Summer Reflections + Recipes You will love!

Summer Reflections🐠 🌸

Can you feel it ? The mornings are cooler, evenings come a little quicker, and there’s that hint of change in the air. The kids are back in school, traffic feels heavier, and suddenly the pace of life picks up.

Labor Day weekend ( end of Summer kick off) feels like a pause button. It’s the time where I look back on Summer—the warm sunshine, the shifting light, my favorite Summer seasonal foods, the long days and starry nights here on Kauai —and at the same time, start leaning toward what’s next. And if I’m honest, I don’t always know what’s next. Sometimes that feels exciting, sometimes a little unsettling. But either way, I try to give yourself the grace to just rest in that “not knowing.”( not easy for type A's !)

Rest is part of health, too. It’s not just sleep—it’s allowing yourself to step out of the rush, or into a new comfort zone and take a breath. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but often that’s where the "magic happens". We may not notice it right away, but it’s working in the background...can you hear it?

So take that pause this weekend. Enjoy your BBQ, smell the flowers, look at the stars, and welcome this new shift with a little curiosity, excitement, and a new fresh start into the next season. (more to come about that transition).

I’m sharing a few of my favorite recipes below—my Grilled Corn & Black Bean Salad that would be great for a potluck or BBQ and The Best Berry Crisp Crumble that is my new LOVE! — I hope you enjoy them.

IF YOU HAVE A SECOND PLEASE...there’s a super short poll below. Your feedback helps me bring more of what you truly want for your health, lifestyle, and life!

Many thanks and happy weekend,

 
 
 
 


BEST BERRY CRISP CRUMBLE

 This gluten free berry crisp is one of those recipes that feels like comfort but still stays light and wholesome. I just LOVE this one!!

GRILLED CORN AND BLACK BEAN SALAD

This delicious salad is versatile and can be customized with other fresh herbs, salad greens, and can be topped with crumbled feta or goat cheese.

I'd love your input!

Whole Body Beautiful is about more than food — it’s about supporting your whole self. To be the best I can be for you (and to help nourish your whole being), I’ve created a quick poll. It only takes a minute, and your feedback will guide me in shaping future newsletters and programs.

Take the quick poll here!

🌿 Your Next Step to Whole Body Wellness
I know we all have different needs—sometimes it’s just a gentle reset, other times it’s a bigger change. That’s why I’ve created four Whole Body coaching paths designed to fit real life, real goals, and flexible payment options—so you can choose the path that fits your life right now.

✨ Curious to see what feels right? Explore the programs →https://www.wholebodybeautiful.com/coachingservices

✨ Want to talk it through together? Book a free discovery call →]https://wholebodybeautiful.as.me/

☀️From Sun to Table: August’s Abundant Harvest

You know how August feels—long sunny days, warm evenings, and the markets are just bursting with the color of all of Augusts fruits and veggies. It’s like summer’s throwing us one last big party before fall slips in, and I am all in! This is when I stock up on all the good stuff—sweet corn, juicy peaches, crisp cucumbers, big watermelons, and that whiff of fresh basil that makes you want to put it on everything. Eating with the seasons isn’t just delicious; it’s our body’s way of getting exactly what it needs right now.

What Is in Season

Corn – Still at its sweetest, full of fiber and antioxidants like lutein for healthy eyes.
Watermelon – So hydrating, and packed with lycopene for heart and skin health.
Peaches & Nectarines – Sweet, juicy, and rich in vitamin A for healthy skin and eyes.
Tomatoes – Bursting with lycopene to support heart health and protect skin from sun damage.
Zucchini – Light and full of fiber for digestion support.
Peppers – Bright and crunchy, loaded with vitamin C for immune health.
Cucumbers – Cooling and hydrating with a crisp, refreshing crunch.
Eggplant – Deep purple skin means powerful antioxidants for healthy blood vessels.
Basil & Mint – Add instant fresh flavor while supporting digestion.

Preparing For What's Ahead

Eating with the seasons isn’t just about flavor—it’s about giving our bodies what they need for now and to prepare for what’s next. August’s foods are cooling and hydrating, helping us handle summer’s last big heat, while also adding  deeper colors and richer nutrients that help us naturally prepare us for the slower, more grounding season ahead. Isn't Mother Nature incredible? For example: antioxidants in tomatoes and peppers help protect our immune system, the fiber in corn and zucchini supports digestion, and the  sweetness of peaches and watermelon gives us quick energy while we soak up those last few long lovely sunny days. By adding in the best of what August has to share with us, we’re nourishing ourselves for today and building ourselves up for the months ahead.

