Everyone is talking about how to eat a healthier breakfast. But have you really thought about breakfast? I mean really thought about it?

I have.

The word “breakfast” comes from the notion of breaking the habitual fast of sleep. It is the first meal of the day and we have all heard it… “it’s the most important meal of the day!” Yes, I know our lives are busy and chaotic but I would like you take a moment and indulge me. We all know what we “should do” but I want to talk more about the “why” you should do it. The erosion of the cooked breakfast has been an ongoing trend in the Western world since at least the early 20th century, coinciding with our lives changing due to technology. Years ago we lived or worked close to the farm, today we don’t. Today, our lives are hampered by busy morning schedules because we have to run out the door to work or take the kids to school. As a result many of us neglect breakfast or worse skip it entirely. This trend now exists in industrialized nations worldwide, where it is accompanied frequently by replacing local breakfast traditions with modern Western-style foods, often packaged or pre-made. Because of these changes, we are losing our ritual of a home cooked breakfast. Yep, I said it… a home cooked breakfast is becoming an endangered species.

Every day you go to bed after a long busy day, have you thought about what is going on in your body while you sleep? During this time the body is in a more what we refer to in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a yin time. In this time the body rests, rebuilds, rejuvenates, re-calibrates and renovates itself. As the night turns into day, the yin turns into yang. So when you are waking up in the morning you are waking into the yang time of day.  In the early morning the body is preparing for the day ahead, what it will need to perform all of the various things we have to do each day. Think of when you were little and you were excited about packing for a trip… you woke up early to pack your bags with all the right things for your exciting new adventure. This is yang in the morning!

That is what the stomach does every single morning, it just is waiting for you to give it the food! In TCM, we think a lot about the concept of time and specifically the time cycle of a day. We break down the day in 2 hour sections, each 2 hours corresponds to different organs in the body. Those two hours are that organ’s special time. According to TCM 7-9 a.m. belongs to the stomach, it is the apex of the stomach’s energy. This is why breakfast is the most important meal of the day! It is the time of day when the stomach’s energy is in its glory and ready to welcome a wonderfully well thought out nutritious meal.

So when the stomach receives a prepackaged, processed meal or worse no meal at all… it’s a bit like when you were 10 and you got underwear for your birthday. In your head you were saying… what? Underwear? No toy? Come on!!! Well, unfortunately that is the gift you just gave to your stomach. The ardent stomach will work hard on the crappy gift of chocolately cereal or drive-thru hashbrowns and coffee. It will politely say thanks and diligently plug along digesting… but it in the end, the stomach was really disappointed on the quality of the food it received. But what we forget about as we charge a long on our busy day: is that we will reap what we sow in our stomach… we are what we eat, literally not figuratively.

Accordingly, for breakfast you had some frosted toasted piece of cardboard which tasted a sugary sweet wonderland… fantastic, right? Now imagine that is what you have been doing for 5, 10, or 20 years to your loyal stomach? Can you imagine? Will you get the benefits or the consequences of the nutrition you are supplying your body? So why am I saying all of this? Innate in all of us is this desire to live long healthy lives. Small changes can create exponential differences in your health over time. So why not start with breakfast? Simple plain old breakfast. Why not make it a point to eat a fabulous breakfast so that you can start your day in glory?

So here are my simple tips:

• Eat breakfast in the morning. If you can, try to eat between 7-9 a.m.

• Sit while you are eating. Honor your body with the respect it deserves and make the time to sit and eat breakfast. (I mean not standing or leaning, really truly sitting!)

• Eat slowly. You don’t need to chew your food 800 times but don’t gobble it down in two bites. Take some time to eat.

• Eat without distraction. Try to eat in calm peaceful space. Don’t watch the news to get your fill of the misery in the world. Take this time to talk with your spouse or your children, to look out the window, or just not to do anything. This time is about connecting to the vital energy of the stomach which is all about who you are… you are vital, bright and beautiful!

• Eat what is in season. Follow the seasons, what this means: eat breakfast that suits your environment. Cooler and lighter foods in the spring and summer; warmer and denser foods in the fall and winter.

• Eat what you like, naturally! Instead of making this complicated simply start with simple foods and recipes. Strawberries and plain greek style yogurt, a hardboiled egg and some great home made toast. (If it comes in a box, it was probably made some where other than your kitchen!)

The post First steps to living a more natural healthy life, eat breakfast! appeared first on Greenville Natural Health Center.

