Tuesday 30 September 2014



Organic Argan oil and organic Tamanu oil are two oils that are used in my daily
beauty regime.  There are multiple reasons why I choose to avoid commercial soaps
and creams which are loaded with fragrances, parabens, formaldehyde, tryclosan and
other toxic chemicals which are absorbed through the skin.  Making the switch
to natural beauty and skin products is vital if you want to rid your body of harmful
chemicals and toxins.  Here are two oils that can simplify and improve
the quality of your skin and hair.

100% Pure Organic Argan Oil (Morocco)
- Derived from Southwestern Morocco from the Argan tree.
- Filled with vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids.
- Due to its antioxidant properties, Argan oil improves skin healing.
- Use as a daily moisturiser or a night moisturiser.  (Argan oil
is a dry oil and is absorbed rapidly through the skin.)
- Can be used as a leave-on conditioner applied to the wet ends of your hair.
- Overnight hair oil treatment to improve quality of the hair and split ends.
- Cuticle and heel softener and is soothing for dry skin.
- Improves ageing skin by restoring the skin's elasticity and firmness.
- Rich in vitamin E content.
- Apply under foundation to give your skin a youthful glow.

Tamanu Oil (cold pressed & unrefined)
- Origin: Tamanu Tree in Vietnam.
- Minimizes scarring and can promote formation of new tissue
when applied topically to wounds.
- Promotes the speed growth of healthy new cells.
- Known for it's ability to heal wounds, scars, rashes, stretch marks and more.
- Tamanu oil is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
due to it's 10 types of active molecules.
- Used to restore elasticity and hydration to the skin.
- Contains super potent antioxidants such as xanthones and coumarins.
- Tamanu oil has regenerative effects and hinders the breakdown .
of cell membranes from free radicals.
- Anti-septic, anti-acne and hypo-allergenic.
- Nourishes and repairs the cells of dry and damaged skin.
- Contains essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid, palmitic, stearic and oleic acid.

Revitalize and re-energize!

Thursday 25 September 2014

Glowing Turmeric Mask

Ingredients:
1. Turmeric
2. Lemon
3. Raw Honey

Turmeric is vibrant in colour and very dynamic in terms of it's uses and effects on the body internally and externally.  This natural turmeric facial can be done once a week to gain the antioxidant properties that turmeric contains as well as reduce acne.  The yellowish orange pigment comes from curcumin which can stain anything it touches, so be aware of that when you are applying the turmeric mask. It is a rich source of iron and manganese and can be eaten raw or cooked. 

Method:
1. Add one tablespoon of turmeric into a small bowl.
2. Squeeze less than half of the lemon juice into the turmeric powder.
3. Add ½  of a teaspoon of raw honey.4.  Mix all ingredients until it is a thick paste.
5. Apply to the face and neck.
6.  Let it dry and rinse with warm water to wash off.
7.  To get rid of the turmeric stain, massage the face with
organic virgin coconut oil.  Then take a cotton pad with lemon
juice and rub all over the face until the yellow tint is completely removed.

Benefits of Turmeric:
- It promotes liver detoxification , anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects.
- A bioactive compound in turmeric called curcumin contains high quantities of
antioxidants and medical properties. 
- Antimicrobial and wound healing if applied topically.
- Helps to promote a strong immune system and fight free radicals
- Can be used in raw or cooked form.
- Helps to reduce chronic pain.
- It can help reduce acne and give your skin an overall healthy glow.

Tuesday 23 September 2014

Gluten Free Banana Pancakes

This may be the most simplest pancake to make.  It is just as delicious as a regular pancake, however it doesn't leave you with that heavy feeling after devouring it.
What I love about the elements of this dish is that the bananas provide a high level of potassium, fiber, vitamins, minerals and sustainable energy. Organic eggs contain high-quality protein, all B vitamins, essential minerals such as selenium and iodine, as well as omega-3 essential fatty acids.  Lastly, cinnamon is anti-microbial and has significant amounts of manganese, fiber and calcium.  This pancake is gluten free, nutrient packed and will provide you with necessary vitamins, minerals, protein and fat which I believe makes this a healthy breakfast option!

Ingredients:
Organic bananas
Organic eggs
Cinnamon
Optional: Coconut flour
Organic virgin coconut oil
Maple syrup
Optional: Organic blueberries

Directions:

1.  Start by peeling a slightly overripe banana and smashing it with a
fork until it's completely smooth with no lumps.
2.  Add two eggs into the smooth banana mixture.
3. Add one teaspoon of cinnamon,
4.  Add 1 tbsp of coconut flour.
5.  Mix all ingredients together
6.  Heat up one tsp. of extra virgin coconut oil in a frying pan on medium-low heat.
7.  Pour banana pancake mixture into the pan and cook until
the pancake is golden brown.
8.  Heat up organic blueberries in a sauce pan for a few minutes.
Pour blueberries and maple syrup over the pancakes to finish.

Enjoy!

Friday 19 September 2014

Home-made Organic Breakfast Granola

Ingredients:
3 cups of Organic oats
3 tbsp. Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
Pumpkin Seeds
Sunflower Seeds
Almonds
3-4 tbsp. cinnamon
3 tsp. raw honey
Optional:  Goji berries, Walnuts, Pecans, Chia Seeds, Hemp Seeds, Flax Seeds.

Directions:  
1. Preheat oven to 350ºF
2. Boil water and combine boiled water and oats into a bowl.  Let it sit until
the oats have fully cooked and then drain the water.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked oats, almonds, sunflower seeds,
pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, coconut oil and honey.
4. Stir all ingredients until oats are evenly coated.
5. Spread the mixture evenly onto a baking pan.
Optional: I usually coat the top with a little extra raw honey and cinnamon.
6. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour.  Mix the granola every 30 minutes to make
sure all sides are evenly baked.  Upon completion, the granola should be golden
brown in colour with a slightly crunch texture.
7.  Let the granola cool.
8.  Add almond milk to the home-made granola.

Bonne Appetit !!


- - -
Matcha Green Tea Powder Facial

Matcha Powder Facial:
1 tbsp. matcha green tea powder
1-2 tbsp. of water
Optional:  Organic virgin coconut oil
OR Raw honey.

Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder purchased from:  Whole Foods Market

Directions:
Mix until it creates a thick paste and apply it  all over the face.  Let the mask sit on your
face until it is completely dried.  I prefer to leave my mask on for 45 minutes to an
hour to really let my skin absorb the benefits. Wash your face off in a gentle motion and
pat dry with a clean towel.  You will notice that your skin will be slightly green after washing
off the mask, however this is easily removed with organic virgin coconut oil.

- Matcha Green Tea Powder Benefits -
- Rich in L-theanine:  An amino acid that is found in green tea and
enhances serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain which
improves your overall mood, memory and concentration.
- Matcha is the highest quality of green tea available loaded with
nutrients, minerals and antioxidants.
- It contains high amounts of Catechin which contain organic compounds.
  One Catechin in particular is Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCg) which
is a potent antioxidant and is said to prevent cancer.
- Increases energy levels without the side effects of stimulants
and has a calming effect on the body.
- It contains powerful antioxidants such as flavonoids, and has approximately
100 milligrams of antioxidants per gram.
- Improves overall metabolic rate and helps to decrease body fat.
- Lowers risk of cardiovascular disease and decreases LDL cholesterol.
- Stabilizes blood sugar levels and rids the body of dioxins, heavy metals,
and hormone disruptor's due to the chlorophyll in Matcha.

Recommendations for Matcha:
-- Add one teaspoon of Organic Matcha to your smoothies or juices.-- Use it as a facial mask and let your skin absorb all the nutrients and antioxidants.-- Matcha powder tea.  

~ I would recommend using organic Matcha to get the full  benefits of this
potent green tea and it will not contain any artificial fertilizers or herbicides.


Wednesday 17 September 2014

Extreme Green Smoothie

Ingredients:
1 tsp. spirulina powder
1 tsp. matcha powder
2 cups of organic kale
1 cup of organic blueberries
1/2 frozen organic banana
1 tbsp. ground flax seed
1/2 cup Kaizen whey protein
from grass fed cows.

This extreme green smoothie is of rich protein content and packed with a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids,phytonutrients, and fiber.  Amongst this myriad of benefits, this smoothie will provide you with sustainable energy throughout your day, burn calories, and is highly detoxifying which will cleanse the body of heavy metals and toxins.  Try substituting your morning coffee for a smoothie and gain all the nutritional benefits in which your body will love you for!

Hope you enjoy! 


Rainbow Salad & Lemon Garlic Dressing

Salads are a form of art and they have become a staple in my nourishment regime.
The raw elements in a salad provide the body with enzymes, vitamins, water, fats and
energy.  Whereas cooking food depletes the vitamins, enzymes and natural life energy.  I
believe that adding raw food to your diet everyday is the natural way to optimize
your health and eliminate acidic toxins.  Eating salads daily offers enzymes which are
responsible for aiding digestion and all chemical reactions in the body.  Here is my
version of a simple green salad with a home-made lemon based dressing!

 Salad Ingredients:
1. Green Chard
2. Carrots
3. Red Bell Pepper
4. Tomatoes
5. Cucumbers
6. Curly Kale

Dressing Ingredients:
1. Lemons
2. Garlic
3. Raw Honey

To make the lemon garlic dressing, start by squeezing two full lemons
into a bowl.  Finely grate two garlic cloves and add to the freshly
squeezed lemon juice.  The last step is to add one tablespoon of
raw honey to the mixture and stir until blended.

Happy Raw Eating!

Tuesday 16 September 2014

Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil is one of those oils that is extremely versatile externally and internally.  Not only is it anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, but it can be used in any diet such as Raw, Vegetarian, Paleo or Vegan.  Lauric acid is present in Coconut Oil which is said to kill off harmful pathogens and aid in staving off infections.  For myself, I consume one tablespoon of it orally to get all the benefits of this dynamic oil.  I also use it in my cooking.  Coconut Oil is recommended for oil pulling to cleanse the mouth of harmful bacteria and plaque.  It is highly moisturising when applied topically to the face, body and hair.  Below is a list of the benefits Coconut Oil contains, and why it should be a staple in your beauty regimes and diet.

BENEFITS
1.  Can be used as a hair treatment to stimulate hair growth and rid dandruff.
2.  Can be used topically on the body and face as a moisturiser.  To promote
eyelash growth, mix coconut oil, pure vitamin E oil and pure cold pressed castor oil.
3. Works efficiently as a make-up remover.
4. If taken orally, it can improve immune function, kill intestinal parasites, support
healthy thyroid function, improve insulin levels, and improve the body's resistance
to fight off viruses and bacteria.
5. Can be used as a natural sunscreen if applied.  (SPF 4)
6. Increases your energy levels.
7. Improves overall brain function.
8.  Can reduce overall appetite if consumed regularly.
9.  Can be used in cooking.  Coconut Oil is a great substitute for butter.
10. Can be used in a variety of home remedies such as home-made deodorant,
home-made toothpaste and body scrub.


Friday 12 September 2014

Berry-blast smoothie & Garden Greens.


This is my version of a highly refreshing, plant-based and raw lunch.  My antioxidant filled smoothie and garden greens have multiple positive effects on the body internally and externally.  It's full of live enzymes which increases energy and contains properties that aid in skin and hair health.

Berry-blast smoothie:
1 cup of organic blueberries
2 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp organic matcha green tea powder
1 organic banana
1/2 cup of organic strawberries
1/3 cup of organic mangoes

Garden greens salad:
- Organic kale
- Organic chard
- Organic arugula
- Organic broccoli
-  Organic carrots
- Organic cucumber
- Organic tomatoes
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar

Eat simply. 

Thursday 11 September 2014

Vigorous Quinoa & Beet Bowl

This bowl covers your high-quality protein, alpha-linolenic acids (ALA), HDL (good) cholesterol, complex carbohydrates, Omega-3 & Omega-6 essential fatty acids, and phytonutrients.  On top of that, this bowl is plant-based and gluten-free!
Quinoa bowls are easy to make and I love bowls which are dynamic in every bite.


Ingredients:

> Organic quinoa
> Beets
> Ginger
> Pumpkin seeds
> Sunflower seeds
> Chickpeas
> Cayenne pepper
> Olive oil
> Balsamic vinegar
> Avocado

*Side Note:  The hummus was made from scratch.  To make, just place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.  Top it off with cayenne pepper and extra virgin olive oil and it's ready to serve.

Hummus Ingredients:
- One can of chickpeas
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Cayenne pepper
- Salt
- Two garlic cloves

Quinoa:  A rich source of protein providing close to 11 grams of plant-based protein per one cup serving.  Quinoa contains Omega-3 essential fatty acids, B vitamins, magnesium phosphorus, potassium and is considered a seed.  GF
Avocado: Delicious and high in nourishing fats and magnesium levels.
Ginger:  Antioxidant effects, gastrointestinal relief, immune booster and shows anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects on cells.
- Pumpkin Seeds: Contains protein, B complex vitamins, and impressive levels of micronutrients such as iron,  tryptophan and phosphorous.
- Sunflower Seeds: High amounts of PUFA (Omega-6 fats) and protein.
- Chick Peas: Provides soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, manganese, and stabilizes blood sugar.  It is low on the glycemic index and is a great source of protein.
- Beets: Cleanses the blood and colon.  Beets are high in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, sodium, magnesium calcium, iron and phosphorous.  They also have zero trans fat and zero saturated fat.

