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For some, it can be hard to imagine not being able to find fresh produce, meat, or fruit. Unfortunately, that’s the reality for many people. A number of areas in the U.S. don’t have access to fresh, healthy food at affordable prices, leading people who live there to eat cheaper, processed, non-perishable food. These regions are called food deserts.
Read the full article here: What Is a FoodDesert? Understanding Their Impact on Homeowners | Redfin
Photo by Andrew Wong
Let’s talk about drinking alcohol this time of year. If you drink alcohol, sometimes the holidays can feel like they give us a free pass to drink unlimited quantities and the outcomes don’t really matter because, “Hey it’s the holidays!” Sound familiar?
Saying no to alcohol or not being peer-pressured to consume alcohol at every holiday party, dinner or get together is a conscious choice. And sometimes we might go into a party saying, “I am just going to have one glass of wine tonight,” but in reality that might turn into a few more than we planned. Ooopps. Or we might go out to dinner with a friend or a holiday party and not feel like drinking, but still want to feel festive and fun.
Below are four fun and creative mocktail drinks to sip on that are perfect to enjoy this holiday season. You can still be sipping on something delightful and refreshing and not have FOMO for not having a glass of wine. You will also thank me the next day when you don’t feel hungover, bloated or puffy.
Sometimes just having seltzer water when out and saying no to booze is not as satisfying as we want it to be. Adding a little sweet and sour to the mix might help do the trick. Ask the bartender for a seltzer with a splash of cranberry/pomegranate juice and garnished with a lime. This drink also looks festive so you will feel more confident walking around with it and won’t get the annoying questions of “Why aren’t you drinking tonight?”
Ask for the copper cup and request 1 part ginger beer 2 parts seltzer and lots of lime juice. This way you still get the refreshing crisp taste of ginger, but with half the amount of sugar if you were just to have a ginger beer or ginger ale.
Grab your favorite elderflower cordial and mix it with your favorite bubbly water so the flavor isn’t as strong or sweet. This drink is so refreshing it will keep your senses stimulated for the whole night. (I learned this one from my cousin in London and LOVE it!)
When you go to a friend’s house, who says you need to bring a bottle of wine? Mix it up and bring over some tea if that’s what you are in the mood to drink. Dandelion tea has a lot of detox benefits for your liver, as well as boosts your immune system, which is perfect during flu and cold season. I personally have been really into Traditional Medicinals Dandelion Chai tea with probiotics.
These are the Fall cookies my mouth and memories have been craving. I feel this time of year, I love baking at least one pumpkin flavored baked good.
Ingredients:
1 and 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup coconut sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg yoke (discard egg white)
1/2 cup coconut oil melted
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon all spice
1/2 nutmeg
Splash of cloves
1/3 cup pumpkin puree (I like the Trader Joe’s version)
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cups dark chocolate chips (I love Ghiradellis chocolate chips)
Directions:
Preheat over to 350 F
Mix sugar and coconut oil in a mixer for a 1 minute
Then add egg yoke and mix for 30 more seconds
Mix in the pumpkin puree for 30 seconds
Add flour, baking soda, spices and salt and mix for 1 minute until the dough is evenly combined and no flour is left on the bowl walls
Then add chocolate chips
Make your own desired sized cookies and place on a cookie sheet
Bake for 9-12 minutes depending on the texture you like. 9 minutes will create a gooey caky cooking and longer will have more crunch to it.
Let them cool and then enjoy! They are also great to eat frozen if you are like me and freeze your cookies post baking them :)
I love all sorts of food. Meat included! However, my body doesn’t like to eat too much meat as well as I like how I have less of a carbon footprint when I eat a more plant based diet. This recipe is so delicious and satisfying I could eat it every week! I made the “linguine” pasta out of green cabbage and the basil pesto was homemade from our herb garden.
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked lentils ( about 1 and 1/4 cup dried lentils)
1 cup oat flour/almond flour/ bread crumbs (if you aren’t gf)
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon oregano
1 tablespoon Bragg Liquid Aminos (or soy sauce)
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 medium onion
4 garlic cloves
Directions:
Preheat Oven to 400f.
