Category Archives: Health

Pick me up!

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It’s Monday! New week, fresh start.

Since its afternoon here, maybe later for some, I thought I would share a little afternoon treat, or rather a way to help combat the craving for bad afternoon treats. And if you know me well, you know what I am going to share is a treat for me. I love me some JUICE! It’s the perfect way to satisfy the sweet tooth.

Dent et boxe

It’s common to feel slightly sluggish in the afternoon. Our bodies are metabolizing lunch and go through a natural lull. It’s also common for people to start craving some sugar, a pick me up, in the afternoon. DON’T DO IT! You know you’re just going to crash after. No bueno :-(

Instead, take a walk, drink a tall glass of water, and munch on some healthy, natural sugars. Here enters Green Juice!! You already know it’s packed full of vitamins and nutrients,it is kicked into your system immediately, and when you add some fruit (apple, lemon, orange), you can totally kick that sugar cravings booty! Loading up on the good helps knock out room (cravings) for the bad.

Here’s what I just whipped up:

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  • Kale

  • Romain lettuce

  • 1 stock of celery

  • 1 apple

  • 1 lemon

  • small ginger knob

  • 1/2 cucumber

  • collard greens

Next time that sweet tooth comes knocking, try satisfying it with a green juice and make sure to add something sweet like an apple and lemon.

 

Seasonal Eating – Fall/Winter

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Aaaaand I am back from Mexico!  Tan and relaxed!

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{ view from the house }

Erik and I had  such a great time down south.  We were out in the middle of nowhere, seriously, with hardly anything but the casitas (houses), our friends, beach, and plenty of Pacifico ;-)   It was a quick 5 day vacation but so glorious!

 

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{ sunrise }

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Now that I’m back, I’m getting caught up on work, studying, cleaning, finishing decorating (!!) and getting ready for Erik’s big work holiday party tomorrow night.  I am beyond excited, I love getting dolled up!  And his work goes all out, it’s a fabulous event.  Oh, and getting to party at the Montage Beverly Hills, doesn’t hurt either.  I’ll hopefully have some pretty pics of the place to post Monday :-)

OK, so back to business.  I normally keep things pretty clean in the kitchen when cooking and preparing foods.  Just lots of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.  It’s even more important to try to keep the diet clean in this season.  Not only will your body and immune system stay stronger (fight off sickness, boom!), you will feel less guilty for occasionally indulging.

3d rendered illustration of some funny food characters  

Let’s face it, we all like to enjoy the good times during the holidays, and there is never a shortage of good foods, treats, and drinks around!

Christmas gingerbread.

There is enough stress during the holidays without the need to worry about your waistline.  So load up on the goods, and allow yourself to enjoy some indulgences without guilt ;-)

Which brings me to seasonal eating: Fall/Winter:

Part of staying natural with foods is to eat seasonal.  I posted a while back about why buying seasonal vegetables and fruits is beneficial.  On top of those reasons, the earth is telling us what we should be eating in the current season to keep us healthy and strong.  We grow lots a hydrating and cooling foods in summer months, correct?  Our bodies need those foods in the hot months, but you don’t want you body cooling down lots in the winter months.  You would be more susceptible to illness if you stayed eating mostly just the fruits and veggies you eat in summer.  During the colder winter months, your body wants denser, heavier foods.  It’s important to incorporate plenty of high protein, high good fat, and oils during these months.  Root vegetables (potatoes, carrots, beets, yams) are very satisfying in winter.  They are more dense, and because of how they are grown (root), will keep us feeling more grounded, warm, cozy…just what our body is craving!!

Harvest time, pumpkins

Here is a good list of fall and winter foods.  Try adding these to your grocery list and keep an eye out for these at the market:

  • Squash

  • Apples

  • Beets

  • Brussel sprouts

  • Cranberries

  • Mushrooms

  • Figs

  • Sweet potatoes

  • Swiss chard

  • Figs

  • Grapefruit

  • Kale

  • Leeks

  • Lemons

  • Radishes

  • Turnips

I’m aiming to have some delicious recipes posted next week incorporating these foods!  Until then, have a wonderful weekend!