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can relieve symptoms, hasten recovery and strengthen the digestive system to prevent future incidents of food poisoning, avert development of chronic immune deficiencies and increase energy levels.

Food poisoning is marked by severe diarrhea, fever, cramping, abdominal pain, flu-like symptoms, like vomiting and diarrhea. Most cases of food poisoning clear up on their own within a week without any medical assistance; however, it can take several months before bowel habits return to normal. Often the digestive system is severely weakened after a bout of food poisoning, making the infected person more susceptible to food poisoning in the future. A small number of persons with food poisoning develop an autoimmune disease called Reiter’s syndrome. It can last for months or years and can lead to chronic arthritis.

Treatment of food poisoning is rest and hydration to prevent fluid and electrolyte loss due to vomiting and diarrhea. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can be used to relieve nausea and vomiting, hasten recovery by assisting the body to eliminate the pathogen faster, and strengthen the digestive system to prevent any re-occurrences or development of a chronic immune disorder. After acute symptoms subside, acupuncture treatments focus on strengthening the digestive system and improving energy levels to bring about a full recovery.

Did you know that Ginger can help?

Ginger has been found to increase the secretion of gastric juice. In fact, ginger can be used for most digestive upsets that involve nausea, vomiting, cramping, abdominal pain, indigestion or diarrhea. This means that food is digested more quickly, creating an unfriendly environment for bacteria that could wreak havoc with your stomach and intestines. In a study published in the October 2007 issue of the American Chemical Society’s Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry*, researchers in Taiwan looked at the role of a ginger extract in blocking the toxin that causes 210 million cases of diarrhea worldwide. The toxin is produced by enterotoxigenic E. coli, which accounts for 380,000 worldwide deaths annually. The study found that zingerone, a compound in ginger, was the likely compound responsible for blocking the toxin. Whether your digestive problem is due to eating contaminated food, stomach flu, pregnancy or motion sickness, ginger is one of the most effective agents around!

Recipe:

Take a ginger root and slice 2 or 3 pieces (about 1/2 inch thick).

Put the slices in 4 to 8 oz of boiling water.

Steep for about 10 minutes.

Then drink the water!

This will help settle your stomach and provide much needed liquids!

*If you care to read more of that research study, you can click here

The post How Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine can help food poisoning appeared first on Greenville Natural Health Center.

Have you ever wondered why once it starts to get colder in the winter, we start feeling all warm inside when we smell holiday scents?

Be it the smell of baking cookies, hot chocolate, cinnamon, or blue spruce; most of us have a favorite scent!  If you enjoy a fragrance or even crave that certain smell, your body usually desires or enjoys the constituents (chemical makeup) of those oils. Therefore, if there is a scent this time of year that makes you happy, my advice – use it. Aromatherapy is well known for its potential ability to lower stress. And in my experience, even those who don’t admit to or notice stress in their lives commonly report a greater sense of lightness and evenness to their moods after a little bit of a scent is wafted under their nose.

The roots of aromatherapy can be traced back more than 3,500 years before the birth of Christ, to a time when the use of aromatics was first recorded in human history. Remember Jesus received gifts of frankincense and myrrh? Those are good old fashioned aromatherapy scents! In reality, the history of aromatherapy is inexorably linked to the development of aromatic medicine, which in the early days was itself combined with religion, mysticism and magic.

During the holiday season, many of us could benefit from stress-reduction therapies. But who has the time? If you can swing going for acupuncture this time of year, fantastic!  Regular acupuncture treatments are, in my opinion, the best way to stay healthy and mentally balanced during high-stress times. But if you, like many people, are on a tighter schedule and budget for the coming holiday season, I’ve got some simple suggestions that just might do the trick!

Pick one essential oil or essential oil blend that to you smells delish! It doesn’t really matter what scent you pick, (if you are curious to benefits of certain oils I will add that below), the most important thing is that you love that smell! Here are a couple of simple ways to use your favorite holiday scent:

1. Breathe Easy!

Put a few drops in the palm of your hand. Rub your palms together. Then cover your hands over your nose and take three long slow breaths. Et voilà, you have given yourself and aromatherapy treatment! This is one of my favorites, especially if you are feeling particularly stressed out! You can do this as many times a day as you like.

2. Something in the air!

Do you have a small crock pot around the house? You can’t go wrong with the fresh smell of spices flowing throughout your home. One of my favorite winter scents combinations is cinnamon sticks, cloves and orange peel. Another one I love is peppermint and lavender. Fill the crock pot 3/4 of the way full with water. Turn your burner to low and let the spices simmer and slowly disperse throughout your  home. You can buy spices and herbs in bulk at most health food stores.

