Diet - di·et (noun) : the usual food and drink of a person or animal. The origin of the word comes from Old French diete, “regular food”, and Greek diaita, “way of living.” Think about your diet for a second. Does it consist of regular food, and is it conducive to your way of living?
How did that simple idea–diet–become so misconstrued that it’s often thought of as a four-letter-word? It started when we were given instructions on how and what to eat. In 1984, the National Institute of Health recommended we eat less fat and more carbohydrates. And so it began. The first publicized push towards a standardized diet may (or may not) have lead to America’s obesity epidemic and obsession with dietary rules (read the New York Times article here).
You see, back in the 60’s and 70’s, scientists came to the conclusion that, in order to lose weight and stay healthy, one should restrict the consumption of fat. (then again, the 60’s also brought us the idea that sugar would help curb your cravings. Yes, a SUGAR diet. Can you believe that? Oddly, this is, more or less, what the low-fat diet came to be…) Meanwhile, 6 to 7 servings of “whole” grains (or processed sugars) each day for 20+ years led to a sharp rise in heart disease and obesity in our country. Maybe the rules advice given by the NIH should have come with an asterisk.
Contrast the low-fat craze of the 80’s and 90’s (Snackwells, anyone?) with the Atkin’s diet that fueled the low-carb breads and pastas in the early aughts. While it is true that good fat won’t make you fat, too much–or too little–of anything is never a good thing. It’s frustrating that these rules and dietary guidelines were put in place by a select few, whose own intentions may or may not have been compromised for political reasons (I’ll stop there).
A very simple way to avoid weight-gain and stay healthy is to avoid diet trends altogether. By choosing foods to best suit the needs of your body and lifestyle, you will rid yourself of restrictive, impossible dietary rules. You’ll also rid yourself of a diet label. People often ask me which diet I follow. I don’t give a straight answer–how can I? I tell them I eat what I like (this is usually met with disbelief). Or that I stay away from packaged foods. Or that I maintain a dairy and meat-free diet, but I can be tempted by cheese and especially prosciutto on special occasions. I call it–ready?–my diet.
A good diet should have variety. It doesn’t necessarily need to be organic. Veggies should be plentiful (leafy greens especially), good fat present, with grains and protein rounding it out. Sweets on occasion. Chocolate, well, maybe regularly. And processed junk foods? Never (if it can be helped). Figure out for yourself where meat and dairy fit in. Cater to your needs and learn to feed your body, not your cravings. Every body is unique, therefore your diet should be unique, as well.
What’s the difference, you ask? Well, the right diet will actually help curb cravings and insatiable appetites. When we eat real, whole foods that we actually enjoy, we stay satisfied without compromising our energy. As I’ve said before, it takes time and it takes practice, but choosing the right foods makes a huge difference in the way we feel.
When I discovered how to eat for me, I no longer had to worry about the rules. So what do I do now? It’s easy: I follow my own (even if I make them up along the way).
Think about it: what “regular” foods make you feel your best? What would your no-label-diet consist of?
July 28th, 2010
True or false: milk builds stronger bones. Unsure? Well, as it turns out, milk may not be the key to strong, healthy bones. When I broke a few bones back in May, I did my fair share of research on bone growth and milk was not on the top of my list. Or on my list at all. So what’s the best way to get calcium in our diets?
Truth is, most of us get plenty of calcium. You can imagine my surprise when my orthopedic specialist made that exact comment as I hounded him for his opinion on my list of natural supplements (I was prepared to argue with him if he said I needed dairy in my diet in order for my elbow to heal properly). He even shrugged off the idea of a calcium supplement! Needless to say, I won’t let those “Got Milk?” ads persuade me.
Instead, I turned to non-dairy foods high in calcium. Almonds, dark leafy greens (especially with kale), legumes, tofu, sesame seeds, asparagus and cabbage are all chock-full of it. Chamomile, chicory, fennel seed, flax, parsley and peppermint are spices that further contribute to healthy blood, bone, and tissue growth. 
A diet low in these calcium-rich foods can lead to arthritis, increased cholesterol, eczema, hypertension, and of course: osteoporosis.