Chop and sauté two garlic cloves and half an onion in a pan with olive oil until translucent. In a food processor combine almond flour, lentils, spices, cooked onion, raw onion, 2 raw garlic cloves, soy sauce and red wine vinegar. Blend until the mixture is fully processed. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick oil. Make lentil “meat balls” about 1.5 inches big and place on the cookie sheet. Bake in the oven for 35 minutes. Take lentil-meatballs out half way to flip so that each side becomes golden brown.
Slice green cabbage about 1/2inch into “noodles.” Wash and dry really well in a salad spinner.
Sauté 2 garlic cloves in a pan with olive oil until translucent. Add the cabbage noodles and cook evenly for about 3-5 minutes. You want to make sure you keep stirring the cabbage so that it doesn’t get overcooked and soggy, but maintains a slight crunch.
Two handfuls of fresh basil
Half an avocado
1/4cup olive oil
2-4 raw garlic cloves (if you like garlic put all 4 in for a stronger taste)
Salt to taste
Directions:
Blend all ingredients in a food processor. If you want it creamier add more avocado. If you want it lighter add a tiny bit of water to thin it out.
Mix the cabbage and pesto in a separate bowl and then serve the lentil-meatballs on top!
I love vegetables! I am inspired by their colors, textures, tastes. You can do so many things with vegetables that make them the main dish instead of just being a side. I typically try to eat 3 or more vegetables for lunch and dinner and 1 or more vegetable for breakfast. This way I am fueling and nourishing my body with nutrients that help everything from my cells, to my bones to my brain be stronger, more hydrated and balanced. Try some of my favorite veggie based go-to meals that always taste so amazing and leave my body feel clean and nourished.
Ingredients:
Sweet potatoes
Zucchini
Yellow squash
Olive oil
Seasoning: garlic powder, salt, and pepper
Directions:
Pre heat your oven to 400F
Wash and cut off the ends to the vegetables
Follow the directions of your spiralizer to make think noodles. I use this Kitchen Aid attachment and love it!
Using only a smidge of olive oil, mix noodles evenly and season with garlic powder and salt & pepper
Place veggie noodles on a cooking tray evenly so that they have space to cook
Cook in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. I like to make sure they have s slight crunch to them so that they have some body and can hold a sauce.
Add your favorite protein and sauce and enjoy!
Spaghetti squash is a great staple in any week night meal. I also LOVE pesto and this meal feels like healthy comfort food.
Ingredients:
Spaghetti Squash
Broccoli rabe
5 garlic cloves
Pesto
Chickpeas (or protein of your choice)
Olive oil
Salt & pepper
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400F
Cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds and place off to the side
Add about 1 Tablespoon of olive oil to each half and season with salt & pepper
Place spaghetti squash on a cookie sheet and place in the oven for around 45 minutes. It is time to take the squash out when a fork can easily pierce through.
Meanwhile, wash the broccoli rabe well, cut off the ends and place in boiling salted water for 3 minutes (until it turns bright green and has softened)
Run the broccoli rabe under cold water and let it drain off to the side. Cute the broccoli into 1.5 inch chunks
In a sauce pan, add chopped garlic and olive oil and cook until the garlic becomes translucent.
Add the broccoli rabe to the garlic and olive oil mixture and sauté for a few minutes until the broccoli rabe is at your desired texture.
Remove spaghetti squash from the oven and let it cook. Use a fork to comb through the squash placing this pasta like fiber into a separate bowl. Then add the broccoli rabe, chick peas and then evenly mix the pesto.
Ingredients:
- whole broccoli head
- whole cauliflower head
- 1 can of chickpeas or ~2 cups pre-soaked/boiled and cooked chickpeas
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Himalayan pink salt & pepper for seasoning
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup Tahini paste (I love this brand)
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce or Braggs Amino Acid
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 3 tablespoons water (add more for thinner sauce consistency)
Directions:
Pre-heat the oven to 400F
Wash and chop the broccoli and cauliflower into small florets.
Dry the vegetables and place in a bowl
Lightly drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and coat evenly
Add salt and pepper
Evenly place vegetables on a cooking sheet and roast for about 30-minutes. Take vegetables out when they are browned with a slight crunch.
