Salon M

Posted on August 21, 2012 by Cathy Silver
Chere hard at work on my hair!

The Salon is in Coconut Grove.
3098 Fuller St.
Miami, FL 33133

Darkening roots, unmanageable hair. It was time once again to see my friend and very talented hairstylist, Chere, extraordinaire. In spite of close to gridlock traffic surrounding the ever continuing road construction (sigh) and the hour+ drive south, I was excited to have my hair coiffed, shaped and highlighted. Once revitalization was complete, I always felt like a million dollars; sexy and ready to take on the world. Bouncing into the salon late from the snarled freeway mess, Chere was already hard at work with her first client. I kissed her on the cheek, hello.
“I found a gym, I am spinning” she gushed, excited as her face formed a big smile. Instinctively, I congratulated her and smiled back. I want to hear all about your new gym I said, as she pointed for me to don the familiar black salon smock in preparation.
Settling in to her chair we chatted, catching up on our lives and how things had been going since my last visit months before.
You know, I am exercising because of you she beamed. Me, I said? Your example and your enthusiasm, she mused. I was speechless for a moment. Yes, I reflected.
Many times I had encouraged her to workout; she knew the benefits. For me my daily workout is a lifestyle choice; brushing my teeth is another. When I miss a day, there is something lost–and I guess I showed up that way each time I sat in her chair. My motto: lead by example.
It was a terrific day, but what pleased me most was Chere’s commitment to herself, and her own well-being. She seemed happier, more energetic and slimmer. I felt good as I headed to find my car. The gym is a tough leap sometimes, and it takes commitment, but she had done it! We both felt good. As I pulled out of the parking lot I thought, Chere, “You Rock; Keep up the good work!”

Be Well,
Cathy

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The “NEW” Emergency Broadcast System Message

Posted on August 13, 2012 by Cathy Silver

Quick Healthy BreakfastI am not sure when the alerts stopped; that awareness just occurred to me yesterday as I headed south on I-95. (Another driving moment.) A distant and faint memory; one that many will be unfamiliar with in 2012. Growing up, television stations/networks were required periodically to stop all programming and for about 30 seconds, as I recall, give a cautionary loud auditory warning signal which was followed by the unforgettable directive: This is only a test. If this had been a real emergency . . .

Today, we have a real emergency, and it has nothing to do with the Russians, Iranians or China. It is ours alone.

As a population, we are “overweight and obese “. The food guidelines that have been offered up are wrought with special interests, greed and dishonesty. The primary purpose of these guidelines is to provide the public with information on what to eat, but sadly we are instead influenced by catchy slogans and slick advertising campaigns. America’s food consumption is lagging behind the USDA’s recommendations. Our nation spends about 3.8 trillion dollars on its annual budget and spends absolutely nothing promoting the food guidelines or healthy eating. When was the last time you saw an ad suggesting we eat vegetables or exercise? Ask your child, where a carrot comes from; the first comment probably won’t be from the ground! Isn’t it time to wonder why a wealthy country that has reached pandemic weight and obesity issues refuses to budget funds to begin campaigns of “eating awareness” to its children–or to those who feed them? “We are what we eat”–right? What can I do today?
First, the red alert:
1.) Avoid anything with Trans-fat. They are simply a metabolic poison. Check at labels.
2.) Avoid Soda pop. Period. There is nothing healthy about this beverage, “diet”or not.
3.) Choose your carbohydrates carefully. There are better cereals than corn flakes, Lucky Charms or Trix and alternatives to fat-free sauces, orange juice. Low fat yogurt is misleading; skip it. Baked potatoes and fat-free cake also lead to weight gain. Foods like these have a high glycemic index because they are rapidly absorbed. Better choices will not give a sudden spike and then the all too familiar blood sugar crash which sends us all running for something else to eat to quiet those pangs of hunger. Instead try Kasha, quinoa, or steel-cut oats. Try fresh lemon and olive oil. A whole fresh grapefruit or apple. Skip the dairy all together. Sweet potatoes are a better alternative, and if you really need the cake, have a small slice of the real thing–or natures gift, a fresh seasonal fruit selection. And, FYI, the mango’s have been heavenly this year!

