We were living with my Grandparents when my Mom realized everyone in the household was feeding me breakfast! She was feeding me before school. My Grandma would feed me again after she left. While my Grandfather was eating breakfast I would stand under the table and he would hand treats down to me.  Of course I didn’t believe this until my Mom produced a photo…low & behold, there I was under the table like a dog taking scraps. I even started walking at 7 months old in the name of food.

Apparently my Mom was across the room eating. I started whining and reaching my hand out (as if I was starving). My Mom said, “If you want it come on over and get it.” To her surprise I stood straight up (without hands) and walked right over for my snack.

Snack…who am I kidding? She said I ate the whole plate of food! I’ve been walking and eating ever since.

Fast forward to present day. Sure, I could stand to lose a few lbs., but I’m super strong and fancy myself an amateur athlete having been sponsored in then past, have a new current sponsor, hiked the Appalachian Trail, and recently ran a Marathon. Problem is I still struggle with being this Yoga/Pilates instructor athlete and trying to balance my love for food and wine. You would think after 39 years I would have gotten over it by now, but NO the thoughts still linger…the guilty feelings when I eat that extra slice of pizza or drink that extra glass of wine…a weekly occurrence.

What’s the problem? I teach 16 classes a week, still maintain my own personal practice, and am usually training for some event. The problem is the constant thinking about food. Whether it’s to pre-fuel, re-fuel, eating as part of a social event, enjoying a nice meal with my husband, or making sure to not eat too close to class…it’s always some mind swirl regarding food. Plus on top of it I like good food… really good food. I’m one of those when visiting a new city I research the “Best of” lists to see where I need to eat or which hot chef has a restaurant there. “We HAVE to eat at this place!” I tell my husband. I write about food and am sure to tell others where they too NEED to eat when visiting. Whether it’s simple food like the best bagels, or where in Seville has the best lemony, saffron laden Paella, I must find it!

I even like bad food…bad for you, bad quality, ooey, gooey sinful food. I don’t eat it often, but the thoughts are there. I want to eat it, but don’t. The closet addict that thinks about it, but rarely does. I am depriving myself, but of what? We all know after you eat that stuff, it doesn’t make you feel better. You only feel gross and usually regret it.

I know the simple solution is to eat everything in moderation, enjoy, live…life’s too short to be so hard on yourself. Really, you can’t tell me anything new. Trust me, I’m stubborn. Of course I know all these things, but following my own advice is another story.

We haven’t even gotten to the wine yet…

“Oh, but a glass of wine is good for you.” Guess what? I don’t want a glass…I want a glass bottle. Not really, but certainly two…OK three glasses of wine is what I have in mind.  I used to be strict when it came to food and wine. I only drank a couple glasses twice a week. I kept a calorie journal and wrote everything down. Yes I was kind of a freak, but hey I was also 15-19% body fat (13% at my lowest thank you very much).

So again, what’s the problem? The problem I think boils down to simple vanity. I am willing to admit this… out loud to readers everywhere!

I am so active I think my body should reflect that activity, but unless I am strict on the ol’ diet it only says “yes I’m pretty awesome, now if I could just cut back on the [fill in the blank] I could really rock it! “ There’s also the responsibility of being an instructor and having students look up to you and feeling like you should be an example. I don’t mean an example of how you look, but how you think about things, how you let go, how you perceive, how you “are.” You can judge me all you want, but the reality is I DO want to look good. I want to look like I work as hard as I do. Is that so bad? I don’t want my Pilates students to think, “Why should I listen to her?” She has a spare tire!” I admire those who are not interested in food, where it came from, or the cultural connections we have to it. I really do, but for me there will always be more to food than just fuel. I will continue to maintain my passionate affair, but in the back of my mind will always think carefully about what I put into my body, how it will affect my performance (mental and physical), and the outcome of my choices.

I could easily blame my family, but this time I accept full responsibility. This is all me! Speaking of…1.5 hours ‘til class…better have a snack!

Attributes or qualities that define the Kapha constitution are: cold, moist, sticky, oily, smooth and sweet. Ayurvedic mantra professes that ‘like increases like,’ and to that end, it would deem us well to refrain from consuming foods that reflect these attributes this wintry season, so as to avoid an imbalance of the Kapha dosha (constitution) in our body. This is especially important for those of a pre-dominant Kapha constitution. As we know, imbalance in the doshas or constitutions affect both the body and the mind.

It is known that an imbalance of Kapha in the body manifests into colds, sinus congestion, weight gain, allergies, general sluggishness, depression and a lack of motivation. Since Kapha tends to accumulate in the chest it often results in congestion.

Here are some helpful tips that can reduce the possibility of a Kapha imbalance this season:

Diet:

Eliminating heavy foods from our diet such as wheat and dairy will reduce the feeling of sluggishness in the body this season.

Also, limiting the intake of nuts as they tend to be heavy, oily and sweet.  In grains, rice and wheat should ideally be replaced by barley, buckwheat, corn, rye and millet.

As far as vegetables go, avoid tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet potatoes and zucchini. Bitter, pungent and astringent tastes will help balance the body at this time. Eating bitter greens like broccoli rabe, radicchio, arugula, endive, dandelion greens and cabbage, brussel sprouts, green chillies, garlic, and onions would be beneficial.

Spices are especially favored this season and warming spices such as turmeric, cumin, fennel, fenugreek, black pepper, cayenne, cardamom, cinnamon will keep kapha accumulation at bay. Ginger tea and ginger as garnish on foods, as well as a drink of warm milk with turmeric and ginger helps reduce kapha.

