Keep chewin'!!

Another medical leader in the field of reversing and preventing disease through nutrition is lesser known Joel Fuhrman, MD who has done some exceptional science-based work and public service via his online resources. I have his permission to reprint the following article featuring his nutritarian philosophy and principals.

What if your health can be predicted by the quality of the calories you consume? Chew on this and let me know if you take the challenge - experiment for 21 days with either this nutritarian system of Dr. Fuhrman or the Vegan transition Kickstart program of Dr. Neal Barnard -- and do use the comment section on this blog for support through written intentions - and accountability -- keep us posted on how you are doing!

My nutritarian food pyramid illustrates the principles of my Health Equation: Health = Nutrients / Calories (H = N / C) which defines how health is impacted by the micronutrient per calorie density of the diet. In other words, the future of your health can be predicted by the quality of the calories you consume. Micronutrient per calorie density is important in devising and recommending menu plans and dietary suggestions that are the most effective for tackling weight loss and for preventing and reversing disease.


It is not merely that these foods are not micronutrient rich and displace protective foods off our plate, but also that too much animal protein is linked to higher levels of IgF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) increasing risk of breast and prostate cancer. By keeping these low nutrient foods to a minimum and striving to eat at least 90% of calories from unrefined plant foods you construct a health-promoting, disease-preventing diet that has tremendous potential.

My experience in the last 20 years of medical practice is that individuals following this type of diet have transformed their health, and are living well in their 80's and 90's without the diseases plaguing other Americans. I call those who strive to follow a high nutrient eating style for its disease-protective properties, nutritarians.

Nutritional science has demonstrated that colorful plant foods contain a huge assortment of protective compounds, most of which still remain unnamed. Only by eating an assortment of nutrient-rich natural foods can we access these protective compounds and prevent the common diseases that afflict Americans.

Go to his website to Learn more:
·Become a nutritarian

·Best foods for weight-loss and disease protection

· Compare it to the USDA MyPyramid

By following the guidelines of his nutritarian food pyramid and eating an abundance of high nutrient foods you can obtain superior health, lose weight, and recover from chronic illnesses such as headaches, indigestion, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. See more at http://www.drfuhrman.com/


Many Species...One Planet...One Future

Yours in Wellness, Gratitude, Vitality and Reverence for all Life,
Suzen Sharda Segall

This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:

© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.com

Listen at: http://tinyurl.com/

Blog: www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com

Or on its unique radio channel at:

Suzen Sharda Segall, Wellness Personal Trainer/Consultant, designer and facilitator of BodyArts Therapeutics, has provided an integrated approach to health and wellness for a wide variety of populations, internationally,for over thirty-five years

Chew on this!!

We're just transitioning out of a very enriching week-end retreat in Berkeley Springs WVA. I am preparing a series of follow-up posts that are intended to offer on-going support for celebrating life through vegan transition meal planning.

I thought I'd share these resources to the wider viewing audience of wellness practitioners - self-care enthusiasts - folks interested in healing and anti-aging and new-comers to BodyArts Therapeutics programs.

This seasonal transition summer -fall is simultaneously upon us all -- and holy days of a variety of traditions has already begun with Ramadan, soon to be followed by the Festival of Forgiveness of the Jains (9/4-12), and then The Jewish High Holy days (9/8-18) -- what have I forgotten???
Forms of fasting are integral to all of the above holidays.
If you feel called to increase your energy, heal, turn back the clock, return to more balance and harmony, be more proactive/ more congruent with you green consciousness and actions, the universe is ready to support you - including Dr.Neal and Suzen/Sharda!

My hero Neal Barnard, MD through PCRM and The Cancer Project has launched a comprehensive FREE online support system that begins in five days - The 21 Day vegan Kickstart program that I encourage you to check out -- and who do you know that might have interest and not be aware of this service? Do pass this blog post on before September 5th! (Use the share button to the right?)

