The Wellness Woman: Ready to start enjoying life?

Happy Birthday, Mumsy! + the Pom-Almond Smoothie (recipe & video)

This week marks the birthday of my beloved Mumsy!  Upon her visit from sunny ol' England to the USA to celebrate her first American Mother's Day last year, I offered to provide her with any food staples she desired.  Her reply said not to worry, she would do as I did during her visit,  and would eat my 'food'. Yep, that's right, my 'food'. 

Now as you can see, Mumsy was gorgeous already. 

and this is before I introduced her to the wonders of raw vegan cuisine.  

I'm happy to say she loved all the 'food' I made her during her visit, including burgers, pasta and a myriad of salads and dressings. But what she loved the most was the green smoothies I made her each morning.  She gobbled them up.  I'm not exaggerating, here's the proof. 

I'm proud to say Mumsy was a green smoothie convert and sent her hubby out to buy some fruit and greens so she could make one herself upon her return. She couldn't believe they were so delicious AND they made her feel good.  After weeks enjoying green smoothies at home, she sent me an updated photo.

photo by Getty Images

I bet you are ready for a green smoothie yourself now!

Here is a recipe I made in Mumsy's honor.  It's quick, easy, and oh so delcious. 

Pom-Almond Smoothie (aka Mumsy's Smoothie)

- 2 cups almond milk

- 1 teaspoon stevia

- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds 

- 1 tablespoon ground chia seeds

- 2 teaspoons cinnamon

- 2 frozen bananas

- 2-3 cups of spinach

Simply cobine all ingredients, blend and enjoy!

For more instruction, watch this short demonstration. 

  

 

Green smoothies will have you looking and feeling your best for years to come! Cheers!

Happy Birthday, Mumsy!  

What can you do today? + Clean Green Juice (recipe & video)

New Year's resolutions are made to be broken.  The overcrowded gyms in January will no doubt be back to half capacity in February, when many succomb to their old habits and often blame the winter weather for their 'bad' behavior, telling themselves once spring rolls around it will be easier to exercise and eat healthier.  Sound famililar?  This was certainly me on more than one occasion in years past. "I'll eat healthier....tomorrow." This used to be my mantra.   

Then I realized the rather obvious.  We only have today.  So I changed my mantra to 'What can I do today?' 

This simple statement changed my life, and continues to do so. Once I put aside my resolutions and my 'shoulda, woulda, couldas', life got a lot easier, and a lot more exciting.  

I started adding things into my life and my diet, and adding more life to my diet.  The most profound effects were from adding vegetable juices.  By simply adding these to my diet, I lost weight (about 10 lbs.), had a ton more energy, and my skin started to glow. And that's just a few of the benefits. But rather than discuss it anymore, watch the video below and learn a quick, easy and delicious green juice you can make today and start experiencing the benefits for yourself! 

Cheers to your health! 

 

Viva Italia! 40% off in-home classes until August 31st!

Do you love Italian food? 

Do you like spending time with your girlfriends? 

Do you want to lose and/or maintain your ideal weight?

Do you want clearer skin, more energy, and better digestion? 

Do you want to learn how to make delicious treats that will make you look & feel your best?

If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, you'll want to take advantage of the special I'm offering this summer!  Get together your best gals and learn how to make the following in the comfort of your own home.  Treats that will actually make you look and feel better rather than waking up the next morning with a sore head, bloated stomach and wishing you hadn't over-indulged.

Here's what you'll learn: 

- What raw vegan food is and the benefits of incorporating more of these foods in to your diet

- Healthy alternatives for pasta without compromising on taste

- Bellini Mocktail

- Zucchini Pasta

-  Living Lasagna ( layered with Pesto, Marinara, Nut cheese)

- Macaroons

I normally charge $100 per hour for personal instruction, but for a limited time only, I'm offering it to you for $60/hour (40% savings) for this class! The class lasts 2 hours.  So, if you get 6 of your friends together, that is only $20/person (even lower if you include more friends!). To take advantage of this offer, you MUST BOOK BY AUGUST 31st. A small non-refundable deposit is required to hold your date.  Classes can take place at a later date, but must be booked and deposit received by August 31st, 2011.  