This part is important: vitamin D and vitamin K help our bones to absorb the calcium. Without these vitamins, bones become brittle. It’s not calcium that weak bones lack–it’s the vitamins! The best place to get vitamin D is through natural sunlight, though salmon, sardines, oatmeal, oysters and sweet potatoes are all good sources. Vitamin K can be found in broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, oats, asparagus, rye and cauliflower.
Magnesium is just as important (hello, dark chocolate!) which is why you’ll find calcium-magnesium supplements in the health food stores. It also helps with the absorption of calcium. As long as you’re getting a well-balanced diet (heavy on the greens!) and exercising regularly, chances are your bones are healthy as can be.
While you’re adding in important vitamins and good, calcium-building foods, be weary of excess sugar and fat in the diet, which can weaken bones. How? These unhealthy foods actually block the absorption of calcium, as does phosphoric acid, an ingredient commonly found in sodas! Not good. My doctor was also quick to point out that blood thinners also inhibit calcium absorption.
Still convinced milk is the solution to osteoporosis and weak bones? The Harvard Nurses’ study (which followed nearly 78,000 women for 12 years) showed that increased intake of calcium from dairy products was associated with a higher fracture risk. Furthermore, several other similar studies have found that dairy calcium does little to benefit our bones. Yikes!
Though I indulge in dairy on special occasions (mostly in the form of cheese), I certainly do not rely on it for healthy bones–or anything, for that matter! (but that’s another post) In other words: I count on milk for strong bones as much as I do heels on cobblestones (based on my experience, this isn’t very much).
How do you maintain healthy bones?
July 13th, 2010
Living in Italy helped me develop patience; breaking a bone in Italy helped to test it. Yep, I suppose unpredicted events can be a true test of character! There’s nothing like an emergency situation to find out what you’re made of. In this case: a broken elbow (and arm). Pazienza at the hospital in Rome. Patience while typing with one hand. And LOTS of patience when trying to tie my shoes. (cooking? no chance)
Over two weeks ago I had the honor of attending a good friend’s wedding in the tiny, medieval town of Santo Stefano di Sessanio. About two hours east of Rome in Abruzzo, this beautiful village–with some structures dating back to the eleventh century–is made up of stone and nestled alongside the Apennine Mountains. The evening was magical, and I was having a hard time containing my excitement.
After celebrating with the bride and groom at dinner (which was to-die-for! The chef created the meals using local ingredients that the area is known for, like lentils) we began to move about on the candlelit streets. One wrong step, and my heel was caught between two cobblestones. Falling backwards, I grabbed a hold of another girl and down we went–onto my elbow (which didn’t quite hold up under all the weight).
The next 12 hours or so proved to be quite an adventure. Fortunately, I had the help of some amazing friends and boyfriend (who wins an award for all his continued support) to ease the pain and get me to where I needed to be. 
This included a cappuccino stop after my discharge from the hospital, which is where this lovely photo to the left came from (it’s hard not to be in good spirits while enjoying a cappuccino in the eternal city- I mean, come on now).
A few days later, I was back in New York and taking yet another round of x-rays (fun). Three fractures. Two right on my elbow. So after two full-body MRIs (more fun) and much thought, I opted to go the non-surgery route. I have faith that I will be healed.
So, now what? For starters, I want to make sure my body is well taken care of. As soon as I could, I ran slowly walked to my local health food store and stocked up on some healing goods. You should see my stash! My kitchen counter is my medicine cabinet. Foods and vitamins to help my body to heal and rebuild (goji berries! vitamin k! magnesium!). And of course: rest. I find that it is hard to rest when it’s an order, and the sudden absence of exercise can make me a little stir-crazy. But I’ll be back (I told my trainer).
I’m not quite sure when things will return to “normal” so for now I’m taking it day by day. I do consider myself to be very fortunate, and (all things considered) so far so good. So what if getting ready for bed takes 30 minutes (and thank goodness for those little hand-held flossing devices). And 20 minutes to write a quick email? No big deal. Months of physical therapy? Well…all good things take time.
So while I patiently wait for my bones to become whole again, I’m going to make the most of what I can do–and that includes staying patient and joyful. Getting frantic and upset is no good for anyone, broken limbs or not. Remember: good health starts on the inside.
May 25th, 2010
I have a confession to make: I don’t love salads. Or, I should say: I don’t love making my own. I have a few go-to salad spots here in the city (Sacred Chow being a favorite), but for whatever reason I have a tough time mixing one together on my own. And since I make 80% of my meals at home, a true salad may only come about once or twice a week.