Register today to join the Kickstart at http://www.21daykickstart.org/

Included in this free online program: Webcasts offering cooking demos, shopping tips, tips from celebrity guests -- A message board for free Q & A and social support --- 21 day menu with delicious recipes. (I'm already contracted to support one Pgher committed to these 21 days as pre-surgery preparation to lose weight. I'll make a couple of meals each week for her - from the Kickstart program)




What if following the 21 day kickstart program became the most powerful three weeks of your life: revolutionizing your relationship to food - losing weight - gaining energy -- lowering your cholesterol and blood pressure and living in harmony with nature?

Leave a comment below to let me know you are registered and continue communicating here throughout the three weeks - when you have a question - or just want to have a source for accountability - checkin' in here letting us know how it's going -- in the comment section. Also
Follow the tweets:
http://Twitter.com/PCRM

Many Species...One Planet...One Future

Yours in Wellness, Gratitude, Vitality and the Rhythm of Nature,
Suzen Sharda Segall

This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:

© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.com

Listen at: http://tinyurl.com/

Blog: www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com

Or on its unique radio channel at:

Suzen Sharda Segall, Wellness Personal Trainer/Consultant, designer and facilitator of BodyArts Therapeutics, has provided an integrated approach to health and wellness for a wide variety of populations, internationally,for over thirty-five years

Seven Sumptuous Meals: Return Mountain Retreat

Celebrating the Inner Healer: Return Mountain Retreat All-Stars



We're seen on the deck of MayApple Cacapon mountainside cabin in Berkeley Springs WVA
See the drum, yoga mat and special acu-ball props used in my YeSSS! Method of Restorative Yoga. You'll need to use your imagination to picture the dishes that make up our organic vegan menus.



Friday Supper:

Baked Barley casserole with butternut squash and Pittsburgh peaches
Marinated tomatoes, sweet onion and fennel with fresh basil
Seeded whole wheat bread baked by Pgh's Loafers Bakery
Mixed Field Green salad and Annie's dressing via Berkeley Springs Community Market
Chocolate coconut tapioca

Berkeley Springs Fresh Mineral Water Beverages throughout the week-end:
Lemongrass tea (hot/cold)
sen -cha green tea (hot/cold
cucumber water

Breakfast Saturday:
Jude Shepard's auryvedic sprouted seed and nut combo - served with coconut yogurt/kefir, blueberries/strawberries, with cinnamon and cumin and optional honey/agave (regrettfully,I forgot the organic applesauce - meant to also support the digestion)

coffee - tea -
flax flakes - banana -- peanut butter




Poolside Picnic Lunch Saturday:
Fruit kebobs: pinapple, strawberries - cantelope
Tempeh Waldorf salad in raddicchio cups -
Lebanese Tabooli with quinoa, chick peas, cucumberP with romaine spears
Crackers and Crudites with:
guacomole and smoked chedder no cheese (made from oats!!) dip
check out these products -- hot hot hot!! http://www.wayfarefoods.com

Saturday Dinner at Lot 12:

The vegan entre Chef Damian created was his version of
Warm roasted baba ganush with roasted garlic and roasted veggie stack on a bed of cous cous and orzo
Light and lovely - He also served fresh Gazpacho which was enjoyed by our guys.


We were all too satisfied for dessert.

Sunday Brunch:
Sprouted Mung Bean Salad with Romaine spears
Peach - Pinapple Oat bake
Sprouted seeds and nuts encore
Watermelon

Sunday Supper

Heirloom tomatoe, peach and avacado salad in watermellon vinegrette
Sleek
Grilled veggies: fennel, baby portobellas, garlic, beets, red potatoes, seitan

Grilled peaches and pinapple Oneness rings
Grilled cherry - chocolate whole wheat bread


(After Drumming dessert: fresh mango-cantelope sorbet
Monday Brunch:
Cold beet borscht with garlic, dill, roasted baby red potatoe and tofu sour cream
Black bean western salad wrap: sprouted eziekiel tortilla/millet-flax-spinach

Watermelon
Avec L'amour!