Wednesday 10 September 2014

JUICE SHOTS!

Shots from:  Krokodile Pear
Website:  www.krokodilepear.com

My recommendations are that if you are going to be doing any shots, make sure they consist of cold-pressed organic juice! Raw, plant-based foods are nourishing to the body, packed with micronutrients.  Start your morning off with a vibrant in colour, revitalising and energising juice shot to detoxify the body with live nutrients and enzymes.  It's cost-effective, and provides the body with sustainable energy. So don't wast another penny on your coffee from Starbucks packed high-glucose corn syrup and sugar.  Make the switch to start juicing vegetables and fruits consistently to give the body an overall cleanse!

Juice Shots (2 oz.)

1. Kicking Horse: Lime, Ginger, Cayenne Pepper
2. Khatsahlano: Carrot, Beet, Lime, Ginger

To get more inspiration on starting your juice cleanse, visit:
www.rebootwithjoe.com

I would also recommend watching the documentary by Joe Cross called "Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead," available on Netflix!

Happy Juicing!



Green Bell Pepper & Thai Green Peppers growing
on the patio garden.

They were juicy, crunchy and delicious! There is something very
satisfying about growing your own food.  


Tuesday 9 September 2014


Mediterranean-Themed Lunch

It's no surprise that the Mediterranean diet has multiple health benefits.  The Mediterranean diet is composed of healthy fats, proteins, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables.  Olive oil, nuts and fish contain monounsaturated fats.  The primary monounsaturated fat is oleic acid,  found in very high amounts in olive oil.  What I value about the Mediterranean diet is the portion control,variety and freshness.  The plate I created covers the basics of a Mediterranean diet. Your taste buds get a dynamic tour of different foods which offer
nutritional value.

Benefits of Mediterranean Diet:
- Lowers cholesterol
- Aids in weight loss
- Vitamin & mineral packed
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Improves Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Reduce risk for developing Alzheimer's disease,
Diabetes and various types of Cancer

Elements of a Mediterranean Diet:
- Eat fish twice a week.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Limit intake of red meat to three-ounce portions.
- Eat moderate portions of poultry and eggs weekly.
- Eat moderate portions of cheese and yoghurt weekly.
- Eat an abundance of fruit, vegetables, whole grains,
nuts, legumes, seeds, herbs and spices.

On my plate:
- Gluten-free crackers
- Organic greens
- Organic tomatoes
- Figs
- Raw almonds
- 5 year aged cheddar cheese
- Organic free range whole eggs
- Prosciutto (Nitrate-free)

Bonne Appetit!



Monday 8 September 2014

Keys Tortuga Super Emollient Lotion


World's BEST Cream! 
Description
- Fast relief from dry skin
- No burning
- Helps to soften calluses
- No parabens
- Helps heal skin irritations due to pharmaceutical grade ingredients
- Deep penetrating black cumin, avocado and carrot seed oil
- Soothing and softening shea butter

** Vegan, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, No Animal Testing, Chemical Free, No Preservatives.

Ingredients:

Avocado Oil, Black Cumin Oil, Carrot Seed Oil, Keys Micelle, Water, Vegetable Glycerin, Shea Butter, Vegetable Wax.



Available at:  www.choicesmarket.com or www.keys-soap.com


When I first came across this cream at Choices Market over a year ago, I was using creams that were full of toxins and parabens which were damaging my skin.  I was desperate to make the switch to an all-natural, chemical-free cream that I could use on my face daily that would improve the overall quality of my skin.

The skin care professional told me that this cream contained ingredients so natural that the cream itself is practically edible! I decided to test it out externally on my face and instantly fell in love.  The texture, the mild smell, the immediate moisture are all attractive characteristics of this cream.  I use this cream on my face everyday, and the difference in my overall skin health has been amazing since I made the switch! This cream is also effective as a full body cream and highly effective for people lacking moisture in their skin.  I believe we all want flawless glowing skin and this cream has the ability to do just that!  FYI -- We absorb 60% of what we put on our skin! In my opinion, this is a must have in your daily beauty regime!

