The Left and the Right Brain...


Food for Thought


“I am a scientist. A mathematician. I love the familiar. I categorise. I am accurate. Linear. Analytical. Strategic. I am practical. Always in control. A master of words and language. Realistic. I calculate equations and play with numbers. I am order. I am logic. I know exactly who I am. I am the left brain”






“I am creative. A free spirit. I am passion. Yearning. Sensuality. I am the sound of roaring laughter. I am taste. The feeling of sand beneath bare feet. I am movement. Vivid colours. I am the urge to paint on an empty canvas. I am boundless imagination. Art. Poetry. I sense. I feel. I am everything I wanted to be. I am the right brain”

Just as the brain represents two sides of control, we can interrelates this to Yin and Yang. Thinking from both a scientific and intuitive manner can offer a more holistic perception to health, relationships and life. If you are dominated by one side of the brain, then today try something new! Bring balance into your life. If you are left side dominated search for something unfamiliar to yourself. If you are right side dominated perhaps bring some more clarity and structure that can make you progress in your dreams and aspirations. 

It will offer you personal growth, excitement, you will learn new values and see things in different and clearer perspective. It doesn't have to be a big shift, but you could introduce a new food you have not eaten before, try that Tai Chi or yoga class you have wanted for so long, buy a blank canvas to paint, sign up to the gym, quit smoking, eat 1 piece of fruit per day, start writing a journal, take your partner for a random date....you get the idea. Make a positive influence to your surroundings that you will benefit from. 




Written by Sandi Louise Ross N.D

Naturopath, Nutrition, Acupuncture at the Niraamaya Centre Thailand





Quinoa Sushi

Quinoa Sushi in under 30 minutes

This South American superfood has had the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) officially declare that 2013 be recognized as "The International Year of the Quinoa". So why not join all the fuss and enjoy your favorite "carb" filled meals by replacing the refined sugar content with Quinoa. 

The benefits of Quinoa are only just starting to be discovered by research. Quinoa is one of the few complete protein grains rich in antioxidants, phytonutrients, polysaccharides, flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol and small amounts of omega 3 fatty acids. Quinoa also contains the amino acid Tryptophan that is a precursor to the "happy" neurotransmitter Serotonin.

This grain is suitable for diabetics, PCOS women, insulin resistance (pre-diabetic), weight loss and wellness as it wont impact your blood sugar levels the same as white rice sushi will.

Quinoa Sushi

Ingrediants

1 cup of organic Quinoa
1 large cucumber
1 packet of Nori sheets
50 grams of smoked tuna/salmon or boiled egg

Method

Step 1. Cooking Quinoa. Add one cup Quinoa to two cups water in a saucepan. After the mixture is brought to a boil, reduce the heat to simmer and cover (around 15 minutes). If Quinoa looks dry, you can add 1/2 more water, so it sticks nicely. Let cool for 20 minutes.

Step 2. While Quinoa is cooking prepare your fillings. Slice Cucumber into strips. Slice Tuna/salmon into small pieces. If using eggs, boil and mash. 

Step 3. Place a sheet of Nori onto a bread board or sushi mat if you have one. Add Quinoa evenly over the Nori leaving 1 inch free at the top of the sheet uncovered (as the quinoa will spread when you roll it).

Step 4. Place fillings 2 inches from the bottom of the sheet in a straight line. I put the Tuna first sitting the Cucumber on-top.

Step 5. Roll. Starting from the bottom, roll the nori up. When it is rolled to the top, leave it on the bread bored to set (other wise it breaks when you move or cut it). 

Step 6. After 10 minutes of the rolls sitting, slice into desired sizes with a serrated knife. Serve with tamari, vinegar or side with a salad or miso soup. Enjoy!!!





Written by Sandi Louise Ross. 
Naturopath, Nutritionist, Acupuncturist at The Niraamaya Centre, Thailand