The time of change is certainly upon us. Led by the recent presidential election as well as in our own personal lives, change of varying degrees is in the air. Though change is not always easy and often uncomfortable, it's also the only constant in life.

A good part of our health and the degree of enjoyment we experience is directly dependent on how accepting of change we are. Often we don't want change to happen because we are fearful of the unknown even if we aren't completely happy with the circumstances of our lives. We choose to keep it the same - almost accepting mediocrity - because what we know is "comfortable," and what we don't, is not.

Life, however, keeps marching on - comfortable or not; it forces us to move and as a result, to grow. Think of a baby ready to be born. When the time is right, the body initiates the birth. No matter how safe and comfortable the womb, the force of life moves us through into a new world and a new way of being. In the moment it isn't comfortable - it may even be painful - but a new experience awaits us with excitement!

The holidays are a time of symbolic rebirth. Let's be open to the change and let's be curious instead of fearful. With change comes a gift... but only if you're open to receiving it! Healthy Holidays to you!

Lisa Brisse & the State of the Heart Staff
Note: Please check out Lisa's blog for more news & thoughts

In honor of the holiday season, let's remember the greatest gift of all... the gift of our presence... to each other and to ourselves.

Here's a thought shared by the late George Carlin...

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life, not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

Remember... spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember... say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. And always REMEMBER... Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Bulgur Stuffing with Dried Cranberries & Hazelnuts

For a change of pace from traditional bread stuffing, try this elegant, nutty-tasting pilaf, which features quick-cooking whole-grain bulgur. Its low calorie, high fiber, low sodium, low saturated fat, & heart healthy!

Makes 10 servings, 3/4 cup each
ACTIVE TIME: 40 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 40 minutes
EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
3 cups chopped onions (2 large)
1 cup chopped celery (2-3 stalks)
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
2 cups bulgur, rinsed (see Ingredient note)
3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
2/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup orange juice
2/3 cup chopped hazelnuts (2 ounces)
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
Freshly ground pepper to taste

1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and celery; cook, stirring often, until softened, 5 to 8 minutes. Add garlic, cinnamon and allspice; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add bulgur and stir for a few seconds. Add broth, bay leaf and salt; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until the bulgur is tender and liquid has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, combine dried cranberries and orange juice in a small microwave-safe bowl. Cover with vented plastic wrap and microwave on high for 2 minutes. (Alternatively, bring dried cranberries and orange juice
to a simmer in a small saucepan on the stovetop and remove from heat.) Set aside to plump.

3. Toast hazelnuts in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until light golden and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. When the bulgur is ready, discard the bay leaf. Add the cranberries, toasted hazelnuts, parsley and pepper; fluff with a fork.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 210 calories; 7 g fat (1 g sat, 5 g mono); 1 mg cholesterol; 35 g carbohydrate; 6 g protein; 7 g fiber; 105 mg sodium. Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (27% daily value), Magnesium (16% dv).

TIP: Ingredient note: Fiber-rich bulgur is made from whole-wheat kernels that are precooked, dried and cracked. Virtually a whole-grain convenience food, bulgur cooks in less than 20 minutes and can be found in health-food stores and some large supermarkets! Enjoy!

bring toys for the kids &
participate in our "health & fitness" raffle
lots of great prizes!

kudos to clients: marty connell

When Marty first came to State of the Heart Fitness in early September, he was just trying to get back into the exercise habit. In addition to working with Kim 3 days a week, he is also a participant of UCLA's weight loss program http://rfoweightloss.med.ucla.edu.

He revealed that he used to be a runner, which prompted making the goal of running a 5K before the end of the year. While starting off just walking on the treadmill, the walking soon turned into interval jogging. With Kim's encouragement, Marty enlisted his sister to sign him up for a Turkey Trot in Houston, Texas. To his surprise, he learned that the run was not a 5K (3.2 miles) but a 5 mile run! We are happy to announce that Marty completed the whole 5 miles!! In addition to getting back into the running habit, Marty has also lost 50 lbs since joining State of the Heart Fitness.

Congratulations, Marty, on your accomplishments!

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