Using Food to Navigate Cancer

Last Updated on Thursday, 6 October 2011 06:46 Written by Urban Zen Thursday, 6 October 2011 06:46

This morning the Urban Zen Center was home to a wealth of healing wisdom and hands-on, experiential tools all designed to help patients and loved ones navigate cancer in a way that celebrates life and allows patients to “live beyond their diagnosis.” Designed by Stefanie Sacks, M.S., CNS, the last Food Solutions of 2011 proved to be an invaluable, educational event.

Renewing our Commitment to Well-Being

Last Updated on Wednesday, 2 November 2011 12:54 Written by Donna Karan Friday, 30 September 2011 03:32

I am a big believer in bringing things back to the yoga mat; refocusing priorities so that well-being rises to the top and balance brings us back to a place of centeredness. After the chaos of my September schedule, I welcome the opportunity to embrace the month of October as a period of renewing our commitment to well-being.

On October 5th, the Urban Zen Center will host Food Solutions, reminding us all that powerful healing can often be found in the food choices we make. Empowering us to use our kitchens as catalysts in our healthcare journeys, Stefanie Sacks, M.S., CNS will teach the Urban Zen community cancer fighting foods and culinary techniques.

Exploring The Health Possibilities in Your Kitchen

Last Updated on Tuesday, 27 September 2011 05:14 Written by Urban Zen Tuesday, 27 September 2011 05:14

On October 5th, the Survivors Compass — three women all touched by cancer both personally and professionally — will join Culinary Nutritionist, Stefanie Sacks at Urban Zen for a day of practical information and tools for those on their own paths to wellness from cancer.

It is going to be a day of explorative hands-on healing that employs that wealth of wisdom that can be found in the food choices we make. Not only informative, this event promises to be delicious.

FOOD SOLUTIONS 2011: A GATEWAY TO HEALING – NAVIGATING CANCER

Last Updated on Tuesday, 11 October 2011 02:30 Written by Moira Monday, 15 August 2011 05:19

Recognizing the role of food in health and healing, Culinary Nutritionist, Stefanie Sacks, M.S. created Food Solutions, a series of integrative culinary nutrition education workshops sponsored by The Palette Fund and taking place at Urban Zen. Stefanie has dedicated her life’s work to creating a conversation between health provider, nutritionist and the consumer’s kitchen.

Sacks, who has recognized the critical role hands-on experiences with food play in shifting eating habits, is collaborating with some of the leading integrative health experts to present two workshops this year that will take each participant from the science to the plate. These events promise to build knowledge and skills, using food preparation and cooking as the centerpiece of education.

OCTOBER 5th WORKSHOP

FOOD SOLUTIONS 2011: A GATEWAY TO HEALING – Navigating Cancer

Join the Survivors Compass— Three women all touched by cancer both personally and professionally—for a day of practical information and tools for those on their own paths to wellness from cancer. Kathy Gurland, LCSW and cancer navigation consultant will help you understand your unique needs, wishes, fears and goals. The healing power of movement will be explored with American Cancer Society certified cancer exercise specialist Lisa Hoffman, M.A. and Integrative Registered Dietitian MaryBeth Augustine will discuss the critical role food choices play in healing from cancer.

Then explore, through creative hands-on cooking and food learning experiences lead by Stefanie Sacks, M.S., CNS, cancer fighting foods and culinary techniques. For lunch you will enjoy the fruits of your culinary creations. The day will close with Q&A and panel discussion of health experts.
Food Solutions, sponsored by The Palette Fund, is a groundbreaking culinary-nutrition workshop series. Join us for an inspirational and empowering experience!

A comprehensive workbook with culinary nutrition tools/information and recipes will be provided the day of event.

Schedule:
9-9:15am Welcome and Introduction
9:15-10:45am Presentation by The Survivors Compass
10:45-11am Break
11am-12:30pm Food in Motion
12:30-1pm Q&A/Panel with all experts

EARLY REGISTRATION (BY SEPTEMBER 21st): $60

REGISTRATION: $80

Food Solutions will be available for viewing through www.urbanzen.org, www.thepalettefund.org, and www.stefaniesacks.com

For more information please call 212.414.8520 or email rsvp@urbanzen.org

EmpowHER.com On the Benefits of Green Tea

Last Updated on Friday, 8 July 2011 11:42 Written by Urban Zen Friday, 8 July 2011 11:42

At Urban Zen we believe that food is medicine. We’ve heard Dr. Frank Lipman talk about this concept, we seen Food Solution’s Stefanie Sacks create a movement around this concept, and we have all felt the difference in our everyday lives when we practice this concept. We also know that we are not alone in our ideas about food. Just recently, our friends at EmpowHER shared with us their research on the healthy benefits of green tea. EmpowHER.com is an amazing health and well-being resource for women providing visitors access to one of the largest women’s health and wellness content libraries on the web, as well as the largest online community of women discussing their health and wellness issues. So, it’s really no surprise that their knowledge of green tea struck as something that might interest you too.

Here, EmpowHER’s Benefits of Green Tea:

For years, people have talked about the health benefits surrounding green tea. Usually drank as a tea, or swallowed in a capsule, the most active ingredient is known as epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG. According to research, green tea has the following benefits that may have you talking to your health care provider about including it in your diet:

1. EGCG is a powerful overall antioxidant.
2. It may be useful for arthritis, as it inhibits IL-1 and NF kappa beta, which are inflammatory to the body.
3. It might help the fight with cancer through its ability to induce cell death or stop cancer proliferation.
4. Drinking it regularly may protect against liver disease.
5. When used in skin cream, it may help dermatologic problems like rosacea for its anti-inflammatory effect.
6. When given to mice, it slowed the growth of uterine fibroids. Maybe it would work for human women too?
7. It can help reduce excess testosterone that causes cystic acne or hair growth (hirsuitism).
8. It might help lower the bad cholesterol, LDL.
9. It might also help lower blood pressure.
10. It is considered an anti-aging antioxidant.

To read the whole article, CLICK HERE
To learn more about EmpowHER, CLICK HERE