Friday Wrap Up

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Happy Friday Friends!

It’s crazy weather time here in SoCal.  To think, just last week for Thanksgiving we were playing around at the beach.  Now it’s all rainy, cloudy, yet oddly warm.  Mother Nature, you’re a goofy one ;-)

Anyhow, the detox I have been on this week has turned out to be surprisingly easy.  I don’t have amazing willpower or strength now, rather I have come down with a nasty cold.  Juices have really been the only thing I have wanted.  I guess being sick is a blessing in disguise making the cleanse so easy-peasy!

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In all seriousness though, I have felt like crap all week.  Normally I don’t stress being sick, it happens to us all.  Being healthy isn’t about not getting sick, it’s about how well our bodies deal with sickness.  So again, I normally wouldn’t worry except tomorrow Erik and me are taking off to MEXICO with a small group of friends.  The last thing I want to do is be that sick sneezy, snotty (sorry for the visual) person on the plane, or be all sicky on the beach!!! 

I have tried  so hard to get better…rest, vitamins, nutrients, etc., so I have faith I’ll kick it just in time (I’m thinking tonight pleeeease!!)  I wanted to share a couple of juice recipes that did make me feel loads better.

This one was spicy and helped clear my nose:

1.  4 carrots, 1 small beet, 1 apple, 1 large ginger knob, a handful of parsley, 1/2 cucumber

This next one is loaded with vitamins and gave me a lot of energy:

2.  A large handful of spinach, several large kale leaves, about 4 dandelion leaves, 1 lemon, 2 apples, 1 ginger knob, 1 cucumber

Well, these are just a couple of what has helped.  I made some of my other go to’s as well.  And of course I loaded up on lots of ginger and lemon teas, a special tincture my brother made me with reishi in it (how cute is he?!?!), and Echinacea drops in my water.  Lets hope this all helps.

Ok enough about me and my feeling sorry for myself being sick!  Hope you all have a wonderful, cozy, sick free weekend!!  I’ll be back late next week with some pics from MEXICO!!!

Until then this will be me ;-)

{ old picture from Bocas Del Toro, Panama }

{ old picture from Bocas Del Toro, Panama }

What do you guys do to take care of yourselves when you are sick??

 

Back! With a Healthy Stuffing

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Hello Strangers!

Feels like its been years since I last posted.  To tell you the truth though, I simply have not had the time, energy, or even recipes to post!  It’s been CRA-ZY over here.  All in a good way though.  Since starting my Health Coaching Program, I have been spending pretty much all free time studying, reading, researching, and then trying to preach what I teach, ya ya!!  I’m loving the school and I cannot wait to share stuff with ya’ll, but for the next couple months, it’s going to be slowly released.  See, I’m learning a lot about TIME MANAGEMENT.  Oh my, and in order to teach it, I have to be better at it myself, which it taking a lot of practice.  I’m getting there though, and the more I practice good time management, the less stressed, more in control, and happier I feel.

Ok so enough about me and my nutty life.  I just could not let such a wonderful holiday pass without some yummy food posts!  Even though I don’t eat meat (let turkeys live!!), this is still one of my favorite holidays.  I absolutely love the Holiday Season, the smells, the family and friend time, the music, the coziness, the shopping, the cheer…I could literally go on for hours.  Since Thanksgiving kicks it all off, well I’m a fan!

