Lisa Consiglio Ryan's Blog, page 7

Chickpea Chop Salad

I’ve been working with gorgeous souls for five years with detox, and I have to say, once you get the gist of putting together fast, simple meals, it’s easier to eat on the run. I preach being mindful, chewing our food at meals (and I advocate that wholeheartedly!), but let’s face it, life can be a whirlwind so making sure you have fuel is extremely important.

Take this Chickpea Chop Salad.

It takes about 4 minutes to whip up. Maybe 6 if you toast the pumpkin seeds. This protein-packed salad gets me through my afternoons… a perfect lunch. You can bring the leftovers to work, too. Make a salad jar and you are good to go!

Chickpea Chop Salad

Ingredients:

¼ cup pumpkin seeds

1 15 oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

½ cup asparagus, chopped

2 carrots, chopped (1/4 cup)

2 celery stalks, chopped (1/4 cup)

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350° degrees F. Place pumpkin seeds on baking tray. Bake for 3-5 minutes. Remove and let cool.

In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, asparagus, carrot and celery. Add cooled seeds to mixture and stir in lemon juice and oil. Season with salt and pepper. Toss and serve.

Serves 1-2

So to put together a well-balanced meal make sure to have a good protein (chickpeas), good fat (olive oil), good carb (asparagus, celery, carrots) and some zing (lemon juice) and fun (pumpkin seeds). Experiment and see what you come up with!

What do you like to make for lunch? Tell me in the comments so we can swap ideas!

Love this recipe? Do share!

 

PS. Looking for more quick and easy PLUS clean ideas for meals? Check out the Fall Renewal 10 Day Detox DIY Kit>>>

 

Link to this post!" onclick="javascript:this.select()" readonly="readonly" style="width: 100%;" />

Italian Soup with Kale Recipe

Happy National Kale Day!

How are you celebrating?

Dancing like Beyonce (I have the same shirt! Love her!)?

Reading 50 Shades of Kale by Drew Ramsey, M.D. ?

OR massaging that kale?

How ’bout making my kale soup? You know,  my kale soup reminds me of my favorite place in the whole entire world~

Positano, Italy

I vacationed there a few years ago… it’s complete heaven in my book. When Kevin and I arrived, we sat down at a restaurant on a cliff, looking down at the beach with a glass red wine. As we toasted, I cried. It was so beautiful. I couldn’t believe how beautiful.

Unfortunately, we have no pictures to document the trip.

(Kevin lost them when he downloaded the files… I am finally getting around to forgiving him after 7 years!).

So all I can do is Pinterest the hell out of Positano…

  Beautiful Positano… the entire Amalfi Coast is gorgeous!

 AND rely on my senses (just like the way I cook); the smell of lemons hanging from the trees and the sea air, the sounds of Italian friends speaking quick and fluent as I walked the cobblestone streets and shopped, trying to pick up every word, tasting the unlimited supply of vino, enjoying every sip (and how cheap it was!) and feeling a sense of “I belong here.”

This photo resembles the balcony where Kevin and I sat and ate breakfast each morning.

Photo credit:  This is Glamorous

 

 

A Positano walkway down to the town… we sat up further on the cliff to soak in the view on that very first day.

Photo credit:  Lisa VB

Maybe someday my pictures will show up. I really think we will find them when it’s time. But in the meantime, I enjoy making meals like my ancestors, full of freshness and flavor.

Make Italian Soup with me!

 Italian Soup

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

8 cremini mushrooms, quartered

2 carrots, chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

1 cup kale, stemmed, torn into bite-size pieces

1 15 oz. can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

2 cups vegetable broth

1 tsp. lemon juice

Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

 

Directions:

Heat oil over medium high heat in pan. Add mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes until lightly browned. Add carrots, garlic, and kale and cook for 2 minutes. Add beans and broth and cover.

Simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Serve.

Serves 1-2

See how easy it is to cook a nice, Italian meal. Only a few ingredients and steps.

And for the record, Italian Soup has A LOT of protein as well, 39 grams per serving.

<<<>>>

All of my recipes are 5 main ingredients or less, 5 steps or less and packed full of nutrient-dense, cleansing foods. This recipe and more is featured in the menu plan for Fall Renewal 10 Day Detox.  I have more info for you here>>>

 “Positano bites deep.  It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.” ~ John Steinbeck

Word.

What do you say?

