Green on the Go!

It has been so long since I've posted. I come up with great posts constantly, jot down notes, even start them in a Word doc, but they rarely get finished these days. Life seemed to go into warp speed the moment Mia started walking, er, running, and hasn't slowed down!
My little peanut is my whole world. She fits beautifully into mine and Steve's world, and we have perfectly adjusted to being a family of three, raising a tiny tot full of vigor, imagination, energy, curiosity, and energy beyond that which you can imagine, even for a toddler!
Keeping Mia healthy and training her pallet have been top priorities over the past months. Developing her taste for not only nutritious and healthy foods, but new and different foods on a regular basis. Every time I am at the grocery store I look for a new piece of produce that may catch her eye, such as star fruit, her recent favorite. She has developed a preference for ethnic food, just like her parents enjoy, and nibbles on treats like roasted seaweed, kale chips, raw cashews, purple carrots and fresh green juices I make her.
Juicing has become a huge part of our lives since I finally talked Steve into letting us get one several months ago. Prior to that I was driving to our nearest juice stand weekly, and making green smoothies daily. Now that I have my juicer, life is even better. Mia helps, and she gets so excited when she sees me preparing to to make "juuuuuuuuice!" We wash our vegetables, cut up the larger pieces, and I very carefully allow her to assist me in putting the pieces down the chute.
We get a straw, and she drags me into her little play house, which is her favorite spot to "dwink juuuuuuice!" (I highly recommend making healthy snacks "fun" with your tot by creatively developing a special place to indulge. Mia and I drink juice in her playhouse, we eat almond butter and apples out on the grass, and lately have been noshing on roasted seaweed in the tree!)

With my nursing program starting in one week, I know that life is going to get even more hectic around here. I know that I am going to have to "give" in several areas. Being the perfectionist that I am, I have already been challenged in parenting with "letting go" of things I cannot have control over. I am sure you have been faced with the same challenge! Now I will be pushed to my limits I am sure, but I am purposing to have the attitude of compromise, and appreciation for the moment and the way things are in that moment. I will likely have to "give" on having a perfectly clean, organized house all the time. I will probably have to "give" on having laundry done promptly, and before the baskets are full. I will certainly have to "let go" of having amazing and creatively healthy meals, made from scratch each night. I am going to have to find a way to keep my family healthy and well-fed in quicker, easier ways. Juicing is one of the methods I will use to get lots of raw veggies and fruits into them.
Over the next two years my number one priority will be my daughters health and happiness, as well as Steve's. My number two priority will be the nursing program. But when I am with my daughter, I will be with her and not distracted by a messy house, or what I should be preparing for dinner. I refuse to clean instead of read to her, I refuse to fold laundry or cook unless she can "help" and it is a fun thing for us to do together. I will not allow myself to become overwhelmed by all the things I "should" be doing, but I will simply do the very best job with what is at hand. Finding the balance in being a "working" mom is something I will have to work hard at, and something millions of women and moms out there are doing at the same time. What an art it is!

Keeping my own health in tact will be a challenge, and I am nervous about that. I have received many emails from moms who are faced with that very challenge, who have asked for ideas for health on the go. It is so difficult in this fast-paced world to keep your health whole while being in a million places at one time, wearing so many hats. You women who have hit your stride, my hats are off to you! It is difficult, yet doable. I know this from examples I've seen, and from the last 8 months of juggling I've done personally with full-time online classes and being at at-home mom. Now I'll be really put to the test as I'll be in class and hospitals training for the next two years.
My strategy at this point is lots of juicing (when at home, and for on the road), using some time on the weekends to shop and prepare simple and easy healthful snacks to take with me, and to make sure I get at least 6 hours of sleep per night.
The kind of go-to snacks I will keep handy and available are:
-Raw almonds
-Pre-cut and bagged portions of cucumbers, celery and carrots
-Green apples
-Justin's Almond Butter (single-serving packets, life-saving!)
-Hummus in mini-plastic/glass containers to grab 'n go
-Green juice first thing in the morning, and one to-go in a glass jar (I know the enzymes die quickly, but it is better than nothing in the middle of the day when I have a break from labs!)
-Green smoothies (if I have time to make them in the morning to take, in addition to juices)
-Fruit
-Goat cheese and homemade almond flour crackers (my favorite gluten-free gal and her recipe:  http://www.elanaspantry.com/rosemary-crackers/ )
-Water, water, water!
-Kombucha
-Probiotics


I know that I won't be able to work out the way I have been over the past two years, but I know enough about myself to know that I need to do something  every day, even if it is just 20 minutes of yoga before bed, or 4 sets of single and double leg wall squats. Hopefully I get to run at least 3 times per week, that is my goal, along with 20 minutes of weights 3 times per week.
One of my all-time favorite 20 minutes kick-your-a** cardio/weight workouts is Jillian Michaels: 30 Day Shred videos (number 2 and 3 especially). If all you have is 20 minutes, she will give you a run for your money! I also always revert to my 100/100/100, wall squats, and just a 30 minute run with Mia in the stroller does the trick. For abs, my go-to is Ab Ripper X (P90X) because it is only 16 minutes long, along with Abs/Core + (P90X). I do yoga before bed, even if it is only 15 minutes of it, and I will lay over my textbooks in plank pose, until every muscle is shaking, while I study. You can always squeeze it in, and that is what I'm about to become an expert on! I hope.
If I can do all of that, and keep my body properly nourished, I should be okay. I will have to continue working on my anxiety over being a busy "working"/student mom, and release my fears of my daughter feeling like I don't have enough time for her.