You see, what I really wanted was a crowd-pleasing salad that I could boast about. A salad that’s delicious as well as nutritious–especially now that it’s warming up. Lucky for me, I discovered this gem of a recipe.
I happen to follow Kim Severson, a writer, and Ruth Reichl, a food critic (among other things) on Twitter. The other day, Severson mentioned an old salad standby from the days of Gourmet: the Kale and Ricotta Salata Salad. A few minutes later Ruth chimed in and suggested she try adding in toasted pine nuts and golden raisins, marinated in balsamic vinegar. It all sounded really, really tasty. (Though, as I jotted this all I down, I couldn’t help but feel like a weirdo listening in on someone else’s conversation. Awkward.)
I looked down at my notes: nutrient-packed, alkalizing green? (Kale) Check. Make it the star of the show? Check. Short ingredient list? Yes. Healthy, delicious and filling? Oh yes. Salad success! The only compromise here, for me, is the ricotta salata. But every now and then I’m willing to make an exception.
I think it’s worth noting that I maintain a meat- and dairy-free diet 95% of the time. So I hesitated. Then I thought: oh what the heck. It’ll be a treat. Ricotta salata is the pressed, dried and salted version of the creamy ricotta we all know and love. Similar to feta, but not as dense. And it really does make the salad! An exception indeed.
Below, is my version of Gourmet’s Kale and Ricotta Salata Salad.
Ingredients
1 bunch of Tuscan (lacinato) kale
1 big shallot, finely chopped
Juice of a good-sized lemon (about 2 Tbsp)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/3 cup of olive oil
1 cup ricotta salata, coarsely shredded
1/2 cup golden raisins marinated in balsamic vinegar (a few hours)
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
Instructions
Trim the leaves of the kale above where the stems become thick. Stack the leaves in a pile (or several if it becomes too thick), roll them like a cigar, and slice it thin crosswise.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the shallot, lemon juice, salt and oil. Go light on the salt until you taste the salad. The ricotta can be salty. Toss the dressing with the kale, raisins, and pine nuts. Mix in the ricotta salata, taste, and adjust seasoning (if needed). Serves 4.
The sweet, marinated raisins go so well with the slightly salty ricotta! The pine nuts add crunch, and nice dose of healthy fat and protein. It’s well-balanced mix. (I was sure to have some quinoa on the side for whole grains) In the future I may consider adding in chickpeas just to boost the protein count.
So that’s it: my new salad. I told my boyfriend this will be my “party salad.” You know, for when a delicious (but healthy) crowd-pleasing side dish is needed, I explained. What’s great is that this salad gets better with time: a night or two in the fridge works magic. Perfect for a busy schedule.
(with all this ricotta talk, perhaps I’m gearing up for my Italy trip later this week, where I’m bound to sample a bit of ricotta fresca. I will be on vacation, after all…)
What makes up the perfect salad for you?
May 4th, 2010
In a world of facebook friends and social networking, it’s easy to lose touch with our real friends. You know, those friends who really know us (and still like us). Even if they forget our birthday (it’s okay! there’s always next year!).
Living thousands of miles (and continents) away from many of my friends, staying in touch can sometimes seem like a chore (there, I said it). I am guilty of letting months go by without even a single email. And sadly, for some reason, it’s totally excusable (what with all the chaos and pressures of modern life). But then I think back to my long lost friends, and hey–I like them!
So, on Sunday night, after cleaning up around the apartment and getting myself ready for the week ahead (by making a giant vat of steamed brown rice), I decided to call one of my dearest friends who lives out in California. I like her. A lot. This girl knows me well and has seen me through my many transformations over the last decade. Talking with her is good for me. Our friendship is good for me.
After catching up on weekend details, we began to talk about friends in general. What makes up a friend. And how some friendships can carry on long after their expiration date–to the point where you don’t even know why you’re friends with the person. This is unfortunate. And sad. Friendships should be a positive and uplifting experience in ones life. Friendships should stay strong (despite time and distance) and help you to do the same. Sure, we all go through hard times when a friend’s support means so much–but that’s why we’re here!