Do you have a place you love in the whole entire world? Maybe you are experiencing it right now! Tell me in the comments. Oh and any kale ideas? Post them below!

PS. Fall Renewal 10 Day Detox LIVE group starts SOON! Join me and hundreds of gorgeous souls to lighten up, energize and glow! Click to learn more>>>

Link to this post!" onclick="javascript:this.select()" readonly="readonly" style="width: 100%;" />

Plant-Based Protein Guide

This question gets me pretty fired up (I’m asked this almost daily):

“If you’re not eating meat, where do you get your protein?”

If you’ve been with me awhile or are savvy to the plant-based life, you know that there is protein in broccoli and spinach, but for the majority of the population, especially in North America, there’s a lot of confusion when it comes to the meat thing.

A lot of people think if you don’t eat meat, you will pass out or become weak and frail. Such a myth!

While I don’t advocate a certain diet, I do advocate a certain lifestyle… a lifestyle that is anti-inflammatory. Oh and don’t forget, bad ass. When you are living a healthy life, you can take on the world.

Inflammation leads to disease. Plain and simple.

Animal protein is highly acidic. If you consume a lot of animal protein, over time, your cells become inflamed.

Cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, pain in your joints and having a tough time sleeping or losing weight… all due to inflammation.

How do you know if you are inflamed?

Test yourself with pH strips. Get these from any natural food store (like Whole Foods) or on Amazon.

Try these:

The typical Standard American Diet (SAD) goes like this:

Breakfast: bacon and eggs

Lunch: chicken salad sandwich

Dinner: steak and potatoes

That’s waaaaay too much meat. I get so worked up because there’s a much better way to fuel your gorgeous body.

Here’s a list of non-animal protein sources:

Soy beans (1 cup)~ 29 grams (make sure non-GMO)

Black beans (1/2 cup)~ 22 grams

Lentils (1 cup) ~ 18 grams

Chick peas (1 cup) ~ 15 grams

Gluten-free oats (1/2 cup) ~ 14 grams

Sunflower seeds (1/2 cup) ~ 13 grams

Quinoa (1/2 cup) ~ 13 grams

Sesame seeds (1/2 cup, and a great source of calcium!) ~ 12 grams

Broccoli (1 cup) ~ 10 grams

Almonds (3 oz.) ~ 10 grams

Peas (1/2 cup) ~ 9 grams

Pumpkin seeds ( 2 oz.) ~ 9 grams

Spinach ( 1 cup) ~ 8 grams

Brown rice (1 cup) ~ 5 grams

Banana (1) ~ 1.2 grams

*Info obtained from Eat for Health by Joel Fuhrman, MD.

How can you tell if you are getting enough protein each day?

Use this formula:  your body weight x .40 =  appr. grams of protein

You can use the handy list above to count up your grams per day.

Take the foods from above and combine to get a protein-packed meal.

For example, a meal (actually a Renewal detox recipe)  like this one can fuel any athlete, too:

 
Chickpea Salad

Ingredients:

¼ cup pumpkin seeds

1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

½ cup peas (fresh or frozen)

1 tablespoon chopped basil

1 tablespoon chopped dill

1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Directions:  Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pumpkin seeds on baking tray. Bake for 3 to 5 minutes. Set aside

to cool.

Serves 1

Good protein: pumpkin seeds (9 grams), peas (9 grams), and chickpeas (15 grams) =  33 grams

Good fat:  olive oil and pumpkin seeds

Good carb:  beans, herbs, peas

With a little guidance and know how, you can develop anti-inflammatory, plant-based, protein-packed (and delicious!) meals that will keep your belly happy (not to mention slim because meat has a lot of fat) and your muscles lean and strong.

Just take a look at these fierce vegan athletes… no meat involved!

 

Rich Roll is a top ultra-endurance athlete (he participated in the UltramanWorld Championships in Hawaii-

“Rich has been a top finisher at the 2008 and 2009 Ultraman World Championships in Hawaii. Considered by many to be one of world’s most daunting and grueling endurance races on the planet, Ultraman is a 3-day / 320 mile double-ironman distance triathlon that circumnavigates the entire Big Island.  Limited to only 35 carefully selected invitation-only participants from all over the world, Day 1 involves a 6.2 mile ocean swim immediately followed by a 90 mile cross-country cycling race.  Day 2 is a 170 mile cycling race.  And the event culminates on Day 3 with a 52 mile double marathon run on the searing hot lava fields of the Kona coast.”

