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Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
5.14.2013
Sweet Eats: Protein Bar
How can I forget! A client of mine reminded me of Protein Bar the other day - one of my fave healthy "fast food" joints! Opened in 2009 by Matt Matros after struggling to find convenient places to eat that would support his new healthy lifestyle (after years of being overweight and unhealthy) - Matt spent his life-savings to start what is now a booming business. Currently they have multiple locations in the downtown Chicago area and as well as DC.
Protein Bar's mission is to change the way people eat on the go. They aim for active, urbanites that are looking to eat healthy without getting too fussy about it. "We do healthy...healthier" is their motto and they get a thumbs up from me :)
You can find salads, wraps, bowls, smoothies and fresh juices that satisfy anyone's cravings from vegan to carnivore. Check'em out!
You can find salads, wraps, bowls, smoothies and fresh juices that satisfy anyone's cravings from vegan to carnivore. Check'em out!
4.09.2013
Give it to me Raw: Cacao!
Above is a pic of sundried raw cacao nibs and the cacao fruit! Yes, it looks a little alien-ish, but in a strangely yummy way. Raw cacao is actually the seed of the cacao fruit - roasted and made into a powder, these lovely seeds are used to make cocoa powder and chocolate.
Didjya know...
Cacao has been treasured for ages - used both in a ritual beverage and a major currency system in pre-Columbian Mesoamerican civilizations! Cha-ching. Today we know that cacao has one of the highest counts of antioxidants (the less processed the better!)
There are around 300 identified compounds in cacao - including magnesium, calcium and sulfur. As some of us know, chocolate affects the brain by causing the release of certain neurotransmitters which can trigger emotions, one of which is euphoria. Hello! That's because it has various "bliss" chemicals that tickle our fancy, but can also be addictive (duh).
As a self-confessed chocolate addict, I choose to go raw or pick a really dark organic chocolate with no added sugar to indulge in. Throw the nibs in your trail mix or raw cacao powder in your almond milk latte to perk you up in all the right ways!
Didjya know...
Cacao has been treasured for ages - used both in a ritual beverage and a major currency system in pre-Columbian Mesoamerican civilizations! Cha-ching. Today we know that cacao has one of the highest counts of antioxidants (the less processed the better!)
There are around 300 identified compounds in cacao - including magnesium, calcium and sulfur. As some of us know, chocolate affects the brain by causing the release of certain neurotransmitters which can trigger emotions, one of which is euphoria. Hello! That's because it has various "bliss" chemicals that tickle our fancy, but can also be addictive (duh).
As a self-confessed chocolate addict, I choose to go raw or pick a really dark organic chocolate with no added sugar to indulge in. Throw the nibs in your trail mix or raw cacao powder in your almond milk latte to perk you up in all the right ways!
3.11.2013
Sweet Eats: Blueberries with Cashew Creme
Blueberries with Cashew Creme
I love a good guilt-free dessert, don't you? This one also happens to be dairy-free, gluten-free and organic :)
The raw blueberries pack tons of anti-inflammatory phytonutrients and antioxidants, while the cashews, rich in heart healthy monounsaturated fats, provide magnesium to lower blood pressure and are high in protein and fiber. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup raw whole cashews, rinsed
- 1 cup alkaline or filtered water, cold (or just enough to get creamy consistency)
- pinch of sea salt
- 1/4 cup agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 whole soaked vanilla bean squeezed to release seeds
- 1/3 cup Raw Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, warmed until liquid
- 1/3 cup Irish Moss Paste (optional)
- handful of organic berries
Preparation
Soak the nuts the night before (or a few hours if you have the time). Cover the nuts with the water and set aside on a kitchen counter or cover the dish and place in your refrigerator.
Drain and Rinse the Cashews. Add the drained raw cashews to a high speed blender, Vitamix or Blendtec Total Blender, with enough water to cover plus about an inch more.
Add the rest of the ingredients in the cashew mix. Process the contents on HIGH till the contents are totally smooth and creamy. Throw some rad berries (of your choosing) on top. I chose organic blueberries :)
2.12.2013
Make like Dr. Feelgood and UP your Love Game, Naturally
“Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames.” — Rumi
Hey Lovas,
Ok, so I couldn’t help myself... I had to do a V-day love letter to y’all this week because in my eyes, more love = more healing. And while I don’t adhere to the typical Hallmark version of Valentine’s Day festivities, I do try to celebrate love EACH and EVERY DAY.
