Bethany Hamilton's Blog, page 44

Caring for our bodies ~ From the outside in and inside out.

We know when we nourish our bodies with healthy foods, it gives our body the fuel it needs to live a healthy, active life and to perform our best.

 

But did you know that what we put in our body is just as important as what we apply to the outside?

 

“Caring for your skin with ingredients and plant-based products you know are good for you is a MUST!”

 

Your skin is your body’s largest organ. It’s also one of the most complicated – protecting you from germs, injury and allergens, regulating body temperature and is involved in all sorts of processes to keep you healthy. Caring for your skin with ingredients and plant-based products you know are good for you is a MUST! It’s just as important as making wise choices about the types of food we eat.

 

This is one reason why I’m excited to officially be partnering with BioClarity, a clean and green skincare brand that uses Floralux from chlorophyll (you know, the green pigment found in plants) and other plant power to supercharge the skin. You’ve heard of “eating your greens” and how green veggies are good for you, well now you can apply your greens with BioClarity! I’ve had great results myself since I started using it! So I’m pumped on it!

 

As a special offer for my readers, you can get 15% off BioClarity products with the promo code: BETHANY.

 

Can’t wait to share more about the power of green with you!

 

Surf with Bethany in Kauai

Support Friends of Bethany and Surf with Me in Kauai!

 

I’m stoked to invite YOU to come surfing with me in Kauai! I’ve got your flights, hotel and smoothies covered.

 

Support Friends of Bethany to enter at omaze.com/bethany

 

YOU AND A FRIEND WILL:

Shred waves (or learn to surf if you’re a beginner!) with me
Take a break for selfies and smoothies at my favorite spot in Kauai
Get flown out to Hawaii and put up in a 4-star hotel


Your donation gives you entries to win!

WHO YOU HELP

Friends of Bethany Hamilton is a nonprofit organization that my husband and I support whole-heartedly and invest our time in because it gives support and encouragement for those who have experienced limb loss or faced other difficult situations. The organization provides hope to overcome through inspirational retreats, empowering conferences, motivational youth events and so much more! By offering hope and healing to those who’ve felt lost or broken, Friends of Bethany works toward their vision of restoring a broken world through faith, purpose and helping others see their ability to overcome any obstacles in their way.

 

Enter today at omaze.com/bethany.

 

Full disclosure: This is a fundraising campaign for Friends of Bethany Hamilton, Inc (Tax ID no: 32-0220098). What better way to support, than to have a chance to win a fun trip to Hawaii!  The campaign ends September 13th, so don’t delay!

CHIA SEEDS

We love to eat healthy as you all know. There are so many new superfood crazes out there right now…which one do you choose?!? We can’t eat all of them!

 

One superfood that we find valuable to include in our diets is Chia seeds.

 

Check out these facts about one of our favorite superfoods:

 

Chia seeds are a quick and easy-to-use source of protein, healthy fats, dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants;
The benefits of chia seeds mainly come from its high omega-3 content;*
Chia seeds also contain high amounts of phytochemicals and flavonoids, which can help in cancer and autoimmune disease prevention;*
Chia seeds may promote weight loss and reduce your risk of chronic disease.*

 

Health Warrior is a company that Bethany has partnered up with this year. We agree with their philosophy that better health starts with the right ingredients. What we love about their company is that they prioritize superfoods as the FIRST ingredient in ALL of their products!

 

You have to try their chia bars – only 3g of sugar per bar!! This is the kind of bar we’re stoked to allow our son to snack on – one full of nutritious ingredients! (They also have some delish pumpkin seed bars)

 

 

Other ways to use chia seeds:

– as a pudding (see Coconut Chia Seed Pudding recipe in Bethany’s book Body and Soul),

– in a breakfast bowl (see our Coco-Chia-Nana Bowl recipe)

– in a topping or a spread,

– in place of breadcrumbs on meat and fish.

 

Get some chia in your diet!

 

-Adam

 

*source: mercola.com

Unstoppable Me || Kids Book Read Aloud

“UNSTOPPABLE ME,” the adorable children’s book, read aloud by authors Adam Dirks and Bethany Hamilton to their son Tobias. Set to lullaby music and mixed with breathtaking imagery of Bethany Hamilton surfing massive waves at Teahupo’o, Tahiti. The Unstoppable Me BONUS SCENE redefines the perception of what it means to be a mother and an athlete while encouraging kids to develop resilience and be unstoppable.

 

Order your copy of Bethany’s New Books.

 

This is a bonus scene from the film BETHANY HAMILTON: UNSTOPPABLE —  the complete and untold story that follows Bethany’s journey from childhood into motherhood – the ups, downs and her powerful resilience against all odds to become one of the leading professional surfers of all time. From chasing her toddler, to chasing the biggest waves, Bethany is continuously rewriting the rules on being a fearless athlete. More on the film

 

Film Website: http://www.unstoppablethefilm.net

Film and Video by: Aaron Lieber, Lieber Films

Bethany’s Signature Surfboards

It gets me pumped up to see young girls and boys enjoying the ocean; and it’s something I always hope to encourage. Surfing is such a healthy sport too! There’s been growing influx of young women surfing and I hope to see that keep going! So, for the first time, Channel Islands Surfboards (CI) and I collaborated to make some fun, affordable soft-top surfboards that your whole family can enjoy. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced you can have a blast on them!

