Newsletter returning in August
Newsletter returning in August
...with exciting updates coming soon!
Welcome to the Michelle Seguin MD newsletter! A newsletter about thoughts on health and wellness from a doctor-gardener. I’m Dr. Michelle and I’m so glad you’re here!
Hello friends,
It’s been a while since I’ve last written and I have so much to share with you! Today’s note is a quick one to let you know that all is well and the newsletter will be returning in August! While this slow summer has been the one we needed, I’ve missed writing with regularity and look forward to sharing a few important (& exciting) updates very soon. As always, thank you for being here. In person or online, past or present, this connection is meaningful to me! I truly hope that you and yours are having a beautiful summer!
With gratitude,
Dr. Michelle
In the Kitchen
In places with dramatic seasons, like the Midwestern United States, most vegetables are in their prime for only a short window, so farmers and cooks know which to use up immediately and which cellar beautifully to taste great all year. — Abra Berens, Ruffage, 2019
These are days I long for in the depths of winter. Days which begin in the garden with morning rounds and end with a cup of tea around a cozy campfire. Days that are sun-kissed and filled to the brim with backyard abundance. As a homecook and gardener, the fleeting nature of such glorious summers make for meals (& memories) precious beyond measure. Here’s a snapshot into our summer kitchen…
1. Spring beet salad with mixed garden greens, sorrel, goat cheese, and chive blossoms.
2. Garden green juice - so vibrant! My basic “formula” for green juice = celery, cucumber, ginger, lime, flat-leaf parsley + whatever hearty greens I have on hand (leaves + stems). Serve well-chilled over ice for a refreshing (+ bitter) treat.
3. Forever inspired by Lost Creek Farm’s story-rich, seasonal recipe cards. We loved this marinated asparagus and mushroom salad. Consider supporting their important work in celebrating and preserving Appalachian foodways with a Patreon membership.
4. Braised broccoli raab with lemon and dill for a simple and delicious weeknight side straight from the garden.
5. Keweenaw Midsommar Breakfast inspired by Nigel Slater featuring pickled beets, grated apples, and herby goat cheese on toast with a quick cucumber salad, poached egg, and smoked Lake Superior lake trout.
6. Leaning into a summer tea practice with fresh lemon balm + spearmint. Such a good lesson in mindfulness as I often grow, harvest, and dry herbs with only future use in mind. Herbal tea enjoyed fresh from the garden, and in the moment, is a gift!
I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to in the kitchen and garden this summer.
Let me know in the comments below!
A Piece of My Mind
Here is a space where I share quick updates on what I’m learning, doing, loving, & more! The title is a riff on the popular JAMA series, which often highlights the joys, challenges, and hidden truths of practicing medicine in the modern era. Both are enjoyable, yet mine tends to be a bit more lighthearted.
What I’m learning: Another win for the “nature as medicine” movement with this recent meta-analysis demonstrating that as little as 10 minutes in nature is likely to yield short-term benefits in adults with mental health conditions. “The review’s analysis suggests that nature of all types—including urban nature—is likely to yield these benefits.”
What I’m reading: Good Energy by Dr. Casey Means has been on the NYT best seller list since its release 9 weeks ago and for good reason. If you’re looking to take a deeper dive into metabolic health and practical strategies to improve it, add this to your summer reading list.
What I’m loving: Purely Simple Face cream and Nectar Nourishing drops from Osmia Skincare. This doctor-formulated, natural skincare line has products for all skin types including challenging conditions like perioral dermatitis, eczema, and rosacea.
What I’m practicing: Yoga has been a part of my life for the past 20 years and I’m taking my practice to next level with Strala Yoga’s RYT-200 program. (And yes, I do want to teach in the future!) Strala (“to shine brightly”) emphasizes movement that is intuitive and filled with ease. Check out the Strala Home app for live + on demand classes and to join this vibrant online community.
What I’m looking forward to: Fresh Coast Cabins + Fresh Coast Yoga Retreat in October 2024. Expect a weekend of sights, sounds, and Savasana on the shore of Lake Superior. We’ll use this time to unplug, reset, connect and prepare for the change in seasons. I will be speaking on the health benefits of seasonal eating!
Disclaimer: All products listed here are those that I purchase and support. I have no financial ties to products shared in this publication.
This newsletter is a work in progress and your feedback is valuable to me. If there are topics of interest or columns you’d like featured, please connect with me and/or leave a comment. Thanks for being here!
Yours in health,
Dr. Michelle
P.S. If you are enjoying this newsletter, I’d love if you’d share it with a home cook, gardener, and/or nature lover in your life!
In Case You Missed It:
Here are my most recent Substack sharings:
Whole Food Kitchen - Part 1: Let’s talk pantry staple and how joy can be a powerful motivator for change.
In Defense of Winter: Winter walks, soup season suggestions, and a cookbook round-up.
The Science of Gratitude: Along with my seasonal picks for your holiday table