For non-vegetarians; chicken and turkey is fine, as are freshwater fish in moderation. But seafood, pork and red meat should be reduced this time of the year.

Avoid cooking with butter, instead try baking or steaming your food with safflower, sunflower, soybean oil or ghee (clarified butter).

Because of one the attributes or qualities of the Kapha season is also sweet, it would be easier on the system if we avoided sweets in excess.

Ice cream is going to do you no favors this season. It’s creamy sweet constitution will be particularly difficult to digest because digestive fire is low during this season and it will hamper the process of assimilation in the body. This is also true for ice-cold beverages. Ginger tea is the best digestive aid after meals in the Kapha season.

Lifestyle:

This would be the season where having a daily routine will benefit you greatly.

Starting the day with a warm beverage of lemon and honey to purify and cleanse would be a good routine to incorporate, however make sure the water is not too hot, as honey in hot water causes toxins in the body.

Choose to engage in an exercise on a daily basis. In yoga this would be the optimal time to start the day with Surya Namaskars or add them to the beginning of your practice.

Because of the cold outside, the body is instinctively in a contracted mode, so frequent body massage helps to revitalize and release the contraction in the muscles, allowing for movement and expansion in an otherwise restricting season.

Treat yourself to aromatherapy and light some eucalyptus oil to aid in your breathing and help with any congestion that you may already be combating.

Choose to wear warm, bright colors this season to counter the effects of the weather within the body. Colors carry their own vibration, so be mindful of the colors you wear. Reds, oranges, golds, basically autumnal colors help to promote balance at this time of the year.

Make some time to meditate this season. Waking up an hour before your usual time to engage in kapabhati pranayama helps to heat the body. Meditation can include a moving meditation also, so using an aerobic style gentle movement meditation, or Surya namaskar to center the mind, still it and breathe deeply before beginning your day will aid you along the way.

Ayurvedists strictly suggest that we should avoid napping during the day in this season and also avoid sleeping in for long hours as that promotes sluggishness in the body.

Try one or all of these tips to do your (potent) bit and bring balance to mind, body and soul.

Even the best intentions sometimes get laid to waste during the eggnog-fueled, candy-ridden, hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Not to mention the guilt that sometimes goes along with turning down another slice of grandma’s pie,…that oh, by the way, she baked especially for you!

Overindulgence is practically synonymous with the holiday season and sometimes a source for a great deal of anxiety for those of us who still want to slip into the same size yoga pants at the end of all the craziness.

Is that vain?

Sure, I will admit to a little vanity, but why does love have to come with love-handles?

I mean surely there is a way to stay sane, and fit and leave everyone at home feeling loved without busting your pocket-book or the seams on your favorite yoga pants. Below are some of my favorite strategies…

1. Lend A Helping Hand In The Kitchen. Yogis don’t complain, they pitch in and help out. Roll up your sleeves and help out a  little! Is there a farmers market near mom’s? Great! Buy some fresh veggies and introduce them to some exciting new dishes! With a little effort your family will soon be having a love affair with Kale and even better mr. fatty mashed potatoes  will have to make room for some new friends on the dining room table.

2. Make Fitness A Family Affair. So you can’t convince your mom to turn on the stove full blast and crank the heat in the house so you can make her place into your own personal hot yoga studio? Don’t despair. Baby steps  lil’ yoga tiger! If your family isn’t into yoga try taking them on a brisk morning walk, sledding, ice-skating or any other calorie-busting activity that is fun and gets everybody moving

3. Tricks Are For Kids…And Bored Grown-Ups! Sometimes you must have a few tricks up your sleeve to grab people’s interest. If it seems impossible to get your “too-cool-for-school” teen-age cousin to try a yoga class try teaching him how to balance on his hands in crow pose. Can’t get your mom to go with you to your morning vinyasa yoga class? Try teaching her cat-cow after a long day of shopping to loosen up tight lower back muscles. You get the idea….

4. Redefine Your Idea Of A Workout. Stir crazy? Before the hamster in your head runs off of its wheel get up off of your tuckus and DO something! Shovel snow, rake leaves, or help your mom re-organize the garage. Focusing on how you can be of service or seva (self-less service) doesn’t have to be completely self-less to earn you some good karma points…and you will feel great doing it too!

5. Stay Present And Practice Gratitude. Let’s face it, the holidays are a total sensory overload. I promise though that drinking yourself silly or trying to get grounded by gnawing your way through a pile of stuffing is not the answer. Wake up early to carve out some time for yourself or step away from the din once in a while to practice gratitude. Sure, your family isn’t perfect and things are chaotic. Sometimes it may feel like you are being swept up in holiday that focuses on draining your pocketbook and adding another digit to your pant size. However, at the heart of the holiday season is an opportunity to re-connect with loved ones and be grateful for the families we’ve been given. Whether they are blood relatives or just a motley bunch of characters that are dear to our hearts, the holidays are about bonding with your family. Take a moment to remember why you braved holiday traffic, long airport lines and general holiday insanity in the first place. Reconnect to the true meaning of the holiday season. Breathe, count your blessings, review the things you LOVE about each family member, and then get out there and spread the love!

[Article via Organic Authority] Like the saying goes, the only constant is change. We may resist it all we want, but Time and its inevitable evolution of everything in its path is unaffected by our attempts to stop it. The resulting trajectory of humanity’s nascent ascent appears to be positioning itself to sweep us into progressive new times, especially where our food choices are concerned, as nearly 7 billion people are now standing on the little scraps of land that we share with some 55 billion rather large animals raised for food each year. (As another famous saying goes: This town ain’t big enough for the both of us.) So, beef (and all factory-farmed meat) may be going from rib-eye to relic as we transition to a greener world… literally—as in leafy, green vegetables.

