Every Sunday I set aside a few minutes to think about the week ahead and what I have planned and what I hope to achieve in the coming week. I create a mental list of “to-do’s”. Sometimes I am very concrete (supermarket shopping, dry cleaning, pick up pharmacy orders, remember to call the exterminator) and other moments I am deep in thought as to how I hope to be a better mom, wife, friend, daughter and clinician. This Sunday brought me to thinking about Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. I started to reflect on the past year. Wow, what a year it’s been! For me and my family the biggest part of this past year has been the college process. Our son studied, applied and was accepted to The University of Michigan. And off he went. This new beginning is exciting and filled with lots of emotions as the next chapter of our family life begins. We will visit and he will come back- that I am sure of. While we are not perfect (what family is?), we are bonded by traditions that are filled with love. So, it’s only natural for me to associate the this time with the beginning of this new year. As a therapist and a nutritionist I think about the foods that we eat on this holiday. In particular apples and honey. The apples that I buy are both a bit sweet and tart. And the honey is always sweet. A metaphor of life. This combination is just right. It’s all about a balance. Many of my clients are a bit afraid of the holidays and this one is no different. The foods are rich and the wine is plentiful. I work with them to help them eat in moderation and to enjoy their company that they are sharing the meals with. In my mind, and what I try to practice and teach is that while the foods are good and should be enjoyed, it is the company with whom we share the holiday meal with that is far more significant than what is put on our plate. All of this being said, if you click on here you will find a delicious apple recipe that is easy to prepare and healthy!
Wishing you and yours a happy healthy sweet year!