 

Are these the types of board I’d ride for high level, boundary pushing competitive surfing – NO. Channel Islands has an array of high performance boards to meet those needs. But are these the types of boards I bring to family beach days – absolutely!! These boards put the fun and accessibility of surfing at the forefront. These are the playful, not-so-serious, have fun boards!

 

Adam and I, with a friend of ours, gave design input and graphic direction; with that, CI developed an affordable range of boards that provide a ton of stoke—for every level of surfer. I always like to have color on my boards, so it was important for me that the boards be full of fun color, and the light blue is one of my favorite colors! The stand-out designs are unique in the soft-top marketplace and look great on the beach and in the water…. not to mention they photograph really well

My Morning Protein Shake Blend

If you follow me on various media outlets, you may have noticed I’m often making foods in my blender! I really like to start my days with a shake or smoothie. Other foods my husband and I like to blend are soups (both hot and cold), dips, sauces, and more. You can make really healthy, yummy stuff in the blender!

 

My typical morning shake consists of a protein, like Designer Protein’s Essential 10 Performance Vanilla Plant Based Protein and Recovery Supplement, with Unsweetened Almond Milk, a half Banana or handful of Blueberries (or any fruit I have around!), and two big handfuls of Spinach. Often I’ll add Ground Flax Seeds and a healthy fat like MCT Coconut Oil, Coconut Cream or Flax Oil for extra health benefits. I’ll also add Collagen Powder and Sunflower Lecithin for their health benefits.

 

Adam and Tobias like to start the day with this for breakfast too!

 

I’m excited to announce here that I’ve just partnered with Designer Protein and am really enjoying their various whey and plant based supplements! You’ll hear more about them throughout the year.

Coco-Chia-Nana Bowl

Ingredients: Bananas, Coconut Milk, Chia Seeds, Dates, Cacao Nibs, Gluten free Granola.

 

Instructions: Start with 2 TBSP Chia Seeds soaking in about 1/3 cup Coconut Milk (boxed kind, not canned). Stir a couple times throughout an hour. If not thick enough, you can blend a little frozen banana with Chia. Put in freezer while preparing the rest. In blender, put just a little Coconut Milk or Coconut Water (not too much, so not runny), 2-4 Frozen Bananas, a couple pitted Dates, 1TBSP Cacao Powder. Blend on high… Pour on top of Chia Seed mixture (So you have 2 layers)… Top with Cacao Nibs and gluten free granola.

 

It’s like dessert for breakfast! Enjoy!

New books ‘Be Unstoppable’ and ‘Unstoppable Me’

Known most notably as one of the best women surfers in the world, Bethany Hamilton’s story is one of the biggest comeback stories of a generation. In 2003, while surfing, she lost her left arm to a 14-foot tiger shark, and her amazing resilience and positive attitude fascinated the world as she returned to surfing, winning national titles and becoming a source of inspiration to millions.

 

Her raw grit and determination will be highlighted in two new books, releasing from publishing partner Zondervan on June 5, 2018, in conjunction with the upcoming release of her new documentary, Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable.

 

In the picture book, Be Unstoppable: The Art of Never Giving Up, (Zondervan, $16.99), Bethany inspires readers to be bold, enjoy life, and take the risk of trusting God each day. Alongside breathtaking, never-before-seen photos from the making of her new documentary, Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable, the book has inspiring quotes and lessons from her life. With a full-color poster included, this book will resonate with new and old fans who will appreciate her story of living life with anticipation for the limitless possibilities found in a faith in God that is bigger than the hardships she faced.

 

Her new children’s board book, Unstoppable Me, (Zonderkidz, $9.99) co-written with her husband Adam Dirks, features a story about a surfing baby lion named Makana who faces her fears to be unstoppable when catching new waves. Adam and Bethany look forward to reading this tale to their son, Tobias, and their soon-to-arrive baby to teach them about the importance of never giving up and believing in yourself. The story is illustrated by Gill Guile.

 

“Bethany’s athleticism and story inspire us all to understand how passions can help an individual push through challenges. We are pleased to present her as role model who will inspire readers to be bold, enjoy life and be the best they can be,” says Annette Bourland, Senior Vice President and Group Publisher at Zondervan.

 

In the Be Unstoppable book, Bethany writes, “At times, I have struggled with despair and fear, but my faith in God was greater than my hardships. Having hope in God’s promises strengthened me to be brave. Through my personal drive and support of my family, I recommitted to my passion. Even with one arm, and some doubt, I was determined to get in the ocean again and surf. This book shares that passion and I hope inspires you to pursue your heart’s desire and stick with it through tough times.”

 

Both books will be available online and in stores on June 5, 2018. Pre-orders begin March 7, 2018.