Last year the New York Times featured an article, called What Are Friends For? A Longer Life. It’s no doubt good friends have a positive impact on our lives (as should be the case). But aside from the feel-good aspect, the article takes it a bit further with a few examples and claims: “friendship has an even greater effect on health than a spouse or family member.” These positive relationships help support both mental and physical health. So, are you surrounding yourself with real, loving friends?
I believe my friends influence me in so many positive ways–in so many areas! My closest friends are a varied bunch. I used to think this was odd, but after some thought I realized they all reflect a different side of my multifaceted personality. And these bright and beautiful ladies help me to grow and nurture each and every aspect of me and my life. After all, if you are what you eat, isn’t it true of the company you keep?
And I say all this after a weekend in DC visiting my sister and another dear friend. I declare this spring to be one filled with good friends! April was a blend of new and old friends me who mean so much to me- even if we see each other once a year (I included pics below!). And in the coming weeks I’ll be spending time with more friends, abroad and local, celebrating an engagement, traveling, and toasting a wedding–the moments when it’s good to be a good friend.
Camille in San Clemente (in NYC)
Kelly in Austin (again, in NYC)
Nora in NYC
Sharon in Washington DC
As much as my nearest and dearest friends mean to me (and do for me), I try to be the best friend I know how to be–after all–they are my friends and I want to contribute to their lives in a positive way! And as I practice in every area of my life: quality over quantity.
So whether new or old, near or far, surround yourself with those who help make you a better you!
What do you think? Do you think friends play an important role in our lives? In our health? Do those around you have a positive impact on your life?
April 27th, 2010
I’ve been a bit quiet the past few weeks (maybe you’ve noticed). Travel, friends and little life obstacles have kept me and my mind a bit occupied. That’s not to say I’ve neglected my personal duties as a walking, talking ambassador for health! No, no, no (never!). In fact, when personal challenges come about, I believe it allows for a good exercise in self reflecting. Call it: spring cleaning.
Rather than settle in the muck and throw my hands up in the air (or turn to food like I did in the past), I’m sifting through it all in a way that is constructive to me and my personal goals. You see, similar to the emotional discovery I had last month (during the juice cleanse), a 
few thoughts and emotions left in the “miscellaneous” bin seem to be resurfacing and biting at my ankles. BUT! When you dig through the clutter deep inside, you come out that much more free and alive! And that’s the best. Better than my favorite post-workout smoothie. (like that photo to the right- I get that excited about it)
So, while I finish de-cluttering and tidying up a bit, I leave you with a bigger idea on “spring cleaning,” inspired by the teachings of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (a school that encouraged me to face my emotions!).
We all like “stuff”. So much so, that we tend to hold onto it year after year. Maybe we keep things because they hold precious memories of days gone by, or they remind us of our parents, old friends, or childhood. We feel like these objects are a part of us, and so we hold on to them. As the saying goes: you have to get rid of the old to make way for the new. If you are feeling stuck or stagnant in your life, sort through your belongings and weed out the miscellaneous bits. You know, like spring cleaning. Throw out some of that stuff, say goodbye to your past and welcome the new energy of your happy, healthy future.
For good mental and physical health, consider two “houses” that need to be spring-cleaned: 
our physical homes and our physical bodies. Just as we accumulate “stuff” in the form of old clothes, magazines, and random keepsakes, so do our bodies accumulate old food residues and toxins that need to be cleaned out. (yuck!)
To give your body a good cleaning, give it a break from rich and complicated foods by either cleansing or fasting for a short period of time. Cleansing means paring down your food to just simple fruits and vegetables, lots of water and perhaps whole grains. Fasting means limiting most foods and drinking lots of water, fresh vegetable and fruit juices, teas and soups. Without much energy going toward digestion, more energy is available to the rest of your body and mind. Cleansing and fasting can sharpen your concentration, help you gain insight and promote spiritual and self awareness. On the physical side of things, it can also bring improved immune function and better digestion.
While you’re cleaning out your body and home, don’t forget to check in with your heart. Throw away negative thoughts and habits you’ve been harboring that keep you bogged down with guilt and frustration. What really helps? Forgiveness. Forgiving others (and yourself!) helps you to release these negative thoughts and emotions. A clean, open heart will allow you to receive all the good that awaits you each and every day.
