Welcome to Zema's Top 10 Countdown to Nutrition

Health tip #6- Health and wellness begins from within, not what we put on our plates. Next time you are taking a walk alone, driving alone or in your home alone for a moment(folding the laundry, for example), try shifting your focus to positive thoughts. Meet Lorri Newman, LCSW, who resides in Highland Park with her husband and 3 children. Lorri has devoted her whole life to counseling others on walking that path of positive growth. She works at the Highland Park Hospital Eating Disorder Unit and is back at school gaining another degree to further her goals of counseling students.

Health is an overall mind–body connection. It is important to exercise, eat healthy, nutritious foods and seek good medical care; however, without positive thoughts and a healthy emotional life, we can ultimately sabotage our efforts.

According to Christiane Northrup, M.D., “The simple truth is that the people who heal fastest, and remain healthiest the longest are those who feel that their lives are fulfilling and joyful.” We can start improving our overall mental health by focusing on the positive, giving ourselves loving and accepting messages, and surrounding ourselves with supportive friends. It is important to eliminate negative self talk and tendencies to focus on blame or shame.

For today, try to be mindful of your thoughts, and reframe them from the negative to the positive. Notice how this effects how you feel emotionally, and from there if it impacts how you eat and what you eat. It’s all related…..

Now, after starting your day on a positive note, enjoy Lorri’s recipe for her favorite:

Morning Mango Smoothie

1 ripe mango, peeled and cut into chucks
juice of 1 lime
½ c. organic apple juice
2 T. honey/agave nectar
1 T. flaxmeal(or chia seed or hemp seed)
1 cup ice cubes
1/2 cup coconut milk(or alternative milk source)
Blend and enjoy!