It’s March but I don’t think mother nature got the memo. It’s freaking snowing again. They’re calling it Winter Storm Thor. Basically, the god of thunder is manifesting himself as a snow storm. And my crazy self decided to trek it to Manhattan to get a blowout (I mean hello, it’s my book release party tomorrow!) and treat myself to sensational hot cocoa at City Bakery (so amazingly delicious, it’s almost like chocolate soup with a marshmallow crouton). I actually had to go get a spoon because there was no way I was going to be able to slurp this bowl of cocoa soup.

As I am trekking it in this super snow storm, I started to really think about how I’m really over the winter. It’s been quite the struggle to keep my mood right, my routine right, my appetite right, to keep myself on top of the things that I really want to do. I mean, unless you’re into winter sports (like my man is), winter may not be your bag and you need to do whatever it takes to keep yourself motivated.

One thing that has really helped me with my winter blues = Omega 3, 6, 9’s. I’m talking about happy, healthy fatty acids. Legit. Not kidding. Healthy fats = happier you.

And the many things I love about the Omega fatty acids are…

• You get an energy boost
• It is beneficial for joint health
• It naturally lowers cholesterol (yay)
• It decreases inflammation in the body (basically, inflammation is the root for a lot of our issues)
• It protects our vision, prevents wrinkles, boost brain function, and most importantly
• IT REGULATES OUR MOOD! YAAAAS! Especially in the winter, we need to keep our moods right.

Aside from avocados and flax, one of my fave sources of Omega 3 fatty acids are hemp hearts. These babies are rich, nutty, tender and pack 10 grams of omegas per 30 gram serving! Oh snap. That’s amazing right?

My lovely friends over at Manitoba Harvest gave me the opportunity to try their hemp hearts. And my fave part about these babies? They have 10 grams of plant-based protein too and that’s on top of the already good part about the omega’s! And! They are good on everything. Smoothies, oatmeal, salad, ahem avocado toast (seriously, SOOOOO good and it’s an extra dose of the good fat baby). You name it. It works. And it’s just an easy way to get the essential fatty acids into your system without any extra supplements.

To help you on your road to a light, refreshing and uplifting mood, here are 2 of my fave smoothie recipes to brighten up the rest of your winter.

Get Your Fat On Smoothie 😉 

What You Need:

• 1 cup coconut water
• 2 cups kale or spinach
• 1 ripe hass avocado
• 2 medjool dates
• 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
• 1 tablespoon cacao nibs
• 2 tablespoons hemp hearts (check out Manitoba Harvest)
• 1 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)

How You Make It: 

1. Pop all ingredients in a blender. Combine on high speed until creamy. Serve with extra hemp hearts and cacao nibs.

The Hemp Goddess Smoothie

What You Need: 

• 1 cup coconut water
• 2 cups kale
• 1 green apple
• 2 tablespoons hemp hearts
• 1 avocado

How You Make It: 

1. Pop all ingredients into a blender. Blend on high speed until creamy and please add extra hemp hearts for added fatty goodness. Yum!

What is your favorite way to keep your mood boosted during the winter? Please share with me!

Peace, love and no beef,

Guramrit

Disclaimer: My good friends over at Manitoba Harvest were ever so kind to offer me a sample of their goodies in exchange for my honest thoughts. Feel free to check them out at your own discretion.