Environmentalists cite meat production as one of the biggest contributors to global warming, and the USDA’s new food pyramid (MyPlate) suggests the healthiest choice is making vegetables and fruit the biggest part of every meal by reducing consumption of animal proteins. Kale is far more nutritious than other leafy greens, but these seven reasons why it is such an important futurefood may just surprise you.

1. Anti-inflammatory: Inflammation is the number one cause of arthritis, heart disease and a number of autoimmune diseases, and is triggered by the consumption of animal products. Kale is an incredibly effective anti-inflammatory food, potentially preventing and even reversing these illnesses.

2. Iron: Despite the myth that vegetarians are anemic, the number of non-vegetarians with iron-deficiencies is on the rise. Per calorie, kale has more iron than beef.

3. Calcium: Dairy and beef both contain calcium, but the U.S. still has some of the highest rates of bone loss and osteoporosis in the world. Kale contains more calcium per calorie than milk (90 grams per serving) and is also better absorbed by the body than dairy.

4. Fiber: Like protein, fiber is a macronutrient, which means we need it every day. But many Americans don’t eat nearly enough and the deficiency is linked to heart disease, digestive disorders and cancer. Protein-rich foods, like meat, contain little to no fiber. One serving of kale not only contains 5 percent of the recommended daily intake of fiber, but it also provides 2 grams of protein.

5. Omega fatty acids: Essential Omega fats play an important role in our health, unlike the saturated fats in meat. A serving of kale contains 121 mg of omega-3 fatty acids and 92.4 mg of omega-6 fatty acids.

6. Immunity: Superbugs and bacteria are a serious risk to our health. Many of these come as a result of factory farm meat, eggs and dairy products. Kale is an incredibly rich source of immune-boosting carotenoid and flavanoid antioxidants including vitamins A and C.

7. Sustainable: Kale grows to maturity in 55 to 60 days versus a cow raised for beef for an average of 18-24 months. Kale can grow in most climates and is relatively easy and low impact to grow at home or on a farm. To raise one pound of beef requires 16 pounds of grain, 11 times as much fossil fuel and more than 2,400 gallons of water.

Check out the original article via Organic Authority

In this day and age, the information is everywhere: and at times can be a bit of an overload. All of the terms, names and forms can be a tab bit much for anyone. There are so many books, articles, opinions on everything regarding food. And to top it all off, there are all these different sorts of diets to add to the confusion. Well, we here at project: CLEAN FOOD understand that you could be potentially experiencing this heaviness in the food department. Many of us have gone through a similar experience when deciding to make some changes in the diet: but we never let the information overload lead us astray. We keep health at top of all priorities before all things: for without a healthy life, nothing is possible. So that said, we got ya covered!

Eventhough there is tons of info out there, continue to shift your priorities towards healthy eating and dive deeply into a CLEAN FOOD lifestyle. By eating CLEAN FOOD, you are getting the best of everything from the Earth: vitamins, nutrients, minerals, antioxidants and all essential amino acids. So, why are we all about eating CLEAN FOOD? Because we understand that not every diet is suitable for everyone: and eating CLEAN just makes so much sense! So here is our simple little breakdown for eating CLEAN FOOD:

Foods:

–Fruits-n-Veggies: 70%
–Grains: 10%
–Nuts and Seeds: 5%
–Pure Chocolate: 3%
–Breads: 2%
–Misc: 10%**

Beverages:

–Water: 70%
–Misc: 30%**

**These are the foods and beverages that you enjoy to the fullest (and without any sort of attachment to them)

That’s it! Everything on this outline carefully balances out the body and all of its requirements. With the CLEAN FOOD plan, there is going to be some give and take. But that said, everyone should have fun while eating healthy! Eating should never feel like some sort of chore that has to be done. So if the diet is too strict (or too relaxed for that matter), radiant health can never be truly attained.

The goal of eating CLEAN FOOD is to attain that radiant health, to feel good everyday you wake up and to keep the body light, fit and pure! And these particular foods outlined here will definitely ensure that, so long as you are receptive to all the changes and open to expanding your perceptions. So take to this plan firmly and you’re well on your way! By just taking one step towards change, immediately that change and all of its beautiful and amazing benefits come running towards you! It’s all so very beautiful!

Very Simple.

Very Easy.

Very CLEAN.

…and you are eating CLEAN FOOD…

Some may even experience lack of motivation, weariness or even sickness. This is how we know that it is time for everyone to slow down a bit. But because it is time to slow down, that doesn’t mean that it is time to roll over and play dead, ya? You are very much alive and well! So, project: CLEAN FOOD has set up a nice juice recipe to not only blast out any sort of cold or sinus problems that may be manifesting, but also any sort of heaviness that you may be experiencing as of lately.

Usually when we get an attack of a cold or a sinus issue, it is our body’s way of telling us to slow down a bit. So, as usual, we got ya covered! Here is the energy juice you need to bounce right back when the time is right for you:

*Local Organic Carrot 
*Local Organic Apple
*Local Organic Dandelion Leaf (Just a little bit)
*Local Organic Parsley (Just a little bit)
*Ginger (use your intuition: ginger is strong)

Carrots, Apples, Dandelion Leaves, and Parsley are available in local farmer’s markets now in abundance. You want to eat these particular products locally because they will allow your body to tune to the vibrations of the atmosphere and all the subtle changes within your immediate environment; when that happens, your body becomes stronger because you are more aligned with the land.

