Ever heard of it?  You are not alone.  I had not till a few years ago when I sustained a stress fracture of my tibia while in the final weeks of training (too hard, too fast and too long) for a marathon.  I can not begin to express, and I am sure many of you can relate, how devastated I was and how much I missed running.  The bike and the Elliptical were just not cutting it. 

A friend of mine suggested I try “running in the pool”.   I was intrigued….Well, it has been one of the best things for me!  It helped me “run” while I was recovering and I now use it as part of my workout regimen. 

Here’s how it works:

First find a pool with a deep end.  You will need flotation belts that you put on around your waist- make sure it is snug, not too close to your armpits since you will be moving your arms back and forth.  I actually use 2- I am definitely a sinker- and you want to make sure your chin is above water without having to lift your chin up to do so.  Once...

I recently bought a mala for my daily mantra meditation.  I had been practicing morning meditation for some time, trying different techniques.  I found that for me, mantra repetition was useful and most centering.  So, I was thrilled when a friend of mine turned me on to this fabulous site- hand crafted absolutely beautiful malas.  I chose “Grounded” and not sure if I am fully so, but I like to think that I get a little closer to it every time I use mine.

Check out the website-if you don’t find one to your liking, you can get a custom one made- and Lindsey Fox- the “inspired” Fox is delightful too!

http://www.inspiredfox.com/

Malas are used for keeping count while reciting, chanting, or mentally repeating a mantra or the name or names of a deity 108 times in traditional Tibetan Buddhism.  That’s how many beads are in the mala as well.  The mantra you choose can be anything that is special to you- a name, a saying, a shloka (a Sanskrit saying often from the Vedas or other Hi...

Cauliflower, a cruciferous veggie, is part of the plant family Brassicae, contains several anti-cancer phyto-chemicals like sulforaphane and plant sterols such as indole-3-carbinol, which appears to function as an anti-estrogen agent.  These compounds have proven benefits against prostate, breast, cervical, colon, ovarian cancers by virtue of their cancer-cell growth inhibition, cytotoxic effects on cancer cells.

Also, Di-indolyl-methane (DIM), a lipid soluble compound present abundantly in Brassica group of vegetables, including cauliflower, has found to be effective as immune modulator, anti-bacterial and anti-viral agent.

Plus its chock full of vitamins B, vitamin C, minerals and fiber!  Learn more about this yummy powerhouse:

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/cauliflower.html

This recipe is not only super easy (and fun to do with your kids!) but the mouth-watering combination of caramelized cauliflower, earthy cumin and fresh lime and cilantro is really healthful as well. 

Cilantro-...

Quinoa is my favorite whole grain (or seed technically) that is high protein and fiber, and vitamin B, vitamin E, minerals like iron, copper, zinc and manganese and essential fatty acids like linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid. It also has a low glycemic load.  And its super versatile too! Learn more about quinoa:

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/quinoa.html

I love this fresh and crispy dish that is perfect for springtime! It combines the wholesome nutty substance of quinoa (and you can use any kind- red, black, mixed grains) with the tanginess of tomatoes and lemons and the subtle pairing of mint and parsley. I sometimes will substitute shallots for the scallion, a slightly sweeter alternative. A sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or slivered almonds add a satisfying crunch. I even usually have a part of the dressing leftover for other salads :)

A heavenly combination that makes a great side dish or potluck favorite or just a light summer meal...Check it out!

Quinoa Tabbouleh Recipe...