In the Retreat Resource packet I provided a couple of the recipes from these menus along with a number of additional recipes I gathered at the N.American Vegetarian Society Summerfest. Throughout the week-end there were requests for more of the recipes - one hit was the sprouted mung bean salad -- a new recipe for me thanks to my friend Nirali preparing it with me in Ann Arbor -- we have Ashaben Seth to thank for that Gujarati special.

I also had fun introducing store bought items that are great quick vegan options -- accessible at Whole Foods and other savvy grocerias. Seiten -- wheat gluten - nice protein source was of great interest with this group as well - I was happy to finally find and also introduce a vegan grated cheese substitute that is soy and casein free - thanks to a new kid on the block "Daiya" company.
Many Species...One Planet...One Future

Yours in Wellness, Gratitude, Vitality and Reverence for all Life,
Suzen Sharda Segall

This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:

© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.com

Listen at: http://tinyurl.com/

Blog: www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com

Or on its unique radio channel at:

Suzen Sharda Segall, Wellness Personal Trainer/Consultant, designer and facilitator of BodyArts Therapeutics, has provided an integrated approach to health and wellness for a wide variety of populations, internationally,for over thirty-five years

The Five Worst Foods to Grill / The Cancer Project

So, I've given up the cyber search for what vegan delites Chelsea served at the wedding and am simply drawing on local farm to table inspirations for my menu for the upcoming week-end retreat Return Mountain: Celebrating the Inner Healer in Berkeley Springs WVA.

We'll have special Pittsburgh peaches contributing to our meals thanks to Farmer David, my generous and avid Restorative Yoga student. I'll include them on the grill as well as in a dish for brunch baked with oats and ''walnuts. They are luscious right now! Our welcome supper Friday evening will include vegan contributions from the retreat participants -- stay tune for the full report on our delish nutrish' eats and the dishes getting the biggest raves!

PCRM recipes never fail to spark me as well.
Click on the link to Dr. Barnard's website for some inspiration and new information through the three minute video and article explaining why common grilled meats and fish pose threats that grilling veggies and veg burger substitutes don't.

The Five Worst Foods to Grill / The Cancer Project

To purchase Dr. Barnard’s two new books, visit PCRM.org/Shop.
To register or learn about all the online support for a vegan transition that starts in September go to: http://www.21daykickstart.org/index.cfm

Many Species...One Planet...One Future

Yours in Wellness, Gratitude, Vitality and Reverence for all Life,
Suzen Sharda Segall

This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:

© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.com

Listen at: http://tinyurl.com/

Blog: www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com

Or on its unique radio channel at:

Suzen Sharda Segall, Wellness Personal Trainer/Consultant, designer and facilitator of BodyArts Therapeutics, has provided an integrated approach to health and wellness for a wide variety of populations, internationally,for over thirty-five years

Springs Spirit Drumming:BodyArts Special Event Sunday August 22 7:30 pm

Featuring

Stan Sternberg Spirit Drumming Guide

at The Ice House Berkeley Springs WVA

7:30 pm Sunday August 22nd

Well, folks, the momentum is building -- Celebrating The Inner Healer Wellness Getaway in Berkeley Springs West Virginia is manifesting the week-end of August 20th!

Did you know that USA Today recently listed Berkeley Springs in

the top 10 art-filled spaces destinations -- right up there with Key West, Prescott, Arizona and Athens, Georgia.

Arts promoter Jeanne Mozier was delighted with the coverage, as reported in Travel Berkeley Springs: "We started out in 1994 as one of the 100 best. Earlier, Berkeley Springs was voted #18 of the top 25 art destinations in America. Now USA Today has us in the top 10. I can't wait until we hit #1," she said. And there is no one I know who has ever persevered more with their promoting a small town than Jeanne -- I have no doubt she will put our jewel on the top before long! http://www.berkeleysprings.com/ can tell all about our claims to

fame including homeopathy, hot springs, an art gallery inside a

restaurant and a movie theater that posts its popcorn recipe on

the Internet!

