Motivational Thursday

Sorry it is coming to you so late tonight!  I do hope it still helps to keep you going and motivated through the weekend!  Just keep going!

YOU CAN DO THIS.

xoxo Aleisha

Spirulina- The Superfood

Spirulina - Packed with protein, B12 and iron

 

Spirulina contains a high amount of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is about 60-70% protein, which is greater gram for gram than both red meat and soy. It also contains all of the essential amino acids, which makes it a complete protein; this is not very common in plant foods. It contains a large amount of Vitamin B12, which is very difficult to find in other plant foods. That is one reason why Spirulina is such a great choice for vegetarians. Spirulina is very rich in iron, which is the most common mineral deficiency. Spirulina also contains calcium, magnesium, and Vitamins A, B, C, D and E. Due to its ability to withstand high temperatures, it is able to retain its nutritional value during processing and shelf storage. Many other plant foods will deteriorate at these temperatures. It only contains 3.9 calories per gram and still has all of these great benefits. It is a low calorie, nutrient dense food. Spirulina has been known to increase energy. It may also be useful in helping diabetics to control their food cravings, which would result in decreased insulin intake. It also has been used to help with weight loss/treat obesity, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, hay fever, stress, anxiety, fatigue, depression, and premenstrual syndrome. It may also help with alcoholism, herpes, arthritis, and cancer. As little as 2-3 grams per day can have great health benefits. Woman who are pregnant or breastfeeding should first consult with their health care practitioner before adding Spirulina to their diet. Also, it should not be used by anyone who might have auto immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and pemphigus vulgaris; because it may cause the immune system to become more active, it may increase the symptoms of these diseases. It should also be avoided by anyone who has Phenylketonuria, a metabolic disorder where the body cannot metabolize phenylalanine, since Spirulina contains phenylalanine and may make Phenylketonuria worse. Try putting a little in your smoothie or even putting a little in your children`s fruit smoothie. You can also tap a little onto salads for a little protein boost.   Enjoy! Monica

 

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Giveaway #2!!



I am so excited to announce another giveaway!  It is open for everyone to enter and the stipulations are simple:

1. If you haven't found us on Facebook yet, do so.  We are listed under "Healthy Happens By Choice".
2. "Like" our page.
3. Send all your friends over and have them "Like" our Facebook page as well.
4. Have your friends leave a post on our wall with YOUR name so we know who sent them. (Your friends can also enter by sending their friends too!)

The person who sends the most people over to our Facebook page, "Healthy Happens By Choice", by October 7th, 2011 at 5pm will have their choice of a $40 gift card from either Lulu Lemon, Sports Authority, or Dick's Sporting Goods.

GIVEAWAY STARTS NOW!

XOXO ALEISHA

Motivational Thuraday

The only person to ever compete with in life is yourself. In your career, personal life, fitness goals, parenting techniques, etc. know what you are capable of, then push yourself to expand a little further. Step outside your comfort zone {if even for a short time} and allow yourself the opportunity to grow.

XOXO Aleisha

Spa Day at Home for a Healthy Self

I am very picky about how I spend my money.  Some may call me frugal, but I am okay with that.  Afterall, it is my money and I work hard to earn it.  And let me tell ya something; paying someone in an overpriced salon to put chemicals on my skin is not my idea of a dollar well spent. 

However, I am a fan of pampering and skin and hair that glows with health!  So where do I find my common ground?  With these DIY home spa recipes.....

Avacado Carrot Cream Mask This mask combines avocados, which are rich in Vitamin E, with carrots, which are high in beta-carotene and antioxidants, and cream, which is high in calcium and protein. These ingredients will rebuild skin collagen, improve tone and texture, and fade age spots. 1 avocado, mashed 1 carrot, cooked and mashed 1/2 cup heavy cream* 1 egg, beaten 3 tablespoons honey Combine all ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Spread gently over your face and neck, and leave in place 10-15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and follow with your favorite toner. *it is rare that I have heavy cream on hand, so I improvise with plain organic yogurt* Deep Conditioner Blend up this simple recipe for a deep hair conditioning treatment that will leave your hair soft and silky. The fats in the avocado and heavy cream are rich in emollients that quickly penetrate the hair, while the honey keeps your scalp's moisture level at an optimum balance -- not too dry or too oily -- and acts as a natural antibacterial agent. 1 avocado, peeled and cut into chunks 2 tablespoons heavy cream 1 tablespoon honey Mix ingredients in a blender. Comb mixture through freshly washed hair. Wrap head in plastic (a grocery bag will do), and cover with a towel. Let sit for 15 minutes, and rinse well. Banana Facial Recipe: 1 small ripe banana 1 small ripe avocado 2 Tbl. plain natural yogurt 2 drops vitamin E oil (slice open the vitamin and squeeze out contents) Mash the banana and avocado together to form a thick lime green-colored paste. Add the yogurt and vitamin E oil; mix well. Cleanse and gently steam your face over a bowl of boiling water, covering your head with a towel. Massage the mixture into your face and leave on for 15 minutes; then rinse. This mask can be left on for up to 25 minutes, though for sensitive skin, 10 minutes is enough. Beauty Benefit: The potassium and natural oils in the banana and the high fat and protein (plus vitamins A, D, and E) in avocado moisturizes and refreshes dry or sun-damaged skin. If you have a favorite DIY recipe you would like to share with the rest of us, please email me at aleishamartin@gmail.com! XOXO Aleisha

Tomato Soup. Quick and With a Kick.

While it is still in the 100's here, I realize most of the US is experiencing some signs of fall.  So I am posting my favorite fall soup recipe to just put the vibes out there that Arizona is ready for fall weather already!
This is a great soup... it is fast and amazing and pairs well with grilled cheese sandwiches. If you're making it for the littles, you might want to cut back on the red pepper flakes.  It is a little on the spicy side for them.  Enjoy!

3 tbsp Olive Oil {i substitute in Coconut Oil}
2 Carrots, peeled and chopped
1 Small Onion, chopped
1 Clove Garlic, minced
1  26oz jar Marinara Sauce {i like to choose an organic sauce with basil in it}
2  14oz cans Chicken Broth
1  15oz can Cannellini Beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 C Pastina Pasta {or any small pasta}
1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Warm the oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.  Add the carrots and onion, saute until soft, about 5 mins.  Then add the garlic, saute for another minute.  Add the jar of marinara sauce, chicken broth, cannellini beans, red pepper flakes, pasta, and black pepper.  Simmer for 10 minutes.

Effortless Chicken Burritos

This is one of my go-to meals.  When I know I have a busy evening ahead of me; not leaving much time to prepare dinner, this is my life saver. 

Chicken Burritos
4 frozen chicken breasts {frozen.  you got that, right?}
15 oz corn {i choose to cook corn on the cob and then cut it off the ear}
15 oz can black beans
1  16oz jar of salsa {im slightly obsessed with Herdez medium salsa}

Place all four ingredients in the crock pot for 4-6 hours {until chicken is cooked enough to shred easily}.  Shred chicken and stir all ingredients together.  Place in soft tortillas, add spinach, a little bit of cheese, and more salsa {if you're a salsa freak like me}.

XOXO Aleisha