GROOMED L.A.

Latest Superfood obsession - all things ZUDDHA GIRLS

 

yes my friends, this is a superfood powder.

one smoothie with this a day and it's called, seriously gettin your greens on.

i want to BE this superfood.

or maybe just the awesome Sophie and Dani that started this company. 

THE ZUDDHA GIRLS

the cleanse, the cook, they bring the healthiest of what's out their to your door.

WHAT :: Sophie and Dani are certified and classically trained vegan/raw chefs, holistic nutritionistas and yogis. They have cooked for Hollywood icons and specialize in bringing wellness to your door– and ultimately, to your life. Let them take you on a culinary wellness adventure and rawk your world! They are experts at helping you experience energy and life the way it was meant to be lived. Book now, as their cleanse is hot and fills up fast! These girls are also available for personal chef and catering services.

Zuddha monthly superfood powders

How did the Zuddha superfood powders evolve? and why?

We got tired of blending 8-12 different superfoods into our smoothies. It took too much time and was annoying to have to keep buying them all separately when really, the only time we used them was in these smoothies. We noticed we were using the SAME superfoods for the SAME smoothies over and over again. Some flavors just worked better together. And thus: the blends were created. Our clients are happy, we are happy and you will be too! They come in monthly and weekly blends and include EASY recipes! Read below for more info!

What’s the purpose behind the Zuddha superfood powders? What are the health benefits?

oh man. Almost too many to name… but since you’re here anyway…

• convenience and ease. Just add 2 Tablespoons of our Zuddha blend to your smoothie (or more!) instead of different measurements from each one… we already did the work for you.
• saves money. No need to purchase all the superfoods separately anymore.
• Highest Antioxidant scoring of any food on the PLANET.
• Completely Organic
• 100% Raw & Vegan
• all the powders are certified Fair-Trade

What are the different “flavors” or blends?

3 Different Flavors/Blends:

1. Cacao Magic Mylkshake (superfood powder blend) includes Chinese medicinal mushrooms like reishi & ho shu wu, maca, cacao powder & nibs, raw vegan protein powder, tocos and so much more!

2. Green Dream Smoothie (superfood powder blend) includes spirulina, fresh vanilla pod, cinnamon, raw vegan sprouted protein powder, maca, tocos (vit.E), chia seeds, hemp seeds and loads more goodness…!

3. Berry Antioxidant (superfood powder blend) includes the highest Vitamin C and antioxidant content of ANY food source in the world-Camu Camu, maca, goji, pomegranate, acai and more anti cancer amazingness!

Anything else?

Green Dream Smoothies

 

• We supply you with recipes for each powder. They can be used in many different ways, from savory to sweet smoothies and can be added to coffee, tea, oatmeal and soups too!

• These blends can be used as meal replacements OR as a snack/pre-workout fuel or post-workout rejuvenation tonic.

• We hand picked and hand-blended these superfoods. They are what WE use every single day. you won’t find anything out there like this, promise! In fact, if you purchase our powders and are not 100% happy with them, we will refund you completely. We believe in this product whole-heartedly

• These powders don’t have ANY FILLERS. They are 100% PURE, RAW, ORGANIC, potent herbs and superfoods from all over the world. Once smell or taste and you’ll never go back to any other product!

• These are not PROTEIN powders per se, they are superfood blends that happen to have a load of protein. (unlike anything else). They have NATURALLY high protein in each of the blends (for example, spirulina has 70% bio-available protein, hemp seeds are full of protein, etc.) but we don’t put a ton of protein powders to fill it because it’s unnecessary!

Full Pound: $89

Half Pound: $49

email us for more info or to order yours today!

info@zuddhagirls.com

 

 

Arrived, Doors are Open at Matcha Source on West 3rd St

obsessed with matcha source.

and now...

Arrived, Doors are Open at Matcha Source on West 3rd St

NOVEMBER 11, 2011

tags: Bodum, Choco Vivo, HANRO, matcha gifts, matcha los angeles

by Alissa White

Matcha Source opened at 8036 E 3rd St in Los Angeles

Matcha Source opened the doors to their first retail venue on 11/11/11. 

Talk about manifesting. 

At the shop you’ll find all of the matcha teas and accessories plus chocolates, Fog Linen Brand tea trays and linen tea towels, HANRO brand t-shirts and underwear, agave nectar and more luxurious specialty items for you or a loved one. 

Matcha Source, The Store is open seven days 11-6.  

What i'm bingeing on this week: MOOKIE :: vegan meal in a cookie with hemp and all kind's of whole food goodness

at $7 a bag it's getting to be pricey daily habit but at least i don't feel guilty about downing a bag of cookies. 

 

Mookie (Meal Cookie) Chocolate Chip / Brownie

The Mookie/Brownie, which is sold by the case, contains three cookies in each bag; twelve bags in each case. $3.66 a meal. Organic, raw, vegan meal cookie baked at low temperatures. The Elixir Meal cookie was developed by the athletes who use them. This product was designed to provide a complete meal to those serious athletes that cannot afford failure. Why take vitamins when you can eat a cookie! Hemp Protein, No THC, Contains Omega 3,6 & 9 EFAs, Vitamins, Enzymes, Minerals, Phytonutrients, Soluble/in-soluble fibers that help reduce cholesteral, and sweetened with Stevia for those with Diabetes for proper blood sugar. A smart choice.

Fave kid's lunch box from GOODBYN.

$16.95 and up...

I am soooo into my, I mean, Aria's, new lunch box.  The adorable bento style box from Goodbyn ( the brainchild of a small company in Seattle who had a little idea to reinvent the way kids eat lunch—making lunchtime easier, more inspiring and fun for both kids and parents) makes me so so happy. You get a ton of dishwasher proof stickers and can just go nuts decorating it.  I suggest getting the bigger version so you don't have to squish a sandwich to fit it in.

We LOVE IT!!xo

GOT KIDS?! Feast on Halloween Candy while Avoiding Tooth Decay :: Tips from Dr. Margaret Mitchell, DDS

Feast on Halloween Candy while Avoiding Tooth Decay

Tips from Dr. Margaret Mitchell, DDS

Halloween is a celebration of make-believe, pumpkins, autumn, and most of all...candy. While kids wait all year for this holiday of endless sugar, it can often be a nightmare for parents. What is a parent to do if they are worried about tooth decay from all this candy consumption? Candy usually contains sugar, which is the perfect environment for breeding bacteria that cause tooth decay. Consequently, to avoid future dental problems, it is important to keep two things in mind when eating candy:
1) Avoid excessive consumption of these sugary treats and
2) Lessen the amount of time the sugar is present in the mouth.
Dr. Margaret Mitchell, owner of Mitchell Dental Spa, a dental spa facility in Chicago’s Water Tower Place, would like to offer the following tips to for protecting children’s teeth at Halloween:

·         Examine your child’s candy before he or she digs in to see if it meets your approval.

·         It is okay for your child to eat any candy that you approve of, but to help lessen the chance for tooth decay, have them brush as soon as possible after eating the candy. By brushing right after candy consumption, the impact of the candy on the teeth is minimal.

·         Avoid sticky candy such as taffy, gummy bears, caramel, etc.  Sticky Candy adheres to teeth and leads to decay.

·         Despite popular belief Kids can eat candy ANYTIME, there is not a good time of day/night to eat candy. :)

·         Prior to Halloween, visit your dentist to have sealants put into the child’s teeth grooves. This protects tooth enamel against corrosion caused by excess sugar.

If brushing soon after eating is not possible, then try the following:

·         Consume the candy with a meal. The increased saliva production while eating will help wash the sweet off the teeth.

·         Rinse the mouth with water.

·         Chew a sugarless gum (especially those containing xylitol) after snacking on candy. The increased saliva from chewing will help wash the sugar off the teeth and xylitol gums help control the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

·         Eat the candy quickly in one sitting to decrease the amount of time it is contact with the teeth. Avoid eating any candy slowly over an extended time or over multiple sittings. Recent studies have shown that length of time eating a sweet can be more harmful than the amount of sweet consumed. This means hard candies, breath mints, etc. (long residence time in the mouth) can actually be worse for your teeth than a chocolate candy bar (shorter residence time in the mouth).

·         Avoid sugary sodas.  They are loaded with sugar (often over 10 teaspoons per 12 ounce serving), are acidic enough to dissolve away tooth enamel and are often sipped for long periods of time, resulting in teeth that are being bathed with sugar and acid almost continuously throughout the day.

For more information, please visit www.MitchellDentalSpa.com.
 
About Mitchell Dental Spa
The philosophy of the Mitchell Dental Spa is over-the-top dentistry combined with over-the-top amenities.  Unlike other cosmetic dental offices which only have dental services, the Mitchell Dental Spa is a full-service facility offering dentistry along with massages, facials, and skin rejuvenation. Complimentary 10-15 minute spa treatments are included with every visit and this is offered up along with refreshments, a friendly staff and world-class professional service.  The Mitchell Dental Spa is located at 845 North Michigan Avenue in Suite 922 East in Chicago’s Water Tower Place. For more information, please call (312) 642-1014 or visit http://www.mitchelldentalspa.com.
 
 
 
 
 

 

What I'm bingeing on this week: Chia Seeds

 

I've been (trying!!) to do the 4 HOUR BODY this past week or so, stuffing my face with beans and protein and oil and starving myself of anything sweet (and totally putting on the pounds? WTF and ugh!).

Without my millions of Splenda's, I'm missing anything (and everything) sweet. I can do without the bag of cheezy baked things from Trader Joe's and might be breaking my cereal addiction but the sugar thing is haarrddd.  Even if it's fake sugar, my personal fave.

I stumbled on a Chia Seed pudding recipe that was friendly to the Slow Carb Diet.  I'm now mad about it.  I had received a bag of seeds to sample months ago and had NO IDEA what to do with them.  Well, folks, they are the coolest thing ever. 

Soak em in almond milk, and go from there.  YOU can add agave, fruit, cocoa, whatever.  I'm doing cinnamon, vanilla extract and that's that ( ok, I am sneaking in a drop of stevia).

This is the brand that I am using HEALTH WARRIOR.  They are considered the best.

So, are you ready to find out WHAT THE HECK CHIA is and WHY YOU NEED IT NOW?

