by Christina | Sep 7, 2016 | Wellness
Today I’m talking about something I am very very VERY obsessed with. SQUATTY POTTIES. Everyone makes fun of me for this, but I couldn’t give a shit.
See what I did there? So punny.
Before I start, I need to warn you — if you’re uncomfortable with poop talk, then this is not the place for you. I am overly comfortable discussing pooping, so I’m going to be straightforward about it.
I have an obsession with digestive health not only because digestive issues have been such a large part of my life, but also because I truly believe that healthy digestion is the foundation for overall health. The majority of your immune system is in your gut, and what happens in your digestive system affects the way your brain functions. Pretty much every disease is somehow related to digestive health, whether you realize it or not.
Anyways, besides all the internal microbial digestive lining ish, a very important part of digestive health is proper elimination. Modern toilets are not ideal for pooping because they require us to sit. Our bodies were designed to squat! When you squat, everything is angled properly so that you can poop easily. When you’re sitting on the toilet, the anorectal angle is off, so things aren’t lined up right. This can lead to constipation, straining, hemorrhoids, and bloating.
You’d be surprised how many people are constipated literally just because their bodies aren’t at the correct angle when they’re pooping. If constipation isn’t a good enough reason to start squatting, then let’s talk about some of the more intense negative effects of sitting on the toilet instead of squatting.
First of all, straining when pooping can lead to hemorrhoids. If you don’t know what hemorrhoids are, use google. You don’t want hemorrhoids. Also, if your body isn’t at the right angle when you’re pooping, some poop won’t make its way out of your body. That fecal matter can build up in your colon and eventually cause colon cancer.
Pelvic floor disorders are becoming more and more common in today’s world. Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the muscles in that area become weak, which is what happens when you sit on the toilet to poop, and can lead to constipation and/or uncontrollable bowel movements. No one wants that. Even peeing is easier when you squat instead of sit on the toilet because your body is finally in the right position to LET IT ALL OUT. Goodbye, UTIs!
If you’ve never heard of a squatty potty, then I’m very glad you’re reading this. You need to get one. A squatty potty is a little stool you place on the floor around your toilet. You put your feet on top of the squatty potty when you sit on the toilet, and it angles your body so that you’re in a squatting position. You can get a 7 or 9-inch squatty potty. I currently have a 7-inch one because the toilet in my apartment is pretty low to the ground, but I’m going to order the 9-inch soon and see how it goes.
I heard about squatty potties for the first time a long time ago, but I didn’t believe it would make that much of a difference. Then I listened to this episode of The Model Health Show podcast with Shawn Stevenson, and it scared the crap out of me. (I can’t help it with the puns…) After learning about the many dangers of using traditional toilets longterm, I immediately ordered myself a squatty potty. I do not want hemorrhoids, colon cancer, or any other “butt problems.”
I’ll admit, I was very skeptical about it. But after using the squatty potty for a few months now…I’M OBSESSED. It’s worth the hype. This will seriously change your pooping situation forever. I don’t care who you are, you need this. Whether or not you struggle with constipation, everyone will benefit from investing in a squatty potty.
I tell everyone about how great my squatty potty is, and they laugh at me. Then they try it and shyly ask me where they can buy one. My mom visited me a few weekends ago and made fun of me all weekend long for my squatty potty. I told her, “Just try it, then we’ll see what you think.” I never knew if she tried it or not, but then last week I got a text that said, “Where can I buy a squatty potty?”
HA!
In sum, squatty potties are a great investment for your health. A very important one. Buy one for yourself, your family, your friends…EVERYONE. My roommates are already planning to buy their families squatty potties for Christmas. I’M SO PROUD.
Give it a try, and then let me know what you think. You’re welcome.
by Christina | Sep 2, 2016 | Recipes, Wellness
We’ve talked kitchen accessories. We’ve talked cooking routines. Now it’s time to talk about actually BUILDING YO’ PLATE.
It’s great if you can drag your butt to the store, get yourself into a cooking routine, and cook the food, but how do you actually put it all together? I think this is a question a lot of people have when they first start cooking for themselves, but no one really wants to ask it.
