30 Day Cleanse - Beauty Detox

6/21/2014 0 Comments

Even being a vegan, bad habits can be picked up along the way. A little "treat" here and another one there and before you know it, a sugar addiction is in progress and unwanted toxins have arrived. I've been known to allow myself a treat or two along the way. I noticed I wasn't feeling as optimal as usual and knew it was related to what I was putting in my mouth. I decided it was time to press "refresh" on my system and embark on detoxifying my body with a 30 day cleanse.

With the items available in most grocery stores, even a health conscious person can fall victim to unwanted toxins. Ridding our body of these toxins 1-2 times a year (or more) is never a bad idea! It allows toxins to leave our body and allows our digestive system to have a nice "holiday"!

What are some benefits?

With an abundance of nutrients being taken in from all the fresh produce consumed during a cleanse the adrenal glands become healthier. Helping the body and mind deal with stress without becoming overwhelmed. In today's society that never hurts!
While ridding the body of unwanted toxins hiding in the depths of our body we also release hidden emotions. Taking time to meditate, do yoga and connect with yourself and nature is helpful in the process.
Eating organic fresh off the vine produce that is packed with healthy life giving vibrational energy in turn gives you high vibrational energy. The energy is transferred from the plant and given to you. You are what you eat so eating high vibrational foods can lead to a higher vibrational you!
When we cleanse, eating healing foods that have less impact on our body, we give our body a time-out, a break, allowing room in our mind and body for other things.
For centuries people have detoxed and fasted for increased energy, awareness and to feel more alive! By cleansing our bodies we allow stagnated energy to flow freely helping our consciousness soar to new heights!
Cleanses can leave one feeling invigorated, energized and beautiful glowing from the inside out!

A 30 day cleanse is optimal 1-2 x's per year, however going 1 day or 1 week is fantastic! The best part is you can start anytime. If you "mess up" don't worry and keep going. I'm on day 6 and already feel amazing!

What do you need to stay away from?

SUGAR - in edition to sugar products, food rich in sugar: maple syrup, molasses, agave, syrups in general, limit the amount of fruit.
Processed Foods
In-organic Produce
Caffeine - if you are able to! ;) I wasn't!!
Artificial Ingredients
Wheat, Rye, Barley, Oats..
Simple Carbs (Bread, white rice, pasta as they immediately break down into simple sugars)
Corn & Potatoes
Vinegar
Dairy, animal products & alcohol (try to eliminate full time)
Soy
Yeast Fermented Foods
Consider eliminating: mushrooms, grapes, fermented foods and sauces and miso.

DO EAT:

Protein! Nuts & Legumes = very good!
Garlic! Consider whole garlic cloves 2 x's a day
Onion!
Cabbage! Encourages growth of healthy bacteria
A lot of leafy greens, raw vegetables and fruits with a low glycemic index such as strawberries.
Unprocessed gluten-free grains such as whole grain brown rice, amaranth and quinoa.
Drink a lot of water

If you decide to participate, please reach out and provide feedback! I'd love to hear! I've already gotten rid of 4 unwanted lbs, have increased energy, am getting more done, and am doing more yoga. I also find I'm more loving and giving, perhaps because I'm being more loving and kind to my body.

I hope you found this helpful. Cheers to a healthier, higher vibrating you!

With love,
Christa

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Happy Belly Smoothie!

11/11/2013 0 Comments

Green papayas, cultured coconut yogurt, bananas, frozen pineapple, white plums, almonds, dates, a couple of apricots and some protein powder and your belly will be smiling up to your ears!

Papayas are so good for your body! They can help to protect against heart disease, promote digestive health, offer anti-inflammatory effects, immune support, may offer protection from macular generation & rheumatoid arthritis and may even help reduce risk of prostate cancer!

Ingredients:

4 slices
2 bananas
4 white plums
1 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
5 dates
Handful of almonds
2 heaping scoops of chocolate hemp protein powder
1 blueberry yogurt

Prep:

Toss in blender
Blend on high or smoothie setting until desired consistency
Pour in glass and top with Turkish apricot, nuts and raisins if desired! :) Enjoy!!!