Not only do these tiny seeds have more Omega 3’s than salmon or any whole food, more fiber than oatmeal, more antioxidants than blueberries, more calcium than milk and more protein than most legumes, they are also extremely satiating (absorb up to 10x their weight in water), and can help you slim down by warding off hunger.  I'm in love.

I found this succinct expert online.  A raw foodist column writes -

What is Chia Seed? 

Let raw food educator and lifestyle consultant Angela Stokes fill us in!

 

Chia seed is an ancient superfood that is currently experiencing a glorious renaissance ;) It is a member of the sage family (Salvia Hispanica). The little black and white seeds were once a staple of the Incan, Mayan and Aztec cultures, along with the Native Americans of the southwest. 
"Chia" is actually the Mayan word for strength. The seeds were used by these ancient cultures as mega-energy food, especially for their running messengers, who would carry a small pouch of it with them. Chia has been called 'Indian Running Food' and gives an incredibly 'sustaining' surge of energy. I've definitely noticed for myself the 'running energy' that chia seems to impart. If I eat chia, then run later that day, my endurance and ability to run further is greatly enhanced - pretty impressive stuff... ;) 

In Mexico they say that one tablespoon of chia seeds can sustain a person for 24 hours. Chia also happens to TASTE great, looks cute (like tiny dinosaur eggs) and is ready to eat really quickly - besides which it has an off-the-scale nutritional profile...

 ---------------

Why would you want to eat Chia? 

Chia seeds are said to have: 

2 times the protein of any other seed or grain,

5 times the calcium of milk, plus boron which is a trace mineral that 
helps transfer calcium into your bones,

2 times the amount of potassium as bananas,

3 times the reported antioxidant strength of blueberries

3 times more iron than spinach

copious amounts of omega 3 and omega 6, which are essential fatty acids... 

They are a complete source of protein, providing all the essential amino acids in an easily digestible form. They are also a fabulous source of soluble fibre. 
Like flax, chia is highly 'hydrophilic' - the seeds absorb water and create a mucilaginous gel. They can hold 9-12 times their weight in water and they absorb it very rapidly - in under 10 minutes. 

Antioxidants
One advantage of chia is that because it has such a high antioxidant content, the seeds stay stable for much longer, whereas flax, for example, may turn rancid. Chia seeds can easily be stored dry for 4-5 years without deterioration in flavour, odour or nutritional value. You can substitute chia in any recipe that calls for flax. 

Mild Taste
The taste of chia is very mild and pleasant. That means you can easily combine it with other foods without changing the taste dramatically. People add chia to their sauces, bread batters, puddings, smoothies and more. The flavour is retained, plus masses more nutrition is added ;) 

The 'Dieter's Dream Food'
Chia has been called a dieter's dream food because when added to foods, it bulks them up, displacing calories and fat without diluting the flavour. Thus, someone can eat a typical serving, yet only consume about half the calories they might have eaten, because the food has been bulked up with chia. PLUS, the eater gets a bellyful of nutrient-rich superfood goodness, which hydrates and sustains them - magic ;) 

 ---------------

What are some other benefits of eating Chia? 

Provides energy

Boosts strength

Bolsters endurance

Levels blood sugar

Induces weight loss

Aids intestinal regularity

Sugar Absorption
Chia slows the impact of sugars on the system, if eaten together. Chia gel creates a physical barrierbetween carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down, which slows the conversion of carbs into sugar. That means the energy from the food is released steadily, resulting in more endurance. This is clearly of great benefit to diabetics in particular. It also means that I can combine chia with super-sweet tastes like apple juice and not get super-spiked ;) 

Absorb and Retain Water
Due to the exceptional water-absorption quality of chia, it can help you prolong hydration and retainelectrolytes, especially during exertion. 

Easy to Digest
Whole, water-soaked chia seeds are easily digested and absorbed. Their tiny dinosaur-egg-like shells break down quickly. They feel light in the body, yet energising. Their nutrients can be quickly assimilated into the body. 

Intestinal Broom
Chia seeds bulk up, then work like an incredible digestive broom, sweeping through your intestinal tract, helping to dislodge and eliminate old accumulated waste in the intestines. Many people find their stools also become more regular once they eat chia. 

Inexpensive
Chia is a very reasonably priced, concentrated food. Our 1lb bags cost $8. 1/3 cup of dry chia seeds (2 ounces) makes about 17 ounces of chia gel. This costs about $1. Depending on how much gel you use, those 17oz will likely last, on average, about four days. That is about 25cents a day. 

Versatile
Chia can be used in so many kinds of recipes - savoury, sweet - it works with anything. You might want to try them in salad dressings, cookie mixtures, smoothies, crackers, ice creams, juices and so on. 

Gluten-Free
Chia seed protein contains no gluten. This makes it ideal for anyone with a gluten sensitivity or simply wanting to find a replacement for gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, rye and oats. 

 ---------------

Which medical conditions can Chia help relieve or support? 
Chia is reported to be beneficial for a vast range of issues, for example: 

weight loss/balance

thyroid conditions

hypo-glycaemia

diabetes

IBS

celiac disease

acid reflux

lowering cholesterol

Ancient Remedy
In the traditional cultures that consumed chia, like the Aztecs, chia was also regarded as a medicine. It was used in myriad ways - from cleaning the eyes to helping heal wounds, topically, to relieving joint pain and so on. It was considered extremely valuable for healing. 

Acid Reflux
One woman we know uses chia therapeutically to manage her acid reflux. Because of the highly absorbent properties of chia, she can swallow a Tbsp of dry seeds with just a little water and they go into her stomach and absorb the excess acid. She makes sure to drink a glass of water a few minutes later, as the seeds are so hydrophilic that if they do not find enough to absorb in the stomach, they will draw from the tissues instead. By allowing the seeds to first absorb the acid, then drinking some more water, our friend is able to very simply, effectively and cheaply handle her condition. :) 

Regeneration
Chia aids rapid development of tissue, due to its incredible nutrient profile and easy assimilation. It can be very beneficial for those healing from injuries, people like bodybuilders who are always re-forming tissues and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

 
---------------

How do you use Chia? 
The most common way to eat chia is to first soak the seeds. They can very rapidly absorb a large amount of liquid - between 9-12 times their volume, in under 10 minutes.

The Basic Gel
To make a basic chia gel, simply add 1/3 cup of seeds (2oz) to 2 cups of water. Stir the mixture well, to avoid clumping, then leave it in your fridge, in a sealed jar. This will yield around 17oz of chia gel. You can begin to eat the gel almost immediately if you like. Just 10 minutes is enough time for the gel to be formed. More of the nutrients will be easily accessible after a few hours however, so many people like to make up a batch like this and leave it in the fridge. It will stay good for about three weeks. Then you can just reach into the fridge and take out some of the ready-made gel whenever you need it. You might add it to smoothies, mix it with salad dressings, puddings or granola, or simply take it by the spoonful. 

Beyond Water...
As mentioned above, chia will absorb anything - it doesn't have to soak in water. We like soaking it in things like apple juice for example. That way, the intense sweetness of the apple juice is also offset by the chia and it tastes yummy ;). We also often blend fruits - for example bananas and persimmons, then stir the chia into that mixture. Again, the longer the seeds are left to soak, the more their nutrients will be readily available to you, yet you could easily eat a meal like this 10 minutes or less after preparing it. 

Whole Seeds
You can also sprinkle the dry seeds onto salads or add them to granola mixes. You may also want to experiment with grinding them first in a coffee grinder, to make a 'chia flour' you can then add to smoothies, soups and so on. 

 
---------------

Ten Raw Chia Recipes

WARNING - these are 'hardcore' raw foodist recipes, developed and used by long-term raw food eaters. Some may seem quite peculiar or unfamiliar to those who are not accustomed to eating raw. We encourage you to try them out though and to perhaps use them as a 'spring-board' for creating and enjoying your own chia recipes...
All of these recipes are based on one person eating. 


Basic Chia Gel
Chia 
Water

Mix 1/3-cup chia seeds to 2 cups water. Stir. This is the 'basic gel' recipe that can be stored in your fridge and used as required. 


Sweet Shortbread Chia
4-5 tbsps chia seeds
2 cups fresh apple juice
2 tbsp lucuma powder
1/2 cup dried mulberries
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

Soak the chia seeds in the apple juice. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Leave to soak for at least 10 minutes before consuming. 


'Chia Fresca'
2 tsp chia seeds
10oz pure water
juice of one lemon or lime
agave syrup or raw honey to taste

This is still a popular drink in modern-day Mexico. Simply stir the ingredients together and enjoy. 


Fruity Chia
3 small or 2 big apples
8 dates, pits removed
4-5 tbsp chia seeds
1/4 cup dried mulberries

Blend the apples and six of the dates together. Transfer that mixture into a bowl and stir in the chia seeds and mulberries. Chop down the remaining 2 dates into pieces and stir those in too. Leave to soak for at least 10 minutes before consuming. 


Bana-paya Chia 
1 banana 
1 cup papaya flesh
6 dried Turkish figs
4-5 tbsp chia, ground

Blend the banana and papaya flesh together. Put the figs in this mixture and leave it to soak overnight. Blend the whole mixture, including the figs, the next day. Stir in the ground chia seed. Serve. 


Chia Gel 'Muesli'
1 cup of basic chia gel
2 bananas, mashed with a fork
1 tbsp lucuma powder
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

Mix together the ingredients in a bowl with a fork and eat. 


Green Chia
8 dried prunes, soaked in 1 pint pure water
1 tbsp spirulina powder
1/3-cup chia seeds

Drain off most of the prune soak water and put the chia seeds to soak in the prune soak water. Blend together the prunes with the spirulina and a small amount of the soak water. Stir the spirulina/prune mixture into the soaked chia seeds. Leave the chia to soak for at least 10 minutes before consuming. 


Persi-nana Chia
4-5 tbsp chia seeds
1-2 bananas
1-2 persimmons
1tsp maca
1 tsp cinnamon
handful of goji berries
handful of pumpkin seeds

Blend together the bananas and persimmons. Pour out the mixture into a bowl. Stir in the chia seeds, maca, cinnamon, gojis and pumpkin seeds. Leave the chia to soak for at least 10 minutes before consuming. 


Raw 'Rice Pudding'
4-5 tbsp chia seed 
2 cups almond milk
raw honey or agave syrup to taste

Combine the ingredients to your taste. Leave the chia to soak for at least 10 minutes before consuming. You can also add other flavours like vanilla, cinnamon or cardamom. 