I recognize that I am entering a whole new era of mommyhood, one that I have not navigated, nor have I mentally prepared for, so I am choosing to take each day with stride, and focus on health and wellness for myself and my family, and the rest will hopefully fall into place. So "Hello!" messy house, overdue laundry, 5am mornings, eating on the run, tired eyes, and a whole new chapter in my life.

Here are a couple of Mia and I's favorite juice recipes, packed with raw superfood nutrition:

Mia's Orange Delight:

5-6 Organic large carrots
2 Organic green apples
Chunk of ginger root (cut off about a half inch from the root)

Juice and enjoy!


Mia's Green Goodies":

1 Large bunch organic spinach
1/2 Bunch organic parsley (or more)
1 Bunch red or green organic dandelion greens
2-3 leaves of organic swiss chard
1-2 Organic green apples

Juice and serve immediately!

Namaste,

Retox

So I know I am slacking on posts, life with a one year old is crazy-busy! I have a lot of articles in the works; I just need time to finish them –thanks for being so patient with me!
You THINK you're going to have all this time to get things done when they are napping or playing, but it's not so. When my daughter is up, she is UP and ABOUT and there is no slow-down in her day. She wants interaction, stimulation and education without pause. She is my tiny sprite, whom I adore, and who runs me ragged. She couldn't be a happier one year old, saying so many new words (diaper, dog, duck, "buh-fly", bird, all done, peas, broccoli, nana, book, ball, bubbles, swing...) and learning her signs (please, all done...) she fills my heart with joy, and I love attempting to match her energy every single day.

A quick SUP (paddleboard) lesson for Mia before Mama hit the ocean with her girlfriends last weekend!

So not to be behind the gun, but let’s chat about spring cleaning -not your house but your temple. Your insides! The reason why I usually wait to address this until later in the spring is because when spring first hits, I just want to enjoy it! I want to squeeze the fresh OJ from the fruit on my trees, and plant some new seeds and veggies to have during the summer... If I can keep he AZ heat from killing them that is. So when the temperatures do start to rise, like now (80's here!) that’s when I start thinking cleanse because I realize that bikini season is fast approaching. 

By the way... although I just used that phraseology, I HATE thinking "bikini season" or "swimsuit season." the reason why? You should be swimsuit ready year-round! I figure if I "pretend" like I'm going to have to hop into a two-piece at anytime during a year, and stick to my exercise and healthful eating, then there is no rush nor panic as soon as the weather warms, and I don't have to crash-cleanse just to jump start my way into shape. But what do I do when I’ve had an especially hectic week or weekend with little to no self-care? Or when I’ve recklessly eaten some foods that I exclude from my diet normally? (corn, rice, diary… I have never wavered on gluten) I do a quick 1-3 day retox. 

Why “Retox” and not “Detox? Because I believe that you don’t suddenly need to remove everything “toxic” out of your body in a harsh manner, as some do with teas, laxatives, food fasts, etc. I believe that if you provide your body with everything it needs to nourish and support its systems, that it will naturally purge itself of toxins and waste debris on its own… with a little help. So here is what I do:

•          Immediately exclude all diary, meats (except fish), refined sugars, simple carbs and coffee (I do not drink sodas or any similar beverages so those are a non-issue for me).
  
•          I minimize the cooked foods I eat… I’d say raw vs. cooked becomes an 80/20 ratio, respectively.
  
•          I cut out all grains at first (I’m already gluten free, 4 years and counting!), replace with organic beans, and eventually may add organic brown rice and/or organic quinoa (occasionally gluten free oats). Those are the only grains I typically ingest.
  
•          I add juice. Not your typical juice nothing you buy pre-made, I’m talking what you get at the Whole Foods juice bar… and not the fruity stuff. The hard core stuff… like “I’ll take a 20oz of all the greens you have, plus lemon, plus garlic and a little green apple” kind of juice. I also do one that is just carrot and apple. In the mornings I pick oranges from my trees and juice them and drink it in the morning. About 16oz. I would say that I would take in 40-80oz of these juices (only 16oz of the oj) on one of these retox days. And as much as I can on the other days. Garden of Life does have a raw green powder that you can use with some fresh lemon and a few drops of stevia when you can’t get to a juice bar or juice at home http://www.gardenoflife.com/ProductsforLife/SUPPLEMENTS/FoundationalNutrition/PerfectFoodsupsupRAW/tabid/1836/Default.aspx.
  
•         I do coffee enemas [GASP!] Yes, I do coffee enemas. Before you flip out and start thinking of piping hot java powering up your rear like Old Faithful, calm down and hear me out. The coffee enema is not like colon hydrotherapy or similar therapies (for those of you so lucky to have experienced). The tube is tiny, and it is something you can easily do in the privacy of your own bathroom/room and isn’t as “invasive” as anything you would do otherwise. Now let me shed some light onto the biological basis of “why” with these java treatments, as I refer to them. “The coffee, once introduced to your colon, dilates the bile ducts. The coffee stimulates an enzyme system in the liver known as glutathione S-transferase (GST) that removes a vast variety of free radicals from the bloodstream. Under the influence of a coffee enema, the GST enzyme system increases in activity to 650% above normal and removes free radicals (electrophiles) from the bloodstream. No other material other than coffee is known to stimulate free radical quenching in such proportion (not even coenzyme Q10 or OPC). The free radicals are mopped up and removed by GST enzymes through the use of coffee cleansing of the lower gut. During the time the coffee is being held in the gut, all the blood in the body passes through the liver at least five times (12-15 minutes). The blood circulates through the liver every three minutes. The palmitate compounds and the caffeine, Theobromine, and theophylline in coffee cause dilation of the liver’s blood vessels and bile ducts, relaxation of smooth muscles, stimulation of intestinal peristalsis and elevation of bile flow. Toxic bile is flushed out along with its bile salts to bring about effective dialysis that is advantageous. The coffee [enema] removes ammonialike products, toxic-bound nitrogen, protein derivatives, polyamines, amino acids, coagulated clumps, and complexes, all of which are waste products of metabolism. Getting rid of them frees the body from becoming poisoned by its own wastes.”(The Gerson Way -Charlotte Gerson, Morton Walker D.P.M. via Dr. Max Gerson) http://gerson.org/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1&zenid=19bc134ecbcf069f12f7f84942a2124d

