Sunday, December 23, 2012

Gluten & Dairy Free Bars Review


Today I'm going to do a post about my favorite and NOT so favorite bars!

I really have been getting into the brand NuGo Nutrition.  They have great bars.  My two favorites are: Mint Chocolate and Carrot Cake...all simply delicious and pretty healthy!

I also really like Lara bars as their ingredients are very simple and overall delicious.  Try the Cashew cookie and Cherry Pie!

I just tried an Original Superfood Crisp Bar from Greens Plus and will never eat it again...it contains Nova Scotia Dulse which is what gives it a very fishy taste.  I did not notice that was in the ingredients...it has very impressive ingredients but the taste is what matters when you eat something so this is definitely off my list. 

That's my review for now...wait for the next one and Happy Holidays everyone!


Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Top 5 Healthy Snacks

I'm going to list my TOP 5 Healthy Snacks and how you can get a hold of them! 

1.  Mini-Pops- This is my favorite alternative to POPCORN...and believe me I was addicted to movie theater popcorn as a child.  This really does taste like popcorn and it doesn't get stuck in your teeth (not as much as popcorn) and its smaller so its more fun to eat!  Plus there is absolutely no corn in this!  My two favorite flavors are the Atomic Salt and Bitty Butter.  Both completely dairy and gluten free!  http://www.myminipops.com/

2.  Mulberries & Goji Berries- My favorite brand is Navita Naturals and both these are superfoods...with tons of antioxidants!  I love putting Mulberries in my oatmeal sometimes and Goji berries are great in brownies!  http://navitasnaturals.com/

3.  Chia Pudding made with Chia Seeds & Rice Milk w/Cacao Nibs!  This is just one of my favorite recipes but its so fulfilling and comforting that I had to share it!  I mix a little cinnamon, vanilla, and coconut sugar and its soooooooooooooooooooooo good!

4.  Izzi B's French Toast Cupcakes- Ok these aren't just a snack to me...they're an addiction!  Once I found the brand at Gfree I had to have more!  They are gluten and dairy free and stay fresh in the freezer for awhile!  http://ibcakes.com/

5.  Plentils by Enjoy Life...in Garlic Parmesan- These taste just like cheetos to me and I haven't had that in over 10 years!  They are made from Lentils and do not contain any sugar!  They are also free of all 8 common Allergens (yes that includes Soy Free, Gluten Free, and Dairy Free).
 http://www.enjoylifefoods.com/plentils/

Saturday, December 15, 2012

The USEFULNESS of HERBS

The Usefulness of Herbs:

Herbs & Spices
Culinary Use
Medicinal Use
Basil
Pesto, tomatoes sauces, tomato salads
Antibacterial, antispasmodic, vitamins, minerals, and ANTICANCER
Bay Leaf
Soups, stock, casseroles, sauces
Antibacterial, antispasmodic, essential oil, tannins, bitter principles, herbicide (place by books and in corners to repel silverfish)
Cardamom
Cakes, cookies, curries
Anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, essential oil, mucilage, improving circulation
Cayenne
Chilis, sauces, soups, instead of black pepper
Anti-inflammatory, improving circulation
Cinnamon
Hot drinks, baked items, cooked fruit
Anti-spasmodic, digestive aid, lowers blood pressure, essential oil for aromatherapy
Cloves
Ham or pork dishes, hot drinks, baked items, combines will with cinnamon and nutmeg
Topical analgesic, anti-viral, expectorant, essential oil, digestive aid
Coriander
Leaves called cilantro-salads, garnish, chili, salsa.  Seeds called coriander-pickling spice, curries, soups, meat dishes
Anti-spasmodic, tannins, vitamins, essential oil, digestive aid
Cumin
Soups, sauces, curries, chili
 
