Grilled Vegetables & Pesto Asparagus

Grilled Vegetables &  Pesto Asparagus

Sunday night we were invited for paella on the beach. Our neighbors brought the paella ingredients which were remarkably easy to heat in one pot in an aluminum tray holding charcoal briquettes. We brought a medley of grilled vegetables.       Grilling vegetables is so easy with our handy vegetable griller (picture shown below). We toss the vegetables in olive oil with a little salt and pepper and then into the skillet and onto the grill.      This last batch was particularly memorable. The Doc and I picked up fresh asparagus and and a jar of pesto from Trader’s Joes. The pesto was absolutely delicious on the asparagus!      The setting sun, good company, a glass of Pinot Grigio, grilled vegetables and paella was the perfect way to recharge for the busy week ahead. Vegetable Skillet for the Grill     it’s nonstick and the handle folds for easy storage. We love it!

Effective Communication

Effective Communication

 

     The other day I was chatting with my co-author about ideas for our upcoming Special Treasures website. Within 60 seconds, she looked me in the eye and gently said, “We’re not on the same page.” Wow. What a powerful, yet gentle and effective way to state a need (I don’t agree) and a vision of a goal (to be on the same page) all in one simple sentence. And she didn’t have to spend one penny from her emotional bank account! No one was made out to be right or wrong. Rather, the goal for the coversation was identified as:to be on the same page (to both understand and agree with a plan).

  Happily, within a few minutes we were able to get on the same page by clarifying our thoughts and sharing information.  

 

Can you see how this could work for you in your communications both at home and at work?

 

Here’s how:

1. Take a breath and put emotions in check.

2. Communicate your desire to reach an agreement or an understanding.

3. Determine what it would take to get “on the same page.”

4. Commit to listening for understanding and sharing important information in a positive way. 

5. Take a break if needed to stay in a positive and foward moving direction.

Having said all of that, I think I will take my own advice and use this communication tool when speaking with my teenager later!

Was this helpful? Add a comment to let me know- or to share your own effective communication tip.

 

Upcoming Events:  Free Teleseminar! “Secrets of Effective Communication” 

4/5/08 10:00-11:00am

Learn the communication strategies used by Fortune 500 companies to build great relationships in your business and personal life. Why not use the best strategies for success so that you can create a Fortune 500 Family?

4 key strategies will be presented with discussion to follow.

Presented by Michele Gentile, MA, OTR/L Certified Wellness Coach, and HumaNext Certified Critical Conversations Instructor.

 Location: The comfort of your home!

The  conference call number is (712)775-7100   

Access Code: 304492# 

Long Distance Charges may apply

To register, email me here!

Life Balance & Energy management

Life Balance and Energy Management

Against the backdrop of a rainy, blustery day, people interested in being the Creative Director of their own lives called into Michele Gentile’s free teleseminar: “The CEO of Me Inc.!- Part II- Life Balance and Energy Management” from the comfort of their homes. Michele presented tools for achieving life balance- in the form of body, mind and spirit process questions. Participants used these questions to tune into their core values and desires to identify what is needed for them to achieve greater life balance. After a short break, Michele resumed the call with special guest, Stash Serafin, a sensitive energy coach. Stash’s unique life circumstances (he’s been blind from birth) and his indomitable spirit have catalyzed his special skills in kinesthetic and energy awareness. Stash coaches world class skaters to perform with greater ease and flow and less injury. Interestingly, Stash has discovered that these same concepts can be applied to life in general so that people can live with less friction and struggle.      If you missed the call- email Michele for a link to the recorded segment with Stash Serafin.           Looking foward to seeing you on the next call, Michele

Got a PWP?

Got a PWP?

(Personalized Wellness Plan that is) What is a personalized wellness Plan? It is a customized routine or plan that supports your body, mind and spirit wellbeing. We are all inundated with information about health. The part that trips us up is implementing what we know, getting motivated to make a change, or feeling overwhelmed, constricted or bored by one size fits all health advice. A personalized wellness plan is different. It isn’t a set recipe for your life. Rather, a personalized wellness plan takes into account your interests, your taste preferences, your values, your best successes, your body type and helps you get more of what feels good to you.It is about your wellbeing, on your schedule. How do I get one? Talk to Dr. Dave or Michele about it. Dr. Dave can help you with what your body needs to feel good and Michele can help you find what your mind and spirit need to feel good. Then Michele will help you make a plan that will improve your wellbeing immediately, and set you on a path of feeling as good as you want to feel. The next time you’re in, ask the Doc or Michele about it or call the office at 631.821.4200. To Your Well Being, Michele and Dr. Dave

Spring!

