Healthy Schools: D.C. Tries To Teach Students Good Habits

I know this article is about D.C. but I like seeing what other areas are doing to be proactive about the health of our children.  As a Dance Therapist, I have always felt that complete holistic mental health required more than just movement.  A balanced diet is a fundamental requirement to overall well being.  I used to work with kids who were served sugary doughnuts and red fruit drink for breakfast and “bouncing off the wall” doesn’t begin to describe their behavior.  So I found myself dancing and moving around with a bunch of kids who are out of control and pumped full of meds because they are bouncing off of the walls.  It felt really counterproductive and as the therapist I felt worn out.  Interestingly enough it took my own personal physical breakdown for me to actually embody what I intuitively knew.  I combined a vegetarian diet with yoga and thus began a journey of physical and emotional awakening that has led me to this point.  Right now my mission is to combine my love of food with my yoga and dance therapy background.  For me healing is a whole process and with that said, check out the article below. 
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Vegans and vegetarians say plant-based diets are healthier – and a growing number of experts agree - MiamiHerald.com

Vegans and vegetarians say their plant-based diets are healthier, and experts agree. But is it possible to stick to the menu?  Let me know what you think  Southern Veg Folks.

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/04/26/2185933_p3/vegans-and-vegetarians-say-plant.html#ixzz1Kkw5bFF2

Southern Vegetarian Living> Prenatal Pesticide Exposure Linked to Lower IQ, ADHD in Kids

About 11 years ago my husband and I began to actively buy organic fruits and vegetables.  We knew a couple in Atlanta that were adamant about organic living and they had a very bright and healthy son.  Soon  thereafter, we adopted a more food conscious lifestyle of as much organic as possible.  Two kids later we still buy organic but have stepped it up to buying from local organic and sustainable farmers.   With that in mind, here is a little FYI for all my Southern Veg Moms to be.  Read More

Sunday Dinner: Something new for Greens!

Hi my Southern Veg folks,
Here is another Sunday Dinner idea.  My creation you can try for yourself.
Now, I don't always do exact measurements so bear with me.   Be creative, if it is made with love, it will turn out fine!

About 2 cups of dry cous cous
1 small onion, diced
2 small carrots, diced
1 large stalk celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, diced
2 vegetable bouillon cubes unsalted
1 cup of chopped mushrooms
1 small bag of mustard or kale greens prewashed or 2 bunches cut and cleaned if bought at the farmers market
Salt and pepper or seasoning of choice to taste

For folks in south Louisiana, you can try using Guidry's Creole Seasoning (all the aromatics, onions, etc are chopped for you, all you need to add is the carrot.)

In a large pot, add about three tablespoons of olive oil and sautee' mushrooms.  After about 2 minutes add the diced vegetables.  Cut the heat to low and let the veggies sweat for about 10 minutes.  (check them to make sure they don't burn).  After ten minutes add about 3 1/2 cups of water and the veggie bouillon cubes.  Then season with salt and pepper or a seasoning of your choice (be creative!)

Once water is to a boil add greens and cover for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the leaves to absorb the flavor in the vegetable broth.  After 2 to 3 minutes stir in the cous cous, cover, and remove the pot from the fire.   Let the pot sit for five to ten minutes.  Uncover and gently mix cous cous and greens.  Enjoy!

You can eat this as a side dish or main dish.   Any questions?  email me at germaine@southernvegchronicles.com.

copyright 2011, southern vegetarian productions

Southern Veg Garden

Check out my container garden!

Quick Lunchbox Filler for Kids (Adults too!)

For a quick and healthy lunch box filler take one large avocado and add the juice of half of a small lemon,  half teaspoon olive oil, a dash of Tabasco, and salt to taste.  Spread on your favorite bread and add cheese of choice (soy or dairy) or dress it however you like.  Let me know what you like on your  sandwich!

Junior Master Chef #3

My son is the best cook I know. He is going to be an awesome Adult.

Greens from my Garden!

Gardening is one of my favorite things to do.