Dirty 30...Not For This Girl!

The Body Deli Vital-C Serum

My favorite product right now...made from live, raw foods, and stored in the fridge so every morning is like getting a facial!

As I move into my 30th year this Friday...eek!...I have become more aware and educated about what I put in my body, but even more so...what I put ON my body. The task of eliminating chemicals and toxins from your diet alone can be quite the task, but cleaning up the everyday products that you put on your body can be absolutely overwhelming.

Our skin has absorptive properties, so technically you shouldn't put anything on your skin that you wouldn't put in your mouth, as the skin is just another way for toxins and carcinogens to enter your body, creating cancer-growing cells.

When I first started tossing my toxic products and making room for the new products, I would stand in the store aisle, eyes glazed over, not knowing where to begin! So what can you do...besides memorize all the wordy ingredients you want to avoid, like...diethanolamine or isopropylparaben. No thank you!! The process doesn't have to be daunting, and I have to say I feel more empowered and in control as I move into a new decade!

So here are a few things that I've done over the past 6 months to change the products that I use and educate myself around the toxins that hide in many of our everyday beauty products...

1. Save the following link on your phone, or print it out and keep it in your handbag...Be Naturally You.

A great friend, who's mother is a natural skin care chemist, gave me this handy list of ingredients to watch out for when you're shopping for new products or making sure your existing products make the cut. The list can be a bit overwhelming, but the more you use it, the easier it will be to remember the ingredients you need to watch out for!

2. Start simple...

Change out each product as you run out of it. This can help your wallet and your sanity. When you're getting low on say face wash or mascara, start looking into which brands you can switch to instead of completely dumping your cabinet of products.

3. Shop Health Food Stores...

Local health food stores, as well as Whole Foods and Sprouts, have great natural beauty products, and they usually have knowledgeable associates available that can help walk you through their favorite natural products.

4. Trial and error...

I probably tried 4 different deodorants before I found one that actually worked well, so don't be afraid to find out that some of your more natural products don't perform quite the same as the chemical-filled products you're used to. Friends that are on the same journey are helpful in finding great products too!

5. Get Back to Basics...

Coconut and essential oils were my best friends when first starting to switch over my products. You can find great uses for coconut oil here, I use it for lotion, eye makeup remover, lip balm, night cream, ETC! Stay tuned for a homemade dry skin remedy you can whip up yourself, and have confidence in the ingredients.

Just a warning: The more you know, the more you're going to check every single product in your home...haha! Just last night I was doing dishes and reading the ingredients of my supposedly "natural" dishwash soap, and looks like I need to find a new one...totally worth it though!

Ground MATCHA Green Tea

Ground Matcha Via

My recent discovery of matcha green tea in powdered form was like striking gold! I had no idea what a glorious superfood I was missing out on all this time!

Powdered matcha green tea makes the other superfoods look not as super, and is an easy addition to smoothies, juices, soups, plain hot water, or even cupcake batter??!! It contains 10 times the benefits of a steeped cup of green tea!

Let me tell you why I LOVE me some powdered matcha:

1.  Powdered Matcha Green tea has almost 7 times more naturally occurring antioxidants than dark chocolate...Plentiful antioxidants means boatloads of alkalizing, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral benefits for YOU!

2.  The caffeine in powdered matcha provide a calm energy which lasts for about 4-6 hours, and provides a productive alertness much different than a cup of coffee. Your mood is elevated and you have a greater ability to concentrate, but still feel the ZING!

3.  Powdered matcha contains choryphyll, which detoxifies the blood, balances pH, and also gives it a bright, cheery green color.

4.  Other reported benefits of powdered matcha are that it promotes fat burning, aids digestion, improves foul breath, and boosts immunity.

Stay tuned Friday for a little detoxification combo using some powdered matcha...just in time for the weekend!

The Amazing Chia Seed

You may have heard a lot of buzz around this little seed recently, and I like to think of chia seeds like...flax seeds on crack!

Chia seeds were an ancient staple in the diet of Mayans and Mexicans, and were used for sustained energy while hunting, as well as in religious ceremonies. Today, they are gaining popularity due to their unending nutritional benefits, and can be found in many health food stores. 

I could make a laundry list of the benefits of chia seeds, but here are a few of my favorite:

1.  Chia seeds are great for weight management. They absorb up to 12 times their own weight, and they expand in liquid, curbing your appetite, giving you a full feeling.