I wouldn’t recommend cooking 8 pieces of chicken and then eating all of those for dinner. I also wouldn’t recommend cooking three heads of broccoli and just eating that, either. Obviously, you are welcome to build your plate any way YOU want, but I’ll explain my preferred method for reference.
First, let’s talk about macronutrients. Macronutrients are the three main types of nutrients your body needs large amounts of in order to function properly – protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
Both animals and plants offer sources of protein. Animal sources of protein include chicken, turkey, salmon, tuna, any other kind of fish, eggs, beef, bison, buffalo, and so on. Plant-based sources of protein include almonds, walnuts, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, quinoa, spirulina, chia seeds, lentils – basically legumes, nuts, and seeds. There are also small amounts of protein in vegetables, but when we’re talking about building your plate, you want to focus on something with a larger amount of protein to act as your meal’s protein source. You should also note that there is more protein in animal products than plants, and not all plants act as a complete source of protein.
Next up…carbohydrates! I’m sure you know about dem carbs. There are unhealthy carbs like cake and cookies, but let’s focus on healthy carbs. Non-starchy carbohydrates include most veggies – broccoli, cauliflower, leafy greens, asparagus, zucchini, etc. Then you’ve got simple carbs like fruit – strawberries, apples, blueberries, cherries, oranges, grapes. Starchy carbohydrate sources include rice, quinoa, butternut squash, spaghetti squash, potatoes, beans, acorn squash, pumpkin, and breads.
FATS. This is my favorite macro. Avocados, nuts, nut butters, seeds, egg yolks, coconut, coconut oil, and olive oil are some of my favorite sources of fats.
When I build my plate, I always make sure I have a good source of each macronutrient at every meal. The amounts of each macronutrient and the types of food you choose will vary from person to person and from meal to meal. For example, if I just completed a workout, I’ll focus more on protein and carbs in my post-workout meal to help build muscle and refuel my body. For breakfast, I like to eat a really high-fat meal to power me through the day.
Those are just two example of how I adjust my macros according to my activity level and how I’m feeling, and that will be different for everyone. I eat a lower carb diet than most people because of my SIBO and insulin resistance, so I eat a lot of fat to make up for the lower amount of carbs. However, your body might run much better on a diet that’s higher in carbs and a bit lower in fat. Everyone is unique, so you need to listen to your own body.
That being said, you still need to eat sources of every macronutrient. Just because you eat a diet high in carbs doesn’t mean you can forget about protein and fat. Just because you eat a lot of fat doesn’t mean you can forget about carbs and protein. If you’re big on protein, you still need carbs and fat, too! Catch my drift?
As I explained in my cooking routine post, I cook my food at the beginning of the week so I have everything ready to go each day. At each meal, I take whatever food I want out of tupperware and build my plate. I start off with my protein source – usually about 5 or 6 ounces of salmon, turkey, chicken, grass-fed beef, buffalo, or whatever else I cooked. Then I usually eat about a cup of whatever starchy carbs I bought that week – this week was butternut squash and spaghetti squash. I fill the rest of my plate with as many non-starchy veggies as I want. I always cook everything in oil so that there’s already a bit of fat on my food to start out with, but I also usually top off my veggies and carbs with more coconut oil or olive oil, or I’ll add avocado.
After that, I’ve got everything on my plate – protein, carbs, and fat. If I’m still hungry, I’ll just eat more. Again, eat the portions of each macronutrient that work for YOUR BODY. Just make sure you don’t forget about one of the macronutrients all together. That’s something I notice a lot of people do, but we all need sources of protein, carbs, and fats to function.
Hopefully this helped you out in some way – I know building a plate can be confusing sometimes! Remember, everyone’s body is different, so eat what makes you feel best. As long as you get all of the macronutrients onto your plate, you’re on the right track!
by Christina | Sep 1, 2016 | Wellness
If you follow me on Snapchat or watch my Instagram stories, you’ve probably seen me get hooked up to an IV when I visit my doctor. Whenever that happens, I get a ton of messages asking what I’m doing and if I’m okay. TIME FOR THE FULL EXPLANATION.
I’ve been working with a functional medicine doctor for a little over 6 months to improve my digestion and help fix my stomach probs. I’m feeling so much better, and one of the main things that has improved my health the most is intravenous nutrient therapy.
