Whole food builds and fuels a strong and active body.
Physical activity clears the mind and strengthens the body.
Through the balance of holistic nutrition, physical movement and meditation, we discover our true potential toward living a healthy life. There is only ONE you... Be VIBRANT!
What's the deal with Essential Fatty Acid Omega-3?
When a nutrient is preceded by the word "Essential" it simply means that we cannot produce this nutrient in the body, like we can produce Vitamin D from sunlight exposure for example. The nutrient must come from the diet.
A balanced diet includes good fats that are nutrient dense and easily converted into fuel. Avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, coconut oil, nut oils, avocado oils & seeds oils are rich in clean fats that offer the body many benefits.
For some people, it can be challenging to consume adequate levels of Omega-3 through seeds and nuts alone, supplementing in this case can be an excellent option.
Omega-6 is also essential, however present in many more foods and oils than Omega-3, therefore it is much easier to meet the recommended daily intake.
The dietary recommendation is approximately 4g of Omega-3 daily. To help meet daily requirements, I choose foods that are rich sources of the Omega-3 and also supplement with AscentaNutraVege.
This product is AMAZING, highly recommend the brand! Top quality ingredients in every product.
Ascenta offers a wide selection of Omega-3 oils for every member of the family including children and pets! Surf their website for products and helpful information.
Support brands that offer quality health products! Every dollar we spend is a vote... A vote for the standards & selections that we want in our marketplace... Please vote wisely!
If you haven't asked yourself these questions before, NOW is the time!
We burden our bodies with thousands of synthetic chemicals on a constant basis, lightening the load is an absolute must!
In recent years I started to pay close attention to the unnecessary chemicals I was exposing myself to during my daily routine... I quickly realized that beautifying myself & keeping my home clean was doing the exact opposite! I was simply bombarding my body with harmful chemicals!
THE GOOD NEWS....
As we are becoming a more informed consumer, a whole new market is emerging to satisfy the demand for self-care products that are free from heavy toxins.
This is an exciting time, products are being developed that are non-toxic, environmentally conscious, hypo-allergenic and cruelty free!
Products that we can feel good about bringing into our homes.
I constantly try new products.
Sure, I have my favorites... however curiosity often gets the better of me, and I frequently purchase different brands.
Whenever I find something that works, I love to share the news...
As I do understand, it can be costly to try new brands that may or may not do the job.
And trust me...I've tried MANY products that just don't make the cut!!
Natural products are rich in nourishing oils & phytonutrients that support the healthy growth of new skin and hair. When reading labels, ingredients should be natural and familiar. If you can't pronounce it and have no idea what it is... Don't use it!
Do your research, feel good about the products you use.
It is important to note:
Foamy lather doesn't necessarily mean that a product is cleansing efficiently.
There is little to no lather, foam or bubbles with plant based products. The super fluffy lather we are so used to seeing when using conventional cleansers, is totally useless! White fluffy foam is only there as a result of toxic lathering agents!
We have a choice every time we make a purchase, we must support companies that are creating products made from clean, sustainable and non-toxic ingredients. Products that naturally remove dirt and impurities from hair and body.
I have been using the Diamond Crystal Mist for the past 4 weeks, and LOVE it!! My hair feels hydrated, soft and more manageable.
I like the weightlessness of this product, it's very light. The ingredients are so natural, this can also be used as a hydrating spritzer for the face and body. Safe to use on pets also!
With natural products, initial results are gradual and perhaps mildly noticeable. When switching over to plant based products, there is a natural adjustment that takes place as the body and hair are being detoxed of harsh chemical residues.
I suggest to be patient and stay the course! Over time you will surely reap the benefits of using healthy products that do not burden the body with harsh toxins.
For more information on products that are safe and unsafe, refer to the Environmental Working Group "Skin Deep" website. This a one of the most informative and comprehensive reference databases in the world.
Make informed decisions about the products you choose. Personal care is meant to support healthy hygiene practices and beautify our lives... Not meant to make us toxic and ill!