Banana-nut Bread
2 cups vegetable juice pulp (preferably at least half carrot) 
8 tbsp ground chia
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup raisins
5 bananas
Mix together the veggie juice pulp and bananas in a food processor. Add in the ground chia and let the food processor run until the seeds are completely mixed in. 
Transfer the mixture to a bowl with the walnuts and raisins and mix them in thoroughly by hand. Shape into a loaf. For major yumminess, top with ?Cream Cheese? (see below). 


Cream Cheese
Flesh of three avocados
9 dates
juice of 1 or 2 lemons
big handful of dulse seaweed

Blend. 

 ---------------
 

 

What I'll be bingeing on as soon as they hit stores. ARCTIC ZERO BARS!!!

Water crush of the week! Metromint Chocolatemint! And here's a cool and refreshing sweepstakes!

Stay cool this Summer with hot weather essentials selected by Metromint including an iPod Touch, a Kindle, Ray Ban sun glasses, aGoorin Brothers Fedora, Kiss My Face sunscreen, and 7 cases of refreshing Metromint mintwater! All natural Metromint contains no sweeteners, no preservatives, and no calories. Just pure water and real mint to freshen you from the inside out, and keep you hydrated all summer long.

Enter the Summer Splash sweepstakes by submitting the form below by Sunday, August 28 11:59pm PST. See sweepstakes rules.

Name   First Name   Last Name Email Zip Code Add me to the Metromint email list so I can hear about more promotions like this, and so I am eligible for the monthly drawing for a free case of Metromint!

 

 

Paleta for delish home delivery

Ever wonder what someone like Molly Sims or Emmanuel Chriqui eats to keep those relentless bods? Wonder no more.  PALETA, a newcomer to the home delivery gourmet food service is now available to regular folk like you and me.  

At around $1200 a month for three meals and 2 snacks a day, it's not the same price as the three-bowl-of-popcorn-and-two-cheese-stick diet I try to exist on, but boy is it worth it.

I felt so healthy and clean eating their fresh, organic vegetables, chicken, meat and fish, it was hard to keep up my usual cranky, exhausted, I'm-a-mother-of-two-small-children demeanor.  I don't want to oversell it, but for five days, I had a peace about my eating that I hadn't felt since I lived alone with no Poptarts, peanut butter, or cheesy poofs in sight.  

My favorite breakfast was the Whole Grain Breakfast Wrap with egg whites, turkey bacon, guacamole and cheddar.  It was one of the many meals they delivered to my door in this adorable cooler/bag that I ate and thought, "There is no way this is part of a low-calorie diet," and "There is no way I would ever take the time to make this for myself." My other favorite meal was the Tuscan Chicken with Rosemary Polenta.  I'll admit, I'd eat polenta with Sweet n Low on it, but this dish was truly scrumptious and one of the most plentiful.  But probably the biggest treat of the week was a handful of almonds that came with a small container of chocolate dipping sauce. Like a little high protein fondue.  I was in heaven.  

The best part of this service, and this might just be my gluttonous self, is that not only does the food taste like a personal chef has prepared it, it is portion controlled for me.  After 8 years of being pregnant, nursing, or incessantly reaching for kid snacks in the passenger seat of my car, it was truly enlightening to be reminded of what a human, girl portion of food is again.  I did a 1200 calorie plan and I'm not going to lie to you, by Thursday I was pretty damn hungry, so I would work with one of their incredibly positive and helpful team to design a realistic plan for yourself.  

A great gift for someone you love. Even better if that person is you.

xo Dani

Dani Klein Modisett
producer/author, "Afterbirth..."
www.afterbirthstories.com <http://www.afterbirthstories.com>
213-840-6798

          http://www.paleta.com/  

On the left side tab, click 'programs,' you will see the pricing for the various market menu options...
 
The cleanse is in a separate tab with its own local and then national delivery pricing.  Please note the cleanse is the only item that ships nationally as of now.

 
  

 

 

 

What I'm bingeing on this week: TRADER JOE'S NO PUDGE FAT FREE BROWNIE MIX

No Pudge Fat-Free Brownie Mix

 make them as cupcakes or in ramekins, pop out, pour on Silk Vanilla creamer and some Foam, undercook them for a lo-cal molten cake.

voila! a divine lo-cal-lo-fat treat. 

that is, if you can eat just one ;)

Kerplunk for my coffee! The perfect thermal coffee mug.

 

 

KERPLUNK makes my all time favorite stainless steel coffee tumbler.

Why? Because of the lid of course!  It's all about how the shape of the lid and lip feels when it hits my mouth. Drinking coffee is sensual. If I have to drink it out of a thermal tumbler because I'm on-ze-go, or sipping in bed with two kids in the morning and not wanting to spill a hot bevvy on them (been there, not fun), I want the lip to be as unobtrusive in mouth as possible. I want to get straight to the good stuff without being reminded that I have a hideous piece of plastic in my mouth.

Kerplunk's is perfectly designed.  It holds 17oz, has a nice lip and thumb-slide closure which WORKS by the way.

I also appreciate the rubber grip.  I am a spiller and this helps with my spasticness.

The colors are stunning and their kids line ($8.99)is adorable (you probably have seen at Whole Foods) and my daughter is of course obsessed  with her princess bottle. Anything to get her to drink water!  Also their version of a sippy cup rocks too.  ($10.99)

And look at these glass bottles!

You can purchase in LA at WHOLE FOODS or EREWHON. 

 

WHAT ::

About	Hydration Systems that are good for you and good for the environment

	The Madison Company is in the business of taking products and making it better for human consumption and the environment.
	Kerplunk™ was created in 2008 as a healthy alternative to single serve plastic water bottles due to the presence of a toxin known as BPA by The Madison Company. Yearly, Kerplunk™ product development launches new items. In addition, trendy new designs are applied to existing items to keep the items fashionable. Currently Kerplunk™ is the top reusable beverage container in the Independent Health Food market. The company plans on strengthening it’s presence by entering the retail marketing in... (read more)
	Kerplunk™ bottles – the stylish way to keep hydrated while staying healthy, reducing waste and saving money.

 

Refresh your drinking wardrobe! WATERGEEKS snappy new bottle has its own little built in filtration system. Talk about Spring cleaning!

Perfect timing.  I am never (and I mean EVER) without a water bottle. When I noticed that mine was filled with a creepy looking grimed - I freaked.  And tossed it.  I was out of my Skweet cleaner and deseprately needed a new one. 

Hellloo, WATER GEEKS.  First, I was taken with the stunning perfect grass green of their latest line.  But more importantly, there is a genius in this bottle that I have yet to experience for myself.  They've come out with a portable and affordable solution to filtering out the infamous chromium-6, on top of all of the bad odors, tastes and contaminants, found in tap water.

YAY!  

Why Stainless Filtered Bottles

① Questionable Water Quality

• According to a recent Gallop pole, 53% of Americans name “contamination

of drinking water” as their number one environmental concern.

② BPAs

• The admissions of popular aluminum bottle manufacturers regarding their

historic BPA contents can only serve to keep BPA's a major consumer and

media “Hot Button.”

③ Lead and other heavy metals

• High levels of lead have been confirmed in children in Washington, D.C. and

Greenville, N.C and “Watchdogs” now recommend consumption of only

filtered or bottled water to high-risk nursing mothers, children under 12, the

elderly and anyone with a compromised immune system.

④ On the Move

• 75% of bottled water is consumed away from the home making filtered water

pitchers unavailable when needed most.

⑤ Bottled Water

• Bottled water criticism has steadily increased as environmental waste, costs,

regulation and quality concerns continue to surface

 

Why WATERGEEKS?

Ergonomic Design

For style and function

Diverse Color Selection

Black, Blue, Green, Orange, Pink, Red, Stainless

Steel, White, Yellow

Safe Material

Unlined, BPA, PVC and Phthalate-Free, non-leaching

stainless steel

Certified Lead-Free paint

Highly Functional

Wide mouth neck with easy to clean threading

Durable and dent resistant

Child through adult sizes available

Dishwasher Safe

Each bottle comes in a variety of colors and is available for purchase via their website, www.thewatergeeks.com, as well as Target.com, GNC.com, NeimanMarcus.com and Meijer retail stores for $19.99. 

 

The Golden Door Spa's Chef Curtis Cooke shares a delish recipe for Groomed LA readers! Chilled Fava Bean Soup w/White Truffle Oil & Parmesan

Chilled Fava Bean Soup w/White Truffle Oil & Parmesan 

 
When I arrived at the Golden Door, one of the first places I ran to was our garden. As I was walking up the hill, I spotted fresh fava beans. In Texas, they always came in a box from a produce company, so I was overjoyed when I saw that we grew them! I harvested as many as I could fit in my container, took them back to the kitchen and began to peel them. I was ecstatic to see how beautiful and perfect they were. I felt that my only job was to not do too much with them. Our gardeners did all the work; I just needed to keep the integrity of the bean. So I blanched them, pureed them with a little vegetable stock (also made out of our garden), and lightly seasoned them with salt. I decided to highlight the fava flavor with parmesan and a touch of truffle oil. ~Chef Curtis Cooke – Golden Door Spa ®

 
 
Fava Bean Soup
1 cup   Fresh Fava Beans
1/2 cup  Vegetable Stock
tt (to taste)   Sea Salt
 
In a pot of boiling, salted water, blanch the fresh fava beans until cooked (approximately 2-3 minutes) and shock in ice water. In a high speed blender, combine the chilled vegetable stock with the fava beans and puree until extremely smooth. Add salt to taste. Push the fava bean soup through a fine mesh chinois. Garnish with shaved parmesan (on a microplane) and a drop of white truffle oil. 

What I'm bingeing on this week: FOAM (almost) No Calorie whipped topping!

i thought it had ZERO calories for the whole bottle until now.

nevertheless, i'm obsessed.

and so are other people, as in the fans who send in videos about pre-ordering cases and putting them on reserve at whole foods.

WHAT :: "ZERO CALORIE" WHIPPED CREAM. 

boom.

it's a bit confusing as the nutritional data says ZERO calories per serving. but i read on the website that it actually DOES have 23 calories per half cup. so if like me, you eat the whole can at once, that's around 322 cals.  so do try to contain yourself, will you?

other than that, this is heaven. 

get it at whole foods. now!