I get bloodwork done pretty regularly to see what’s goin’ on with my bod. And not just any bloodwork… This is IN-DEPTH bloodwork. We’re talking 50 page reports. These reports show the amounts of every vitamin, nutrient, mineral, etc. in my body.
I live a very healthy lifestyle. I eat a clean diet, I exercise, I don’t drink, I definitely don’t do drugs… you get the idea. My bloodwork should be excellent, but it totally sucks. I’m deficient in basically every nutrient because of my leaky gut issue. My gut lining is so destroyed that my body is currently not absorbing any of the nutrients from my food. Because of that, I need to put those nutrients directly into my bloodstream and bypass the whole “my stomach needs to absorb things” process.
This is called Intravenous Nutrient Therapy. Each time I go in for nutrient therapy, I get hooked up to an IV filled with something called the “Myers’ Cocktail.” The Myers cocktail consists of alllllll the good stuff that my body needs to function properly – magnesium, calcium, B vitamins, vitamin C.
If you want specifics, this is exactly what’s in the modified Myers’ Cocktail (which is what most medical practitioners give patients who are getting nutrient therapy): magnesium chloride hexahydrate, calcium gluconate, hydroxocobalamin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, dexpanthenol, B complex, Vitamin C.
Whether or not you have absorption problems, putting these nutrients directly into your bloodstream allows for a much larger concentration of those nutrients to reach your cells than ever could through food or supplements. The idea is to flood your cells with the good stuff so they can detox, repair, grow, and function as well as possible.
After the Myers’ Cocktail, I get hooked up to a big bag of glutathione and get that pumped through my veins. Glutathione is my FAVE. What is glutathione?
When it comes to antioxidants, glutathione is the head bitch. Glutathione is the biggest detoxifier in the body and is critical for a strong immune system.
Let’s be real, everyone can use a good detox. Our daily lives are filled with a shit ton of toxins, which means the amount of glutathione in our bodies is constantly being diminished. Toxins in the environment, meds, stress, aging, bad diets – they all reduce glutathione levels. Glutathione is involved in so many of our body’s processes. It’s used to build and repair tissues, to strengthen the immune system, and to create different chemicals that your body needs to function.
Most people who suffer from severe illnesses are very deficient in glutathione. Because of this deficiency, their bodies can’t fight against free radicals, and the detox process is stunted. In order to recover from a chronic illness, you need glutathione. However, even if you don’t have a chronic illness, you want to have high levels of glutathione to maintain your health and prevent disease. A high amount of glutathione prevents signs of aging, increases strength and energy, and fights inflammation.
So that’s exactly what goes into my body when I go in for drips. First, the nutrients my body can’t absorb on its own from food. After my nutrients, glutathione comes in to detox my bod and get all the icky stuff out.
I get nutrient therapy about every two weeks or so. Sometimes more often, sometimes less. If I’m feeling particularly sluggish and just not so hot health-wise, I’ll come in sooner than planned.
The process is pretty long, but it gets shorter each time I go. I like to get my drips in the morning. I wake up, eat a big breakfast, and head off to the doctor’s office. Then I sit in a chair for about 2 hours while I’m hooked up to the IV. The first time I went, the process took over 4 hours because my doctor wanted to go very slowly in order to avoid overwhelming my body. As I’ve gotten more drips, we can increase the speed.
Let’s talk side effects. While it’s happening, I don’t usually notice anything besides feeling cold. They always warn me that I might get nauseous and feel like throwing up, but that hasn’t happened to me yet. That’s why it’s very important to make sure you’ve eaten before you get a drip – don’t do it on an empty stomach or you’ll probably feel like you’re going to vomit.
Although I don’t get sick, nutrient therapy does knock the shit out of me. Afterwards, I feel really dizzy. I feel weak, wobbly, and extremely tired, so I normally drive straight home and nap for a few hours. When I get up, I take it easy for the rest of the day and usually just hang out on my bed. I usually have no energy left that day, but the fact that it sucks the energy out of me makes me feel like I really was detoxed. According to my doc, the worse you feel afterwards, the more toxins were in your body.