•          I eliminate as much salt as possible from my diet by consuming all the fresh fruits and vegetables, lightly cooked vegetables and raw juices. I add no salt to my cooking during this time, and eat minimal salt period. The reason for this also goes back to my following of the Gerson Therapy (which I stick closely to on a daily basis, and strictly to when I am sick, or feel like I am coming down with something). Dr. Max Gerson believed that one of the basic problems of disease was the loss of potassium from tissue cells and the penetration of sodium into the cells. “The cell, in attempting to maintain its integrity, binds the toxic sodium material with water. This is called edematous fluid retention. With the penetration of sodium into the cell, and therefore into tissues, enzyme function is inhibited and the normal tissue activity becomes disturbed or at worst, blocked. While a minimum of sodium is needed by the body for normal function, this inorganic substance is also considered to be an extracellular mineral, since it must remain outside of body cells in their fluids. Potassium is the intracellular mineral, since it is needed for metabolism within body cells. When the extracellular/intracellular balance is disturbed, health problems start from damage to the cells. The body is normally able to excrete excess sodium through the kidneys and feces, but when it becomes overwhelmed daily, year after year, with huge amounts of excess sodium, there comes a point when the body’s ability to excrete this excess is reduced or lost. Now a person’s many enzyme systems, his or her immune system, and eventually the liver, are damaged. The result is symptoms of illness and the creation of disease dysfunction.” (The Gerson Way -Charlotte Gerson, Morton Walker D.P.M. via Dr. Max Gerson)

      So that’s what I do to “retox” –I retox my body with all the superfood-good-stuff in order to naturally detox. I start adding in SO much of the good things, raw fruits, vegetables, freshly pressed green and other juices, and minimizing animal protein/dairy, almost exclude salt, do a couple of “Java Rx’s” and wham! I am feeling mighty fine. Trust me… for a couple of days you won’t be missing any of your typical go-to food items. You will be SO full on fruits, veggies, juices, beans, organic raw cold pressed flax oil (two tablespoons per day!) that you won’t miss any of it. You will sleep deeply, you will be hypereliminating  and streamlined for the rest of your week, month, spring or summer. You will feel amazing. Your energy levels will be so high… You have to trust me. I have always advocated that if you introduce enough good things, nourishing, raw, healthy things to your body, your cravings and desires for the “bad” will just slowly shrink away on their own. This is a much better approach than to simply STOP all your normal behaviors and try and starve your body into healthful submission any other way. When you have time, mindfully add in some yoga, an early morning jog (plunk baby into the stroller and take off!) or swing some kettlebells (can you get in 250 swings a day?) Just get your blood pumping... You know how I feel about the 100/100/100!

      Enjoy your own retox and revisit it frequently so that when you start smelling spring in the air in the future, you don’t catch your own breath and start to meltdown because you have to have flat abs yesterday. Relax… and Retox.

         Namaste,

         

A Little Bit 'O Almond by Your Side: Why You WANT to Soak Your Almonds!

My Almond Notes:

Almonds [Organic, Raw] are a staple in my diet. They are easy to grab 'n go, they travel well, they are packed with nutrition. If eaten [properly] they can be an amazing source of nutrition. I survived on them (quite literally -being gluten free and not being able to eat crackers during the first trimester of my pregnancy, I ate almonds allllll day; and being in full time school until the end of my pregnancy, almonds kept me sane in long lectures). Almonds are so high in nutrition and are one of the greatest energy sources during pregnancy -trust me! They provide excellent nourishment for both you and baby... eat up!

Almonds have one of the highest protein concentrations ounce for ounce than any other food. Sixteen times more protein per milligram than any other protein source. Digestion in your body is set according to the first foods you put int your mouth in the morning. Eating protein first lets the pancreas know how much protease to release for proper digestion. Eating carbohydrates before protein gives the pancreas an inaccurate account of how much protease to have available to process the food as it travels down the intestines. *

This is why first thing in the morning I eat 11-12 soaked almonds. I soak them in purified water overnight at least, sometimes longer (never soak more than 72 hours). Soaking the almonds in purified water releases the nitrogen, which when digested will set the full strength of hydrochloric acid in your stomach for a day of optimal protein digestion.

Almonds are covered in toxic enzyme-inhibiting substances (for their own survival) which is not really beneficial to us. Soaking the almonds overnight (at least 6 hours, no longer than 72 hours) removes these toxic enzyme inhibitors so that the enzymes secreted during digestion can do their job. Phytic acid (can inhibit some absorption of minerals) is reduced. You can see the debris in the water from these soaked almonds:

These almonds are raw, organic almonds... you should see the almonds I bought once that were non-organic. I soaked them overnight, and you literally could not see through the water. It was murky and there was an overwhelming amount of gross debris. Triple the amount in the ones I have pictured here. Moral of the story? Buy organic and soak overnight! You'll love the benefits.

Namaste,

*(Yes, No, Maybe, Chronobiotic Nutrition by Marcella Vonn Harting and G.I. "Atom" Bergstrom )

Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Layered Nut Bars

So there I was craving a decadent desert the other night... and since I am on my 100% grain free kick (usually just gluten free, and I'll eat corn, rice and quinoa, but I've eliminated those for 30 days) I had to come up with something delicious that would make me forget about the big fat gluten free cupcakes I wanted.