This little powerful juice combination is filled with beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, fiber, potassium, B-vitamins and tons of antioxidants and other minerals. The combination of dandelion, apple and ginger will help blast out any and all mucous within the system; and it also gives the liver a very slight cleanse. It invigorates the liver to purify your system so that the body becomes stronger once again. There are some nutrients in apples that also aid in digestion and act as a small kidney cleanser: all neccessary for purification.

When sickness affects the body, it affects the system as a whole. Although one part of the body may be grossly affected, all aspects of the body feels the strain: so keep that in mind while going through the healing and purification process.

So, go and muster up some energy to make a juice or take yourself to the local juice bar and get to work! Energy can never be created nor destroyed, right? So use some of that abundant energy to create that invigorating feeling of newness in your mind and body.

..are you eating CLEAN FOOD…

Fall is the transitional month marked by the onset of the autumn equinox in North America which fell on September 22^nd of this year, and the arrival of the winter solstice- which shall visit us on December 21^st, marking the commencement of winter.

Ayurvedically the cooler, dryer, windy element this time of the year enhances the wind factor in our own bodies. Ayurveda’s mantra is: ‘Like increases like,’ while ‘opposites balance each other out.’ So if Vata is in abundance in the climate, we are reflecting it as well by feeling an excess of air and ether in our bodies, And if your constitution or dosha tends to have Vata in it anyway, then it’s double vata whammy for you!

However, woe be gone! Even if the climate is in transition, it doesn’t mean you have to lose your centered-ness because of the elements.  You can do things to make yourself feel more balanced and rooted by making mindful food and lifestyle choices that will bring equilibrium to your mind, body and spirit despite the season of dry, chapped winds and falling leaves.

These tips are not just for the vata season, but are equally applicable to people with  a predominant vata constitution, the whole year round.

Foods

Fruits & Vegetables:

Avoid: Because the weather is already dry, we should avoid dried fruits, along with Apples, Cranberries, Pears, Persimmon, Pomegranate, Watermelon as all these enhance the air element in the body

However, you can balance with: Apricots, Avocado, Bananas, cherries, coconuts, Figs, grapefruits, grapes, lemons, mango, melons, oranges, papaya, peaches, pineapples, plums. All of which have a more grounding element to them.

Avoid: Raw veggies including, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, eggplants, leafy greens, lettuce, mushrooms, raw onions, parsley, peas, spinach, potatoes, sprouts, tomatoes.

Do : Cook your vegetables, preferably in ghee as it kindles the digestive fire and aids in absorption of nutrients. Asparagus, beets, carrots, cucumber, garlic, green beans, okra (cooked), onion (cooked), potato, radishes, zucchini, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, acorn, butternut. These have the qualities of sweet, heavy, smooth, dense and moist and are most balancing for vata.

Vata dosha is pacified by sweet, sour, salty tastes in your diet. Meanwhile limit bitter and astringent tastes.

Grains:

Avoid: Barley, Buckwheat, corn, millet, rye.

Do enjoy: Cooked oats, rice, wheat, whole wheat pasta and buckwheat udon noodles can be especially grounding for vata.

Meats:

Lamb, pork, rabbit, venison should be avoided by vata constitutions and in the vata season.

However, Beef, Chicken or Turkey, eggs fried or scrambled aid in grounding the body.

Legumes:

Most legumes increase the content of air in the body.

Lifestyle

Vata is best kept aligned when we maintain our routines and schedules. Erratic schedules aggravate vata further in the body.

Maintain your weekly yoga, meditation and exercise routine, to help sail through this season. A strong routine is the best medicine to avoid imbalance in Vata.

Massage the body daily with Ayurveda oil especially for the Vata dosha, that can also be bought at http://ayurveda.com/shop/vata-massage-oil-pint.html. Or massaging with organic sesame oil is also calming to vata.

However, Mung beans and black and red beans are the suggested legumes for an increased vata state.

Every day I would see trucks drive through town either loaded with cattle or chickens or having been emptied of cattle or chickens. This always bothered me. Eating meat always bothered me. I remember as a child questioning my mom about the pork chop on my plate and wondering why on earth we’d be eating a “dead pig.” That is how I always thought of it.

I am proud to say that I have been a non-meat-eater now for more than 2 decades. However, it is something I rarely open up about. Meat eaters often find it odd that I would choose to omit animals from my diet and frankly, I get tired of answering questions such as “where do you get your protein” and “so what DO you eat?.”  A recent burst of inspiration has prompted me to re-dedicate myself to my choice to be abstain from meat and to peacefully educate others about why it’s smart to adopt a vegetarian and/or a vegan diet.

I am proud to say that I have been a non-meat-eater now for more than 2 decades. However, it is something I rarely open up about. Meat eaters often find it odd that I would choose to omit animals from my diet and frankly, I get tired of answering questions such as “where do you get your protein” and “so what DO you eat?.”  A recent burst of inspiration has prompted me to re-dedicate myself to my choice to abstain from meat and to peacefully educate others about why it’s smart to adopt a vegetarian and/or a vegan diet.

Here’s why I am choosing to be more vocal. I have felt completely put off by animal rights groups who use scare tactics and extreme stunts to promote veganism. While I share in their views that animal products are harmful to living creatures, the environment and bad for the human psyche… I disagree with their outlandish movements that make others think vegetarians and vegans are weird or extreme. Even if you think “meat is murder” are you really going to get someone to stop eating their favorite comfort foods by shaming them? No!