3. Enjoy a scented bath!

Are your dogs barking from running around doing holiday shopping? Mix a few (say 10-20) drops of aromatherapy oils or those same herbs you put in the crock pot in a tub full of warm water. Soak in the bath for as long as you want to. Let go of all your troubles and just ENJOY!!!

 The great thing about using aromatherapy is that you can put that little bottle of essential oil in your purse or pocket or take that bath as often as you like! It’s inexpensive and portable! You can put in the air when you are having that holiday party to help set the mood. So when you are about to scream to great aunt Agatha for saying something like “Are you really going to wear that?” or “Are you losing your hair, dear?” for the nine hundredth time. Remember that taking a good deep breath may actually make a difference!

Clove has traditionally been used due to its relaxing effect on the nerves. Its antiseptic properties make it a useful oil to diffuse during cold and flu season. It is  stimulating and energizing. It blends well with basil, cinnamon, lavender, ginger, sandalwood and clary sage.

Cinnamon is warm and stimulating. It is used as comforting oil during the cold season. Strong antiseptic, cinnamon oil has a cleansing effect, as well as a lovely fragrance. It blends well with cloves, coriander, cardamom, frankincense, ginger, grapefruit, lavender, rosemary and thyme.

Cypress essential oil is soothing oil that eases aches, pains and coughs. With its smoky woodsy fragrance, cypress refreshes, restores and tones. Blends well with cypress bergamot, clary sage, lavender, juniper, pine, marjoram, sandalwood, Rosemary, frankincense and all the citrus oils.

Eucalyptus is fresh and stimulating oil with a penetrating scent and strong antiseptic properties. It is widely used to relieve congestion and muscle aches. Blends well thyme, lavender, lemongrass, lemon and pine.

Frankincense has been used for centuries and has a long tradition in spiritual ceremonies, the resin burnt on altars and in temples. Frankincense oil soothes, warms, and aids meditation by helping to create a spiritual atmosphere. By slowing down breathing and controlling tension, frankincense helps to focus the mind and relax the body. It blends well with sandalwood, lavender, myrrh, pine, orange, bergamot and lemon.

Myrrh has been used since ancient times as sacred incense, a perfume, and as a therapeutic agent. It has a centering, visualizing and meditative effect. Blends well with well with benzoin, frankincense, lavender, sandalwood and clove.

Orange lifts the spirits and calms the nerves. Blends well with black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, frankincense, sandalwood and vetiver.

Nutmeg is invigorating, enlivening and uplifting oil.  It’s said to help stimulate digestion, and to be useful in cases of nausea and indigestion. Blends well with black pepper, cypress, geranium, clary sage, rosemary and orange.

Peppermint is energizing! It helps to relieve both mental and physical fatigue. Blends particularly well with eucalyptus, lavender, marjoram, lemon and rosemary.

Pine stimulates, refreshes and cleanses.  It has a strong, fresh, resinous aroma and powerful antiseptic properties, making it a wonderful choice in relieving mental and physical fatigue, due to its restorative and invigorating qualities. Blends well with cedarwood, eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary and sage.

Rosemary is energizing with a strong herbaceous aroma. It helps to relieve muscle aches and combats mental fatigue.  Blends well with cedarwood, citronella, rose geranium, lavender, lemongrass and peppermint.

Spruce has a brisk fresh aroma which is useful for easing muscle aches and pains. Blends well with pine, cedarwood, lavender, and rosemary.

Vanilla is reputed to have aphrodisiac qualities and a nourishing, calming effect. Blends well with bergamot, frankincense, jasmine, lemon, mandarin, orange, patchouli, rose, sandalwood, vetiver, and ylang ylang.

Written by Dr. Marina Ponton, Greenville Natural Health Center specializes in women’s health and wellness using natural health modalities such as acupuncture, therapeutic massage, esthetics, nutrition and herbal therapy. The center integrates biomedicine (Western medicine) with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), using a holistic (mind-body) approach to health issues such as chronic fatigue, chronic pain, menopause and infertility. Located on Laurens Road in Greenville, center hours are by appointment Monday through Friday. For more information, call (864) 370-1140 or visit www.greenvillenaturalhealth.com

The post Simple Smell Good Tips For Winter Stress Relief! appeared first on Greenville Natural Health Center.

Let me begin by saying…

#1. My husband and I are doing just fine and I can still afford to buy gas.

