SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!

You guys, I have a little confession to make.  I really need to get this off my chest…  I am kind of addicted to taking shots right after I wake up. It has become a part of my daily routine.  I mean hey, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere right?  Before you go signing me up for the show Intervention, let me clarify.  These are alcohol-free shots…I’m talking about mega nutrient packed shots! These bad boys (or I guess I should call them ‘good guys’) will put a pep in your step, and provide you with a potent punch of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mojo.

If you are feeling run-down, a cold coming on, or just want a boost of energy, try taking one of these shots and you’ll be walking on sunshine!

Here are my 3 favorite shots:

1) Ginger-Lemon-Turmeric

• 2-inch piece of Ginger, juiced
• 1/4 Lemon, juiced
• 1-Inch turmeric juiced, or 1 tsp. ground Turmeric

–Ginger– Ginger contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols, which diminish pain, fight cancer, and boost immune function. Historically, ginger has long been known to diminish GI distress and is also packed with antioxidants.

–Lemon– This provides a concentrated dose of Vitamin C and boosts your immune system. Lemons act as a natural diuretic and detoxifier. They also aid in combating diseases and viruses.

–Turmeric– I could rant about the health benefits of turmeric forever. In short, the main compound found in turmeric, curcumin, is known to inhibit cancer cell growth.  Other health benefits include potent anti-inflammatory, effective treatment for IBS, Rheumatoid Arthritis relief, help for Cystic Fibrosis sufferers, improves liver function, lowers cholesterol, promotes heart health, and prevents Alzheimer’s disease. Yeah.. awesome sauce!

2) Ginger-Green Apple-Cayenne

• 2-inch piece of ginger, juiced
• A big splash of green apple juice
• 1 tsp. cayenne pepper

–Ginger-Listed above

–Green Apple– Rich in antioxidants, regulates blood sugar, promotes healthy teeth, and boosts energy.

–Cayenne– Increases metabolism, improves blood circulation, promotes heart health, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and fights cancer.

And last but certainly not least:

3) Wheatgrass

• Wheatgrass, juiced (enough to fill shot glass)
• I also like to add a splash of coconut water from time to time.

Health benefits of Wheatgrass:

• The most notable feature of the wheatgrass is its extremely high content of chlorophyll, approximately 70%, making it a superfood which is energizing and alkalizing.
• It is a complete food and an outstanding source of vitamin C, E, K and B complex (even B12). It is also rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, cobalt, germanium,, potassium, protein, and zinc.
• Contains a wide variety of amino acids (about 17 types) as well as a plethora of enzymes
• Boosts energy and mood
• Reduces stress
• Boosts immunity
• Promotes hair health
• Purifies the blood
• Anti-aging
• Fights diseases, viruses, and cancers
• Improves skin complexion
• Regulates blood pressure

These are nutritional powerhouse shots which also have a potent flavor, just a heads up.

The added bonus of these shots: Hangover not included 🙂

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10 Day Juice Fast- Complete!

I did it! I completed the 10 day juice cleanse on Friday. How I made it through Thanksgiving still baffles me, but I did it! The last five days of the juice fast were much easier than the beginning. I will say that there were two days that I did not drink enough juice and I noticed that my energy level was down. That being said, make sure you are drinking 5 to 6 juices a day to keep your energy at an all time high. You can read about the beginning of my fast here: 10 Day Juice Fast

Tips for transitioning off of a juice fast/cleanse:

-Continue to drink LOTS of water
-Slowly transition back into eating foods
-Start by drinking 2 or 3 juices a day with one meal being fresh, organic fruits and vegetables.
-Try to keep other foods to soups, smoothies, and salads to ease your digestive system back into motion.
-Don’t overeat. Eat smaller amounts of food throughout the day.
-Avoid dairy, meat, sugary foods, and whole grains the first week.
-Keep exercising.
-The more plant-based foods you can eat, the better!
-Keep drinking juice on a daily basis for optimal health!

I loved doing the 10 day juice cleanse! I now have more energy than I did before starting the fast. I have much better sleep patterns, waking up feeling rejuvenated and ready to go. I feel better overall and have noticed improvements in all facets of myself. I would definitely recommend a juice cleanse to anyone wanting to reboot their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It can enhance your life in more ways than you would imagine.

