Watch this video to learn what produce to buy organic and what is OK conventional. Download the card here. RECIPE:
1 ripe, frozen banana handful frozen, previously soaked cashews 1/2 cup coconut water handful of sweet cacao nibs a few mint leaves Blend everything except cacao nibs in Vitamix until smooth. Add the nibs and blend for 2 seconds. Serve and enjoy! Subscribe to this channel for more easy dinner recipes, healthy lunch ideas and vegan diet suggestions. Valentine's Day Raw-Vegan Gluten-Free Strawberry Macaroons Recipe 2 cups of unsweetened coconut (reserve some for rolling for later) ¾ Cup Almond Meal ¼ cup frozen, organic strawberries ¼ cup freeze-dried strawberries ¼ cup raw organic honey pinch salt Blend together in food processor, form macaroons and roll in coconut. LIGHT TIRAMISU that loves you backTIRAMISU 1 Container of Vanilla Greek Coconut Yogurt 1 Package of Lady Fingers, non-gmo, made in France 1 Teaspoon Liquid Organic Vanilla 1 Tablespoon Cocoa Powder ½ Cup Coffee 1 Tablespoon Greek Coconut Nectar, Agave or Maple Syrup 1 Teaspoon Stevia Mix Yogurt with vanilla, maple syrup and stevia. Lay out 6 Lady Fingers on the plate and pour over some coffee. Scoop out half of the yogurt mixture and layer on top of the lady fingers. Repeat with the remaining lady fingers and yogurt. Sprinkle with cocoa powder and serve. COOKED VEGAN LASAGNA 1 package of rice lasagna noodles that don't need to be pre-cooked 1 Large jar of Marinara Sauce 1 box of Light Life Meat Crumbles 1 batch of creamy Béchamel Sauce (recipe below) 1 bag of Mozarella Daiya cheese Fresh basil to decorate when cooked DIRECTIONS: Layer in the following order, cover with foil and bake at 350 for 1 hour or so. marinara noodles marinara meat crumbles 1/4 package of cheese a little bit of bechamel noodles marinara meat crumbles 1/4 package of cheese a little bit ofbechamel noodles marinara 1/2 package of cheese a little bit of bechamel Béchamel Sauce (Raw Vegan): 2/3 cup cashews, soaked for 5 hours and rinsed 1 cup of almond milk 2 cloves of garlic ¼ cup nutritional yeast (if available) ½ lemon, juiced 1 teaspoon salt Blend everything in a blender. MORE VIDEO RECIPESImmune system is in charge of protecting the body from harmful substances in our environment such as viruses and bacteria. Especially during the winter months it is crucial to boost our bodies with the right armor against flus and colds. One of the best items you can have in your arsenal is medicinal mushrooms, which have been used for thousands of years. There are many published research articles that have established the incredible health benefits of these unique and powerful mushrooms. When taken regularly, medicinal mushrooms can help restore the body to its natural state, enabling all organs to function normally. These mushrooms can also help you: · Boost your immune system · Manage weight · Increase vitamin D · Support your adrenal glands · Lower blood pressure · Support nervous system · Reduce edgy-cravings · Get your skin glowing · Help boost workout recovery Multi-Use Mushrooms Immune Matrix by Mushroom Matrix Immune Matrix is a supplement made from a blend of 100% Organic Mushrooms, developed for daily health and optimal immune support. Powered by seven mushrooms, this blend will supply you with antioxidants, vitamins and digestive enzymes. Agaricus blazei, Turkey Tail, Maitake and Shiitake mushrooms in this blend are known for their ability to activate and balance immune response. Simply add one teaspoon of Mushroom Matrix powder to your favorite juice, smoothie or recipe everyday. I tried it mixed with plain water as well as in a smoothie. MushroomMatrix.com Mushrooms On-The-Go Mushroom Optimizer by Jarrow Formulas When you are traveling and need to boost your immune system against airplane germs, take a bottle of mushroom optimizer capsules with you. This product has a 7-mushroom blend that includes Cordyceps, White Wood Ear, Turkey Tail, Reishi, Maitake, Shitake and Himematsutake. I take 3 capsules each day when I travel as a preventative measure or if I feel I may be catching a cold. I usually feel better within an hour of taking the capsules. Jarrow.com As a Hot Beverage Hot Chaga Tea, Four Sigma Foods If you are a big coffee drinker and looking either replace it with a healthier beverage or just give it a nutritional boost, then try Instant Chaga. It is a little bitter, so if you are drinking it alone, some creamer and sweetener can make it more pleasant. If you are adding it your coffee, try just one half a packet at a time. This instant beverage contains dual extracted and wildcrafted chaga and is boosted with synergistic herbs. One sachet is equal to 9.5 pounds of blueberries in ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity that measures antioxidant capacities) value! foursigmafoods.com BEST ORGANIC JUICE CLEANSES If you have been over-indulging during the holidays and need to detox or simply want to jump-start a life-long path to health, I want to recommend experiencing the magic of raw, unpasteurized juice cleanses. My clients who are juicing