How? Well, first, by showing myself some lovin with delicious healthy foods, heartbeat raising activities and self-care practices. If I don’t take care of my own body, mind and soul first, how can I show real love for others? Then, I try to open my heart up to all the beauty that surrounds me - people, places, things. It’s amazing how much love you can feel by just opening yourself up to the world.
Of course, there are moments when it’s really hard to feel the love. I get it. Sometimes you just want to throw an F-bomb at the 4th robotic phone rep you’ve spoken to (when all you want is a correction made on your bill) after you’ve been passed around like a doobie at Woodstock. It’s moments like those that really test your zen vibe. Luckily, there are some foods and practices that can really help with getting back your love mojo if the reserves run dry.
Here are some things that’ll keep you feeling mm hmm good and up your love game...
Maca
Mmmmaca. This Peruvian root is a known aphrodisiac that does all sorts of goodness. This root regulates your hormones, enhances your immune system, increases energy and reduces anxiety. It’s full of magnesium, potassium and calcium and is considered an "adaptogenic" herb. It’s got a great nutty flavor, a bit like chicory root or coffee, yet without the caffeine stimulant properties. Maca also increases stamina and libido.... mmhmm. I love to throw in some raw maca powder in my morning smoothies, or make a maca latte with almond milk and a splash of vanilla. Make sure you start off slow (1 tsp) and work your way up.
Cacao
It is V-day after all... but this time we’re dropping all the additives and added sugars and celebrating the raw goodness of cacao (because you’re sweet enough... aww). First of all, raw chocolate is super high on the antioxidant front, and is loaded with magnesium, iron, and anandamide (aka “bliss chemical”, okaaay). This well known aphrodisiac also lifts our mood and spirits, decreases depression and makes us feel all nice and yummy. I’m sure many a female can attest to this, yes? Sooo many dope things you can do with raw cacao - use the powder form to choco-fy practically anything, or sprinkle raw cacao nibs in your banana soft serve. Um, yes please.
Chili Peppers
Okay, so I kind of have to include this on the list... being latina and all. But there’s something about chilis that can really make you hot ‘n bothered. Chilis mimic the state of sexual arousal by quickening the pulse and inducing sweating. They also stimulate the release of endorphins, which play a role in sexual pleasure. The capsaicin found in chilis indicates high antioxidant levels and can even curb your appetite. So next time, try going for a little kick and spice things up.
Exercise & Yoga
Wanna feel GOOD? Like, REALLY GOOD? Then exercise baby. Yea yea... everyone knows that exercise is good for you, but did you know that it’s just as effective as Zoloft in reducing depression? Truth... according to Dr. John Ratey, an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and author of A User's Guide to the Brain. Exercise stimulates endorphins and all those feel-good chemicals that make you feel euphoric. I’m really ok with that. But I’m also really partial to yoga.
Why?
Well, first of all any practice that’s been alive and thriving for hundreds of years has got to have something going for it. Yoga improves and increases your awareness to your breath, posture and your own body making you feel right at home in your own skin. When you’re feeling super connected to your own body and are able to clear the mind of clutter, you become that much more aware of just how sensual you are. Martin Portner, Neurologist and author of "The Orgasmic Mind", explains this - it’s much easier to reach that orgasmic place when you’ve hushed the amygdala and all its stress activities.Ok, maybe being in a class full of half naked sweaty people also has something to do with it. Real talk.
and finally....
Write a love note!
To anyone. Maybe keep the mystery and make it anonymous... but expressing gratitude and love for anyone from your main squeeze to the really nice mail guy not only makes them feel awesome, it’ll make you feel uplifted and appreciative. When we reflect on the good stuff in our lives and express gratitude, it’s much easier to 1. see how much we can be thankful for - and 2. spread the lovin’. You don’t even have to know who you’re writing one to - just write one and leave it where a complete stranger will find it or to someone who really needs one. Heck, you could even write one to yourself... if keeping within the self-love theme. I mean, how much radder would the world be if everyone got a love letter once in a while?
So get out there and spread the LOVE!