Healthified Sweet Potato Casserole

Every Thanksgiving my mom makes this sweet potato casserole that is to die for, but unfortunately it’s loaded with butter and brown sugar. So, of course I had to set out on a mission to “healthify” the recipe. The results were amazing! This recipe is gluten free and has NO refined sugar and NO butter. This is great for Fall and especially fabulous for Thanksgiving (May want to double recipe for large parties)

Ingredients:
-3 Large organic sweet potatoes aka yams
-1/4 cup local honey
-2 tsp. vanilla
-1 T cinnamon
-1 1/2 t. Nutmeg
Topping: 3/4 cup chopped pecans, 1 Tbs cinnamon, 1 Tbs honey

Directions:
-Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Pierce each sweet potato with a fork and bake for about 50 minutes on a baking sheet.
-Place peeled sweet potatoes in a large bowl. Add 1/4 cup honey, 2 tsp. vanilla, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and 1 1/2 teaspoons nutmeg to bowl. Mix with electric mixer until smooth. Spread into square baking dish.
-For the topping: Add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon cinnamon to the crushed pecans. Mix together and then spread across sweet potato layer.
-Bake at 375 for about 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned.

This recipe is delicious while not tasting overly sweet. Hope you enjoy!

Green Juice!

Today’s green juice recipe is Kale-Spinach-Apple-Cucumber-Lemon!
-4 large handfuls organic spinach
-1 bunch organic kale
-1/2 organic cucumber
-1/2 organic lemon
Keep on juicing!

Broccoli-Cranberry Coleslaw

Like many, I am not a fan of typical coleslaw.  All of that mayonnaise is not appetizing to me.  But this recipe is easy, refreshing, and delicious.

 

What you need:

• 1 package Shredded Broccoli (You can find this in the salad section-I’ve found it at Publix and The Fresh Market)
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup Brianna’s Poppy seed Dressing (I found this at The Fresh Market)

-All you have to do is mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl and serve.  I have yet to find someone who doesn’t love this recipe. I know you will love it! Happy Friday!

7 Reasons to Eat and Love Pumpkin!

Pumpkins: they are not just for carving anymore! One of my favorite things about Fall is pumpkins.  I love decorating them, but eating them ranks pretty high on my list of fall musts. This is the time of year where you see pumpkin flavored things everywhere.  Let me give you some reasons why you should be eating this vibrant fruit.

1. High Fiber-Low Cal.  One cup of pumpkin has 5 grams of fiber and only 30 calories!  Thus, eating pumpkin will work wonders for your digestion while making you feel full faster. Studies also link diets high in dietary fiber to increased weight loss.
2. Disease Fighting.  It’s rich orange color tells you that pumpkin is high in carotenoids.  Carotenoids are known to protect you from cancers, heart disease, lower your cholesterol, and even diminish signs of aging.
3. Electrolytes.  Pumpkin actually contains more potassium than a banana  (560 mg compared to 420 mg). So, snacking on some pumpkin after a workout can be a great electrolyte booster!
4. Vision Improver. Pumpkin contains large amounts of Vitamin A and Zeaxanthin which enhance your eye health. One serving of pumpkin will provide you with twice your daily needs for vitamin A.
5. Mood Booster.  Pumpkin seeds contain high amounts of tryptophan, the amino acid necessary for serotonin production.  Thus, snacking on pumpkin seeds will keep you happy for the holidays.
6. Immunity.  The large amounts of carotenoids, zinc, and vitamin C found in pumpkin will improve your immune system and reduce your chances of getting sick.
7. Detox.   Pumpkins are natural diuretics, which aid in flushing out toxins from the body, keeping you feeling refreshed and snazzy.

Fun Fact of the day: Pumpkins were once used for removing freckles and curing snake bites. Hmm….

Try avoiding pumpkin sweets.  Pureed pumpkin can be added to almost any of your favorite recipes.  Try roasting pumpkin with some of your favorite vegetables, Add pumpkin cubes to soups and chili,  Toss pumpkin seeds into your salads, or even try pumpkin juice and smoothies!

Fights diseases, aids in weight loss, and boosts mood? No wonder that pumpkin has a huge grin on its face!

Top Foods to Help Beat the Cold/Flu Season

The time has come my friends.  Cold weather, runny noses, the flu epidemic. With busy schedules and the holidays, this is by far the worst time to get sick.  Lucky for you, there are a wide array of foods you can eat to help keep you healthy and happy during this time of year. Studies show that infection-fighting vitamins and nutrients work best before symptoms start, so load up on these immune-boosting foods now to help keep you and your family strong during this cold/flu season.