It’s Spring- Get out and enjoy the earth coming out of dormancy and springing back to life!

Photo by tanakawho, Flickr “In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.” – Margaret Atwood

Fantastic Fish

Fantastic food!

Dr. Dave did it again! And this time he was teamed up with a friend. Dr. Dave and neighbor Tom Houlihan created a 6 course meal inspired by passion, creativity, good nutritional sense, and a taste for the exquisite. This month I will highlight one of the courses from the “Brews and Chews” menu, a pairing of fabulous food with a tasting of  a complementary beer or ale. This month featured: Pistachio Encrusted Halibut This flavorful, high protein entree boasted  a sensory delight of flaky white fish with a crunchy topping of crushed pistachios. This delicious experience was inspired by the fish and chips common to the British Isles, however, it was a recipe redux to eliminate unecessary fat and carbs and to pump up lean muscle building proteins. Here’s the recipe: Halibut (Fresh or Frozen) 1 lb  Shelled Pistachios 1/2 cup Olive Oil  4 Tbls Bread Crumbs  1/2 cup Thyme 1.5 tsp Black Pepper 1/2 tsp Lemon 1/2    Crush pistachios in plastic bag using meat tenderizer. Saute breadcrumds with 1tsp thyme in 3 tbls oil. Add crushed pistachios mix well, cool. Place halibut (or other white meat fish fillets) skin side down on olive oil lined try, squeeze lemon juice sprinkle thyme and black pepper. Coat with pistachio mixture. Bake in 375 degree preheated oven approx 10 minutes or until fish cooked.      This dish took less than 5 minutes to prepare/ approx 10 minutes to cook. Suggested sides dishes: steamed asparagus or brocoli, rice pilaf or cous cous. Bon appetite.      Oh, in case you are wondering, the accompanying beer was a tasting of Boddington Cream Ale. And yes, everyone did drink responsibly- it was just a tasting.      “Brews and Chews ” was such a huge success, that next time Dr. Dave and Tom will be doing it for a cause- a fundraiser for breast cancer research. Keep up the great work guys!!

Fitness- Your Way!

Fitness- Your Way!

Let’s begin by acknowledging that just about everyone knows that they should exercise. We know that working against resistance (e.g. weight training) when done properly, increases muscle mass and helps prevent osteoporosis. We know that cardio activities are good for our hearts and help to reduce stress. We all know that exercising is good and a sedentary lifestyle is not. In this information age we are on information overload.  We know what we should do. The difficulty we encounter is not with the knowing, it is with the doing. If you have trouble with the doing, then this article is for you.      So what’s in the way of your doing? No time? No interest?   Not  enough energy?  You’re a teenager at heart and really don’t want to be told what you should do? To teenagers and grownups alike- shoulds don’t feel good. They are not inspiring. They are not fun. And besides, no one should be should be shoulding all over themselves!      Maybe what is needed here is a little creativity, an ounce of passion and a heaping dose of authenticity to kick start and run a your fitness program. To get to authenticity, creativity and passion, you’ll need to ask yourself a few questions. Here are some questions to get you started. Grab a piece of paper and pencil and write out the answers: What has been your favorite experience with physical activity? (examples: Do you love the feeling of being in water, the aroma and sound of walking on pine needles, the scent of salt air along the shoreline, the warmth of the sun on your back when cycling, the freedom of dance, the grace of skating or ballet, the increased range of motion of yoga, the mind calming of tai chi?) What  are some safe physical activities that you haven’t tried, but are interested in trying? What is motivating you to think about fitness and read this article? (examples: desire to play with children or grandchildren, to embody a slimmer  image you have of yourself , to feel more energetic and alive, to get out of the house, to socialize, to try new things?) When do you have the most energy? Is morning, noon, or evening better for you to engage in physical activity? How would adding physical activities to your lifestyle enhance it? What effect would it have on your body, mind, spirit? Who else would benefit from you engaging in a physical activity of your choice?      Now that you’ve generated  your authentic answers that have a bit of passion in them because they are about YOU and YOUR interests, how can you use your creativity to put together an enjoyable, doable, sustainable, fitness routine? What is one small step that you are willing to commit to 2 x per week  for the next 2 weeks? On a willingness scale from 1-10 (10 being the most willing) how willing are you to do this tiny baby step? If it is less than 7, make your step even smaller until it is at least a 7 or, go back to your list to find other activities that that have enough passion in them to generate a score of 7.       Remember- you were born a natural athlete. Everyone is. Consider the amount of energy and drive it took you as an infant to overcome gravity to lift your head, to roll over, to crawl, to stand, to walk and to run.  No one taught you these amazing feats- you did them yourself, and if you were like the typical two year old, you had enough energy to exhaust any adult who tried to imitate your movements for a 30 minute period. It was you who accomplished all that. Now as an adult,  life may have gotten in the way of your natural born energy, exuberance and curiosity for movement. But you can recapture it now that you’ve remembered that you once had it. Now you go do it you natural born athlete!  And let Michele or the Doc know how you’re doing or how we can support you in your efforts. All the Best, Michele And Dave Gentile

