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Showing posts with label superfoods. Show all posts
Showing posts with label superfoods. Show all posts
5.30.2013
Avoid the Travel Trap: 6 tips for staying healthy on the road
It’s 3 am and you’re still packing, even though you have to be at the airport in 2 hours. You’re tired, stressed and starting to feel the overwhelm, and then, it hits you. Sh*t. There’s no hope for staying healthy on road. Good bye green juice and yoga. Hello continental breakfast bagel and bloody mary. And 5 lbs. Sigh. The travel trap.
We’ve all been there. Who wants to think about keeping up with vitamins when you’re planning adventure excursions or making dinner reservations at that 5 star restaurant you saw on TV? It seems fine for the time being, but as soon as your butt lands back at home - reality hits. And the guilt.
There is another way.
Don’t let traveling get you stuck in the vortex of airport Starbucks, hotel danishes or conference cookies! Living a healthy life is not a part time job.. and while it can be harder to keep up with our good routines on the road, it just takes some modification. Not sure about you, but I want to come back feeling just as good if not better than when I left! So here are 6 tips for keeping up with the healthy Joneses while hitting the road...
1. Use the Google.
So there’s this really awesome tool where you type in something like “healthy food in Soho” and out pops 5 results to check out!
Ok, in all seriousness, DO YOUR PRE-TRIP RESEARCH. While you’re checking out hotels and tours for your trip, do some quick searches for healthy food options nearby such as cafes or juice bars. Are there farmer’s markets or produce shops nearby where you could buy veggies and fruit to snack on? You’d be surprised at the amount of accessible healthy food if you just look for it. Here are a couple of sites to get you going:
yelp.com - this one may be obvious, but it’s a goodie. Plus their mobile app with mapping and filter functions make it super easy peasy. I’m obsessed.
http://www.happycow.net/ - an online healthy eating guide with listings across the globe.
2. SNAX: trail mix and raw bars
A killer trail mix is my favorite travel go-to... you gotta make it nutritient-packed AND tasty! My standard trail mix consist of raw almonds, cashews and macadamia (a splurge ;) along with superfoods like goji berries, golden berries and cacao nibs. Mmm mmm. The danger is you might finish the darn bag before your flight even takes off.
And then there are the raw bars. Now I’m really “meh” about bars since so many of them are chock full of sugar... but in a bind, they will make do. When you’re looking for a raw bar to munch on, make sure that there is some kind of balance between sugar in grams and protein amount so that your blood sugar doesn’t spike like crazy. I usually go for one of these three: Core Defender Raw Cashew & Cacao, GoRaw Spirulina Energy Bar, and Lara Bar Cashew Cookie.
3. Juice! Well, green juice powder, that is. And you thought you were off the hook...
When I can’t bring my own green juice or access a juice bar while traveling (or to be honest, when I’m just feeling lazy) I opt for an awesome green juice powder. There are tons to choose from, but I currently enjoy these travel size packs from Amazing Grass - and they come in a variety of flavors to switch it up. You can even make a quick smoothie with the powder and any produce you can find if you take along a mini blender like the Magic Bullet (I love that lil’ guy!) and save some dough on food while abroad!
Bonus: For those times when you’re feelin’ like something warm and cozy, opt for a good travel oatmeal pack. I like the Three Sisters brand (mmm chai...) or Nature’s Path Flax Plus.
4. Keep on movin’!
When we travel, it’s easy to put aside our exercise routine and go for the foodie tour. Or if you’re stuck in a conference, when the heck do you have the time, right? It’s important to make it EASY for yourself. Thanks to websites like DoYogaWithMe.com and apps like YOGAmazing or Daily Yoga, we can shake our asanas anywhere at anytime. Or sign up for some exciting excursions where you’ll get that body moving and heart rate going! Remember that exercising and moving your body boosts endorphins and gives you that ultimate high, in addition to revving up your metabolism and burning calories. And you thought you couldn’t feel any better on vacay...
5. Speaking of moving... keep that poop goin!
Yes I said it. Poop. Poop poop poop.
Now that we’re over that, let’s talk regularity. Traveling, especially on planes, can totally mess it up, leaving us with constipation, bloated bellies and poor digestion. NO THANK YOU. So how do you avoid getting poop train sidetracked? Magnesium my friends. Magnesium Citrate not only gets your system moving so that you can avoid any unplanned “stop-overs”, but it also calms your nerves and muscle tension so you can truly relax. CALM or Bluebonnet are good brands.
**Of course, please check with your doc before taking any supplements, y’all**
6. And lastly, because I’m such a fan of the ole’ neti... Neti Pot travel edition!
Ever notice how easy it is to get a cold or congested after traveling? The travel Neti Pot is gold for keeping those issues at bay. Stay clear of those airborne invaders circulating in the stale airplane air... gross. Another great thing to add is a DIY nasal steam - when you arrive at your destination, heat up some water in a bowl and toss in some mint tea or tea tree oil. After a long flight, breathing in that glorious moistness will be quite a relief :)
So the next time you’re cruisin’ across seas or jetting to NYC for a conference, try busting out these tricks and tools to keep your health on point and vibrancy dialed on HIGH ;)
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!
3.26.2013
My Favorite Trail Mix. Ever.
How gorgeous is this mix??
Speaking of trail mixes.... here's one of my all time faves! Not to mention, trail mixes are a staple for me whenever I travel. This one is low on sugar and packs a superfood nutritious punch, full of protein, antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and deliciousness. You can buy a pre-made trail mix, but I prefer to visit the bulk section at Whole Foods or a health food store and make my own - that way I get exactly what I want in the proportions I want. This blissful mix has organic pistachios, Himalayan raisins, mulberries, gojiberries, macadamia nuts, cashews, and of course cacao nibs ;) Time to get nutty.
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!
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