I'm very intrigued by the 'magical' experience of synchronicity and the law of attraction working with us to bring together a small group of seekers of inner peace -- for this week-end retreat coupled with a celebration with the community at large -- invited to join with us for a special session of Spirit Drumming led by Stan Sternberg (aka Bhagwan, aka Bracheem) of Ann Arbor Michigan.

(For the back story, you'll have to speak with me in person!)

I recently had a chance to chat with Stan and would like to relay the interview here to give you more of a shared vision of what Spirit Drumming is all about. Perhaps you've had the joy of directly experiencing it - and if so, I'd love to have your comments shared with us too. In the 'burgh our friend Jim Donovan has been the beacon of light leading drumming sessions which I always love joining and bringing others. In Berkeley Springs, a community drumming and belly dancing group has been meeting regularly for years now, too, hosted by our friends from Portals.

Sharda:So, tell us, Stan, how did your journey of Spirit drumming begin?
Bhagwan: I became a meditator in the early 1960's, inspired by the writings of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. In the early 70's my wife Lynne took up Belly Dancing. She inspired me to study Middle Eastern drumming so I could accompany her dancing. I studied with professional Middle Eastern nightclub drummers in Detroit and Dearborn. Lynne, whose hebrew and dancing name was Shoshana, joined a Middle Eastern dance troupe in Ann Arbor named Ta'amulat and I became its musical director. Ta'amulat invited guest teachers to instruct the troupe. One of these teachers was Hassan Wakrim, a professional Moroccan dancer and musician. Hassan
introduced me to Moroccan trance music, a combination of polyrhythmic drumming, responsive chanting, and line dancing. I was immediately hooked. My meditation and drumming experience enabled me to achieve a trance state playing with Hassan. It was a magnificent, enlightening
and a totally immersive and enjoyable experience.

Hassan, Shoshana and I went on a three week musical expedition to Morocco. It was intensely magical the whole time. I played, listened to and recorded groups of Moroccan musicians all over the country. When we returned, the troupe leader felt that I was distracting the troupe away from her main interests which were Beledei (Egyptian, Lebanese, etc.). So I left Ta'amulat and, in 1977, started Magi, a Moroccan music and dance troupe without any real Moroccans.

Meditation, drumming, chanting and dance evolved into a collective experience of rhythmically induced states of group universal consciousness. Magi lasted for 25 years. In its lifetime I instructed hundreds of musicians and non-musicians in achieving a state of total connectedness through rhythm, movement, chanting and focussed intention. Magi performed for more than 10 years at the Ann Arbor Art Fair, The Detroit Arab World Festival, and a host of other events. Sadly, in the end, Magi morphed into a jam session of professional musicians who enjoyed soloing while backed by an accomplished rhythm section. That was in 2002.


Sharda: How is Spirit drumming like meditation, Yoga and Tai Chi?
Bhagwan: When the body and its movement becomes a focus of attention, other worldly distraction is minimized. Rhythmic sounds produced bilaterally stimulate brain hemispheres bilaterally. Groups which are able to achieve a high degree of synchronism in their playing experience a profound sense of oneness.

Sharda: So, drumming, combined with chanting and movement can lead to altered states of consciousness and trance states?
Bhagwan: Yes!

Sharda: Trance rhythms are a principle source of healing energy in North Africa aren't they?
Bhagwan: Yes!

Sharda: Where can we join you, Bhagwan, for this unique guided practice of "Presence"?Bhagwan:I am starting with sharing my experience in a weekly practice at The Lighthouse Center, Whitmore Lake Michigan Thursday 7pm July 29th as well as being a special guest at the Berkeley Springs West Virginia Wellness Getaway you are sponsoring August 22nd at The Ice House, home of the Morgan Arts Council (MAC). The intent is achieving blissful states of elevated group consciousness through polyrhythmic drumming, responsive chanting and synchronized movement.


