Add the juice, zest and dates; process until smooth. Be patient. Mango is a very fibrous fruit and you want to achieve smooth, pudding-like results.

Set out 4 parfaits or wine glasses. Place some of the almond-maple mixture at the bottom of each glass; add a layer of 3 or more tablespoons of the mango-lime mixture; add another layer of the almond-maple mixture. Repeat layers, finishing with the almond-maple mixture.

CHOCOLATE PUDDING
MAKES 4 SERVINGS

This yummy dessert comes from Pure Food and Wine Restaurant in NYC.  If you would like to prepare gourmet recipes with clear instructions, their book 'Raw Food/Real World: 100 Recipes to Get the Glow'‘ is a great one to get.  To learn more about this book, click here.

2 cups coconut meat
3/4 cup coconut water, at room temperature
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup raw agave nectar
1/2 cup raw cocoa powder
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

In a high-speed blender, puree all the ingredients until completely smooth, stopping to scrape the sides as necessary. Transfer to bowls and chill for a firmer pudding, or eat it straightaway.


Get FREE Tips, Articles, Recipes and Resources to Improve Your Health, Raise Your Energy and Be More Beautiful (Both Inside and Out) at CathysHealthTips.com.