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Do you have BLS?

Recently I fell victim to what I call Busy Lady Syndrome (BLS). Do you have BLS? Symptoms vary per individual, mine were:

Almost obsessive list making - if you don't write it down, you may forget...
Wishing there were 30 hours in the day instead of 24
Reduced frequency of exercise
Daydreaming about 85% dark organic chocolate and indulging in it
Normally well stocked refrigerator and pantry were bare, what's a vegan to do?
Misplacing your keys, sunglasses, phone, etc.
Running 10 minutes late...all day

The good news is my BLS was short-lived and it prompted me to find resources to manage my process through BLS so I was not suffering for long. As someone who normally cooks from scratch, follows a vegan diet, uses yoga and exercise as stress management and thrives on a high level of organization, time wasn't always on my side this Spring when we moved  office locations however now I feel settled in the new place and getting back to my organized, productive and nurtured self.

Here are some of my lessons learned during my BLS:*
  1. There are plenty of healthy take-out options at Thai Sweet Basil and Ragini Bistro in Andover, even for a vegan
  2. At home yoga practice with MyYogaOnline can be just as fulfilling as a studio class when you're pressed for time. They have classes ranging form 20-75 minutes in multiple experience levels and styles of yoga.
  3. Scheduling meetings at nourishing establishments like Sol Bean Cafe in Middleton ensures I will have a healthy lunch.
  4. Vegan breakfast and protein bars such as the Rise brand are great meal replacements.
  5. Deepak Chopra and Oprah Winfrey's 21 Day Finding Your Flow Meditation program was a divine intervention and it really did help me "feel centered and find my flow".
  6. Friends and family will gladly help you, if you ASK THEM TO...who knew it could be so easy???
  7. Finding the right combination of adrenal gland supporting herbs, vitamins and minerals makes  world of difference.

In the past 2 months I've formed a healthy obsession with Sol Bean's Quinoa Bowls because they have everything you need: greens, protein, vegetables, nuts, fiber and flavor! Now that I've recovered from BLS, I've been inspired to create my own version...

Cleansing Quinoa Bowl – makes one serving

Layer all ingredients and top with Tahini Dressing:
1 cup wilted kale
½ cup cooked quinoa
½ cup shredded carrots
½ cup shredded beets
4 cherry tomatoes
a few slices of red onion
¼ red bell pepper cut into strips
1/8 cup pumpkin seeds

To make Tahini Dressing shake up all ingredients in a covered jar or use an immersion blender:
¼ cup tahini
juice of 1 lemon
¼ cup water, more if you like a thin dressing
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
salt and pepper to taste
pinch of cayenne pepper, optional


*I have not been compensated financially or otherwise by recommending these establishments or companies.



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Location: 76 Main Street, Andover, MA 01810, USA

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