2.03.2013
Sweet Eats: FOODease
Oasis in tourist trap Gold Coast: FOODease in Water Tower Place.
Healthy food in a mall? It's true. I saw it with my own eyes... skip the pizza line and head to the salad bar. Sounds boring? Seems like FOODease anticipated any reluctance by including an array of deliciousness to choose from. Organic greens, locally-sourced foods, gourmet deli, grab 'n go healthy options... they got it all covered. Did I mention they have a wine bar serving organic and local wines? Just sayin.
One thing to keep in mind though - you still gotta play it smart when it comes to choosing what to eat in seemingly healthy places like this one. I would suggest staying clear of the tempting "comfort" foods and sugar-laden candies lined up for your temptation.
1.28.2013
Rrrl Good Recipe: Tacos de Pescado
Organic corn tortilla. Avocado. Wild-caught salmon. Si por favor! When in doubt, make fish tacos. This meal is packed with healthy fats like omega 3, monounsaturated fat from avocado, vitamins A, B, C, E, K, potassium, carotenoids, and so much more! Buen provecho :)
Tacos de Pescado
- fillets of wild-caught Alaskan salmon*
- 1/2 t cumin
- Himalayan or Celtic sea salt
- fresh ground black pepper
- 1 t cayenne pepper (optional - for heat!)
- 1/2 t garlic powder
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, sliced
- 1T coconut oil
- small mixed tomatoes
- ripe avocados
- handful arugula, or your own choice of green
- Food For Life organic sprouted corn tortillas
*Check out Seafood Watch for the best choice in fish and download their app - make sure your selection is certified sustainable!
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
Season salmon with cumin, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Place salmon, skin side down, on a baking sheet or in a non-stick pan with an oven-proof handle. Bake until salmon is cooked through, about 12 to 15 minutes.
Lightly sauté the onion, red bell pepper and tomatoes in a pan with coconut oil. In a separate bowl, mash avocado with lime juice, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Arrange fish, veggies, avocado mash and greens on a warmed tortilla. Sprinkle a tad more lime juice on taco and enjoy!
1.22.2013
Sweet Eats: Flipside Cafe
Ok, I don’t know how I’ve been oblivious to this place for so long considering I live a hop-skip away. This awesome eatery resides in the house of Miko's Italian Ice in the cold winter months, running from Oct 2012 thru Mar 2013. They serve fresh homemade comfort food (most locally sourced) and rotate new items into their short ‘n sweet menu. Their most recent rotation: a vegan spicy butternut squash soup with coconut milk. Heaven. Add free wifi and sweet vinyl tunes makes the trek in the below-teens Chi temps well worth it. Try the kale burger and a game of Connect Four while you chow down!
1.14.2013
Sweet Eats: Earth's Healing Cafe
If you haven't been to Earth's Healing Cafe just yet, I suggest you RUN to this charming, super deelish & healthy cafe in the North Center/ Ravenswood area. They seriously have the best juices, smoothies, and raw bites to go... not to mention they offer cleanses at great prices!
My sister introduced me to this haven of plant-based foods and I AM SPRUNG. They use nutritious and organic ingredients, and are the nicest people you'll meet. Here's what they have to say about themselves on their site: Earth’s Healing Cafe is found on the principles of Ma’at. Our operation is strictly governed by: Love, Truth, Harmony, Balance, Integrity & Order. I mean... LOVE THEM.
Go check'em out! I'm a fan of Love & Light smoothie and State of Mind (break me off a piece of that pls).
1.07.2013
Rrrrl Good Recipe: Cheezy Kale Chips
Yes. Yes that's me in an alley eating kale chips. Because kale chips are my crack. Here's one of my fave recipes so you can get hooked too:
Cheezy Kale Chips
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 bunches of kale, washed, dried, stems removed and torn into medium sized pieces
- 1 cup cashews, soaked for 2 hours
- 2-3 T lemon juice
- 2 T nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper
- 1 t ground garlic powder
- 1/2 t of pink Himalayan sea salt
- pinch of cayenne pepper
Preparation:
- Add all ingredients except the kale into a food processor. Process until you get a smooth consistency.
- Massage sauce onto kale with hands (fun part).
- Dehydrate at 115° (8-12 hours) or throw in oven at lowest temp until crispy.
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