There are a number of reasons why I choose not to consume animals. One reason is Ahimsa (the yogic Niyama which means non-harming or non-violence). It’s a choice I have never regretted and one that had led to amazing wellness. I would never want to guilt someone into changing their diet, but I do feel if you are informed you might be challenged to change the way you look at the food you buy and eat. Other lives and our environment depend on your choice.

5 Reasons to move toward a plant based diet:

1. Veganism is good for your health and makes you gorgeous! Most vegans that I know are people who rarely become ill. I personally feel fortunate that I have not had the need to see a doctor in years and I credit my mostly vegan, organic, whole food diet. And, the vegans I know are absolutely radiant! Glowing skin and a slimmer body is reason enough to switch over.

2. Eating meat is bad for animals who suffer needlessly. As many as 25 billion animals are slaughtered each year in America. Those sentient beings feel terror as they are forcefully crammed into trucks, they feel sadness as they are separated from their mothers or offspring just days after birth, and they feel unbearable pain as they are bled to death, skinned, boiled, sometimes beaten and even suffocated. If you have a pet, look into it’s eyes and imagine it’s fate as that of an animal produced for food. Oh, and read up on factory farming! If you think eating meat is “part of the food chain” it is not if the animal comes from a factory farm. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) says these intensive-confinement systems are all about efficiency and the animals are treated as biological “machines.”

3. No more moo equals more moo-lah. Eating meat is expensive. By switching to a meat free diet, you will not only save money on your grocery bill — you will be able to buy more organic foods and you won’t have to pay nearly as many doctors bills because your immune system will be boosted by all the antioxidants you are pumping into your body. The high quality fiber that is abound in fresh fruits, vegetables and grains flushes toxins out of the body to keep your metabolism functioning at it’s optimum level. My weekly grocery bill for a family of four eating mostly organic and vegan foods is roughly $200.00 per week.

4. Follow in the footsteps of notable vegetarians… There is a very long list of famous, smart and influential people who chose a meat-free diet. That list includes Albert Einstein, Leonardo Da Vinci, Jane Goodall, Princess Diana of Wales, Benjamin Franklin, Herschel Walker, Forest Whitaker, Isadora Duncan and Mahatma Gandhi to name a few.

5. Giving up meat is one of the best ways to go green. Animal agriculture is the number one pollutant of America’s waterways. Animal excrement (often contaminated with toxic chemicals and hormones) runs into groundwater, rivers and topsoil, ruining potable water and land. Ammonia emissions from this excrement trigger acid rain and produce greenhouse gases. More than 1/3 of the fossil fuels used in the US are used to raise animals for food. Water, land, and plant food are grossly misused to produce drastically smaller amounts of animal-based “food” in the end. The HSUS says that meat, egg, and milk production wastes natural resources. Half the world’s grain crops are fed to the world’s 65 billion farm animals—when more than a billion people suffer from hunger.

If you are worried your protein intake will suffer by moving toward a plant based diet, it won’t! Unlike most omnivorous diets, you’ll actually be getting a healthier protein intake. Taking in too much protein can cause calcium to be leeched from your bones and can be taking on your kidneys and other organs.

Take it from Albert Einstein! He said, “Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet.”

As originally reported in Page Six of the New York Post, international coffee king Starbucks could be making a move into the trendy pressed-juice bar business. CEO Howard Schultz has been scoping out top New York places, the Lower East Side’s Liquiteria and The Juice Press, and he’s just hired Liquiteria manager Yohana Bencosme, an 11-year veteran from Washington Heights, to train staff in Seattle.

A source tells Page Six, “Schultz visited Juice Press in March, and after that went many times to Liquiteria. He spent a lot of time checking out the juices.” The source added, “Then he went in for the kill and hired Yohana. He has flown her out to Seattle to train staff to press juice. He said he wants to start dividing coffee shops within weeks to make one half a pressed juice ‘grab and go’ bar.” Liquiteria owner Doug Green confirmed Schultz had hired Bencosme, saying, “She was like my daughter. He befriended us, asked about our concept, then took her. It is a huge slap in the face.” A Starbucks rep said this was “rumor and speculation.”

Photo via Tumeric ALIVE (www.tumericalive.com

What do we think about this? Well, while the widespread availability of fresh juice and the mainstream acknowledgment of its many healing benefits is totally a plus, we’d like to keep Starbucks away from our juicers. As with all things, we know that intention is paramount to reaping holistic benefits, and quite frankly, we don’t think that Starbucks is going to be able to make effective healing elixirs with the necessary attention and intention that go into their craft with minimum wage employees. Sorry Charlie, better to stick to sugar filed lattes. What do you think?

Check out some of our amazing healing juice recipes from our very own resident juicer Dom The Yogi!

…and, for those of you in NYC, be sure to support your local juicers The Juice Press, Liquiteria, and our personal liquid favorite Tumeric ALIVE!

So, what’s fasting? Well (the short answer), it’s a technique that involves restricting the food intake for a set period of time; this sometimes includes a restriction on the beverage intake as well. Some people do a traditional fast (sometimes referred to as a dry fast): no food or beverage intake. Some will participate in other types of fasting techniques: like no food intake, but still drinking only water or only freshly blended juices.

We are going to focus on fasting while consuming only freshly blended juices. And we’re talking about clean, fresh juices that are wholesome and delicious for your beautiful and amazing human system!

