Tuesday, May 27, 2008

RECIPES FOR LOVE AND KINDNESS (AND ANOTHER TASTY AND HEALTHY SUMMER DESSERT)


I caught the last 15 minutes of The Ellen DeGeneres Show today and was thrilled to see Dr. Wayne Dyer back on the show. Dr. Dyer and Ellen conducted an awesome social experiment. They invited the audience to commit random acts of kindness and share their experiences with everyone a month later. Here are some simple yet profound ways you can change your life by practicing kindness every day. As an added bonus, we've also included a brand new recipe called Pineapple Banana Blast. Chef Hugo just created this icy treat and it will definately keep you cool and satisfied on this blissfully hot day.

Recipes for Acts of Love and Kindness

Today, experience true love and compassion by serving others. When you are trying to lose weight and become a healthier person it is easy to become self-focused and self involved. Vow to do something kind for someone else this week and expect nothing in return. It is one of life’s greatest paradoxes in that giving things away that we receive the greatest rewards. Open your heart chakra by extending acts of loving kindness to your family, friends, and neighbors.

Bake Some Goodies and Give Them Away


If you enjoy baking and gorging on goodies, this week try baking and giving the treats away. Whip up batch of healthy organic cupcakes and take them to your local Ronald McDonald House, where families of sick children are starving for some homemade treats and a few comforting words. Or clear your pantry of excess canned goods and deliver them to your local homeless shelter.

Give Your Time Away

Instead of watching television, spend your free time serving someone in need. Volunteer to baby-sit for a single mom who desperately needs some time alone. Or spend an afternoon visiting with your lonely, elderly neighbor. Go to a local nursing home and see if it is possible to spend time with a resident who rarely gets visitors. Figure out how you can mentor a disadvantaged child in your community.



Give Your Talents Away

We all have special talents that we can offer the world. This week find a way to offer someone one of your unique skills. If you are an attorney, help a struggling friend prepare his will. If you are a nurse, assist a confused neighbor navigate their health insurance plan. Are you great at helping people market and promote themselves? Help a friend re-write her resume and land the job of her dreams. Find a way to serve others by doing something that comes easily to you.




Let Go of Some Loose Change


This week, donate money to your favorite charity or cause. If you are short on cash, find a small way to make a big difference. For example, you could anonymously feed a parking meter about to expire or pay the toll for the car behind you. Even writing a ten-dollar check to a struggling non- profit agency is a great way to make a contribution that matters.


Give Away Your Clutter


Did you know that the items that collect dust in your basement could bring sheer joy to a needy family? This week, consider giving away some of your gently used items to charitable organizations. Used toys, book, clothing, eyeglasses and cars are all great items to donate. Lighten your load ad someone else’s this week.



Bury the Hatchet

Forgiveness is an act of love that will open your heart center and allow compassion to flow back into your life. This week, forgive someone who has wronged you. Just because you decide to forgive someone does not mean that you condone his or her behavior. Let go of any resentment you feel toward them. Know that the negative feelings you harbor undermine your own health and well being and rarely affect the other person. You may choose to let this person know that you forgive them or forgive them silently from a distance. Above all, forgive yourself for anything that you have been beating yourself up about.

Pineapple Banana Blast

7 large bananas, ripe and mashed
3 tablespoons sugar (optional)
20 ounces canned crushed pineapple, undrained
6 ounces fresh orange juice, concentrate thawed
1 cup pineapple, sliced
1/2 cup strawberries, sliced
3 cups water, hot

1. In a large bowl, combine banana, sugar, crushed pineapple. orange juice and hot water. Stir well.

2. Pour mixture into 9 X 13 chilled metal pan. Freeze overnight.

3. Remove from pan at least 30 minutes prior to serving. Spoon into desired serving dishes. Garnish with pineapple slices and strawberries. Serve immediately.


-
Yield: 6 servings

Per Serving : 270 Calories; 1g Fat (2.3% calories from fat); 2g Protein; 48g Carbohydrate; 5g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 7mg Sodium. Exchanges: 3 ½ Fruit; 2 Other Carbohydrates.

No comments: