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Metabolism Boosting Drink: 8 Foods that Speed Up Metabolism

May7

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A recent focus of mine has been on METABOLISM: What slows it, what accelerates it, how important is it?

One of the conclusions I’ve come to is that

there are certain foods that contain components that actively amp up the body’s metabolism.

That in mind, I decided to create a “Meta Drink” that contains several powerful foods. I drink it in as few gulps as possible, as the taste is INTENSE! (After you read the ingredients you’ll understand).

Metabolism Boosting Drink Ingredients:

(all organic, raw, fresh squeezed)

-Cinnamon (ground)

-Ginger (ground)

-Cayenne Pepper (ground)

-Maca Powder

-Lemon Juice

-Orange Juice

-Grapefruit Juice

-Coconut Vinegar

The liquid ingredients help the ground ingredients come together. Sometimes adding a splash of water helps make this mixture more drinkable. I drink this first thing in the morning and I find it wakes me right up and revs my energy.

Metabolism Boosting Green Drink: Spinach, Kale, Chard & Water

May7

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Green is GOOD.

Green vegetables are the single most powerful type of produce to put into your body.

Best examples: Spinach, Kale and Chard.

The quickest, most efficient way that I get a plentiful amount of greens every day is to make a “Green Drink.” It is super simple and straight forward. I take a big handful of greens that I have on hand, throw it in the blender, then add enough water to cover all of the greens. Blend & gulp! It tastes just as you would think: greeny and fresh. Unlike a smoothie, this drink is meant to be gulped rather than sipped on and savored.

The benefits of consuming this drink daily are plentiful!

Green plants are absolute super foods; chock full of vitamins and trace minerals that aid in functions like riding the body of toxins, accelerating metabolism, encouraging fat loss, replenishing energy stores and reviving vitality.

This drink acts as an energy boosting and appetite suppresser in the mornings, for me. I find that making this drink a habit in my every day routine is key in optimizing my daily food intake. It also happens to be beautiful to look at! These green beauties resemble human veins :) Seems like a great reminder to feed your body these gorgeous plants.

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Losing Weight: Keeping a Healthy Mind & Body in the Process of Weight Loss

Apr6

As my wedding day approaches, I am staying mindful of making healthy choices and implementing healthy habits. I find it easy to have moments where I fall into the rut of the “get thin” mindset. I’ve wasted enough time with wedding dress measurement stress. Like everyone else, I’m not perfect. I splurge sometimes, I eat more than I should, I indulge in pizza and ice cream on occasion. I’ve found it’s about allowing yourself to enjoy little indulgences amidst practicing healthy habits the majority of the time.

The words that seem to be discussed most often in this day and age are

“losing weight” or “weight loss” or “lose inches” or “shrink”.

The problem I have with this terminology (even though those words are in the title of this post) is that they scream “lack” and “struggle” and “loss of sanity.”

I prefer to think of the process as GAINING so much, not LOSING. Gaining strength, gaining endurance, gaining health, gaining overall body function (losing fat is just one of many benefits of making healthy food & exercise choices). If the process seems like a terrible struggle, you are surely not doing the most healthful way.

I am in a constant state of balancing: 1. Eating without a restricted feeling and 2. Staying mindful of what I’m putting into my body.

This urge to eat is intensified on days when I run extra mileage. It is even more important on these days that I make healthy decisions so I don’t get deterred from my goal: to eat clean, organic food the majority of the time. My fiancée calls me a “lioness” because of my ferocious appetite. :)

In all of this, I keep these certain things in mind to make sure I am becoming more fit and toned without sacrificing health:

1. Break a sweat once a day.

Most days I’ll run 2-8 miles and some days I will simple do some push-ups and squats at home but either way I’m staying consistent with having my body endure activity every day.

2. Don’t think: Lose weight. Think: Gain Health.

3. Drink a big glass of water.

When I feel my hungriest, I find doing this not only revitalizes me, but it helps me to not be such an animal in the kitchen.

4. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.

Make them the focus of each meal, not the side. Plants have an incredible ability to revitalize and nourish the body.

5. Drink a daily elixir or detox drink.

My favorite concoctions are 1. lemon juice/coconut vinegar/raw honey/water and 2. spinach & water blended together. Having a routine of drinking this each day helps me keep a healthy focus on food.

6. Buy organic products. Yes, it’s worth the extra money.

7. Appreciate the beautiful body you have.

Might not sound like the first thing on your mind when you’re trying to improve your body. However, I find that becoming healthier and more fit while loving and appreciating your body is the road to success, whereas hating and being overly critical about your body while trying to improve will make your success diminish, as you are then in a negative state of mind. Negative is not productive.

8. Smile! Be happy.

I know that a happy Jesica is an energetic, productive, focused and inspired Jesica.

My ultimate goal is to be the healthiest me–Not the skinniest or thinnest. I think most people perhaps have the same goal, yet they go about it in unhealthy ways that ultimately are detrimental to the body.

Picture yourself where you want to be, live in the moment, focus on health, and don’t sweat the little details. (What I’m telling myself)

Did I mention I’m getting married this year? Wahoooooo :) (I’m so lucky he picked me!)

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Wedding Dress Upper Body Workout Moves

Apr3

In preparation for my wedding later this year,

I have been tweaking my usual running routine by adding some upper body moves that will help tone the only area that will be showing outside of my wedding dress.

This is one of the dresses I tried on–I’ve only tried on wedding dresses one time, one day, and walked away with my dress! I am including this picture just for reference. (This is NOT my wedding dress, as I am old fashioned and am keeping that a surprise to most).

My hair covers what I think of as a “problem area,” also called “armpit” fat.

However, I don’t want to rely on my hair covering it up, so I am including some moves before or after my runs to help tone my upper body more.

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I do about 3 sets of 15 reps each for each of these moves, with a 25 pound kettle bell:

Upright Row
Bent-Over Row
Shoulder Press
Tricep Dip
“Girl” Push-Ups
Plank
Side plank

These exercises, as a whole, target my entire upper body. It gives me some confidence and piece of mind as my wedding approaches that I will look my best, in the upper body, specifically.

I’m so excited to marry my Paul! ♥ :)

Goodebox Organic Sample Box Review

Mar6

One of the things I have enjoyed most about trying new organic beauty products is having a subscription to a company like Goodebox.

Goodebox, in their words, is

“a members only service providing expertly curated, trial sized healthy, eco-sensitive & effective beauty and personal care products, along with occasional samples of natural & organic health and wellness products.”

The element of surprise is neat to me–as I never know exactly what I am recieving each month.

In the subscription questionnaire, Goodebox got information from me about my skin type, products I typically use and prefer, and which specs are important to me (i.e. vegan, not animal tested, organic, etc.) all of which help them determine which samples go into my box.

In this post I’ll share my thoughts on my favorite products in February and March.

The theme of February’s Goodebox was “Love is in the Air” in reference to Valentines’s Day. March’s box is centered around the change of seasons, spring cleansing and detoxification.

From February’s box:

-Vapour Beauty Trick Stick Highlighter:

-Goodebox’s Description:

“For a well loved, lit-from-within glow, use to add subtle light to cheekbones, brow bones, bow of the lip and inner corner of the eyes. Soft, fool proof shades for all ages and skin tones. Easy application imparts a luxurious, youthful glow that brightens and defines the face. Made with 70% Certified Organic ingredients and 30% natural pigments and vitamins (Contains beeswax).”

-My Description & Thoughts:

This is definitely an item that I am not used to incorporating into my makeup routine. I was pleasantly surprised with how this highlighter looks on top of my loose powder. I applied it to the same places on the face that one would normally wear bronzer (where the sun naturally hits the face-similar to what Goodebox suggests above). Instead of giving the skin a sun kissed look like bronzer does, this trick stick gave my face a subtle light glow.

-Erbaviva Relax Spray:

-Goodebox’s Description:

“Relaxation is essential to pleasure. Use this refreshing, therapeutic mist to spray on hair or clothing. Also delightful sprayed into a room or onto bedding for a relaxation effect while infusing a fresh, natural smell. Not for use on the face (Vegan)”

-My Description & Thoughts:

This spray is my organic “Febreze.” The best thing about this product is the clean ingredient list, whereas your common air fresheners available in the grocery store are chock full of harmful chemicals. I spray this around the apartment before vacuuming and it leaves a flowery, relaxing scent in the air.

-John Masters Organics Blood Orange and Vanilla Bodywash:

-Goodebox’s Description:

“Created with the mildest botanically-based surfactants from corn and coconut, the all-over body wash foams into a creamy, rich, sulfate-free lather that gently removes dirt and oil – leaving skin soft and smooth. Follow with our blood orange and vanilla body milk for a beautiful, sensual combination of clean and soft skin.”

-My Description & Thoughts:

I cannot say enough good things about this body wash! This is the most invigorating, intoxicating, incredibly yummy smelling body wash I have ever used. I looked forward to showering just so I could use this product. I can’t wait to order a full size bottle of this body wash. I am also enthused that I learned about the John Masters Organics brand via Goodebox. This brand also makes a Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Milk that I am excited to try in addition to the body wash.

-Metropolis Soap Company Lavender Whipped Shea Butter:

-Goodebox’s Description:

“Thick and luxurious, this whipped shea has only 4 ingredients. Shea butter, coconut oil, corn starch and lavender absolute. Use it for serious moisturizing and super soft, touchable skin. (Vegan)”

-My Description & Thoughts:

I enjoyed using this sample size body butter. I appreciate the simple, pure list of ingredients and strive to find more organic products with this quality. The lavender scent was relaxing and soothing, yet a slight bit too flowery-smelling for my preference.

-Persephenie Neroli Infusion Organic Body Oil:

-Goodebox’s Description:

“Antioxidant and oleic acid rich, hand pressed Marula oil, coconut and organic sunflower oil, infused with orange flower Neroli will replenish your entire body. Massage into your (or someone else’s) skin for a sensual sensory experience. (Vegan)”

-My Description & Thoughts:

This sample was in a small vial, but even with the small amount I tried, I could tell I loved the scent and feel of this body oil. I could tell when I applied this oil to my skin that the ingredients are high quality and extremely nourishing. I find body oils get absorbed and work best when applied right after a warm shower. The skin absorbs it just enough so that the skin is left nourished but not greasy.

From March’s Box:

-Astara Skin Care Daily Refining Scrub:

-Goodebox’s Description:

“Gentle enough to use every day, this organic aloe-based exfoliant combines diatomaceous earth with soothing, nutrient-rich plant extracts for profound cleansing, buffing, and removing of dead cells to improve overall skin health absorption of nutrients. Refines fine lines when used consistently. (Vegan)”

-My Description & Thoughts:

I am a fan of exfoliating in general, so this product peaked my interest. I tend to use a loofa or exfoliating gloves in the shower, but they are not needed when using this scrub. This scrub does not suds up nor lather very well, which I would prefer to be the case. I imagine this scrub would work best for me used on my feet, where I am looking for more exfoliation than sudsing.

-Moom Organic Hair Removal Kit:

-Goodebox’s Description:

“A revolutionary sugaring product that provides the benefits of long term depilation with less pain and discomfort than waxing or other hair removal methods. Exclusive formula and precision adhesion gently removes hair from the root without damaging skin, leaving you hair-free for up to 8 weeks. Regrowth is sparser and finer. For stubborn hair and sensitive areas alike. Can be used anywhere on the face and body. (Vegan)”

-My Description & Thoughts:

With such excellent organic shaving creams, I don’t often choose to wax simply because it is less convenient. This small, travel sized kit is great for waxing your legs or bikini line at the beginning of the summer. It is always nice to learn about organic alternatives to common drug store products. Hair removal is a great category to see organic products surfacing.

-Morrocco Method Zen Detox Hair and Scalp Therapy:

-Goodebox’s Description:

“A unique formula enhanced with special clays to support growth by detoxing the hair follicles, roots, oil glands and scalp. Dynamically assists in reversing chemical damage caused by synthetic hair products and treatments by removing contaminants from the scalp for healthier hair. Muti-tasks as a facial mask and even helps stinky toes and itchy feet. (Vegan)”

-My Description & Thoughts:

I have heard great things about the ability of clays to detox the body in various ways. I was intrigued to try this product. I used this mask about 3 times in the shower and it became a thick paste when mixed with water. Its effect was refreshing and soothing on my scalp. It was a bit tough to move through hair, as you might imagine–it was very thick and paste-like. Seems like a unique and effective product. If I would have had more product to work with, I would have tried it on my face and feet as suggested.

