Summer = good, good, good, Good hydration

It’s July and it’s steamy hot out there, so my first advice is obvious - Hydrate! Drink plenty of fluids.  Even if you are barely moving, you will sweat from the excessive heat and that will require constant replenishment.  You will always hear me vouch for water as the ultimate in hydration.  If you drink water and only water, your body will not need to digest anything and thus use less energy.  Other good options are water with fresh lemon or lime juice as well as iced rooibos tea, a tasty non-caffeinated option.

I will also refer you to my blog entry from last summer for some essential tips on taking care of your body in relationship to heat and sun exposure: 

Summer is here, so let us talk about the sun and you

Hoping everyone enjoys a great summer and a wonderful break, taking the time to enjoy a contrast from your usual environment and habits.  

Malibu, California

Malibu, California

 
The best six doctors anywhere
And no one can deny it
Are sunshine, water, rest, and air
Exercise and diet.
These six will gladly you attend
If only you are willing
Your mind they'll ease
Your will they'll mend
And charge you not a shilling.
- Nursery rhyme

 

Cheers to your health!

 

 

 

The herbs of Spring

Springtime brings a plethora of new foods into our market stalls.  In Spring and Summer the selection of fresh herbs is abundant, and I’m highlighting you will enjoy knowing more about.  Perhaps you’ll introduce it into your own dishes or try new recipes to savor during the next few months when this tasty herb is in full swing.  Don't forget to check out the recipe below!

Cilantro -  just like most of its green counterparts, contains a healthy dose of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants.  The seeds of this plant are known as coriander. 

Cilantro’s anti-inflammatory properties aid in arthritis and immune disorders.  The anti-oxidant aspect will help prevent aging and serious diseases.  Cilantro fights against bad cholesterol by raising the good cholesterol and keeping the bad cholesterol down.  

 cilantro leaves - watercolor by Hélène Poletti

 cilantro leaves - watercolor by Hélène Poletti

The leaves are also rich in vitamin K more than any other green herb.  This is important when it comes to the health of your bones and avoiding blood clots (ask your doctor if it works with your medication). It contains borneol, an alcohol which is believed to help prevent colds and flues by killing bacteria and viruses, even salmonella.  

Cilantro has also shown to be a detoxifier, effective in ridding the body of heavy metals (especially when combined with chlorella and garlic).  It is a good source of fiber and also aids in digestion.  It is loaded in the following health promoting minerals: iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium.

Cilantro can be bought at the grocery store or a farmer’s market, but can also be grown in a pot on a balcony, in your home and certainly in your garden.  Like all greens, opt for local and organic whenever possible.

This fresh herb has a distinct flavor that is great eaten fresh or lightly cooked, in stews, marinades (a new passion of mine), guacamole, salsa and other dips.  The following recipe is by my dear friend Anna Melloul, who is a chef and caterer, preparing delicious and healthy meals, in the corporate setting as well as in your home, in Paris.  

Hummus with cilantro pesto

Hummus mixture: in a blender                                   Cilantro pesto: in a small food processer

mix a can of garbanzo beans, drained                          chop 2 bunches of cilantro

2 tablespoons of tahini                                                   3 dried tomatoes

the juice of one lemon                                                    1-2 cloves of garlic

1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar                                     1 tablespoon of olive oil 

1-2 cloves of chopped garlic                                        1 teaspoon of pine nuts

salt, pepper and cayenne pepper to taste.             

 - Place both mixtures in the refrigerator to cool.

The hummus can be served in a bowl with the cilantro pesto on top for flavor and decoration. If you have guests and want to add a lovely presentation, Anna serves the dip in small jars (or glasses) and adds a teaspoon of the mixture on top - 3 parts hummus to 1 part pesto… simply delectable!

hummus w/ cilantro pesto - photo by Gaëtan Moisand

hummus w/ cilantro pesto - photo by Gaëtan Moisand

 

Anna Melloul is passionate about food and pleasing your taste buds, in the most healthy and festive way. I am a big fan of the unique way she prepares her dishes 'sous vide': refined, nutrient rich and made with exclusively fresh ingredients.  Anna was trained here in Paris at the prestigious Alain Ducasse school.  