"Chakra" is a Sanskrit word meaning "Circle" or "Wheel".
"Chakras" are centers in the body that energy flows through. There are a total of Seven Chakras, each with it's own distinct characteristics and purpose.
On our individual journey to becoming our BEST self, it is important to look inward for the strength and guidance we need to embrace life as it comes and perhaps let go of old negative habits and beliefs that may be holding us back in life.
It is important to routinely make time for ourselves, to balance our thoughts, calm the mind and recharge the spirit. Taking awareness to the body as a whole being, both physical & mental, is the basis for holistic care.
Meditation, yoga practice and other focused breathing techniques provide us with the opportunity to become more self aware and nurture our mind, body, spirit connection.
THE SEVEN CHAKRAS
Root Chakra FOUNDATION & STABILITY Color:RED Location: Base of the spine Endocrine Gland associated with this Chakra: Adrenals When Chakra is Balanced: Inner strength, full of energy, passionate, loving, pleased with work/career path When Chakra is Imbalanced: Body pain, constipation, materialistic, resist change, money problems, insecure Sacral Chakra EMOTIONS & RELATIONSHIPS Color:ORANGE Location: Slightly below belly button Endocrine Gland associated with this Chakra: Gonads (ovaries, testes) When Chakra is Balanced: Comfortable expressing emotion, joyful, enthusiastic, emotionally giving to others, healthy sexual relationship(s) When Chakra is Imbalanced: Easily bored, sex addiction or no desire for sex, back pain, can't say no
Solar Plexus Chakra PERSONAL POWER Color: YELLOW Location: Abdominal area Endocrine Gland associated with this Chakra: Pancreas When Chakra is Balanced: Healthy self esteem, cooperative, positive, flexible, energetic When Chakra is Imbalanced: Low self esteem, low self confidence, digestive issues, aggressive, angry
Heart Chakra LOVE & COMPASSION Color:GREEN Location: Breast area, Chest Endocrine Gland associated with this Chakra: Thymus When Chakra is Balanced: Loving, affectionate, caring, compassionate, accepting, tolerant When Chakra is Imbalanced: Depression, selfish, codependent, closed off, too trusting
Throat Chakra WILLPOWER Color associated with this Chakra: BLUE Location: Throat area, Neck Endocrine Gland associated with this Chakra: Thyroid When Chakra is Balanced: Eloquent communicator, good listener, sound decision making, confident with opinion, open communication with others When Chakra is Imbalanced: Talks too much, poor listener, inability to communicate appropriately, thyroid hormonal imbalance
Brow Chakra WISDOM Color:INDIGO Location: Between Eyes, Forehead Endocrine Gland associated with this Chakra: Pituitary gland When Chakra is Balanced: Focused, intelligent, good memory, alert, aware, thoughtful When Chakra is Imbalanced: Lack of focus, scatterbrain, feeling of disconnect, foggy, headaches
Crown Chakra CONNECTION TO NATURE & SPIRITUAL ENERGY Color:PURPLE Location: Top of head, Crown Endocrine Gland associated with this Chakra: Pineal gland When Chakra is Balanced: Spiritually fulfilled, connected, calm, understanding When Chakra is Imbalanced: Confused, loss of purpose, lost, out of touch with reality
Enhance the "Flow"
Continuous blood flow is the human source for life, energy & health... Our spiritual energy has a flow also.
If there is a blockage in either blood flow or energy flow, the entire body suffers greatly.
Relief from emotional stress plays a HUGE roll in the overall flow of life.
Through low-intensity exercise, yoga practice, meditation, or even long walks, we allow ourselves the opportunity to feed our physical body and also nourish our emotional and spiritual selves with positive thought.
Total health is a balancing act. By paying attention to the great stressors in our lives and finding ways to cope, we can quite effectively minimize the potential of contracting a number of physical illnesses that occur as a result of mental stress.
Stress is very individual and can be mild to severely debilitating.