Are there areas of your life that need a little spring cleaning? What will you do to free up some space in your life, mentally and physically?
April 15th, 2010
Spring time brings a sense of rebirth, renewal and…candy. I (used to) love the return of Easter candy each year: Cadbury creme eggs, Cadbury mini eggs, peeps (!), and chocolate bunnies. And of course these amazing sugar cookies my mom would make for our baskets. The celebration would usually last for weeks. But that was the old Alexi–the sugar fiend. And just because I don’t inhale eat sugary baked goods like I used to, doesn’t mean I can’t reminisce about the good times I had.
Sugar memory #684,902: two years ago my boyfriend I were headed up to his parent’s house for Easter dinner. I decided to bring a carrot cake from my (old) favorite NYC bakery, Billy’s. The cake was HUGE. And delicious. (carrot cake is another specialty I associate with spring) As we headed back into the city later that evening, we carried with us a sizable portion of the remaining cake. I should have known better (but with my sugar high and all, this thought never occurred to me).
Needless to say I OD’d on carrot cake. And yet, its presence still tempted me. So to rid myself of the delicious curse, I carted all remaining cake with me to work the next day to share with my coworkers. Unfortunately, it was a long, stressful day, which resulted in two (unnamed) girls attacking the remains with plastic forks, at 11pm, straight from the wilted Billy’s box. On the floor. If I remember correctly, I think my body went into a sugar coma immediately after.
But that was then. Since the Carrot Cake of ‘08, I came to terms with and overcame my sugar addiction. Now, I choose to bake treats that are naturally sweet and forgo the cups and cups of sugar (honestly, sometimes I’m shocked by what I see in recipes). So when I find recipes that mimic the flavors of my past favorites–with zero refined sugars–I sort of have to.
I admit that I’m a fan of Whole Food’s recipe collections, and recently this little number caught my eye. Maybe it was time to revisit my love of carrot cake? So last weekend I got busy grating carrots and was greatly rewarded with a most delicious, naturally sweetened carrot cake. Below is my version of the fabulous Carrot Oat Cake.
Ingredients
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 cups grated carrots
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup unsweetened finely shredded coconut
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F. Lightly oil a 9-inch square baking pan and set it aside (I use olive oil and spread around with a paper towel).
Pulse oats and walnuts in a food processor until coarsely ground. Transfer to a large bowl. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and salt and mix well. In a second large bowl, combine grated carrots, maple syrup, applesauce, cranberries, coconut and vanilla.
Next, add the flour mixture to the carrot mixture a little at a time and stir until completely incorporated. Transfer to prepared pan and bake until cooked through and deep golden brown, about 50 minutes. Set aside to let cool before cutting into squares. Makes 16.
These are AMAZING. So rich and moist and sweet with all the flavor you could ask for–without the headaches, bloating, cravings and weight-gain that come with refined sugar! I let my batch cool overnight in the fridge (I preferred the chilled cake). The little squares made for a delicious treat! Next time I may try making a vegan vanilla frosting to spread on top.
I’m not joking around when I say I have recipes that mimic old favorites. In fact, I have another recent addition: raw vegan chocolate chip cookie dough. No words. I’m in the honeymoon phase, so I’m still in disbelief (a little). Who needs the old stuff when you have a flavor just as good but without all that sugar? (and butter, and eggs…the list goes on)
Which healthy desserts do you use to replace old favorites?
March 24th, 2010
For many years I struggled with an emotional eating disorder. I ate (excessively) because I was insecure, anxious or unhappy. I wasn’t aware of it at the time, but–really–I was eating to fill empty spaces in my life. Food obsessions combined with depression is an unfortunate state of mind. Sadly, it’s not uncommon. How food got to be so entangled with our thoughts and feelings, I don’t know. Was it always like that?
I’d like to think not, but I would never be so sure. After all, it’s not talked about all too often. That’s why I was shocked when I realized I used food as an emotional crutch. Why didn’t I know about this before? And how would I get better? Eventually, I got to the bottom of my issues and was able to take food out of the equation. Emotional eating was not going to affect the way I lived my life anymore. Gone for good. But then the weirdest thing happened.