Today is my father's birthday! Join me in wishing him a very special day!!!

Christa

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Red Quinoa Wraps

8/8/2013 0 Comments

We went out to eat last night to celebrate Jerry's new book at our favorite restaurant in SD - Sipz Vegetarian Fusion Cafe! Every time I go I walk away extremely full and satisfied. I love that I can have "shrimp" and "beef"! The flavors and sauces they use rock. It's very inspiring. What is your favorite vegan restaurant?

For lunch we've been digging quinoa and cabbage wraps so I thought I'd combine them. Quinoa is one of my most favorite grains, primarily due to the way it makes me feel. My body instantly feels satisfied and gratified. I can feel my body thanking me for giving it the proper fuel. My youngest step-son JJ absolutely loves quinoa. When we first introduced him to quinoa he went crazy for it and will pick it over a unhealthier option any day, it's amazing.

Why do our bodies crave Quinoa? (Keen-wa)

Complete protein
Contains all 9 essential amino acids
Contains 2 X as much fiber as other grains
High content of manganese and magnesium
High in B2, Iron and has Lysene! Want more info? Click here.

It is also heart healthy, regulates blood sugar levels, promotes longevity, improves digestion an SO much more. Learn all about Quinoa from the history to present day use. Click here.

Knowing this makes me want to eat quinoa even more! It's a staple in our home and organic red quinoa was a sure treat offering a rich beautiful color. I made 2 batches on Sunday and have enjoyed it in salads, wraps, dinners etc. It's fabulous!

For this wrap I took a red cabbage leaf, topped it with homegrown mung bean sprouts,with pre-cooked quinoa, added some homemade salsa, ripe grape tomatoes and an avocado. Feel free to add your favorite dressing and mix up the wrap. Best part? It only takes 6 ingredients and 5 minutes of time!

Serves 2 - 350 calories / serving

Ingredients:

2 Red Cabbage Leafs
1/2 cup fresh mung bean sprouts
1/2 cup pre-cooked red quinoa
4 tbsp salsa
1 avocado - sliced
1/2 cup grape tomatoes

Prep:

Cut near base of cabbage, carefully peel back leaf for the wrap
Top with 1/4 cup sprouts per wrap
Top with 1/4 cup pre-cooked red quinoa per wrap
Top with salsa, avocado and tomatoes. Opt: add your favorite dressing!!!

I modified the photo of the red quinoa wrap, isn't it beautiful? You are eating a rainbow of health!

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Strawberry Banana Super Hemp Shake

8/3/2013 0 Comments

Good afternoon! This morning we started our day with a Strawberry Banana Super Hemp Shake! I was a little more generous than normal on the strawberries and dates and it made such an intoxicating shake for the senses. Ice cold strawberries act as delicious "ice-cubes" with fresh ripe bananas to sweeten the jackpot, Medjool pitted dates, vanilla hemp protein and hemp hearts!

A couple years ago when I started to make smoothies I used whey protein. It wasn't vegan but was very cost efficient. I always wanted to change it but wasn't pleased with soy protein or the amount of protein content found in other sources. Then I found HEMP protein powder and fell in love! I try to use it every single day in my morning smoothie. If I want a little extra protein I'll toss in hemp hearts or hemp seeds.

Read more about the benefits of hemp here!

How does one make such a healthy HEMPSATION? In a matter of 5 minutes or less!

How easy was that? Now off to enjoy some coffee and a hike by the beach with my sweetheart. What do you have in store for the day? Please comment, I'd love to hear from you!

Cheers to a very healthy day!
Christa

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Spa-worthy Detox Bath!

7/27/2013 0 Comments

Stressed? Not feeling well? Congested? Need a detox or soak? Then I have a bath for you! It's more than just an ordinary bath. This bath will send toxins running to the hill.
Last year colds were going around the office around Christmas time and were spreading like wildfire. My cube-mate knew how much I was into ginger tea and baths. She printed out a recipe for a detox bath with ginger, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda! When I got out my face was as red as a tomato and I just sweated and sweated and sweated some more! Since then I've added my favorite ingredients and have created an incredible bath. If you are up for it, wrap yourself up when you get out and sweat it out. Don't forget to stay hydrated and drink LOTS of water! This is not for everyone. It may leave you feeling wiped out.