#2. I still have my driver’s license and I don’t have a DUI.

#3. My car isn’t broken down, and if it was, we could afford to fix it.

With that said…on Tuesday October 23^rd, I decided to ride the bus to work. There were several reasons for making that decision, but the one that sold me was, I get to listen to a book, knit and NOT pay attention to traffic on the way to work. Sign me up!

The City of Simpsonville and The City of Mauldin recently added bus service via the City of Greenville’s Greenlink system. There is a bus stop one mile from my house and the final stop is 1/4 mile from my office. I am a runner, I ride my bike and do yoga, so why not add a little walking in the morning to the list!?

So how did all of this start? Here’s how. A few months back in the (Mauldin-Simpsonville) Tribune-Times, (which I recycle when I am done . . . and thanks Simpsonville for adding that back to the list of city services . . . I happily paid my $25 for that) I read an article about meetings being held in Mauldin and Simpsonville about bus service. While I was unable to make the meeting, I looked online about the proposed route. While poking around, there was a survey about bus service. I offered my input because I think it is a GREAT thing for a city to have public transportation. I’ve never lived somewhere that I could take the bus, but I always thought I would if I could. Since I finally had the opportunity, I had to put my quarters where my mouth is!

I hunted down change since I wasn’t sure if they took cash. After reading the RideGreenLink website, I did know that I had to have the exact amount so I got my $1.50 ready for the morning ride. Yes that is $3 both ways if you are adding…and gas presently is $3.29 a gallon so I’m already saving money.

I headed out the door. I drove to the bus stop this first time since I wasn’t sure of the traffic at this time of day. And I didn’t know if the bus would be on time or exactly where the bus stop is. I knew it was somewhere by Big Lots in Simpsonville, but still not sure where. I have to say I kind of felt like a kid the first day of school…waiting to ride the bus for the first time. My husband even joked with me that night if he needed to go into work late so he could stay and introduce me to Dorothy Harris the bus driver.

I did make one mistake. I pulled the cord to get off right outside my office. The driver called me up to let me know that this line wasn’t able to stop after Mauldin except for the scheduled stops. That’s too bad because there are only six other stops along the line, but ok I’ll walk. But 45 minutes later… I arrived at my final stop.

What did I learn about my bus experience? No one was smelly! Everyone was friendly. The bus was really clean! The bus drivers were really nice!  There is free WIFI!!! Only 2 bad things about my trip…no cross walk at Laurens Road and Antrim Drive to get the bus stop, and no sidewalks once you are on Antrim Drive.  So will I ride again…HECK YEAH!!

 

I was wondering what made Simpsonville and Mauldin add the bus services, so I picked up my office phone and made a few calls. I talked with Russell Hawes Simpsonville – City Administrator and asked a few questions. Did you know that the Simpsonville/Mauldin area has been identified as a fast growth area? The cities were able to tap into Federal Urban area money that Greenville wasn’t able to. Simpsonville/Mauldin didn’t have funding to have its own bus system so a partnership was formed with the Greenlink system. The cities received 1.8 million federal dollars and with that money, three buses were purchased ($330,000 each) and the rest is for operating cost etc.

 

Upon asking Mr. Hawes what he hopes that the bus will do for the Simpsonville community, he stated that he hoped it will add an alternative for people. When you don’t have public transportation, the only way to get around is by car. With the addition of the bus system, he hopes people will see that alternative. Now there are still a few bugs in the system that they are working out, but they are in the process of identifying those bugs and making the bus as efficient as possible for riders.

 

Mr. Trey Eubanks Mauldin – City Administrator echoed Simpsonville’s praise of the system. He said, “We are pleased that this additional route through Simpsonville and Mauldin will provide an alternative means of transportation for the citizens of our community as well as transportation for our workforce for our businesses and industries in our communities.”

 

The post New Bus Service Makes Commute to Work a Surprising Snap appeared first on Greenville Natural Health Center.

Stella’s Southern Bistro offers cuisine inspired by the coastal Carolinas’ and the American South. They support regional food artisans and emphasize the importance of sourcing products harvested locally.

Stella’s is a great place to unwind, for a signature cocktail at the bar, or dinner in the dining room.  The delicious cuisine is the brainchild of Chef Jason Scholz. Chef Scholz has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Bon Appetit, Southern Living & The Food Network – just to mention a few!