2.  Chia seeds contain a high concentration of omega-3, as well as omega-6, which is needed to support heart health, and may lessen your risk for cancer and arthritis.

3.  Your digestive system will start movin' and groovin' thanks to the high fiber content of the chia, which also has a beneficial effect on cholesterol. 

4. Chia seeds are a complete source of plant protein and contain all nine amino acids, great for vegetarians/vegans.

5.  Per ounce, chia seeds provide three times more calcium than skim milk, preventing osteoporosis.

I use chia seeds in smoothies, baked goods, granola, salads, etc...but my favorite snack when I need an energy boost that keeps me feel full is...

Chia Pudding

It's super simple to make...just combine 1 cup of almond, hemp, or coconut milk with 2 Tbsp of chia seeds. Stir mixture every 10 minutes or so as the chia seeds expand and create a tapioca-like pudding. Add cinnamon and agave to taste!

Holiday Recharge

When my diet needs a little balance and grounding, especially after holiday lunches, dinners, and all the parties in between, I love a good smoothie to get my diet back on track...a RECHARGE!

On the days I want to recharge my diet, I usually start the day with hot water, lemon, and cayenne to start cleansing from the inside out. I cut out coffee and switch to green tea with lemon throughout the day. In the middle of the day, I whip up a yummy nutrient filled smoothie with greens, fruit, hemp or green proteins, coconut oil, and a few extras like the smoothie below.

My digestive system gets movin', my energy level stays steady all day, and I feel all around lighter. 

You're sippin' till supper!

This blueberry smoothie has been on regular rotation for me lately, and it tastes almost like a blueberry cheesecake...or almond butter & jelly sandwich! 

Ingredients:

Spinach, handful

Frozen blueberries, 1 cup

Almond milk, 1 cup

Coconut oil, 1 Tbsp

Mejdool dates, without pit, 2

Hemp protein or green superfood powder

Slivered almonds, small handful

Cinnamon, 4 dashes

Coconut flakes, unsweetened, optional

Add all ingredients to blender, and add water if consistency is too thick.

Peppermint Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

That's a mouthful...and did I mention no egg and no dairy...

Santa's getting some healthier treats this year!

If you are all out of time, and need to whip up something sweet for dear Santa, these cookies are quick and simple...even for someone like me where baking just isn't my thing {I tend to forget important ingredients like flour...oopsie}.

Ingredients:

*Earth Balance margarine, 1 cup

Brown sugar, 1 cup

Water, 1/4 cup

Vanilla, 1 tsp.

Peppermint oil, 1/2 tsp.

Quick cooking oatmeal, 3 cups

Whole wheat flour, 1 1/4 cups

Salt, 1 tsp.

Baking soda, 1/4 tsp.

Dark chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, mix together margarine and brown sugar. Add in water, vanilla, and peppermint oil. In a separate bowl mix together all dry ingredients: oatmeal, flour, salt, and baking soda. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet mixture, and add in dark chocolate chips to preference.

With spoon or scooper, shape dough into small balls. Cookies don't change shape and expand as you bake, so shape to your preference on your non-stick baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes. Cookies will get crispier as they cool, so don't leave in oven longer than the specified time.

*I must mention this is a vegan margarine and just as creamy and sinful tasting as its' dairy cousins.

Veggie Eats: Rosemary Hummus

With the holidays in full swing, the party invites are overflowing, and you probably need a healthy contribution to the holiday party menu...

 My Go-to...

HUMMUS

This creamy fiber-filled dip is an easy option that can be made ahead of time, and uses ingredients that you probably already have on hand...and you'll guarantee that you have something healthy to nosh on besides that tempting spinach and artichoke dip!

Ingredients:

Garbanzo beans, 3 cups

Olive oil, 1 cup

Garlic cloves, 3-4

Tahini, 2 Tbsp

Lemons, Juice of 3

Rosemary, 2-3 sprigs, minced

Cayenne pepper

If you are using dried garbanzo beans, you will want to cook them ahead of time, like I showed you here!

Add 2 cups of garbanzo beans to a food processor, as well as olive oil, garlic cloves, tahini, juice of lemons, and rosemary. Pulse to blend all ingredients together. Add 1 more cup of garbanzo beans, and process until you reach a creamy consistency. You may need to add additional olive oil if the beans are being stubborn and not easily reaching a creamy consistency. Add cayenne pepper to taste, and serve with crackers or vegetables!

The rosemary is optional, and can be omitted or substituted. I like to try different flavorings, like...black bean, edamame, or spicy jalapeno!