The interesting thing about stress, it can be a very small, seemingly nonsignificant experience that can trigger an intense stress response in someone. Anger, fear, hate, jealousy, depression, lack of sleep and lack of nutrition are just a few causes of stress.
Balancing these emotions isn't an easy task, however through introducing positive influences into one's life, clean and nutritious foods, self love, meditations, affirmations and other holistic methods, surely inner calm can be achieved.
"VRKSASANA" TREE POSE (hands in prayer position)
Yoga practice is amazing for physically "opening up" the Chakras, as well as increasing blood & oxygen flow throughout the entire body.
Slower, meditative practices focus on quieting the mind, cleansing impure thoughts and re-energizing the spirit. All of which have been proven to decrease emotional stress levels.
Guided Meditation Video
There are a number of guided meditations and meditative yoga classes online. As little as 10-15 minutes can do wonders for relaxing the mind and increasing blood flow.
Techniques for balancing a healthy body and mind can be very simple. It is important to routinely give our bodies the time needed to build, repair, nourish, detoxify, cleanse, rest and regenerate.
Make the time for yourself today... It's NEVER too late!
Enzymes are protein based molecules found in EVERY living cell. They act as catalysts (increase rate of reaction) for chemical reactions within the body. Digestive Enzymes work specifically to breakdown food into smaller, useable components (nutrients).
Different enzymes are called upon based on the type of food consumed. In the body, the enzymes are found in the salivary glands, stomach, pancreas and small intestine. The "Main" Digestive Enzymes: - Amylase breaks down sugar/carbohydrates - Lipase breaks down fats - Protease breaks down protein - Lactase breaks down lactose
Without the sufficient amount of digestive enzymes, food will not get broken down into the necessary components, and therefore not be used as energy.
When food is not properly digested, it can spoil inside the gut and become a feeding ground for harmful bacteria!
So how do you know if you are producing enough digestive enzymes??
Symptoms of Digestive Enzyme Deficiency include: - Gas - Bloating - Flatulence - Diarrhea - Constipation - Fatigue - Inflammation - Insatiable cravings - Nausea - Malabsorption of nutrients
Digestive enzymes are available in supplement form at health food stores. Which digestive enzymes you should take depends on various considerations such as diet, lifestyle and age, to name a few.
Do your research and consult with a health professional and/or supplements advisor to determine which one is best for you.
Remember each person is different, what works for others might not work for you!
**Always take Digestive Enzyme supplements just before taking the first bite.
Raw foods are rich in live enzymes that help to breakdown food as well as support the body's natural enzyme production.
Papaya contains the digestive enzyme Papain, which aids in the breakdown of protein, including gluten. Pineapple contains Bromelain which also facilitates the breakdown of protein. Digestive enzymes are naturally found in: - Raw fruits & veggies - Raw nuts (soaked is best) - Whole grains - Sprouted seeds & legumes - Raw organic honey
Some cruciferous veggies such as broccoli & cauliflower can become more digestible by lightly steaming for 2-3 minutes.
Of course maintaing good health in general will also promote the production of enzymes in the body. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, but limit water during meal time, as this will dilute digestive enzymes. If you become thirsty during the meal, sip the water, limiting the amount. Wait 30-40 minutes after eating before consuming a large glass of water.
Be mindful to maintain adequate vitamin & mineral requirements and consider introducing probiotics to the daily diet. Probiotics are the good bacteria (or flora) that improve the environment in the intestine and the overall function of the digestive system. By improving digestion, enzymes are better able to do their job of breaking down food into useable nutrients.
Probiotics are available in supplement form or in naturally fermented foods such as tempeh, kimchi, kombucha and saurkraut.
Benefits of adding Probiotics to the diet: - Boosts immune system - Improved digestion - Increased nutrient absorption & vitamin synthesis - Reduces harmful yeast & bacteria overgrowth
Food is meant to make our bodies feel energized, strong and alive! Enjoy a healthy diet that supports the digestive system and the natural production of digestive enzymes.
Choose fresh, raw veggies, nuts, seeds, legumes and fruits. Limit cooked and overly processed foods.