Our owner, Dr. Marina, and office manager, Crystal, are huge fans of Stella’s Southern Bistro, and we really appreciate how they use local products, such as Happy Cow dairy, so we had to feature Stella’s on our blog.

The post Stella’s Southern Bistro: Local Sure Tastes GOOD appeared first on Greenville Natural Health Center.

A few weeks ago, I travelled to Miami to hear Dr. Stephen Cowan talk about his new book, Fire Child, Water Child: How Understanding the Five Types of ADHD Can Help You Improve Your Child’s Self-Esteem and Attention, which was released on April 1^st (lucky me, I got an advance copy of this page turner!). In the book, Dr. Cowan opens up a frank discussion about ADHD that treats children as unique individuals in a holistic approach instead of offering a one-size-fits-all treatment plan.

This is a breakthrough book, and everyone should read it—not just parents. I don’t know about you, but when I see a movie or read a book that moves me, I want to tell everyone about it! Well, here I am doing exactly that!

Dr. Cowan is a really interesting guy, and I was as fascinated with his seminar as I was with his amazing book. He’s warm and fuzzy, yet scientifically brilliant. He’s also a pediatrician, licensed acupuncturist, and author who is a true believer in merging Eastern and Western medicine. As an alternative medicine practitioner, I love it!

After the seminar, Dr. Cowan was kind enough to let me interview him about his groundbreaking book. Read on for the inside scoop on Fire Child, Water Child:

MP: What is the message in your book?

SC: Attention is our greatest gift. But when we are insecure, we often pay attention to the things that make us feel more secure—whether it’s movement or talking or daydreaming—and there’s no time to develop the kind of “big-hearted” attention that is our inheritance.

Realizing that ADHD is a symptom, not a disease, is a radical shift in understanding the current epidemic. Simply treating symptoms is dangerous medicine because it does not get at the root of the problem. The heart of Fire Child, Water Child lies in the fact that there are five types of ADHD not one or two. Children who struggle to pay attention in certain settings are telling us something about their nature and that setting. It’s time we stop blaming the victim.

The message in this book is that parents and teachers are not the problem; they’re part of the solution. At the same time, I teach children how to empower themselves so that they are no longer victims of circumstances. This lies at the core of my approach in Fire Child, Water Child.

MP: When did you first realize you wanted to write this book?

SC: In my first years of practice I became frustrated with the one-size-fits-all medicine I had been taught. While conventional Western medicine is great at treating emergencies, I found that quick fixes simply don’t work in most of the problems I encountered in daily practice. This is particular true for neurodevelopmental problems. I felt that parents needed a more practical, yet personalized, guide to understanding their children’s strengths and challenges.

MP: How did you come up with the title of your book?

SC: The name Fire Child, Water Child is taken from the five-phase model of Chinese medicine that I adapted for my work with children. Fire and Water represent the two polar extremes of the five aspects of our nature: Fire – Wood – Earth – Metal – Water.

I also liked the title because it was a secret dedication to my two children, one a Fire child, the other a Water child.

MP: What has been the best compliment you have been given about your work?

SC: Of course, the greatest compliment comes from the parents of the children I see who have been transformed by the approach laid out in the book. When a mother or father suddenly sees their child in a new light and their hearts open to compassion, they often realize exactly what their child needs in order to grow and thrive in this world. Every time a parent thanks me for this, I am grateful for the work I am doing.

MP: Do you have any advice to give?

SC: It all boils down to this: When we honor our diversity as human beings, we empower the world. Each child has something to offer. When we discover how to transform our children’s symptoms into strengths rather than simply suppressing them, they have the opportunity to develop confidence and find fulfillment in their lives.

MP: Did you learn anything from writing your book, and what was it?

SC: I learned how to consolidate and edit the material I have collected over the years so that it is accessible and easy to use for parents. This book is not a cookbook with strict recipes. It offers many different things you can do with your children to help them find confidence and develop their attention.

MP: What dreams have been realized as the result of your writing this book?

SC: That more parents, teachers and clinicians now have access to my approach that has been road-tested over the past 20 years in my practice.

MP: If you could leave your readers with one bit of wisdom, what would you want it to be?

SC: Honor your child’s nature, and they will become your teacher.

Fire Child, Water Child: How Understanding the Five Types of ADHD Can Help You Improve Your Child’s Self-Esteem and Attention can be purchased on Barnes and Noble and on Amazon, and it’s also available as an e-book.

About Dr. Cowan: He is a fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics, a member of the AAP section on developmental disabilities, a member of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, and a clinical faculty member at New York Medical College. He has lectured internationally and currently practices in New York. Find him on Facebook.

