Our First Annual Recipe Contest

Patients and friends of our office know how much we love food and recipes. We hear that our two recipes that appear every month in our newsletter are our patient’s favorite feature. And then, of course, we hear about our patient’s recipes as well.

Are you a creative cook? Do people always ask for your recipes? Have you been looking for your moment of fame? Well here it is! This is your opportunity to have one of your recipes featured in our monthly newsletter! All you have to do is submit your favorite recipe to us in person or via email along with the recipe history (is it yours, your grandma’s, from an old magazine? It does not have to be an original creation!) and why it’s a favorite or tradition in your family. You may submit up to 5 recipes.

In addition to your recipe being published in our newsletter and archived on our website, there are valuable prizes! The First Place winner will receive a free Chiropractic visit with Dr. Walker. Second Place will receive 20 percent off supplements for one visit and Third Place will receive our favorite Allergen Free Baker’s Handbook.

So get cooking and watch our newsletter for some great new recipes! Send in your recipe to info@losgatoswellness.com with "Recipe Contest" as the subject line.

Five Fantastic Bedtime Rituals for a Good Night’s Sleep

Does holiday prep have your mind racing as you check and recheck your mental list of things to do? Sometimes that good night’s sleep doesn’t come as easily at this time of year, so here are a few bedtime rituals that will help you get that necessary snooze time!

1. Listen to your mom! Especially if she suggests a nice cup of warm milk! Milk contains tryptophan, an amino acid known for causing sleepiness. And a warm cup of milk in your hands is physically soothing as well. Add a roaring fire and a cozy throw and you’re on your way to a blissful night’s sleep.

2. Keep a regular sleep schedule, even during the busy holiday season. Keeping your resting and waking schedule consistent allows your body to know when it’s time to call it a day and relax.

3. Take a relaxing soak in the bath. Turn the lights down low, put on your favorite music, light a candle and use your favorite aromatherapy in the water. Lavender is great for relaxation. Warm your towel in the dryer.

4. Help your mind unwind. If you know the practice of meditation, carve out a few minutes before bed. You can also read a relaxing book (stick to lighter “grocery store novels”) or listen to calming music. Chose something that signals your mind that it’s time to move from waking time to sleeping time.

5. Make your bed and bedroom your sanctuary. They say that bedrooms should only be used for sex and sleeping. Try and keep the room neat and free of the items that might distract you like your cell phone, computer and piles of bills and paperwork. Make your bed inviting with nice linens, and comfortable pillows. Try and create a quiet and dark sleeping environment with good window coverings and even a nature sound machine to drown out traffic or neighbor noise. Keep the room cool.

Do you have a favorite bedtime ritual? Let us know!