It is true what they say.... "You Are What You Eat!"
No need to worry, it is always a good time to give your liver some love and overdue attention!
The Liver is the largest internal organ and a true powerhouse, as it performs over 500 functions in the human body.
Some of these functions include:
Detoxify
- Cleaning systems detoxify chemicals, drugs, alcohol, heavy metals and other toxic substances from the blood.
Storage
- Glycogen, our bodies back-up energy source is stored in the liver along with vital vitamins, minerals iron and many other crucial substances.
Filter
- Blood is filtered rapidly at a rate of over a liter per minute!
Digest
- Bile production takes place in the liver, this is needed to digest and absorb fats and fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.
Produce
- Hormones, enzymes, blood proteins and immune factors are produced in the liver.
Clearly, the liver plays a crucial role in our overall health and bodily function. We need to take care of our liver so that it can take good care of our body!
Cleansing can be very simple or intense, depending on several factors.
Physical fitness & health, current diet & lifestyle as well as age, all play a role in results one may expect while cleansing.
There are many types of Cleanses, selecting the appropriate type and length is very individual.
The Cleanse can be as basic as eliminating stimulants & increasing water consumption for up to a week, or as extreme as juice fasting for several weeks.
Choosing what works for you is key, for beginners it is important to ease into the cleansing process.
The health benefits of completing a cleanse are well worth it, however during the cleanse it can feel uncomfortable at times, as the toxins are being eliminated. Again, the severity of these reactions depends on each individual.
Simple ways to boost liver function on a daily basis:
- Dry Skin Brushing -Drink 1-2 liters of filtered water with fresh lemon juice - Increase intake of Fiber - Drink Green Tea or Milk Thistle Tea throughout the day - Consume foods rich in antioxidants - Consume adequate levels of Omega 3 Fatty Acids - Get adequate rest on a nightly basis - Eliminate stimulants such as alcohol, caffeine, substances such as nicotine and recreational drugs - Introduce Probiotics into the diet through fermented foods or supplements - Increase plant-based raw foods and decrease or eliminate animal foods and by products - Increase physical activity, stretch, get the blood flowing throughout the body - Consume organic foods whenever possible - Breathe deeply, detoxifying through the lungs - Take Vitamin D supplements (liquid is best, avoid indigestible ingredient magnesium stearate)
These are just a very small number of ways that we can avoid overload, and assist the liver in functioning at it's BEST!
If looking for a more intense liver cleanse, check local health food stores and ask the supplements specialist any questions you may have before starting. Many companies offer simple cleanse kits, guides and books. Do your research!
Raw food and Juice cleanses are excellent, allowing for the entire digestive system to cleanse also.
The key is to ease into any type of cleanse, it's not a quick fix or race!!
Your liver will only benefit, if the aid is introduced at a slow and steady pace. Shocking the body will have the opposite effect.
Be kind to yourself, every part of you will be grateful!
I'm HOOKED on green superfood supplement Greens+ O
Taking supplements that are made from quality, vegan, organic sources can be great additions to any healthy lifestyle. Supplements are a form of insurance, when traveling or on the go, taking natural plant-based supplements can be a tremendous help!
It can be quite the challenge trying to consume the variety of greens needed to achieve optimal nutrition. Canadian company Genuine Health has been a leader in the research and development of nutritional supplements for 20 years.
There are countless benefits of introducing a supplement containing essential vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients into the daily diet.
Genuine Health recently launched a new product that I'm very excited about!
The same formula of high quality superfood supplement Greens+ has evolved into a new blend that is 80% organic, vegan and allergen free.
The product is offered in two flavors, original and acai & mango. Add Greens+ O to a cup of water or juice, shake it up and drink...
BOOM!! Your greens for the day have been consumed!
The best time to take Greens+ is in the morning, on an empty stomach, the nutrients are absorbed quicker and easier. However, if you prefer to consume with food or later in the afternoon, the effectiveness of the greens are the same, the body will feel a fantastic surge of energy!
Ingredients are 80% organic in the original flavor and 75% organic in the acai & mango flavor.
