Mila Casey – Mila's Wellness Vision

Seasonal Recipes

Mila Casey — Fri, 23 May 2025 10:08:21 +0000

Turkish stuffed artichoke hearts

INGREDIENTS

4-6 artichoke hearts(bottoms) canned
1 diced onion
450g/16 oz frozen vegetable mix (peas, carrots, potatoes or similar)
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 cup fresh dill finely chopped
1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
a pinch of paprika

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large pan sauté onion until soft. Add vegetable mix and cook for another 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika.
Divide the mixture between the artichoke bottoms and put them back to the pan, adding some broth/water. Cover with the lid and cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes.
Serve warm or cold, sprinkled with chopped dill and balsamic vinegar.

Strawberry cheesecake

Crust

1/2 cup pitted dates
1/2 cup oat flour
1/2 cup crushed walnuts
½ teaspoon vanilla powder

Filling

2 cups of soaked cashews (for lower fat use 1 cup of cashews and 1 cup of cooked white sweet potato, or white cooked beans)
1 cup pitted dates
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 3/4 cups plant milk of your choice or water
Juice of one lemon
2 cups of cut-up fresh strawberries

Blend the crust ingredients in a small blender or food processor until mixture is a consistent texture.
Press mixture into the bottom of a 6-inch springform pan.
Blend the filling ingredients in a blender until the mixture is smooth.
Put the layer of cut up strawberries ½-1 cup on top of the crust.
Pour into springform pan on top of crust layer and smooth the surface.
Top with another layer of strawberries, making a more decorative pattern.
Place it in the freezer for 4 hours.
It can be stored in the freezer until use or in the fridge in an airtight container for about a week.

Cooking Class

20 $

Group cooking Classes

Per Person

Group (5-8) cooking Classes in different categories: breakfasts, soups and salads, baked and stuffed dishes, deserts. Healthy and useful tips on weekly meal planning and cooking. Easy to follow mouthwatering recipes with few ingredients.

Live class $20/person;

Zoom class$17/person

Contact Me

April, Abundance, Happiness

Mila Casey — Sun, 18 May 2025 17:26:31 +0000

World Health Day, celebrated this month, marks the anniversary of the World Health Organization (WHO), which was founded in 1948. This day serves as a valuable reminder to prioritize health, especially in this season of blooming flowers and sunny, warmer weather.

Many people feel inspired to take better care of themselves, eating nutritious meals, exercising, maintaining daily routines, and managing stress levels. These habits greatly contribute to physical and mental well-being.

Personally, I find that investing time in health and building strong personal relationships makes life richer. Smiling and laughter, which are contagious, also add happiness to our lives. Staying connected to positive and supportive people is an integral part of maintaining well-being, often prompting us to redefine our values to include health more consciously.

April Fool’s Day: Humor with Ancient Roots

April Fool’s Day, another notable event this month, originated from ancient festivals like Hilaria (Latin for “joyful”). Celebrated in ancient Rome at the end of March by followers of the Cybele cult, the festivities involved dressing in disguises and mocking others, including magistrates.

This tradition is said to have drawn inspiration from the Egyptian legend of Isis, Osiris, and Seth. Interestingly, the theme of humor connects this historical observance to the modern acknowledgment of laughter as the best medicine.

The Science of Laughter: Health Benefits Backed by Research

Scientific research has proven that laughter reduces stress and pain, strengthens the immune system, and promotes overall health.

It relaxes muscles, increases blood flow, improves heart rate, boosts pain tolerance, and reduces inflammation in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and COPD. It even benefits the digestive system, helping to regulate glucose levels after meals.

Diet and Mood: The Mind-Food Connection

Diet plays a significant role in shaping mood and mental health. Studies suggest that dietary changes can enhance quality of life and reduce depression without medication.

One study in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that people who consume whole foods experience fewer symptoms of depression than those who eat mostly processed foods.

