September is the time to do a body MOT

Hello there...

It’s been a slow start, but this summer was fabulous. I returned from my holiday to Hong Kong wonderfully recharged and refreshed, and London was basking in its post-Games glow. The Indian summer came as promised, what a delight it was to feel the warmth of the sun. For many people summer is the easiest time to be healthy, either through food or exercise, so carry on the good work through September!

Easy ways to eat more vegetables every day

We all know that we should be eating our five-a-day of fruit and veg, and in fact, why stop at five portions? Go for ten! If forced to make a choice, I admit I prefer vegetables over fruit. After my first tentative stab at a Brussels sprout eight years ago I stockpile them when they’re in season. Nothing beats a grilled aubergine topped with feta cheese and the crunchy butteriness of kai lan and choi sum are so moreish.

Throw anything at a pasta bake: broccoli, cauliflower, aubergine, onions, leeks, it doesn’t matter, it will be delicious. A simple vegetable stir-fry with mushrooms, greens and eggs is fantastic with some warmed-up tomatoes. Stews are ever so accommodating since you can keep adding to it. I rarely finish my stews in one go, and leftover-reheated stew with new carrots and leeks cannot be beat on a winter’s day. Instead of crusty bread or potatoes, have it with more vegetables: spinach, Brussels sprouts, kale, beetroot or cabbage.

A horrible experience with broccoli and a juicer means that I’m not terribly enthusiastic about drinking my vegetables - carrot juice is about as far as it goes, and even then why not just crunch on an actual carrot? Avocadoes and watercress never let you down, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner or a midnight snack. Lettuce (gem, romaine or just plain leafy) make for great “bases”. I have it with my smoked salmon and eggs in the morning in lieu of a muffin or toast. Try it as a wrap or with your mince: instead of pasta spoon the cooked mince into little “shells” of lettuce.

There are some lazy nights when we come home late and just want to flop into a chair. That’s when the handful of salad leaves are so handy. Even if it’s an incredibly lazy evening and pizza is on the cards, I still throw on top any leaves we have in the fridge. You can use rocket to make it feel more authentic, but I think mine is just as fanciful with the glorious purple and green and white colours.

If you enjoyed this, then be sure to visit the blog The Happy Acupuncturist to read more articles, tips and health news.

Grab some sunshine when you get the chance

It's typical that the weather is a bit rubbish around bank holidays, but a lack of vitamin D means much more than rickets. A Danish study adds to a growing body of evidence that the paucity of sunlight in the UK for most of the year not only makes us miserable, but could actually be doing us harm. Read more here.

I wrote this a while ago, but it’s worth taking a look at every year. Autumn is on its way, here are some things you can start doing in September to prepare your body for the rest of the year. Read more here.

Reviews and Views

Spotted in August:
Your Marylebone Magazine - my cosmetic facial acupuncture treatment at Gielly Green.

Other news:

I have been further studying and perfecting my acupuncture skills in the areas of pain relief and pain management. I’m pleased to say my clients have all benefited greatly and most see a great improvement in their conditions during the time frame discussed in their treatment plan. So if you know anyone who is suffering from pain or discomfort, due to an injury, trauma or without any apparent reason, tell them to get in touch and see if I can help.
http://pointspace.co.uk/contact.php

And finally...

Here’s a lovely proverb: “The body heals with play, the mind heals with laughter and the spirit heals with joy.”