Although nutrient therapy makes me feel like crap the day of, the next day I feel totally rejuvenated. I don’t really know how to explain it, but I feel cleaner and healthier. I also notice that my digestion is much better and my stomach isn’t as crazy. It’s like I pressed a reset button on my body.
You definitely don’t have to have an F-ed up stomach like me to get nutrient therapy. Everyone would benefit from this. In my case, though, it’s essential. If I don’t do it, my body pretty much won’t get any nutrients at all. Even though I think everyone would benefit from this, I’m not telling you everyone needs to go out and and get IV cocktails/glutathione injections. It can be pricey. However, nutrient therapy has been shown to majorly benefit people suffering from a number of different medical conditions, so this could be a great option to look into if you have an illness that isn’t improving. The Myers’ cocktail has been shown to help those suffering from migraines, asthma, depression, hyperthyroidism, fibromyalgia, muscle spasms, cardiovascular disease, chronic fatigue, respiratory infections, and more.
I’ve tried so many things to improve my health, but nutrient therapy stands out as something that truly does make me feel better. Nutrient therapy is a very important part of my life, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who struggles with issues similar to mine!
Has anyone else tried nutrient therapy? Glutathione injections? I’d love to hear about your experience! XO
by Christina | Aug 30, 2016 | Wellness
Yesterday was a great Sunday.
Last week was rough for me, so I needed to get my mind off things. I needed to relax, do something different, and surround myself with positive energy.
I have also been freaking out about the fact that it’s almost September, because that means school is right around the corner. I’m running out of time to work on my massive summertime to-do list, and it’s nowhere near being completed. Struggles.
I decided that a day in Malibu with my friends was just what I needed. I’ve actually never been to Malibu before, which most people are shocked to hear. Hanging out in Malibu is super basic, so it seems like something I would have done by now. NOPE. I’ve been slacking.
Yesterday was the perfect day to knock a few things off the to-do list – visit Malibu, hang out at the pier, go to Sunlife Organics, and eat at Malibu Farm. BAM. All while spending quality time with friends, which was honestly the main thing I needed. Might as well eat yummy things at the same time, right?
Let’s start off with Sunlife Organics. I’ve been lusting over smoothie and acai bowl pics from Sunlife for what seems like a century, so I’ve been dying to go. There are a few locations, but we went to the one closest to Malibu Farm. We got there right before it got super crowded, which was a plus, but the line was still long. It was so adorable inside. There was a refrigerated section with healthy grab-and-go food, including some BOMB desserts. I had my eye on the carrot cake and coconut cream pie, but I had to stay focused. Just mentioning this in case you want to get some food-food (not a smoothie) while you’re there.
Decor was on point, as expected. There’s a huge purple crystal near the front door, which I was all about. GOOD VIBES, MAN. They also sold other health food shop essentials – nuts, powders, MCT oil, vitamins and supplements, nut butters, chocolate bars, fancy skincare, yummy candles, etc.
I especially loved how the entire cooking area was open and visible. There’s something extra exciting about a restaurant where you can watch your food being made. Also, I just feel better when there are no behind-the-counter secrets. I know no one is hijacking my smoothie with inflammatory oils or gluten.
The menu was honestly very overwhelming, in the best way possible. I wanted it all. All of the acai bowls looked DELICIOUS, but my friends and I got smoothies. Acai bowls are pretty rough on my stomach, TBH, so I wanted to make sure I’d be able to handle my lunch without major stomach pains. I loved watching them make the bowls, though. Acai bowls are so pretty. There’s something about toppings…I’m planning on going back soon to try an acai bowl, though, don’t you worry.
I was deciding between Wolverine, The Alchemist, and the Vanilla Protein Shake. I secretly wanted the Million Dollar or Billion Dollar smoothie, but I wasn’t fully mentally prepared. They look INSANE. We’re talking a TON of superfood ingredients all swirled together. It’s intense. I ended up going with the Vanilla Protein Shake, and it was BOMB. Like, vanilla on crack. I’ve never had a vanilla shake like that before, and it was SO THICK, which I’m obsessed with. The thicker the better.
My friends got Fountain of Youth, Black Gold, and the Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Shake. Everyone was very satisfied, to say the least. Fountain of Youth tasted like fruity fabulousness, of course. I also tried the Peanut Butter Chocolate shake, and it literally tasted like a liquid Reeces Pieces cup. NOM.
