June 2009

Why We Need Alternatives

Boston is known to have some of the most prestigious medical research institutions, hospitals, and biotech companies anywhere. People from around the globe often fly here when they need serious medical attention. So why would anyone seek out alternative healthcare in a town with the best conventional options?

Although conventional medicine can literally be life-saving, it does have its limits. Many "Western" health problems appear to be triggered by the hazards of our industrialized lifestyles, such as toxic overload from exposure to chemicals, undernourishment from modern diets, and stress from overwork. The traditionally-based practices of alternative healthcare might be particularly effective in counteracting many of these modern health threats.

Fortunately for us, Boston is a rich environment for anyone seeking alternative health and wellness services. Now we have an online resource center that brings together the hundreds of local practitioners, classes, and events so that we can see what our options are, share our experiences, learn from one another, and make more informed choices.

Highlighted Events

Holistic Movie Night - Healing Cancer from the Inside Out

Friday June 5, 2009
Siura Wellness Group

Come watch the film Healing Cancer from Inside Out, a documentary about recovering from cancer through diet. The movie is divided into two parts. Part 1: "Curing Cancer" deals with the failings of conventional cancer treatments. Part 2: "Healing Cancer" shows how cancer can be successfully healed with dietary treatments and natural supplementation. Pre-registration is required. Admission: $5.50 Read more details >>

Related resources:

DVDs
The Joy of Nutrition	Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days
Books
Healing Cancer from the Inside Out	The China Study

Cooking Class - "Local Greens, Edible Weeds, and Herbs"

Saturday June 13, 2009
Boston Vegetarian Society

Join The Boston Vegetarian Society for its next vegan cooking class and full dinner with vegetarian cookbook author, Chef Didi Emmons! Learn to use less common, but locally available greens, weeds, and herbs to bring powerhouse micro-nutrients into your diet in delicious ways. Read more details >>

Farmers' Markets

Siena Farm's Stall at the Copley Square Market

The season for local Farmers' Markets has begun. There's a market for every day of the week. Find a Farmers' Market near you. >>

Recipes

It can be tricky to find the balance between following our instincts and following expert opinion. We will offer suggestions from various schools of thought that you can consider and try as you navigate through this complex issue.

In each newsletter, we'll offer a recipe that addresses a particular dietary need or nutritional theory, including macrobiotic, raw food, Weston A. Price, dairy-free, and gluten-free recipes. For this newsletter, it's gluten-free muffins.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Muffins

We offered some cute mini chocolate muffins to the people we met at the last Holistic Health Expo given by The Center for Balance. We were a little concerned about offering such sweets at a health conference, but pleased by how enthusiastic people were to discover this delicious gluten-free option. Here's the recipe, as promised:

• 1 cup tapioca flour
• 3/4 cup brown rice flour
• 1/4 cup almond meal
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 8 Tablespoons butter
• 3/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 eggs (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 bananas
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)



Vegan Variation

• use coconut oil instead of butter
• leave the eggs out

Mix the dry ingredients: Mix the flours, almond meal, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder in a bowl.

Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mash the butter with a fork. Then mash the sugar into the butter, a little at a time. Mix in mashed bananas, beaten eggs and vanilla.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix in chocolate chips, if you like.

Pour into a greased muffin tin. Bake at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes until done. Makes about 6 muffins.

Highlighted Discounts

Savings on Programs and
Getaways in the Berkshires

Kushi Institute
Becket, MA

Kushi Institute is a macrobiotic cooking school. Health programs, short-term classes, workshops, and retreats are also offered.

$65/night Getaway, Including Meals
In addition to the health and cooking programs, you can go to Kushi Institute just to stay and relax for $65/night, including meals. This offer is valid for any night, except for during the Way to Health program (see below).

$900 Off "Way to Health" Program
Currently, Kushi Institute is offering a $900 discount on its week-long Way to Health program where participants learn how to implement a macrobiotic plan into their lives. This program takes place one week each month. Upcoming dates are as follows:

• June 7 to June 13
• July 19 to July 25
• August 9 to August 15
• September 13 to September 19
• October 11 to October 17