This is how the process works girls! You have to think of the ingredients you want, and find substitutes and stay within your range of eating style. Especially if you have dietary restrictions like I do, or are simply trying to lose that baby weight, keep from putting on the baby weight, or just want something you can devour without feeling guilty about it. =)

I was craving the flavors of chocolate, nuts and coconut. So here is what I came up with; mix, press, refrigerate, and enjoy!

1 Cup Organic Raw Cashews

1/2 Cup Organic Raw Almonds, slivered

1 Cup Organic Raw Coconut, shredded

1 Cup Organic Dates, chopped

2 Tbsp Organic Raw Coconut Oil

1 Tbsp Organic Raw Honey

1/4-1/2 tsp Sea Salt

1 tsp Organic, Gluten Free Vanilla (or inside of 2 vanilla beans)

1 Heaping Scoop Raw Maca Powder

Chop ingredients in food processor (depending on size of food processor you may have to do it in two batches).

Spoon nut mixture into an 8x8 or 9x9 pan or glass baking dish greased with 1 tsp. raw coconut oil. Using a piece of parchment paper (or wax paper works too) press mixture firmly into the pan, pressing on the top and edges with the palm of your hand until solid. Set aside.

Using a double broiler (a glass bowl on top of a sauce pan with a cup or two of boiling water works), slowly melt approximately 1 1/2 - 2 cups organic raw cacao butter. You will need to shave the block of cacao butter so that it melts quicker and doesn't over-heat, losing it's raw properties.

Slowly stir in:

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. stevia powder

1 Scoop (approx. 1 heaping tbsp) either Lacuma or Mesquite powder

3-4 Heaping Tbsp. of Raw Cacao Powder

I always have to play around a bit with the amounts of cacao and sweetener... Add the sweetener and cacao powder to your liking, there is no "wrong" with raw chocolate, unless it tastes awful, ha ha. But just keep playing around with your sweeteners! Sometimes I like to add a dash of cayenne pepper or cinnamon!

As soon as all the ingredients are mixed thoroughly and clumps are dissolved, remove from heat (as quickly as possible) and set aside. Allow to cool for about 3-5 minutes.

Pour chocolate evenly over the pressed nut mixture. Place in refrigerator and allow to cool for 45-90 minutes.

Some tasty twists include spreading Nutella on top of the cooled bars (if you have no milk allergies and aren't avoiding sugar) or sprinkling shredded coconut on top of the cacao prior to cooling. Both are fun and yummy, and the bars 'naked' are my fav. =)

Enjoy your raw, gluten free, superfood packed sweet treat with zero guilt, and share with family and friends to really impress ;)

Namaste,

Recipe: Grain Free Granola Squares

These super chewy goodies will keep you full and satisfied while on the go, during a road trip, or a handy grab 'n nosh for the diaper bag. My husband loves them, and they don't stay in the fridge for long! I can't seem to keep them stock!

(Use organic whenever possible!)

1/2 Cup Raw Cashews

1/2 Cup Raw Almonds

1 Cup Dried Apricots, chopped

1 Cup Dates, chopped

1/4 Cup Chia Seeds

2 Scoops Raw Maca Powder

1 Tbsp. Raw Honey

2 tsp. Gluten Free Vanilla

1/2 Cup Raw Coconut, shredded

1/4 Cup Raw Sesame Seeds

1/2 Cup of dried Currants, dried Blueberries, or dried Cherries

2 Tbsp. Raw Coconut Oil

1/2 tsp. Sea Salt

1/2 tsp. Cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in a food processor, possibly in 2 batches. Place mixture on a large piece of parchment paper, oil a rolling pin with raw coconut oil, and roll 'dough' out to about a 1/2 inch or so.

Cut bars into the size of square or rectangle that you desire, place in container and refrigerate. Mmmm!

Namaste,

Recipes: Kombucha -The Making!

I've written about the benefits and power of this tasty and intriguing beverage before, and now I want to share with you how to make your very own! It is so easy, and the possibilities are endless.

Let's start with the basic recipe:

12 Cups of Water

1 Cup Organic, Fair Trade Sugar (raw is best)

3-5 Tea Bags (your choice)

1 Kombucha "Mother"

Bring the water to a boil in a giant pot. Add in the cup of sugar, stir until dissolved. Add in the tea bags, and allow the entire pot to cool to room temperature.

After it's cooled, transfer tea to a large glass bowl. Lay 'The Mother" on top of the bowl, and then cover with either a cloth, or clear wrap with many, many holes punctured in it. You can then cover the top with a cloth. If the cloth won't stay put, I like to use an old Goody hair band to secure into place.

("The Mother")

Allow tea to ferment for 7-9 days, depending on the strength you prefer.

Remove the mother and start a new batch, placing the removed tea in a pitcher, refrigerated.

After a couple of batches you can peel off layers of "The Mother" mushroom and give away or start multiple batches!

The most common tea is just a plain, organic black tea. But you can certainly mix things up! You can add an unsweetened juice of your choice for flavor, grape is my favorite. I will add R.W. Kudson's Just Concord Grape for a bit of flavor, but you can add anything you'd like. Avoid super sugary juices like mango, or purees.

My very favorite variation is "Black & White Mango" Kombucha. I use two 3 mango flavored black tea bags, and two white tea bags.

Another favorite is Pomegranate White Tea flavor. Trader Joe's carries a delicious box of Pomegranate White Tea.

For pregnant or lactating Mom's, use caffeine free tea, such as a Raspberry Flavor, or any other the caffeine free Celestial Teas... all delicious! I like using the Lemon Zinger, and adding some fresh ginger to the tea, that will take the edge off of morning sickness!

