Tanya’s weekly insight: It’s time for you to take a break, relax and enjoy

The time has come to kick back and take some much needed R&R. This week at the centre I have been helping my clients put together their plan for staying healthy over the holidays. This has included gentle walking; afternoon kips, and light dinners. I encourage you to write your own plan and stick to it. Your body and mind need a rest; this is the time for repairing, regrouping, and setting goals for 2012.

I would like to thank all of Strive’s clients and supporters for their help throughout the year. Without you Strive would not be living its purpose to help those who want to be helped through diet and exercise lead healthier lifestyles. Enjoy, and the blog will be back on 13 January 2012.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.

Practical exercise of the week: Reach and bend

Taking a deep breath in stretch your arms over your head and stand on your tippy toes.

Breathing out, bend and touch your toes. Do this 10 times. A great exercise if you are feeling stressed.

Product of the Week: Activated charcoal tablets
If you over indulge this festive season and find you are bloated and have uncomfortable gas then charcoal tablets are great for easing discomfort. Available from all pharmacies.

More information at http://www.prescriptiondrug-info.com/Discuss/activated-charcoal-tablets-165413.htm

Recipe: Vanilla ice cream

3 eggs, with the egg whites and yolks separated
1/2 cup honey
4 cups light cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1. In a medium size bowl beat the yolks until smooth. Gradually add honey, beating until well blended and thick. In a separate small bowl beat the egg whites until stiff, stir beaten whites in with the yolk and honey.
2. Then add the cream and egg mixture together in a saucepan, cook on medium heat, stirring constantly for 15 minutes.
3. Stir in vanilla extract, and either process in an ice cream maker or just freeze in a bucket container overnight, stirring the ice cream every few hours at first and then allowing the ice cream to freeze on its own.

Serve with an ice cream scoop. This ice cream is rich, creamy, natural, and very healthy. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.

http://www.aussiecooking.com.au/articles/icecream.html#ixzz1h8UvU387