It may be easy to get your fruit quota for the day, but for most of us, getting enough veggies requires more effort. Or, it used to!  It's easy to 'veggie up' with our organic virgin Mary − it's loaded with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. In fact, happy hour has never been happier!

Use seasonal ripe tomatoes and cucumber to make this deluxe savory smoothie!  

I was chatting with a friend the other day; she's a runner who absolutely depends on early morning miles for her sanity. But I had to laugh as she described her "morning laziness." How she literally has to drag herself out of a stupor to get started with her workout routine a routine she knows will pump her with endorphins and literally have her running down the street smiling.

"So how and when does your transition occur?" I asked.

"When I step into my closet." she responded. "As soon as I put on my running clothes, I am energized. I have a pile of workout clothes that I love waiting for my run. And just the feel of them, makes me want to move!"

The psychology of dressing for success whether it's in the office or the gym is powerful. It seems obvious that if we are experiencing the blahs and we spend the day in old baggy sweats and a messy ponytail we will probably extend those doldrums; but if we put on an outfit we love, we might be tricked into feeling more confident, more...

Handfuls of deliciousness. Colorful gifts of the Gods. And each one has specific health boosting, nutritional benefits. Have I mentioned how much I love berries?!

Celebrated as major superfoods, berries are loaded with phytochemicals, antioxidants, and nutrients. They are low in calories, high in flavor, and an aesthetically pleasing addition to any table. With healing properties long known to Native Americans, berries have been incorporated into medicinal supplements for centuries.  And if you're not a berry fan yet, consider this: Studies indicate that raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, and blueberries may prevent or actually reverse aging effects, and arm us against heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, and even arthritis.  

And... there is evidence that they act as armor against Alzheimer's disease and other forms of mental decline! Barbara Shukitt-Hale (Ph.D.) and Marshall G. Miller's extensive research studies reflected in ACS' Journal of...

Fiber − it is absolutely critical for a healthy digestive tract. It expedites food's journey through our systems and stimulates healthy and regular elimination. Cellulose is the insoluble fiber found in fruits and veggies (and grasses and legumes). As our bodies absorb all the rich nutrients from these foods, the fiber passes through; and we stay regular, satisfied, and healthy. Go, balance!

But what happens in a culture obsessed with low-fat- high-fiber-instant gratification food? Manufacturers create their own version of cellulose. It replaces the plant-based fiber and is inexpensive... looking and tasting  just like fat! However, it contains a very low-fat content, fewer calories, and it's delicious! Sound like a win? Sure, if you want to eat wood. CHEMICALLY PROCESSED WOOD.

When you look at a label and find "cellulose" as an additive, chances are you will soon be dining on wood pulp. It adds a smoothing texture to many ice creams, and it extends the shelf life of food...

Cacao, in its natural (unprocessed) glory was revered by the ancient Mayans and Aztecs as currency... and even used as ritualistic offerings for the Gods. Enjoyed in moderation − and in its pure form − cacao boosts moods, relaxation, and feelings of bliss. Theobromine, cacao's non-addictive and natural stimulant, is closely related to caffeine and gives us a natural euphoric experience.

But that's not all − cacao has more than 300 naturally occurring chemicals  and antioxidants that are beneficial to our health. In addition to those feel good moments, cacao is packed with flavonoids, a heart-healthy plus.

We love this Cacao Smoothie − refreshing, satisfying, and so good for you!  

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond milk (*refer to our almond milk recipe, minus the pumpkin spice)
• 1 cup organic frozen fruit (pineapple, strawberries... get creative!)
• 2 tbsp raw cacao powder
• 1 tbsp almond butter (heart healthy)
• 1 tbsp flax seeds (awesome for Omega-3...

Now would be a good time to pipe in that Twilight Zone music.

Since March 17th is a few days behind us... well, the whole period from February 24 - March 17th... I'm ready to share a little bit about where my head − and life! − have been.

And that is because Mercury has been in retrograde. What? LOL. Okay, according to Merriam Webster, retrograde is:

a (1) : having or being motion in a direction contrary to that of the general motion of similar bodies and especially east to west among the stars (2) : having or being a direction of rotation or revolution that is clockwise as viewed from the north pole of the sky or a planet <a retrograde orbit>  

b (1) : moving, occurring, or performed in a backward direction (2) : occurring or performed in a direction opposite to the normal or forward direction of conduction or flow — compare anterograde 1

2: tending toward or resulting in a worse or previous state

So when Mercury is in retrograde, it actually looks as...

...Put Some Green In Your Scene

Happy St. Paddy's Day! I so love the energy, the celebration of Irish culture and history... the GREEN. Without a doubt, the world is seen in many shades of green today − even though blue was the original color. In fact, it wasn't until the 18th century that it all turned green − bringing to life fairies, leprechauns, immortals, clovers, and, of course, those rich crops (see where I'm going with this?).

Seems like the perfect day to put some green in your scene. We all know how important fruits and veges are, yet many of us don't reap the benefits on a daily basis. What's up with that?

 How about starting with these super healthy greens?!  

• AVOCADOS: Sooooo good in sandwiches and salads, they boost eye health (thank you, lutein), explode with vitamin E, and lower cholesterol.

• KALE:  Rich in vitamin C and cancer fighting compounds... and as we know, a bone health booster. Add to that some anti-inflammatory and immune...

It's a perfect time to add a plethora of veggies to your diet − they are colorful, delicious, and always celebratory!

Low in fat, low in calories, no cholesterol... veggies are a win-win. And... bodies filled with veggies are better armed against cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, type 2 diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure... and they better thrive with energy, fiber, folate, vitamins, minerals, and a healthy glow. Plus these roasted veggies are easy to make and they taste really good.  

I love this Roasted Veggie Heaven recipe; you can always add any extra veggies you have around, and once roasted, it can be stored in the fridge for days. The perfect way to add veggies to your day without any hassle. And something truly delicious to look forward to − a guilty pleasure without the guilt!

Ingredients:

If rich nutrition, satisfying treats, and all-around deliciousness are high on your priority list,  it's time to celebrate the banana... or at least eat one. With a long list of boasting rights, each bite of banana floods the body with benefits.

And with just 100 calories per banana (give or take a few), they satisfy hunger and then some. Check out these health perks!

Digestion Regulation: dietary fiber keeps us regular and assists in maintaining low blood sugar Strong & Healthy Bones: are promoted thanks to the banana's potassium Boosted Stomach Health: since bananas ease both diarrhea and constipation − and even reduce the risk of ulcers Reduced Rates Of Cancer: bananas = anti-cancer properties Better Nutrient Levels: as vitamin absorption is increased Lower Blood Pressure: due to that high potassium content Improved Health: Vitamin B6, found in bananas, protects against infection, cardiovascular illness, obesity, and Type II Diabetes

So, if you have five minutes...

It's scary to realize that as smart  and technologically advanced as we are, we have become a product-oriented (okay, make that "desperate") culture... give me better hair, better skin, defined eyes, the best fragrances...

And why not celebrate YOU? It's both fun and a confidence booster to look and feel one's best − but the danger lies in the products out there, the ones we gravitate to... without even reading a label.  Stores are flooded with more and more beautifying products − magical transforming formulas to add shine, definition, sex appeal, cleanliness, etc. etc. etc. And despite ingredient listing labels, too many of us don't even peek.

Thank you, Environmental Working Group (EWG) for a factual website and ongoing research about the products we use every day! Their information is salient and health-conscious − as is their product advice: "Use fewer products; buy only after reviewing ingredients." Their in-depth list about ingredients we need to...