*12 Ingredients to avoid found in beauty & skin care products:
- Benzoyl Peroxide
- Diethanolamine (DEA), Monoethanolamine (MEA) & Triethanolamine (TEA)
- Dioxin
- DMDM Hydrantoin & Urea (Imidazolidinyl)
- FD&C Color & Pigments
- Parabens (Methyl, Butyl, Ethyl, Propyl)
- Polyethylene glycol
- Phthalates
- Propylene Glycol (PG) & Butylene Glycol
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
- Sunscreen Chemicals
- Triclosan

All organic vegetables & fruits.  Eat colours in abundance, everyday.
Red, Yellow, Orange, Green Pepper
Cucumber
Purple & White Onion
Tomatoes
Cauliflower
Rainbow Carrots

Grapefruit
Carrots
Black or Tuscan Kale
Lemons

Lemon Water

T
he benefits of kick-starting your day with a litre of lemon water:

- Repairs the skin, preventing the formation of wrinkles
- Reduces the appetite
- Aids digestion
- Cleanses the urinary tract
- Balances pH levels
- Detoxifies the liver
- Reduces inflammation
- Neutralises free radicals
- Flushes out the toxins
- Contains high amounts of potassium,
magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, citric acid, vitamin C.

Saturday 6 September 2014

- Organic Garden Harvesting -
Our garden has produced an abundance of fresh organic vegetables and herbs this summer.  It's beautiful how much harvest the garden can produce!  Two potent herbs that are an absolute must to add to your lifestyle are rosemary and mint. 

Rosemary:
Rosemary is a great source of Vitamin C, A, and complex B vitamins such as folic acid, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine,  and riboflavin.  Rosemary also provides an abundance of minerals such as copper, potassium, zinc, manganese, magnesium and very high in iron.  Compounds such as cineol, camphene, borneol, bornyl-acetate and apetine have  rubefacient, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and anti-septic properties.

Uses

- Use rosemary springs to use rosemary-infused olive oil.
- Natural air freshener
- When used topically, it can heal sores, wounds and bruises.
- When mixed with nettle leaf and boiled into water, rosemary can help with hair growth and dandruff.
- It can be used for skin irritations such as eczema.
- When applied to the forehead it can relieve headaches.

Mint:
Peppermint has a myriad of benefits and nutrients, in particular to sooth stomach issues.  It helps to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion and colonic muscle spasms.  It contains a rich source of vitamin C, copper and manganese.  Peppermint helps to sooth the stomach muscles surrounding the intestine so there is a less chance of spasm and indigestion.  Peppermint consists of antioxidant properties and helps to neutralize free radicals and helps to relief nasal symptoms related to allergies.

Uses

- Add to recipes
 - Use the leaves to make a potent mint tea.
- Make a cucumber, lemon, purified water and mint detoxifying drink.
- Put the mint leaves in ice cubes to add to refreshen any type of drink.
- Toss it in salads.
- Chew on to refresh breath.


Power Breakfast

1. Greek Yoghurt
2. Cold Milled Flax Seeds
3. Black Chia Seeds
4. Raw Hemp Seeds
5. Organic Frozen Blueberries
6. Chopped Raw Almonds
7. Raw Honey
8. Cinnamon

This delicious nutrient-packed power breakfast is full of omega-3 essential fatty acids, fiber, lignans, antioxidants such as Tryptophan, protein, vitamins and minerals, probiotics, and a myriad of other nutrients which I will discuss in further detail later.  This breakfast will help your digestion improve, aid in weight loss, increase sustainable energy, improve cholesterol and control blood sugar levels.  Enjoy! 



Friday 5 September 2014

A little snippet about me!  I have an immense passion for anything nutrition related & wellness related.  With an increase in genetically modified foods and toxins in our food such as artificial food colouring & dyes, brominated vegetable oil, carcinogens, sodium nitrates, bisophenal-A, I have chosen to nourish my body with solely wholesome foods and drinks.  


My main mission is to bring awareness to the general public about the toxins, parabens, phthalates, hormones, dioxins, and BPA in the foods, drinks, and daily products we ingest and absorb.  I have a keenness for knowledge to constantly be learning about nutritional healing. I would like to be able to provide knowledge and insight regarding nourishing the body and promote the availability and effectiveness of natural beauty products. I hope to inspire the world, one mouth at a time, with colourful goodness in which our bodies will thrive and benefit completely.