It's important to keep our bodies cleansed from toxins and free from stress. Leave your worries at the door, light a candle if you'd like and step into your spa room. The first time I took this bath, I could hardly put my feet in they were so hot and full of toxins. Now, they still get very hot but it's more tolerable. Just take it slow, listen to your body, take some deep breaths and relax and unwind.
Here are some benefits for fun!

Ginger can help relieve cold and flu symptoms, control body oder and drive toxins out of the body. It also helps aid in muscle spasm relief or other aches and pains such as arthritis or fibromyalgia. The main benefit I find in adding ginger to the bath is how it induces sweating, expelling harmful toxins stored up in the body. To this day I am still shocked at how much I sweat after a detox bath! If you want to learn more, click here.

Hydrogen Peroxide in the bath can help pull out residues left by soap and destroy harmful toxins and organisms. Information found here.

Baking Soda & Epsom Salt helps pull out toxins including radiation and has an alkalizing effect on the body. After soaking your body will feel relaxed, refreshed and renewed. Your skin soft and supple! Read more here. Baking soda can also be used as a face-wash or to scrub your body leaving your skin incredibly soft. I use it almost daily as a face-wash, I threw out my expensive stuff!

Tea Tree Oil helps with skin irritations, rashes and even reduce inflammation and itching associated with psoriasis and other bacterial skin infections. Some say it can help with bladder infections and can even help women with yeast infections. It helps relieve tension, reduce inflammation, remove toxins and may help purify the body. Read more here. I always keep some handy.

Jajoba Oil is great on dry skin! I use it ALL the time. I use it as a face moisturizer and for my scalp! I pour some in our baths to leave our skin baby soft afterwards.

Apple Cider Vinegar helps stimulate circulation and detox the liver. It can also be used to fight fungi, bacteria and candida! Adding apple cider to your both helps draw out toxins from the skin, helping with acne, eczema, candida, and other skin ailments. Read more here.

Mint Leaves help with inflammation and can help relieve tired and sore muscles. Mint also works as a great detoxifier removing harmful chemicals. The scent and the warmth from the bath can really help open your sinuses and aid in de-congestion. Mint can also aid in rejuvenating your spirit leaving you happier than before. Read more here and give it try!
When you add all this together you get a powerful detox bath that is not for the faint of heart! Tread lightly....

Begin running warm water at preferred temperature
Add approximately 1/2 cup + packed minced ginger. I put mine in the food processor and squeeze the ginger as I put in the water, then put my hand under running water to rinse off.
Add 1 cup + Baking soda
Add 1-2 cups Epsom Salt
Add a drizzle of jajoba oil
Add a few drops of tea tree oil
Add a 1 cup apple cider vinegar
Add 2 tbsp minced mint

I just add a dash of this and a pour of that, feel it out and you'll come to the perfect mix for you! Maybe you only want to try ginger to begin and work your way up to this super potent mixture! I just thought why not combine all of my favorites into one good soak?

Enjoy with a cup of ginger tea while you're at it cleanse from the inside out as well. I take 1-2 tbsp of fresh ginger chopped finely, a touch of dried mint, a drop of stevia and a squeeze of fresh lemon. Feel free to add agave to coat your throat if needed.

I also made a homemade body scrub!

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Middle Eastern Salad ~ A Flavor Sensation

7/25/2013 0 Comments

This salad is sure to leave you satisfied. The lentils add a nice texture change taking the dish to a whole new level. It's not "just a salad" it's a flavorful hearty meal! The recipe has been modified and stems from Miriam with Mouthwatering Vegan Recipes, click the link for the mouthwatering original!

My best friend and I used to make a Greek salad with finely cubed vegetables and I just crave it at times. This is a great modified alternative and even has a vegan parmesan to cover that cheesy craving!

The tip from Miriam was to cut each ingredient into very small squares/pieces. I took the advice and must say, it worked well! Great advice, great recipe! I'll be back again! I modified the recipe to add my spin to it and used freshly cooked lentils, bright green lime, sensational red onion, deep red cabbage and vegan parmesan cheese.

