Happy Christmas!!

From all of us here at Penshurst Chiropractic Centre we wish you a very Happy Christmas and a safe and healthy 2014!

We look forward to helping you meet your health goals next year!

With love,

Alisa, Chris and Terri-Ann

 

'Tis the Season!

With the Christmas season well and truly upon us, it can be easy for us to become panicked, stressed and just plain worn out at this time of year.

The role that our emotional health plays in our wellbeing cannot be underestimated. If you are stressed your body may respond with feeling tired or you may be short tempered or irritable around loved ones.

So what are some ways in which we can look after our emotional health during this busy time of year?

1.    Breathe deeply – not only does deep breathing feel good and encourages us to calm down, it increases the oxygen flow to the brain, heart and other major organs. This enables our bodies to cope with increases in stress and maintain good function during busy times. Taking a few moments throughout the day to stop and breathe deeply can help focus our attention on any muscles that may need relaxing and also stop our minds from racing.

2.    Look around – take time to notice how your mood may impact on others in your family. Perhaps your young children are showing signs of being irritable? Could it be that they are feeling the effects of your stress? Perhaps a cuddle on the lounge or a tickle fight could dispel some of the stress and keep you and the kids connected. And we all know that children are far more compliant when they are happy and relaxed! 

3.    Is it too much? – are you putting unnecessary expectations on yourself for that “perfect” Christmas? Does it really matter if the serviettes don’t exactly match the table setting? Do you need to spend hours looking for the perfect gift for Aunty Joan or would a book voucher be just as appreciated? Take time to revaluate the things that matter most to you at this time of year.

4.    Be thankful – think of the North American tradition of Thanksgiving which is traditionally used to celebrate the blessing of a bountiful harvest of the previous year. We can use this season of Christmas to look back on our year and be thankful for the blessings we have had. Perhaps you could spend some time during your family Christmas meal telling each other about those blessings and what you are looking forward to in the year ahead.

How are you handling the emotional strain of the season? Do you have any strategies that work well for you?

White Christmas

White Christmas is a treat that many of us can remember from our childhood. Sweet and tangy, it conjures up memories of being in Nanna’s kitchen, where she didn’t mind the mess you made whilst “helping” her and licking the spoon was mandatory!

The recipe for this iconic Australian slice, traditionally uses loads of sugar, imitation cherries and Copha (which is a trans-fat made from hydrogenated coconut oil with added preservatives).

We went looking for a delicious White Christmas recipe that was free from those ingredients that aren’t kind to our bodies and we found just the right one!

The lovely Bianca at www.wholefoodsimply.com has kindly let us share her tasty recipe that uses easy-to-find ingredients and the kids will love making too. Without refined sugar, preservatives, gluten or dairy, this White Christmas has the sweetness of honey and coconut and the tasty zing of goji berries.

It’s an easy treat to make as a gift, serve with coffee or even keep for yourself! J Enjoy!

 

 

1 cup desiccated coconut (most commercial brands contain a preservative so use an organic brand such as Macro from Woolworths)

1 cup raw cashews

1/2 teaspoon concentrated natural vanilla extract

1 tablespoon honey

1/4 cup goji berries

1/4 cup pistachios

Place the coconut and cashews into your blender or food processor and blend until the mixture forms a smooth paste. Gently mix in the vanilla and honey until combined. Add the berries and pistachios and pulse until chopped and combined. Press the mixture into a silicon loaf tin and put it into the fridge for several hours to set. Cut and enjoy!

 

 

 

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to our blog! We are looking forward to sharing lots of great information to help guide you towards a balanced, healthful life.

 

So, what exactly is a balanced, healthful life? Is it eating right and exercising regularly? Or keeping our emotional health in check? What about our nervous system and the part it plays in healing and function? 

 

In fact, all of these areas working together (not in isolation) is the key to living your best and most balanced life. 

 

Let's consider our nervous system comprising of our brain, spinal cord and spinal nerves. It drives our whole body; that is, our major organs, hormones, emotions, muscle function and even how our body processes nutrients. Without it, we are unable to survive. It makes sense to give it the respect and attention it requires for proper functioning. This the cornerstone of Chiropractic care.

 

Then come the elements that support our nervous system; nutrition, movement and emotional health. In the coming weeks and months we are looking forward to bringing you lots of helpful and practical information to show you ways in which you can achieve a better balance in your life, and why this is so important to your overall health.

 

We are thrilled to share our passion with you as we welcome you aboard this great journey of your best health!

The Penshurst Chiropractic Team

Visit our website at www.penshurstchiropractic.com.au to learn more about Chiropractic care.

 

Wheat Free Cheese and Olive Bread

1 cup (150g) rice flour with ½ sachet yeast

2/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

1 cup (160g) pitted black olives, chopped

75g mortadella (lean bacon can be used), chopped

4 eggs, litly beaten

80g butter, melted

Lightly grease an 8cmx26cm bar cake pan. Stir flour into bowl, add cheese, mint, pepper, olives and mortadella. Stir in eggs and butter (I use a mixer but it can be done by hand), mix until well combined. Spread mixture into a pan, bake, in moderately hot oven for 35mins or until lightly brown and cooked through. Turn onto a rack to cool.

Yum Balls

This recipe is a great, healthy alternative to traditional sugar-packed Rum Balls traditionally served at Christmas. Enjoy!


Makes about 20 balls

150g dates

100g almonds

2-4 tablespoons tahini

Desiccated coconut

Roughly combine dates and almonds in a food processor on low setting. Add 2 tablespoons of tahini and combine. Continue to add tahini in one tablespoon increments until mixture does not fall apart when pressed into balls. Form mixture into balls approximately 2 cm in diameter by rolling between palms. Roll in coconut. Chill in fridge for at least 1 hour before serving. NB. Try substituting raisins for dates and pecans for almonds.

About Us

ALISA WILLIAMS - CHIROPRACTOR

I have been in the health industry for almost 9 years. My first degree was Radiography, and although being a radiographer was an interesting job at times, I was always looking for something that made sense, something that inspired me. After personally experiencing Chiropractic care for years, I learnt that adjustments improved the structure of my spine, and that structure determined my level of function.

I soon went on to study Chiropractic so that I could help other people do the things they love in life by helping maintaining adequate function of their spine. It makes me very happy when I see people living a life they love.

I have completed further training in paediatrics, and enjoy seeing people of all ages in the practice.

I love practicing here in Penshurst, I couldn't think of anywhere I'd rather be.

With Love, 

Alisa