The class includes instruction only and you will be provided with a shopping list prior to the class to ensure you have all the necessary ingredients.  I'll bring my tools, my knowledge and my recipes.

As a special bonus gift for the hostess, I'm offering a 45-minute guided shopping trip (normally only included in my Empowerment programs) at no extra charge.  The trip will help you pick out the best ingredients while answering any questions you have and avoid unnecessary confusion or guesswork.  

Curious why I don't include food?  Here's the lowdown:  

There are several reasons why I don’t include food in my in-home teaching services.

Empowerment: When you shop for the food yourself, you KNOW what you are getting and how much you are spending.  Oftentimes, clients have questions on particular ingredients, where to find them, etc. Shopping for yourself, these questions can be answered during a guided shopping trip or in class.  You might come across ingredients you never heard of or saw before and end up discovering something wonderful. 

Choice: Shopping for your own food not only empowers you to be more familiar with your grocery/health food store, you also have more choices.  Although I always recommend buying organic where possible, you choose what is right for you.  You can also choose your favorite ingredients. If you prefer brazil nuts over almonds or maple syrup over agave, for example. (I'll list various alternatives on the class shopping list).

You might even choose to divide the shopping list up, asking each of your guests to bring a few ingredients.  If you do go this route, just make sure all your guests are coming to ensure all the ingredients make it to the party!

Savings: By purchasing your own food, you are saving the money that would be added to my fee for taking the time to shop as well as the cost of the food and 6% food sales tax I am obligated to pass on to you when buying food and preparing it for you.  You will also likely have ingredients left over for you to continue making the recipes after the class is over.  

How is this different from other home parties? 

You are not obligated to buy anything.  No sifting through thick catalogs and worrying if you spent too much or wondering if your guests are spending enough to make the party worth your while. There will be a few sweet treats on offer for guests to purchase if they choose, but there is absolutely no pressure to do so. 

You are learning a new skill.  Rather than learning what you need to buy to make you look and feel good (whether it be face creams, lotions, potions, jewelry or the latest kitchen gadget), you are learning skills on how to empower yourself to be your best and enjoy life.  

No pressure to book further services/parties. Of course, I would love for you and your friends to take on additional services and/or classes with me. But only if it is right for you, and that is for you to decide, not to be pressured into with various incentives.  I'll have information on further services I offer, but you are under no pressure or obligation to go any further.  So relax and enjoy the party!    

To make a booking, please email info@thewellnesswoman.com or aimee.dufresne@yahoo.com.

I look forward to hearing from you!

* Classes available in Richmond, Virginia only

* Classes available during weekdays as well as weekends, contact for available dates

* Offer valid for bookings through August 31st, 2011

 

 

Life by Chocolate! Limited time offer of 40% Savings!

Do you love chocolate? 

Do you like spending time with your girlfriends? 

Do you want to lose and/or maintain your ideal weight?

Do you want clearer skin, more energy, and better digestion? 

Do you want to learn how to make delicious treats that will make you look & feel your best?

If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, you'll want to take advantage of the special I'm offering this summer!  Get together your best gals and learn how to make the following in the comfort of your own home.  Treats that will actually make you look and feel better rather than waking up the next morning with a sore head, bloated stomach and wishing you hadn't over-indulged.

Here's what you'll learn: 

- What raw vegan food is and the benefits of incorporating more of these foods in to your diet

- Healthy sweet alternatives that will satisfy your sweet tooth

- Creamy Chocolate Mocktini

- Chocolate Milkshake

- Cherry Choc Bliss Bites 

- Vanilla Ice Cream with Chocolate Fudge

I normally charge $100 per hour for personal instruction, but for a limited time only, I'm offering it to you for $60/hour (40% savings) for this class! The class lasts 2 hours.  So, if you get 6 of your friends together, that is only $20/person (even lower if you include more friends!). To take advantage of this offer, you MUST BOOK BY AUGUST 31st. A small non-refundable deposit is required to hold your date.  Classes can take place at a later date, but must be booked and deposit received by August 31st, 2011.  

The class includes instruction only and you will be provided with a shopping list prior to the class to ensure you have all the necessary ingredients.  I'll bring my tools, my knowledge and my recipes.

