3 Super powered Elixirs for Holiday Sippin’

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This has been the week of, “I need to just sleep for an entire week,” but I can’t really do that, not just yet.

Once my alarm goes off, I look at it, annoyed that it disturbed me. I have a pretty energized day, I sleep like a log but when I wake up…argh. I would much rather be swaddled in my fuzzy blankets.

It just seems like I’m extra sensitive in the cold weather. I’m not my normal bubbly self, I move more slowly, I need more sleep and I become a couch potato (but only in the evening, after working).

My desire to things is THERE but not fully THERE. This is the perfect opportunity to immerse myself in self-care and tenderness.

I don’t know about you, but one of the things I enjoy about the winter (which to be honest is not much) are the hot beverages. I LOOOOOOVE hot cocoa and hot frothy chai lattes. Everything hot hot hot. But let’s face it, most of the stuff we’re buying (I’m talking to you Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks) is not all it’s cracked up to be.

I want the comfort of the beverages but with shit that not only tastes good but makes me feel good. I’m all about feeling BLISSED out.

These are my three favorite super powered hot dranks for the sippin’. The hot cocoa and golden milk are PERFECT before going to bed!

In case you need convincing, I have the list of benefits for each sexy elixir right here 😉

Cardamom has pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory effects in addition to aiding in digestion and preventing gastrointestinal discomfort.

Pepper aids in increasing circulation, improving the immune system, healing respiratory issues and helps better absorb nutrients.

Cinnamon. According to the yogi this tea is named after, Yogi Bhajan shares that  cinnamon is one of the most stimulating, heating spices there is. It promotes agni, the fire element, which enhances vitality.  It helps  digestion and the whole metabolism. And come on, it SMELLS SO GOOD!

Cloves balance the air element, which relates to the nervous system. It’s great for healthy digestion while also acting as a natural aphrodisiac 😉

 

Ginger  helps keeps the body warm, which is EVER SO IMPORTANT DURING THE WINTER! It fires up the digestive juices while soothing inflammation.

Turmeric offers many anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It’s a superfood in itself and a staple in all Indian homes (and those of you who are partial to curries). It relaxes the muscles and eases joint pain, and helps you drift into a nice deep sleep when paired with warm milk. Oh yes. You will sleep like a baby.

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Super Stuffed Peppers {Almost Vegan, Perfectly Delish}

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When life gets insane in the membrane, meals that are simple to put together and extra nourishing really make everything that much better.

I’m not going to lie, the last few weeks have been challenging for me. I’m adjusting to a new work schedule and I think I’ve spread myself pretty thin (just picture this: I work three jobs- not complaining, I love what I do- I’m planning a wedding that’s 2 months away, I still need to have the time to eat, sleep, cook, get mani pedis and enjoy summer).

Being human is a challenge sometimes.

Some days we sleep less.

Some days we eat less or more.

Balance is such an illusion. It’s not real. We can truly have it all but we don’t need to sacrifice it all in order to have it. I’m not a delusional holistic health guru. I exist in this real world. Sometimes there is no time to slave away in the kitchen and it is too damn hot to turn on the mother flippin’ oven or even stand near a stove and pizza sounds like the best option.

This recipe was born on a day it wasn’t too hot to put on the oven and I just didn’t want a ton of pots going at the same time. I just wanted to take what I already had in my fridge, put it together in a semi-cohesive, orgasmic, healthy dinner.

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I’ve done this a handful of times over the last month or so and to be honest, it only gets more and more delicious (and random af).

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Protein Powered Mason Jar Muesli

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Wait…what in the heck is a Muesli?!

For the last few weeks, I’ve been packing my breakfasts for work (in addition to my daily green smoothie)…and besides the usual overnight oats, I decided to give Muesli a go. And besides, I have some kickass protein powders that I figured belonged in my breakfast (and no longer in my smoothie…I think I over did it for the last month, so I’m all about switching thangs up).

But wait…for realz, what is muesli?

According to our friend the Dictionary and Wikipedia, muesli is a: breakfast and brunch dish based on raw rolled oats and other ingredients including grains, fresh or dried fruits, seeds and nuts, and may be mixed with cow’s milk, soy milk, almond milk, other forms of plant milk, yogurt or fruit juice. 

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Now, I’m not a fan of mixing oats with juice but I’m all about the yogurt and almond milk combo. It’s really nourishing, filling and pretty friggin’ deeeeelish.

This recipe makes breakfast even more amazeballs. It keeps you satisfied because it’s jam packed with protein (that Bob’s Red Mill, really hits it on the head), a variety of textures (I’m all about the crunchy) and keeps the body cool. Sometimes hot oatmeal is not sexy on a muggy summer day.

Besides, don’t you think your breakfast could use an upgrade?! I know I like a little variety (here’s my overnight oats recipe…it’s similar and perfectly adaptable).

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Yogi’s Pad Thai

Detoxifying Red Lentil Dahl

Whoa baby, this heat just decided to come out of no where and say heeeeey.

And starting tomorrow I’m getting back on my cool food consumption. This fiery weather really is pushing me towards that simple, clean, light eating but of course, something that still tastes good. Okay I have other factors motivating me as well (running a 7 day cleanse and um…my wedding).

The last few months have flown right on by and our wedding is just about 3 months away at this point. My dress has finally arrived and bestabelieve I tried that thang on. It fits like a glove. But like every bride I’m sure, eating light and making sure everything stays right and tight is top priority.

That’s where this raw salad comes from.

This “pad thai” is not really a pad thai. The sauce is really the main thing that makes me think of pad thai without the added heaviness of noodles. It’s zesty, tangy and filling without leaving you bloated, uncomfortable and dissatisfied. I’m all about that satisfaction.

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Detoxifying Red Lentil Dahl

Detoxifying Red Lentil Dahl

Hellooooooo beautiful foodies!!!

I promise I haven’t fallen off the face of the Earth. To be completely honest with you, I’ve been eating the same effin shiznit for the last few weeks (rotating it of course and a few days of eating at my moms house and celebrating some birthdays, mine included). I also finished up my cleanse which seemed to take about 2-3 weeks. The preparation, the testing, the pre-cleanse and the post-cleanse.

So after all of this, I’m ready to get myself back in the kitchen.

We’re in this in-between place right now. It’s warm, the season is really kicking in and we’re getting some new sexy veggies in season. Asparagus anyone?!! And I can’t wait for the Strawberries. Those babies are coming soon. Like 2 weeks! YAAS!

As we are in limbo with the diff veggies coming into season,(and I’m tryna figure out what to make based off of seasonal availability) I’m sticking to the simple foods. This soup, basically the non-Indian way of explaining dahl, is one of those comforting and detoxifying recipes that’s easy to make and it really sticks to your ribs, keep you full and feeling sexy af.

What’s good about this recipe?

  • It’s easy
  • It’s FOODGASMIC (SOOOOOO GOOD)
  • It tastes better over time (leftovers yo)
  • Your poops will be glorious

Need I say more?!!

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