Another yummy combination is Blueberry Tea and White Tea together.

The possibilities are endless, and it is so good for your health.

You can find "The Mother" online and order it, or start asking around to see if anyone can peel you off a layer from their mushroom. You'd be surprised who has them! I got my first mother from a guy in my yoga class many years ago. I "fell off the wagon" when I moved, as my mushroom didn't make the move. But my cousin recently provided me with a new fantastic mushroom, and I'm going strong once again!

Making your own kombucha can save you BIG bucks, as they charge upwards of $3-$4 per 12oz bottles in the store.

Namaste,

Recipes: Figalicious Fun Bars

These Fig-Fantastic Bars are a great addition to any errand running day, road trip, shopping snack or just to have around as an in-between-meals munchie.

They are packed full of fiber, protein, PEA from the raw cacao, and hormone balancing properties from the maca, not to mention calcium and protein from the almonds, a little boost of energy from the raw honey, and viral-fighting properties in the coconut oil. So eat to your health! And let your taste buds revel in these chewy little wonders. Enjoy!

Recipe: Figalicious Fun Bars

1 cup raw, chopped Almonds

25 dried Mission Figs (approx. 1 package, give or take a few)

1 scoop raw Cacao Powder

1 scoop raw Maca Powder

1/4 tsp Sea Salt

1 tsp Organic, Gluten Free Vanilla

1 Tbsp Chia Seeds

2 tsp raw Coconut Oil

1-2 tsp organic, Raw Honey (start with one, and if your mixture still seems a bit lose, add more)

Put all ingredients into the food processor, pulse thoroughly. Form into medium sized balls, roll into mini logs, then shape into bars. Refrigerate and enjoy!

Namaste,

Mornings Reinvented!

Forget coffee! After drinking this smoothie, you won't need it!

Some days I start with my Incan Warrior Hot Chocolate, but due to the extreme AZ summer heat, terribly hot even at 6am when I start my day, I've been switching it up with this ice blended velvety nectar. Here is the recipe; I go back and forth between this and my green smoothie. I have my green smoothie daily, but sometimes not until mid-morning.

I find this Nana-Cacao smoothie gives me the boost I need to get in a quick morning workout. I drink it about 30+ minutes before my exercise routine or yoga… I follow up my workout with a pinch of local bee pollen, and 1-2 oz of raw aloe vera gel, from my plant, or from the store, whichever I have time for that morning. Enjoy!

Recipe: Raw Nana-Cacao Smoothie

1 Organic Banana
2 Scoops Raw Maca Powder
2 Scoops Raw Cacao Powder
1 Scoop Amazing Grass Powder, Cacao Flavor
1 Tbsp Chia Seeds (more if desired)
2 Cups Almond Milk
Ice Cubes
(As an occasional twist you can add a scoop of Organic Raw Almond/Peanut Butter!)

Blend and enjoy the massive energy boost for breakfast!

Cha-Cha-Cha-Chia!

Chia seeds that is, which yes, comes from that fun little “Chia Pet” we all had or saw back in the 80’s. Who knew it was actually not just a lovely eyesore, but an amazing power food for our diets? Not me, until the past several months I had no idea just how amazing Chia seeds are for your health. The benefits are outstanding, and worth a second glance!

Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) are extremely high in Omega 3 and are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber! 30% of Chia seed oil is Omega 3, 10% is Omega 6, which is the perfect balance of essential fatty acids for our bodies. These vital fats help protect our bodies against inflammation (such as arthritis and heart disease), and actually contain more Omega 3 than salmon! Chia is the richest non-marine whole food source of Omega-3 and dietary fiber currently known to man.

There is also evidence (scientist are researching, but I’m going to consider it fact) that Chia seeds help in reducing blood pressure (have you had a previous pregnancy where preeclampsia was an issue? Eat more Chia!) According to the American Heart Association, Omega-3 fatty acids can normalize blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels, while helping promote healthy heart and blood vessels.

Chia seeds are highly hydrophilic (can absorb large amounts of water) and can hold a whopping 10-12x their weight in water (flax seeds only absorb approximately 6-8x their weight in water)! This makes them a great enhancer in hydrating our bodies (especially for athletes, and those who practice Bikram yoga, like me!) With six times more calcium than milk, and with greater amounts of high-quality protein than the one found in soy, Chia also helps strengthen muscles and bones.

Eating Chia seeds can actually slow down how fast our bodies convert carb calories into simple sugars, which scientist are researching as having great benefits for diabetics especially… there are studies indicating that Chia seeds can control blood sugar! Therefore they are excellent for those looking to drop a few pounds in a healthy way. How does this work? The Chia seeds actually turn into a gel-like substance once they enter our digestive system, which causes some of the food (calories) we eat from getting completely absorbed into our system. This also makes you feel full faster, reducing your appetite. Chia´s insoluble fiber reduces digestive transit time and removes toxins as it passes through the digestive tract. This assists our bodies in flushing out digestive waste faster than almost anything I’ve seen! It acts like a magnet to toxins as it moves through our intestines, it is really amazing. They are an excellent source of raw dietary fiber.

Chia seeds are an excellent replacement for flax seeds, for those who have an allergy or are otherwise sensitive to flax seeds, such as myself (usually accompanies a gluten allergy/intolerance and/or Celiac Disease). Flax seeds, although good in their own right, are often difficult to digest.