Meanwhile, on a separate pan, place cooked chick peas and roast until they have a crunchy flavor and start to dry out. This should take around ~15 minutes.
In a small blender, combined the ingredients for the tahini sauce and adjust the flavoring to your desire.
When the roasted vegetables and chick peas are done, place everything into a bowl and pour in the tahini sauce to coast everything evenly. Add additional salt and pepper to fit your flavor profile.
You can follow this same recipe with different vegetables and protein. For instance, try a different legume or use a chicken breast. I also love doing this recipe with butternut-squash and onions or brussel sprouts and sweet potatoes.
Check out the full article article on 24 Hour Fitness’s wellness website 24 Life.
I love cookie dough! So anytime I can eat it and feel re-fueled, I am all in. This is a simple recipe that can take 10 minutes to bust out and then you have protein balls ready to enjoy for the next few weeks.
Ingredients:
2 cups organic cashew butter (it is expensive, but oh so worth it)
1/2 cup honey/maple syrup/monk fruit sweetened syrup (pick a sweeter of your choice)
1 cup coconut flour
1 1/2 cup Lilly’s Dark Chocolate Stevia sweetened chips
Option to add chia seeds (I want to try this next time!)
Directions:
In a bowl combine cashew butter, with sweetener.
Add coconut flour and stir until the batter is thick enough that there is no dough sticking to the sides of the bowl.
Add chocolate chips and stir evenly
Make into desired size balls
Place in freezer for 20 minutes and then store in an air tight container in the fridge or keep them in the freezer.
I am addicted and love to eat them as an afternoon snack or as a sweet treat with my coffee. They beat buying a gross bar or empty afternoon cookie.
Try them out and let me know how they go.
I lovvveeee the zoodle invention and I forget how easy, nutritious and delicious it can be for a quick dinner or potluck creation. This weekend I was inspired to get into the kitchen without turning on the oven since it is so hot. Yet, I wanted to make a delicious meal.
Instead of wasting time setting up my spiralizer (which in reality only takes a few minutes). I took 4 medium sized zucchinis and used a vegetable peeler to create pappardelle sized zucchini noodles that were so delicious! I lightly sautéed them in olive oil for 2 minutes until they lightly softened and turned a brighter green.
I then mixed these zoodles with a homemade vegan pumpkin pesto that was so delicious I keep using the leftover pesto as a veggie dip or I mix into salad dressings.
In a bullet I mixed:
*Adjust consistency to your liking. If you want it thicker, add more pumpkin seeds. If you like it thinner, add more olive oil.
In a big bowl, I combined the cooked zoodles with the pesto and added a bit more salt and a 1/4 of avocado, because avocado goes well with anything.
Bonus! Since using the veggie peeler on a zucchini can be difficult to use the entire vegetable and I don't want to waste food, I use the left over zucchini scraps and saved them to roast with other vegetables for another meal. Two meals in one. Say whattt!
Let me know if you try this meal at home. Feel free to tag your creation on Instagram @OneWade
Zucchini, sweet potatoes and onions with olive oil and salt on 400f for 30 minutes.
Summer is here and the livin is easy. While I am soaking up the summer sun at an all day BBQ or hanging by the pool I crave something refreshing and delicious. Rose is delightful, but sometimes I am not in the mood to drink, yet I want to feel festive. I was recently inspired by this Beet Mint Lemonade I had Deru Market for brunch. So this MDW I was inspired to whip up my own version.
Ingredients: (enough for 2 drinks)
Directions:
Although I didn't try it, I could see this drink being pretty tasty with a splash of vodka as well ;). The fresh beet and strawberries make this drink full of vitamin B, C & K as well as the beet and lemon bonafides that support liver detoxification.
Let me know your thoughts when you enjoy this summer mocktail (or cocktail).
This week is one of my very favorite weeks: my ‘anti-inflammation’ week for my mind, body and soul. I try to reduce inflammation in my physical, mental and emotional system to prime myself for a cleaner and clearer slate for the new year. Join along and let me know how you feel as you step into 2018!