As a special bonus gift for the hostess, I'm offering a 45-minute guided shopping trip (normally only included in my Empowerment programs) at no extra charge.  The trip will help you pick out the best ingredients while answering any questions you have and avoid unnecessary confusion or guesswork.  

Curious why I don't include food?  Here's the lowdown:  

There are several reasons why I don’t include food in my in-home teaching services.

Empowerment: When you shop for the food yourself, you KNOW what you are getting and how much you are spending.  Oftentimes, clients have questions on particular ingredients, where to find them, etc. Shopping for yourself, these questions can be answered during a guided shopping trip or in class.  You might come across ingredients you never heard of or saw before and end up discovering something wonderful. 

Choice: Shopping for your own food not only empowers you to be more familiar with your grocery/health food store, you also have more choices.  Although I always recommend buying organic where possible, you choose what is right for you.  You can also choose your favorite ingredients. If you prefer brazil nuts over almonds or maple syrup over agave, for example. (I'll list various alternatives on the class shopping list).

You might even choose to divide the shopping list up, asking each of your guests to bring a few ingredients.  If you do go this route, just make sure all your guests are coming to ensure all the ingredients make it to the party!

Savings: By purchasing your own food, you are saving the money that would be added to my fee for taking the time to shop as well as the cost of the food and 6% food sales tax I am obligated to pass on to you when buying food and preparing it for you.  You will also likely have ingredients left over for you to continue making the recipes after the class is over.  

How is this different from other home parties? 

You are not obligated to buy anything.  No sifting through thick catalogs and worrying if you spent too much or wondering if your guests are spending enough to make the party worth your while. There will be a few sweet treats on offer for guests to purchase if they choose, but there is absolutely no pressure to do so. 

You are learning a new skill.  Rather than learning what you need to buy to make you look and feel good (whether it be face creams, lotions, potions, jewelry or the latest kitchen gadget), you are learning skills on how to empower yourself to be your best and enjoy life.  

No pressure to book further services/parties. Of course, I would love for you and your friends to take on additional services and/or classes with me. But only if it is right for you, and that is for you to decide, not to be pressured into with various incentives.  I'll have information on further services I offer, but you are under no pressure or obligation to go any further.  So relax and enjoy the party!    

To make a booking, please email info@thewellnesswoman.com or aimee.dufresne@yahoo.com.

I look forward to hearing from you!

* Classes available in Richmond, Virginia only

* Classes available during weekdays as well as weekends, contact for available dates

* Offer valid for bookings through August 31st, 2011

 

Figgin' Delicious Raw Vegan Fig Torte

Last weekend, I was invited by friends to harvest figs from their very own fig tree. Although I was told that there was an abundance of ripe figs ready for picking, nothing prepared me for the enormity of the tree and all its delicious fruits dangling like dark jewels among the green leaves.  

They tasted like heaven and at one point more figs were ending up in my mouth rather than my bag. But, as you can see, I did manage to bring home quite a few.

Now for the recipe testing....

After some experimenting, my favorite fig recipe thus far is the fig torte.

Here is the recipe if you fancy some figs yourself: 

Fig Torte with Walnut Ginger Crust 

Crust: 

1 cup walnuts, soaked, 8 hours

1/2 cup dry walnuts (ideally soaked and dehydrated to remove enzyme inhibitors) 

3 medjool dates

1 Tablespoon of ginger 

1 Teaspoon of cinnamon 

1 Teaspoon vanilla extract

pinch salt 

Place all ingredients in food processor until thoroughly combined.  Transfer mixture to a 9 inch pie pan and press evenly until the entire surface is covered.  

Filling: 

- 4 cups of fresh figs

- 1/2 cup agave (alternatively, use maple syrup or honey)

- 1/2 teaspoon of ginger powder

- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon 

- 1/4 cup of lemon juice 

- 3/4 cup kelp paste (alternatively use Irish moss paste) 

Place all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth.  Pour mixture in pie pan over crust and smooth out evenly with a spatula.  

Garnish with fresh figs and ENJOY!  It's figgin' delicious!  

 

 

Book Review: Be Your Own Shaman

The latest book sent to me by Hay House for review was Deborah King's Be Your Own Shaman. Intrigued yet skeptical (due to a less than great experience with an energy healer), I began reading immediately to find out what I could learn from the book that promised to 'heal yourself and others with 21st century energy medicine.' Could I really do that just from reading less than 200 pages?  