Another study in Nutrition Journal indicated that vegetarians tend to have more positive moods than meat eaters. The protective effects of fruits and vegetables, and the harmful impact of animal foods, influence mood substantially.

Plant-Based Nutrition for Brain Health

Plant-based diets are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals that repair cell damage and reduce brain inflammation, restoring balance to neurotransmitters.

Quercetin, a natural antidepressant found in apples, kale, berries, grapes, onions, and green tea, boosts serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels in the brain.

Inflammation from Animal Foods: A Hidden Danger

Conversely, animal-based foods containing arachidonic acid can trigger inflammation in the brain, leading to anxiety, stress, and depression.

Limiting such foods improves both physical and mental health. While omega-3s are often recommended, plant-based sources of ALA—such as walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, and leafy greens—provide these benefits without the drawbacks of animal products.

Vision and Emotions: A Deeper Connection

Positive emotions and laughter support vision health by increasing blood flow to the face and eyes, stimulating tear production, and lubricating the eyes.

On the other hand, stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, causing vascular spasms and reducing blood flow to the eyes. Relaxation practices help counteract these effects, supporting visual improvement and preventing eye diseases.

I see this all the time in my students as I teach natural vision improvement methods.

Nature’s Medicines: Whole Foods and Laughter

Whole foods and laughter, truly nature’s medicines, contribute greatly to our health and happiness.

By embracing these elements, alongside relaxation and positive social connections, we can enhance our physical, emotional, and even visual well-being.

Let this month inspire us to celebrate life with good health, laughter, and cherished relationships.

Blooming Season, Itchy Eyes and Allergies

Mila Casey — Fri, 16 May 2025 15:56:19 +0000

Spring is in full swing with beautiful flowers and fresh greenery all around us. However, for many people, this season also means dealing with allergies and asthma.

Allergies happen when your body’s immune system overreacts to things it normally shouldn’t, like dust, pollen, or animal fur. Other common triggers include mold, certain chemicals, insect bites, and even some foods—though food allergies are less common.

Allergy Symptoms and Eye Health

When an allergen gets into your body, your immune system fights back by releasing chemicals like histamine. This can cause symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, coughing, and itchy, watery eyes.

If your eyes get irritated and you rub them, it might make things worse, possibly leading to conditions like keratoconus—a misshaped cornea that affects your vision.

To avoid this, clean your eyelids with gentle wipes or baby shampoo and use a cool washcloth on your eyes instead of rubbing them. Taking a shower at the end of the day also helps remove allergens like pollen or dust.

Allergies and Asthma: The Hidden Link

Allergies and asthma are connected. Asthma is a long-term condition where your airways become inflamed, making it hard to breathe. Common symptoms include chest tightness, wheezing, and a dry cough.

While genetics can play a small role, lifestyle habits often have a bigger impact—especially your gut health.

What Is “Leaky Gut”?

“Leaky gut” is a term used when tiny bits of undigested food escape into your bloodstream because your gut lining isn’t working properly.

This can trigger your immune system to overreact. Risk factors include C-section birth, certain medications, eating too much processed food, and introducing solid foods too early in childhood.

Over time, this can lead to allergies or autoimmune conditions like Celiac disease, which causes stomach pain, diarrhea, and fatigue when exposed to gluten.

Gut Bacteria and Lifestyle Matter

Your gut health depends on the good bacteria living there—your microbiome. These bacteria protect you from toxins, viruses, and more.

Studies show that people with allergies often have less diverse gut bacteria. Probiotics can help, but they are not a magic cure.

A healthy lifestyle—plant-rich diet, plenty of water, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight—has a bigger and longer-lasting impact.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Balanced

To manage allergies and asthma effectively, take care of your whole body. Focus on gut health by eating well, staying hydrated, and being active.

Don’t forget practical steps like cleaning your eyelids and showering daily to rinse off allergens.

It’s all about finding balance and keeping your immune system calm—so you can enjoy the best of spring!