Whoa. I also really dig his popular podcast. AND his story is inspiring… a former drug and alcohol addict, he struggled and was overweight before he transformed his life with eating plants and working out.

AND Brendan Brazier is someone I adored for years. He’s an ultramarathoner and triathlete.  His book, Thrive:  The Vegan Nutrition Guide to Optimal Performance in Sports and Life, is my bible as a triathlete and plant-based lover. He goes into depth on how to maximize recovery using plants instead of meat.

Oh, and read The China Study by T. Colin Campbell, PhD. Do it now if you haven’t already. There’s tons of research on the harmful effects of an inflammatory diet (animal protein, especially dairy) in this book that will shock you.

Here are a few take-aways from The China Study: 

“Animal protein promotes the growth of cancer. In multiple, peer-reviewed animal studies, researchers discovered that they could actually turn the growth of cancer cells on and off by raising and lowering doses of casein, the main protein found in cow’s milk. 

Researchers also wanted to see how things played out on humans. Bullet-proof findings state that people who ate the most animal-based foods got the most chronic disease. People who ate the most plant-based foods were the healthiest.”

Okay, my dears, you are armed with tons of proof next time you are asked, “But where do you get your protein? ” Share this article and spread the plant-based love… it can save a life! 

PS.  If meat is a part of your world, totes cool. Try to do a Meatless Monday and only go for it 3-4 times a week. I promise you this… you will notice a BIG difference in how you feel and look not to mention save you tons of money on future medical bills.

What do you say?

Where to you get your protein?

Share with me in the comments below so we can learn from each other.

PS. Fall Renewal 10 Day Detox is happening Oct. 12th!

Save $30 AND get Eat Clean 21 Meal Plan Kits (free!) when purchasing the Early Bird (discount ends Oct. 6th)

*Special promo for this year’s Fall Renewal!

Click for info and registration>>>

Animal protein isn’t the only acidic thing to think about. Caffeine, sugar, processed low-fat stuff, gluten, and dairy also cause inflammation.

If you’re not signed up yet and are looking for a fresh start, take a look at my popular detox program (a.k.a. the “I can eat!” cleanse) and join us for the LIVE group on Oct. 12th.

Click to read more>>>

You’ll be feeling energized, clear, light (especially in the tummy), and all-around healthy and clean with Fall Renewal! I’ve been leading this detox program now for over 4 years and the response is amazing! AND you’ll get tons of protein in your meals, too!

 

Photo credit: Suni Photography

Link to this post!" onclick="javascript:this.select()" readonly="readonly" style="width: 100%;" />

Healthy Lunch Ideas for Kids

We are in the throes of back to school time at my house.

Kate and Jack are excited. They are ready.

Me, um, like, I am not ready. At. All.

All I want to do is look at the ocean one more time and just sit…and soak up the last bits of summer.

Even though my kids shopped for school supplies in July and practiced stuffing their back packs for the first day

(and made a mess all over the house)…

…I’m not looking forward to the rushed morning routines, chauffeuring kids to soccer, field hockey, dance practices after school, and the flurry of stress that comes with it.

While I feel a loss (summer please don’t go!), I know I need to buck up and prepare mentally.

A lot of the anxiety can go into packing lunches especially if you have picky eaters. My kids are now old enough to pack their lunches, but I still need to help make sure their nutritionally balanced. A lunch of only Goldfish crackers happens if I’m not looking!

To make things easy, I developed a system that includes the best trick you can use when packing those lunches.

Use the clean eating formula.

I have a formula I developed with my kids to make sure we are hitting the healthy mark. This formula is also perfect for adults, too.

Each meal should have:

a healthy fat (ex. extra virgin olive oil, avocado)
protein (ex. quinoa, beans)
and carb (veggie and fruit)combination with a little somethin’ somethin’ (ex. coconut flakes, cacao nibs, even chocolate chips-vegan of course!)

Plant-based and foods free of gluten and dairy help kids (and adults!) stay focused and energized. Even if you don’t have a gluten or dairy intolerance, these substances can lead to sluggishness, feeling tired and unfocused. So it’s necessary to give your kids (and you!) the best ammunition possible to success and feel happy and healthy.