 

What I'm bingeing on this week: Earth Cafe's Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Refined Sugar Free, Vegan and Raw (!!) IMPOSSIBLY DELICIOUS CHEESECAKES!!

first take a bite.  i mean, peek. 

there's a reason these cakes won Vegetarian Time's "Best Raw Goodies" of the year award.

I'm always looking for any excuse to eat dessert at weird times of the day. I'm the only adult at toddler birthdays who angles in line, waving my plate to get the attention of whomever is cutting the multi-colored icing cake so I can make sure to get a hunk.  This is usually on a Sunday, at say, 11:30 am.

So when I hear about a dessert that's gluten free, raw, free of this and that, I think, oh! this will make the perfect breakfast!

Imagine my excitement when I got to sample all the flavors of  Earth Café's Cheesecakes.  

Vegetarian Times magazine Foodie Awards 2010 named it a winner in the Best Raw Goodies category.  And I can see why.

These cakes are no joke.  They are divine. Only prob is, they may be more dangerous than REAL cheesecake! They are so light, refreshing, healthy and guilt free that you kinda' can't stop at just one piece. And each piece has two servings of around 200 calories,  15 grams of carbohydrates and 15 grams fat.  So double that for one piece.  And times it by 5 if you eat the way I do.  You may not be saving in the calorie dept.  Nor the $$ dept (they are not cheap).  But you are saving in every other way.  These cakes will not KILL YOU, like real cheesecake will.  So, it's worth it to make the switch.

The “cheese” is made with soaked nuts, agave, flavorings of lemon, vanilla,  cinnamon and carob ( I prefer real cacao or chocolate).  And fresh fruit for the fruit flavors.  Ground nuts make the yummmy, crunchy, binge-worthy crust.  Earth Café uses organic ingredients whenever possible.

FLAVAS ::

Who’s Your Daddy Carob Mousse Pie, Rockin’ Raspberry, Find Your Thrill on Blueberry Hill, Cali Style Lemon, Strawberry Fields Forever.

You can visit Earth Café for five more flavors. They ship frozen whole cheesecakes in the U.S. for $34.99 plus shipping. Individual clamshells are available at select stores, with suggested retail of $5.29-5.99.

 

almost obsessed with :: LOVE CRUNCH or "what i'm bingeing on today."

why almost?  not enough chocolate!!

that's the main problem with this dark chocolate infused flax & strawberry granola.

not enough chocolate chunks in it.

especially after I poured the box out and picked them and all the good chunks out like I normally do, there really wasn't any left for anyone else.

ditto with the strawberries.

(then again, do i want my kid eating chocolate in her cereal before school? i think not. this is not yo mama's granola. no, this is strictly for stoned with munchies grown ups).

so, i say :: hey granola makers, more, please!

other than that - this makes for a great friday night Dateline viewing binge snack.

oh! and the story behind it.  doesn't get cuter, really ::

Inspired by a true-life love story and philanthropic endeavor (a couple wanted to create a give-away treat for their wedding and created THIS granola-  now that's a crunchy wedding!) )each box of Nature’s Path Love Crunch sold donates $1 to help give women the chance to create or expand home-based businesses and lift themselves and their families out of poverty.

Love Crunch is the perfect marriage between the whole grain goodness of flax cocoa granola, rich dark chocolate chunks, the sweetness of strawberries, the tartness of raspberries and the decadence of coconut.

Like all Nature’s Path products, Love Crunch is USDA certified organic which means it does not contain artificial preservatives, additives, genetically modified organism (GMOs) or synthetic pesticides.

WHY LOVE?  It's the ultimate recipe for love if you ask me — flax granola, strawberries, raspberries, coconut and dark chocolate chunks. 

Sold by: Net Wt. 11.5 oz (325g)

Ingredients: Rolled oats*, evaporated cane juice*, brown rice flour*, soy oil*, dried coconut*, flaxseeds*, dark chocolate chunks*(cane sugar*, chocolate liquor*, cocoa butter*, soy lecithin (non-GMO), vanilla extract*), oat syrup solids*(oat syrup solids*, tocopherols), cocoa*, freeze-dried berry blend* (freeze-dried strawberries*, freeze-dried raspberries*), natural chocolate flavor, sea salt, molasses*, natural vanilla flavor. *Organic. Contains soy and tree nuts. May contain dairy.

Allergen Information: Contains soy and tree nuts. May contain dairy.

Selection and availability may vary from store to store.

organic, kosher, vegetarian :)

 Get this Love Crunch yuminess by Nature’s Path at Whole Foods Market.

DESIGN :: good solid packaging and font family - love the harken to the 70's granola theme here. good shade of red. not so red that we are out of the food family.  the red is earthy and crunchy, just like granola!

Sinfully delish cookies, brownies & blondies that are GOOD FOR YOU? The Protein Bakery. So right, it's wrong.

is it weird to order gift baskets of goodies - for yourself?

my latest obseshyum:

( why wrong? because I could not control myself from the moment I took one bite)

Just look at the photos!!

Do I really need to say more?

Yes, I do because The Protein Bakery has been whipping up the most insane treats for the past ten years that are - are you ready? - wheat free, all natural, fiber-fully and high in whey protein.

Yes folks, these treats are GOOD FOR YOU.  

But wait, did I say they are fer-real-AMAZING?

(as in I ate way too many in way too short a time - I wont get into the deets.)

9 cookies and three brownies in less than 12 hours, more for breakfast the following day

If you can control yourself, then this is the ultimate way to deal with a raging sweet tooth.

If thinking that they're good for you is going to make it hard to stop eating them, then you may be in trouble. (Oprah agrees).!

go nuts and treat yourself with a gift basket here!

 

 take a look what's inside, for example:

Chocolate Chip Brownie whey protein, rolled oats, light brown sugar, eggs, semi-sweet chocolate chips, butter, chocolate liquor, vanilla, baking powder, salt, trans fat free ···········

Serv. Size: 1 brownie (84g) Servings: 1 Amount per Serving: Calories 380, Fat Cal. 180, Total Fat 21g (32% DV), Sat. Fat 12g (61% DV), Cholest. 120mg (40% DV) Sodium 260mg (11% DV), Total Carb. 41g (14% DV), Fiber 2g (6% DV), Sugars 35g,Protein 11g, Vitamin A (10% DV), Vitamin C (0% DV), Calcium (10% DV), Iron (15% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. ALLERGEN ALERT:MADE IN A FACILITY THAT USES NUTS.

 

 

 

WATER JUST GOT MORE OM.

Let's face it.  

Water can be a big snooze. C'mon, admit it.

(unless it's Neuro Water, which I'm mad about)

Say hi to YOGA EARTH.

Reduce cravings, burn fat, tone muscle 

AS SEEN IN

 

Powerful one-a-day nutrition drinkable in two easy dayparts for:

• Fat metabolism and emulsification
• Digestion & intestinal tract health for weight loss
• Energy super source to reduce cravings
• Protein & amino acids to suppress appetite
• Lean muscle mass enhancers for toning

Ya sprinkle a little powder in and whoop goes your nutrition.

And it's yummy too!

 

Balance Nutrition (click to see!)

Vitality Nutrition  (click again!)

Ingredients: Probiotics, digestive enzymes, ginger, hibiscus flower, organic cordyceps, CoQ10, full spectrum antioxidants and phytonutrients, oceanic minerals, cellular energy complex, bee pollen, royal jelly, electrolytes, amino acids, brain nutrients, pomegranate, acai, amalaki, beet, folic acid, vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, 16% daily value protein.

 

Water to help you sleep? Obviously. Enter DREAM WATER.

It's no news flash that sleep = beauty.  In fact "beauty sleep" is not even a myth.

According to a recent study <http://www.bmj.com/content/341/bmj.c6614.full> , sleep-deprived people appear less attractive.

Great, another reason for me to look like crap and it's not just in my head but you think it too.

I really don't sleep.  Seriously.  It's a problem.  Yup, I'm part of the over 70 million Americans who are short on sleep and have a sleep problem every or almost every night.  Add it to my list of problems.

Valium? Not an option with two kids, my fear of earthquakes, natural disasters and well, everything else. (Hmm...maybe that's why I don't sleep?) 

What to do, what to do...? A little birdie told me about DREAM WATER.

Dream Water is a liquid-form sleep enhancer that helps with relaxation and falling asleep. It's made with all-natural active ingredients – including melatonin – comes in a cute 2.5 oz. shot and two flavors – Lullaby Lemon and Snoozeberry and contains ZERO CALORIES and NO preservatives.

I'm going to try it tonight and I'll let you know how it goes!  

And I think we can do some product give-a-ways on this one too, so stay posted!

 http://www.drinkdreamwater.com

There are three key ingredients in Dream Water.  These are 5-HTP, Melatonin, and GABA.

GABA can help you to feel relaxed since it prevents the over-firing of nerve cells.  To help govern your internal clock, melatonin can help you sleep when it’s time to and be awake during the day. 5-HTP improves the quality of your sleep by increasing your ability to relax.  After using Dream Water they say that you will be less likely to awaken during the night and then have a difficult time falling back asleep.

A 6 pack of the 8 oz drink is still $19.99.  

 

Getting your Vitamin D on? It's easy (and yummy and only 35 calories) with NeuroSun.

 

I was told by my awesome hormone doc (Dr. Kristin Pressman) that I need Vitamin D.  And a lot of it.  As in 2000 mgs. a day.  All the sunblock swathing and wide-brimmed SPF/UVA hatting has me Vitamin D deprived in good ol' sunny LA. Say what?

It seems it's a challenge now to get enough Vitamin D since its primary source is the sun.  And we're all hiding from it.  Even Gwynie Paltrow is struggling with this and has taken to her blog (and to Barbados) stating that her Vitamin D levels were the lowest they’ve ever been.  

An estimated 53% of women have insufficient levels of this “sunshine vitamin” which can lead to implications on overall health and wellness. Vitamin D is strongly associated with several health conditions including immunity, bone development, mood and cognition. Just what I need, to get angrier and loopier so I can make more typos.

To help combat the widespread effects of Vitamin D deficiency, Neuro has created NeuroSun a natural, delicious, tropical-flavored drink designed to provide all the benefits of Vitamin D without the harmful UV rays of the sun.  

It's packed with 1000 IU of Vitamin D in each bottle to protect the immune system, increase bone, heart and muscle health, naturally enhance mood and provide raw materials for the brain to function more efficiently.

