Cook in batches. Nora Pouillon, a working mother of four, sympathizes if you don’t have time to serve up exceptionally creative organic dishes nightly. “Think not only for one evening. Instead, get a larger picture,” she suggests. Rather than buying a package of chicken breasts, for example, pick up two whole organic chickens. Cut them into parts and plan to use the entire birds. Stuff or fry the breasts; roast the legs or make a ragout out of them. You’ll have enough leftovers for chicken-vegetable soup and liver pâté.
Justify organics. If you like the idea of organics, but are turned off by the potential expense, heed Pouillon’s rationale: “Farmers are so important; they should be paid the most. When I buy more-expensive organic fruits and vegetables, I feel as if I did something for the farmer and for myself.”
Exercise for energy. Daily exercise is a critical part of Pouillon’s balanced approach to life. “Move at least an hour a day,” she says. “It’s good for your energy level, digestion, skin tone, and mind.” Her weekly regimen includes yoga, tai chi, polarity therapy, weight lifting, aerobics, and belly dancing, as well as weekends full of family hikes, in-line skating, ice-skating, and kayaking.
—P.E.