BONUS: Even though I tried in the past to do the sandwiches which cut-out hearts and shapes, that didn’t really last long. Maybe when Kate was in Kindergarten I did it a few times. BUT I was the boss with writing love notes.

Write a love note and stick in lunch box. Although, my kids might get embarrassed since they are “so old,”  I know they will secretly read it and tuck in their pockets. Heck, I think we all should get love notes in our lunch boxes so write one for your partner and for yourself!

DOWNLOAD these freebies to have on hand (post on your fridge)>>>

 (Click image to download)

Mix and match the combo ideas and always save room for the treats!

If you are with me with the end of summer blues (although, now I’m thinking, I might be into the kids back to school… it’s been fun but time for myself and to get work done sounds nice!), we can make it together.

Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.

What do you say?
I need your advice. Do you have one stress-free tip you can offer me for the back to school blues? Let me know in the comments below.

 

PS. The Eat Clean 21 LIVE group challenge starts Sept. 14th! As the kids get back to school, we can reboot, too!

Click for more info>>>

 

Link to this post!

Summer Frozen Pop Recipes

It’s been crazy hot in the East Coast… so hot, it’s like death (okay, I’m being a little dramatic… but it’s hot!).

Sometimes I forget how hot it can get.

On Sundays, I have a fitness ritual of riding my bike to the gym, swimming laps, and riding home. It’s what I call a mini BRICK from my triathlon days.

Last Sunday, I set the alarm for 7 am so that I could beat the 95 degrees heat. No dice. I hit snooze and slept in (because hey, I needed it), did some stuff around the house, and then by the time I got on the bike it was almost 12 noon.

Biking in the bright sun, swimming in lukewarm water… I. Will. Never. Do. That. Again.

I got home spent and hungry. I couldn’t even think about turning on the stove… all I want to do is drink my food. Even if you aren’t a crazy person like me, exercising in the middle of a heat wave, you probably prefer drinking your food, too.

I’ve been doing a lot of smoothies and juices especially for Raw Renewal, and there’s ONE amazing ingredient I like to add to my drinks.

Spirulina!
‘Have you heard of it?
Well, This super food is a form of blue green algae AND it:

• assists with balancing hormones

• has more protein than red meat

• is a potent detoxifier

• supports the healthy bacteria in your gut (hence helps fight auto-immune disease in relation to candida)

 

There are so many cool things about spirulina like:

You can’t even taste it when you add to your smoothies, juices, even soups and salads.
Since it is a potent detoxifier,  it is best to start with a small dose and work your way up. Once you see how your body responds, you can then gradually increase your intake. Usually 1 Tbsp. is enough for a good start.
If you’re a plant lover like me, you may turn to plant-protein sources such as nuts, beans, and lentils. None of these compare to the protein packed spirulina. Spirulina is 65-71 % complete protein compared to beef, which is only 22%, and lentils, which is 26%.
It sometimes gets mixed up with chlorella, another potent blue-green algae. The basic difference is that spirulina is  thousands of years older and does not possess the hard cell wall that makes chlorella closer to being a plant than algae. Chlorella is a great way to detoxify from mercury and has been proven to help with degenerative disease.

Spirulina is actually a bazillion years old and has been dated back to 9th century Chad. Therefore it has withstood the test of time, stronger than ever.

Dr. Mercola wrote an intensive research article on spirulina you’ll want to check out.

I made my first Periscope video about this super food. It’s actually a hot mess… let me tell you, before you do anything new, it’s best to have all your materials on hand and know how to stop the recording! Promise not to laugh at me… in the past, I would die if anyone saw me make a mistake but since I’m “lightening the load”, I’m gonna roll with it. I hope you find it informative in the midst of funny!

Click the vid to learn more about spirulina and make the Sunny Smoothie>>>

You can also make these treats for funzies (they include the amazing spirulina!):
Raw Power Smoothie

Ingredients:

2 cups coconut milk

½ avocado, peeled and pitted

½ cup strawberries

1 Tbsp. almond butter

1 Tbsp. flaxseeds

Add in 1 Tbsp. spirulina

Blend all ingredients and pour into frozen pop molds. Freeze for 4 hours. Serve.

Makes 18 oz. (appr.)

Serves 1

Green Glow Juice

Ingredients:

½ cup kale

½ cup spinach

2 cucumbers

1 Tbsp. mint

½ lemon, peeled

Juice up the ingredients and and pour into ice pop molds and freeze for 4 hours.  I added 1 Tbsp. spirulina and then made the frozen pops. Hence the two-toned pop!

