Hello All!

Everyone is always looking for bigger and better ideas to satisfy the soul. Whether it be spiritually, mentally, or physically. In today's world we have become immune to the fast pace lifestyles and more efficient ways of doing things. Technology, advancements in medicine, and processed foods/beverages have all played huge roles in our lives. In order to sustain order and control we must persevere and look for other outlets where we gain relaxation and focus. Some techniques people use to unwind and calm down can be found in gyms, pilates studios, and spas. Having exercise and fresh foods in one's daily routine can boost awareness and improve a more positive outlook on life. Life is a balancing act and in order to successfully maintain a healthy lifestyle people need to know where to look. I have been lucky enough to live in a beautiful yet stimulating part of the world. Southern California offers numerous resources where people can learn, experience, and take advantage of the many opportunities awaiting them.

More food for thought...

Palos Verdes Art Center--Palos Verdes http://www.pvartcenter.org

The J. Paul Getty Museum--Los Angeles http://www.getty.edu/

Mary & Joseph Retreat Center-Palos Verdes http://www.maryjoseph.org

Grow Market--Manhattan Beach http://www.growtps.com/

Whole Foods--El Segundo Plaza-Redondo Beach-Torrance http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/

Farmer's Markets in the area

Vegan Vegan and more Vegan!

Many people who have heard the word "vegan" instantly associate it with different kinds of foods. Well, vegan has broaden its horizons with not only different kinds of food but clothes, facial care, body lotions, dental products, baby products, hair shampoo/conditioners ...the list is endless! Vegans support products that are not used and made with animal products. I have found great sites online that offer plenty of examples for vegan alternatives whether it has to do with what you wear or consume!

Visit these links below.

The Vegan Store

Vegan Essentials

Peta

Raw Vegan Source

Natural Zing

Below are some products that Vegan approved!

Healthy snacks for Vegetarians!

Here are some snacking alternatives I promised! Summer is fast approaching and nothing says summer like chips and dip. Below you will find great recipes that are easy and satisfying...

Black Bean Dip
2 c black beans, canned+drained or soaked+cooked
½ c hot water or bean-cooking liquid
1 T vegetable oil substitute celery or lettuce for the oil
¼ c scallions, sliced
1 t ground coriander
1 t ground cumin
¼ c cilantro, chopped
1 t chipotle chile, puréed OR ½ t cayenne
2-3 limes, juiced
½-1 t salt

Place the beans in the food processor or bowl, pour water over them, and let sit.

Meanwhile, heat the oil over medium heat, add the scallions, coriander, and cumin, and sauté, stirring frequently, until tender, about 10 minutes.

Add spice mixture, cilantro, and chile to the beans and purée until chunky, 10-20 seconds. Add lime juice and salt, mix, taste, and add more chile/cayenne, lime juice, and salt as needed.

Vegan Homemade Tortilla Chips

Ingredients:

1 (12 ounce) package corn tortillas
1 tablespoon olive oil (or olive oil flavored cooking spray)
3 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Cut each tortilla into 8 chip sized wedges and arrange the wedges in a single layer on a cookie sheet.
3. In a mister, combine the oil and lime juice. Mix well and spray each tortilla wedge until slightly moist.
4. Combine the cumin, chili powder and salt in a small bowl and sprinkle on the chips.
5. Bake for about 7 minutes. Rotate the pan and bake for another 8 minutes or until the chips are crisp, but not too brown. Serve with salsas, dips, garnishes or guacamole.


Avocado Salsa
2 plum tomatoes, chopped
1 ripe avocado - peeled, pitted and chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon snipped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1 tablespoon red or white wine vinegar
Directions- In a bowl, gently stir together tomatoes, avocados, onion, and garlic. Mix in parsley and oregano. Gently stir in vinegar. Cover, and chill for 2 to 6 hours.

Change your life for the Better

“crEATe optimal health inside, which glows on the outside”

In order to feel good about your body you must fuel it with nutritious and healthy foods. Many people lose sight of what tastes good instead of what is actually good for the body. Today, we are faced with millions of temptations whether it be fast food restaurants on ever block or the take-out menus that can have food at your doorstep in minutes. We are given foods that are artificially colored, flavored and easily mass distributed around the country. These temptations seem great at first but reading labels and taking time to think about how mass distributed food is nutritionally beneficial to you and your body can help you realize that there are better options out there for you. I will be posting later on today healthier alternatives for quick meals on the go instead of driving into that damaging drive thru…

Welcome Everyone

Hello all! I am extremely excited to get started with my new blog. I currently represent Juice Plus+ and LifeWave and I’m constantly promoting good health and well-being. As part of my advocacy towards good health I have developed this blog so readers have a place to visit and learn about amazing new recipes, exercises, advice, and endless stories and news having to do with our overall health. Health is one of the most important things in life that must be cherished, without it life is restricted and not used to its potential. Follow my blog and you will learn new ways to eat healthy and be healthy so life’s gifts can be embraced instead of limited.