With so much beautiful produce to choose from right now, and the weather is still warm, I wanted to share a couple of my favorite August salad recipes to eat with any meal or you could even jazz it up with some fish, tofu, tempeh, or chicken and make it your main!

They’re simple, fresh, and no heavy cooking, just quick prep and big flavor.  Let me know how you like them!

RECIPES OF THE DAY

 

 Grilled Peach, Tomato & Basil Salad 

This is the kind of summer recipe you just toss it together and let the flavors do their thing. The sweet grilled (or raw) peaches, juicy tomatoes, spicy arugula, fragrant basil, and the optional burrata are a match made in August heaven.

Get the recipe here
 
 

Grilled Zucchini & Corn Salad

A fresh and smoky salad that tastes like summer on a plate—perfect alongside grilled fish, chicken or tofu, or just on its own with crusty bread.

Get the recipe here

August only comes once a year, so I say let’s soak it all in—one juicy peach, one ear of corn, one sweet slice ( or 3) of watermelon at a time. I’d love to know what you’re cooking this month. Send me a note or share a picture of your favorite summer dish(just hit reply)—I might just feature it in an upcoming newsletter. Until then, keep your plate colorful, your water bottle full, and your days a little slower so you can enjoy this beautiful time!

If you’re ready to feel your best as we head into fall, now’s the perfect time to start. My upcoming Whole Body Beautiful programs are designed to nourish you—body and mind—so you can step into the season with energy and confidence. Click here for your FREE discovery session! or hit reply if you have any questions or want to say hello!

Enjoy these last moments of Summer and my readers on the other side of the world, get your recipes ready because Summer is coming your way!

 
 
 

 In Health
Lisa Mindel CHHP
Lisa@wholebodybeautiful.com
310 480-2559

 

Finding Your Calm: It's as Simple as this (Copy)

A wonderful wedding, a National board exam, and yes—a serious tsunami warning.
This month has been a whirlwind of emotion, deadlines, and curveballs. I’ve felt like my calendar was bursting at the seams and my brain had about 37 tabs open at once.

And somehow—when each door closed—I’ve found the most unexpected place to feel calm and grounded:
Weeding my garden.

There’s something oddly peaceful about it.
One weed at a time. No big thinking, no screens, no pressure. Just quiet, repetitive movement. Like a zen master raking the sand—only with more mosquitoes and that grounding dirt!

After months of living at full tilt, I realized my nervous system was craving something simple. Tactile. Present. Weeding and getting my hands in the garden gave me a pause I didn’t even know I needed ( well ok, yes I did).

Turns out ( you know I have to mention this !) spending time weeding , planting, or working in your garden or property isn’t just calming—it’s also good for your health. Studies show that being outdoors, even for a few minutes, can lower cortisol (your stress hormone), support better sleep, and improve mood. Movements like bending, reaching, and pulling are a form of light exercise (yes they are) that supports your mobility, circulation, and works some of those muscles that we need for daily life. There’s also something satisfying about clearing space and seeing instant results—it’s a little mental ( and physical) reset you can see and feel.

In honor of that grounded green feeling, I’m sharing something light and lovely you can make right in your blender: a refreshing Garden Reset Juice. It’s a hydrating mix of cucumber, apple, spinach, lemon, ginger, and a few more goodies, and just a touch of sweetness. Nothing fussy—just clean, cooling greens to bring you back to yourself and to the garden! This tastes so good after a good weeding session ( or any Summer day)

“Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.”
—Etty Hillesum

 


🥒 Garden Reset Juice (Blender Recipe)
Cool, calming, and packed with gentle greens—this easy juice is your go-to for a light hydrating, refresh and clear mind and body!

Get it HERE !

Wow is it August already?

Ready to peel back a few layers and get ready for the next season?
Sometimes, it’s not about more willpower—it’s about the stories we’ve carried for years. The ones that hold us back, keep us stuck, and whisper old beliefs that no longer serve us. What if you could gently shift those patterns, one small step at a time? You are not broken, and you're not failing. You’re human—and you're also 100% capable of creating change. If you're curious about what that next step might look like, I’d love to walk with you!

Let's chat here

Here’s to slowing down, even for just a moment. 🌿 like Leo!