Sharda: Having only known you forty years after you embarked on this journey of the spirit drums, I was trying to picture you then -- and wondered what name you were called then?
Bhagwan:Wherever I went in Morocco, people called me Braheem. I never had to tell them my name. Children would follow me down the street shouting "Braheem, Braheem." Of course, Braheem is the prophet Abraham, the father of Islam.

Sharda: Does Spirit drumming have anything to do with religion?
Bhagwan: No, there is no religious content to Spirit Drumming. Like yoga, it is a meditation of both mind and body. It does involve making and enjoying music and dancing.

Sharda: Thank you, Bhagwan, I am excited to open the Spirit Drumming Session you will lead at The ICE HOUSE to the Eastern Panhandle community Sunday evening 7:30 August 22.

Sharda: Do participants need too have their own drum?
Bhagwan: I will have some to share, but do encourage those who have their own drum to bring it along for the Sunday 7:30 evening session at The Ice House.

Sharda: And what has always intrigued me with 'conscious drumming', is that a group of 'strangers' coming together for a single guided session do achieve this 'entrainment'. I wonder how things might progress by your establishing an on-going drumming corps at the LHC.
Bhagwan:I love that concept of 'Entrainment'. Strangers who come together once with a group leader can only catch a glimpse of the possibilities - but that glimpse is real and very enticing. Deep entrainment comes with repeated encounters and lots of individual practice to get the hands to play without thinking. When drummers play as one, the effect on listeners is powerful. The music of Spirit-Drumming is healing gold.

Sharda: So it sounds like you have been greatly missing the deep transformative state the drumming brought you to individually as well as the rich experiences of the collective state of group oneness -- its been over eight years, Bhagwan ---and now, you are again feelin the beat -- so am I and soon many of our old and new friends will too!
Bhagwan:I'm in great need of some group healing and what better way than a giant drum-hug with new friends and old. Thank you for putting this together Sharda. I can't imagine a more perfect venue to recharge old tired and worn batteries and throw the switch that will ignite a new blast of unifying energy radiating to a unity starved world.

I hope folks share some comments here about their experiences of oness as players and listeners of on-going drumming groups (I know of the one in Berkeley Springs, Shepherdstown as well as a couple in Pittsburgh) And other comments also welcome from newbies introduced to drumming in a single workshop -- like with our special yogi/musician brother Jim Donovan of Rusted Root fame.

And remember, you do not have to be registered for the whole week-end retreat to join us for Spirit Drumming at The Ice House -- If you are within driving vicinity of Berkeley Springs, carpool and bring your drum -- Just email me or call for directions and to reserve a spot - With a suggested sliding fee scale $5 and up.

Many Species...One Planet...One Future

Yours in Wellness, Gratitude, Vitality and the Rhythm of Nature,
Suzen Sharda Segall

This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:

© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.com

Listen at: http://tinyurl.com/

Blog: www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com

Or on its unique radio channel at:

Suzen Sharda Segall, Wellness Personal Trainer/Consultant, designer and facilitator of BodyArts Therapeutics, has provided an integrated approach to health and wellness for a wide variety of populations, internationally,for over thirty-five years

Rock-a-bye BodyArts: AquaMassage

If you've never had a hot springs/ hot tub massage -- you have been deprived of one of life's deeply satisfying pleasures. My first experience in New Mexico was such good medicine, I couldn't wait to explore sharing Acupressure water massages with friends and clients.

Pittsburgh, my hometown is lacking in venues to offer this BodyArts therapy, so I am always delighted with opportunities to return to Berkeley Springs where I can offer the Aqua-Acu massage at one of my favorite summer natural settings. Our up-coming August 20th week-end retreat: Return Mountain: Celebrating the Inner Healer will feature this unique therapy in the famous healing waters.

