I hope you’re having a great month. I like to start my monthly food focus post with an inspirational quote.

Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never
be known. Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Relaxation and Exercise

Summer is often a time for serious play, time off and deep relaxation. Many of us use the summertime to rebuild
our reserves for the rest of the busy year. In our work-crazed society we can lose sight of the benefits of slowing
down and taking time to rest. Now that summer is in full swing, it’s time to enjoy the restorative powers of
reconnecting to your body through movement and relaxation. The body loves to move. Even though our body is healthiest when it is getting appropriate physical activity, we often feel dread and boredom when we hear the word “exercise”. Think for a moment of what type of movement you would consider fun as opposed to torturous. Perhaps you loathe the idea of a gym, but miss taking dance classes. Maybe you secretly want to try
yoga or rollerblading. You could play touch football with your kids, walk with a neighbor in the mornings or go for a swim. The summer offers so many choices – it’s simply up to you to choose which style of movement excites you. Your heart will thank you, your soul will be gratified, your limbs will be more fluid and you’ll sleep better at night.

Summer is a unique time of year when we can do both our relaxation and our movement out in nature. Take a
nap in a hammock and enjoy the smell of freshly cut grass. Go to the park and meditate or read under a favorite
tree. One of the greatest places to rest in the summertime is by the water. There is something magical and
restorative in water, and we naturally crave to be near it, by it or in it. Heading to the water, whether it is the
beach, a lake or a kiddy pool, can be relaxing and rejuvenating.

Whether you are relaxing, exercising or both, notice that being outside in nature has a profound way of quieting
the mind and reconnecting us to ourselves. Often this relaxation and peace of mind are what our bodies crave
the most. So while summer is with us, strap on your sandals and enjoy the rich elements of sun, wind and water
and the nourishment that they bring.

Food Focus: Water

Most of us are aware of the importance of drinking enough water. Getting our daily dose of water helps our organs perform their functions, keeps our skin clear and hydrated, and allows physical action in our bodies to flow smoothly. Even with this knowledge, it can still be challenging to drink all the water our bodies deserve daily. In the summer, when we tend to play hard, sweat and spend prolonged time in the sun, drinking plenty
of water is critical. Those who are not drinking enough may experience poor digestion, sluggish thinking, skin breakouts, headaches, bad breath and general fatigue.

To start your day right, set a large glass of water by your bed each night and drink it when you wake up. Drinking water first thing in the morning pulls out toxins from the previous day and freshens your system for the day ahead. Keep a bottle of water accessible throughout the day, whether you are on the go or at a desk. Having a bottle of water close by will remind you to take a sip when thirsty. The first sip will usually let you know how much more water you need. A sip or two may be enough, or you may need a big glass. If you drink most of your daily water before early evening, you most likely will not be thirsty before bed. This is good, because drinking before bed and then waking to use the bathroom disturbs your peaceful night’s sleep.

What about quality? Some people like bottled water, while others prefer filtered water. The key is to like the
taste of the water you are drinking, and the water should agree with your body. If the taste of plain water is
unappealing, experiment to see how you can make it tasty and drinkable. Try adding a few mint leaves, a wedge
of lemon, a sprig of parsley, slices of cucumber, a twist of lime or a squeeze of orange to make water more
tempting, or to jazz up your routine. Also, drinking tea or juice and eating raw fruits and vegetables contribute to
the hydration process. So, splash in the waves, swim in the sun, drink plenty of water and enjoy the summer
fun!

Recipes of the Month:

Summer Tea
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 24 hours
Yield: 2 liters

Ingredients:
3-4 tea bags of your choice
water

Directions:

• Fill an extra-large mason jar with water, add 3 or 4 of your favorite tea bags and cover with lid.
• Place in sun for one full day and let the shining rays pour in heat and energy, bringing out the wonderful tea
  flavors.
• Sweeten if so desired with natural sweetener and serve at room temperature or cold over ice.
  Note: Garnish with mint leaves or lemon wedge.
  

Ginger Tea

Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 24 hours
Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:
1 pound fresh ginger root
2 quarts water
juice of 2 limes
maple syrup to taste

Directions:

• Thinly peel the fresh ginger, grate and mix with water in a large saucepan.
• Bring to a boil and simmer for 4 minutes. Cover the pan and turn off the heat; leave
  for 24 hours.
• Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve.
• Add the lime juice and maple syrup or agave. Stir until dissolved. Serve chilled.
  
  

Another great summer drink is fruit-infused water. Use filtered water and add in slices of your favorite fruit. This makes a yummy Summer drink! And it’s healthier than the store brands.

Please forward this blog post to your friends, family members or colleagues who might be interested and/or inspired by it