I have a couple posts today and tomorrow coming at you!  A couple of my favorite sides, that are of course lightened up and vegan, without losing any of that “traditional” delicious flavor.  Here’s a hearty, super easy Stuffing that passed the test, even with the carnivores ;-)

Vegan Italian Stuffing:

  • Whole grain bread (I used Ezekiel sprouted whole grain)
  • Vegan “butter”, several tablespoons
  • 9-10 oz crimini sliced mushrooms (come in about 6oz baskets, I used 1 1/2 baskets)
  • 3 celery stocks, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 green apple, cored and chopped into cubes
  • 2 vegan Italian “sausage” – I use this brand
  • about 8 fresh thyme sprigs, leaves removed
  • about 8 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
  • 2 1/2 (+/-) organic vegetable broth
  • Parsley for garnish
  1. Heat oven to 350.
  2. Slice up bread into small cubes, about an inch or smaller.  Spread on baking sheet and cook in oven for 20 minutes, until toasty.  Remove and place in large bowl.
  3. While bread is toasting, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in large skillet.  Add mushrooms and large pinch of salt, coat evenly, and cook until juicy and tender, about 6-8 minutes.
  4. Add celery, onion, apple, sausage, thyme, another tablespoon or 2 of “butter” and a little more salt.  Cook for a few more minutes, until veggies are tender.
  5. Add sage and broth.  Combine then pour over bread in the large bowl.  Top with some fresh parsley.
  6. Spread into a medium baking sheet, bake for about 40 minutes, remove, cool slightly, and Enjoy!!

What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving recipes?

Spooky Snaps and my New Adventure

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Happy Halloween Week pumpkins!

Unfortunately I do not have any spooky or clever costumes to share, for we were too busy watching and celebrating my beloved GIANTS win the World Series!!!!  Even though I could not be in the City to watch and party (for a big reason which I announce at the end), I made sure we cheered our little hearts out down here in So Cal.  I stayed decked out in my SF Black and Orange which definitely helped keep things in the Halloween spirit!!

I did manage to plan and host a super fun pumpkin decorating party late last week.  Great friends, delicious food and drink, pumpkin decorating galore, and the World Series made the party a super success!

Here are some fun snaps of the party and last week!

{ party for pumpkins }

{ some crafty work }

{ hard at work }

{ earth oven for pizzas. built by my brother }

{ my pirate pumpkin }

and of course a shot of some game watching

{ Giants!!! }

Alright, enough of this party and celebration talk, although now I have another reason to celebrate…Today is the first day of my schooling in Health and Wellness.  For the next year, I will be studying and working hard to become certified as a health and wellness coach.  The program takes a holistic approach to overall nutrition, health, and wellness.  Although I am very happy with my job and working with my family, I would also like to pursue my interest in helping others with nutrition and health.  I feel so blessed to be able to have the opportunity to do all these things.  I cannot wait to learn so many new things, while touching up on things I already know and practice.  And you, my lovely readers, will reap the benefits of thins I learn.  I hope to make this blog even healthier and happier!!!

 

Healthy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

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Hopefully after this post,  I will lay off the pumpkin for a little…hopefully.  I make no promises though.  Pumpkin everything is so darn yummy!  

So let’s talk about this pumpkin smoothie.  It should be dessert, well it can be dessert.  But it can also be breakfast, as in what I had today, or a snack, or a give-me-something-sweet-and-stillSOgood-for me.  Yeah, that too.  This smoothie has a ton of vitamins (hello pumpkin!), will boost energy (all about the maca), and keep you nice and full for a long time.  And did I mention how goooood it is?

So again, if you are looking for a way to use up some extra pumpkin puree, try out this smoothie.

All you need to do is toss the following in a blender:

  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 large frozen banana
  • about 3 heaping tablespoons of pumpkin puree
  • 1 large tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 small nub of ginger, skin cut off
  • 2 pitted dates
  • 1 teaspoon maca powder (optional)
  • a few ice cubes

Blend and enjoy!!!

What are your favorite pumpkin treats?

Pumpkin Facial Scrub

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Hello there beautiful pumpkins!!!

