Healthy Bite - Cool Off this Summer with Cucumbers!

The term, "cool as a cucumber" reminds us to discover nourishment in this staple vegetable throughout the heated summer months. The cucumber, which is 95% water, acts as a refrigerant helping the body to stay cool. A cup of this sweet and refreshing food contains less than 15 calories and can be enjoyed with practically any type of salad or dip. Juicing along with other vegetables may be the easiest and smartest way to reap its maximum nutritional benefit so ask to have this added to your 'green' drink the next time you are at the juice bar. Don't forget that cucumbers may also be used as an inexpensive and 'emergency' home beauty aid. Relieve puffy, tired eyes by placing thinly sliced fresh cucumber slices on the eyes for 5-10 minutes prior to facing the world!

Refreshing Cucumber Salad

ingredients:
1 seedless cucumber
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 cup low-fat plain yogurt
1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
Pinch of cayenne pepper

Directions:
Peel the cucumber and then cut into very thin slices using a vegetable slicer or mandoline. Combine in a bowl with salt, tossing to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Drain the cucumber in a strainer, pressing out any excess liquid. Rinse and drain again to rid the cucumber of excess salt. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the lemon juice, yogurt, mint, and cayenne. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Alison Held
Alison is a graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (affiliated with Columbia University) and a Masters Degree candidate in Human Nutrition. She is certified by the Association of Drugless Practitioners and has a private practice in Fairfield County.

Alison empowers individuals to become the best version of themselves through exceptional nutrition and health counseling. With a passion for and extensive knowledge in healthy living and delicious whole foods, Alison works closely with her clients guiding them to a happier, healthier way of life. Examples of client results include optimized anti-aging protocol, strengthened immune system, lowered cholesterol, increased energy and performance, weight loss/gain, stress reduction, pain elimination and improved sleep,

Her nutritional insights, "Healthy Bite," will be featured regularly in future issues of Aetherial Living.

If you enjoy this article, or would like to know more about Alison, please drop her a comment at alison@aetheriaspa.com