I recently got a swig of NeuroSun at the Ifabbo event and I'm hooked.  It tastes a bit like 21st century pineapple juice, whatever that means, and I can imagine it chilling on ice with vodka, for a low-cal vitamin infused cocktail.  Now that's what I call drinking my vitamins and having them too.

NeuroSun provides the recommended daily dose of Vitamin D, all packaged in a 100% very sexy, recyclable bottle.

I'm also obsessed with their not so regular regular water called NeuroAqua.  I'm able to down and entire bottle in like, 5 seconds. My husband too. We're are dumbfounded.  How can that be? Why does this water taste so good? So smooth? Is that even possible? I guess so. Love.

Dying to try the NeuroGasm for obvious reasons.  And the one for sleep, sonic, sport.

I like the Trim and Bliss too.

Check out more of the line here.  

http://drinkneuro.com/

KOI's new Skinny Menu. Delish fare, all under 300 cals. - Dani Klein Modisett reports!

The Steamed Chilian Sea Bass part of KOI's new Skinny Menu

Written by Dani Klein Modisett

When it comes to eating in restaurants I usually struggle with more than one deadly sin. First up is envy, since I always want what you ordered. Then, to keep my green monster quiet, I eat twice as much as everyone seated.  Hello, gluttony! After this, I stumble slothfully to my car, often falling asleep in the passenger seat . Charming.

Imagine my delight then at having the great good fortune to be eating at Koi on La Cienaga with Emily for the big reveal their new Skinny Menu.  Loved this name, even more so after scarfing down half portions (100-150 calories out of 300 total per item) of Koi’s vibrant and lush-tasting four course meal. First up was the Tuna and Tofu Caprese (171 calories), then ocean fresh Salmon Spring Rolls (under 200 cals.) stuffed with melt in your mouth raw fish and some roughly 10 calorie avocado cubes, wrapped in lettuce and served with a Cilantro Tofu dipping sauce. Next the adorable chef Robb hand delivered a sumptuous Steamed Chilean Sea Bass with shitake mushrooms and grape tomatos (271 cals.).

Em and I found ourselves wondering if it’s more calories when you lick the plate.  The meal ended with three scoops of lively fruit sorbet (under 200 cals.).  We were very happy eaters.   Me even more than Emily because despite the highly glamorous setting and quite sensuous food, I managed to avoid all deadly sins.  No envy since we ate the same thing, and no gluttony because excess is not a choice on the “Live and Diet in LA” menu. Consequently, sloth never even had a chance.   A wonderful ambiance and health conscious food, I thought, what a great night out for the after-work-ladies-in-heels-and-suits-crowd.

And speaking of leaving the day behind, let me not forget to mention Koi’s low calorie cocktail options like the Lemon Crisp made with Hendrick’s Gin, fresh lemon wedges, lime juice and cucumber (145 calories!) and another made with fresh hot tea, Sake and something else that Em learned about from the bartender.  He told her it was a big hit but typical calorie cops that we are, we didn't order either because we wanted to save our calories for food.

Please Note: Lower calories doesn’t mean lower prices and Koi is high-end restaurant. But if you are looking for a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy painlessly delicious diet food, this new menu at this tony West Hollywood restaurant is definitely worth checking out.

Obligatory celebs spotting scarfing the skinny meal at KOI ::  Lea Michele, Karina Smirnoff, Ashley Greene, Joe Jonas, Colin Farrell, Avril Lavigne, Brody Jenner, Mel B, Ali Fedotowsky, Katharine McPhee, and more...

KOI Los Angeles
730 North La Cienega Boulevard 
Los Angeles, CA 90069
Tel: +1.310.659.9449

 

Lemon Crisp

2 oz Hendricks Gin
3 Lemon Wedges
3 pieces Cucumber
∏ oz Fresh Lime Juice
2 oz Soda
In a martini shaker, muddle lemon and cucumber. Add Gin and Lime Juice.  Shake vigorously and strain over fresh ice. Top with soda. Garnish with lemon twist and cucumber wheel.
Total Calories: 145

 http://www.koirestaurant.com/  KOI is in LA, NY, and Las Vegas

KOI’S STEAMED CHILEAN SEA BASS

 

Ingredients:

6-7oz Chilean Sea Bass

4-5 pieces Julienne Ginger (matchstick size)

½ cup thinly sliced Shitake Mushrooms

5 Cilantro Leaves

½ Scallion thinly cut on the bias

2 Cherry Tomatoes cut in half

1-2 tbsp Soy Sauce

1 tsp Sesame Chili Oil (if can’t be found, Sesame Oil will work)

Garnish with Coriander Sprouts or 2-3 Cilantro Leaves

 

Instructions:

1. Place Sea Bass, in casserole dish small enough to fit inside steamer basket, and top with ginger and shiitake mushrooms. Place inside steamer basket over simmering water and cover. Let steam for 15-20 minutes or until fish is cooked.
2. Meanwhile heat sesame oil until it begins to smoke. Turn off heat and place to the side (to be used at end).
3. Remove casserole dish from steamer and place Sea Bass and mushrooms, saving the cooking juices that developed, in serving bowl.
4. Pour the cooking liquid on top.
5. Place the cherry tomatoes around the sea bass and add soy sauce. Top sea bass with cilantro, scallions and drizzle hot sesame oil on top of the greens releasing their aromatics and oils.
6. Garnish with coriander sprouts.

 

Written by: Dani Klein Modisett producer/author

Dani Klein Modisett - writer/performer, author/editor  "Afterbirth...stories you won't read in a parenting magazine."  Dani has been producing "Afterbirth...," a show where actors and writers tell original, laugh out loud stories about how becoming parents changed them forever, for 8 years in LA and around the country.  This year she launched a new live show in LA called "Not What I Signed Up For" with funny stories about marriage.  She is also a contributor to Parents Magazine and sometimes shows up on TV selling bank products or laundry soap.  

"Afterbirth..." www.afterbirthstories.com 213-840-6798 

 

IZO CLEANZE you cleaned me up real good.

I DID it.

I mean, almost.  (It's only 3:42.  No, 3:43...and counting).

Day 3 of Izo Cleanze and let me tell you - I get it now, folks.

Cuz yesterday I didn't so much.   They say day 2 of a cleanse can be hardest and it was. My head was pounding on and off and not from being hungry, friends.  I was never hungry for a minute on the cleanse because there is simply SO MUCH to drink (in fact both days I couldn't even finish everything!)

It was the caffeine withdrawal that was sending me into a tizzy.  But when I woke up today, I was totally jazzed and ready to go.  I'm talking Freaky Super Energized.  I've only ever been that jazzed when I'm on my 2nd cup of coffee at 6:45 am.

On my first two days of the cleanse I just wanted to sleep and eat (and guess what,  I DID eat, some salads and raw foods)   And sleep I did.  And it was amazing.  I passed out at 8 and had the best sleep I've had in months.   Same with last night.

Today I've felt insanely awesome, not to mention acclimated to drinking all day.  I now get it when Tim, the creator of the cleanse, says that once you get over the initial hump, it becomes a breeze.

I made sure to get a seriously brilliant lymph drain with Lynn Banfi at Per Amore in Bevvy Hills.  She went over my entire body with her machines to help flush the toxins out, out, out of my bod.

Am I still looking forward to coffee first thing in the morning?

What do you think I'm crazy?  HELLS YAH!  Will I feel totally guilty about it , knowing that I am off the stuff and can do without it now?  YES!  But is a three day IZO CLEANZE every few months a great way to pay the caffeine and Splenda addiction piper?  I think it's a start!    Baby steps, peeps, baby steps.

Most importantly IZO stopped me in my tracks from picking up a filthy habit of bumming cigs from my neighbor.  Cleaned me out and made me feel like a total ass for putting that crap into my body in the first place.  THANK YOU!!

Izo Cleanse was the perfect kick in the ass to get me thinking and feeling like a healthy person.

Oh and my skin is mad-glowing for all the vitamins jam packed in the juices.  YAY!

www.izocleanze.com

 

** update....just broke the cleanse with coffee, splenda and sugar free vanilla syrup.  wanna puke.  feel totally sick. huge mistake.  why on earth didn't i just stay clean and pure?!!

Toxic dump that is my body, watch out. IZO CLEANSE here I come!

 

Lemonade cleanse?  Get real, peeps.

You know I don't mess around with any bull when it comes to...well, anything.

 

Mama needs to cleanse.  You know it's time to clean out when your not-yet 5 five year old thinks your favorite food is coffee and your brain is so fried from dumping crap into your body that your posts are filled with typos.

Prob is, pure and simple - I love to EAT.  I think I lasted two hours on that ridic maple syrup, lemon and cayenne pepper bulldinky once, ten years ago.  I'm also a grazer and need to be downing something at least every couple of hours.

In walks, no delivers (to my doorstep), the mother-lode of all cleanses.  The grand-puba.

That's right.  I'm going full tilt boogie starting Monday with the iZO CLEANZE.

Why?  Because it's not a juice fast, but a juice FEAST.  I'm going to be drinking these divine superfood custom formulated raw, vegan, organic juices every couple of hours. And I've been assured by the brilliantly educated on all things health/cleanse related Timothy Martin, who created this, that I will not be, my most hated word in the English language, hungry.

I've sampled them before and they are so insanely yummy, I'm really thinking I CAN DO THIS!!!  

I am dying of excitement.  I'm not sure if I'm gonna make 5 days, let alone 3, but I'm gonna go for it like nobody's bizzy. My body and brain so need a break from the crap (you so don't wanna know)  that I've been inhaling that it's literally crying out: GIMME A FRICKEN BREAK, YO!

Ok, ok, I hear ya!

Wish me luck. 

I'm going to be filling you in throughout the week. 

In the meantime, I challenge anyone to get going on this with me?!

If you want to, hit me up!!  Maybe I'll see if we can get you some kind of Groomed L.A. special!

Until I start on Monday, I'm eating nothing but icing, downing coffee, margaritas, popping Ativan and smoking my brains out.  

Kidding!  I've got 2 kids! (But it does sound disturbingly fun, doesn't it?)