Makes 12 oz. (appr.)

Frozen pops, especially ones with spirulina, makes us happy! (I have to admit, I didn’t tell Kate what was in her smoothie pop until after she ate it… BUT good news, she loved it!)

I found the cute lolly pop molds at Crate & Barrel.

NOTE:  If you are allergic to seafood and/or iodine, avoid spirulina. And if you have hypothyroidism or are pregnant/nursing, consult your doctor before dipping into the spirulina.

What do you say?
Once you had a chance to watch the vid, I’d love to know if you tried this MUST have ingredient or have other super foods you swear by. Let me know in the comments below.

PS. These fun recipes are a sneak peek into our summer cleanse, Raw Renewal 7 Day Detox.  Spirulina is an optional ingredient in the recipes but I hope you try it!

Click for more info on how to get started>>>

Link to this post!

Pineapple Coconut Green Smoothie

Do you like pina coladas… getting caught in the rain…

It’s tempting to reach for sugary, fat-filled frozen drinks during summer.  Heck, who doesn’t like a frosty daiquiri when it’s hot out?

And the alcohol doesn’t help to keep you hydrated let alone feeling slim in the tummy.  I swear I have one drink and my waistline expands immediately.

Summer is the time to socialize and be active. So it’s perfectly natural to let go and have fun.

I’ve been a social butterfly more than usual this summer.  Going out for dinners,  attending BBQ’s and parties not to mention my trip to Kennywood with my dad (Potato Patch fries and ice cream, anyone?).

I’m in my element since I enjoy being around people, especially loved ones, but having a food baby isn’t something I particularly feel good about.

And if you add alcohol to the mix, especially fruity frozen drinks, you are getting too much sugar and fat in your system. Very acidic. Very inflammatory.

To reset and detoxify, try my Pineapple Coconut Green Smoothie. This recipe is a sneak peek into the new Raw Renewal 7 Day Detox.

 

Pineapple Coconut Green Smoothie

Blend these ingredients:

1 cup coconut milk (Native Forest is the recommended brand)

1 cup filtered water OR 1 cup coconut water (I used Blue Monkey)

1 cup spinach (I used baby spinach leaves)

1 Tbps. fresh basil leaves

1 cup cubed pineapple (use frozen if you want a frosty drink)

1 Tbsp. unsweetened shredded coconut flakes (Bob’s Red Mill brand)

1 Tbsp. hulled hemp seeds (for extra protein boost)

1 Tbsp. lime juice (I squeezed 1/2 lime in the blender- you can use organic bottled lime juice if you wish)

Makes 24 oz. (appr.). 2 servings

TIP:  Blend the liquids, spinach and basil first THEN add the rest of ingredients.

Pineapple Coconut Smoothie tastes light, fresh and just like pina colada!

The pineapple benefits the digestive system, healing the gut as well as burning belly fat.

The basil helps with constipation (that bloated feeling) and fatigue.

The coconut speeds up metabolism and gives you a glow.

Lime is just plain fun! (and a Vitamin C boost)

This drink hit the spot… light, delicious and a taste of summer. Just the reboot I needed! I hope you like it!

Here’s one for you! Cheers!

What do you say?
Share your favorite summer time drink below. Don’t forget to add the recipe, too!

This is exciting! Raw Renewal 7 Day Detox starts July 19th! Join our LIVE group cleanse!

Click for more info>>> Raw Renewal 7 Day Detox

 

Link to this post!

3 Tips to Get Your Man to Eat Healthy

Have you ever tried to get your loved one to eat healthy and all you got was a big HELL NO?  Or a turned, scrunched up nose? Or just plain refusal time and time again?

It’s so frustrating because you are doing ALL you can to be healthy and sometimes you feel like you are being sabotaged.

I totes get it. My hubby, Kevin, used to be the worst.

When I first started learning how to eat clean, I tried and tried to get Kevin to come around.  Who doesn’t want kale chips? Like, right?

I even had him drink chlorophyll. That didn’t last long. He said it tasted like a river. (Obvi not the best way to introduce clean eating!).

I felt like he wasn’t supporting me. We fought a lot.  For a long time.

Then I let go. Did my own thing.

And all along he was watching. He was watching me feel better, enjoy my food, and fight off any cold or flu (knock on wood I haven’t been sick in ages!). He decided he wanted the same for himself. BUT on his terms.