So, here we go:

Preparation:

Start your fast the day before. Consume your last meal of the day between 3pm and 5pm (that means no more food consumption after 5pm). If you happen to experience some hunger or cravings, satiate those feelings with a nice glass of pure clean water (room temperature); you can squeeze a bit of lemon in it if you like. Do not have any snacks or any small nibblings: or else the fast will not take its full effect.

Starting the Day:

Upon waking in the morning, consume your freshly blended juice somewhere between 10am and 12pm (or whenever you get that first initial urge to eat).  If you happen to get a bout of hunger within a 3 hour time span, consume another juice: the same one you drank before. Sometimes after that first juice, you are pretty much good to go until about 5pm. But everyone’s system is a bit different: so use your intuition.

(EASY JUICE RECIPE: Kale, Spinach, Parsley, Green Apple, Ginger, Cucumber, Lemon)

When 4pm rolls around, just watch and monitor exactly how you are feeling. Some people are extremely hungry around this time. Others may feel as if you could fast for a bit longer. So between the hours of 4pm and 6pm, wait for that really strong “stomach growl” to roll around: you’ll know exactly when that moment is! At this time, you want to break the fast with something light and easily digestible. Here are some options:

*Fruit Salad (your choice)
*Mixed Green Salad
*Hummus and Fruit
*One Whole Avocado and some Turkish figs

***AVOID: heavy dressings, cheeses, breads, nuts, seeds, animal meat, baked goods, fried foods, greasy foods, alcohol, soda, prepackaged juices, coconut water, all dairy, candy, gum, jams, jellies, nut butters, peas and corn.

(These things have the potential to aggravate your digestive system after fasting)

Again, these are just some options so that you have a general idea of what to aim for; so stay somewhere along these lines and you’ll be all good. The digestive system becomes a bit more sensitive during this time. So take your time as you reintegrate certain foods back into your diet.

If you want, use this as opportunity to buy a journal and keep track of what worked for you and what didn’t. You can also jot down any emotions that may have been felt during the entire process.

The Following Day:

The following day, just wait for your body to experience a natural sensation of  hunger (like that big ol’ stomach growl from the day before). Do not eat just because it’s “time to eat.” Because of the level of sensitivity in the body, your system will start to let you know exactly when it is ready to consume food: listen to that. When you experience hunger, you can eat something similar to what you broke the fast with the day before or something slightly different. As far as bringing the other foods and beverages back into the diet, just listen to your body as you do so. Continue to be receptive and open to any and all feelings and changes the body may be still adapting to. Eventually, you will slowly start to decide which foods you will want back in your diet.

Fasting is amazing! It is a great technique to allow the body to rest, heal, and experience a sense of rebirth and rejuvenation throughout all of its systems. If you have never committed 100% of your energy to fasting before, this 24-hour fast will give you a good taste of what it is like to experience fasting. If you choose, you may endeavor in longer fasts: 3 days, 7 days, 14 days or even longer. However, if you are going to partake in any fast longer than 3 days, it is highly advised that you work with someone that has walked that path before and can provide you with guidance along the way. But for now 24-hours should do the trick!

If you like the effects of this fast , consider doing this once a week. Your body will always feel great and amazing. You will feel radiantly healthy and lighter. You will begin to shed all old and unhealthy eating habits. And (bonus), if you fast for one day a week for a year, that works out to about 50 or so days of fasting a year (not bad ya?)

So now you have the tools! Get out there and rejuvenate that amazing system of yours. Get excited about life. Get exited about change!

…make it a CLEAN FOOD week…

The reason why it has prevailed in the Indian culture for more than 5000 years is because it is more than a ‘science of life,’ as the Sanskrit name translates, Ayurveda is a complete philosophy that embraces every aspect of the human experience. Thus illness is not an isolated event but an outcome of a discomfort that has compounded over several years.

However, Ayurvedic healing is not just sought when disease strikes but is a preventive system of living one’s life. As Dr. Vasant Lad explains:  “Ayurveda helps the healthy person maintain health and the diseased person regain health,” so that one maintains the sacred journey of being in this body by nurturing it with life-giving nourishment long before any sign of disease has set in, that is what sets the stage for the body to achieve and maintain a well-being that helps avoid outcome of a disease in later years.

Ayurveda looks at man as a reflection of the macrocosm. It is a science that perceives the individual as indivisible. To that end, it does not isolate an individual’s entire life from the disease afflicted area in the body, but treats his ailment by taking into consideration the entire constitution of the individual, which includes not just physical and mental characteristics, but also emotional and genetic ones. Ayurveda treats the whole person and sees that the disease is not un-related to the mind, the thought processes, one’s genetic pre-disposition as well as the environment and that the individual is in.

Therefore the goal of living an Ayurvedic lifestye is not just to prevent illness, but to enhance the experience of living a healthy mind, and reaching one’s full creative potential by taking into consideration every area of one’s human experience.

As Swami Sadashiva Tirtha, author of the Ayurveda Encyclopedia says: “ Once people are sound in body and mind, work in a purposeful career and have fulfilling spiritual relationships locally and globally, and keep their environment healthy, life develops a state of grace.”

Ayurveda provides us with the tools of balance for our mind and body, so that we experience not just physical and mental, but emotional and spiritual health as well.

Because man is a reflection of the macrocosm, the five basic elements of the macrocosm Ether, Air Fire, Water and Earth, manifest in his microcosm – the human body. Ether and Air is called Vata, Fire and Water is manifested as Pitta and Earth and Water elements manifest as Kapha.

