As I mentioned above, all I want to do is cook these days.
Warm nourishing foods!

But ya know, I was once terrified of cooking.
Yes that's right…me, Darshana Weill - holistic health counselor and cooking teacher, afraid of cooking.

My dad was the cook in the family and in my feminist days I swore that I would never learn to cook- (I didn’t want to be of "those women").

Then I made the connection that cooking had nothing to do with gender politics and everything to do with health! So I decided to take on the challenge, and learn to cook.

It wasn't easy in the beginning. Yes, I was enthusiastic about it, but the truth was that I burned a lot of pots, things came out tasting awful and I ordered take-out more than I'd like to admit. Sometimes I would stand there in my kitchen thinking, "I can't do this!"

I had friends who were wizards in the kitchen. They would whip something up in just a few minutes. I compared my self to them. It took me a lot longer to "whip something up," and even though my self-talk was discouraging, I was determined.
Why was I determined? Because each time I did cook something that tasted great I was proud of myself. Each time I ate my own food I felt better- physically, emotionally and mentally. I felt more connected to people and to the earth when I ate my own food.

Then just a few months later, I was able to cut my cooking time by half. I was also learning more and more about what spices and flavors went well together. I didn't always get it right, (I still don't), but more often than not, I did!

So my question for you this month is:
Are you willing to be experimental in the kitchen?

I know you can do it.
Even if you have been cooking for years, can you try something new?
Try not to follow a recipe or try a new food and see what you can create with it.

If you are new to cooking and don't know where to start, join us for one of our
Quick, Easy and Healthy cooking classes. They take place two times each month.
Check out our website for class dates. http://www.fruitionhealth.com/services_classes.html
We also have 100's of recipes on line on our website as well. http://www.fruitionhealth.com/resources_recipes_appetizers.html

Try it out and let me know how it goes.

I can't wait to hear!

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Bon Appetite!

FISH SOUP WITH TOMATOES , FENNEL AND SWEET POTATOES

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 fennel bulb, coarsely chopped
8 cups fish, chicken or vegetable stock (you can also use ½ stock and ½ water)
1 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley or other fresh herbs
2 3-inch-long strips orange peel
3 pounds ripe tomatoes, peeled, coarsely chopped
2 pound medium-sweet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
1 large pinch of saffron threads
1-3 pieces of fish cut into 1/2-inch pieces (can use halibut, catfish, or another white fish)
Salt
Pepper
Red pepper flakes

Heat oil in large pot over medium heat
Add onion and fennel
Sauté until onion is translucent, 6- 8 minutes
Add stock, parsley or other fresh herbs and orange peel
Bring to boil
Reduce heat; cover and simmer, about 5 minutes
Add tomatoes, sliced sweet potatoes, and saffron.
Cover partially; simmer until potatoes are tender, about 12 minutes
Remove some of the potatoes from soup
Transfer to blender or food processor and blend
Put blended portion back in the soup and stir
Add fish to soup.
Simmer until fish is just opaque in center, 5 minutes
Season with salt, black pepper and crushed or red pepper flakes
Serves approx. 6 to 8

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Three years ago I arrived in San Francisco for an acting job with a successful theater company but felt like a complete farce. In spite of my drive to achieve I felt deflated, depressed and totally disconnected from my body. It was exhausting--and my issues around body image and food were at the forefront. Being depressed had thrown me back into old compulsive patterns around food that I thought I had already dealt with and resolved.

Luckily I found Darshana and Fruition Health and soon after I arrived I began her program. I knew a lot about whole foods and eating well but had no clue about slowing down enough to listen to my body. What better way to wake up than to see every time I ate as an opportunity to stay connected. Even cooking could be a conscious act. What a concept! It was a chance to create a practice that would impact every other part of my life. Change wasn't going to happen overnight, much as I'd hoped. But rather through daily intention, small steps and consistent support.

At Fruition I learned to distinguish what's really nourishing not only around food, but in life. I appreciate Darshana as a remarkable and unconventional counselo, especially in the way she models creating what she wants with her own life. I got support for finding my vision and going for what I want.
As a result, my life looks really different now. I was kind of surprised at how what I wanted changed! I have stopped seeking acting work and have been developing a successful bodywork practice. My external world is far less exotic and my internal world is much richer. I am nourished by the quieter pace; not torn in a million directions. I am more present, more available.

Beyond the basic Fruition Program I have enjoyed delving deeper with the women's groups and springtime cleanse. The friendships I made through Fruition are an alive and vibrant part of my life. Having community to support my healing and growth makes all the difference. I am grateful to Fruition for how it has enriched my life!

Pamela Rosin- Massage Therapist

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FRUITION HEALTH FALL PARTY

Join us this Sunday October 29, 2006 for our Fall Meet and Greet Party

If you want to hang out with a super cool, super healthy community or you are curious about connecting with one, come to our party.

Meet other Fruition Health Participants
Eat delicious food made by the Fruition Staff and Fruition Clients
Pamela Rosin (the woman in the testimonial above) will be giving chair massage!
And lots of fun

FRUITION HEALTH OFFICES
2120 Market St #201
Sunday October 29, 2006
3:00-5:30PM

HANDS ON WHOLE FOODS COOKING CLASS

These cooking classes are fun!

All classes focus on QUICK, EASY and HEALTHY COOKING.

Each class includes instruction for 7 dishes, a full set of recipes, notes, and a delicious, organic meal. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to connect with a loving community of people who can support you as you make changes to your diet and lifestyle.

Next class:

Tuesday November 7, 2006
6:30pm- 9:00pm
THE SKINNY ON FATS

To register and find out more information email pilar@fruitionhealth.com

SUGAR BLUES: Putting an End to Binges & Cravings

with Darshana Weill, Certified Women's Holistic Health Counselor and Yoga Teacher

Does your mouth water at the thought of chocolate?
Do you get unstoppable cravings for ice cream and cookies?
Do you scan magazines, read health food books or open the refrigerator constantly looking for the exact food that will satisfy your craving?

If you answered YES to any of these questions this class is for you!

Sunday November 12, 2006
1:00pm- 4:00pm
Yoga Tree Stanyan
Email darshana at darshana@fruitionhealth.com for more information

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