Now for my Chia seed soap-box moment; if you are pregnant, Chia seeds are a MUST for your diet. I say MUST and I mean non-negotiable! Your developing baby desperately needs the Omega's in Chia seeds to facilitate optimal neurological development and more. Eating Chia seeds is an excellent alternative for my Vegan and Vegetarian friends, and even if you are a self-proclaimed carnivore, you still need these little wonders to flush out all the toxins and waste from your carnivorous diet. For my pregnant mommies, these little seeds will help you to banish pregnancy water retention, as they absorb, absorb and absorb water and toxic build up in your body. They will provide you with the proper fats you need as you begin to build and produce colostrom, and a healthy placenta.
For my postpartum mommies, Chia seeds are amazing at helping to shed those pregnancy pounds! Just watch as they flush out your body of excess fluid and toxins, and the benefits from the fiber will speak for themselves. If you have had trouble with constipation or those pesky hemorrhoids, these little seeds will be a lifesaver. Add Chia seeds into your diet to lose the baby weight, while nourishing your body at the same time with antioxidants, Omega's, fiber, calcium, protein and more. I love Chia seeds. I eat them constantly. I would venture to say that in any given day I eat a 1/2-1 cup of Chia seeds, sometimes more or less, depending.

So how do you use Chia seeds? How can you incorporate them into your daily diet? It’s so easy! I eat them all day, every day, and LOVE them. Chia seeds have a completely neutral flavor and color, and therefore integrates seamlessly into almost any recipe. In Mexico, Chia seeds are soaked in fruit juices, and they call it Chia Fresca!

I enjoy toasting a slice of gluten free bread, spreading some organic almond or peanut butter on top with a little bit of raw honey, then sprinkling a load of Chia seeds over the top. It is crunchy, sweet and gives you a HUGE energy boost. I also sprinkle them on top of half an apple with a tablespoon of peanut/almond butter. They are yummy in a yogurt (if you eat dairy), and can be added to fruit salad with some slivered almonds, SO tasty.

Toss a tablespoon or so into nearly every smoothie, and after a little while the seeds turn to gel, and you don’t even notice they are in the smoothie. Especially if you blend them with a berry smoothie; the seeds are so tiny, you can’t differentiate them from the berry seeds!

Daily I try to incorporate Chia seeds into almost every raw snack that I make, including my superfood bars, balls and squares. I sprinkle the seeds on top of my gluten free granola, add them to my quinoa and any other gluten free snacks or baked goods I make.

Here are a couple fantastic recipes to try, I love them and use them frequently! And if you haven't already figured it out, Chia seeds are 100% gluten free!

Recipe: Chia Trail Mix Squares

1/2 Cup Raw Almonds
1 Cup Organic dried Apricots
1/2 Cup Dates
1 Tbsp Lemon Zest
1 tsp Organic/Gluten Free Vanilla
1/2 Tbsp Organic Chia Seeds

Put everything into the food processor, adding the lemon zest and vanilla at the very end. Form into little balls, squares or any other shape you like, and refrigerate!

Recipe: Strawberry Chia Pudding 2 Tsp Organic Chia Seeds 1 Scoop Raw Organic Maca Powder 2 oz Almond Milk 1 Tbsp Raw Almond Butter Basket of Fresh Strawberries Grind Chia seeds up in a blender or food processor along with chopped strawberries. Mix together with the other ingredients in a bowl, serve chilled! This is a great summer "desert" or you can eat with gluten free (or other) granola in the morning for breakfast! Enjoy!

Where can you find Chia Seeds? www.nutsonline.com www.navitasnaturals.com www.therawfoodworld.com

Desert is Served!

Recipe: Perfectly Pecan Squares

2 Cups Organic Raw Pecans
2 Cups Organic Pitted Dates
3 Tbsp Raw Organic Hemp Protein Powder
3 Tbsp Raw Organic Maca
1 Tbsp Raw Cacao Powder
1 tsp Organic/Gluten Free Vanilla
½ tsp Sea Salt or Pink Himalayan Salt
½ tsp Organic Cinnamon
½ tsp Organic Nutmeg

Place half of the pecans and half of the dates into the food processor, along with the hemp, maca, cacao, spices and vanilla. Turn on food processor, and slowly add remaining dates and pecans as you go.

Pulse until finely chopped. If mixture feels a little dry, you can add a teaspoon of raw coconut oil.

Roll into medium-sized balls, and press into square shape. You can always use an ice cube tray as an alternative or other mold. I just do them by hand. Keep refrigerated. These are very yummy with Tazo Decaf Chai tea and almond milk. Enjoy!

Recipe: Raw Cashew-Coconut “Cookies”

1 Cup Raw Cashews
1 ½ Cups Raw/Organic Pitted Dates (or 1 large handful)
½ Cup Organic/Raw Shredded Coconut
1 Tbsp Raw Organic Coconut Oil
1-2 Tbsp Raw Tahini
1 tsp Organic, Gluten Free, Vanilla

Toss all ingredients into food processor, chop until finely ground.

Using a teaspoon, form small mounds, and press into round and slightly flat shape with hands.

I love these plain, but you can also add on top some raw cacao, using a basic recipe for raw chocolate. In a pinch (and this is the way my husband prefers it) you can use Nutella (if you are not dairy sensitive, it does contain skim milk). Just spread a dab on top of the cookies for a real treat! Keep refrigerated.

Recipes: Little Black Balls

Little Black Balls (Recipe found David Wolfe’s Superfoods book, I’ve modified slightly)

¼ Cup Organic Raw Hempseed
½ Cup Organic Raw Cacao Powder
1 Heaping Tbsp Raw Organic Maca Powder
2 Tbsp Organic Raw Coconut Oil
3 Tbsp Organic Raw Honey
2 Tbsp Organic Spirulina Powder
Dash of Sea Salt (or Pink Himalayan Salt)
1 tsp Organic, gluten-free Vanilla Extract

Toss it all into a food processor, or I just use my Bosch mixer with the dough hook, mix on low until it forms into a large ball of dough. Separate into small pieces and roll into little balls.