An At-Home Yoga Practice

Photo Via

Finding an at-home yoga practice may be a great option for those with crazy schedules, as a cost- saving option, or if you want to supplement your regular studio practice. There are a few online resources where you can pay a small monthly subscription, and have access to hundreds of classes, and lots of different styles of yoga. I am currently using YogaGlo and am loving it!

YogaGlo is $18/month for unlimited classes, and they have many different styles of yoga, including pre/post natal, restorative, vinyasa, and even meditation. Classes run from 5-120 minutes, and are offered at different levels. You can choose a class based on endless criteria, such as a class for energizing, detox, cross training, or yoga at work.

To Create a Successful and Fulfilling At-Home Yoga Practice:

1.  Find a quiet space where you have enough room to spread your mat, and are free from clutter and distractions. You may need to move furniture aside...I learned my lesson with this one, and had a nice run-in with the couch while trying to manage a headstand.

2. Light candles and dim the lights so you can focus, and get the feeling of a studio.

3.  Don't allow yourself to stop your practice to answer your texts or finish the laundry, this is time for YOU!

4.  Try different classes and types of yoga that fit your mood, and your body's needs. If you don't want to pay for a service, there are YouTube videos you can find for no cost. 

5.  Take your practice to a level you are comfortable with. In a studio class, our ego often comes out in the form of competitiveness that causes us to push ourselves farther than is comfortable for our body.

An at-home practice may not be ideal for everyone, but may also be the only way to get in your practice. For a new mom, this could be a great option during the baby's nap time. It is a time to focus on YOU and get a re-charge so you can be more focused and present for your child throughout the day. For students, an at-home practice would be a productive study break, and yoga has been shown to increase attention and alertness.

I still enjoy the social aspects of a studio class with a live teacher, but for a few days out of the week, I have also found challenge and satisfaction in an at-home practice.

For the LOVE of Tea Tree Oil!

I love a good green product with multiple uses, and am constantly searching for natural, do-it-yourself remedies!

 When I recently needed a cleaner for my yoga mat to rid off all the yuckiness that gathers from dripping sweat and being transported back and forth, I found my remedy in

TEA TREE OIL!

Here are a few fun facts about my new FAV oil:

1.  Tea tree oil fights off bacteria, fungi, and viruses...hence, my use for a yoga mat cleaner!

2.  It can be applied to your skin and used to treat acne, eczema, and Athlete's Foot. Word to the wise... avoid eyes when applying to your face!

3.  The scent of tea tree oil is energizing and can lift your mood. I use tea tree oil as a morning toner, making me feel more awake, energized, and fresh!

4.  When used as a spray, tea tree oil can control mold and mustiness, preventing germs from lingering. I spray the mat cleaner on my pillow in the morning to keep germs off, and it smells like a spa when I jump in bed at night.

To Make Your Own Tea Tree Oil Disinfectant Spray, you will need:

Small spray bottle

Tea Tree Oil

Water

Essential Oil of your choice

**I used a Rosemary Lavender for an energizing, but calming scent.

Combine in spray bottle: 1 cup of water, 12-15 drops of tea tree oil, and 12-15 drops of essential oil.

If there is something that I can create or use in my own home that doesn't contain chemicals and lots of additives, then I am hooked!

Guilt-Free Thanksgiving...It Can Be Done!

Photo Via

We are one day away from Thanksgiving...the one day of the year it's a requirement to fill up your tummy way past it's limit, with your closest loved ones!

...Which can be a DANGER zone for anyone trying to maintain a healthy diet!

Here are a few tips on how to make it a guilt-free, family and friend filled event, with cooking, drinking, and of course, loads of EATING!

1.  Start your morning with some physical activity...a run, some yoga, or a walk at the beach. Your metabolism will be running more efficiently, and your mind will be clear and relaxed to deal with any stress that may come up throughout the day.

2.  Eat a nutritious breakfast, so you're not famished by the time you get to Thanksgiving dinner. If you don't have a lot of time, a banana or protein smoothie will be better than nothing.

3.  Bring a healthy dish, so you know you can guarantee at least one nutrient-filled dish. I plan on making this ...and this would be a good option as well!

4. Focus on the company, and not the cheese plate! When you are more focused on catching up and having quality conversation with your loved ones, food will come in second, preventing a binge.

5.  Don't be hard on yourself if you do splurge and go overboard a little bit. It's one day of the year, and you'll be back on track with your healthy ways tomorrow. You will gain more weight stressing and dwelling about the giant meal you consumed, then if you accept that this is not an everyday occurrence!