How were your weekends?  It was a beautiful one here!!  We headed out to Pasadena to watch the Utah Utes play the UCLA Bruins.  Pasadena is absolutely beautiful this time of the year and we had such a great time catching up with Erik’s friends who were visiting from Utah.  Other than that, lots of sports, watching my 49er’s and my Giants baseball.  Woo woo, let’s hear it for play-offs!!!  BTW, you like how they are my teams.  Yeah, because I have so much to do with the organizations, decisions, successes…

{ tailgating }

Anyway, back to the pumpkins!  Did ya’ll try out those baked pumpkin doughnut holes?  I sure hope so, those babies were muy delicioso!  Well if you did try them, or maybe another pumpkin recipe,  you might have some left over pumpkin.  What to do, what to do??  How about you try slathering it on your face?!  Ya heard me, make a yummy pumpkin face scrub!  

All you need is anywhere from 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of pureed pumpkin, mixed with a few tablespoons of organic, raw sugar.  Drop in a couple drops of flax or grape seed oil, and you’ve got yourself a powerful scrub right there!  Add sugar a tablespoon at a time.  Since this is a face scrub, you do not want too much sugar exfoliating, we need to be gentle with the facial skin :-)  Use your judgement, you’re smart cookies, errrr pumpkins ;-) .  I would recommend scrubbing it on at the beginning of your shower, letting it sit several minutes, then gently removing with a warm wash cloth.

So what is this mask doing for you?  Well lots, especially if you took in a good amount of sun this summer.   Here are a few reasons to try this mask:

  • Pumpkins are rich in vitamins and nutrients
  • Pumpkin helps ease and repair environmental and sun damage
  • Pumpkin is rich in antioxidants
  • The pumpkin will help moisturiize while the sugar will rid your skin of dead skin cells
  • Pumpkin vitamins fight acne and blemishes
  • Pumpkin can ease redness and inflammation

Hope this gives you a little help using any extra pumpkin you have around :-)  Enjoy your yummy mask Pumpkins!

Snaps! Utah and Maca Benefits

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You probably know how I will start this one.  I’ve been so busy, blah blah blah, but seriously, I haven’t stopped home for longer than 4 days for a few weeks now.  Last Thursday we headed out to Utah to visit Erik’s family in Park City, attend the University of Utah football game, and visit with one of my bestest down in Salt Lake City.  It was a busy and very eventful weekend, filled with beautiful scenery and great times.  Here are a few snaps from the weekend!  Enjoy

{ catch up with Miss Helen }

{ Utah game. Go Utes!! }

{ coolest moment…Banksy Sighting }

{ tailgating, no more pics for Erik? }

And I cannot forget to share the little Princess’s birthday picture and give her a shout out.  Happy birthday to the cutest, sweetest dog ever!

{ B }

Now Maca talk…

When I was taking off for my trip to Seattle, I posted a recipe to my new favorite smoothie.  I mentioned how I include Maca, and now I’ll give you a few reasons why you should consider incorporating this into your diet too!  Maca is used to:

  • improve energy levels
  • promote mental clarity –>brain function, memory
  • hormone balance –> help you better deal with stress and anxiety
  • help the body mentally and physically recover from daily stresses

For us ladies, it’s can also help with PMS and promote fertility.

Here is a good link further explaining the magical root.  I buy this dark mint one, it tastes delish in smoothies!!

Spiced Mini Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting – Vegan

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Ok I am starting.  I am diving into fall recipes.  I thought what better way to start than with some pumpkin spice cupcakes, right?  With creamy maple  ”cream cheese” frosting?  Yesterday I said I was craving all things fall, and these cupcakes sure hit the spot.  Also, since I said I would try to hit them in a healthier way, I cut out refined sugars, cut the fat, and of course made them vegan.  So not only are these fluffy, spicy, moist cupcakes absolutely delicious, they aren’t completely sinful (they only taste that way)!