 

Click here for more information on the film

#unstoppablethefilm

Pregnancy Movement

Moving my body is so important to me, and yes, especially while being pregnant. Giving birth is so physical; I believe it’s important to stay in decent shape for labor. I’ve learned to believe it is also very important to have a healthy overall posture and pelvis positioning which can make the world of difference in your labor. Along with movement, I think having a healthy state of mind and a great well-balanced diet is essential.

 

With birth in the near future, I really want to have a healthy, smooth, all-natural delivery and I am willing to work for it. So here you go–my take on moving during my pregnancy. (I think these are all great to do pregnant or not!)

 

This pregnancy, being my second I surfed till about 6 1/2 months along, then I felt ready to take a lil break. I had also lightened up on any hard impact movement at just around 5 months along. It was that time I learned I was dealing with a bit of Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), which I did not have in my first pregnancy. SPD is a more-than-normal separation of the pubic bone and causes pain around that area. If your curious to learn more, google it.

 

SPD has taught me a lot about my body and caused me to slow down in a good way. Life is often just too fast! As hard as it is for me to slow down it’s has been nice to take a break and I think it’s been really healthy for me. Slowing down has allowed me to listen to my body more, take naps, embrace pregnancy and mother hood more fully! I’ve also noticed this cultural push for the pregnancy fitness, and I wish I would see more balance in loving on yourself while staying active. So I hope you mommas take it easy on yourself a have some necessary TLC. Plus, as a bonus to the break from surfing, when I get back in the ocean I’ll have a fresh spark of excitement!

 

As an athlete I know my body well and always look for ways to care and keep healthy. This is just a glimpse (almost more on the side of ‘generic’) look into what I do. I have a whole routine of posture focused movements that I’ve received from the help of my professional friends, which I do along with these.

 

Here are some of my favorite #ThirdTrimester movements:

Lunges, squats* and bridges, these are great foundational moves.

• I do these slow, focused on form, and gentle.

• Usually I go bare foot because I like to activate all the muscles in my feet.

• When I squat I make sure to go as low as I can.

* If there is any knowledge or belief that your baby is breach and over 32-34 weeks, do not do squats.

I do these ball squeezes in lunge form and centered between my legs. And mini ball squeezes.

I incorporate an array of different barre style side-laying leg movements.

Everyday I do lots of “cat and dog.” Which was recommended by a book called the “Bradley Method.” This book also recommended a million kegles!

One move here that feels amazing is the “Windmills.” You stand hip width apart and hips remain level and still.  Keep your arms locked, standing against a wall. Slowly but smoothly bend your torso to one side, then the other side. If you do 30 of these you will surely feel it in the best way the next day!

I walk everyday, cause that’s the doctors orders, but I must admit it’s more of a chore because my hips get achy. But with a friend or my loved ones, I enjoy it!

Swimming feels amazing on my joints and body overall. I aim to swim around 20-30 minutes. Plus swimming keeps me in paddling shape for surfing!

Skateboarding is fun, and I take it easy. I’m not worried about falling cause it comes natural for me and I’m very controlled. I like that it emulates surfing so I can bounce back fast!

 

Staying active help me with my energy levels and keeps me happy! All the best to all you prego moms out there!! I hope you find a lil motivation here to rock a healthy pregnancy!

 

NOTE: If any movement is unusually painful, please stop it immediately and consult your healthcare professional.

Veggie Stew

Pregnancy can often times be riddled with all sorts of changes. The most easiest changes to deal with are cravings; haha! I know some women get some interesting cravings for pickles, potato chips, ice cream, steak, etc…but I think it’s pretty funny that Bethany’s #1 craving this pregnancy has been soup! Even when its 90 degrees outside she’s asking me to make soup! O well, it could be worse, soup is a pretty healthy craving. Here’s my go to soup recipe, I’ll try to remember everything as I’ve kinda just been freestyling it by now. Bethany loves it, so I hope you do too!

 

Veggie Stew

Ingredients (we always choose organic ingredients when we can):

1 diced onion

1 sweet potato (and/or 2 carrots) cut into ½-inch chunks

1 zucchini cut into chunks

1 head of broccoli chopped up

3 celery stalks sliced up

3 minced garlic cloves

4 TBS of olive oil

1 Quart of bone broth

1 Quart of Chicken stock

1 TBS of vegetable bouillon (optional, but adds great flavor)

1 tsp Dried Oregeno (and any other spices you like in soup)

Black Pepper to taste

Sea Salt to taste

 

In a 5 quart pot (or bigger) add olive oil and onion. Sautee on medium heat till onion is tender. Add all of the other ingredients and cook over medium/high heat till it comes to a boil (if mixture is too thick you can add more chicken stock or water). Turn burner down to low/simmer. Place lid on the pot and let simmer for about 25 minutes. Check to make sure potatoes and/or carrots are tender. For a little kick add some hot sauce to your bowl of soup (:

 

I hope you get to enjoy this delicious healthy soup this winter!

-Adam