The Connections Warren-Watchung Edition Dec 2019-Jan 2020

theconnectionsnj.com Take your personal & spiritual growth to the next level Thru conversation, connection and creativity… insightful, informative, inspirational…and FUN ! in-person small group or convenient online classes EMAIL or TEXT Rosie for class details: rosie@rosiebattista.com 908-872-8613 Anxious, Stressed or Overwhelmed ? Sleeping Naked After 40 WOMEN’S GROUPS Reduce stress & anxiety Feel connected & peaceful Become the woman you were meant to be It’s nothing you haven’t heard before but you might just need to hear it again, especially during this time of year, when festive foods have a habit of taking over your plate. When out- doors is anything but green, when you’re indoors a lot more, and the cold weather prompts you to want comfort foods – remember, green leaves are your best friend. Especially if you want to feel good and zip your pants without drama! I was reminded this past weekend when talking with a friend, who spent the past 2 years trying all types of diets. She had tried Keto, Paleo, giving up different categories of foods like sugar, gluten, & dairy. She found that something was still missing. Her con- clusion was that she needed to eat more veggies. We all do! I’m not suggesting there is anything wrong with these diets. Our bio-indi- viduality dictates what feels good to us, but greens are not an option in any of them. Regarded as only “the side” to many, their value is sometimes for- gotten. If you want your body functioning at optimum levels, feel vibrant at a body- weight that is comfortable, maintain that weight comfortably, and stay healthy - greens are the bomb. Everything just works better from glowing skin to improved bodily functions, vibrancy and energy. But I’m not here to sell you the health benefits of dark leafy greens. I’m here to share simple tips and ideas for easi- ly adding more greens into your day. 1. STORE THEM - Buy bags of frozen kale, collard greens, spinach, and broc- coli and store them in your freezer. These are great to have on hand at all times when the fresh section looks wimpy or you don’t have time to run to the store. You can quickly steam, roast or sauté frozen veggies and they’ll taste just great. 2. ADD THEM IN - Throw a handful of frozen kale, spinach or chopped col- lards right into your smoothie, shakes, and omelets. You won’t taste the greens and you’ll amp up the nutri- tional value. 3. WRAP THEM UP - Large leaves like Boston lettuce, collard greens, and romaine lettuce are great to use as sandwich wraps. You can fill them with anything you’d throw on a sandwich, tuna, eggs, meat, beans, avocado, tomatoes, sprouts and you’ve got a great meal. Yum! 4. CHOP & PREP - Have a prep day and chop away. Fill separate containers with chopped peppers, onions, carrots, kale, broccoli, tomatoes, pea snaps, etc. When prepping a salad you can add all of these chopped veggies on top of your romaine lettuce, spinach and arugula to make a great salad. You can also use your chopped veggies to sauté with your spinach or kale, tak- ing only minutes to prepare a lovely warm veggie dish. 5. GET FAMILIAR - Dark leaves can be eaten raw or cooked so experiment with bok choy, kale, spinach, and col- lards. When on the hunt, if available and affordable, buy local and organic. Pinterest and Google are your friends when searching for an easy healthy green vegetable recipe. 6. BABY YOUR BUDS - Give your taste buds a chance to change. If you’ve been off the greens for a while, it may take your buds a few tries so be patient. They will eventually thank you. If salad is your thing and even if it’s not, dressing it up with this delicious recipe will change the salad game. You’ll need a Vitamix or a high pow- ered blender to make this. 1 apple 1/4 cup pitted dates 1/4 cup cashews 1/3 - 1/2 cup almond milk (depending on consistency) Combine in a blender until smooth and pour over your greens You’re welcome! Rosie Battista, is a Holistic Spiritual Coach help- ing women get clear on their unique gifts so they can live on purpose, creating a life and busi- ness they love. She offers group classes and pri- vate sessions. Text her at 908.872.8613 and let her know you want to learn more. VEGGIES ARE THE BOMB By: Rosie Battista 3322 Route 22 West, Suite 1207-1208, Branchburg, NJ 08876 908-218-0300 908-218-0301 (fax) www.branchburgoralsurgery.com We Accept Most Major PPO Dental Plans Karl Maloney, D.D.S. Board Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon Wisdom Teeth Dental Implants Bone Grafting General Anesthesia 3D Cone Beam CT Jaw Surgery Oral Pathology Facial Trauma PAGE 72 Health & Wellness