Have a healthy and happy Thanksgiving!

Have gratitude for everything you are blessed with!

Veggie Eats: Everyday Brussel Sprouts

So often these yummy little guys get such a bad rap! I hear people "yuck" and "ekk" when you start talking brussel sprouts...but they are missing out!!

If not prepared correctly, this cruciferous vegetable can be a little bitter, so that's why we're gonna change all that with a really simple preparation that I whip up a few times a week. 

Brussel sprouts are a staple in this house...just as much as water!

Brussel sprouts pack a POWERHOUSE of nutrients, and because I can't give you a recipe without telling you how awesome it is for you, I've included a quick list of their nutritional benefits:

RICH in protein, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins A, C, E, K, iron, and potassium.
Fight inflammation in the body, and aid digestion.

Prevent retinal damage, and bone loss.

Protect against colon and prostate cancer.

Ingredients:

Brussel sprouts, 20 large

Olive oil, 4 Tbs

Garlic, 2 cloves

Lemon, juice of 2

Black pepper, 1/2 tsp

Red pepper, 1/2 tsp

Capers, optional, 1 tsp

Balsamic vinegar, drizzle or 1 cup for reduction

In a large skillet or wok on low heat, add olive oil, garlic, juice of 1 lemon, and capers. Clean and halve the brussel sprouts, and add to heated oil. Add black and red pepper, and combine all ingredients so seasoning and oil coat the sprouts. Cover and set on medium for 10-15 minutes. This will soften the brussel sprouts. 

While brussel sprouts are steaming, prepare balsamic reduction. Add balsamic vinegar to a small saucepan. Heat on medium-low. In about 10 minutes, balsamic will begin to reduce down and develop a syrup-like consistency. 

Once brussel sprouts are al dente (not too soft, not too raw), add juice of second lemon and brown further by heating on low, uncovered. Add additional pepper to taste. When they begin to get a little crispy, remove from pan, and drizzle with balsamic reduction.

Give these green, cruciferous beauties another shot, and you will reap the benefits!

Besides...don't you need to bring a side dish for Thanksgiving dinner?!

I ♥ Lemons!

Lemons Via

When Life Hands You Lemons, Make...EVERYTHING!

These detoxifying, and beautifully bright fruits are present in almost every recipe I make. Not only do they give a little zing to every dish, but they have innumerous health benefits as well. It has been found that starting your day with lemon and hot water will detoxify and cleanse your digestive system and liver.

Some of my favorite benefits of lemon include:

1.  They are extremely high in Vitamin C, and can fight off colds, flu, and throat ailments. Add lemon to your echinacea or green tea when you feel a cold coming on.

2.  The citric acid in lemon aids digestion, relieves constipation, and can prevent formation of kidney stones. I start my day with warm water and lemon just for these reasons, and the smell will wake up your senses.

3.  Lemon has preservative qualities. If you sprinkle lemon on your apples or avocados, you can keep them from turning brown, and extend their life.

4.  It can be used as an aromatherapy aid, as lemons lift mood and energy levels, helpful to those with depression, and going through menopause. It clears the mind allowing for better focus and concentration.

5. It has antibacterial and astringent properties, and can improve the appearance of dull skin. When applied to the skin as a toner, it acts as an anti-aging treatment.

Besides all of the above everyday uses, lemons look fantastic and bright in a bowl in your kitchen, which is personally one of my favorite uses!

**Try a few of my favorite recipes with lemon here, here, and here...with plenty more coming soon!

Green Product I Love: My S'well Bottle

This little green bottle packs a lot of punch, and has been by my side since I bought it a few weeks back!

When you purchase a bottle, you are supporting WaterAid, which provides safe, hygienic, and sanitized water to the world's poorest communities, as well as cutting down on the waste of plastic bottles that are disposed of each day.

Aside from the green benefits of this bottle, it looks super sleek...I get asked about it often in work meetings, and it is made of double stainless steel, so liquids stay cold for 24 hours, and hot for 12 hours!

I put it to the test, and brought my S'well with cold water to my 100 degree hot yoga class, which is pretty much always impossible to maintain a cold water bottle throughout the whole class, and SUCCESS!

Not only that...Every Sunday I take my dog for a long walk and play session down at the beach, and my coffee is usually cold by the time we're done, but the S'well passed that test too!

