I really hope it starts to warm up in L.A.. I can’t wait to start experimenting with delish salad combos.
Dressing:
3 T Balsamic Vinegar
2 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 T Raw Honey/Agave Nectar
Dash of salt and black pepper
Salad:
Your favorite organic salad greens (Arugula, Spinach, Romaine…)
2 persian cucumbers (diced)
1-2 tomatoes (cut into wedges)
1 avocado (diced)
1 cup pomegranate seeds
1 small bunch fresh mint (torn into small pieces)
Toss the salad with the dressing and enjoy!
I’ve found that a little food prep goes a long way in the morning and helps me stay away from junk food! Here’s my routine:
1. I throw some quinoa in my rice cooker before I hop in the shower.
2. Chop up and add fresh veggies (tomatoes, jalapeno, celery, cucumber, red bell pepper, avocado etc.)
3. Add a handful of nuts and/or seeds (walnuts, almonds, sunflower, sesame, chia)
4. Toss in a cup or so of beans (I make a big batch of beans every few days: garbanzo, black, and kidney beans are my favorite)
5. Squeeze some lemon juice on top and add extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and other spices (turmeric, coriander, cumin etc.)
5. Make my morning smoothie in my magic bullet: (recipe here: )
6. Pack my snacks: this may include-fresh fruit, a pure bar, veggies and hummus, roasted seaweed snack
**This may seem like a lot to do in the morning, but I have it down to a science and it takes about 15 minutes total. I’ve found that being prepared is the only way I can avoid the cravings that come through the day (because those french fries smell 10,000 times better when you are hungry ;-)
I hope this is helpful!
Kevin Powell, a brilliant leader, invites us all to join him on a 30 day fitness challenge this June. The commitment is simple: 30 minutes of exercise for 30 days. I plan on practicing yoga, jogging, and incorporating 2 new forms of exercise that make me feel young and super free: hula hooping, and biking to the beach.
We are so blessed to have the opportunity to nurture our minds/bodies/spirits and support one another along the way! Let’s build…
I went to a teacher’s training class at Hoopnotica on Saturday and it was fabulous! I’m inspired to create a yoga/hooping class for the L.A. community. It is so exciting to discover ways to exercise that are stress-free!
Shout out to Melissa Palmer for the invitation to take the class. Muito obrigada…
first ride to the beach w/ my new love-a vintage schwinn collegiate. so blessed to live near the ocean!
(and much love to my brother Moe6 and pops for helping me pick out mi bicicleta)
Can’t wait for my Ayurvedic massage at Dancing Shiva tomorrow! It’s been a long time coming…
One of my greatest joys every week is going to the market to buy fresh produce and stock up on all of my essentials. There’s something about the smells, colors, and textures of food that makes me feel alive, and so thankful for the means to take care of myself and make “my food my medicine”. I thought I would share my essential summer grocery list…please feel free to drop me a line and share your summer favorites! Fruit: Veggies Grains Legumes Snacks Supplements
I’ve been fascinated w/ seeds lately…especially chia and sesame seeds. for being so tiny, and having a barely noticeable taste, they offer tremendous health benefits! i sprinkle them on my salads, put them in my smoothies, and am going to experiment w/ chia seeds while baking.
chia seeds
-balance blood sugar
-great source of essential fatty acids & anti-oxidants
-help keep the body hydrated
sesame seeds
-lower cholesterol
-protect the liver
-rich in trace minerals (such as copper, manganese, and zinc)
(and if you haven’t read wild seed by octavia butler, you are sleepin!)
i think i may have a new favorite salad! inspired by my sis jasmine, i made a kale, pear, avocado and walnut salad.
the dressing was simple and refreshing: lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, honey, black pepper & sea salt. Delish!
went hard today…3 mile jog on the beach and an intense yoga class at the gym. (and yes, i admit it-sometimes i get a little inspiration from b.)
Discovered this at Mrs. Winston’s (the best salad bar on Earth) in Santa Monica. Find some near you. You can thank me later…
excited about discovering that i can dye my hair with henna and indigo-will be my project this weekend. i will be so happy to say farewell to the chemicals! i’ll post a pic when i’m done…
in naming my blog, i realized that the best thing i can do is be completely honest and vulnerable about the fact that trying to be healthy is something i must commit to…EVERY DAY.
some days, i’m great…and can resist the potatoes that shapeshift into chips, fries, hashbrowns, smothered potatoes, tacos de papa…and the chocolate that whispers sweet nothings to me while i innocently stroll through the aisles of whole foods or tjs. BUT, there are some days days when i feel a little off center, and look to food for comfort. or days when the sun is shining, i’m feeling giddy, and i treat myself to enough vegan cookies to kill a small horse.
journey with me as i learn to make friends with my IFG and put her on notice that we will be ready for the beach this summer, by any means necessary!