have seen their energy increase, their skin starting to glow, weight being released and signs of aging being reversed. This past year we have seen some great additions and improvements to juicing companies in our area and in this blog I will share what’s good and new, so you can enjoy your juices to the fullest. First of all, why try a juice cleanse to begin with? Even though we are watching what we eat and make the right food choices, toxins still lurk into our bodies. For example, if you go out to eat, then you have pesticides and toxins in your system from non-organic foods that are found in most restaurants. The unpleasant side effect of having them in our systems can be seen in weight gain, low energy, unclear skin and many illnesses. By doing a simple detox, you will give your digestive system a vacation so your body can get rid of harmful toxins, boost its energy, release extra weight, promote deeper sleep and reduce stress. Think of the detox as you think of dry cleaning your clothes – a necessary part of life that helps you look and feel great! CLEANSE DO’s: · Take advantage of nutritional consultations prior to the cleanse · Eat light, vegan foods before and after your cleanse to ease in and out of the cleanse · Only choose organic juices, otherwise you will be putting toxins and pesticides right back into your body · Choose cold-pressed juices (like the ones in this blog) that retain most benefits from fruits and vegetables CLEANSE DONTs · Don’t eat heavy foods such as bread and animal proteins right before and right after the cleanse · Don’t use the cleanse as quick fix – it is a reboot for the system and not a crash diet · Don’t pressure yourself into doing a long cleanse if you are not ready. BEST LOCAL ORGANIC JUICES AND CLEANSES OnJUICE.com If you are always busy and have no time to go get your juices, I suggest getting them delivered to your house by OnJuice.com. This local company started in Boca in 2012 and has just gone organic. Their juices are cold-pressed and then high-pressure processed, which means there is no harmful bacteria, making them safe for people with weaker immune systems. What I like about OnJuice: · Easy delivery system - you don’t even have to leave your house or office · Local and Organic produce · Offers Signature and Advanced All-Juice Cleanses that include 6 juices · 10 specialty cleanses that include 4 juices per day · Complimentary pre and post-cleanse support with 7-days of food menus, to make sure you end your cleanse in a correct way · Corporate cleanses are available Z-Tip: Sign up for their convenient auto-renewal delivery program and make juice a daily habit - you will look and feel fabulous all year long. To order, visit www.OnJuice.com or call 800-495-5008. Get 20% off by mentioning this blog. APURA JUICERY AND COFFEE HOUSE Apura Juicery and Coffeehouse has a beautiful story and the passion of Susan Mussaffi, the owner of the café, shows in every detail. Apura is dedicated to making great-tasting juices with unique flavors that stand out from the crowd. If you don’t believe me, just try Can-Elope, Flying Hawaiian and Purple Haze. What I love about Apura is: · Beautiful café where you can enjoy your juice · Food and Juice cleanses are available · Group cleanses · Organic cold-pressed coffees for those who don’t want to give it the habit, but want to upgrade it instead · Samples of every juice are available before purchase · Pick up raw vegan salads, snacks and even desserts to help you ease in and ease out of the cleanse Z-Tip: Try Chia Pudding and Raw Oatmeal to get into the habit of a delicious and nutritious breakfast. 22191 Powerline Road, 20B | Boca Raton, FL 33433, 561.430.3596 www.ApuraJuicery.com RAW JUCE Raw Juce is a juice-aholic’s paradise that offers juices, smoothies, power shots and dessert drinks that can satisfy your thirst and hunger. Over the year they have added many new juices, smoothies and snacks, making it always fun and exciting to go. What I love about this store: · They offer walk-in cleanses · Samples of every juice are available before purchase · Big selection of green juices · Free consultation with a certified health coach · Raw vegan foods, acai bowls and smoothies are available for purchase to ease in and out of the cleanse · Convenient location off Glades rd and I-95 · Juice till dinner cleanses are great for beginners Z-tip: If you are new to cleanses, try a combination of smoothies and juices for your first 2 days of the cleanse before going 100% on juice. 2200 Glades Rd Ste. 403, Boca Raton, Florida 33431. 561.424.JUCE www.RawJuce.com ORGANIC JUICE EXPRESS If you are out and about in Mizner Park and want a drink that won’t make you feel guilty later, check out Organic Juice Express. All drinks are made to order and poured into glass mason jars with straws (what a cute idea!) What I love about this store: · Build-your-own cleanses · Design-your-own juices · Free local delivery · Raw vegan salads, smoothies and desserts are available for purchase to ease in and out of the cleanse · Delicious coconut water is available in big bottles · Convenient location on Federal Hwy, across from Mizner Park Z-tip: Do try the banana ice-cream – it can change the way you view desserts! 495 N Federal Highway, Boca Raton, Fl 33432. (561) 707-0072 http://www.juicebarboca.com/