These days are the last few pages of the 2017 chapter—a time to simmer in the holiday warmth, finish up any loose ends and start to dream-storm what 2018 gets to look like. I consider this week holy. Time feels slower, emails are quiet, more reading gets done and there is a natural cheer in the air, filled with Happy New Year wishes. The holidays can be a whirlwind—travel, different routines, rich and decadent food can throw you off your game. No matter how mindful you are. But practicing some intentional self-care can put you back on track and in the driver’s seat so you can head into 2018 feeling your best.
For my mind:
Being consistent with my daily meditation practice is a game changer, even if I can only fit 10 minutes in my morning routine. Not only do I feel calmer and clear-headed, but I also notice I am less emotionally reactive and manage stress more effectively. My meditation practice doesn’t just make me feel good, I know it is also doing good for my brain. A study conducted by Carnegie Mellon demonstrated that participating in a 3-day mindfulness meditation retreat generated more functional connectivity between areas of the brain and showed lower levels of inflammation in blood work than a similar demographic of people who completed a 3-day, relaxing mindfulness retreat. This research proves the importance of a meditation practice. It can have a positive impact on one’s physiology and actually reduce inflammation in the mind and body. I’m especially amazed that in just 3 days the scientists could detect a difference in the participants’ biochemistry.
Meditating not only feels pleasant, but I consider it a routine, just like brushing my teeth. Meditating reduces brain inflammation, just like brushing my teeth reduces gum inflammation, and my practice leaves my mind feeling minty fresh and clean, just like after a good tooth-brushing session. Staying consistent with my morning meditation routine re-grounds me so I can feel more mentally refreshed and open to the possibilities of the New Year.
For my body:
I don’t believe in diets or restricting myself (because life is too short to not enjoy!). However, I do believe in mindful eating and making more intentional food choices based on the wisdom and cravings of my body. For instance, post holiday ho-down, I typically notice I feel sugar-overloaded, dehydrated, and bloated. Sound familiar? Usually this combination is the result of eating more decadent food than I am used to and not being as physically active. That’s why in anti-inflammation week, I make sure to focus on what I am fueling myself with and how I move my body.
The magical three fueling tips, I practice this week are WSC—hot water, soup and cruciferous vegetables to restore my body’s equilibrium.
1. Water — especially hot water! with lemon, ginger and a cinnamon stick. This 3-some aids in digestion and reducing inflammation. I drink this first thing in the morning and continue to re-fill this concoction with additional hot water throughout my day.
2. Soup — I love how comforting, nutrient-dense and filling soup can be, especially when it is non-dairy. I prefer to make a bunch of homemade soups so that at least one of my daily meals can be soup-based, to support my digestive track getting a bit of a break. Some of my go-tos are homemade chicken vegetable, lentil sweet potato or broccoli.
3. Cruciferous veggies — at every meal. These vegetables are typically what you think of when you imagine fibrous vegetables: kale, broccoli, cauliflower, bok choi, broccoli rabe, brussel sprouts, cabbage, etc. Research suggests that a phytochemical, sulforaphane, found in these veggies have endless health benefits that helps detoxify the body’s system. I make sure to have a medley of different vegetables throughout my week.
And of course I sweat! This week I tend to be less in the yoga and Pilates mindset and crave more cardio classes such as spin, speed-walking or a run. Sweating is key to flushing out the lymphatic system and getting my blood flowing to help cleanse and neutralize my internal bio-dome as much as my emotional and mental.
For my soul:
Slower, colder and quieter days call for space to be introspective and creative. Typically I love to be creative in the kitchen, but post the holidays, I try to keep it simple so my creative outlet gets to come alive in the form of writing or collage-making. I spend time letting my mind wander and connect to my voice. This sometimes comes out in the form of free-writing, poetry or a personal story. This week, building my 2018 vision board called my name. I rummaged through old magazines and selected what images stand out for my 2018 mindset and inspiration.
Due to all of the holiday parties and festivities, I crave to be a bit more introverted this week. I minimize the desire to numb or mask my true emotions with social media or Netflix-binging and instead, go inwards to connect and have my soul goals listened to and honored. I cut through the inflammation of the loud external world and work on dialing it in to what truly matters.
Intentionally making space to take care of myself in this holistic fashion honors my 2017 and is the best investment I can make for my year to come. How are you honoring your 2017 while gearing up for 2018? Share with me in the comments below.
