I’m delighted to announce the eagerly awaited reveal of my holiday list, meticulously curated with an array of health-conscious discoveries and delightful finds to kickstart the New Year on a positively vibrant and wellness-focused note!

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Chia seeds may not be the most appealing food at first glance, but after trying a few recipes, I’ve come to love their crunchy texture and gelatinous consistency. These tiny seeds, native to Guatemala and Mexico, are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with plant-based omega-3s, easy digestibility, and essential nutrients.

In other words, chia seeds are a bit of an acquired taste, but once you get used to them, you’ll love them for their unique texture and nutrient content.

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nourishing lab

It’s a question I hear a lot: How to eat healthfully (and mindfully) in the mornings, when there’s already so much to fit in—especially if you prioritize exercise, as I do.

So what’s the answer? First, let’s start gratefully, with a shoutout to our shared commitment to a morning workout amid our busy lives! Along with gratitude, it’s a great way to set ourselves up for positive energy throughout the day.

Now, what—and when—to eat. The answer depends somewhat on the type of exercise you choose. For example, there’s some benefit to running on an empty stomach, since your body will use stored carbohydrates, then turn to fat, for fuel (the actual order of fuel sources when fasting is alcohol, if any; stored carbs; then body fat). This has a few benefits as you will start to balance blood sugar levels and tap into stored fat (woohoo!) as you build lean muscle.

However, there’s also a downside to these fasting workouts: They can stress your adrenals, so if you suspect you have adrenal fatigue, this is a no-go for you. In that case, or if you have other hormone imbalances or irregular periods, I would suggest trying yoga or walking if you cannot have breakfast before your workout.

It’s a question I hear a lot: How to eat healthfully (and mindfully) in the mornings, when there’s already so much to fit in—especially if you prioritize exercise, as I do. Click To Tweet

However, on the weekends when you have more time and flexibility, you can fuel up first, then add some high intensity workouts into your regime. This could include circuit training or some of my favorites like Barry’s Bootcamp or Orange Theory. On those mornings, start out with The Golden Goddess Smoothie so that your body is fueled properly.

Remember, honoring your body and listening to its cues is key here at NL. If your body feels as though it is struggling then listen to that, honor it and listen to your intuition—that kind of mindfulness is usually spot on when it comes to healing.

melissa

 

beach bound

Summer is finally here! This amazing season is usually all about relaxing by the beach or pool (at least that’s how you always envision it.) But summer can actually be a little bit stressful.

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cocktails

Memorial Day is coming up! Before we know it, the kids will be out of school and the chaos of summer will start (moms, you know what I mean). All of the craziness can make it difficult to keep up with your health goals.

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Asparagus inspires gentle thoughts. – Charles Lamb, poet, 1775-1834

Low in carbs and sodium but full vitamin A, C, E, K, zinc, folate, calcium, manganese, potassium, selenium, (phew!) asparagus is vital for a healthy and strong immune system. This springy green vegetable is high in fiber and protein, and has the ability to stabilize blood sugars and digestion, as well as prevent unpleasant issues like constipation.

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nourishing lab

I am so glad you are here right now – and that you have chosen a path to health and wellness! The path is very different for each and every one of us, but we can all achieve our goals through some simple steps.

It is about choosing TRUST over SHAME and FEAR.

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IBS

For years I have worked with various healing modalities for my IBS and associated pain. At first, it was just abdominal bloating, belching and pain. Food became my enemy.

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One of the most common questions I get from clients is, “What should I eat post-workout?” I know many of my clients look to grab protein bars or protein smoothies but many of these items can be high in high fructose corn syrup and other preservatives. Most protein powders do more harm than good because of all of the synthetic amino acids and other processed and artificial ingredients they contain.

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