Two weeks ago I embarked on a juice cleanse. I decided to do the cleanse for many reasons, but what surprised me most was the time and clarity those few days brought me. Not hunger, not lethargy, not restlessness. No, I felt satisfied, energized and clear. So then, what about all the time and effort I usually spend thinking about food, buying food, preparing food, eating and digesting food? What happens when all that disappears?
Self-awareness. That’s what. And if you pause to pay attention, the emotions that we hide or cover up with food begin to surface. You see, though physically full, I still found myself hungry. The empty spaces were exposed. (eek!)
On the second night of the cleanse, all I could think about was curling up on the couch with my boyfriend and a giant plate of _____. I tried to fill in the blank, but I couldn’t. So I tried an exercise. I asked myself: if I were to break the cleanse tonight, what–of all things–would I break it with? What food would fill this void? I couldn’t come up with a single thing. I realized I needed to address a deeper hunger (a void) within me. And it was something food couldn’t satisfy.
This connection may be obvious for some, but I know that for so many others it goes ignored or unnoticed. And the longer the habit builds and continues, the harder it is to peel back the layers and expose the true underlying emotion or issue (scary, I know). Practice self-awareness! (obviously in my case I didn’t want _____ .) Without digestible distractions, I was going to have to address the real hunger.
It can be unsettling and uncomfortable when we see a glimpse of what is really going on within us. Which is why often times we don’t. We fill up on food, shopping and other various addictions. These vices help to “feed” what’s going on on the inside, when in actuality our tummies are as content as can be. Or maybe that’s just it: we no longer know how to separate real hunger from cravings from a deeper “hunger” (emotions). M&Ms are not going to help you feel better in the end. Just not gonna happen.
So, what did I do? I addressed the void. I used that space to enhance various areas of my life: my relationships, my spirituality, my creative side. I found the time to sit down and sketch a few drawings (I probably hadn’t 
picked up my sketching pencils in two years). I faced the exposed me and turned it into something positive. Back in college, I might have inhaled a bag of cheetos, which would have inevitably left me with a tummy ache, tears, and an even bigger void to fill (with more food). Sadly, it’s easy to see how the vicious cycle begins.
I encourage you to dig a little deeper next time you have a craving for your favorite snack or meal. Practice self-awareness and understand where your hunger is coming from. It doesn’t require a juice cleanse. It just takes time and patience. Start small.
Ask yourself: am I really hungry? Or am I in need of something more?
March 18th, 2010
Fact: most health foodies are oatmeal fanatics. Yes, I too like a healthy bowl of oats in the winter months every now and then, but I never really crave it. (that is until…well, read on) Maybe it has to do with the fact that oatmeal was the breakfast I dreaded most growing up. Or maybe it’s because I’m so in love with my smoothies and juices these days.
But regardless of my own breakfast cravings, I can still appreciate a good bowl of oats–in taste and nutrition. So much, in fact, that the other morning before heading out on a lengthy flight, I decided to fuel up with a big bowl of warm oatmeal. This time, with a twist. The hearty breakfast definitely won my heart over that morning.
The great thing about oatmeal (which only adds to its popularity) is that it’s like a blank canvas: you can do so much with just a simple cup of oats. Whether fruity, plain, sweet or savory, you can concoct a breakfast that suits your taste buds with a few simple ingredients. That’s the best part! You get to be creative and mix and match to your heart’s content.
Aside from all the fun, oatmeal is a great way to incorporate good carbs into your daily diet, which our bodies need as fuel! Oats are a complex carb packed with minerals and fiber, which means it takes longer for your body to break down so you feel satisfied longer! No sugar rush (which happens with simple carbs) and no hunger pangs an hour later. This is a great way to keep your metabolism happy and maintain a steady blood sugar level, which helps combat diabetes, sugar cravings and weight-gain.
Another great thing about oatmeal is that it’s super quick and easy to make. The recipe below is what I use for the base, which itself is delicious and rich in antioxidants, fiber, protein and omega-3 essential fatty acids. Read below to see one of the masterful creations I’ve made of it.
Ingredients
3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup dry rolled oats (I use Bob’s Red Mill)
1 Tbsp chia seeds
1 Tbsp almond butter
1 Tsp vanilla
1 pinch sea salt
Instructions
Mix ingredients together in small pot over medium heat. As the mixture begins to boil, put the heat on low, let simmer (uncovered) and stir occasionally until it begins to thicken (2 - 3 minutes). Makes one serving.