Dill
Pickling spice, vinegars, soup, cheese dishes, fish
Anti-spasmodic, mucilage, tannins, essential oils, vitamins and minerals, aids in digestion, and ANTICANCER
Fennel
Combined with other herbs or on its own as a rub for meat, herbal tea, breads, bulb can be used as vegetable in stir fries
Anti-spasmodic, diuretic, carminative, essential oil, vitamins and minerals, digestive aid.  Chewed after the meal neutralizes stomach acid, sweetness the breath and helps digest fatty food.
Garlic
Raw cloves baked and eaten or rubbed on bread for garlic bread, stir fries, salad dressings, sauces, soups, rubbed over meats.
Anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-microbial, vitamins and minerals, essential oil, decreases blood clotting, ANTICANCER, and immune boosting
Ginger



Mint
Dried product-baked goods, stir fries, sauces. Fresh chopped root– stir fries, sauces, candied

_______________________________________
Cucumber Israeli Salads, Teas, Middle Eastern Cuisine, Lamb, and in Duck
 
Anti-spasmodic, vitamins and minerals, digestive aid, improving circulation, morning sickness, and ANTICANCER
______________________________________
Anticancer and digestive aid (Essential oil is a MUST HAVE), Anti-spasmodic, analgesic, carminative, expectorant
Marjoram
Any meat or vegetarian dish, cheese balls, herb butters, combined with other herbs in mix for sauces.
Anti-spasmodic, sedative, digestive aid, vitamins and minerals, bitter principles, essential oil, tannins
Nutmeg
Meat and vegetarian dishes, curries, eggnog, hot drinks, baked goods.
 
Oregano
Meat and vegetarian dishes, vegetables stir fries, soups, sauces-especially tomato based.
Anti-spasmodic, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, sedative, astringent, expectorant, digestive aid, immune boosting, essential oil
Paprika
Meat stews, cheese or egg dishes, salad dressing, pesto sauces.  Good for adding colour to grain dishes.
 High in Vitamin C and Anti-bacterial


Rosemary
Meat dishes, herb butters, combined with other herbs in salad dressings, potatoes
Anti-spasmodic, anti-bacterial, analgesic, digestive aid, circulation, essential oils, tannins, saponin, and ANTICANCER
Sage
Meat dishes, sauces, soups, cheese dishes, grains.
Anti-fungal, anti-spasmodic, antiseptic, diuretic, estrogenic compounds, bitter principles, essential oils, tannins,
Savory
Fish and meat dishes, vegetarian stews and casseroles, vegetable stir fries, grains, herb breads.
Anti-spasmodic, carminative, astringent, digestive aid, expectorant, tannins, mucilage, essential oils
Tarragon
Meat and fish dishes, omelets, herb butters, stir fries, grains, herb breads
Bitter principles, tannins, essential oils, liver tonic, cleansing, abortifacient
Thyme
Pasta sauces, meat and vegetarian dishes, cheese dishes, herb breads
Antiseptic, anti-microbial, expectorant, uterine stimulant, tannins, bitter principles, essential oils, saponins, MAINTAINS COGNITIVE Functions, and ANTICANCER

Friday, December 14, 2012

Manifesting what you WANT

I just saw this great article and had to share it with everyone: 
A great tip for manifesting is this… Instead of walking around all day in a state of wanting. Wanting more money, wanting more love, wanting more stuff, wanting more peace of mind  - STOP - wanting can’t get you there.
Sit down for 20 minutes and instead of thinking about all the things you WANT, put yourself into a trance and visualize already possessing the things that you want. If you want more money, think and FEEL what it would be like to already have that money. If you want more love, FEEL what it would be like to already have the love that you are looking for. If you want greater peace of mind, FEEL what it would feel like if you already had peace of mind.
Do this for 20 minutes in the morning before you start your day. You are actually programming your mind and your nervous system to be in a state of being what you seek, instead of wanting what you seek.
We live in a literal Uni-verse. If you want and want and want, you will be given more and more and more wanting. But if you take a step back and FEEL what it’s like to already have what you want, you take yourself OUT of wanting and program your body to already be it. If you do this and believe you are worthy of receiving your desire, the most miraculous things will begin showing up in your life.
Remove the limiting beliefs that say you aren’t worthy, that you don’t deserve it and that it has to be hard. Know that as you are right now, you are worthy of all this great stuff. Then program yourself, program your mind, program your nervous system to be in a state of being what you seek instead of wanting what you seek.
The magic will unfold.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Working on my 1st Book

Hey everyone!!!
I'm currently working on my very first book!  My book is going to be something very simple but helpful for the "normal" person that wants to get healthier!  I'm currently looking for people's definitions of processed foods and what they mean to you!  If you'd like to share your definitions please feel free to do so (If I use yours in my book you will be acknowledged in the book)  Also I'm looking for recipes using Whole Grain Alternatives and Sugar Alternatives (Coconut Sugar, Maple Sugar, Agave, Date Sugar, etc) 
If anyone knows a publisher and can connect me please let me know! 