After Sunlife, we shopped for a bit and then made our way over to the pier. After taking an obnoxious amount of photos, it was time for lunch at Malibu Farm Pier Cafe.
JUST TO CLARIFY – Malibu Farm Restaurant is the restaurant that you see right when you get to the pier. It’s a tad fancier, a bit more expensive, and is the kind of place where you get seated and served. The menu is slightly different from Malibu Farm Pier Cafe, which is at the end of the pier. At the pier cafe, you line up, order at the counter, take a number, find a seat, and they bring you your food. It’s more casual and a little bit cheaper, but both are pretty expensive. Malibu Farm Restaurant is more of a lunch/dinner kinda place and Malibu Farm Pier Cafe is more of a breakfast/lunch kinda place.
The ambiance of both restaurants is on point. Beachy, trendy, classic Malibu. The views are gorgeous. There’s nothing like dining with a view of the sparkling blue water in front of you and the sound of the waves crashing against the beach. At the Pier Cafe, you might be able to snag a spot on the rooftop, which offers an even more incredible view. You can see for miles out into the ocean – it feels endless, and it’s beyond gorgeous.
Both restaurants are very popular, which means they’re very busy. If you want to eat at the Restaurant, make reservations. If you’re eating at the Pier Cafe, try and have someone else order for you while you look for a table. There’s not enough seating for how many people are there, so it can take awhile to find seating. We split up and found a table pretty quickly, but we got lucky.
I got the Vegan Chop Salad without beets and garbanzo beans, and I added salmon, obvi. You know I’m obsessed with salmon… The salad had kale, romaine, avocado, and butternut squash. The salmon was cooked perfectly and was super flavorful. It was warm and soft on the inside but crispy on the outside. Yummmmm!
Nina got the Vegan Chop Salad with no subs – kale, romaine, beets, butternut squash, avo, and garbanzo beans.
My other two friends both got the Chicken, Ricotta, and Bacon Burgers. One got gluten-free bread, and the other got a regular bun. YES, Malibu Farm has gluten-free bread! Just ask. We were confused when the burgers came out because we couldn’t see any ricotta or bacon, so my friends thought they got jipped. Forgetting bacon is a big deal! When we asked the waiter, he explained that the ricotta and bacon are actually inside the patty. So the patty is a fancy medley of chicken, ricotta, and bacon all mashed together. Tricky. Their burgers came with an arugula salad and some broccoli mashed potatoes. How genius is that?! BROCCOLI MIXED WITH MASHED POTATOES. I die.
The meal was sooo delicious, and I was happy as a clam. I was with amazing people, eating the best food, and overlooking a breathtaking view. The moment was as big as the ocean. It was exactly what I needed to reset, recenter, and appreciate everything I have. It was a good Sunday.
I would highly highly recommend both Sunlife Organics and Malibu Farm if you haven’t been yet! I cannot wait to go back. Also, do you have any favorite spots in Malibu that you think I should visit next? Let me know! XO
by Christina | Aug 27, 2016 | Wellness
HAPPY FRIDAY, BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE! This week I’m featuring another one of my favorite health and wellness bloggers, Rachel Katz! Rachel is the creator of The Full Life by Rachel, a blog dedicated to helping people live their happiest and healthiest lives. On her blog you’ll find DELISH healthy recipes, life advice, wellness hacks, fitness tips, and more. I first stumbled across Rachel through Instagram, and she immediately caught my attention. Her caption was raw, real, and relatable. I went straight to her blog, eager for more. I quickly realized how much we had in common, and I was hooked.
What I love most in this world is REALNESS, and Rachel is as real as they come. She’s one of the most open and honest bloggers I know, and her willingness to discuss topics other people have a hard time talking about is one of the things about her that inspires me the most. Not only that, but I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the messages she shares with her readers. Rachel truly promotes a life of balance, not perfection, and gives realistic tips on how to do just that. LOVE IT. If you’re all about keepin’ it real and becoming the healthiest, happiest version of yourself, you’re about to fall in love with this multi-talented blogger babe. Ready for more?
