Dolkar Wellness & Longevity: YOU ARE BIGGER THAN YOUR PROBLEMS

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

YOU ARE BIGGER THAN YOUR PROBLEMS

Without a doubt, times are tough right now….the economy is on a rollercoaster and the negative effects on your body and mind, including stress, tension, anxiety, depression, weakened immunity, and illness are running rampant. You may be nervous about your future because your retirement accounts have lost value. Or maybe you're concerned about your income or job security. There are definitely a lot of worries that can cause a great deal of

heartache and physical trauma right now. That’s why it is crucial to focus on the good aspects of our lives – our health and our relationships. I won’t allow the state of the economy to affect my health and happiness. So join me….here are some things you can do to combat the negative forces at play right now:

1. Make sure you sleep soundly at night. Anxiety can lead to depression – which can lead to sleep disturbances, and without enough sleep, your body and immune system can't function properly. To help you relax and fall asleep take 1-1.5 mg of melatonin each evening about two hours before bedtime. You’ll sleep like a baby!

2. Boost your energy reserves. If you're feeling worn out, take these nutrients: 250 mcg of vitamin B12 a day, 250 mg of L-tyrosine a day, and/or 1,000 mg of L-carnitine a day in divided doses.

3. Build resistance to illness. Stress can lead to weakened immunity, therefore making you vulnerable to colds, sinus infections, the flu, and other illnesses. You are better off boosting your resistance. To do this take a high-quality multinutrient along with mineral-buffered vitamin C (1-2 grams in divided doses).

4. Reduce stress by exercising. Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce stress-not to mention lose weight and improve your overall health. I recommend going for an hour-long walk every day outdoors in the fresh air. While walking, take your mind off your worries and instead, focus on your breathing and enjoy your surroundings.

5. Stay positive. I know that having a positive attitude can be tough, especially when everything you hear in the news is negative. So turn off the news....and keep in mind, maintaining a positive belief system is crucial in creating your own reality. Try to identify at least one positive thing every day that you are greatful for.

REMEMBER: You are so much bigger than your problems....don't let them pull you down.

Love and Blessings.....Dolkar

ROASTED PEAR-BUTTERNUT SOUP WITH CRUMBLED STILTON

Ingredients:
2 each ripe pears , peeled, quartered and cored
2 pounds butternut squash , peeled, seeded and cut into 2-inch chunks
2 each medium tomatoes , cored and quartered
1 large leek , pale green and white parts only, halved lengthwise, sliced and washed thoroughly
2 cloves garlic , crushed
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt , divided
Freshly ground pepper to taste
4 cups vegetable broth or shitaki mushroom
seasoning, divided
2/3 cup crumbled Stilton or other blue-veined cheese
1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh chives or scallion
greens

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Combine pears, squash, tomatoes, leek, garlic, oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper in a large bowl; toss to coat. Spread evenly on a large rimmed baking sheet. Roast,
stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, 40 to 55 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Place half the vegetables and 2 cups broth in a blender; puree until smooth. Transfer to a large saucepan. Puree the remaining vegetables and 2 cups broth. Add to the pan and stir in the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook the soup over medium-low heat, stirring, until hot, about 10 minutes. Divide among 6 bowls and garnish with cheese and chives (or scallion greens).