 

iZO Juice Red - Our speciality sweet blend of delicious fruits and vegetables.

iZO Juice Green - A refreshing, sugar-free blend of greens.

iZO Juice SuperGreen - A Master blend of algae, seaweed, and botanicals mixed in iZO Juice Green.

iZO Pro Almond Milk - Scrumptious almond milk with a protein and kidney cleansing superfood added.

iZO Lemonade - Tasty, sugar-free blend of the Master Cleanse lemonade.

iZO Tea: Purify - Powerful Taoist tea for cleansing the blood, liver, and lymph.

iZO Tea: Replenish - Kidney-rejuvenating, anti-aging herbal tea.

iZO Tea: Activate - Spleen-activating, chi-circulating tea.

iZO Tea: Elevate - Reishi mushroom-based Chakra-cleansing tea.

iZO Liver Detox - Powerful blend of liver cleansing antioxidants.

iZO LAX - Gentle, non-habit forming herbal laxative.

iZO Detoxo - Special formulation of fermented Chlorella for heavy metal cleansing. Available only with the Heavy Metal add-on.

iZO Sponge - Designed to draw-in and absorb poisons from the bowel. Available only with the Heavy Metal add-on.

iZO Juice SuperRoot - Deeply nutritive and grounding blend of roots, seeds, herbs, and probiotics mixed in our refreshing green juice.Available only with the Sugarfree and Superfood Plus add-on.

iZO Juice SuperFruit - Potent combination of nature's most nutritive fruits blended in our tasty red juice. Available only with the Superfood Plus add-on.

iZO Parasite Purge - Potent parasite cleansing formula.Available only with the Parasite Purge add-on.

 

 

 

 

 

What's better than kitchen beauty perfection? Lulu Powers shares her Top Kitchen Picks with us (and some yummy recipes.)

I have a fantasy life where I'm different really cool people.  Lulu Powers is someone I work into heavy fantasy rotation.  

Tastemaker, chef, style monger, author, and all around maker of a waaayyy more beautiful life, the lovely Lulu shares with us her fave kitchen essentials, easily accessible to us all (yes, even us) and yay, a couple of elegant recipes.

At night I troll her blog on my ipad in hopes that some of her magic sparkle beautiful life dust will rub off on me.

Until then, some of this stuff below it totally do-able!

 

1. Mrs. Meyers countertop geranium spray - I like to clean my counters with this and it smells good to boot.

http://www.thisnext.com/item/EBD8A987/FD809FDA/Mrs-Meyers-Counter-Top

2. Le Crueset pot - I love it, use it for soups, braising, slow cooking and it goes in the oven.

 

http://www.thisnext.com/item/490B9BFD/D76D3D5B/Le-Creuset-Cooking-Pot

3.     8 inch pink kitchen aid knife - the knife benefits breast cancer and it's the perfect size! 

                             
http://www.thisnext.com/item/9275622D/5D387344/KitchenAid-Cook-For-The-Cure

4.  Kerr mason jars in all sizes – I use them to store everything. You can even use them as candle holders or a cocktail shaker.

                               

http://www.thisnext.com/item/0D86A8C9/E1BDBD5B/Kerr-Mason-Jars

5. Cucina fragrant kitchen spray in ginger & sicilia lemon - I love the smell of this and like to spray it in my kitchen after I cook or spray it around the house before guests are coming

http://www.thisnext.com/item/CF51B2C7/4BA53A8C/Cucina-Fragrant-Kitchen-Spray

And here are two easy-to-prepare appetizer recipes that Lulu wanted to share:
 
Parmesan Pea Dip
Ingredients
2 cups frozen petite peas, thawed, divided
1 cup (4 oz.) Sargento® Artisan Blends® Shredded Parmesan Cheese, divided
1 cup frozen shelled edamame beans, thawed
1 cup fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup parsley
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 teaspoon maple syrup or dash of hot sauce
1/2 cup olive oil
32 rice crackers
Directions
1.            Put 1-1/2 cups peas and all other ingredients except 1/2 cup cheese in food processor and process until consistency is mostly smooth.
2.            Add remaining peas. Pulse briefly to desired consistency.
3.            Spread on rice crackers and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
 
Apple Cheddar Rye Puffs
Ingredients
1 Granny Smith apple, cored, peeled and finely chopped
1 cup (4 oz.) Sargento® Artisan Blends® Shredded Double Cheddar Cheese
3 Tbsp. mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. honey
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp. caraway seeds
1 loaf mini rye bread
Freshly ground pepper
Directions
1.            Preheat oven to 375° F.
2.            Cut rounds out of rye bread using a 2-inch cookie cutter. Bake 5 minutes or until lightly toasted. Turn toasts over.
3.            Combine remaining ingredients. Spread 1 scant tablespoon on each toast and bake for 10 minutes more. Serve warm.

GO GREEN for the Holidays, and reduce more than your carbon footprint.

Dr. Harriette Mogul, endocrinologist and author of Syndrome W: A Woman’s Guide to Reversing Midlife Weight Gain  (a metabolic condition caused by an abnormality in insulin levels that is commonly found in women ages 30-60+ who are experiencing midlife weight gain) talks to Groomed L.A. about eating green this month to keep holiday weight gain in check. 

            ********

 ‘Tis the season and all, but even the most disciplined dieters will find temptation in every corner.  Chances are, like most Americans, you’ll add a few extra pounds this month and awaken on New Year’s Day with more than a hangover. So, let’s get some guidelines to keep down the damage.

Green foods are typically high in anti-oxidants and low in calories with a high fiber content that helps make you feel full.  Can you even think of a green food that’s fattening?  Other than green eggs (with apologies to Dr. Seuss) or that green colored frosting on cupcakes ( now the latest high calorie, single serving craze) that emerges pre St Patrick’s Day, green foods are typically high on the health index.

So seek out some green at the party scene and at the supermarket.  

Getting Greens:

1. Spinach is at the top of my Green List. Baby spinach, now available in pre-washed bags, is a great source of nutrients.  Its mild flavor makes it a great base for salads.

You can steam it with just a bit of lowfat margarine or add it to a pot of boiling pasta for a final minute before draining the contents.  Voila!  Lots of vitamins for very little effort.  

The Simple Savory Spinach below is one of my staples when I enter diet mode.  You can consume considerable quantities of this almost-comfort-food guilt-free.  Add it to grilled chicken breasts or salmon filets for a flavorful, easily prepared, ultra-low-calorie meal.  Frozen spinach is inexpensive and available all year long.

2. Other go-to greens for me include asparagus, bok choy, broccoli, chard, collard greens, edamame, green peppers, kale, and string beans. All are versatile and some work raw as well as cooked.

3. Avocado, while not low in calories, is increasingly recommended as a healthy form of fat. In fact, recent research suggests that avocado may be one of the newest brain foods.  Sliced avocado is an excellent substitute for higher calorie mayonnaise and other dressings on a sandwich and guacamole is one of the tastiest and healthiest of all Holiday dips. 

SIMPLE SAVORY SPINACH

Ingredients:

2  10-ounce packages frozen chopped spinach

1 large slice of onion or 2 shallots

½ teaspoon salt (sea salt if available)

¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper (about 20-30 turns of most pepper mills)

1/3 cup of low fat plain yogurt.

Freshly grated nutmeg (optional)

1.  Microwave spinach until defrosted, and drain well.

2.  Pulse onion or shallot in a food processor until finely minced.

3.  Add remaining ingredients to food processor bowl and pulse for 1-2 minutes until pureed.

4.  Return spinach mixture to a 2-4 cup casserole or serving bowl, cover with microwaveable plastic wrap and warm in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.

 

Variations:

1. Substitute ¼ cup of lowfat ricotta cheese or 1/3 cup of non-dairy, tofu-based “sour cream” (Sour Supreme®) for the yogurt.

2. Substitute ¼ cup of lowfat ranch or cucumber salad dressing for the yogurt.

3. Substitute 2 tablespoons of lowfat tub margarine (such as Earth Balance®, Smart Balance®) for the yogurt.

4. Season with ¼ teaspoon garlic salt, juice from 1 lemon, a few sprigs of fresh dill or cilantro or 1 tablespoon of dried dill weed in place of the nutmeg.

5. Substitute 1 10 ounce package of frozen broccoli florets or collard greens for 1 of the spinach packages.

Note: this can be made in advance and also freezes well.

 Makes 2-4 servings

 

Utilizing what she coined as the “Mogul Protocol,” a combination of a widely used diabetes drug, metformin, along with the “Carb-Modified Diet,” Dr. Mogul discovered that obesity in insulin-resistant women can be reversed so that women can regain the waistline of their youth and live healthier, happier lives.  A self-described “happy diet” doctor, Dr. Mogul has treated hundreds of women at the full spectrum of weight extremes who are frustrated that no diet and exercise program has worked to help them lose weight and keep it off. To learn more about her book go here: http://www.rlpgtrade.com/mevans/syndromew.html

 

CHOCOLATE FETISH? COCO-ZEN'S GOT YOU COVERED

From chocolate body scrubs, bath salts, lotions soaps and lip glosses to truffles both vegan and regular, this line of organic, fair trade chocolate treats is so home made you feel like someone personally crafted it for you.

I really didn't think there was anything better that you could do with chocolate than eat it but it turns out that wearing it is pretty intoxicating too. 

COCO-ZEN is a bonanza for freaks like me.

The lotion is now my bedside go to and the dark truffles?  Well, that tin of 8 lasted all of about one day in my house.

Go crazy with your chocolate bad self here.

Even better, order a treat for the chocolate junkie in your life.

How does this sound?

 

Truffles-To-Share: 12-Piece

No fancy packaging here... just 12 pieces of our large dessert truffles nestled in a recyclable and biodegradable carton made of recycled paper pulp, ready to share with friends and family.

Choose either single flavor or sampler:
- Original Signature Sampler
  (Chai, Mint, Orange & Dk Choc - 3pcs each)
- Summer Berries Sampler
  (Strawberry & Raspberry - 6pcs each)
- Classic Nut Butter Sampler
  (Almond, Hazelnut, Peanut - 4pcs each)

Please Note: Our large dessert truffle "balls" are similar to traditional "French truffles", in which the ganache centers are made with fresh organic heavy cream. While the high cream content makes our truffles a truly rich and decadent treat, it also makes them perishable with a limited shelf life. We recommend shipping our truffles via Priority Mail and refrigerating them within 2-3 days upon receipt if not consumed. If refrigerated, our truffles will remain fresh for up to 10 days.

PRICE:

$25.00  $29.00 Almond Nut Butter $28.00 Classic Nut Butter Sampler $29.00 Hazelnut Butter $27.00 Summer Berries Sampler (summer only)

There IS a way to have your cake and eat it too this Thanksgiving. And ever day there-after.