Tell me a bit about yourself so my readers can get to know you!
Hi! My name is Rachel Katz and I’m a fourth year nutritional science student at Cal State LA. I work as a social media manager for an ad-tech startup in Santa Monica. I’m also a health & wellness blogger and social media influencer. I have a huge passion for creating healthy treats in my kitchen and for sharing my love of health and wellness with the world. When I’m not eating, cooking, snapping pics or blogging, you can find me at the gym, reading, studying, or at the farmer’s market. The most important things in my life are family, my boyfriend, friends, and making a difference in people’s lives.
Let’s talk about your blog! What inspired you and how did you get started?
When I was in high school up until about two years ago, I struggled with disordered eating, anxiety, depression, and OCD. In order to heal myself from all of this, I started learning about how healthy food, exercise, and meditation could be used to change not only my body, but my mental health. It amazed me how much I was able to overcome just from changing my lifestyle, and I was determined to share this with others who I knew were struggling with the same thing I went through!
What’s your “food philosophy”?
My food philosophy is simple – ditch the fad diets and just eat a balanced diet filled with healthy sources of protein, fats, and carbs. I truly believe that everyone has different nutritional needs and that what works for one person won’t always work for someone else. It’s so important to listen to our bodies when it comes to what we eat, and sometimes this means experimenting a little! I personally feel my best when I eat a mostly plant-based diet that also includes high quality sources of animal proteins such as organic chicken breast, free-range/organic eggs, wild-caught fish, and organic sheep’s milk yogurt. I also need to eat a bunch of healthy fats to feel my best, such as avocado, coconut, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. I try to avoid gluten and stick to whole grains most of the time, and I try to avoid sugar as much as possible. With that being said, I do believe in the 80/20 approach which means eating healthy 80% of the time and unhealthy the other 20%. I am completely against deprivation or sticking to a strict diet – life is too short and should always be enjoyed to the fullest!
What’s your exercise routine like now?
I love weight-training and HIIT. I usually go to the gym 3-4 times a week to lift weights/strength-train and I do about 30 minutes to an hour of cardio 3 times a week, either at the gym or outdoors. I love doing HIIT on the treadmill, climbing the stair master, hiking, swimming, and long power walks in my neighborhood.
What’s your favorite quick and easy, go-to meal?
I love cooking some scrambled eggs in coconut oil and serving them with some kale, mushrooms, onions and Brussels sprouts sautéed in coconut oil, salt, pepper, and garlic! I top it all with some sliced avocado and organic ketchup.
What’s one health trend you wish people didn’t follow?
I wish people removed the word “diet” from their vocabularies! “Diets” never work in the long run – finding a healthy food and fitness routine that works for you and developing a healthy lifestyle always works!
Is there a beauty or health tip that you swear by?
Having a healthy morning routine has seriously changed my life! It gets me off to an awesome start and helps me stay grounded and focused. I always wake up, brush my teeth, prepare some warm lemon water, sit in my bed, meditate and pray, write for five minutes in my gratitude journal, take my daily vitamins (Omega 3’s, women’s multivitamin, magnesium, a spoonful of black seed oil, and probiotics) and then make a nourishing breakfast. If I have school early in the morning I take my breakfast with me and if not I sit down and eat peacefully in my dining room. If you stick to a healthy morning routine, you will most likely stay healthy throughout the rest of the day.
3 foods you can’t live without?
I absolutely can’t live without dates, avocados, and cashew butter!
What’s your favorite restaurant?!
My favorite lunch places are SweetGreen, Greenleaf, Tender Greens, and Joan’s on Third.
My favorite dinner places are The Cheesecake Factory, Gracias Madre, Hummus Bar, Cecconi’s West Hollywood, and Houston’s. My go-to at The Cheesecake Factory is the grilled salmon with sweet potato fries and steamed broccoli – SO good!
What are some of your other favorite blogs to read/ Instagram accounts to follow?
My absolute favorite Instagram account/blog to follow is JSHealth/JessicaSepel.com. She is such an inspiration to me and I love what she stands for! I also love NutritionStripped, SamiBloom, and FitBrittNutrition!