Kevin has been working on himself for almost two years, inside and out, and knows first-hand how to make changes when it comes to clean and healthy living…his way.  If you are struggling with getting your loved one on board with your way of life, he has some real advice you can try.

Kevin’s story:



CHANGE… A word and process that often brings on fear and anxiety as we are forced to admit that we were wrong, made mistakes, needed advice, or simply just have no clue.

I spent many years in this state not living life, but being absorbed by the events around me not feeling, thinking, or really comprehending the effects of my actions somehow justifying insanity as normal. It is only with change that I was able to see those negative effects and begin to make strides to improve my life.

This focus on SELF is a process and does not always yield the immediate results we demand as proof that this change we are under taking is successful. Real change is not short-term nor easy as I am reminded every day.

For years, even as Lisa’s husband, I was immune to her philosophy of “listening to your body” or “finding balance” especially since I knew it would involve change and change is  hard. By watching Lisa,  I’ve found that change, although scary, is so needed and so good.

I went from eating cereal for a late night snack (and even dinner), having pizza at least 5 nights a week, and having “meat” as my middle name to a more healthy person.

From incorporating juicing into my daily ritual (which is something that was so  NOT  me- I’m a meat and potatoes guy) , or paying attention to labels and ingredients (i.e. mindfulness), or being more spiritual (another concept that my wife thrives on that so escaped me) are part of the changes I’ve adopted in life; changes that are producing results although not always as fast as I would like. But changes are happening. I even ran a 5k!

 

To those fathers who are seeking balance, here are a few suggestions that even I, hater of all things fruit and vegetable, have grown to LOVE:

1. Juicing – Anything shoved into a juicer with enough lemon or lime is delicious. Put down the beer and pick up some kale, apples, cucumbers, carrots, limes, and ginger and let the juicing begin. I wouldn’t dare eat these things raw or cooked, but juiced, you just can’t beat it.  Here’s my favorite juice I sometimes bring to work:

2-3 carrots

4 celery stalks

1 apple

1/2 lemon

 

2. Smoothies – Similar to juicing in that frozen fruit and ice can kill the taste of anything vegetable. Smoothies are super filling and the only way I’m getting broccoli in my diet. Yes…. broccoli in a smoothie. What a novel idea. I actually slip it into Jack’s smoothies, too.

 

I go overboard a bit with the fruit but I like to blend frozen mango, peaches and strawberries with broccoli, water and ice. I throw in some kale, too.

 3. Try Something New – As a lover of meat there are alternatives, trust me. I didn’t think it was true but there’s  adzuki and black bean chili or lentils with red pepper and onions which are perfect substitutes for a side of beef.  Usually these are pretty hearty and fill you up. 

 

 

I like to make these meals often especially when I get tired of pepperoni pizza (yes, it actually happens, I swear). This took a long time and I’m still working on it… I haven’t  got myself to eat Brussels sprouts yet but never say never. Just start substituting little by little and see how you feel.

 I even had gluten-free tacos on my date with Lisa the other day. It’s a first!

 Like I said, change takes a long time but I am happier, healthier and now see how eating clean can transform your life. Good luck and know that I get it.

What do you say?

We would LOVE to hear how you handle eating clean when your partner isn’t into it. What is a good way to help your partner see the light (hee hee)? List your tip in the comments so we can learn from each other. 

Happy Father’s Day to all the super cool dudes! AND thank you, Kevin, for sharing real life tips with us!
Link to this post!

What juicer do I buy?

Juice is dope, yo.

The benefits are endless:

• weight loss (will depend on your body, but it is pretty much a given)

• decreased belly fat and bloating

• feeling lighter

• tons of energy a more balanced pH level since you will be pumping anti-inflammatory foods into your system

• almost no sugar cravings (they might even disappear!)

• sound, deep sleep

• glowing and clear skin

• sharp focus especially during the late afternoon

• being able to tolerate raw vegetables (those who have acid reflux or IBS notice huge improvements with their digestive system)

• and a happier mood and attitude.

And the best thing is that juicing is no longer fringe.

“Not everything that is good for you makes it into the mainstream. Some fringe health trends take a little while to get there. Juicing is one of them.