In the land of the Thin and Thinner it's just plain unfair when you need to make love to a pint of ice-cream once in a while like all normal people who use food to de-stress, but the morning after self-loathing is just...too...much.  Have you been to Equinox?  It's like an open call for a fitness infomercial. You wanna keep up?  Then get yourself to therapy or O.A. if you think you can spiral that out of control as to down a pint of ice-cream to wash away the disappointment of blowing that audition,  again.   Nope, in this town you have to be on top of your game at all times.  You use you lose.  And not weight, but that job, that guy, that opportunity that was given to the skinny girl.  (Uh, this is sounding really personal...hmm...wonder why).

Which totally sucks.  

We may live in L.A. but we are human after all.  And part of being human is sitting in front of the t.v. and downing a pint of ice-cream while watching "In Treatment" or "The League" and not giving a flying shit about anything.  Good luck, right?

Until now.

Cuz there's ARCTIC ZERO.

The frozen dessert that's 150 calories a pint.

Yeppie, you heard me.

I told Vital Juice about this a few months ago and ever since then Erewhon has been stocking up on all the flavors. (Hands down it's Cookies and Cream, Coffee and Mint Chocolate).

This stuff is GOOOD.  Does it taste like Ben and Jerry's?  What do you think?

Does it do the job and then some?  Yes.  

OH!  And it's healthy.  As in no fat, protein rich, high fiber, low glycemic, lactose free, gluten free and I cannot believe it's taken this long to create something like this.  WTF?!

Buy it here. Thank me later.

Blog love of the week...and it's about my OTHER favorite subject.

FOOD.

THE KITCHY KITCHEN by Claire Thomas is a visual love poem to food. 

Claire is a  supermodel personal chef, food stylist and photographer and I can get lost forever in the beauty of this blog. Take a look, learn about a million little yummy places you didn't know existed in L.A.  Ponder how she can be so skinny and gorgeous and still bake her brains out. 

And if you don't know about her Dolly Cakes then here ya go.  She bakes high fashion cakes, like this one below...a tribute to Alexander McQueen .

High fashion meets decadent edibles.  Does it get any better than that?

BISTRO MD - Delish diet delivery. Wait, did I say 'diet' ? Way too yummy for that word that shall never be uttered!

Yes, that's me - home delivery diet junkie.  

I had to take a break from my beloved Medizone while recovering from surgery as I need to be supplement-free for a while.  Obvi, I worried this would wreck havoc on my post-baby-lose-the-weight-mission - espesh since I can't do much physical activity for a while (elliptical and hernia surgery do not a match in heaven make).

So, this week I'm devouring BISTRO MD, doctor designed gourmet meals so that I can stay on a strict program, not have to do too much (or, er, any) work planing healthy, lo-cal, lo-fat meals and enjoy a care-free week of 1 to 2 pounds of weight loss. 

So far, I'm hooked.  A weeks worth of ready-to-micro food came a few days ago in a giant dry-ice-packed freezer.  Yummies like Buckwheat Pancakes,  Chicken Marsala Risotto, Carmelized Vegetable and 3 Bean Burrito  are all as good as they sound.   My High Protein Bagel with Egg White and Canadian Bacon this morn was satisfying and delish.  

If you've even done diet delivery than you must know that what you usually get is expensive airline style food from the 70's.   Everything here is hand prepared using the finest ingredients, all customizable to you and you can work with your very own dietitian (via email or phone)  to tweak the meals to your liking (or disliking) or go over any questions or concerns you may have.

This morn I had a question about snacks.  I wrote Christy.  And within minutes a PDF arrived in my inbox with my snack options.

But really it's about : HOW DOES IT TASTE?!! 

GREAT!

And that's the bottom line.  Because it it doesn't then it'll never work. 

Alas, Bistro MD has broken the mold...

Let'cha know how things progress!

Oh!   And 5 days of meals without snacks is only $129!

Not bad for a quick hit of weight loss, I'd say.

 

USE COUPON CODE "GroomedLA" UPON CHECKOUT FOR 10% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER!! 

 CALL  1-866-401-DIET 

 

 

Yummy and healthy home delivery - this one Vegan gourmet! GOBBLE GREEN.

I'm always on the lookout for a great home delivery food service, either because I'm due for a week of serious nutrition monitoring (read:  no hassle dieting) or simply because as a mom of a four year old and four month old, I'm too beat to cook.  

One of my editors told me about GOBBLE GREEN - a vegan, gourmet delivery service.  For the record, I'm far from vegan but when I can take a break from meat, dairy and the like my body (and conscience) thank me!

Last night I received a box of vegan goodies on dry ice to throw in my freezer.  I tore threw the desserts (a divine brownie, fyi) before they defrosted and pounded them in no time.  Uh, yum.  Then I heated up some of the other deliciously tasty offerings and I was in full on vegan-ecstasy.  Tonight I heated the pizza, quiche, kung pao chicken and alool matar for the hubby and I.  Everything was tasty and we cleaned slash licked our plates. Once again, neither of us vegans!  Just very satisfied healthy home-delivery diners.

Check out the website for more fun offerings like THE GYM a virtual fitness portal.  Yup, you heard me. A customized personal training and nutrition program can be designed for you.

Gobble Green is clearly all about being healthy.  They offer several different customized meal plans for weight loss as well.

If home delivery and being a healthy animal-free eater is your thing, then Gobble Green is your thang.

Here, just salivate to these pix below...

 

Walking the Red Carpet with RED CARPET CLEANSE

Fall fashion is in full force. Faux fur, chunky knits, velvet leggings, oh my!!! Unfortunately for me, after a summer of wining and dining (Church & State is my current obsession), my body is in full figure. Time to detox!

I enjoy doing detoxes a few times throughout the year, mostly to shed a couple of pounds of holiday excess or to slip effortlessly into my favorite pair of skinny jeans before a weekend away. But detoxes are also a great way to get my caffeine, alcohol, dairy, and processed foods intake in-check.

Enter Red Carpet Cleanse.

Red Carpet Cleanse is a daily home delivery, custom-prepared raw juice diet that boasts healthy concoctions with hip L.A. names. Think “Rawkstar Smoothie” (kale, mango, cinnamon, almond milk, stevia and sea salt), “Liquid Churro Smoothie” (Cashews, vanilla and cinnamon) and my personal favorite, “Ace of Blades” (cucumber, celery, lemon, ginger, apple). The diet consists of six drinks a day – I did it for three days -- and as much water and green tea as you crave. It’s easy, healthy and delicious. It goes without saying, with Red Carpet Cleanse, as with any diet, it all comes down to will power. If you can stick to it, you will see – and feel – major result. I felt totally satisfied, lost four pounds in one week, and my skin was somehow... brighter.

And now, back to those leggings…

xo Natasha B.

RAWvolution - DELICIOUS DELIVERED (PART ONE)

It’s been heating up the past couple weeks and, though I consider myself hands-on in the kitchen, the last thing I want to do in 90 degree weather is turn on the stove. And with bikini season here, forget pizza and Chinese food. This month, I decided to order-in L.A. style.

RAWvolution

I heard Alicia Silverstone and Cher were fans of RAWvoulution, an all-raw food-delivery service, so I decided to give it a try. After all, Silverstone has boasted for years now about how adopting a “Kind” vegan diet is responsible for everything from her glowing skin to a major boost in energy. And Cher’s body is sick. How could I not give it a try?

I must admit, I was skeptical. Rawvolution boasts delicious, gourmet, organic, vegan food conveniently delivered to your door. Organic and vegan? Great. But delicious and gourmet? I don’t think so. I’m a serious carnivore, so the idea of going RAW felt, how do I say this, somewhat… depressing. I prepared myself for a bland week of celery and carrot sticks.

To my complete surprise, my “box” arrived and, it was the complete opposite of bland. It was, in fact, both delicious and gourmet! My box consisted of two soups, four entrees, four side dishes and two desserts. My favorite dishes were the mediterranean tabouli, simple kale salad, mock tuna salad, and especially the chocolate torte balls, made from almonds, coconut, raw coconut nectar, cacao and olive oil. Everything was delish! And the best part was it was 100% guilt-free.

I did have quite a bit of energy that week and not a blemish in sight. Maybe Alicia’s onto something! As for my body? There was a definite improvement, but, for now I’ll leave the sheer black bodysuits to Cher.

xx, Natasha

Customer Service 1-800-9976-RAW 

Order the Box

It's easy to order The Box. Set-up a free account in just a few easy steps!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Calling all Herbal Teas Heads! This place is for you. SUPPLE SKIN BOUTIQUE

The SUPPLE SKIN BOUTIQUE sells A ZILLION  healing teas for skin and health, I'm talking hundreds such as Antioxidants Teas, Whole Health Teas , Detox & Cleanse Teas, Weight loss Teas, Skin Drama Teas, Spa Solutions Teas, Skin Herbal Powders, Skin Trends Teas, Skin Herbal Teas, Skin Tea La La's ... if tea is your thing than you've hit the mothership.

(TAKE A PEEK HERE)

You can also make up your own concoctions based on your needs, acne, weight loss, dry skin, etc... (they will help you with this) and they sell all the accessories you may need to brew a healing cup for yourself like cast iron pots, filters, etc. They also sell a ton of tea supplements and powders. 

If tea is your thing you will lose your mind with this family owned and run tea company from Houston Texas. Their over-all philosophy incorporates a comprehensive view of beauty looking at the whole person from the inside out - including  health, spiritual wellness and balance.  They even share monthly juicing recipes and have in store mental detox activities for their local customers. Why isn't this place around the block from me?

They also sell a few lovely homemade BATH and BODY products rich in natural herbs and ingredients. I'm loving their Scar Reduction Oil. 

I just got a big package of Ginger (a great herb to promote balance, perfect for new moms), Weight-loss and Detox (combine a colon cleanse, skin care herbs to minimize mild blemishes and discoloration that occur during a cleanse, the weight loss has metabolism boosting fruits an herbs) and an Antioxidant Tea (a variety of herbs naturally containing a high concentration of antioxidants to maintain skin and hair health and fit oxidation that leads to aging )  waiting for me to try (some when I stop nursing). 