The best balls you will ever eat.
No matter the time of day, I crave something sweet and delicious. In order to keep my sweet-treat fat-attacks under control, I try to have protein intertwined with a sweet craving. This way, my body can feel full and have energy verses run on empty carbohydrates or pure sugar highs. This version of a no-bake ball tastes like healthy raw cookie dough, made with all gluten-free and unrefined ingredients. The best part, you get to use your hands to make these suckers and there is no baking time required! I love to take one or two for a grab-and-go snack or afternoon protein pick me up.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Let me know what your think and how you stay fueled!
In times of instability, I pay attention to what fuel I'm putting in my body because I know it effects my mood, emotions and overall energy. For the past few weeks, I have noticed my body craves more soups and fats and is less hungry for a full, balanced meal (ie meat, veggies, carb). I have lost my appetite for salads and instead yearn for something warm and smoothing. I think some of these cravings are natural due to the winter weather; however, the instability of our government has me also searching for comfort and stability within myself. Instead of overeating on heavy carbs or overly-processed sugars to numb my emotions and feel even worse, I am flexing my mindfulness muscles and serving myself nutrients and comfort my body craves. I want to help heal, hug and support myself compassionately through this trying time rather than fill myself with fuel that makes me feel worse.
Here are a few recipes I have whipped up in the kitchen that I want to share with you—with the hope they inspire you to be mindfully taking care of yourself form the inside out. Try them out and let me know how they make you feel!
Do you have any other, comforting healthy recipes you want to share? Feel free to pass them along in the comments below!
So delicious, nutritious and satisfying! I could have this soup every week and never get sick of its taste and texture.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Prepare all of your ingredients by washing and cutting all vegetables, garlic, and ginger.
1. In a big pot, place on medium heat and add olive oil, then chopped onions. Cook the onions until soft and translucent (~3min)
2. Add the garlic, wait a couple of minutes
3. Next, add carrots for a few minutes
4. Then add sweet potatoes
5. Season with salt and pepper
6. Add the vegetable stock and turn the stovetop to medium/high until the soup boils
7. Throw in the raw ginger and, if you like garlic, you can add extra, whole garlic cloves
8. Once the soup boils, add washed lentils and curry powder and place a lid on the pot to let the soup simmer on medium for 20-30min
9. The soup will be ready when the lentils completely cook. They should feel soft to touch.
Keep leftovers stored in a glass container in the fridge for future lunches and dinners for the week.
Remember eating cinnamon sugar toast when you where a kid? It was one of my favorite weekend treats growing up. Since I can’t stomach adding raw sugar onto any of my foods, I love to create a slightly healthier twist on one of my favorite childhood snacks.
Ingredients:
Directions:
1. Toast bread in a toaster until desired crunchiness
2. Slab 1 tbsp. (or more) of butter evenly on the toast
3. Let the butter melt and then enjoy every sweet and savory bite!
The sweet bread with the rich, fresh and salty taste of the butter is the best combination and super comforting for breakfast. The fat helps keep me full longer and the sweet taste tickles my taste buds.
This broth helps open my lungs, my nasal passageways and feels like I am fueling my body with liquid love.
Ingredients:
Directions:
1. Wash and chop all vegetables
2. In a pot, heat olive oil on medium then add leeks and cook until they are translucent.
3. Add the garlic and cook until soft
4. Add carrots into the mixture
5. Add salt & pepper and let these flavors cook for 5 minutes
6. Add the vegetables stock followed by turmeric and more salt & pepper if needed
7. Cover the pot and let the soup reach a boil. Once the soup boils, keep it on a simmer until carrots are tender (~15min). The longer the soup simmers the more flavorful it will become, but it is ready to enjoy at any moment!
I am not usually a huge fan of oatmeal, but this oatmeal makes me feel like I am giving myself a hug from the inside out.
Ingredients:
Directions:
1. Cook oatmeal following directions on the package.
2. When oatmeal is almost ready, add banana into the mixture until is softens and starts to melt
3. When the oatmeal is at a desired consistency, transfer to a bowl and top with blueberries, hemp seeds, walnuts, cinnamon and maple syrup
This has become one of my favorite recipes to make because it is delicious, nutritious and so easy!