A Full Body Breath

Last month in this column I highlighted the top 5 benefits of deep, relaxing, breathing. As a part-time asthmatic and full time owner of a deviated septum, I am a big fan of the deep breath- and now thanks to Lynn Zumbo, a massage therapist at Hollywood Salon in Miller Place, NY, I have experienced my first “full body breath.” I don’t know what magic Lynn used to produce this effect in my body, but I can tell you it was wonderful.  Imagine being so fully relaxed, and breathing with absolute ease, so that you feel like the breath is reaching and refreshing your entire body. Ahhh, I sigh just thinking about it.      Adding to the relaxing experience was the aromatherapy that I opted for- lemongrass- very refreshing, and the use of hot stones. Lynn tells me that the hot stones radiate heat into my achy muscles having a more relaxing effect than massage alone.      When was the last time that you had a massage? It is a wonderful form of self care- I highly recommend it. And remember, when we care for ourselves, we have a greater capacity to care for others. Until next time, be well and think massage!

Get Fresh- Ingredients that is…

Get Fresh and Feel The Passion!

When it comes to eating, using fresh ingredients and preparing food with passion can lead to better health. Pre-packaged and processed foods leave little to the imagination and do little for your body. Engaging your mind and spirit in cooking can lead to great results! Preparing delicious meals is a wonderful way of showing your love for others and respecting yourself.      Passion begins in the mind. Think of your favorite fresh fruits and fresh veggies and get creative! Here are some of our favorites: steamed asparagus drizzled with garlic sauteed in olive oil and zest of fresh lemon steamed broccoli tossed with toasted breadcrumbs and grated cheese with marinara dipping sauce zesty cauliflower mash baby greens tossed with balsamic vinegarette, chick peas, and crumbled feta cheese fresh berries on 2% Greek yogurt, with drizzled honey and pecans.      What whole grains and beans do you like? We love to saute kidney beans in olive oil, season with a dash of salt and pepper and serve them as a side dish or in a salad. Beans are also great for easy soups in the crock pot. Brown rice is  easy to make in a rice cooker and makes the house smell great. Cous cous is easy to prepare and a refreshing change.      When it comes to lean meats, what are you in the mood for? We love pork loin roasted or sliced into medallions and sauteed picata style. Flank steak is nice for grilling and then slicing into strips for salads and easy quesadillas made with whole wheat wraps and lowfat shredded cheese.      Cooking is an opportunity to let your creative genius shine. Search cookbooks or the internet for recipes that feature your favorite ingredients. Plan a few meals around these ingredients for the week. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store to keep it fresh. Try to limit the center aisles to healthy staples. When it’s time to cook, put on your favorite music and have fun! Cook with friends and family. Have a cooking party. Cook in bulk and freeze smaller portions to defrost during the week and for quick food to go.      Enhance your dining experience with music, a fresh tablecloth and your favorite platewear. Choose platewear that complements the food colors.  Experiment and enjoy! Wishing you passion in the kitchen, Dave and Michele Gentile