Enjoy your weekend in the weeds,

 
 
 

🌿 New Coaching Packages for Every Season of You!

Whether you’re starting fresh or ready for a full transformation, my signature Whole Body programs are designed to meet you where you are. With four flexible options—Reset, Enhance, Thrive, and Transform—you can choose the level of support that fits your goals, your schedule, and your season of life. Each program includes practical tools, real-life guidance, and simple payment plans to make your wellness journey manageable and meaningful.

Why You Need These✨10 Positive Emotions For Your Mind and Body

What if something as simple as a little more gratitude, joyfulness combined with a few delicious foods (and my Blissful Boost Smoothie below) could help you live longer, think more clearly, and even strengthen your immune system?

It turns out, it can.

According to researcher Dr. Barbara Fredrickson, most of us are walking around with less positivity than our bodies and brains actually need. In fact, she found that over 80% of people experience fewer positive emotions than what's considered the "optimal ratio" for well-being. And this may be what is quietly fueling the rise in chronic stress, burnout, and health conditions that are now becoming all too common in everyday life.

But the good news? We can change that—starting with just a few small shifts. Take a look at these 10 emotions that not only feel good but also better our overall health, wellness, and longevity!

🌿 Top 10 Positive Emotions That Boost Your Health

Here are 10 uplifting emotions that do more than just feel good—they do good for your body and mind:

  1. Joy – Sparks creativity and motivation

  2. Gratitude – Lowers blood pressure and boosts relationships

  3. Serenity – Calms your nervous system

  4. Interest – Keeps your brain sharp and engaged

  5. Hope – Builds resilience during hard times

  6. Pride – Reinforces self-worth and growth

  7. Amusement – Relieves tension and increases connection

  8. Inspiration – Encourages purpose and action

  9. Awe – Expands perspective and reduces stress

  10. Love – The most powerful of all—it combines many of the above!

These emotions act like nutrients—feeding your body, balancing your mood, and even improving your long-term health.

“Even a single positive emotion can shift our perspective, rewire our brain, and change the day.”
– Inspired by Barbara Fredrickson

🥑 Eat to Feel Good: Mood-Boosting Foods

Yes, thats right...you really can choose foods to create your way to a better mood! Certain foods help your brain produce feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, while also calming inflammation and balancing blood sugar. Try adding a few of these to your day. How many do you eat now daily?

  • Leafy greens (like spinach and arugula) – Full of folate, which supports mood regulation

  • Berries – High in antioxidants that protect the brain from stress

  • Omega-3-rich foods (salmon, walnuts, chia seeds) – Help ease anxiety and depression

  • Dark chocolate (70% or higher) – Boosts endorphins and contains magnesium 

  • Fermented foods (like yogurt, kimchi, or sauerkraut) – Support gut health, which is closely tied to emotional well-being

  • Bananas – Rich in vitamin B6 and natural sugars for a gentle lift

  • Green tea – Calming and focus-enhancing thanks to L-theanine

🌸 Pro tip: Try combining a few of these into a beautiful smoothie ( like my  Blissful Boost Smoothie below, or a simple salad. 

Since it is my birthday I may even add a candle on top!

🧡 Blissful Boost Smoothie

Serves 1 – Naturally mood-boosting and full of stabilizing energy.

Ingredients
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any nut/ non dairy milk)
1 small frozen banana
½ cup frozen blueberries ( and a few for on top)
1 small handful baby spinach
1 tablespoon almond butter or PB
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoons raw cacao powder (for a little bliss boost) or add cacao nibs on top. 

Instructions
Blend all ingredients on high until smooth and creamy. I like to pour my smoothie in a pre-frozen tall glass, a hydro flask, or a Yeti cup. Sip slowly, breathe deeply, and feel the good settle in.

🌿 Pro Tip: Add a scoop of plant-based protein for an extra brain and body boost.

Get My Blissful Boost Smoothie Recipe to print here

🌟 Ready to Feel Better, Brighter, and More You?

If you're curious about how to bring more of these positive practices into your everyday life—body, mind, and spirit—I'd love to talk with you.

I’ve created four new programs rooted in positive psychology and whole-body wellness to help you feel stronger, lighter, and more aligned with your the life you are ready to live!

Let’s grow something beautiful—from the inside out.