An excuse of “not enough time” is only resistance. Ask yourself, “what am I committed to?”

For a fast, healthy breakfast that you can take with you in the car, try making a green shake. It will take you less time to make and clean up than going through the drive through. This is something that really “does a body good”! Try this for a week, and see how you feel. 🙂

Make your internal guidance your Emergency broadcast system. Imagine the new directive: the green challenge. How many veggies did you eat today?
Be Well!

Delicious Green Shake!

  • In Vitamix, place all ingredients, blend and enjoy the benefits of health and vitality!

2-3 generous handfuls of baby organic spinach

2-4 leaves of organic kale.  (I use the leaves and save the big stems for my green juice.)

A big handful of fresh organic sunflower sprouts

1 ripe avocado scooped and placed in blender (The seed has more phytonutrients than the actual ‘fruit’-feel free to add it to your shake.  The Vitamix will easily incorporate it into the shake!)

1 ripe banana (Option: I like to freeze mine and just break them into 2-3 pieces.  Peel before freezing and put them into a zip lock bag.)

1-2 scoops  “live” organic powdered greens and reds

(Optional) scoop of organic protein powder—such as Sun Warrior or GreenOrganicsInternational

Udo’s Oil  3-6-9 to taste

Blend, pour and Go!

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The Bike Ride

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Cathy Silver
Soaked to the bone after the Rain Storm but feeling good from the Ride

Exercise–does a body good!

I climbed aboard the spare bicycle I was borrowing.   It took me a minute to get used to the seat, handle bars and gear set.  It reminded me of climbing onto a new horse, rider and horse each taking a minute to settle into a safe familiar rhythm. I looked around mindful of cars and potholes, legs pushing the peddles forward and off down the sidewalk we rode.

And so it was that my friend Richard and I set out yesterday on a bike ride, despite the predictably hot humid July summer day.  Our destination:  Chocolada Bakery & Cafe in old Hollywood.

In spite of the 90+ degree temperature predicated by the morning meteorologist, the unexpected breeze was cooling and felt wonderful against my face as I peddled along, weaving in and out of sidewalks and the thinly white-painted designated bike lane.   To my surprise, this ride had transported me back to a childlike feeling;  I rode along in utter joy and glee. I am not sure if it was the exercise, fresh air or sunshine that sparked my amusement and good humor, but the carefree feeling was liberating.

The simple idea to ride had arisen as a healthier and greener alternative to get something to eat–instead of the instinctual, mundane and expected vehicle of choice: the car.

Our leisurely lunch was delightful, catching up, the way old friends do, touching on conventional topics and concerns that affect our lives. I was grateful that my Saturdays allowed time for such connection.  In the end, the simple things mean the most and Saturdays were the perfect time for such indulgences.

Returning home, we retraced our path. The usual cast of humanity showed their character. It was nothing I should take personally, I reassured myself, when impatience or anger spilled out like a  bucket of hot molten black tar towards others on the road; this included us.   I always appreciated the courteous drivers best.

Almost back to our starting point,  we were suddenly beset by a tropical torrential downpour–the kind south Florida knows so well. The usual feeling  of panic was absent.  Richard and I rode on.  Within minutes we were both soaked to the bone.  My sunglasses becoming useless as the rain beat upon the lenses; then fogging the way ski goggles do in the mountains. I removed them. Unprotected by metal and glass, my senses took in the wet grass, and sensual smells of the blooming foliage.  The warm steam and heat rising off the sidewalk.  Novel and refreshing the childlike feeling overcame us both, what fun to be soaked, riding along lighthearted and untroubled enjoying the moment. This day had been a gift.

Bike riding is for young and “old” alike; there are no age limits.  The only thing required is a positive attitude!  It is multi-generational. Timeless.  Maybe you and your family or friends could plan your adventure? Bike rentals are a good way to test the waters and many cities now have bikes for rent!

The benefits of exercise:

1.  Weight Control
2. Health/Disease Conditions
3. Moods Improve
4. Boosts Energy
5. Better Sleep
6. Brings sparkle back into Sex life
7. Exercise  is Fun

Source: Mayo clinic

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