Tag: healthy

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 šŸ˜‰

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 Ā cinnamon is one of the most stimulating, heating spices there is. It promotes agni, the fire element, which enhances vitality.Ā  It helps Ā digestion and the whole metabolism. And come on, it SMELLS SO GOOD!

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

 

Ginger Ā helps keeps the body warm, which is EVER SO IMPORTANT DURING THE WINTER!Ā 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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Vegan Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

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T’is the season for pumpkin (and pumpkin flavored everything). I love the comforting aspect of pumpkin. It makes me feel all warm and bubbly as I enjoy the fall and winter months. I combined two recipes and ended up with one amazing batch of pumpkin spice pancakes.

I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

What You Need:

1 & 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 Tbs. baking powder
Ā½ tsp. ground cinnamon
Ā¼ tsp. ground ginger
Ā¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
1 c. coconut milk (or another nondairy milk)
1/2 cup organic 100% pure pumpkin purĆ©e (make sure it’s not pumpkin pie mix)
3 Tbs. maple syrup,(grade A, NO AUNT JEMIMA OR MRS. BUTTERSWORTH) plus extra for serving
Coconut oil

How You Make It:

1. In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Add the milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup and mix well. Add more milk for thinner pancakes, or more flour for thicker ones.

2. In a frying pan, drizzle a little coconut oil. Over medium heat, add batter (I like to use measuring cups- 1/2 cup) and flip when slightly bubbled on one side (about 1-2 minutes depending on your stove) and golden brown underneath. Cook other side until golden brown as well.

3. Serve with maple syrup, a little bit of cinnamon and vegan butter. Enjoy!

I hope you make these! I’d love to hear about your pumpkin endeavors. Just send me a message in my ask box!

Peace, love and pumpkin spice,

Guramrit

You Are What You Eat (My Latest “Column” For CSL’s Monthly Newsletter)

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(So this post is kind of similar to what I wrote last week on healthy eating…but you can’t get enough encouragement to lead a healthy lifestyle. Here is just a bit more of a push towards living a healthier life)Ā 

AĀ few of the most common questions I am asked is, “how can I eat healthier? How can I lose weight and fast?” It’s as though there is a magic pill, diet or cure that can grant people their health and fitness goals. My answer is simple. Crash diets do not work and not one diet works for everyone. Dieting seems to come hand in hand with cutting out “bad foods.” However, before true results show up, aĀ lifestyle change must occur. Ā 

If you are eating healthy just to lose a few pounds and go back to eating unhealthy then of course your body is going to react and those few pounds you’ve lost quickly increase to 5, 10 even 15 pounds gained.Ā Your body needs consistency.Ā Ā Ā 

You don’t need to eliminate things from your life to feel good, healthy and well. Slowly introduce fresh vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts and healthy alternatives to your favorite snacks, meals. As you slowly introduce these things to your meals, your body will begin to feel better. Ā Ā 

Do you take the time to actually chew your food? What is your home environment like? How are your interpersonal relationships? Take the time to not only eat slowly and consciously, become aware of your environment. Each and every aspect of your life is connected to your health. Take a few moments to breathe, stretch, walk, chew and smile. A healthy lifestyle is much more than just dieting, it is a life focused on all aspects of your health (physical, emotional, mental, spiritual). Ā 

I strongly believe that anyone can lead a healthy lifestyle. It just takes a little push along with some planning.Ā Ā 

Peace, love & no beef,


GuramritĀ 

(To View Center of Spiritual Light’s newsletter in its entirety click here!)Ā 

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Breakfast! Post workout goodness. Steel cut oats with nectarines and almonds. I cooked my oats in coconut milk, tossed in some cinnamon, vanilla extract and a touch of maple syrup. Delicious breakfast in a matter of minutes.

A Healthy Lifestyle

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One of the most common questions I am asked is ā€œhow can I eat healthier?ā€ I come across people who love meat but donā€™t know which vegetables they like and often complain about the cost of eating healthy. Many want to lead a healthier lifestyle to lose weight (or even maintain it) but want to jump right into a diet which really is only a temporary solution. Like Iā€™ve said time and time again (and nutritionists, health & wellness guruā€™s will back me up on this) DIETS DO NOT WORK. Temporary solutions only lead to temporary results.

The first step in trying to live a healthier lifestyle isnā€™t cutting out the bad foods, it is slowly eliminating them by adding in healthier alternatives. Just a little reality check, yes, french fries are made from potatoes but NO that does not count as you eating vegetables. Before jumping into the healthy lane (and if youā€™re going veggie, this is also important- slowly stop eating meat and increase your vegetable consumption and substitute different forms of protein) introduce more fresh vegetables (none of that canned stuff), fruit and non-processed foods.

One thing I really recommend is finding a farmers market, hitting the produce section of your grocery store and getting to know the vegetables. Yes, I said get to know your vegetables. By getting to know your vegetables and the healthy alternatives you like, you can plan meals. By planning meals and making a list (super important!) you can make smart meal choices that are affordable. Experiment. Try new things. You really canā€™t get enough vegetables in your diet.

As you slowly introduce more healthy goods into your life, you can decide what works for your body and doesnā€™t. I donā€™t believe in eliminating things. Iā€™m more of a pro-moderation person. If you are craving something, for example, I try to identify what exactly Iā€™m craving. Is it something sweet, crunchy or salty? Whatever it may be I try to find a healthier alternative to satisfy that craving.

The second step to leading a healthy lifestyle is getting up and getting moving. Sure, you can eat healthy and still look great but being active goes hand in hand with this lifestyle. The two must not be separate! Eat well, move that body and you will feel amazing (trust me). No, you donā€™t have to jump into Insanity right this second but grab a friend and go for a walk.

Thereā€™s no need to be afraid or even hesitant to start this new lifestyle. You donā€™t have to completely eliminate the things you like, just crowd them out with the good stuff.

Take baby steps when starting this new way of life. Your body, mind, soul and of course, your health will thank you.

Peace, love and no beef!

Guramrit