Now I just have to get off my coffee addiction and open up to some healthier ways of keeping my energy up during the day. ;)

www.suppleskinboutique.com 

 

YUMMM! And while you're at it, how 'bout some handmade Sugar Free - Gluten Free Organic Goodies? ELNA'S DELIGHTS - yummmm....

I love sugar.  I love gluten. 

So why do I still go all ga-ga over wheat free, sugar free, gluten free, raw foods and the like?

Maybe because I can have my cake and eat it too?  Yah!  That's it! 

When I heard about ELNA LEONARDO'S latest venture into artisan baking with natural and organic ingredients like almond flour, pure birch tree sugar and that she hand makes the yogurt (patiently fermented for 24 hours) that goes into her muffin loaves - I knew I had to go on a sampling spree of these goodies.  It doesn't hurt that that they are especially designed for the health conscious, gluten free savvy consumer.  So if you have gluten intolerance, wheat allergies, celiac, diabetes, calorie intake concerns or are on a candida cleanse - these treats are right up your alley.

And here's the deal.  They are YUMMY BEYOND!!!!!

I had a mini GREEN TEA COCOA CHIP MUFFIN LOAF and a BLONDE COCOA CHIP MUFFIN LOAF.

And when I say 'had' I mean, ate the whole thing within minutes of their arrival (ok, almost all, I do wanna save some for my 4 year old...she'll go nuts for them, after all they do have chips -unsweetened dark cacao nibs-  in them).

Oh darn!! I should have taken a pic before I ripped open the lovely packaging!! 

Next time, I'm just going to order one of each flavor (Cinnamon, Brunette Cocoa  - both with or without chips, Espresso Cocoa Chip and Matcha Green Tea)  because they are all so special, unique, made with love (you can feel it, I mean it!) and really guilt free.

At $8.50 for a mini loaf, you just got order a few of these babies yourself and go to town on them.

You can buy them here with a push of a button.  Yummm!.... :)

NutriFit- Yummiest home diet delivery ever!

I've tried them all...ya know...the ones where you pay and arm and a leg for a home-diet-delivery food thingie so you can lose a few pounds and not have to think about what to eat while doing so but you end up eating all the food before noon because there's no there there to eat and it's so bad you end up gaining weight because not only do you eat the unsatisfying overly priced food, but anything and everything else that isn't nailed down to the kitchen. Hopefully you don't know what I'm talking about because up until NurtiFit, meal service has been nothing but a depressing waste of money and calories for me.

So, on a fluke I discovered Jackie Kellers NutriFit.   www.NUTRIFITONLINE.com (NUTRIFIT ONLINE)  Now, I'm pregnant so I'm not in the lose weight department right now but I am in the holy crap, I'm gaining weight way too fast I forgot how to eat department.  I thought a couple of days of nutritionist approved meals might be a great way to get me on track, create a template for future meals, and sllooowww down the non-baby weight unnecessary weight gain that's come from the nightly 2-4 Tofutti Cuties in a row, chowing on things when I really don't want them and a general what's wrong with cookies for breakfast, I'm pregnant" mode of thinking.

I ordered a few days of NUTRIFIT'S MEAL DELIVERY, bracing myself for drabby meals, soggy fruit salad and the quintessential two almond snack.  

WOW - was I in for a shock.  This food is INCREDIBLE!!!  First of all I was afraid of starving.  Even with controlled portions, and all meant for a preggo mama, I was still afraid there wouldn't be enough. Uh, wrong. And take it from me, cause I'm a serious eater, this food is not only as yummy as it sounds (Cheese and Vegetable Phylo, Cheese Crumb Cake, Greek Quesadilla, Nine-LAyer Mediterranean Snack) but it is seriously filling!  So much so that I even wrote in to see how many calories I was getting because I thought it might be too much.  But no, it's just right (around 1750 per day for me).  I am telling you I have never experienced diet delivery like this and I've tried all the fancy ones - trust me this one is worth every penny.  

Anyway, I have a few more days left and it's been like an eating 101 for me - portion control, carb to fat to protein ratio, how to devise a meal to feel satisfied, etc. I know now for sure what I'm doing as soon as this baby pops out. I'm going to do a 30 day post baby program with Nurtifit and def getting Jackie's  BODY AFTER BABY book to keep me on track.  Suddenly, I don't feel so friggen terrified about all this baby weight because I know I'll have a safe and yummy plan to lose it!  Hey, maybe I'll even do a week by week post on how I'm doing with it, photos and all...Ok, I'm getting a little carried away here. But you get the point. This food is incredible and doable and that's all that matters.

Jackie is the real deal...Not only a Cordon Bleu trained chef, but a leading wellness and health expert. 

Jackie Keller

Jackie and her partner/husband Phil Yaney, formed NutriFit LLC in 1987. NutriFit specializes in fresh, gourmet, customized and delivered meal programs that are tailored to accommodate an individual's health and lifestyle needs. Their goal is to promote long-term health by providing full service nutritional support, including delicious, gourmet meals, wellness coaching, and health-related products.
NutriFit manages hundreds of clients' personal preferences and health issues. With over 2,200 NutriFit recipes, "we are far from your standard catering company," says Jackie. "Ours is a comprehensive approach to understanding the needs of each client - taking into account their goals, nutritional needs, allergies, likes and dislikes, exercise regimen and family health history."

Jackie's father passed away from a heart attack when she was just a teenager. She has made it her mission to help people live longer and healthier lives. "I have a personal commitment to help people circumvent heart disease and other chronic ailments," she explains. "It drives almost everything I do. It is my passion."

As a certified wellness coach, Jackie conducts one-on-one sessions both in person and virtually, during which clients set achievable goals in six "wellness" areas: fitness, weight, nutrition, stress, health, and the life issues that impact health. Over the course of three months, she reports that clients typically reach 80% of their first priority goals and more than 70% of second priority goals.

Jackie holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern California, and received her culinary training from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France.

Health and Nutrition Counseling with Margaret Floyd

I finally realized that woman, uh okay, I, cannot exist on coffee, protein bars, Splenda and dark chocolate alone.  No, I need subsistence.  And veggies.

So I sought out much desperately needed help from a nutritionist everyone is buzzing about.

MARGARET FLOYD

www.margaretfloyd.com

Margaret is much more than a nutritionist.  She overhauls one's food and nutrition to address what may be ailing your poor body/mind/spirit.  She works holistically to get an overall picture, the entire story. This means that you not only record a full food diary before she can evaluate/addresses the issues as to why you may be feeling a particular way (tired in the afternoons, unable to sleep well, edgy in the mornings, etc.)  but she also asks for an emotional report of how each food makes you feel.  And I was feeling like crap when I dragged my lethargic tuchus to Margaret's office.

Margaret and I worked together on my food diary to break down and understand the obvious nutritional gaps.  Then we made a game plan on how to deal with the problems in a that would work for me. First thing I had to get off sugar. Ten Splendas a day were wrecking havoc on my adrenal system, causing major energy dips, night sweats and more cravings for more sugar.  It was pretty ugly.  After she tested my entire body (a 'functional evaluation" it's called) she pinpointed several depleted areas like my gall bladder and some other places I can't pronounce. We devised a rather regimented sugar reduction diet for two weeks that I was more than psyched up for.  There were several supplements to accompany these first two weeks and I happily obliged. 

Margaret is all about real, whole foods and eating in the purest and most natural way. I was all about chemicals and faux-substitutes like Molly McButter and I Can't Believe It's not Butter.  It was a real paradigm shift and one that months later I am still adhering to.  She is also just a ridiculously lovely person who makes you feel so taken care of.  She was always  avail for a phone-in-chat and emailed me to check up on me throughout the entire process.  Her work is ever evolving and she is always finding new and creative ways to expand her vision, including personal trainers to help define and reach one's goals.  

If you are in need of a food/health/life shift, then Margaret is your go-to-girl.  She is sensitive to your lifestyle needs, creates realistic, attainable goals and will reorganize your diet to reflect a simple, nutritional whole way of eating that for me, has now become a life plan, not just a quick fix.

She also does a follow up where you can check in twice a month and she will tweak and adjust your nutrition lifestyle as our lives are ever evolving and so too are our needs in these departments!

Here, in her own words is the knowledge and passion she has to offer:

I believe in Real Food: nutrient dense, whole foods, properly prepared.

What that means is that I believe in eating foods as close to their original and natural source as possible:

 

• Fresh, local, organic vegetables and fruits;
• Whole, unprocessed grains; 
• Healthy protein from animals raised in their natural environment (wild fish, and meat, eggs and dairy from pastured animals who’ve eaten what they’re biologically designed to eat out in the wild, not the industrial feedlot fare that fills most of the shelves at the grocery store); and
• Healthy, real fats.

 

But fear not. If this sounds like a drastic change from what you're currently eating, know that my approach is to take things one step a time, with simple changes integrated at a pace that's comfortable to you.

 

This is not another crash diet. This is a way of life structured around healthy food habits that you can adopt both for yourself and those around you. Your whole family will benefit from these healthy habits, and by adopting them you just well might discover that it’s not only weight you shed… you just might find that your nagging chronic sinus infection goes away… that you’re not as susceptible to colds and flus… that you have more energy, even in the middle of the afternoon!... that you look and feel great all the time!

 

I work with several basic premises:  

 

• Eating should be a fun, pleasurable experience, and above all, what you eat should be tasty. Tasty doesn’t have to mean it’s bad for you; tasty can be healthy and nutritious. Let’s re-define tasty together.
• Eating is about nourishment, not deprivation. Your food plan should be the same, even when you’re shedding pounds or addressing a health concern… in fact, especially in these instances.
• We are what we eat, so let’s choose wisely, keeping it simple and going back to the basics.
• Every one of us is unique, so no one diet works for everyone. We'll find what works for you specifically, and develop a food plan around your body's bioindividuality.

 

• Identify and clarify your health goals and your life goals.
• Identify the perceived barriers in achieving those goals, and create a plan to get you there.
• Look at what you're eating, how you're eating, and what role food plays in your life.
• Determine how well your body is digesting and absorbing the foods you do eat.
• Formulate a plan to enhance your body's natural abilities to fuel your system.
• Understand the role of cravings, their root cause, and what they're telling you.
• Change your relationship with food!
• Learn easy, quick and fun new ways of preparing food that are delicious, nutritious and fast.
•    
•  

• 1214 23rd St, 2nd floor  
• Santa Monica, CA  90404    
• margaret.floyd@gmail.com 
•