1. Make sure you eat small balanced meals throughout the day, especially before the big turkey or Tofurky dinner. The impulse may often be to dramatically restrict your calories beforehand, but that may backfire when your eyes become bigger than your stomach. Instead of starving yourself, enjoy small, portion-controlled, balanced meals with your favorite holiday flavors. That way when dinner comes around you won't be anxious to dig in. Instead, you’ll make better food choices for yourself. 2. When you find yourself sitting in front of all your holiday favorites, the first thing to do is to take a deep breath and make a conscious plan of what dishes you would like to indulge in first. Fill up half of your plate with green veggies and salad, one quarter with your favorite starchy side dishes and leave a palm-sized space for the protein (plant-based protein will be better for your digestion and well-being). Slow down during the meal and focus on enjoying the conversations with family and friends. Wait 20 minutes after you’re done with your plate before reaching for seconds. If you choose to get more food, eat it slowly and with gusto and pleasure. By taking your time, chewing every bite and enjoying every morsel, you will help your body do its best to digest the food and leave you happy and satisfied. 3. Make your own healthier version of a thanksgiving favorite and bring with you to the dinner. That way you will have a healthy and delicious recipe to enjoy and to share. Check out my two simple video recipes below!
The term “Superfoods” has been circulating a lot lately and many people are wondering what exactly does it mean? Superfoods are the most potent, super-concentrated, and nutrient-rich foods on the planet. Think of them as supermen and superwomen that are helping your immune system to flourish, while they fight for your health and destroy free-radicals. They can also help with elevating serotonin production, cleansing of organs and even improve hormone function.
Here are my favorite superfoods that are easy to add to your daily meals. 1. Cacao (Raw Chocolate) —Cacao is one of the highest antioxidant foods on the planet as it is rich in antioxidants, magnesium, iron and manganese. Raw Chocolate can help improve cardiovascular health, build strong bones, act as a natural aphrodisiac, elevate your mood and increase energy. Try making my raw cacao brownies and cookie dough with this video. 2. Goji Berries - Goji berries have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years and can sometimes be regarded as a longevity and strength-building food. Goji berries contain 18 kinds of amino acids, including all 8 essential amino acids, up to 21 trace minerals, high amounts of antioxidants, iron, polysaccharides and B & E vitamins. Sprinkle a few berries on your smoothie, morning cereal or your salad for a nutritional punch. 3. Maca - This adaptogenic superfood has been a staple in Peru for centuries of years as it helps to increase energy, endurance, strength and even boost libido. It can also help balance hormones and relief hot flashes. Dried maca powder contains protein, nearly 20 amino acids, including 7 essential amino acids. If you would like to try it, begin with adding a ¼ teaspoon to your morning smoothie and see how it makes you feel. You may find that you don’t need your morning coffee anymore! 4. Hemp Seeds— Hemp seeds are packed with protein, iron, amino acids and vitamin E as well as omega-3 essential fatty acids. Omega-3’s can help with healthy brain function and have been shown to combat inflammation. Hemp is also perfect food for growing children and adults looking to increase protein intake. Sprinkle some hemp seeds on your salad or just eat them as a protein-rich snack. 5 Algae (spirulina and chlorella)— Spirulina and Chlorella provide a vast array of minerals, trace elements, phytonutrients and enzymes. Chlorella is also known for helping pull heavy metals from the body and purifying blood. I like to add a teaspoon of chlorella to my smoothies or take a few chlorella pills in the morning on empty stomach. 6. Astaxantin – Astaxantin is a carotenoid that comes from microalgae. It helps fight the damage of sun rays and acts like a natural sun-block. I take it in supplement pill form if I had too much sun exposure or right before spending time out in the sun. 7. Camu Berry – Camu Camu is the highest source of Vitamin C and therefore is great for enhancing immunity and boosting energy. I like to add a ¼ teaspoon of camu camu to water and take it as an anti-oxidant shot when I feel run down. 8. Sea Vegetables (kelp, dulse, nori, hijiki, bladderwrack, etc) — Power-packed with nutrients, sea vegetables help remove heavy metals, detoxify the body of radioactive iodine and provide numerous trace minerals. Seaweeds are especially good for the thyroid and hormone function. To add more sea veggies into your diet, simply sprinkle some of dry kelp or dulse on your food. They have a salty taste and are therefore a great replacement for table salt. 9. Medicinal Mushrooms (Reish, Shaga, Cordyceps maitake, shiitake, etc.) — Medicinal mushrooms are terrific adaptogenic superfoods. They are perfect for boosting your immune system and supporting your adrenal glands in times of stress. When I feel stressed, I like to take a few capsules of Mushroom Optimizer Blend (sold at Whole Foods Market) that features several kinds of medicinal mushrooms. 