Spring Makeovers
Hey guys
Spring is here, so what are you guys waiting for! It’s time to get back into shape – especially those of us who have let ourselves go over the cold winter months.
For centuries, many that follow traditional medicine, such as the Ayurvedic practitioners and ancient Chinese herbal doctors, have followed a diet of the seasons. Although the number and type of seasons may vary, the underlying principles are the same – eat what the land offers in the present season, align yourself with nature and keep your body healthy. You too can start eating seasonally by paying a visit to your local farmer’s market.
As vegetables are shipped from all around the world to our local supermarkets, they lose much of their nutrients along the way. Thus, eating produce that is grown and harvested in our own local communities will likely give us food with higher nutrient contents. Also, with these locally grown and harvested foods, not only will we get the nutrients but also a wide variety of delicious regional food.
Spring is a time of renewal, the flowers and trees start to bloom and life, once again, enters into our environments. There is no better time of the year than now to incorporate some seasonal eating into your life. So come out from wherever you are and start eating right and getting into the shape you’ve been thinking of.
In an upcoming series of articles, I will be writing about the RIGHT nutrition, food, exercise, cardio and system makeover training. All these will aid you in getting ready for Summer; complete with the 6 packs you’ve always wanted.
Get your life together this Spring and stay tuned!
God loves you
AlejandroQ
Waldorf Salad
Hey guys
The Waldorf Salad was created at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel back in 1896. However, it was not the work of a chef but rather that of the maître d'hôtel. The Waldorf Salad was an instant success.
The original version of this salad contained only apples, celery and mayonnaise. Chopped walnuts came later but are now an integral part of this dish. Although usually served on top of a bed of lettuce, we can also top it off with chopped grilled chicken breast—making this a great recipe for the coming Spring and that’s just a couple of weeks away. What a healthy and delicious way to get ready for Spring. For the full recipe, send me an email.
Thank you guys again for all your support. By the way, my cookbook is progressing well and on its way.
God bless
AlejandroQ
Lion Dance - Fitness with Culture
Hey guys
Just as the Chinese New Year celebrations are coming to an end, I thought it would be appropriate to write about a form of traditional dance that is a great form of exercise too.
The Lion Dance is a traditional pugilistic dance that dates back more than 1,500 years. It is performed during auspicious occasions such as new business openings to bring good fortune and wealth to all investors. It is therefore appropriate and regularly seen during the Chinese New Year season. In addition, it is told in legendary stories that a bestial creature, the Nien, was frightened off by villagers banging on loud drums on the eve of Chinese New Year.
The dance can be categorized broadly into two styles, Northern and Southern. The Northern lions are usually red, orange and yellow with a golden head and shaggy appearance. The Southern lions have more color with a distinctive head, large eyes and a mirror on the forehead.
The dancers have to maintain a high level of fitness as the various acrobatic movements require strength, agility, endurance and balance. Furthermore, lion dance troupes usually practice some form of martial arts as well. Hence, lion dance offers vigorous cardiovascular exercise as well as stance and weight training. I dare say that you will never see an overweight lion dance performer. So if you ever get bored with your workout routine, may be it's a good time to look for a local lion dance company
Happy New Year to all you who are celebrating the Lunar New Year. And as they say,
Wishing you Good Health, Fortune and Success in this year of the Golden Pig!
AlejandroQ