Currently I'm also working on my Opt-in Video if anyone knows someone that has experience in doing professional videos or how to add one to an IIN website please comment below or get in touch w/me! 

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Intention for the New Year

Since Intentions are very important....I wanted to state my biggest intention for the new year...http://kripalu.org/study_with_us/1385/ 
I want to start studying Ayurveda and this sounds amazing!  I want to make this my intention...if this doesn't happen this year I definitely want to do it next year! 

What's your intention? 

Saturday, December 1, 2012

10 ways to JUMPSTART your DAY!

10. Do some MEDITATION
When you take a few minutes to breathe, close your eyes, and repeat a mantra you really start to feel better!  There are many guided Meditations out there that will really empower you and when you are empowered YOU ARE ready to be focused and have a fabulous day! 
9.  Set your alarm 15 minutes earlier
I know, I know… 15 minutes earlier you ask?   Let me explain. Take this extra time to slowly wake up. So many of us rush out of bed and throw ourselves into a hectic morning schedule.  When you rush your whole day rushes by...you never take a moment to fully enjoy yourself and you take too much for granted!  Take a few deep breaths.
8. Listen to your fave song
The best way to get yourself out of a rut is to listen to your favorite song.  When you listen to a song you enjoy, your body produces chemicals to boost your mood.  A little dancing never hurt anyone…
 7. Drink a hot cup of lemon water w/a little bit of Cayenne Pepper
This little tip is SO unbelievably great for your immune system. On their own, lemons are very acidic, but they have an alkalizing effect on the body. Why is this important? Cancer cells cannot grow in an alkaline environment. Go back and read that last sentence again. SO important. Lemon water is also a natural diuretic so it helps detox your body and keep off the bloat.  If you can tolerate it try adding Cayenne pepper. 
6. Use an Ionic ToothBrush and Tongue Scraper
Most of the bacteria in your mouth actually resides on your tongue and gums, so make sure to clean your tongue (and floss!). Also most toothbrushes don't actually get rid of all of your plaque like an Ionic Toothbrush, these are the most recommended and can stop tooth decay, cancers, and more. Now say HELLO to a healthy mouth.
5. Be grateful
Start your day off in a grateful mindset. This will keep you in a positive mood for the entire day!  This will especially help when stress starts creeping in throughout the day, you can revert back to the list of things you are grateful for.
4. Prepare PREPARE
Always prepare the night or day before!  When I used to go to school I would always lay out my clothes the night before so I wouldn't be so stressed in the morning running to pick out clothes!   By making decisions the night before such as what you’ll wear, what you’ll eat for breakfast, and more... you can help eliminate added stress in the morning. Lay out your clothes, if you have kids lay out their clothes too, pack lunches, do dishes and make sure you are ready for the next day. This is probably my favorite bit of advice! 
3. Exercise really is what you make it
By exercising in the morning you jump start your metabolism and as a result, burn more calories throughout the day. It’ll boost your energy levels and get those endorphins pumping. Plus, if you exercise in the morning, you can’t make up excuses for not doing it later in the day.
2. Take a high quality Melatonin Supplement-
Melatonin is a natural hormone which helps to control your sleep and wake cycles. By adding a Melatonin supplement to your diet, you will better control your sleep patterns – fall asleep faster and wake with a clear and rested mind. Melatonin decreases as you age so it’s super important to add a supplement as this occurs. Lack of sleep can lead to increased stress and excessive stress can negatively affect your sleep. It’s a never ending cycle!
1. Eat a low-glycemic breakfast
As I’m sure you have all heard before, breakfast is the most important meal of the day!   If you skip breakfast, you’re essentially telling your body to conserve energy – your metabolism will slow down and you’ll have less energy throughout the day. It’s also important to start choosing low-glycemic options in order to control your blood sugar. High-glycemic foods cause your blood sugar to sky-rocket and release a fat-storage hormone called Insulin. This creates the ‘sugar high’ and the ‘crash’ people so often experience after eating their meals.  Some of my favorite low-glycemic breakfast ideas are Oatmeal w/bananas and coconut sugar or Granola, fruit, and Yogurt! 