 
 
 
Check out my 4 new programs here
Free 20-minute Discovery Call Here

From Weddings to Wellness: Why Connection Matter

What a week it's been. We just had a small, sweet wedding at our home for our daughter Lily. If one has planned a wedding before you know how it takes a bit of time, no matter how big or small and how it takes a village to bring it all together. The love and connection is ever present and what made it even more special was getting to meet Eddy's side of the family for the first time. Most of us had never met before, but over a few days of stories, memories, food, and new fun experiences, we started building what felt like the beginning of a brand-new branch of family—and a reminder that connection can start in the most simple ways, when we’re open to it.

It got me thinking about how important connection is for our total well-being— mentally and physically. Strong social connections have so many benefits to our lives.  Connection and friendship reduces our stress levels, anxiety, depression, helps our sleep, increases our happiness hormones, boosts our cognitive function and even helps lower our risk for chronic diseases and premature death. But more than that, it helps us feel like we are part of a bigger picture. More than just ourselves!

Building and maintaining positive relationships is a fundamental aspect of holistic well-being. A strong social circle can also provide support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. We all need that! 

Let's look at  some ideas to cultivate and enrich these connections.

7 Ways to Build a Supportive Circle

1. Be Yourself.
You don’t have to be perfect. When you show up as the real you, it makes room for honest, heart-centered connection.
Pro Tip: Try sharing a small truth—something real that helps others see the you behind the surface.

2. Focus on the Good Ones.
It's not about how many people you know—it’s about who really shows up for you.
Pro Tip: Pour your energy into friendships that feel kind, balanced, and true.

3. Talk and Listen.
Good connection means sharing, but also really listening.
Pro Tip: Next time you're with a friend, try asking something thoughtful—and just listen.

4. Follow Your Interests.
Joining a book club, a walking group, or volunteering for something you care about can help you meet like-minded people naturally.
Pro Tip: Think of what lights you up—then look for ways to do that with others.

5. Mix It Up.
Being around people with different experiences can be deeply enriching.
Pro Tip: Reach out to someone who sees the world a little differently—you might both grow from it.

6. Be the Friend You’d Want.
Support goes both ways. Reach out, check in, offer a kind word—and don’t be afraid to ask for the same when you need it.
Pro Tip: A quick “just thinking of you” note can mean more than you think.

7. Protect Your Peace.
Boundaries keep relationships healthy. It’s okay to say no, ask for space, or protect your energy when needed.
Pro Tip: If something feels off, check in with yourself—your feelings are valid.

Want to Feel More Connected This Week? Try This:

  • Plan a short walk or coffee with someone you enjoy

  • Text or call someone just to say thank you

  • Be fully present in your next conversation—no distractions

Connection doesn’t have to be big or complicated. It often starts with small, meaningful moments—just like we had at the wedding.

Take care of your heart and your circle. One gentle step at a time.

With warmth 💛

 
 
 

If you'd like to talk about how Health Coaching can enrich your life, health and wellness with connection, reach out! I'd love to hear from you.

Lets book a time together here

Summer Fun Recipes!

🌿 The season of sunny days, flip-flops, summer dresses, and garden-fresh flavors is almost here—but why wait? I’m sharing a few of my favorite simple summer recipes to help you ease into the warmth feeling healthy, hydrated, energized, and ready for more. These dishes are cool, quick to make, and totally manageable—even on your busiest days . So for all my radiant readers out there who say there is no time...these are for YOU!

Let this be your soft, sunny start to the Summer. Because when food feels this fresh and easy, health happens without the stress.

 Try these 4 favorites. There will be more to come...I promise!

If you'd like to talk about how YOU can incorporate your Whole Body Health, inside and out ....let's talk about it.

Book a free mini session with me here!
 
 


🍅 Whole Body Gazpacho
Chilled, vibrant, and packed with summer veggies—this refreshing soup is like a salad on a spoon. Pro Tip: Let it sit in the fridge for a few hours (or overnight!) to let the flavors enhance. It’s even better the next day.

🍉 Watermelon Whip
Light, frosty, and naturally sweet—this hydrating drink tastes like a summer slushy without any added sugar. Pro Tip: Use frozen watermelon chunks for a thicker, slushier texture—no ice needed and no watered-down flavor.


🥬 Chickpeas in Radicchio
This one’s a crunchy, protein-packed beauty that comes together in minutes. Great as a light lunch or easy appetizer. Pro Tip:
Lightly massage the radicchio with a touch of olive oil to soften the bitterness and make it easier to fold or layer.


