Everyone knows that exercise is
important to our health. But most of us hate the idea of going
to the gym and spending 30 to 60 minutes on a boring treadmill
watching CNN. Then get off that treadmill and take a hike.
Getting away from the stresses and strain of modern society
can be a great tonic for the soul and walking in the woods,
mountains or dessert (depending on where you live) can calm
the mind and lower stress levels. Add in some hills and uneven
terrain and you have just what you need for a healthier mind,
body and spirit. Here are a few tips to getting the most fun
out of your walk on the wild side.
~ Invest in some sturdy comfortable hiking shoes
~ Wear layers of clothing that can be taken off or put on if
the weather changes
~ Take your cell phone just in case but turn it off
~ Take more water than you think you need. ( personally I
love my 3 liter camel back)
~ Carry a few
band aids and some mole skin in case of blisters
Chill Out With This Simple
Breathing
Technique!
This simple
breathing
technique can help you relax and lower stress levels,
give it a try and see. : Relaxation Breath. Find a comfortable
position, close your eyes and place the tip of your tongue
just behind the back of the upper front teeth and keep it
there through the entire exercise. You will be exhaling
through your mouth around your tongue; try pursing your lips
slightly if this seems awkward.
First exhale completely through your mouth, making a
whoosh sound. Next close your mouth and inhale quietly
through your nose to a mental count of four. Next hold your
breath for a count of seven. Then exhale completely through
your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of
eight. This is one breath. Now inhale again and repeat the
cycle three more times for a total of four breaths.
Note that you always inhale quietly through your nose and
exhale audibly through your mouth. The tip of your tongue
stays in position the whole time. Exhalation takes twice as
long as inhalation. The absolute time you spend on each phase
is not important; the ratio of 4:7:8 is important. If you have
trouble holding your breath, speed the exercise up but keep to
the ratio of 4:7:8 for the three phases. With practice you can
slow it all down and get used to inhaling and exhaling more
and more deeply.
Asparagus
Almandine
Spring has sprung
and one of the real treats of spring is fresh delicious
asparagus. This recipe is simple, healthy and flavorful. Give
it a try.
Asparagus
Almandine ingredients list:
2 lb of
fresh asparagus.
¼ cup of slivered almonds.
¼ cup of butter or olive oil
1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
½ teaspoon of salt.
Instructions for Asparagus Almandine:
Lightly grill or
steam the asparagus;
heat the butter or olive oil in a skillet.
Cook the almonds over a low heat, stirring frequently, until
they turn golden brown
(takes about five minutes).
Remove from heat.
Add the lemon juice and the salt.
Pour over hot asparagus.
Serve.
PATRICIA CARY
SCHELL'S IRISH SODA BREAD
4 cups flour (3
cups white, 1 cup whole wheat)
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups fresh buttermilk
Stir dry ingredients with a fork, then add the buttermilk.
Stir first with a spoon, then with hands only until all
ingredients are incorporated. Turn out onto a lightly floured
surface and knead gently5 or six times—not too much. Shape
into a rustic mound and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Cut a cross in the center of the mound for good luck. Bake at
400 degrees for at least 50 minutes until very golden brown.
The loaf will be very crusty and will sound somewhat hollow
when tapped with a finger. Place on a cooling rack and let
cool for 10-15 minutes. Serve warm with butter and jam or
honey.
Prep time: about 10 minutes.
