Just as we accumulate "stuff" in the form of outgrown clothes, magazines, rusty bicycles, tools and random keepsakes, our bodies also accumulate old food residues and toxins that need to be cleaned out.  To spring clean your body, give it a break from rich and complicated foods by either cleansing or fasting for a short period of time. Cleansing means paring down your food to just simple fruits and vegetables, lots of water and perhaps whole grains. Fasting means limiting most foods and drinking lots of water, fresh vegetable and fruit juices, teas and soups. Without much energy going toward digestion, more energy is available to the rest of your body and mind. Cleansing and fasting can sharpen your concentration and help you gain insight.  It can improve immune function and digestion.

With a long winter coming to an end, start spring a little early and perfect your Sangria recipe now. Watch this How to Make Sangria recipe from Summer Kitchen and don't be afraid to switch it up a little for personal taste.

Jamie Oliver speaks at TED leading up to his upcoming show on on ABC called Food Revolution. This video was originally posted by Chef John over at Food Wishes.

Yes, this seed of Mexico’s Tarahumara Indians could possibly be the world’s healthiest whole food.   They are comparable to flaxseed in brain and heart healthy omega-3’s, contain more calcium than milk, and are on par with blueberries for cancer-fighting antioxidants.

There are many ways to incorporate chia seeds into your diet.  The Tarahumara Indians of Mexico’s Copper Canyon will crush the seeds into a paste to fuel their legendary 100-mile runs; you can simply sprinkle them on foods; or Dr Wayne Coates, PhD, professor emeritus at the University of Arizona suggests a refreshing drink known as the chia fresca:

• Mix six ounces of cold water, a squirt of lemon juice, a teaspoon of chia seeds, and honey (to taste) in a glass;
• Wait a few minutes for the chia seeds to turn slightly gelatinous (similar to tapioca);
• Drink this refreshing heart healthy, cancer fighting beverage.

I would love to hear what you think, Marianne

-Adapted from R. Mount article

T Magazine calls Aspen "no stranger to food" and highlights the new restaurants for winter 2010.  This list includes Il Mulino, Gisella, Ellina, Brexi, and Syzygy.  The story also mentions Chef Michele Mazza of Il Mulino, Dena Marino of Ellina, and "Restaurant Row" located on West Hopkins.