But wait–step back a minute. This is where the fun part comes in. This is where you get to mix in this and that to create the breakfast of your DREAMS (alright, maybe I’ve been a bit dramatic).
Dare I divulge a recent creation? I dare.
As the oatmeal began to simmer, I mixed in the following:
- 1 Tbsp cacao nibs
- 1 crumbled leftover muffin from purely elizabeth’s ultimate cacao muffin mix
And after I served up, I topped it all with heaping dollop of vanilla coconut milk ice cream and some crumbs leftover from the muffin. YUM.
But your oatmeal doesn’t have to be that…decadent. While the oats are simmering, try mixing in a banana, canned pumpkin puree, apple pieces, coconut shavings, walnuts, cinnamon, chocolate powder–really, the list can go on and on. Mix in what suits your nutrition needs and taste buds best!
Last but not least, oatmeal is the way to go when eating breakfast on vacation. Forget the make-your-own-omelets or buttery pancakes. Instead, I head straight to the pot of oats for a meal I know I can feel good about.
Do you like oatmeal? How do you dress your oats?
March 9th, 2010
I was in a cab the other day and found myself staring blankly at a billboard for a beauty product that promised to help one’s skin glow. Annoyed, my thought was “yeah, right.” Has it really come to this? Have we all become so… dull? that we need a special potion to make our skin look healthy? When I see products like this I think: we can do better without!
And it’s true–we can! Rather than focusing on the surface, start on the inside. A clean, healthy diet can transform your skin and give you a bright and glowing complexion–naturally. But it makes sense, right? Because if we are what we eat, then it’s the natural, living foods that help give our skin 
and smiles a shine that no beauty product ever could.
I’m not saying to skip out on skincare products altogether. For the record, I do use a cleanser, toner, moisturizer and eye cream, accompanied by a weekly face mask ritual (always a good time). Instead, I’m suggesting we take a different approach: from the inside out (as I like to say).
Try this: spend less on cosmetics and pricey creams, and more on organic whole foods. Veggies work wonders. It’s true. Awhile back I was in an elevator sipping on my 16oz green juice, when I noticed it caught the eye of a woman standing next to me. She stared at the juice. She stared at me. “Is that how you get your skin to glow like that?” she finally asked. I was both flattered and thrilled by her observation.
Where to start? Focus on key vitamins and minerals in order to achieve clear, youthful skin. Like what? Like vitamins C, E, A, K, and B. Incorporate foods such as leafy greens (like spinach, kale), avocados, bell peppers, broccoli, and asparagus into your diet and you should start to see improvements within weeks.
Fruit is a wonderful source of vitamin C (citrus fruits especially), while bananas, oatmeal and rice boost your vitamin B levels, which is vital for toned, hydrated skin.
The essential omega 3 fatty acids is also another micronutrient you’ll want to get plenty of. Try to add in more cold water oily fish to your diet, like salmon, mackerel or herring. I make sure to add ground flax seed into my smoothies, and walnuts are also a great source of this good fat. And drink plenty of water! You’ll want to continue flushing toxins out of your body throughout the day to help reach an alkalized state of cleanliness.
Lastly: pay attention to allergies. A good friend of mine recently discovered that soy products wreaked havoc on her skin. After detoxing her diet of all soy products, she found herself without a single blemish. Amazing! Wheat can also be problematic- many people are allergic to wheat without realizing it. Dairy, too. Experiment with your diet and see what works for you. But above all, remember: processed foods and refined sugars will do the most damage (nutritionally speaking).
Of course that’s not to say there aren’t exceptions. There’s always that girl who has a donut and diet coke every morning, but has the clearest skin around. It happens. But that’s not to say it’ll stick around. I think we’re all familiar with the case of eating or doing as we please until it’s too late (whether that translates to 20 extra pounds or unsightly blemishes). Preventative care, my friends!
We were created perfect. Of course somewhere along the way we became unperfect, but that doesn’t mean we need to cover ourselves up with makeup and cremes. Let your skin work it’s natural magic! I take pride in my diet, no matter how challenging or “different” it may be. I’m worth it–inside and out–and I’m gonna let it shine!
How do you get your skin to look it’s best?
March 2nd, 2010
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