-Yogi Detox & Skin Detox Tea:

-Goodebox’s Description: 

“Help your body rid itself of everyday impurities. Time-honored purifying herbs Burdock & Organic Dandelion support the liver, Juniper Berry supports kidney function and Ginger, Black Pepper and Long Pepper, a traditional Ayurvedic blend, supports blood flow for gentle cleansing support. (Vegan)”

-My Description & Thoughts:

I am a big coffee drinker and have recently been trying teas a lot more because my fiancé tends to prefer tea over coffee. Both of these teas were pleasant with flavors that were not too intense. I enjoyed the green tea over the dandelion, as I could have guessed prior to trying either of them. I tend to lean more towards a peppermint or fruity flavor in tea, so in the future I picture myself branching out to different tea flavors that Yogi makes.

-Weleda Pomegranate Firming Eye Cream:

-Goodebox’s Description:

“Antioxidant-rich, fragrance free formula featuring organic pomegranate seed oil protects the delicate eye area and helps repair cell damage. Organic macadamia nut oil, organic sunflower petal & ruscus root extracts provide anti-inflammatory benefits and Vitamin A to reduce puffiness, firm and smooth skin around the eyes. Tests show a 23% wrinkle reduction after 28 days of use. (Vegan)”

-My Description & Thoughts:

At age 25, I’m not familiar with products that are firming, wrinkle reducing, or anti aging in nature. I was interested, though, in the moisturizing abilities of this eye cream. I’ve applied this cream several nights before bed for some added moisture to the delicate skin around my eyes. I like how light it feels, how good the ingredient list looks, and how moisturing it is. I was happy to try a Weleda product for the first time.

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Truition – Gabby Reece & Laird Hamilton’s Supplements Review

Jan28

This post has been in the makes for a while now. I heard about Laird Hamilton & Gabrielle Reece’s joint effort to create their own line of supplements several months before they released them–and I eagerly awaited.

TRUition supplements,

as they named it, encompass everything from whey protein powder, to powdered greens, to energy boosters.

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My interest in supplements has always been there, but has recently peaked. I found myself most interested in two products:

Truition Greens and Truition Max.

Gabby & Laird describe TRUition Greens like this:

“TRUition Greens is specially formulated to be used as a pre-workout dietary supplement. Our Greens formula is designed to enhance performance by helping to support the body’s natural ability to produce Nitric Oxide, which may help circulation by expanding blood vessels and allowing blood to circulate with less pressure.
Nitric Oxide levels may gradually decline with age in some people, most often from a combination of a high-fat diet and sedentary life style. Combining TRUition Performance Greens with routine physical activity, will help you maintain a healthy circulatory system. Try to take Truition Greens before you exercise to help optimize your workouts.”

My Thoughts:

Green plants are absolute super foods; chock full of vitamins and trace minerals that aid in functions like riding the body of toxins, accelerating metabolism, encouraging fat loss, replenishing energy stores and reviving vitality. These facts make this green supplement an absolute gold nugget and well worth purchasing and implementing. I mix a scoop of this with TRUition max in the morning before breakfast & running. The greens are a sweet apple flavor (my fiancée will be laughing when he reads this– as I constantly say how much I don’t care for apples) but this flavor is unexpectedly yummy. :)

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Gabby & Laird describe TRUition Max like this:

“The amino-acids in TRUMAX Hormone Optimizer have the potential to help maximize your body’s natural hormone production. Amino acids play an essential role in maintaining the health of the body’s endocrine system. Consuming Amino acids such as L-Arginine and L- Glutamine in combination with intense regular exercise may assist in elevating your body’s natural growth hormone production.
Growth Hormone is released during sleep, especially after intense physical activity. So it is important to get proper rest and plenty of regularly physical activity in order to optimize your body’s natural growth hormone production. Also remember, stress can negatively impact hormone production, so surround yourself with people who bring out your best, and try to maintain a low stress healthy lifestyle.
TRUition Max is the Gabby’s and Laird’s personal favorite of their new line of nutrition supplements.”