10. Coconut Oil - Coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides, which can be easily used for energy, support your thyroid function and can help boost your metabolism. It is also known for its anti-fungal properties, which can help kill harmful pathogens. Add a few teaspoons of coconut to your morning smoothie for an extra boost of energy, put it on small cuts or simply use coconut oil instead of lotion! The most common question people ask me is: “Where do I begin on my path to healthy eating?” If that is something you are interested in as well, then I invite you to join me at the First Annual SEED Food and Wine Festival in Miami! I have been saying this for years – eating healthy can be fun and fabulous and SEED is the proof of it. This 5-day all plant-based event is going to be fun, sexy and delicious as it features gourmet dinners with wine pairings, a fabulous brunch, film screening, a kid-friendly event and an all-day festival of food, wine and craft beer from some of my favorite restaurants in South Florida. The festival has signed a stellar cast of celebrity chefs, authors and health experts, such as plant-based actress Alicia Silverstone, best-selling author and chef, Matthew Kenney; 2014 James Beard Award nominees Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby; and author Brendan Brazier, a former professional Ironman triathlete considered to be one of the world's foremost authorities on plant-based nutrition. BONUS: You will also get to meet me, as I will be one of the presenting chefs at the Saturday event, doing a live un-cooking demo. If you are new to the plant-based eating, I strongly suggest going to one of the gourmet dinners as you are in for a treat (I bought my tickets to the Matthew Kenney dinner on Saturday night as soon as they were available for sale). To buy your tickets, visit www.SeedFoodAndWine.com In honor of the event, I would like to share one of my favorite recipes – healthy and fabulous raw cacao truffles. They are easy to make, delicious and guilt-free! To see how they are made, watch my video here. RAW CACAO TRUFFLES 1 cup pitted medjool dates 1/2 cup coconut manna or butter (NOT OIL) 3/4 cup raw agave ½ vanilla bean ½ teaspoon mineral salt 1 cup cacao powder 1/8 cup cacao for rolling Place vanilla bean in food processor with agave and cacao and blend until the bean is chopped. Add the rest of ingredients and process until chocolate mass if formed. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes. When cooled, roll a small amount of the mixture into a ball and brush with cacao powder so it is not sticky outside. Enjoy! |
ASK ALINAWhy ask me?- After many challenges and different crazy life experiences I am living my dream life and since my friends say I am pretty wisdomous and I think I am a little bit funny too, I want to share my life approach with you so you can live the life you love as well. Here is a little bit about me: - I am a creator of #1 Best Diet as selected by Harpers Baazar Magazine - I started my career in the corporate world and didn't even know how to peel a shallot - I have been a chef for celebrities for over 10 years - I have a realistic approach to food and life - I have a great relationship with food and can even let chocolate go bad because I simply forget I have it at home (something I wasn't able to do 10 years ago) - I eat carbs whenever I feel like it without any guilt - I used to hate to cook and now absolutely love being a private chef and a food relationship coach - I wear whatever clothes I desire no matter what everyone is wearing or thinking - I am in good shape and my body’s biological age is 13 years younger than the one in my passport - I have experience being super poor, super wealthy and in between - I’ve worked in corporate world and am now an entrepreneur - I was married and divorced - I used to cry going to work because I was so miserable with my boss - I’ve had an emotional eating disorder - I moved from Russia to USA alone at the age of 15 - I’ve lived in Russia, Europe and on both coasts of USA - I have been super skinny and overweight - I have been insecure and unhappy with reasons and secure and happy for no reason - I used to wear glasses and healed my eyes with the power of thought and exercises - I created "Couture Nutrition®" so you can have tailor-made solutions for your body and soul - My brain usually comes up with jokes to soften stressful situations - I think color coordination, sparkles and rainbows are underused |