Chime In: How do your honor YOUR child’s nature? Tell us in the comments below.

The post Dr. Marina Ponton’s Interview with Dr. Stephen Cowan, Author of Fire Child, Water Child appeared first on Greenville Natural Health Center.

Shedding pounds is tough (there’s no doubt about that)–but not impossible. There are several behavioral and other little changes you can make starting today that will add up to make a big difference in your health–and your waistline.

At last night’s Healthy Lifestyle Seminar, Dr. Marina presented 10 Tips to Lose Weight Faster. Were you unable to make it? No problem! Here’s a recap:

10 Tips to Lose Weight Faster

1. Little Changes Add Up

2. Eat the Right Carbs 

3. Don’t Skip Breakfast

Drink a glass of water when you first wake up, then start your metabolic engine first thing with a balanced breakfast!

4. Eat Often

Keep your metabolism working: Eat reasonable portions every few hours. Don’t starve between meals.

5. Follow Guidelines, Not Rules

Guidelines (e.g., lemon water with every meal and no white grains) are easier to follow than rigid rules (e.g., 400 calories at each meal with 100 calorie snacks).

6. Chew, Chew and Chew Some More

Chew to the point that your food is completely liquefied. This slows eating to create fullness and improves digestion.

7. Drink Warm Water with Lemon

Drink warm water with lemon 10-15 minutes before you eat and with every meal. It helps you feel full, hydrates you and it alkalizes your pH level.

8. Embrace Exercise

Sweating promotes movement of the lymphatic and circulatory systems

9. Consider Supplements

Consider having a nutritional consultation so you can figure out exactly what your body needs to function optimally. Supplements that work well for many people include the Mystique Patch, hemp protein powder, probiotics, digestive enzymes, DHA and Vitamin D.

10. Find Ways to Be Happy

Get fresh air, relax and have fun. Your new healthy lifestyle won’t last if you don’t enjoy it!

The post 10 Tips to Lose Weight Faster appeared first on Greenville Natural Health Center.

Always wanted a massage or facial but haven’t gotten around to scheduling these ahh-mazing services at Greenville Natural Health Center? Then you should enter to win our new Facebook giveaway!

Here are the details:

Sound good? Head on over to our Facebook page, and Like us!

Already a fan? Let your friends and family know about this awesome contest!

The post New Facebook Giveaway–Win a FREE Massage and Facial! appeared first on Greenville Natural Health Center.

10 Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Healthy Lifestyle Seminar on Tuesday, March 20 at 6pm at GNHC (FREE!)

Shedding pounds is tough. There’s no doubt about that!

From diet to exercise to behavior and everything in between, come learn 10 practical things you can do starting today to boost your chances for success!

COST - All seminars are FREE to attend! We encourage you to use the Mystique Lifestyle Patch, but it’s definitely NOT required!

LOCATION - All seminars are at Greenville Natural Health Center, located on 1901 Laurens Road in Greenville. Get directions.

WHO CAN ATTEND - Anyone can attend! You do not have to be a patient, and feel free to bring along friends and family. No RSVP is required, though you can RSVP on Facebook if you want!

WANT TO TRACK YOUR PROGRESS? - Optional: If you want us to track your weight and measurements, please arrive a little early (between 5:30 and 6:00). If you just want to hear the seminar and discussion, that’s perfectly fine, too!

ANY QUESTIONS? - If you have any questions, please contactinfo@greenvillenaturalhealth.com or (864) 370-1140.

We look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

The post 10 Tips to Lose Weight Faster–Tues, Mar. 20 at 6pm at GNHC (FREE!) appeared first on Greenville Natural Health Center.

Feta Almond Salad

Serves 2

Ingredients

• Fresh salad greens of your choice (romaine, radicchio, Italian parsley, watercress, spinach, arugula, endive, sprouts, etc.)
• Green onions
• ½ cup feta cheese
• ½ cup slivered almonds
• Olive oil
• 1 tsp. pure maple syrup

Instructions

Chop onions and feta cheese, mix together and put in the middle of the salad greens.

Sautee slivered almonds in olive oil over medium heat until almonds brown. Then, add the maple syrup, and stir.

Pour oil, almond and syrup mixture onto the feta. Let sit 5 minutes.

Toss, and then add additional toppings of your choice, such as pomegranate seeds, blueberries, strawberries, tomatoes, green peppers and cucumbers.

Serve immediately, and enjoy!

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