Of course, year-round the State Park 'ancient' roman baths can be booked, however, this is not the same as being in fresh air, surrounded by the forest, earth and sky.

Watsu is the most well-known water massage. My version incorporates the mindful use of acupressure points - for neck, shoulder and pelvis release along with the rhythmic rocking the client experiences,floating all the while. Quite restorative - refreshing and often transformative --
Picture yourself floating on warm water, gazing up at the blue sky and green trees, being supported by my hands under your shoulders, while I slowly walk and rock you, gently moving my hand positions along the energy pathways to release,balance and harmonize all systems.

I no doubt will include some serenading this time, with Threshold Choir lullabys that have also been accompanying the closing few minutes of The YeSSS Method of Restorative Yoga.

I'm looking forward to it and hope to bring back some client quotes when I report back at the end of the month.

Many Species...One Planet...One Future

Yours in Wellness, Gratitude, Vitality and Reverence for all Life,
Suzen Sharda Segall

This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:

© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.com

Listen at: http://tinyurl.com/

Blog: www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com

Or on its unique radio channel at:

Suzen Sharda Segall, Wellness Personal Trainer/Consultant, designer and facilitator of BodyArts Therapeutics, has provided an integrated approach to health and wellness for a wide variety of populations, internationally,for over thirty-five years

Chelsea Clinton: Let them eat gluten-free cake

In her msn report, Lynn Bruno explores the question of Chelsea's decision to 'let them eat gluten-free cake', asking: Could their decision have a trickle-down effect, inspiring increased appetites for the all-alternative wedding banquet?

“This will empower people to make these requests,” said Grace Clerihew, a principal at Table Tales, a New York City catering firm. “Prior to this, they might have thought it was not mainstream enough to even talk about, but now that they see it being done by such a public persona it becomes acceptable.”

Chelsea likely chose her menu based on both personal preferences and health needs — she is said to have been vegan since her teen years and to have a gluten allergy — but her wedding menu should have a trickle-down effect nonetheless, says Clerihew.

It’s already become standard practice for most caterers and restaurants to offer vegetarian options. Clerihew predicts this event will inspire them to explore vegan and gluten-free options “in a more inspired way.” I surely agree and am excited at the prospects of a trend.

What vegan, gluten-free involves
Vegan and gluten-free options can be one and the same, but not necessarily so. Vegan dishes are not simply vegetarian dishes; instead, they do not contain any ingredients derived from animals, including butter, cheese, milk and other dairy products.

Gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and oat products, can trigger allergic reactions in people who suffer from celiac disease and gluten intolerance. So gluten-free foods are devoid of wheat, rye, barley or oat gluten.
We’ve gotten very savvy about creating wonderful things with alternative ingredients,” says Paula LeDuc, owner of Paula LeDuc Fine Catering, an event firm in San Francisco. “It’s not just pasta or a big pile of veggies anymore.”

Dishes like LeDuc’s signature grilled tofu and portobello mushroom rounds shingled on fresh rosemary skewers served on a summer corn and Beaulieu Garden sungold tomato succotash can set a banquet table abuzz and have those who ordered the meat or fish asking to switch plates. The experience is so common that her firm routinely makes extra to satisfy all who ask.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/38474741/from/toolbar

I'm still watchin' for news of the menu and pictures of the actual wedding cake -- and encourage readers to share comments here as well.

Many Species...One Planet...One Future

Yours in Wellness, Gratitude, Vitality and Reverence for all Life,
Suzen Sharda Segall

This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:

© Suzen Sharda Segall 2010, CelebratingtheInnerHealer.com

Listen at: http://tinyurl.com/

Blog: www.celebratingtheinnerhealer.blogspot.com

Or on its unique radio channel at:

Suzen Sharda Segall, Wellness Personal Trainer/Consultant, designer and facilitator of BodyArts Therapeutics, has provided an integrated approach to health and wellness for a wide variety of populations, internationally,for over thirty-five years