Rancho la Puerta
Top 5 Green Veggies and Herbs for St. Patrick’s Day
Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 | Canyon Ranch, Destination Spas, Golden Door Escondido, Rancho la Puerta, Red Mountain Spa, healthy living | No Comments
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Maybe you’re having corned beef and cabbage tonight for your traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal and maybe you’re thinking about doing something ‘green’ to honor St. Pat. Below is a list of Top 5 Green Veggies and herbs that are readily available, nutritious and easy to use. And, I’ve also included links to some amazing recipes from the top destination spas in the U.S., such as Canyon Ranch, Golden Door, Red Mountain Spa and Rancho la Puerta. Enjoy your day and here’s to the Irish (and healthful eating made simple)!
1. Green Beans/String Beans
Fresh is always best and always available. Green beans are low in calories and high in nutrition noting vitamins A, C and K to name a few. Steam or eat them raw. They’re crunchy and yummy and can be used as a side, a salad or as a main dish when you add an Irish favorite, like potatoes.
2. Spinach
Popeye’s favorite and mine, too. Packed with nutrients like vitamins A, K and manganese and other cardioprotective nutrients. One of the dark, leafy vegetables that’s so important for healthy eating. Steam or saute in a little olive oil and garlic or enjoy in a salad.
3. Avocado
The ‘good’ fat you may want to include. Monounsaturated fatty acids, like oleic acid, may help lower your cholesterol. Filled with nutrients like vitamin K, fiber, potassium and more. Enjoy in a sandwich, in a salad or with your favorite Mexico-inspired meal (and there are low fat and healthy versions of guacamole you can make on your own).
4. Peppermint
Ah, soothing mint! It may help with digestion and is a source of vitamins C and A. It’s refreshing, cooling and soothing. Use for mint tea, on a bowl of fresh fruit or with some cold water and ice as a refreshing drink.
5. Basil
So fragrant and flavorful! A nutritious herb with anti-bacterial properties as well as vitamins A, K and calcium. Known to be used in many Italian dishes, such as pesto and Insalata Caprese (yes, a personal favorite), which consists of fresh tomato, mozzarella (part-skim preferred) and fresh basil with a drizzle of good olive oil.
I hope you’ll enjoy more of these veggies in your diet and maybe visit one of the destination spas noted for their recipes above as a way to kick-off a healthier lifestyle. Enjoy! 
Springtime Savings at Rancho la Puerta
Saturday, February 27th, 2010 | Adventure, Destination Spas, Rancho la Puerta, healthy living | No Comments
If you’ve been to Rancho la Puerta, then you have a pretty good idea of how even more amazing it is to be there during the Spring. Flora and fauna in bloom, warmer days, and that great feeling you get when you’re active outdoors. And to add to the excitement, Rancho la Puerta is offering 10% savings on their Ranchera and Hacienda room types and 20% savings on their Villas. The best value is the Jr. Villa and my favorite area of Villa Sol. I have such great memories of being at Rancho la Puerta. Invigorating days and relaxing evenings. Butterflies in flight, long strolls by the vineyards and the warmth of the afternoon sun remind me of being mindful and living in the moment.
My favorite hike is the Organic hike and I often think about getting to the top of that hill and walking through the garden. For me, it was like the ‘Wizard of Oz’ when it went from black and white to color. The beauty of that area is something to see, especially after this harsh winter. It also reminds me of patience and the knowing that any seeds that we plant, and yes, this is a metaphor for life as well, will bud and flourish given nourishment, patience and time.
So, if you’re looking for something different to do this spring or want to return to an old favorite, take a look at Rancho la Puerta - it may be what you’ve been looking for.
E-mail me at donna@mindfuladventures.com with any questions or assistance. I’ll even give you a spa gift when you make your reservation with me.
To your health and wellness!
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