I heard a great story today from my chiropractor (Kayed Kalil, Framingham Center, great guy, multi-talented doctor, (508) 628-3800)
He suggested to one of his patients that taking up yoga might be very beneficial, perhaps to increase flexibility or decrease stress.
The man replied: “No thank you, I already have a religion.” A bit surprised, Dr. Khalil repositioned his suggestion, and indicated the health
benefits. The man countered with: “It’s a cult–that’s how they reel you in.” Of course at that point the good doctor backed off, but it’s
really interesting to note that we all have our impressions of things with which we are unfamiliar.
Are you open-minded? We all think we are, but some of us could use new ideas in their lives, and for whatever reason, they don’t
let themselves take a chance, even at learning more. We’ve all been ripped off, wasted time and been ridiculed for taking a chance,
but growth is so important, and can change our lives for the better.
So, here are three ideas to try if you think you are open-minded. Choose one or more, or if you find yourself unable to do so, think
about why that might be so.
1. Tofu
About 20% of American consumers have tasted it, and about 10% buy it on a regular basis. In Japan and China, where people are
happier and live longer, those numbers are probably 95% and 75%. The reason? It’s an easy-to-prepare, extremely healthy food
that is affordable and does not require any suffering from animals or the environment.
TRY “THE BRIDGE” OR OTHER FIRM TOFU AT WHOLE FOODS. SLICE INTO 1/4″ SLABS, THEN BAKE AT 300F FOR :15
IN YOUR TOASTER OVEN (OVER SESAME OIL OR SPRAY) WITH SEA SALT, CUMIN, DILL, AND A SLICE OF MUSHROOM
OR SCALLION. YOU CAN SPRINKLE SESAME SEEDS OR SOY SAUCE OVER IT ON THE TABLE. THE KIDS WILL LOVE IT!!
2. Brown Rice
This is a staple food in many countries, is relatively cheap, easy to prepare (yes, it takes about :45 to boil it, and it’s nicer when you
soak it for 1-4 hours first), and perhaps the world’s healthiest food.
TRY “LUNDBERG” OR OTHER BROWN RICE. SOAK 3/4 CUP FOR 1-4 HOURS, THEN BOIL IN A POT WITH A GOOD COVER, ADDING
A PINCH OF SEA SALT AT THE START, THEN SIIMMER FOR 40-45 MINUTES, IN 1.5 CUPS OF WATER. YOU CAN ALSO ADD
LENTILS, OR OTHER BEANS, IN SMALL AMOUNTS. ADD A BIT EXTRA WATER IF YOU DO. THEN IT’S IMPORTANT TO CHEW
25-50 TIIMES PER BITE, AND DON’T MIX WITH OTHER FOODS ON YOUR PLATE. IF YOU DO THIS ABOUT 5 TIMES PER WEEK,
YOU WILL ENJOY BETTER HEALTH AND BETTER WORK RESULTS. THREE BILLION PEOPLE CANNOT BE WRONG.
3. Affirmations
We are usually most limited by our own mind. Type (or write) some motivational words for yourself, then say them every day when
you wake up, and before you retire. You can reprogram yourself for success in any area, and leave behind anger, poor relationships,
addiction, poor eating, even unemployment, by positive reinforcement.
EXAMPLE…”I AM GETTING BETTER EVERY DAY. I ENJOY MY FAMILY, AND I AM EATING MORE WHOLE GRAINS AND VEGETABLES
SO I CAN FEEL BETTER. A GREAT JOB IS WAITING FOR ME, SO I’M GOING TO GO OUT AND MEET PEOPLE UNTIL I FIND IT.”
4. Body Rub
This one is great. Every morning, before I shower, I follow the advice of Denny Waxman from his book, The Great Life Diet, and take about six
minutes to help open my pores, get rid of toxins, and relax my mood by filling my sink with hot water, then using a folded washcloth
to rub vigorously most of my body, especially my face, lymph glands, hands and feet, rinsing between each part.
YOU WILL LOVE THIS!!
Let me know if any of these ideas work for you, or if you have any to add.
David