So did I sell you yet?  You really should make these, like today, or tonight.  Promise you won’t regret it ;-)

Spiced Mini Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting – Vegan

Dry ingredients – mix in a medium bowl:

  • 2 cups whole wheat, unbleached flour
  • 1/2 cup raw, organic brown sugar (or brown coconut sugar or Sucanat)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp all spice

Liquid ingredients – mix in another medium bowl:

  • 2 flax eggs (2 tablespoon ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoons warm water) – Mix the flax eggs first and set aside.  Need about 5 minutes to “gel” before mixing with other ingredients
  • 1/2 cup melted vegan “butter” – I use Earth Balance soy free
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 can organic pumpkin pie mix*
  • 1 tablespoon almond milk
  1. Pre-heat oven to 350.  Grease mini muffin tin.
  2. After combining liquid ingredients, add the dry ingredients to the liquid bowl.  Mix well.
  3. Spoon batter into cupcake tin.  Bake for about 15 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean (about 25 +/- if using regular tin).

{ army of cupcakes }

 

Maple “Cream Cheese” Frosting:

  • 1 cup “powdered” sugar (see process below)
  • 1 8 oz container of tofutti
  • 1/2 tsp maple syrup
  • Generous dash of cinnamon
  1. For powdered sugar, without using a super processed, bleached, typical powdered sugar, you can easily make your own healthier version.  Simply take a cup of raw, unprocessed, organic sugar (or Sucanat) and 1 tsp cornstarch.  Process in a Vitamix (super fast) or regular blender.  Should take under a minute.  Pulse until you get the consistency you want.  How easy is that?
  2. Now combine all the frosting ingredients in a bowl with a hand mixer.
  3. When cupcakes have cooled, using a knife or piping bag, frost up and enjoy!

 

I absolutely love pumpkin spice!  What are some of your favorite fall treats?

Particular benefits from Juicing

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Well hello Friday, so nice to see you again.  Feel free to stop by whenever you want ;-)

I think today is a good day for a Health Pumped Post!  Kick off the weekend right, right?  Yes.

I have mentioned before the Benefits of Juicing and doing Juice Cleanses.  So today’s post is more about how the Fruits and Vegetables we juice with actually benefit us.  You can literally juice almost any vegetable or fruit, like even potatoes, crazy right?!  Instead of talking about anything and everything under the sun (or in the dirt) to juice with, I’m highlighting what I use most frequently.  Sometimes I include all of the following, but usually it is some variation of lots of greens and a little fruit and/or citrus.  

So here we go!  Hope this helps you understand how all these wonderful fruits and veggies help our lovely bodies stay healthy and happy!

  • Apple:  Helps cleanse the liver and kidneys, also helps them function properly.  Energy booster with the natural sugar.  Also helps the taste ;-)
  • Carrot:  Contain lots of Vitamin A and beta-carotene which helps eyes.  Supports the liver and digestion.  Cancer fighter.  Revitalizes skin
  • Cucumber:  Contains antioxidants and promotes healthy skin (hello glow!!).  The high water content aids in cleansing and weight loss
  • Lemon: Cut off peel. High in Vitamin C.  Helps eliminate free radicals (cancer and body damage causers).  Helps cleanse the body and clean the urinary tract.  Promotes clear skin.
  • Ginger:  Huge immune booster.  Kicks up the digestive tract.
  • Beet:  Huge blood cleanser and liver cleanser.  Rich in anti-oxidants.
  • Dandelion Root:  Big body detoxifier and cleanser.  Liver and gallbladder helper (helps produce and remove bile). dandelion is very bitter so use sparingly
  • Parsley: High in iron and B12.  Natural diuretic (cleanser) and a good immune booster.  strong in taste, so again, use sparingly
  • Kale:  High in iron, calcium, and Vitamins A,K, and C.

Hope this gives a little more help and information for why to include certain fruits and vegetables.  Also, here are some combinations I like to use are:

  1. A few carrots, half a beet, an apple, and a nub of ginger
  2. Kale, lettuce, dandelion, a little parsley, half a cucumber, a lemon, and an apple
  3. A few carrots, a lemon, a nub of ginger

What are your favorite things to juice with?

Now go enjoy some fresh juice!!  Have a wonderful weekend!

Check out these sites for more information:  Worlds healthiest foods and LiveStrong