Magical Cacao in Decadent Chocolate Truffles!

Eat chocolate, get healthier, slow down the aging process -- seem too good to be true? Well, there is evidence showing it is true, but you have to eat the real thing, not the sugar-added, highly processed chocolate found in conventional stores.

 

Magical Cacao: "Raw cacao is one of the most, if not THE most, nutrient rich and complex foods known to man. All chocolate starts out as raw cacao “beans” or nuts - the seed of the cacao fruit which grows on a tropical tree. The usual roasting/processing of chocolate destroys a significant amount of its valuable health supporting properties. Much of the mood elevating, antidepressant and antioxidant qualities are eliminated with heating." (Excerpt from Sacred Chocolate Website) 

Sacred Chocolate is a company I love and fully endorse. Their products are raw, stone ground, organic and vegan. Did you know that chocolate (the real whole raw kind that is) is an amazing health food, filled with polyphenol antioxidants and flavanols.





Sacred Chocolate: Raw, Stone-Ground, Organic & Vegan

Do your sweethearts a favor this Valentine's day and fill their heart with goodness - sweet, chocolatey, heart-healthy, decadent, sensuous goodness in the form of chocolate hearts and incredible truffles, hand-made here in the US, with love and blessings.

Check out their complete selection and place your order here.

Out of this world!

Eating for Energy, Part 5 - Food for the Soul

If you are like many, during this busy season, it is hard to find time to think about yourself, with all the shopping, planning, cooking, and numerous activities involved in caring for others and creating a wonderful holiday experience.  So instead of running on low or empty, find some time to  nourish yourself. 

Increasing self-care is one of the best ways to improve your energy level. When you do things that you are passionate about, it fuels your soul. When you allow yourself to take a break and relax, you feel refreshed and have all the energy to take on the world.

Here are some ideas to nourish you soul:

1. Clean, fresh air

2. Exercise/movement

3. Meaningful relationship

4. Fulfilling career

5. Rest and relaxation

6. Spiritual practice

Create a “nourishment menu” for yourself. When you feel like you need a boost, take the list out and do one of the things that fuels your soul. Some ideas: taking a walk in nature, calling your loved ones, doing yoga or stretching exercises, taking your dog out for a walk, taking a walk with a friend to catch up, or working on a hobby.

Sign up for ebook

 For more resources, including my Healthy Holiday Recipes book, visit my website.  Lots of great free recipes await.  And if 2012 is your year to change your health, I would love to support you.  Sign up for a free health consultation and give yourself the gift of one hour to talk about YOU with a holistic health coach.  Your life is waiting and I can support you on your journey.  

Happy Holidays to you and yours and much health and happiness in the new year!

www.blissfulbalancewellness.com

Eating for Energy, Part 1 - 5 Tips to Eating for Sustained Energy

5 Tips to Eating for Sustained Energy

Would you like to have enough energy to get through the holidays in style?  Well I have some tips for you that are so easy to implement and just take a tiny bit of pre-planning.  I know when I share these tips with my clients, after the first week they definitely feel a change in their energy level and the added benefit a better mood.  Now who doesn't want that?  So lets get started!  

To minimize spikes and crashes in energy level, you want to make sure your nutritional intake supports a sustained flow of energy by limiting fluctuation in blood sugar level. An even blood sugar level can also help you improve your focus and concentration, and help you prevent mood swings caused by hypoglycemia.

Here are 5 tips to use nutrition to support a sustained flow of energy:

1. Eat meals with a low glycemic load – combine whole grains and vegetables (high fiber foods) with a moderate amount of good fats and lean protein.

2. Eat foods rich in B vitamins, such as whole grains and nutritional yeast.

3. Eat just the right amount and type of protein for your body – keep a food journal to see how much protein works best for you.

4. Stay hydrated – dehydration often causes fatigue and headache.

5. Avoid caffeine, which worsen blood sugar fluctuation.

So there you have 5 simple tips to keep your blood sugar balanced and your energy flowing.  Be sure and have a small snack mid-afternoon because that is the time of day our energy and blood sugar natually drop.  A few raw almonds are a great snack for that time of day and will help keep you from grabbing a sugary snack.

Check out my website for more information, free recipes, and to join my mailing list.  You can also sign up for my free "Healthy Holiday Recipes" eBook with some great new recipes that won't mess with your blood sugar and cause that unwelcome weight gain around the middle!

Is it time to Celebrate YOU?

Is it time for you to be a priority in your own life? If you want to be closer to the top of your “to do” list, then schedule a complimentary breakthrough session. It will take you one step closer to making yourself a priority in your own life and living a life you love! One conversation could change your life!

Chia Seeds - 5 Reasons to Eat Them!

I love chia seeds so much and here are just 5 reasons why:

1.  They have twice as much protein as other seeds or grains, providing all the essential amino acids in an easily digestible form.
2.  They have three times the antioxidant strength of blueberries.
3.  They are the richest plant source of Omega-3 fatty acids, (the vital fats that protect against inflammation—such as arthritis—and heart disease).  They have twice as much as wild salmon.
4.  They are easier to digest than flax seeds and they don't need ground up.
5.  They make a delicious drink in minutes, called Chia Fresca, and it is so hydrating.

There are so many more reasons than 5 to eat Chia seeds.  They are shown to help with high blood pressure, weight loss, and blood sugar control.  They have 5 times more iron than spinach, 2 times more potassium than bananas, and 5 times more calcium than milk (plus boron which is a trace mineral that helps transfer calcium into your bones).


What a great plant-based source of all these great nutrients!  And they are so much fun and so easy to use.  Add them to your morning smoothie, make Chia Fresca, Chia Pudding, and many other wonderful recipes.

'Chia Fresca'

2 tsp chia seeds
10oz pure water
juice of one lemon or lime
agave syrup or raw honey to taste

This is still a popular drink in modern-day Mexico. Simply stir the ingredients together and enjoy.

Raw 'Rice Pudding'

4-5 tbsp chia seed
2 cups almond milk
raw honey or agave syrup to taste

Combine the ingredients to your taste. Leave the chia to soak for at least 10 minutes before consuming. You can also add other flavours like vanilla, cinnamon or cardamom.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/022468_chia_seeds_food.html#ixzz1dcyLsmeo 

and http://www.nutsonline.com/cookingbaking/chia-seeds/premium.html