My Thoughts:

My interest in the idea of optimizing hormone production has been at an all time high as of late. I find it interesting how key our endocrine system is in sports performance, weight loss and overall health. Having a supplement that targets this system and aims to get the most out of our hormone producing glands is a phenomenal gift.

Both the greens and the max formula taste wonderfully. The max formula is an orange flavor which is delicious and perfect for a morning drink.

Sometimes I mix the two together and drink them that way. They make for a great pre-workout drink and even just a morning pick me up. It’s similar to a feeling after a cup of coffee, minus the jitters and crash that some people experience. I am thrilled with them so far and look forward to stocking up again in the future!

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Kombucha Brewing

Jan23

My fiancée Paul and I have recently begun to explore our interest in brewing our own Kombucha at home. In short, Kombucha (a fermented black tea with organic fruit flavorings) is a detoxifying drink that we consume daily.

We have been wanting to make our own homemade brew to 1.) Have more creative control over the flavor combinations of our kombucha and 2.) Cut back on how much money we spend on kombucha (it sells at places like Whole foods for about $3.79 per 16-oz bottle).

To create a batch of kombucha, Paul found that you need a S.C.O.B.Y. (A symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast). You can either buy one from a distributor online or you can grow your own. We have done both–we ordered one online and are making our own “scoby snack” (as we call it) in the meantime.

A throrough description of the kombucha making process can be found through other kombucha-focused sites, but here I’m just sharing my excitement (& a few photos taken along the way) until I have more experience and knowledge to share about this journey . :)

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Lately – Bliss, Kombucha, Spinach, Chia Seeds, Love, Organic Soap, Nature, Running, Happiness, Truition Supplements, Lululemon, Laughter

Jan8

Lately, I have felt that I am of few words.

Just lots of feeling: loved, excited, overwhelmed at times, inspired, motivated, adventuresome.

Echoing my current state, I will make this post mostly pictures with few words.

Here are several things that have been encompassing me as of late:

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Percentages: Eating Organic

Nov21

I think alot about the organic foods and drinks that make up a large portion of my diet. I find myself constantly searching for stability within that–having a stable, doable, enjoyable habit of eating that is never neurotic, too planned out, nor obsessive. I want to have a sensible way of fueling my body that I feel good about.

My “wing it” solution (requires little thought and planning) for myself is to focus on the percentages.

Percentages. I focus on, approximately, the 90%-10% or 80%-20% range. “90 percent of the time, what is my daily intake comprised of?”

For me it is fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, eggs, coffee, kombucha, coconut water, almond milk and coconut milk. Because these items make up so much of what I eat, I buy those foods organic (non-GMO implied) as much as possible.

The other 10%-20%, condiments, cheese, meat, meals eaten at restaurants, items I use very sparingly, etc. are not always items I buy organically because they do not tend to make up a large portion of what I consume.

To sum up these sporadic thoughts, I’ll say this (assuming you are interested in optimizing your health),

If you drink alot of coffee every day, get organic coffee. If you enjoy alot of ketchup every day, buy organic ketchup (it exists, and is delicious).

In all of this, it is counter productive for me to get wrapped up in eating perfectly. If you are buying something that isn’t organic, than just be able to refer to the percentages of your diet and determine how that food item plays into it.

In a way, it is a common thread throughout my fitness and nutrition ventures to have an awareness of percentages. 90%-80% of the time I am eating organically and healthily and running every day. 10%-20% of the time I eat sensibly but not always maximally healthy, as well as taking days off from running and enjoying some rest and relaxation.

DoTerra Essential Oils Review

Oct12

It has taken me some time to collect my thoughts regarding the plethora of essential oils that I have been incorporating into my every day routine. I also gave myself some time to develop my opinions of what works best. I am thrilled to share my experiences with them.

I’ll start by saying this, I cannot believe that it took me this long to discover essential oils!

For a solid couple of weeks, I was completely submerged in what I call my “lab,” where I concocted all sorts of essential oil blends for various uses. But before I go crazy talking about that assortment of oils, I want to thank JoAnn Fowler for reaching out to me and expressing her desire to share DoTerra Essential Oils with me. I imagine she recognized my interest and enthusiasm for high quality, natural, and organic beauty products/food and therefore felt I would be interested in trying out essential oils. Boy, was she right on the money! This is one of the milestones in my health quest that I will always remember and appreciate.