To snag one up for yourself, you can find them here. I know I'll be buying a few more for holiday gifts this year, and I have to say the wine bottle size could come in pretty handy for some outdoor strolls through Christmas lights!

More Bean for Your Buck!

If you're like me, and you use beans daily as a protein, then you know it can take multiple cans to get through the week, and can cost $1-$2 per can! I know that's not gonna break the bank, but buying in bulk can get you weeks worth of beans for the price of one can! That means more $$$ for that coffee addiction!!!

To find your inner cost-saving bean goddess...or god, follow these easy steps:

1.  First, you'll need to visit your local market where you can buy foods in bulk...that would be Whole Food or Sprouts for me.

2.  Once you get your dried beans home you will want to rinse them to get rid of any excess dirt. Place them in a bowl, and soak with about 3 inches of water above them. You don't have to soak them, but doing so reduces the acid that makes you gassy and gives you the toots!

3.  Once beans have soaked for about 12 hours, overnight is best, bring a large pot to boil, and add beans.

4.  Once beans have come to a boil, reduce heat to simmer and cover. Simmer for 1-2 hours until beans are soft..

I store my beans in mason jars, which you can buy at your local hardware store, and freeze any jars that I'm not ready to use. Now you're all set to make salads, hummus, chili...and oh yeah these Roasted Garbanzo Beans...

These Roasted Garbanzo beans are quick and easy, and have been my go-to snack lately...sorry Kale chips...

In a large bowl, combine beans, a splash of olive oil, lemon, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and cumin. Place on a baking sheet at bake at 425 degrees for 10-20 minutes until crispy.

That's it...enjoy as a snack or replace as croutons in your salad! It's like a healthy CornNut! 

Coconut Oil Obsession

I kept hearing all about Coconut Oil on various wellness blogs that I follow, and recently decided to try it out for myself to see what everyone has been getting so excited about!

Not only does this creamy oil smell super yummy, but there are endless uses for it, from cooking, to skin and digestive remedies, to flea repellent for your pets! I have a jar in my bathroom, and a jar in the kitchen!

Quick facts about Coconut Oil:

1.  The saturated fat in coconut oil is composed of medium-chain fatty acids, which are used almost immediately for sustained energy, which makes it a more productive and fruitful energy source. This is also good fuel for your brain.

2.  It improves nutrient absorption, and is easily digestible, making it a great addition to your daily smoothie, or before a meal.

3.  It is anti-bacterial, fungal, inflammatory, microbial, carcinogenic, and an antioxidant...meaning...it fights off all of the harmful elements in our food and our environment, making our body run cleaner on the inside and outside.

4.  It keeps blood sugar levels stable, staves cravings, and raises your good, protective 'HDL cholesterol.'

**You can find a jar next to the olive and vegetable oils at your local health food store...avoid buying it from the beauty area, as they tend to charge almost 3 times the amount for the same product!

My Everyday Uses Are:

1.  Nightly moisturizer to fight wrinkles (hopefully), and stop breakouts.

2.  An addition to my pup's breakfast each morning, to help with digestion and overall internal health. She loves it, and patiently waits for her daily scoop every morning!

3.  Yummy oil for stir frying brussel sprouts, broccoli, and kale. I also put a spoonful in my smoothies for an extra energy and brain boost!

4.  Deep conditioner for split ends. Rub on ends, and leave in as long as possible, overnight is best!

5.  Treatment for eczema and allergy flare-ups.

If you want more ideas on how to use this miracle oil, you can find a fun list of '122 Uses' here.

Veggie Eats: Jalapeno Cashew "Cheese"

Let's EAT!

What started as a personal challenge to eat vegan for 2 weeks recently, has turned into something I've tried to integrate in my diet most days of the week now. I definitely never thought I would go this route, as I am a major cheese-aholic, but I actually feel so much cleaner and energetic since making the change...slow change that is!

So to semi-satisfy my cheese craving, I tried out a Jalapeno Cashew "Cheese," and was quite surprised with how much I didn't miss the real thing. Try it out for yourself if you dare, and add in your own twist for different dishes!

Ingredients:

Jalapeno

Raw Cashews, 1 Cup

Juice of One Lemon

Garlic Cloves, 3

Black Pepper to Taste

Cayenne Pepper to Taste

Water

Throw all ingredients into a food processor. Add small amounts of water until you reach a creamy consistency. And that's it...add to your favorite Mexican dish!

I topped mine onto mushroom and lentil tacos, and it was creamy deliciousness!