Vata, Pitta, Kapha or tridosha are responsible for natural urges and individual preferences in the body and mind. These doshas are further sub-divided into other combinations such as vata-pitta, pitta-kapha, vata-kapha etc depending on the dominance of any one dosha over the others in the human body. Illness in Ayurveda, therefore, is an imbalance between the three doshas in the body.

Once the bodily constitution is determined, we begin to live life and nourish the body by focusing on the dosha imbalance that exists in the body. So that, if an individual is a Vata dominated body type, they will focus more on Earth/Water or Kapha and Fire/Water or Pitta foods in their diet, in order to strive toward equilibrium in the doshas.

More information below from the website:

About Buddha Nose

Our Concept:

~ To inspire beauty through stillness and simplicity.

~ To promote nature-centered and sustainable practices.

~ To encourage healthy lifestyle.

~ To support community and advocate compassion.

Our Belief:

~ That our well-being awakens our mind-body connection, our relationships to others and our planet.

~ That beauty is about feeling good, and the simple act of doing something good for ourselves, makes us feel beautiful.

~ That our inner balance affects our outer beauty.

~ That inner wellness inspires self-awareness.

Our Values

Organic – Buddha Nose uses only USDA certified organic ingredients when available, and we are very proud to have 4 out of our 12 products carry the USDA organic seal. We continue to work towards certifying the rest of the line.

At this time in the US, the FDA does not have any regulatory standards that can certify body care products organic. Therefore those products that carry the USDA seal are certified by the same standards that regulate our food. These standards make sure farming practices are sustainable and free from the use of pesticides and growth hormones. The USDA organic food standards are some of the most stringent in the world, in order for a product to carry the USDA seal it must be composed of at least 95% USDA certified organic ingredients and the remaining 5% must be ingredients that the NOP, the National Organic Program, recognizes as “approved” ingredients.

Because there are some ingredients used in body care products that are not present in our food products, like vegetable glycerin, or particular essential oils that may not yet be available organic, they are not included in the “allowed” list and in some instances may prevent a product from carrying the USDA seal.

All of the ingredients used in Buddha Nose products are totally free of all synthetics and chemical preservative systems. The skin is our largest organ, and by using only organic ingredients, we not only respect the health and well-being of our bodies but we also respect the health and well-being of our environment.

The Story

Amy Galper was a New York City based shiatsu practitioner who founded Buddha Nose, Ltd. in the spring of 2004 to encourage her mostly female clientele to “be still and breathe.” Recognizing the connection between the energetic dynamics of shiatsu, a Japanese form of bodywork based in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and with the essential oils of aromatic plants Amy created handmade beauty products in her kitchen to inspire the mind body beauty connection.

Amy graduated from The Ohashi Institute and completed the Institute’s instructor training program and studied aromatic plant medicine at The Ojai School of Massage. She maintained a private practice in New York City for 5 years and is a member of the American Organization of Bodywork Therapies of Asia, (AOBTA), and OASIS, (Organic and Sustainable Industry Standards) a pioneering organization whose purpose is to support organic and sustainable Health and Beauty consumer goods by establishing workable industry standards for organic and sustainable manufacturing.

Prior to launching her wellness business, Amy was an actress in New York with credits that included commercials, classical stage and film as well as experimental performance. She attended the Juilliard School, received her BA from Smith College, and received her MA from New York University. Several years ago, Amy experienced a “healing crisis” and was compelled to consider her illness as an opportunity to shift her perspective and make changes in her life. Now she focuses on the business of Buddha Nose in New York City, and spends time with her husband building their eco-conscious and self-sustaining “off-the-grid” home on their 30 acres in the Catskills.

Click here for more information on Buddha Nose and to shop today!

That’s right folks, we’ve teamed up with our good friends at organic beauty + wellness company Buddha Nose to offer you the free chance to win a special gift basket of moisturizing body oil, organic bath salts, organic yoga mat cleaner, and more.

How to Enter the Boo-dha Nose Halloween Facebook Giveaway Contest –

To enter to win a free gift basket of not-so-ghoulish-goodies from Buddha Nose, simply head to our facebook page, “like us” if you don’t already, and leave a post on our wall telling us about either your most beautiful or unbeautiful Halloween moment. Our favorite tale will be selected as the winner and notified via email! If you would rather not share your story on facebook, then email us.

The contest is now open and ends on Friday, October 28th at 5pm EST.

:: Good Luck + Happy Halloween! ::

What’s Inside….

AWAKE The Deodorizing Spray for yoga mat and body, 2 oz

Mind Body Beauty Intention: Awake

A refreshing and clarifying deodorizing spray made with the essential oils of Rosemary, Peppermint and Eucalyptus radiata – blended gently in Witch Hazel extract. Spritz down your yoga mat after practice, and use it as a deodorant for under arms and other areas. Great also as a purifying spray to cleanse away germs on hands, after subway and airplane rides or sharing computer desktops. This spray is considered “alcohol-free” – however there is a trace amount of alcohol used in the Witch Hazel extraction, which makes it extremely gentle on our skin, and our mats. All ingredients are certified organic, and free from all additives, or toxic residues.