Please visit her site at: http://annamel-cooking.com. 

Cheers to your health!

Summer is here, so let us talk about the sun and you

We worship the sun and yet we fear it.  It is our most potent source of Vitamin D, the vitamin which is essential for a healthy body.  We are happier when it shines and when we are under its rays, for it releases chemicals and hormones vital to healthy sleep, mood boosting and the aging process.  But for the last few decades we have been told it is also our skin’s number one enemy.  We all know we should avoid a sunburn, and here are some other tips to help you with sun care.

Progressive exposure:  Never expose yourself to the sun for long periods without protection.  Last year I started with a 20 minute exposure, increased by 10 minute per day until I made it to one hour, which became my maximum.  This could very well be too much for some of you, so know your limits. Depending on where you are in the world, the sun is at its peak between 11am-3pm.  Those are the hours that require more protection.

 If you will be in the sun for long stretches at a time, here are some things to consider:

> Clothing & accessories:  Try wearing clothing that will protect your skin, whether it be a long sleeve shirt or stronger coverage with a high UV protection garment, a hat to cover your face and sunglasses need you need them.  

> Food:  Our food offers protection from the inside-out.  Berries are seasonal and full of protective anti-oxidants.  Eating a pack of blueberries before you head out in the sun will add a protective barrier from the inside.  Choose organic whenever possible.

> Creams: Topically you have both traditional and mineral protection.  The traditional products are more controversial as they contain chemical ingredients that might be harmful in their own right.  Wait 30 minutes after application before heading out in the sun.  The mineral protection is more natural, takes effect immediately, but will need to be reapplied diligently.  In the ingredient list, look for the reflecting features of zinc and titanium oxide.  Either way, opt for the lower SPF creams and reapply frequently - this way some of the UV rays come through, enabling you to benefit from your exposure.  A total sunblock is a total block of Vitamin D production.

> Your skin can help:  When in the sun and at the sea, we often want to shower right after we come out of the water or the sandy beach.  Instead, let your skin do the work.  Your skin needs its own oils for UV protection and afterwards for the synthesis of Vitamin D.  For best results your shower should be 3 hours before or 3 hours after sun exposure, so that you ensure a more continuous protection from your own body's mechanism.  In case of redness or burn, keep aloe-vera around, to soothe and help the skin recuperate.

> Keep hydrated:  Hydration is even more essential in the warmer months.  Keep a bottle of water around at all times and drink it, don't wait until you're thirsty!  Pure water is great and if you need a little zing to make you drink more easily, try adding lemon or lime to your H2O for flavor.  Avoid sugary sodas and fruit juices that will not quench your thirst.  Keep caffeinated beverages and alcohol to a minimum as they will dehydrate you further.

Nature's summer bounty: Summertime means that your local markets will have the most abundant selection of fruits and vegetables that the sun has cajoled.  Other than red berries, have some peaches, plums or apricots, and enjoy the amazing variety of tomatoes, squash, eggplant, asparagus, peppers, fennel and green beans to name just a few.  Add some fresh herbs to your dishes giving them more pizzazz plus a boost of anti-oxidants as well as vitamins A and C.  At the moment I can't get enough of cilantro!       Summer produce makes great snacks for the home, picnics or on-the-go.  And yes, these sun-filled marvels taste great on the grill!

Activity: Be more active outdoors with the temperatures and weather cooperating.  Take extra walks, bike, hike, roller-blade, swim or go for a jog in the park.  If you are experiencing a heat wave, like the one that just took place in France, reduce your activity, stay in a cool place and increase your water intake.

Self-care: Are you taking time for yourself?  Don't underestimate the benefits of this me-time outdoors.  Close your eyes and enjoy the present moment.  Breathe deeply, listen to the sounds around you and reflect on all the good things in your life.

Cheers to your health!

Sophie DeVore

 

For consultations or questions, please reach me at my website's contact page with this link: Contact

http://www.philosophie.paris/contact-en/