The Juiceman Juicer was launched in the early ’90’s with Jay Kordich. Then in his 60’s, Jay was known for reversing his cancer and saving his life through juicing, and he wanted everyone to juice too. The only people juicing back then were body builders and cancer patients.  It’s an image that is hard to imagine now that everyone from Hollywood stars to New York’s fashion elite have made it cool to juice.”

~ Nancy Trent, owner of Trent & Co. , a NYC-based marketing communications firm. Thrive Magazine

Juicing is now a popular trend that is here to stay.  You don’t have to be a star or hipster to get the glow from juicing. In fact, juicing can become a habit if you have the right tools.

Speaking of tools, the #1 question I get asked the most when it comes to juicing is…

“What juicer should I buy?”

Getting your first juicer (or even switching to the next model) can be overwhelming. So that’s why I tested, researched, and tested again many juicer models to give you the informed scoop.

Before you click on BUY NOW on Amazon, I want you to ask yourself these 3 important questions:

1. How many times a week will you juice?

2. How much do you want to spend prepping veggies and cleaning up?

3. What is your lifestyle like?

If you are 100% sure that you want to add juicing to your life, then my handy dandy product review will help you tons.

Picking a juicer is like picking a partner… do you want fast and easy or something that takes its time, or is noise level clean up an issue?

Juicers can be pricy so think of this as a long-term investment; a decision you are glad you made.

Download you guide and get started on your juicing adventure>>>

A few  notes:

Nutribullets are pulverizers, not juicers so I didn’t mention them in the eval.

Some use a Blendec or Vitamix and say they are juicing but actually they are blending. AND if you aren’t ready to make the leap, totally cool.

Here’s how to “juice” with a high-powered blender (an old blender from you college margarita  days won’t do):

Place veggies and fruit in blender and blend until smooth.  Add a splash of filtered water to help move things along. Place fine mesh strainer over a large mixing bowl and pour juice over. Press down with rubber spatula if needed. Poure “juice” in a glass and drink up.

I recommend the Breville Juice Fountain Compact if you are getting your very first juicer. It’s inexpensive and easy to use. I started my juicing career with this exact juicer.

I now have a Breville Juice Fountain Elite for everyday use. I’m lazy… I don’t even have to chop or peel so I’m all about that!

I did tons of research on Amazon, testing them myself, borrowing friends, and reading reviews/ extensive studies.

That said, buying a juicer is very personal so use this as a guide not the be all, end all.

Your turn:
What juicer do  you have ? What yummy creations do you like to make with it?

Tell me in the comments below… I love to make my Beauty Remedy:  apple, kale, cucumber, lime and ginger… how ’bout you?!

PS. Need a few recipes? I have tons!

Go here to join the FREE Juice It UP! 3 Day Cleanse, get fun juice recipes plus support from me and the juice it up gang!

Link to this post!

Black Bean Salad

So here we are…Memorial Day weekend. If you are in the States, I’m sure you will be finding your way to either the pool or to a cookout this weekend.

I started celebrating early by watching the Blue Angels perform. It’s a tradition during commissioning week at the Naval Academy.

We all played hooky (shhhhh) from school and work…

and met up with our good friends, Melissa and Isabel.

It was our first time watching the show at the Naval Academy… lots of energy (and noise! Thank goodness for earplugs!)

It’s always good for the creative soul to take a break from “life”  so I don’t feel guilty at all.

I felt the sun on my face, and I know in my cells that the lazy, care-free days of summer are right around the corner.

And with summer comes lots of socializing (BBQ’s, pool parties, cookouts,etc…).

If you are invited to a cookout this weekend, you’ll want to be the hit of the party.

SO why not make something kick-a**.

And seriously, this dish is only 5 minutes to whip up!

The Kick A** Bean Salad is off-the-hook amazing and makes the perfect side dish.

Let’s make it shall we?

Kick A** Bean Salad

Ingredients:

1 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

½ cup mango

½ avocado, peeled, pitted and cubed

1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

1 Tbsp. lime juice

1 cup spinach

½ tsp. chili powder

Sea salt to taste

Mangoes and avocados… my faves!

Directions:

In a bowl, toss together beans, mango, avocado, oil and juice.

Pour over spinach on plate. Sprinkle powder on top. Season with salt and serve.

Serves 1-2

Eat up!

Now your turn…
What’s your ultimate favorite way to kick off the summer season?

 

PS. Kick A**Bean Salad is a signature recipe from Spring Renewal Detox Kit. All recipes are clean, easy and made with whole, real food. Click to check it out>>>

Link to this post!