Try incorporating a few of these, or better yet all of them, into your morning routine.  I can guarantee you will start noticing some improvements.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

30th post!

Since I'm almost 30 (well in May I'll be 30) I'm making a big deal of my 30th post on my blog!  So exciting! 


Since Thanksgiving I've been thinking about a lot of things.  I have a new favorite website that I am addicted to and just wanted to share it with all of my readers!  http://www.wellandgoodnyc.com/
I'm also going to start a Juice cleanse very soon and still narrowing it down between Juice Hugger, Jill's Cleanse, and a few others!  Feel free to post your favorite here! 

Lately I am also addicted to Brussel Sprouts from Whole Foods!  Here's the recipe I've been using to make the exact same thing: 
  • 2 cups Brussels sprouts halved
  • 3 Tablespoon  olive oil or coconut oil
  • 2 teaspoon  sea salt
  1. Pre-heat oven to 425.
  2. Toss all ingredients in a bowl to throughly coat.
  3. Spread brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  4. Roast 25 minutes or until just starting to brown.
  5. Serve hot.
I'm also going to rave about one of my favorite monthly boxes...ECOEMI!  If you haven't tried them yet google it and order a box!  Its amazing and all natural!

I'm currently on the search for an amazing Night Cream...I'm really loving Sunday Riley's bionic night cream but its too expensive so I'm trying to find one that does the same thing for sensitive skin, dry with a rich feeling, smells great, and all the anti-aging benefits!  

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Best Muffins!

Friday I made the best muffins ever!  They were Pumpkin Chocolate Chip w/Cacao Nibs!

2 Cups So Delicious Pumpkin Spice Milk
2 Cups Jules Gluten Free Flour
4 Tablespoons of Coconut Nectar Sugar
1 Teaspoon of Sea Salt
1\2 cup of Enjoy Life chocolate chips
1\2 cup of Cacao Nibs
1 Teaspoon of Baking Powder
1 Egg White
2 Tablespoons Almond Butter/Cashew Butter/Pecan Butter (I forgot this in my original post and just remembered this was in the original recipe I did)


Combine all dry ingredients then add wet ingredients and mix well.  Add the Cacao Nibs and Chocolate chips at the end.  Preheat the oven to 375.  Use Unbleached Baking cups (really any baking cups will do) put the batter into the cups so they are filled halfway.  Put in the oven for about 30 minutes checking in 20 minutes with a toothpick.

These are my favorite and perfect for the fall!  Enjoy! 

Friday, November 16, 2012

A Healthy Snacks Checklist categorized by craving type

A SNACK LIST TO SATISFY EVERY CRAVING!!!!


There are several different types of food your body can crave and we all know when we crave something...well here are some alternatives!

If you're CRAVING something SWEET:

If you're craving Ice Cream try Greek Yogurt instead or a Smoothie!

If you're craving Pudding try Chia Pudding instead!

If you're craving Cake try Frozen Grapes, Frozen Bananas, Crackers with Almond Butter, or Fruit salad!  

If you're craving Cookies try a Lara Bar or Granola instead!  

If you're craving Chocolate try a piece of pure Chocolate like Gnosis or try baking with some Cacao Nibs!



Before satisfying that Sweet craving w/one of the alternatives listed above make sure that you drink a glass of water.  More times then not its dehydration.




If you're CRAVING something SALTY:

If you're craving French Fries try Sea salt seasoned Sunflower seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Pistachios, Almonds, etc.  