As an option, you can roll the balls in raw organic finely shredded coconut, or finely chopped organic raw almonds. I’ve even rolled them in Cacao Nibs, which is crunchy and fun. Put balls into a sealed container or plastic bag, and leave in refrigerator.

I eat these balls throughout the day… There have been days when I’ve survived on them almost exclusively, not that I am recommending that at all.
They give you a great boost of energy, and are packed with the complete protein found in the spirulina, protein from the honey, tons of iron and magnesium from the raw cacao, and so many other amazing nutrient properties (see my blog on Superfoods). Take them with you in a baggie or grab a couple in a paper towel as you’re running out the door or sitting down to breastfeed/bottle feed baby, and enjoy!

Krazy Kombucha

I’m not going to say much about this, because the arguments are fierce and many regarding the topic of kombucha, especially recently. I will say this however. Kombucha SAVED ME during my first trimester (and beyond) of icky-sicky-nausea and other pregnancy pains.

Kombucha seemed to be the only thing that settled my stomach, and made me feel like I was 5 years old again with the flu and my Mom poured me a fizzy ice cold glass of ginger ale that made everything “all better.”
The ingredients in Kombucha are simple: Black Tea, the Kombucha “mother” or “mushroom”, and sugar (plus any other herbs or fruit that each individual company adds, see each bottle for details). Some brands like GT’s Kombuch and High Country Kombucha (see websites at bottom).

I love this stuff. I’ve been drinking it for ten years, and my OB/GYN had no problem with it whatsoever (brought in a bottle of it to give to her, she examined it, and said it was fine). There are “trace amounts of alcohol” in the kombucha due to the naturally occurring fermentation process, but it is truly so trace, that it is nothing that I personally feel will cause harm to you or your fetus. But do NOT take my word for it if you are concerned; do your own research and/or discuss with your own doctor.
Drinking kombucha is similar to those who drink apple cider vinegar for health purposes, which is also fermented (check out the website, I’ve been drinking this stuff for years as well: http://bragg.com/products/acv.html?gclid=CPLI-a_bt6MCFQE_bAoddyDdbg).

What is Kombucha? Kombucha a living culture of beneficial microorganisms (including Lactobacillus Bacterium and S. Boulardii), cultured and/or fermented to bring out all the amazing properties that benefit our bodies. Kombucha contains billions of beneficial probiotic flora (good bacteria) that helps our digestive system and therefore our immune system greatly. Because of all the pesticides, antibiotics, pollution and more in the environment, it is even more important than ever to enhance beneficial micro-organisims in our bodies to replace the ones that are wiped out on a regular basis. We must replenish our supply via kombucha, or other sources such as kefir, yogurt, etc. There is a great product I like as well, called Bio K: http://www.biokplus.com/en/

Whether or not you decide to drink kombucha, make sure that you are supporting your immune system and digestive system throughout your pregnancy and during lactation. You will 100% better, I promise.

Some things found in Kombucha are:
Live Active Enzymes are generally only found in foods that have not been cooked, processed, or refined. That is why Kombucha is raw and unpasteurized.
Polyphenols which fight off the free-radicals that stress the body and your immune system

Organic Acids which can promote tissue and blood alkalinity and help normalize the natural process of homeostasis throughout the body. Some organic acids are:

• Lactic acid helps maintain healthy digestive action (through the probiotic lactobacilli) and for energy production by the liver
• Acetic acid which acts as an antiseptic and inhibitor of pathogenic bacteria.
• Glucuronic acid, normally produced by a healthy liver, is a powerful detoxifier and can readily be converted into glucosamines, the foundation of our skeletal system.
• Usnic acid has selective antibiotic qualities which can partly deactivate viruses.
• Oxalic acid encourages the intercellular production of energy, and is a preservative.
• Malic acid also helps the liver to detoxify.
• Butyric acid protects human cellular membranes, and combined with Gluconic acid strengthens the walls of the stomach and digestive tract in order to combat yeast infections such as Candida.
• Nucleic acids, like RNA and DNA, transmit information to the cells on how to perform correctly and regenerate.

This same information and more can be found on http://www.synergydrinks.com/home.aspx (GT’s Kombucha website) as well as http://www.hckombu.com/ (High Country Kombucha’s website).

As I always say, make your own decision, but based on my own personal experience, kombucha can be a great “feel better” tool to support you throughout your pregnancy and beyond. Enjoy!

***P.S. Several months after writing/posting this blog, the controversy of kombucha came up in the news: http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/whole-foods-pulls-kombucha-teas-citing-alcohol-content/19522361/ Which I thought was ridiculous (thanks A LOT Lindsey Lohan). It is still widely unavailable, so don’t be afraid to look into making it on your own! It is so easy and delightful to have around (http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Kombucha-Tea).

I also LOVED seeing Bethenny Frankel (on her hit Bravo TV show, “Bethenny Getting Married?”) drink GT’s Synergy Kombucha throughout her pregnancy, exactly as I did. =)

My Green Solution for Morning Sickness and Adding on Only Fat-Free Pounds

First of all, who are they kidding when they say “morning sickness?” For me it was all day, every day, all night, and every night sickness for a few weeks.

We all experience different levels of nausea in the first trimester, ranging from none, to queasy, to full on revisiting each meal every single day for weeks. I had nausea. Plain old sickening nausea without the tossing of my meals, well, most of the time; I did have several sporadic days of throwing up, but mostly it was just the persistent, nagging nausea that really got me. I would say that I’d rather of been throwing up, because at least then I’d feel better for a while, but those who tell me they do nothing but throw up would give anything to just be nauseated without the vomiting.