Ingredients:
Directions:
I love cooking with color! The idea of fueling my body with a variety of vegetables that have a variety of nutrients gets me so excited! Not only do I love hydrating my cells with vegetables, but I love the concept of keeping my body strong from the inside out. One of my favorite ways to make a salad (or any dish for that matter) is to tap into my inner artist and use color for inspiration! There are no real rules or directions with a Rainbow Salad, but all you get to do is make a rainbow by using as many colored vegetables that you have in your fridge.
In this salad, I used mixed greens, red cabbage, red peppers, a shredded golden beet and shredded carrots. Shredding the beets and carrots helps to bring out the sweetness in the vegetables and also adds a softer texture to the salad when there is already some crunch thanks to the cabbage and red peppers.
Garden Dressing (my measurements are not exact since I use my intuition to create).
In a blender I combined:
What are your favorite recipes that use a lot of color? Share below!
Here is a simple recipe for those mornings you want a quick veggie fueled bfast to help jump start your day.
In a Viatmix or quality blender add all of the ingredients until fully mixed.
Ingredients: (Serves 2 people. Cut in half to make for 1)
So smooth, creamy and delicious! Careful to not drink it too fast so your body has time to digest all of the nutrients.
Who has time to read a big long food blog story? No story here besides I love cookies and you must too if you are interested in this recipe! Baking is one of my favorite ways to tap into my creativity and play so I hope you can do the same. I only ask you make, eat and share these cookies with lots of love. As always I love freezing extras so I can have access to them at anytime yet they are out of plain sight. ( A little self-care tip). Enjoy and let me know how they are!
Ingredients:
Instructions
Despite the bright energy of the holidays the days are shorter and the nights are longer. The winter slumber makes it hard for me to wake up in the morning with lots of energy to jump start the day. Have you experienced that lately? My body feels sluggish and my mind feels foggy and unmotivated. Spending the past couple of winters in Seattle, a naturally gray and wet place in the winter, I was motivated to find a solution to managing my energy levels. After some research and self-discovery, I created three staples I practice in my morning routine that give me the boost of energy I crave. Each staple taps into my physical, mental and emotional state—supporting me as a holistic being so I can give more love and energy into the world.
Mind:
I never was a strong believer in UV lamps and didn’t see how I could fit sitting in front of a lamp as part of my busy daily routine, until, last winter. My energy was painfully low I was willing to try anything to give myself a boost of energy. I purchased a Vitamin D lamp on Amazon and realized sitting in front of the lamp while I meditate is the perfect combination! I sit on my meditation pillow for 10-25 minutes situated right in front of my lamp. The glow of the light as well as the glow of meditation helps warm my body from the inside out. I leave my pillow with a greater sense of awakening. If you are into chakras, I feel like my 6th and 7th chakra are tickled. My eyes are wider, brighter and I can see colors and objects in more clarity than I would if I just sleepwalked into my day. If you are not yet a meditator, try practicing your morning stretches or fitness routine in front of the lamp. It will give you that extra boost of energy to get you moving.
Body:
For breakfast, even when I am not super hungry, I jump-start my day with a couple of spoonful’s of homemade chia seed pudding. Fueling my body with nutritious and delicious chi seeds fills me up with omega 3, antioxidants, fiber, protein and potassium–giving my body energy, nutrients and the gasoline it needs to function smoothly throughout the day. I am obsessed with this chia seed pudding recipe because it is so quick, easy and delicious! I know some people love having chia seeds in their smoothies or in a simple glass of water. However, for me, I don’t like the slimy texture of drinking my chia water and to be honest I am not always craving a green smoothie. Having chia seed pudding is like having better-tasting non-dairy yogurt. I sometimes will add granola, seeds, fresh or dried fruit to mix up the texture, taste and depth of the meal. Try it. It’s delicious!
