Greetings,

Train your Brain to Think Healthy and Taste Healthy! Create an internal strategic alliance that supports your nutrition, fitness and emotional state providing enjoyment and accomplishment each day, whether it’s at home or at work.

Part 2 of our Summer Series focuses on Healthy Eating. We meet Alesha Sevy-Kelley, Lifestyle Management Guide and Consultant for Life Ethic, Inc. By way of her unique story that stems from a busy professional life and an even busier home life, Alesha created a strategy to help others learn how simple it can be to plan for weekly nutritional success, prioritize fitness and make more time for soul food and relaxation. Her motto: “Life is too short to do it the hard way. Learn how to make it easy so you can spend more time enjoying yourself and the people you love. Be mindful of the times and places you can take an opportunity to care for yourself and your family. Mealtimes are a great place to start – after all, we do need to eat!”

In keeping with Beyond the Bridge’s philosophy to ‘Keep it Simple,’ Alesha always recommends a simple introduction. There is no better time to get better acquainted with healthier eating habits than in the Summer, with the cornucopia of local produce in our markets. A colorful, flavorful dressing packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients (powerful plant chemicals that protect our bodies from certain diseases) will brighten up a fresh plate of greens and encourage even more veggie eating. Veggies, herbs and spices help us feel better from our skin to our digestion to our mental clarity.

Here’s one of Alesha’s quick and easy recipes that is a breeze to make on a hot summer day that’s tasty and healthful! Her family loves it and you will too!

Easy Strawberry Basil Vinaigrette

• Ingredients: 1 lb freshly hulled organic strawberries, 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves,
  1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• Add all ingredients except basil leaves to blender and puree. Then add basil leaves and pulse until finely chopped but not pureed. Enjoy immediately, or after flavors have infused for a while.
• Makes approximately 2 cups
• Add your greens. Have fun experimenting with the tastes of Baby Spinach, Baby Arugula and Baby Kale – all packed with essential nutrients and vitamins.
• Preparation time: 15 minutes, Cook time: 0 minutes (Wow!), Total time: 15 minutes

Alesha suggests “Experiment preparing other healthy foods, focusing on your favorite brightly colored veggies, fruits, herbs and spices. When we are mindful of the foods that truly nourish our bodies, we develop a deeper appreciation for the ritual of preparing food, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary dining experiences.”

Alesha Sevy-Kelley lives and works in St. George, Utah. She presently is putting together her collection of recipes and health tips into an easy format. Read more about Alesha’s professional and personal story about how she joined forces as a Lifestyle Management Expert with Life Ethic, Inc.

May your days be filled with Love, Health, Happiness, Kindness and Good Food!

Breathe deeply, Walk daily and Smile!

With Love, Peace and Light,
Linda Shields, Founder