King takes you on a journey within yourself while sharing pertinent information about her background and experience.  Sharing her personal story of early abuse, striving to be and look perfect (what she terms her 'size 2 period') and her remission from cancer was powerful. Although my own experiences have been quite different, I felt an instant connection to the author.

Emanating from the pages of the book was my own personal coach/guru providing me with valuable information in healing and practical exercises to aid me in the adventure ahead.  Far from being a quick fix or an instant healer, King's sincerity in what is involved in becoming a healer (of self and others) is evident throughout, as she documents both her failures and what she learned from them to create her greatest triumphs.  She even gives valuable warnings of what to avoid when choosing to work with an energy healer (information that I wish I had possessed years ago!).  

If you are intrigued by the idea of energy medicine and fancy delving deeper into your own psyche, I highly recommend picking up a copy Be Your Own Shaman.  I'll certainly be utilizing the information in this book for years to come. 

To learn more about Deborah King, go to www.deborahkingcenter.com

Click here to purchase your own copy from amazon.com

Garden to Table: Make creative dishes from those abundant veggies

Last week a friend and I had a day out raiding her family's garden. Don't get the wrong idea, we announced our arrival and were actually invited in to raid the garden.  And OH MY, it was FUN! Green beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, corn, and an array of herbs: basil, spicy oregano, mint, parsley..the list goes on.  I was in food heaven.  

When I thanked my host for my abundant bags of produce, she confessed she had more than what she could ever eat and actually preferred growing the food rather than eating it.  This was shocking to me, as I am completely the opposite.  Unable to keep a basil plant thriving, I had loads of recipes for eating this aromatic green, if only it would grow...

It got me thinking.... 

This could be a perfect fit. 

If you live in the Richmond area and have a garden that has grown to abundance and are interested in how to turn zucchini into hummus and pasta (yes, pasta!) and other fun summer recipes to creatively use all your produce in new and exciting ways, I would love to teach you!  I'm so excited about this, I'm dropping my normal 1:1 teaching fee and am willing to take part payment in produce! I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!  

If you are interested, send me a message on FB or Twitter or to my email at info@thewellnesswoman.com. 

Happy gardening...and eating!  

 

Coconut Bites: Quick & Easy Vegan Sweet Treat!

Photographed by Tracy Bay Photography

I came up with this recipe last year, which is both super easy and super tasty!  It's a favorite among my clients and friends.  If you are looking to impress guests or simply want to satisfy your own sweet tooth, here is what you need: 

- 2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes (set aside one cup for rolling)
- 1 cup tahini (or almond butter if you prefer)
- 1 cup dried unsweetened currants (alternatives: raisins, unsweetened dried cherries)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in food processor and pulse until thoroughly mixed.

2.  Scoop out approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll into a ball or shape into nugget or other fun bite-size shape.  

3. Roll in coconut flakes until coated

These are ready to eat immediately or store in the fridge and enjoy a great snack when the munchies strike.  

Did I last 21 days without coffee???

No.  I lasted an entire 22 days without coffee!  WHOO HOO!!!!!  I made it!  Now it's time to share with you the good, the not-so-good, and the interesting.  

The GOOD:

1.  I lost it: No, I'm not referring to my sanity, which I kept in tact the entire 22 days (for the most part, anyway).  What I lost is my attachment to coffee.  Yes, I was certainly attached, feeling the day was incomplete without chugging down the obligatory 2 cups!  Now that it's no longer part of my daily routine, having coffee is a choice rather than a compulsion.  

2. I slowed down (and accomplished more): At the beginning of this challenge slowing down would not have been appealing but after I gave my adrenals a rest from caffeine, my mind stopped racing and I actually accomplished a lot more in my work and personal life in less time and with a lot less stress.  

3. Achievement: In the past, I have climbed the 3 highest peaks in the UK in 24 hours, walked a marathon in a decorated bra at midnight in under 6 and ran one (sans decorations on bra) in under 4. Giving up coffee for 22 days was more challenging than all of these challenges put together.  Perhaps because coffee was there for me through all these other challenges.  Or perhaps I just have a poor memory. Either way, this is now on my achievement list.  