• GARLIC.  Garlic has been known as a powerful infection fighter since the beginning of time.  Garlic contains a compound, allicin, which has been proven to stave off drug-resistant strains of bacteria and viruses.   You can add fresh garlic to almost anything! I love throwing some garlic in with sautéed veggies, soups, sandwiches, etc.  Add some garlic to your favorite recipes and you will keep those nasty infections away…as well as some vampires 😉
• FERMENTED FOODS.  These have also been eaten by cultures for thousands of years and for good reason. Fermented foods help restore healthy bacteria in your gut which is a necessity for a healthy immune system.  Some of the best fermented foods include kombucha, sauerkraut, miso, pickles, non-dairy yogurt, etc.  My favorite is Cultured Coconut Milk and kombucha which you can find at Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods.
• BRAZIL NUTS.  Brazil nuts are one of the richest sources of Selenium.  Selenium forms selenoproteins which act as powerful antioxidants and increase your amount of T cells which fight infections.  Selenium has also been found to help regulate intestinal flora, boosting your overall immunity.
• MUSHROOMS.  These contain high amounts of Vitamin D as well as beta-glucans.  Beta-glucans have the innate ability to activate macrophages and white blood cells within your immune system which fight off infection.  Mushrooms are also a great meat replacer so it’s a win-win if you can include these in your diet.
• COCONUTS/COCONUT OIL.  Coconuts and coconut oil are rich in lauric acid, a compound proven to boost immunity. Lauric acid is actually known to disrupt the membranes of invading pathogens.  Try substituting your cooking oil with coconut oil or try adding coconut oil to your oatmeal, smoothies, etc. When buying coconut oil, always be sure to buy the organic unrefined kind. Eventually, you’ll be going kookoo for coconut oil 🙂
• BLUEBERRIES.  These are packed with antioxidants.  They contain potent phytochemicals, such as anthocyanins, which keep your immune system strong. Berries also contain lower amounts of sugar in comparison to other fruits which is an added bonus.
• CHLORELLA/SPIRULINA.  I’ve mentioned these super foods many times before but I cannot reiterate their health value enough! These are freshwater algae which bind to harmful toxins and transport them out of your body. They contain high amounts of chlorophyll which promotes tissue repair, cleanses your blood, and helps you process oxygen. You can buy these in powder or supplement form. Try adding a teaspoon of the powder to your smoothies for a mega boost of nutrients.
• SWEET POTATOES.  Beta-carotene increases the number of infection fighting cells (natural killer and T cells)  within your immune system. Sweet potatoes actually pack more beta carotene than carrots.  Baked sweet potato fries are a yummy treat everyone will love.  Also, sweet potato-orange-pineapple juice tastes like an orange creamsicle…who would’ve thought!
• LOCAL ORGANIC VEGETABLES.  For your immune system to work optimally, you need a wide array of nutrients.  Choosing vibrant, diverse vegetables will ensure you are receiving a wide array of nutrients which help protect you from that nasty cold and flu. Fresh green juices and smoothies are a quick and easy way to boost your nutrient intake.
• GREEN TEA.  Green teas are rich in  polyphenols, most specifically catechins. The most  potent catechin in green tea is epigallocatechin (EGCG), which is found to be 25-100 times more powerful than vitamins C and E. Matcha green tea is one of the most beneficial types to incorporate into your daily routine.
• VITAMIN C. We all know Vitamin C keeps colds away. Foods highest in vitamin C include papaya, bell peppers, broccoli, pineapple, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, oranges, and dark leafy greens such as kale (kale is by far one of the top foods you can eat). Vitamin C supplements also work wonders.  Add Vitamin C to your routine and say “C ya” to that cold….If you’re at a point of no return and already have a cold, try taking 1000 mg of vitamin C every few hours and your cold will be gone within a day or 2.
• SPICES.  Powerful Immune boosting spices include cinnamon, oregano, turmeric, black pepper, and cloves. All of these have high antioxidant values as well as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties.

By adding these immune boosting foods you will not only keep that cold away, you will improve your overall health and well-being!

Green Juice of the Day

Today’s delicious green juice recipe is Spinach-Green Apple-Pear! Juice on! 🙂
-6 large handfuls organic spinach
-2 organic green apples
-1 organic pear

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Sautéed Green Beans

I have discovered my favorite way to cook green beans! Throw a little bit of olive oil in a pan with your fresh green beans and lots of minced garlic, sauté for about ten minutes. I like to cook mine briefly so they are nice and crunchy! Add a tiny bit of sea salt after cooking. These are so flavorful, crisp, and delicious. You will definitely be going back for seconds.

100 Calories- Vegetable Edition!

100 Calorie packs are everywhere, but have you ever wondered how many vegetables would equal the same amount? You might be surprised by how much more you could be eating if you choose these options instead.  Check out my findings below…

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*20 Baby Bella Mushrooms = 100 Calories

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*30 Baby Carrots = 100 Calories

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*4 Medium Green Peppers = 100 Calories

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* 3 1/2- 5 oz. packages of Baby Spinach = 100 Calories

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*2 Medium Onions = 100 Calories

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* 14 Brussels Sprouts = 100 Calories

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*3 Medium Summer Squash = 100 Calories

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*3- 5 oz. containers of Baby Kale = 100 Calories

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*45 Grape Tomatoes = 100 Calories

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*30 Asparagus Spears = 100 Calories

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*2 Medium Cucumbers = 100 Calories

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