Moisturizing Body Oil: 4oz

Mind Body Beauty Intention: Nurturing the Spirit

A deeply luscious body moisturizing oil made with some of natures most amazing oils. The intoxicating aroma is an essential oil blend of Sweet Orange, Atlas Cedarwood and Ylang ylang – an aromatic combination that instills us with a deep sense of peace and joy, nurturing our heart energy so that we are inspired to dream, create and love. The base oils include organic Jojoba Oil, Coconut Oil and Meadowfoam Seed Oil. All three of these oils when combined have an incredible healing effect on the skin; they deeply soften and protect, while promoting cellular health and strength – without leaving a greasy coating. In fact Jojoba Oil and Coconut Oil absorb very quickly in the skin immediately working synergistically with our body’s own healing properties. Also since Jojoba, Coconut and Meadowfoam Seed Oil are some of Nature’s most stable nut and seed oils, this body oil is free from all preservatives. All ingredients are certified organic when made available.

Meditation Bath Salts

Mind Body Beauty Intention: Quiet

The Meditation Bath Salts are for those who enjoy meditating in the tub. Soaking can offer us a great opportunity to think and self-reflect.  The combination of the warm salty water and the clear and earthy aroma of the oils, inspire us to relax and feel good.  This blend of salts deeply quiets us, making us feel comfortable and comforted.  All of the essential oils in this product are extracted from plants that have been traditionally used to deepen meditation and encourage self-reflection. Ingredients include the herbs and essential oils of Frankincense, Cedarwood, and Ho Wood, blended into dead sea salts from Israel and red salts from Utah, and White Tea.

Click here to visit Buddha Nose’s website and shop today!

Disharmony brings disequilibrium, which can result in dis-ease. The ancient science of Ayurveda (translated: the knowledge of life), offers us guidelines and food choices to help maintain an environment of balance within our bodies, allowing us to go about our business of living, fully supported by our inner system.

The climate supports what the body needs. What the earth grows naturally in any given season is ideally what we should be consuming to maintain and enhance the harmony within. Unlike summer, when the climate has more Agni (fire) and one can enjoy an array of raw foods (like salads) without exerting the system too much, autumn is a time when Agni has begun cooling off.

Autumn is referred to as a Vata (air) season, which means the presence of air and space is more noticeable in and around us. Ayurveda believes that ‘like increases like,’ so if the weather is dryer and windier, then we should be consuming foods that balance the dryness and the wind around us. During this season, the body instinctively gravitates toward cooked meals, earthier foods, rich scents and warmer colors.

Here are 5 easy tips to balance the body during the autumn months.

1. Food –  In order to calm the Vata within the body, we should start the day with a grounding breakfast of oatmeal, grains or quinoa. Cooking with ghee (clarified butter) is also advisable during these months, because ghee is guru (heavy), and in a season of high winds it serves as an anchoring substance in dishes. During this time of year, fall harvest foods are best — sweet potatoes, squashes, beets, carrots, radishes, turnips, arugula, kale, cabbage, cauliflower, and collard greens. Combine them in delicious stews or as main course to support the body and its health during this Vata season.

2. Body — Oiling is highly recommended during fall months when the air is dry and cool. Skin in need of moisture quickly absorbs oils to fight dryness of the dermis (top layer of skin) and also within the body. Some people prefer to oil half an hour before a bath or shower, while others who have drier skin or are Vata doshas (air/space body constitution), choose to oil after a warm shower. Sesame and almond oils, both of which balance the wind and dryness of this season, are best.

3. Colors – Colors contribute greatly to balance in the body. According to Ayurveda, everything in the universe is energetic and gives off a vibration, colors too. Since autumn is a cooler season, one can balance this climate by turning to warmer, richer hues — yellows, oranges and reds. Nature sets the example, wearing her deep reds and burnt oranges to balance the coolness that surrounds.

4. Scent –Choose aromas that are sweet, heavy, and warm during this season. Scents such as basil, cinnamon, citrus, cloves frankincense, lavender, pine, sage and vanilla keep the Vata from rising within the body. You can use them as incense, aromatherapy, or with diffuser to keep you in balance.

5. Sound — Unlike summer months, when sounds of water, like rivers and streams, are soothing, in the autumn we should try to enjoy more grounding, earthy tunes. Shamanic drums, earth drums and any music that contains bass will be calming during a Vata season.

Fall sparks quite a few detoxes and cleanses — anything from a three-day juice fast to a four-week cleanse, because at this time of year we’re all seeking to rejuvenate and re-balance. Even if you don’t have time for a full-blown cleanse, whether you’re pitta, vata or kapha (don’t know your dosha — take the quiz), it can’t hurt to brew up some tea according to your prakriti.

Check out below, courtesy of Yoga Journal’s 7-Day Fall Detox menu.

Cumin, Fennel, Coriander Tea (for vata and pitta doshas)

1 qt. of purified water
1 tsp. cumin seed
1 tsp. fennel seed
1 tsp. coriander seed
½ tsp. of raw honey added to each cup you drink (optional)

Place the herbs and water together in a pot and bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain. The tea will last for up to four days stored in the refrigerator. It is best to drink the tea hot or at room temperature. (Use the stove, not microwave, to reheat.) Add honey as needed.

Drink two to three cups of tea a day between meals.

Ginger-Turmeric Tea (for kapha dosha)

1 qt. of purified water
15 ¼-inch slices of fresh ginger root
1 ½ tsp. of dried turmeric powder
½ tsp. of raw honey added to each cup you drink (optional)

Place the herbs and water together in a pot and bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain. The tea will last for up to four days stored in the refrigerator. It is best to drink the tea hot or at room temperature. (Use the stove, not microwave, to reheat.) Add honey as needed.

Drink two to three cups of tea a day between meals.

Check out more recipes here!