Spirulina is among the long list of power packed ingredients. Spirulina is a sea vegetable, rich in an abundance of nutrients including amino acids, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids- omega3 & omega6, beta-carotene, vitamin E.
Dried Spirulina contains approximately 50-70% protein. It is a complete protein, containing all essential amino acids.
Other Superfoods include Chlorella, Chia, Broccoli, Red Beet Root, Brown Rice, and Flax Seed concentrate.
The blend is sweetened with natural stevia and evaporated coconut palm nectar. Like all Genuine Health products, formulas do not contain artificial flavors, sweeteners, preservatives, corn, dairy, eggs, gluten, yeast, or GMO.
Read serving sizes, as it is recommended to introduce the greens gradually, increasing daily dosage from 1 teaspoon in the first week, to two teaspoons the second week, then to the regular recommended 3 teaspoons per day.
Add the serving of greens to 1 cup of water or fresh juice, or blend with smoothies and protein shakes. I also use greens when preparing soups, the greens are a nice addition to the soup.
Once the soup is bowled, stir in a 3/4 teaspoon of greens.
Consuming whole foods that are rich in nutrients is essential to our health, quality supplements and dried organic foods can be an excellent addition. Check labels, know the source(s) of the product and understand all of the ingredients noted.
I feel very confident that Greens+ O is a clean, nutritious and healthy supplement.
I'm enjoying the energy boosts felt throughout the day! Hope you will too!
The search continues...
I have been consuming "Protein" & "Energy" bars for years!!
The quality of ingredients is MUCH better, flavor selections are a lot yummier, and thankfully the texture has greatly improved also...
But...
The absolute BEST Protein & Energy bars are made at home and consumed within a relatively quick time frame. (1 week if refrigerated or 1 month if frozen).
Organic, vegan, raw & un-raw, gluten-free protein powders are easy to find at most health food stores. Several brands are excellent supplements of essential amino acids and other essential nutrients. SunWarrior Classic Protein is on my list of favorites... Quality ingredients, vegan, raw, gluten-free, allergen free, complete amino acid profile, a real nutritional power-house!
Preparing RAW Energy Bars is much easier than it may seem.
I prefer to make bars that pack a serious nutritional punch!
In a mixing bowl, add desired amount of protein (1-2 scoops for very small batch, more if making a larger number of servings)...
To the protein add:
*raw cacao powder, which is loaded with antioxidants, magnesium, iron, fiber...
*raw almond butter and coconut oil provide texture, stability and good fat...
*cinnamon, to add a lovely sweetness and stabilize blood sugar levels...
*flax seeds, hemp hearts and chia are full of fiber, protein, essential fatty acids omega 3 & 6...
*raw sunflower and pumpkin seeds will give the bar crunch, flavor, fat, protein, vitamins and minerals....
*raw blue agave nectar to sweeten the mixture, add as much as you like to taste. While adding ingredients, mix with a fork until all ingredients are blended together.
In the photo I have garnished to top of the bars with hemp hearts, do this with any seed you like, add dried fruit if desired.
Agave and cacao will mask the flavor of the greens, add as much or as little as you like, taste as you add.
This recipe is not meant to be followed for exact measurements, the list of ingredients can be tweaked to your liking...
When making the recipe, it is best to play around with a small amount of each ingredient, taste the mixture then add more as you go.
Everyone likes a different consistency, texture, taste, sweetness... Have fun with it!
Chill or freeze before serving, the bar forms better when cold.
Do not keep bars out of the fridge or freezer for too long, no more than 20-30 minutes, the oils will start to melt, the bars will become too soft.
Feel good about the food choices you make, try to consume only foods that are whole, not processed or that have been processed very little.
Making PROTEIN bars at home is the BEST option for a wholesome boost of RAW ENERGY!
A balanced diet includes good fats that are nutrient dense and easily converted into fuel. Avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, coconut oil, nut oils, avocado oils & seeds oils are rich in clean fats that offer the body many benefits.