🍌 Nice Cream  Move over Ice Creme!
A creamy, dairy-free treat that’s forever customizable—perfect for those hot days or nights when you want something sweet and creamy but light, healthy and refreshing. 

Pro Tip:
Blend frozen banana with a splash of plant milk until creamy, then swirl in fresh berries, nut butter, or a few cacao nibs for a fun twist.

🌞  Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones that bring the most joy and the most nourishing ( in so many ways)

Keep it cool, keep it easy, and let your Whole Body feel beautiful!

P.S. Let me know if you would like me to discuss in my upcoming newsletters a health topic, recipe, or anything else you may have on your mind! I am here for YOU! Just press reply.

Keeping chill,

 
 

🌟 Explore My New Whole Body Programs

Flexible support, real-life tools, and payment plans—tailored to meet you where you are.

🌿 New Coaching Packages for Every Season of You!

Whether you’re starting fresh or ready for a full transformation, my signature Whole Body programs are designed to meet you where you are. With four flexible options—Reset, Enhance, Thrive, and Transform—you can choose the level of support that fits your goals, your schedule, and your season of life. Each program includes practical tools, real-life guidance, and simple payment plans to make your wellness journey manageable and meaningful.

My coaching packages made especially for you

☀️ The Secret Behind Summer Cravings

Hi my beautiful friends,

Ever notice how your body naturally craves more fresh, raw, hydrating foods in the summer? That’s not just a coincidence.

These foods have a cooling effect on the body—like an internal air conditioning. Their lightness, along with the high water, fiber, and vitamin content, helps your body stay balanced in the heat.

And since you’re getting more natural energy from sunshine and time outdoors, you don’t need heavy, dense foods to keep going. Light, hydrating, and fresh is the key for feeling your best this Summer.

That’s why summer is the perfect season to build bright, refreshing foods into your routine. One of my favorites, and easiest ways is a big salad. Just toss together a base of some leafy greens, crisp veggies, tomatoes from the garden, herbs, and a light dressing for a meal that cools you from the inside out.

Add in different proteins like beans, seeds, tofu, or grilled fish—and don’t be afraid to grab a new veggie from the market to play with.

Here’s a simple salad-building formula:

🌿 Leafy greens like romaine, arugula, kale, spinach, or a mix
🥒 Veggies like cucumber, radish, tomatoes, sprouts, and carrots 
💚 Herbs like mint, parsley, or basil
🌱 Protein like chickpeas, tofu, grilled chicken, fish, shrimp, and seeds
🍋 A light dressing with lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt

Pro Tip: Pick up a new veggie at your farmer’s market and build your salad around it. Check out my recipe below!

🤸🏼🤓 Mind and Body Focus:

We spend most of the year moving fast—physically, mentally, emotionally. And it’s easy to get stuck in the same routine, either because it’s comfortable or because change feels a little scary. But doing the same things over and over can leave us feeling stuck and in a rut that is hard to get out of.

🧠 Did you know : fear and excitement actually feel the same in your body. It’s your mind that decides if it’s “scary” or “exciting.”

So what if you started calling it excitement instead? That little shift can open a door to something great.

What’s something you’ve always wanted to do?

✨ Try paddleboarding or kayaking
✨ Sign up for a dance class
✨ Explore a nearby town or trail to hike
✨ Learn to cook a new dish with your family and friends
✨ Or simply read a good book in the sunshine

It doesn’t have to be big—just new to you. Trying new things not only boosts your energy and mood, but it also helps you rely less on artificial boosts like caffeine and sugar.

Want to talk about it? Book a free chat with me HERE
New adventures = vibrant health, better focus, and more fun.

🥗  ONE OF MY FAVORITE SUMMER RECIPES

My Cold Slaw recipe is bursting with vibrant veggies and a crispy crunch that helps cool your body from the inside out. It’s simple, satisfying, and a perfect way to enjoy the warm Summer while staying cool. Make sure there are left overs! This is perfect for a BBQ or added into your Summer salad mix!


CRUNCHY CREAMY COLD SLAW

Stay cool, refreshed, and satisfied with every crunchy bite.

Get The Recipe Here


💛 Forward to a Friend

Know someone who could use a little sunshine and inspiration? Forward this to them—because health, joy, and adventure are even better when shared.

In health and joy,

 
 
 
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