So whatever you are struggling with, either way it is no fun. Also, if you lose weight during the first trimester (let’s be frank, it isn’t disappointing to see the pounds disappear from the scale), don’t worry about it. Those pounds will be back in a jiffy, and you eat properly, you’ll only be putting on nutrient-rich weight that will support your growing baby and come off easily after you deliver. That’s what we all want, right?

I lost about 7 lbs. during my first trimester, and then literally started putting weight back on around week 14. My doctor said that was perfectly normal, and fine. So don’t stress out too much.

If you’re like me, you tried every solution available for nausea. Drinking ginger ale, sucking on a lemon wedge, those Preggie Pops, the ginger candies, the B-Natal vitamins, dry toast or crackers, and nothing worked, right?

Physical causes of morning sickness are hard to pinpoint, but are more than likely a combination of your body getting used to brand new hormones (hCG first, then other new ones as pregnancy progresses) and the initial imbalances that this causes, coupled with a heightened sensitivity to odors, tastes, and a general feeling of “oh my goodness, I’m pregnant, what is happening to my body…”

Some of you lucky girls out there won’t experience a lick of nausea or vomiting, and lucky you! Your body is adjusting well to the new hormones. For the rest of us, let me share with you what ended up being the only “solution” for me, and one I’ve continued to use throughout my pregnancy.

This is the smoothie that saved my life in the first trimester. It was just about the only thing that I could keep down on the days I was really sick, and helped ease the nausea on the rest of the days. It gave me the comfort that my growing baby was getting all the nutrients that she needed despite my nauseated state. I got on the phone through a friend-referral with Jason & Nandi at Dine Alkaline, http://www.dinealkaline.com/ and was given a ton of information on alkaline living and dining. If you go to their website you can sign up for their smoothie report, but I’m also positing the link here at the bottom of this blog.

You can take it from there and do more research etc. as you want, if you want, or if you’re like me, take this smoothie recipe and run with it, it works! I’m living proof. Not only that but it falls right into our goal of having a fat-free pregnancy.

Implementing this smoothie into your daily diet (drinking it throughout the day) will ensure that you don’t have unhealthy cravings or binges on less than desirable foods. Now that’s not to say that just because you have 8oz of smoothie you’re not going to want to eat half a bag of Baked Lay’s in Southwestern BBQ flavor, as I’ve done more than once. BUT, it does help curb those cravings, and helps you choose more desirable foods to “binge” on, I think. Most of all, it kept me alive, well-hydrated and nausea at bay during that first trimester, and beyond. I drink this smoothie daily, although with several of my own variations, and now adding in more of the superfoods I mentioned in my superfood blog entry.

In this smoothie report, there are many recipes, and they all taste pretty good; each are a variation in one way or another, but here are the core ingredients, and you basically alter the flavor of the smoothie depending on which fruit you add.

You can add mango, banana, guava, berries, kiwi, pears, apples etc., whatever sounds good to you on that day. Some days I added some raw, grated ginger root, and that was really helpful. Other days the idea of ginger root was unbearable.

And as I mentioned, I add in superfoods as well. I make a huge blender full of this smoothie, keep it in my fridge and drink it throughout the day, especially a half hour or hour before I was going to eat a regular meal. This really helped. Here is the basic recipe, just give it a try; even though the sound of the ingredients may make your stomach church, it actually tastes pretty good:

Recipe: Super Green Alkalizing Smoothie

1 Organic Avocado
1 Organic English Cucumber (these are seedless) or Regular Cucumber (Peeled If Waxed)
2-3 Cups Baby Spinach
1 Cup Almond Milk (I buy the brand, Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla, with only 40 calories per serving, and you can buy it COLD in your dairy section; Silk Almond Milk is another fantastic one)
1 Cup Fresh Organic Mango, Pear, Guava, Apple, Banana (fruit of your choice; add as much as you need to make it taste the way you want)
1 Dropperful Organic Green Leaf Stevia (to taste, only if free of imbalance and absolutely necessary; ) (see my blog on stevia)
1-2 tsp Super Greens Powder (of your choice; I have to avoid many due to the flax seed which I am sensitive too... but will use it in a jam)
1 Tlbs Hemp Seed or Flax Seed Powder (I prefer the Living Harvest Hemp Protein Powder)
1 T Udo’s Oil or Raw Coconut Oil (I use coconut oil, I think it gives the smoothie a tropical taste)
Several Mint Leaves (a cup or more really eases nausea)
1 Organic Lemon, peeled and seeded (you can also buy fresh lemon juice; this was key in nausea control for me)
Up to 2 Cups of Ice cubes... whatever your blender can hold!

Blend till smooth and drink. Enjoy!

Here is the link for the full smoothie report, and other variations of the recipe:
http://www.dinealkaline.com/freereport/smoothie.pdf

I hope this works for you as it did for me… keep experimenting with it until you figure out a way it works for you. Try not to omit the spinach, cucumber and avocado, as these are very water-rich ingredients that are going to keep you hydrated which is key in controlling nausea and when you’re vomiting.

Regarding the Addition of Superfoods:

As you are able to tolerate the smoothie, begin adding in superfoods. I mix up what superfoods I put in, depending on the smoothie or my mood that day, but I always add approximately 1 tsp of Spirulina Powder though, a Tbsp of Local Organic Bee Pollen, 1 Scoop Raw Maca Powder, a few drops of Marine Phytoplankton and maybe a few Goji Berries. Between sips of smoothie I take a shot or two of Aloe Vera Gel, or gut a leaf from my plant and eat the gel. Again, this is 'hard core' so you may want to wait until the next trimester to start adding in some of these superfoods.