Chia Pudding Recipe
Mix together:
Soul:
Some mornings it is as though my body has arrived but my “beingness” hasn’t shown up yet. That sensation you might feel if you haven’t had your morning cup of joe–where your eyes are slightly closed, and life feels like its on autopilot. Do you know the slumber I am referring to? In those sluggish instances, instead of getting sucked into the vortex rhythm of the day, I bust on the radio (yes I still have a radio and use it) and dance to whatever song KEXP is playing. I get my body moving in all sorts of directions (even “un-attractive” moves) to stimulate myself physically and mentally. The music helps to evoke my soulful creative energy that anchors me in the freedom of dance. I get to feel alive, present and think on my feet. The best part of having a mini dance party, even if its for 20 seconds, is that it gets to spark more energy and joy that I can carry into my day and help spread to others.
Let me know how these energizing winter tips support you. I would love to hear any of your own morning routines to help beat the slumber of winter! Feel free to write them below or send me an email.
This is a great recipe to make for yourself or as a gift! You can store the granola in mini mason jars and wrap them with a bow as a thoughtful present made with lots of love. Or if you are making this for yourself (no shame in that), you now have a new breakfast option or a healthier snack that you can grab on-the-go.
Ingredients:
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (I didn't, but this trick makes cleanup easier!).
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, sliced almonds, coconut sugar, cinnamon and salt. In a small bowl, melt coconut oil in the microwave. Add maple syrup and vanilla. Then whisk together coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Pour liquid mixture over dry ingredients and stir until dry ingredients are well-coated.
3. Pour the granola mixture onto the baking sheet. Spread granola into an even layer. Bake for 30 minutes or until granola is golden brown, stirring every 10 minutes.
4. While granola cools add the hemp seeds, cranberries, currents and honey.
*Store in an air-tight container for up to 1 month.
The best part of this recipe is that the dough is so delicious and pliable that you can make them into mini muffins or cookies if blondies aren't your thang. You can also tap into your creativity and add any type of toppings you want (dried cranberries, coconut flakes, raises, nuts, white chocolate... etc). This is a great recipe to make if you are heading to a potluck, hosting or just want to send someone a gift. They are my fav!
Ingredients:
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 8X8 pan with oil of choice.
2. In a bowl add: almond flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.
3. Melt coconut oil in microwave-safe container and add oil to the bowl. Afterwards, use the same microwave container to measure 1/4 cup honey and then add to the big bowl (placing the honey in the same container as coconut oil helps prevent the honey from sticking). Add egg and stir until the batter is completely mixed.
4. Combine chocolate chips to the bowl (and any other toppings) before placing the batter in a greased pan. Note, when you spread the batter, try to evenly coat the pan with a thin layer. It may look like there isn't enough to cover the whole pan, but I promise there is. The batter will rise a decent amount.
5. Cook for 15-20 min, until browned and no batter sticks to a fork when you check.
Let cool and then slice and serve or slice and freeze. These blondies taste great frozen :).
The most moist (sorry for the choice of word), satisfying, flavorful and delicious banana bread I have ever tasted! I love how there is no added sugar besides what's in the chocolate and the naturally-sweet bananas. This usually lasts a week (or less) after enjoying for breakfast or afternoon snack. Sometimes I omit the nut butter when I don't want something with extra protein. Loafs make great gifts so don't hesitate to bake this for someone special (again that can be your self).
Get the Recipe Here: http://www.bakerita.com/paleo-chocolate-chunk-banana-bread/
Obama and I are very different. Not because he is black and I am white or that he is male and I am female. Not even because he is the President of the United States and I am a Life Coach. We are different because I eat something different for breakfast each morning and he doesn’t!
If you aren’t aware, Obama eats a bowl of cold cereal and banana every morning, according to the Harvard Business Review. In an effort to narrow down all of the important decisions he makes on a daily basis, he practices “routinizing the routine.” He would rather spend less mental energy on everyday menial and monotonous tasks to conserve energy for more important decisions. I get it. However, this is where Obama and my personal philosophy differ. For me, those everyday tasks add up and affect my overall energy. To wake up each morning and mindlessly eat the same meal and dress the same way would feel as though I was sleep-walking. I know humans are creatures of habit and that routines and rituals are great, but I come from the school of thought that it is important to mindfully check in with yourself in order to make decisions that best suit you in each and every moment.