Pay What You Can: SALE!

I look forward to May each year.

The warmer weather…

wearing flip flops…

flowers blooming.

Yes! We can dip our toes in!

Everything is alive. Summer is a comin’.

But May can also be crazy. My dear friend, Amy, wrote the following in an email and, whoa, she took the words out of my mouth.

“May is crazy. Insane. Ridiculous… I am no match for her and her swirl of field trips and field days… of teacher appreciation luncheons and color runs… of weekend tournaments/track meets and camp registration forms… and all of these things are wonderful and necessary and add to the beautiful fabric of my life, but i wonder if they all need to happen in May.”

True dat.

I just to a look at my calendar and my weekends are booked. On one hand I love it, seeing my friends and being social (even though I’m highly sensitive and introverted, a part of me thrives on the energy of others). The other hand, whew!

It can get difficult trying to keep up with your clean and sexy self when life is hectic. And it’s not the time to let things slip as you are now showing more skin.

I have just what you need to keep things balanced and in control when it comes to your clean living efforts.

Time for the Pay What You Can Event!

It starts NOW and ends May 18th at 12 midnight EDT.

Sometimes financial things come up or timing isn’t right so this is a chance to take advantage of Pay What You Can.

If you always wanted to try my detoxes or delve into my yummy meal plans, here’s your chance.

I have made-for-you, already-done, oh-my-goodness clean eating kits available for the Pay What You Can special.

So here’s how it works:
1. Choose a fun kit to buy. Here are your options:

Spring Renewal Detox Kit: 10 day cleanse menu, 60 recipes, shopping list, cookbook,  group support (original price $129)

Order here

Kickin’ It Clean Meal Plan Kit 1.0: 4 weeks of menu plans (breakfast, mid-morning snack, lunch, mid-afternoon snack, and dinner for each day), 80+ recipes, shopping lists, extra cookbook and snack cheat sheet (focus on spring and summer months with smoothies and juices) (original $149)

Order here

Kickin’ It Clean Meal Plan Kit 2.0: 4 weeks of menu plans (breakfast, mid-morning snack, lunch, mid-afternoon snack, dinner), 80+ recipes, shopping lists and extra cookbook and snack cheat sheet (focus on f soups and bowls) (original price $149)

Order here

OR order a bundle of all three! (worth $427)

Order here

I will donate 10% of each purchase to our Mahila Partnership fundraiser.  Yay!

2. Have the kits already but want to treat a friend?

If you already have one or all of the kits and would like to gift it to someone at a pay-what-you-can rate, absolutely. Contact us at info@wholehealthdesigns.com we can help you set this up.

3. A few guidelines:

The Pay What You Can event ends at midnight EDT, May 18th. Don’t miss this opportunity as we won’t offer it after the cut-off date and time.
This offer isn’t retroactive on kits you purchased in the past.
A suggested not lower than price is listed on each product page.
All products are digital and you can download all the goodies immediately.
If you have a question, contact us HERE. We’ll do everything possible to get back to you a.s.a.p.

I’ve detoxed and Kicked It Clean with thousands…a few love notes:

 

Lisa’s detox made my skin brighter and less puffy. My bloated belly disappeared! I lost 4 lbs, and I just loved eating healthy and waking up the next day without guilt. ~Julie H.

 

 

I loved EVERYTHING about Kickin’ It Clean! All of the recipes were delicious, and I really loved that a shopping list was included; really helped me stay organized! During the month, I realized that is was really simple to eat clean; not nearly as daunting as I had imagined. Plus the recipes are amazing…I didn’t feel like I was making any sacrifices. AND I had a lot more energy throughout the day. ~Ally T.

 

 

The menus were easy to follow and the food was delicious! Plus the detox was a good influence on my 8 year old daughter. I had more energy, lost several pounds, craved the greens and loved all the healthy foods! I also loved having the support of the group, and Lisa’s emails were a big help. I didn’t feel “alone” while I was doing the detox. And you still get to EAT during Lisa’s detoxes! I loved the whole process…thank you! ~Jenn A.

 

My heart is so happy about our Pay What You Can event. Giving brings me so much joy!

Let me know if you need anything regarding Pay What You Can! Excited to “get clean” with you!

PS. Remember, the super offer ends at 12 midnight, EDT May 18th.

Link to this post!