To start - I pre-cooked some lentils. Once cooked, I spread 1 cup on a plate to cool while I finely cubed the vegetables.

It's as easy as chop.....

Toss......

Add lentils and vegan parmesan.....

Decorate with chips and be prepared to impress your palette!

Ingredients:

1 cup pre-cooked lentils
2-3 organic tomatoes - chopped
1 jalapeño - chopped (opt)
1 small bell pepper - chopped
1 small cucumber (w/skin) - chopped
1/2 red onion - chopped
3 large garlic cloves - chopped
3/4 - 1 cup red cabbage - chopped
Juice of 1 lime
1/2 cup vegan parmesan cheese
Opt: add some fresh basil & parsley! (I forgot but do recommend it!)

Prep:

Place ingredients into a bowl
Toss together and add the cooled, pre-cooked lentil beans
Toss with the following homemade dressing!

Dressing:

1 tsp dried mint
1 tsp dried curry powder
dash of ginger powder
garlic salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes to taste
1 tbsp brown rice syrup (or your fav!)
Juice of 1 lime
2 tbsp lemon juice
3 tbsp grape seed oil or olive/your favorite
Dash of Balsamic Vinegar

Enjoy tossed over the salad with organic corn chips, pita bread...etc! My husband and I almost devoured it all in one sitting. Please leave a comment and let me know how you enjoyed it!

With love,
Christa

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Popeye Power!

6/29/2013 0 Comments

This morning I was craving some greens! Spinach, lots of spinach and I surely didn't want a salad with my java. I decided to make a super smoothie loaded with spinach and fresh herbs from the garden! Our chocolate mint plant is constantly offering new leaves to be enjoyed. I honestly don't use it enough so I grabbed a handful and threw it in the shake.

Combined with raw almonds, fresh mango, bananas, a few frozen strawberries, dates, chlorella and a sprinkle of chia seeds on top! Opt to add in some hemp protein powder and you'll truly be fueled for the day!

Blend together and top with sprig of chocolate mint or your favorite herb!

This shake even had the bugs attention. Look very closely at the right side of the glass. :)

Bright, fresh, wholesome, raw, green - very green!

Ingredients:

handful raw almonds (about 1/4 cup)
2 cups filtered water
2 bananas
1 fresh mango
2 cups of baby spinach
8 pitted Medjool dates
handful frozen strawberries
1 tbsp chia seeds
1/4 tsp chlorella powder
3 tbsp vanilla hemp protein powder
Few sprigs fresh herbs: I used chocolate mint and stevia
Toss in a few ice cubes

Prep:

Place in high-speed blender
Blend on high-speed until a smoothie consistency
Drink up the health benefits!

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Garden Fresh Glow Juice

5/21/2013 0 Comments

Today started out with a thick overcast but has burned off nicely and we are now experiencing a beautiful day in Sunny SoCal! Jerry and I did some light yoga in the park at lunch and came back hungry. Lately we've been exploring adding more raw meals into our diet as well as more juiced meals, primarily focusing on good digestion. With it comes rejuvenation and stellar energy!

Beets an old time superfood have my attention lately. Did you know beet root juice is a liver protective food, can provide more energy through out the day and research has shown that it helps our bodies respond better to exercise by balancing the oxygen and increasing stamina. Loaded with nitrates that help flow blood through out the body and can even aid in lowering blood pressure. Some say it can even help with cancer, aging, digestion and help regulate your metabolism!

Feel free to check it out for yourself:
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/benefits-beet-juice
http://www.ageless.co.za/herb-beetroot-juice.htm

With all that, I feel refreshed, full of life and absolutely glowing!

~ Fresh mint and strawberry from the garden ~

Strawberries, mint and dates - oh my!

Whole-food organic ingredients.

Garden Fresh Glow Juice! Get your shine on!

Ingredients:

2 cups of filtered water
1 beet
2 cups of chopped and de-stemmed kale
2 oranges
fresh mint leaves
about 6 strawberries
6 dates
1/4 cup vanilla hemp protein powder
1/4 tsp chlorella powder
LOVE :)

Directions:

Combine ingredients in high speed blender or juicer
Put on juice setting or pulverize until it's formed a juice
Pour over ice, add a sprig of mint to be fancy and sit back and enjoy the benefits!