When we start to live out of habit, life becomes repetitive and stagnant. When we stay in the moment to choose what our body craves, what our mind wants and what would feed our soul, we are truly living. You might be wondering: Wade, we are talking about breakfast here, how can you grow via a simple breakfast decisions? My response is there is growth and opportunity in every moment we breathe! Being mindful of how you nourish yourself when you first wake up is the spark and starting point for all that you feed yourself for the rest of the day. I don’t just mean food. I’m talking about entertainment, sights, sounds and textures. I believe experiencing the same sensations every morning numbs you and prevents your senses and intuition from fully being alive. I am all for simplifying life. However, deciding your breakfast and starting your morning gets to be the perfect place to practice mindfully connecting to your inner self.
If you are ready to break the routine and stop eating your cold cereal and banana; try tapping into yourself on a cellular level. Take a minute to pause, breathe and check in with your body and explore what your taste buds crave. Be curious as you explore, and just notice what arises in the body and mind. Maybe your body is telling you it wants oatmeal, eggs, toast, fruit, yogurt or even quinoa for breakfast. Get as creative as you want and just explore what would be the most nourishing. Heck, create your own out-of-the-box concoction. Start your morning by creating a healthy and satisfying breakfast that will jump-start your day and awaken your senses so that you can actually make more alive and productive choices. Turn your mental energy to renewable energy by staying engaged and awake to the world around you and inside of you. When you pay attention to what your body wants, you are energizing it in a more powerful way that can also transform your day.
Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with hanger? Hanger is an infectious, mind- and body-numbing condition that combines the worst of Hunger and Anger.
Diagnosed with Hanger for as long as I can remember, my symptoms commonly include: a burning black hole in the pit of my stomach, pulsating veins, fidgety hands and uncontrolled irritability followed by shallow breathing and a foggy brain. When hanger hits, I turn into a different person. A demon possesses my body and takes control of my limbs. I stop caring about others. I say hurtful comments. My moral compass stops as my mind and body dip into survival mode. My hanger can be so vicious that it ruins special events such as date nights, adventures or celebrations. When my hanger dissipates and my demon vanishes, I am left feeling embarrassed for how immature and irrational I behaved. I recently hit a point in my life where I was tired of letting hanger control me and affect those around me. I decided to take charge of my condition and created these five tips to keep the demon dormant and my life in balance.
Even though hanger is like a virus that will always be beneath the skin, you can practice these five tips to manage symptoms and outbreaks so that you can control hanger and not let it control you.
Never leave home without a bag of nuts, an apple or a healthy bar. You never know when your hunger will strike, so combat hanger by having a handy snack on hand to keep your blood sugar and mood in balance. You would bring a snack for a toddler to pacify a potential temper tantrum… wouldn’t you? Think of the same self-care act for yourself!
In case you don’t have an emergency bar in your bag, right before shit hits the fan and you start to notice the symptoms creeping in: connect to your breath. Your breath is the anchor to keep you in the present moment, away from desperate thoughts, sticky emotions or distracting physical sensations.
Fake it until you make it. Even if your irritability is at its peak… smile! Notice how your energy shifts. Smiling releases endorphins which help send positive vibes throughout your body and pull you out of survival mode. When you are not in your fight/flight stage, you are able to control your reactions. Smiling helps to soften not only your reaction, but the reaction and energy of those around you.
Let go of any deep or surface thought or emotion that makes you feel stuck. Let go of your fears that you will not be fed. Let go of your fears of not feeling safe. Let go of your desire to control the situation. When I start to feel a thought surface that doesn’t serve me, I just imagine popping it like a bubble in the sky. Pop!
After freeing yourself from current thoughts, emotions and sensations, bring yourself back to the present moment with an anchoring thought. Shift your energy. Try repeating: I am present; I am breathing; I am alive. Any time you start to feel yourself drift to unhelpful thoughts or emotions, bring yourself back to those anchoring thoughts that help you connect to your breath. If these anchoring thoughts don’t work for you, create your own!
Once you start practicing these five tips, your hanger symptoms will soften. Your outbreaks will shorten, and soon enough you will realize that battling hanger was a thing of the past. You will now have control of the hanger virus instead of this brutal and debilitating virus controlling you. It’s time to get your life back and put you in the driver’s seat.