The Not-so-Good: 

1. Sugar intake: In the light of giving up one thing, I compensated by adding another: sugar.  My sugar intake, particularly the last week of the challenge, went up as I reminded myself that it was coffee that  I was refraining from, so eating a sweet or two (or three or four) really was a non-issue. My next cleanse will surely involve avoiding sugar, even the raw vegan natural kind.  

2. Impure thoughts: Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.  The beginning of Week 3 and I was fantasizing about lattes at Lamplighter (a local roasting company).  Oddly enough, I have never been to Lamplighter, which I guess made it all the more intriguing.  I feel dirty.  My defense: It's the sugar that made me do it.  

The Interesting: 

What surprised me the most about the entire non-coffee experience was all the memories and emotions I have tied to this beverage.  Around Father's Day, I recalled how every time I went home to visit Dad, I would wake up early to have coffee with him before he left for work.  We would catch up over two steaming mugs, and Dad would scrunch his nose up when he saw me put in creamer, shake his head and smile before bringing his cup of straight black coffee to his lips.  Spending that time with him will always be one of my favorite daddy/daughter moments.  

Coffee has played a starring role in many social events and gatherings, whether it be with dates, friends, or family.  It is the one subject my brother and I actually agree on and enjoy together.  

I can't help but wonder: Is coffee the glue holding together my social life? 

My clear-thinking caffeine-free mind assures me coffee is just a beverage.  

On Day 23, I took a walk to Starbucks to redeem a voucher the company had sent me for a free tall drink (clearly, they missed me).  When I entered, I saw the familiar faces of friendly staff and customers who enjoy the place as their second office.  I ordered my old favorite, curious if it would live up to its old expectations.  I chatted with my 'Starbuddies' and took my first sip.  Sigh. It felt like coming home.  

Will I fall back in my familiar ways or blaze a new trail clear of coffee?  Watch this space, only time will tell. 

Photo by Apple\'s Eyes Studio

Are you Tired & Wired?

Quite a few weeks ago now, I received the latest book for me to review from Hay House, Marcelle Pick's Are You Tired & Wired? At the time, I was incredibly busy with work and activities and when the evening came and I opened the book, my eyes struggled to stay open long enough to finish a paragraph, much less a chapter.  Upon awaking, I would pick up the book again.  As my mind raced through the numerous tasks I needed to complete that day, the words on the page blurred and the book would be abandoned after less than five minutes.  There it would sit, patiently waiting on my bedside table until the evening, when I promised myself I would pick it up again.  Finding yet again, when evening rolled around, I was too tired to do so. The vicious cycle ensued for weeks.  

When I finally was able to keep my eyes open and stop thinking about my busy schedule, I realized the answer to the book's query was a resounding 'YES!'.  As I delved further in the text about adrenal fatigue, many symptoms and situations she described sounded very familiar.  After taking a questionnaire supplied within the book, it appeared I was suffering from mild adrenal fatigue.  This book had reached me at the perfect time, before my symptoms worsened.  It was time to make some changes.  

The book is rich in resources, making it easy for me to begin the alterations of my lifestyle.  In addition to the test to determine where you are on the adrenal spectrum, Peck offers case studies for better understanding and a detailed 30 day plan including easy and tasty recipes along with handy shopping lists, advice on supplements tailored to your specific needs and exercise recommendations.  What I like most about Peck's suggestions is that they are just that.  Rather than berating you to follow a strict regime, she gives you the information and advice and encourages you to do what is right for you, in the time frame that suits you.  

After incorporating some additional supplements in my diet and using relaxation techniques, I'm feeling more relaxed and am actually achieving more with less stress, something that I thought would have been impossible a month ago.  Perhaps most surprisingly, I've been exercising less with less intensity (previously going to the gym six times a week) and the stubborn tasting pouch that had been hanging around my midsection has started to disappear.  According to the scale (which familiar numbers haven't changed in over a year), I'm six pounds lighter.  It's incredible what your body can do when you give it a chance to rest.  

If you feel too are feeling tired, or wired, or vary between the two, I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book.  It's certainly enlightening, and if you decide to utilize her advice, you may find yourself feeling lighter in both mind and body.