If you're craving Pizza try some Olives, Mozzarella Cheese, or Fresh Tomatoes with Apple Cider Vinegar and some Chopped Cucumber on some Toasted Whole Grain/Gluten Free Bread.

If you're craving Potato Chips or Pretzels try Sweet Potato Chips or Kale Chips!


Get checked by a doctor if you're constantly craving Salty items as this could be an Adrenal or Thyroid Disease. 

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Cleanses

Juice Cleansing is where a person consumes only fruit and vegetable juices to get the most nutritious benefit and detox!  The cleanses I have tried are:  BluePrintCleanse (My first) and Organic Avenue.  Each cleanse consisted of around 5 drinks a day (sometimes 6)  There are various cleanses I am interested in trying and am currently developing a detox circle so people going through the same cleanses can talk about what they are going through and gain support!  I'm interested in the Juice Hugger, Jill's Cleanse, Gustorganic Cleanse, and Terri Cleanse!  So if you have or are interested in trying any of those cleanses or something not listed... head over to my facebook page and post when you plan on starting the cleanse (try to give people at least a week so we can get some other people that are also interested in that specific cleanse)  https://www.facebook.com/CreativeAndConfidentChicksforaHealthierYOU


Monday, November 12, 2012

Drinking Water can save your LIFE

Why don't we as Americans drink enough water?
There are so many highly carbonated drinks out there (Soda, Seltzer, etc) that too often then not we drink those and think we're still getting enough water in our systems.  Also juice, milk, and Iced Tea don't really count but there are tons of items that do help with water intake!  Try having steamed veggies, rice, and other items that have water already in them and this will help up your water intake!  Also try drinking a cup of water before meals and you will not have to overeat!

Craving a lot of sweets?
This is a big hint of dehydration in your body...when your body starts craving sugary sweets...instead of eating a cookie or candy have a glass of water!  If you don't like plain water try adding a lemon or lime to it for flavor!  Your body will thank you later! 

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Services Being Offered

I will be offering many different services at my new Health Coaching Practice but one of the most important ones will be Meal Planning for Busy Families!  Check out this Thanksgiving format for Meal Planning for children to get creative with! 

http://utah.todaysmama.com/2012/11/08/thanksgiving-meal-planner/

Some of the other services I will be offering are:  One-On-One Services for Parents and Children to enable children to be at their Healthiest (No more Picky Eaters), Healthy Scavenger Hunts, Healthy Eating Grocery Shopping Tours, Children's Yoga, Mommy & Me Healthy Cooking Classes, Food Allergy Services (I've had food allergies since I was a child and feel my best when I eat the healthiest!) from finding the reason for the symptoms, to finding resources to make living with Food Allergies as normal as possible, and SO MUCH MORE!

*Skype is available to One-On-One services for those of you out of state!*


We also offer Gluten Free Tours, School based Support for Making Your Students More Aware through Fun Activities, and other powerful resources for leading a Healthy Life including Workshops, Classes,etc
We will also hold special Detox Bookclubs along with Meditation Circles!
Our detox circles will be for trying out a cleanse and finding a group to do it with so you can support each other

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Two delicious dinners

In the last week I've created two amazing dinners (sorry no pictures) but this is what they consisted of: 
1.  Steamed Organic Aspargus, Organic Kale, A little bit of fresh ginger, Melted Daiya Cheese, Lucini Marinara Sauce, on Toasted Udi's Bread!  Delectable! 

2.  Toasted Udi's Bread with Fresh Whipped Hummus w/Cucumber and Carrots with a little bit of sea-salt!  Amazing! 

Love how I feel after these meals!  Definitely cutting out red meat and chicken!  I'm really big into the Blood Type diet right now!  I'm a B+!


Presidential Elections

On the day of Presidential Elections I'm not going to say anything about politics in my post but I am going to say that Michelle Obama has been excellent for creating a Healthier initiative for Children. 

On a different note the weather is getting very cold outside and I wish it were warmer!  What are some of the key vitamins and herbal supplements you are taking to stay healthy with both your digestive system and overall health?  One of mine is:  Rainbow Light's Advanced Enzyme System.  I'm also taking Amazing Grass's Chocolate Superfood Powder mixed in a Strawberry Banana Smoothie! 