Statements made have not been evaluated by the FDA or SAMCC and should not be seen as health claims.

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Spicy Kale Quinoa Crustless Quiche

5/20/2013 2 Comments

Today is National Quiche Lorraine Day so I thought what better way to honor it than with a homemade quiche. Growing up my parents always made quiche for special occasions. Every Christmas or Thanksgiving my mom and or dad would wake up early to prepare the meal and with it, a quiche! With the leftover crust my mom would make cinnamon rolls that were to die for!

After becoming vegan I thought my quiche days were over, well fear not! This is a homemade quiche that is soy free, oil free, gluten free, nut free, dairy free (no eggs or cheese) is packed with quinoa, herbs and fresh vegetables!

A low calorie, intensely satisfying meal! I will definitely be making this again, I can't wait to explore variations!

Take some Quinoa and grind to make a flour.

Take some local organic fresh produce.

Combine the quinoa mixture and vegetables.

Allow to bake as the aroma fills the entire house with glorious scents!

Before you know it you have the most unbelievable quiche that is so good for your body!

YUM!

Ingredients:

4 cups loosely packed kale - de-stemmed and chopped
2 + tomatoes, chopped
1 jalapeno, chopped
1/2 large white onion, chopped (Red if you have it!)
1 green bell pepper, chopped
6-10 cloves garlic, minced ( haha we love it, feel free to cut back )
1 avocado
1/4 cup cilantro
2 cups quinoa flower
2 tsp ground cumin
Salt (opt), pepper and red pepper flakes to taste
2 1/2 - 3 cups of water

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly oil a 9" spring loaf or cake pan.
Prepare vegetables using 6 of the 10 garlic cloves and cilantro. (I chopped the kale and tomato with my knife, the balance in the food processor.) Place chopped vegetables in a large bowl, set aside.
In blender combine the flower, spices and water. Blend until smooth and frothy.
Pour the frothy mixture over in the large bowl over the chopped vegetables. Use a spoon to combine. Pour into prepped pan.
Bake for 40-50+ minutes until the top is brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow to cool slightly, slice, garnish with an avocado and dig in!

2 Comments

Healing Soup for Colds

7/15/2012 0 Comments

Jerry wasn't feeling well yesterday so I made some soup to bring him to good health. Today he's already feeling much better!

Garlic, ginger, onions and jalapenos come together well to provide some serious healing action. Garlic acts as nature's antibiotic, ginger is a great digestion aid, onions help with congestion, jalapenos are high in vitamin C and help with congestion.

Take a hot bath with some essential oils and herbs afterwards with lots of rest and you'll be well on your way.

Healing Soup for Colds

Soothing Pineapple Smoothie

Sore Throat? Pineapples contain anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce irritation and contain plenty of Vitamin C!

Soup:

4 cups vegetable broth
1 red onion diced
6-8+ garlic cloves diced
2-4" chunk of ginger diced
4+ jalapenos sliced (or 1/4 cup pickled jalapenos, add juice for flavor and spice)
1 carrot - diced
1 red potato - diced
1/2 cup fresh herbs sliced - (Bunch of Basil, Oregano, Thyme and Rosemary)

Smoothie:

1 pineapple
1 cup water (add extra dash if needed)
Stevia to sweeten (opt)
6 ice cubes

Soup Directions:

Combine ingredients together in large pot
Cook on med to low heat for 20-30 minutes
Serve hot

Smoothie Directions:

Combine ingredients into Blender
Blend until smoothie consistency (about 45 seconds)

Statements made have not been evaluated by the FDA or SAMCC and should not be seen as health claims.

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OLDER

30 Day Cleanse - Beauty Detox

Happy Belly Smoothie!

Red Quinoa Wraps

Strawberry Banana Super Hemp Shake

Spa-worthy Detox Bath!

Middle Eastern Salad ~ A Flavor Sensation

Popeye Power!

Garden Fresh Glow Juice

Spicy Kale Quinoa Crustless Quiche

Healing Soup for Colds

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