Cooling Down Our Bodies & The Earth
As the fires continue to burn in California, I can't help but think about the parallel between our hot earth and our overheated bodies. When we transition out of summer, we naturally start to prepare for the cooler season ahead and begin craving warming foods like soups and stews.
With the unseasonably high temperatures, our bodies are not being given the signals that it's time for fall and therefore we remain in a hot Pitta state. This can result in imbalances like inflammation, skin rashes, and irritability. Our immunity is also compromised due to the smokey air, making us vulnerable for the flu season ahead.
This Aloe & Ginger Refresher is an amazing remedy during these times! It's a juicy blend of citrus, aloe, and ginger. Aloe helps us cool down internally without feeling the need to consume iced drinks or cold smoothies that are counterproductive to digestive balance. Aloe also has many natural benefits - it's hydrating, aids in weight loss, and delivers good bacteria into our microbiome. The combination of citrus and ginger is immunity boosting.
Aloe & Ginger Refresher
Makes one serving
Ingredients
1 ounce organic liquid aloe vera
1 ounce ginger juice *optional
Juice of one whole lemon or lime
Pinch of Himalayan pink salt
16oz room temp filtered water
Directions
Blend all ingredients on high. Enjoy!
Ginger Juice
6" fresh organic ginger
8oz filtered water
Directions
Blend ginger and water in a high speed blender until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheese cloth. Push the liquid with the back of a spoon into a glass jar. Keep in the fridge for up to a week.
Cinnamon Vanilla Cereal
How many of us still get childhood nostalgia about our favorite cereals? Growing up on the stuff, we didn't realize how bad it was until we hit adulthood. I am sad to say that the ingredient labels are still falling short of my expectations as I search the grocery aisles so many years later.
Most cereals are made with a base of corns, grains, and white sugar. They go through a process of adding syrups and colorings, breaking down almost any opportunity for fiber and nutrients. The result spikes up your blood sugar and keeps you coming back for more.
Re-thinking your cereal options just got easier! By combining superfoods like chia and coconut with your favorite nuts and seeds, you've whipped up a DIY recipe that is so satisfying and nourishing. There are no processed ingredients and it's full of healthy fats and plant-based protein. I love eating it over chopped fruit or topped with nut milk for a balanced breakfast.
Grain-Free Cinnamon Vanilla Cereal
Makes 3 Cups
Ingredients
1 Cup Raw, Unsalted Pecans
1 Cup Raw, Unsalted Walnuts
1 Cup Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
6 Medjool Dates
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 tsp Vanilla
Pinch Salt
2 Tbsp Chia Seeds
3 tsp Water
Customize
Use macadamia nuts or almonds as the base. Fold in cacao nibs and goji berries for a powered up version.
Directions
1. On medium low heat, toast nuts and coconut flakes, stirring frequently for up to 5 minutes or until coconut flakes start to lightly brown.
2. Add nut and coconut mixture to a food processor. Add dates, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. Pulse several times until you see small pieces.
3. Add in chia seeds and water. Pulse a few times until the cereal is sticky.
4. Store in an airtight container in your pantry.
How to Navigate Drinking
According to Ayurveda, alcohol has light, hot, and penetrating qualities that allows it to move stagnation and quickly get things flowing in all areas of the body. It could easily be argued that lowered stress and tension outweighs its negative effects, as enjoying life plays such a large role in health and longevity.
So how do we navigate drinking to have the least amount of harm on our bodies while still enjoying its benefits?
After many years of searching for the cleanest option, I have experienced the most success staying balanced and hangover-free with a tequila and sparkling mineral water combination. It is not only low in sugar and calories, 100% blue agave tequila is made from the juice of the agave plant and does not contain mystery ingredients.
While I do not promote alcohol as a health tonic, it is possible to maintain inner harmony by sticking to this recipe and following these tips for drinking!
Clean Cocktail
1 ounce 100% Blue Agave Tequila
3-4oz Sparkling water
Juice of 1/2 lime
Fill your glass with ice and ingredients. Stir and enjoy this refreshing, tart, and satisfying cocktail!
Tips for a Healthy Approach to Drinking
Limit yourself to 1-2 drinks, once or twice per week.
Measure your alcohol - do not guess the amount.
Choose either a cocktail or dessert. Don't mix the two if you can avoid it.
Only drink when you are feeling healthy and joyful.
Client Testimonial
“I’ve had great success using this cocktail in moderation for months. I now haven’t had wine in over 6 months and during this time I have had NO headaches or nausea the next morning after having a drink. It is so nice to be able to have a cocktail and feel fine and healthy.”
How to Stay Regular on Your Summer Vacation
Summer getaways may look a little different this year, but that hasn't changed our desire to feel and look our best while on the road. That delicate balance between indulging in delicious treats and avoiding an aggravated digestion can usually be tied to one important activity: how well you eliminate!
Taking a proactive approach to your morning ritual can lead to a much more enjoyable experience and the opportunity to eat more freely. I have gathered a few of my go-to remedies that help my clients stay regular while traveling and avoid that uncomfortable bloated belly.
Snack on Watermelon
Watermelon is 92% water, full of fiber, and low in calories. It's an optimal snack that will help you stay hydrated and keep your digestive tract moving efficiently. Eat it alone at least 2 hours after your last meal or 30 mins before your next one.
Magnesium Supplement
If you get constipated while traveling, you know how awful it makes you feel. A magnesium supplement before bed will help relax your muscles and initiate peristalsis. Find your healthy dose by starting with 300mg.
Psyllium Husk
A gentle fiber that produces more bulk and speeds the passage of stool through the digestive tract. Start with 1 tsp in 6oz of water and increase as needed. Skip the pills - the most effective form is psyllium whole husk.
Black Tea over Coffee
Black tea is a digestive tonic and encourages a healthy microbiome. It can provide that much needed caffeine boost in the morning without the harsh acidity of coffee. Pique Tea is my favorite brand for travel. Combine with hot water, nut milk, raw honey, and cinnamon for a delicious latte.
Coconut Gelatina: The Simple Summer Dessert
This cool and creamy dessert gives you a mouthful of a smooth custard, while satisfying that summertime desire for ice cream.
A simple 5-ingredient recipe that takes no more than 15 minutes to make, you can stack individual servings in your fridge for a a mid-day treat or sweet delight at the end of a meal.
I learned about this dessert while cooking at Three Stone Hearth in Berkeley, a prepared food haven focusing on the Weston A. Price traditional diet. I would make racks and racks of gelatinas with various fruit toppings. Every time I brought one home, Jackson and I savored it. Never heavy or overly sweet, yet so satisfying.
I hope this recipe offers old-fashioned summertime nostalgia, while leaving behind the sugar overload and nourishing your belly with healthy fats, gut healing gelatin, and raw honey.
Ingredients
2 cans Native Forest Organic Unsweetened Classic Coconut Milk
1 tablespoon Great Lakes Gelatin
Pinch of mineral salt
3 ½ tablespoons raw honey
1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions
Heat one can of coconut milk and salt in a medium sized pot on low heat.
Once the milk begins to steam, slowly sprinkle in gelatin while whisking until the powder is dissolved. Turn off heat.
Whisk in honey and vanilla.
Add the second can of coconut milk. Stir until dissolved.
Ladle the warmed milk into 4oz mason jars or single serving bowls. Lid and refrigerate for 3-4 hours.