Editor's Note: GeoClan welcomes back Mariama J. Jeihani - Murungi. One of our original contributors, Mrs. Jeihani - Murungi will share her health advice on a regular basis and her content will make you want to take a step towards changing your lifestyle. 

I like to think of summer as the season of contradictions. On one hand we make vows to uphold the practice of habits that enabled us to create the looks we desired. Now on the other hand this a time infamous for lavishly catered affairs, in which we come together to kick back and enjoy ourselves. Whether it is a family reunion or a getaway vacation, we are constantly faced with the challenge of finding a happy medium between being health conscious and the pleasures of our past.

Why have such a hard time finding enjoyment in our new healthful tips? It is like we see all the food on the buffets and lose our minds; putting the regimes that we worked so hard at maintaining aside in order to "have a good time." And of course there's the all-time favorite excuse that I am "just going to cheat today and get back on tomorrow." Then tomorrow comes, and another day goes by and another until we fall off completely. We must change this cycle in order to ensure a healthy future because today, critical illnesses are as prevalent as the common cold.

In order to arm ourselves properly, we must take time to evaluate why we use the "here today, gone tomorrow" approach to healthful living. Usually when introducing new food and lifestyle habits, we limit ourselves that we almost seem deprived of any pleasures. While that method may work for some to give them the necessary discipline, it can work against others. For many this routine has lead to declining ambition and will power, frequent binging, and erupting emotions.

Some of us have an emotional connection to the choices that plague us. Whether it is for comfort or as a means to escape the issue for a moment, the effect is still the same- the unwillingness to change. You may try to break free from the burden it creates, however, but as long as the issue still persists and is not addressed, it will become harder to release the negative influence from your life.

Changing your lifestyle habits does not have to be a task of torture. Do things at your own pace, even if it takes you longer than anticipated. Not only will the transition be less stressful, you will find that you and your body can do more than you gave it credit for. Also, if you feel that you have to have something, either cut-down to eliminate or find a healthful substitute that will provide the same satisfaction. Over time you will lose the taste for it because you have not been denied the experience

Lastly, find yourself a creative outlet to release emotional stress during this transformational period. Whether it is writing a journal, aerobic or artistic activity or a personal health counselor, this will be a great asset to you. It will allow you to get out all the things that are hindrances to your progress, as well as serve as a chart to measure your success.

Making change in life is not an easy thing to do, especially with habits that have been deep rooted since childhood. But as we grow up, our conditions mature and so should our way of living. With hard work and dedication, there is no limit to the amount of things that one can accomplish. You have to want to make the necessary adjustments and believe that you can achieve them. Remember, life does not take any breaks and neither should your standard of living, so never sacrifice yourself for the sake of success!

Below are some easy recipes that you can enjoy yourself or share with others at the next get-together:

Crunchy Vegetable Slaw

Serves 4-6

This slaw is great by itself or on top of fresh salad greens

5 stalks of Bok Choy

1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

1 Granny Smith apple, sliced

1/2 cup of alfalfa spouts (optional)

Dressing:

1-teaspoon ground coriander

1-teaspoon Dijon mustard

2-tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)

1/4 cup olive oil

2-teaspoons honey or brown rice syrup

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a bowl toss bok choy, onion, apple and sprouts.
2. In a separate bowl mix together the dressing ingredients.
3. Pour the desired amount of dressing over the slaw mixture and serve

Note: If not eating immediately chill slaw for up to one hour and then add apples and dressing just before eating.

Variations:

-Use cabbage instead of bok choy

-Use carrot slices instead of onion

-Add fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, mint or scallions

-Double the dressing ingredients and use remaining on leftover grains

Herbal Quinoa Salad

Serves 4-6

Quinoa is a great grain that helps maintain energy with less digestive stress than rice

Ingredients:

1-1ž2 cups dry quinoa

3 cups of distilled water (spring is ok)

1-teaspoon salt

3-tablespoons fresh lemon juice

6-tablespoons olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced

1ž2 cup parsley, finely chopped

1-tablespoon each fresh thyme & marjoram, chopped

1 medium cucumber, chopped small (peel if skin is bitter)

2 stalks celery, minced

2 scallions minced

2-tablespoons green olives, chopped (optional)

Directions:

1. In a heavy bottomed saucepan bring quinoa, water and salt to a boil.
2. Cover and turn to lowest heat. Cook undisturbed for 15 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let quinoa steam for 5 more minutes.
4. While quinoa is cooking prepare the other ingredients.
5. In a bowl combine the rest of the ingredients and season with salt and pepper.
6. When quinoa is finished steaming fluff it with a fork.
7. Transfer the hot quinoa into the bowl.
8. Gently mix the quinoa into the vegetables. Chill before serving.

Please direct your questions to Mariama by clicking here.