Pumpkin "Cheesecake"

One of my favorites during the holiday season is pumpkin cheesecake. I now enjoy this healthier delicious version with no cream cheese, refined sugar or flour.   

Crust: 

1 3/4 cups almond meal (from Trader Joe's or grind your own almonds in food processor)

1/2 cup raw almond butter

1/2 cup dates

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

Filling:

2 cups Greek yogurt (Fage brand works best and whole milk works best)

1/2 cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)

1/3 cup agave nectar

1/4 tsp cinnamon

pinch of nutmeg

Chop dates with almond meal in food processor. (If the dates are too tough and dry, add 1 tbs of hot water). Add almond butter and maple and pulse in processor until its all mixed in.

Press into a pie dish and bake at 375 for 10 minutes, until it starts too brown. Let it cool.

Meanwhile mix all the filling ingredients in a bowl until consistency is smooth. Once the crust has cooled down, pour the filling in. Refrigerate and let it set for a few hours. 

The Mind and Body Connection

Our body is composed of various biological systems, linked and coordinated with each other via the nervous system. The nervous system is composed of the brain and spinal cord, and from there it branches out to a network of nerves that connect to both the sensory and internal organs. The entire nervous system regulates bodily functions such as the circulation of blood, digestion of food, and breathing while carrying the information the body needs to adapt to its environment. Some of these responses reach our consciousness and some do not. For example, when we interpret a situation as dangerous, we become aware of our fear, but we are unaware of the physiological responses of elevated blood pressure and greater blood flow to the muscles as less blood flows to the digestive organs. Similarly, most stressful situations will have the same effect i.e. impaired digestion.Psychological events and stress levels will affect physiological functions. Yet many nutrition professionals continue to preach that loss of weight is the result of the number of calories ingested versus the number burned. If our emotions affect every part of our body and in particular our digestive system, how can they not be part of the equation?!Stress can be a major contributing factor to gaining weight. Not only because you might be driven to consume more calories, but also because its link to weakening digestion and to heightening fat production. Creating more stress around your weight loss process is counterproductive.Each time we stress ourselves out (yes, we are responsible for our own reactions to any given situation,) we demand our body release a surge of adrenalin. The more we stress, the more adrenalin we need. If we are not careful to replenish ourselves with good nutrition, stress relief and rest, our body will no longer have the fuel to keep up. Commonly this leads to cravings for caffeine and sugar which can stage a similar effect on the body. Caffeine and sugar can contribute both to emotional stress and weight gain. Without giving the body any real nutrients, most coffee brands and refined carbohydrates will cause a rise in blood sugar levels and get our adrenals to release more “juice”, giving us a renewed false sense of energy. This type of continuous behavior can trap the nervous system in ‘survival mode’ where digestion and other functions are impaired, the internal organs are weakened, and the adrenals are overworked (leading to other symptoms like insomnia).The Placebo effect: The mind is powerful beyond belief. A placebo is an inactive substance given to satisfy a patient’s symbolic need for drug therapy. It is also used in medical studies to compare results with an active drug. If the actual drug shows equal results to a placebo, it is discarded. That is because a placebo does in fact draw results.The placebo effect validates the relationship of body and mind. If the body believes it is healthy, it functions as healthy. Healing happens when our nervous system is in ‘relaxation mode.’ When the body trusts that our environment is safe, it puts the focus back on healing the internal organs of any impact caused while stressed. This strengthens the digestion system.The more ease you create in your life, the stronger every system of your body will be.If you are working on improving your health, take a look at what negative and limiting thoughts you are currently holding about yourself. Write them down and rephrase them into positive thoughts. Start loving who you are, rather than who you want to be. A seed holds the potential of a flower but will never bloom unless you shine some light on it. Come out of the dark.Carve out time to relax and replenish, find a way to move your body in a way that you enjoy; take a few deep breaths before each meal to calm the nervous system and stimulate digestion.Bring love into the process. When we feel love in a situation, our body is at ease. Our breathing is deeper, we trust in the moment, everything flows. Falling out of a state of love and trust, is when we contribute to dis-ease. on.