I was a huge INKOS fan (White Tea) for awhile...especially their HoneyDew flavor but now I'm really into Mamma Chia drinks!  My favorite flavor is Coconut Mango...its soooooooooo delicious and refreshing!
Plus the chia adds an energetic boost!




Friday, November 2, 2012

A look back on positivity

Starting my classes for IIN I am going to take a look back on positivity.  I have not always been a very happy person (mostly from being bullied as a child).  I still see times that I am not as confident as I would like to be.  I am however improving that everyday and this class is really helping already! 

On another note I found this great recipe and wanted to share it w/all of you!  http://www.edibleharmony.com/paleo-pumpkin-donuts/  I can't wait to make these!  They look so yummy!  I need to start baking again!  Who's up for a gluten free baking party? 

I'm officially done w/my job at the American Cancer Society.  I was a temp. (Recruiter for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk).  Currently I'm looking for a position at Whole foods (Buyer or Healthy Eating Specialist) or something in the health and wellness industry (I know pretty much the same thing)!  So excited for this brand new beginning and the chance to get back to me. 

3 things I plan on doing it the next year which are diff. from what I used to do are:  1.  Get into Meditation and possibly Yoga, 2.  Keep up w/this Blog, 3.  Live a more relaxing and happy life! 


Monday, October 22, 2012

Exciting new possibilities

We just completed the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk yesterday in Queens (Flushing Meadows Park) I am a temp for the American Cancer Society (just for this walk, prep, post, etc)  We raised $905,000...the most we've raised yet!  We also had 15,000 walkers!  This is an amazing feat!  I want to give a special shout-out to my mother-in-law Shelley that reached Pacesetter status at $2500. 

On another note, I have been really into this site lately ( http://www.wellandgoodnyc.com/2012/10/22/whats-your-workout-dosha/ ) and wanted to share it with all of you!  I love ayurvedic!  We're having a special meeting this Thursday for all of the IIN new students (October) along with my lovely Genuine Girlfriends at David's Tea (in the West Village) at 7pm.  So if you're in the area definitely come on by! 

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Best Brunch in NYC

I recently visited a restaurant in Park Slope with my Genuine Girlfriends meetup group and LOVED IT!  Its called Sun in Bloom and they have Gluten & Dairy free Pancakes!  Plus their cleanses are delicious!  Gotta love a new healthy place for brunch!  Now if only they made Gluten Dairy Free Waffles! 

Starting school at IIN

I signed up a few weeks ago to become a Health Coach with Institute for Integrative Nutrition.  I'm so excited for this amazing journey and starting a practice working towards helping children to stop being Picky Eaters while combining my two other loves (working with food allergies and new mom's)!  When I'm not doing this blog I'm also posting on https://www.facebook.com/GlutenFreeDeliciousness

If you're interested in signing up to get certified to be a Health Coach like I have please feel free to visit:  http://www.integrativenutrition.com/iingives?erefer=0015000000OPOUzAAP

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

I'm Back!!!!

I can't believe its been so long since my last post!  I'll try to not have it happen again.  So since my last post I tried to do a Gluten Free Scavenger Hunt last summer that didn't go exactly as I wanted (Got the goodie bag items and vendors in place perfectly) I just didn't sell any tickets.  That was last July/August.  Lately I have been trying to make a new company besides my other one (Genuine Girlfriends) The new one would be Gluten Free Deliciousness (we have a facebook page and meetup group)  http://www.meetup.com/Gluten-Free-Deliciousness/  The basic premise of the new company is to provide Gluten Free Tours throughout NYC, Gluten Free Parties for every occasion, Events, and so much more!   I have now been gluten free for over 2 1\2 years!  Sure I get glutened sometimes but I have learned from my mistakes and I NEVER CHEAT!  I'm gluten and dairy free...lately I've also been GMO free, trying to only eat Grass-fed beef, anti-biotic chicken, and use only Agave/Pure maple syrups.  I definitely feel a lot better when I stick to eating healthy (Kale on a regular basis, enzyme pills before every meal, Dari-Free for my calcium intake)