If you are interested in high quality essential oils, let me direct you her way. She has been exponentially helpful and knowledgable throughout my developing a familiarity with essential oils.

To purchase, go to http://www.mydoterra.com/discovernaturalhealing. Also, check out her blog and request a free sample http://www.free-essential-oils.com. You can also learn more from a seasoned essential oil user by contacting her at  http://free-essential-oils.com/contact-us.

Essential oils, to me, are so incredibly remarkable for two main reasons:

1. Essential oils are plant based.

I love the idea of nurturing your body with the natural world around us. The healing power of plants is unreal, as is still believed and utilized in many other countries & cultures, more so, in my opinion, than here in the states.

2. The uses of essential oils are so expansive and wide ranging; there is an oil for merely anything.

This is no exaggeration. I still ooh and awe over this. The uses range from easing sore muscles, stimulating hair growth, whitening teeth, detoxing, destressing, aiding weight loss, balancing hormones, healing acne/blemishes. THAT excites me–using plant based products to help our problems.

My description of this fabulous company will not be sufficient. Instead, here is DoTerra’s description directly from their website:

“Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, and flowers of plants. They can be both beautifully and powerfully fragrant, eliciting profound emotional responses. Yet the use of essential oils goes well beyond their fragrant appeal. Used throughout history for their medicinal and therapeutic benefits, essential oils can be used as natural alternatives in holistic self-care practices. Their unique chemistry allows them to be used aromatically and applied topically to the skin, while other essential oils can be used as dietary aids to promote vitality and well being.

dōTERRA® (meaning “Gift of the Earth”) essential oils represent the safest, purest essential oils available in the world today. Each of dōTERRA’s
Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® essentials oils is carefully extracted by a global network of skilled growers, distillers, and chemists ensuring a consistently powerful user experience. They are 100% pure aromatic extracts and contain no artificial ingredients and are tested to be free of contaminants such as pesticides or other chemical residues.”

DoTerra has a wonderful reputation in the realm of essential oils.

They take an organic approach to extracting these substances, which is refreshing and sparks my interest. Another thing worth noting is that these “oils” are not truly oils. They are not made up of fatty acids. In fact, their consistency should be watery. The “goopier” essential oils tend to contain preservatives and chemicals.

I received the Introductory package from JoAnn with DoTerra, which included lavender, lemon, and peppermint.

Here are the uses that DoTerra suggests for each oil, respectively:

One of my favorite things included in this package was this little booklet that breaks down the uses for a plethora of essential oils:

I refer to this booklet often! It’s so neat to me how different oils can be used for specific treatments & problems.

Even though DoTerra has excellent suggestions for using lavender, lemon, and peppermint, I had the urge to brainstorm on my own to come up with my own ideas that were practical for my daily routine.

I have tried each of the following uses for several weeks and each have been effective. Here is what I came up (along with my general thoughts) for each oil:

Lavender:

-for me, this oil has the most uses.

-used as a spot treatment for facial blemishes

-put a few drops in shampoo to nourish scalp

-put a few drops into unscented laundry detergent.

-similarly, put a few drops onto a cloth then throw that into the dryer with your clothes. It gives them an excellent, fragrant smell, without using fabric softener sheets that are ridden with chemicals.

Lemon:

-put a drop into a glass of water to aid the detoxification process

-used as a spot treatment for facial blemishes, the acid in it helps dry out the blemish-making it less noticeable

-used in all purpose cleaners to add a fresh scent

Peppermint:

-my favorite use for this is putting it in my “homemade icy hot,” as I’ve deemed it. Coconut Oil combined with several drops of peppermint makes up that concoction. I’ve also become more creative and added wintergreen and birch essential oils to that mixture.

-Add a drop to coffee to add flavor (this one might be strange for some to understand) :)

-Put a drop or two onto your toothbrush before brushing teeth to help remove stains and freshen your mouth

Overall, I could not be more impressed with DoTerra, and I plan on eventually getting my hands on the full spectrum of essential oils that they bottle.