I know you’ve had an unhealthy relationship with food and exercise in the past, but you’ve come so far on your health journey and have completely transformed that relationship. Is there anything specific that you do to maintain that relationship now and not fall back into old thought patterns or habits?
I’ve come such a long way from just a few years ago and I never want to go back to the person I used to be! With that being said, nobody is perfect and I always have to work on myself to make sure I don’t fall back into my old thought patterns and habits. I am constantly aware of my thoughts, and whenever thoughts like “I am too fat” or “maybe I should go on a diet” or “I wish I looked like her” come up, I catch them and change them instantly. I am always working on changing my negative thoughts to positive thoughts.
You’ve got a lot going on – you’re a student, you’re working, you’re blogging, you’re active, you’re a queen in the kitchen… How do you keep up with everything and fit it all in? Any tips for when people feel overwhelmed?
Honestly, I constantly feel like I have too much on my plate and hardly ever have time to rest, but for the most part I love it! I dedicate every day of my life to going after my dreams, and it feels great to know that I’m not sitting around wasting time. With that being said, there are days when I feel totally overwhelmed and feel like I just can’t do anything anymore. Whenever I feel like this I just take some me time. It doesn’t matter how many things I have to get done, I can’t get any of them done properly if I’m overly stressed and anxious, and my health always comes first. So for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed, take a step back and take some time to think, breathe, and relax. It’s okay to lock yourself in your room and watch your favorite T.V. show for a few hours. It’s okay to skip your workout once in a while to catch up on other tasks. It’s okay to say “no” sometimes to certain projects. Always put your health first and you’ll realize that when you are your healthiest and happiest, you will be able to accomplish everything without feeling overwhelmed by it all!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start living a healthier lifestyle but has no idea where to begin?
Start small! Pick one small goal like “I’ll go to the gym twice this week” or “I’ll quit sugar for one week,” and once you tackle that goal, make another one. Soon all of these tasks will become habits, and you’ll be healthy without even realizing it!
What are some goals you currently have for the future?
I have a ton of goals for the future but one of my current goals would be to continue growing my following on social media and on my blog so I can help as many people as possible! I also can’t wait to finish school so I can open up my own practice and counsel people in nutrition. Overall, however, my main goal is to keep learning, growing, inspiring, and becoming a better person each and every day for myself and for those around me.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned on your path to health and wellness?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned on my path to health and wellness is that it’s never helpful or healthy to compare yourself to others. We all have different journeys, different bodies, and different experiences, and we should always focus on becoming the best version of ourselves rather than another version of someone else.
Tell me one of your favorite recipes you’d like to share!
These are my famous Raw Vegan & Gluten Free Espresso Brownies!
Raw Vegan and Gluten Free Espresso Brownies
- 15 medjool dates with 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup pistachios
- 1/2 cup almonds or walnuts (I use walnuts since I’m allergic to almonds, but almonds are preferred!)
- 2 tsps cacao powder
- 2 tsps cacao nibs
- 2 tsps maple syrup
- 1 tsp melted coconut oil
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- pinch of himalayan salt
- pinch of espresso powder (can put more, just depends on how strong you like it!)
Raw chocolate Sauce
- 1 tbsp melted coconut oil
- 2 tbsps cacao powder
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- touch of water
Instructions
First, blend medjool dates with water (I use a food processor). Then add in nuts and blend everything together (I like when it’s a little chunky so I don’t blend for too long, but if you prefer smooth/fudgy brownies than blend until the chunks are gone!). Pour into a large bowl and and add in the rest of the ingredients. Mix thoroughly (using your hands is the most efficient way to do this!) Pour mixture into a baking dish, pat down with hands, and freeze for about twenty minutes. In the meantime, prepare the chocolate sauce by warming up all of the ingredients in a pan for about two minutes. You can add more ingredients as you go along – just keep tasting the chocolate sauce until you achieve the perfect taste and consistency. Let the sauce cool and pour over the brownies. Freeze again for another 20 minutes, cut into brownie pieces, and keep the brownies in the fridge for a healthy dessert that can be served warm with ice cream or just eaten as a snack!
A huge thanks to Rachel for letting me interview her! Be sure to head on over to The Full Life for more yummy recipes, fitness advice, and healthy living tips! XO
