Detoxify, Fortify, and Live!

For many, summer is a long-awaited moment in time which signifies not just warmth, but exploration, new beginnings, and most of all, good food. For those who have read my previous entries, it is quite evident that I’m a bit of a foodie, but also a nutrition nut as of late; I’m always looking to improve my health and wellness!

Six summers ago, I made the decision to give up red meat and pork. This September it will be two years since I threw out the poultry, and this past April, a full year since I denounced dairy, gluten, eggs, refined sugars, and the list goes on. As I said before, summer is a nostalgic moment for many, especially when it comes to eating food. I have not been to a barbecue in years, and I’m fine with that (I’m sure there’s someone out there who grills salmon, asparagus, daikon and brussels sprouts though).

Now, summer represents a time of action and change. This sentiment is shared by others. You know, those who only exercise for that ideal beach body, right? Then, once Fall emerges, it’s back under the blankets with sweets, hot chocolate, and momentum like a turtle. No, for me, these changes must be lifelong. I have made a point to stay mentally strong and remain on the path to a livelier, happier, healthier life.

Lately, I have been giving special titles to the months of the year, such as “Make it Happen May,” “Jubilation June,” “Jump Start July,” and now, “Anti-Stress August.” Hey, I can be pretty corny. Laughs aside, this summer was deemed “Sugarless Summer.” For the month of June, I gave up ALL sugar (including cane syrup, cane sugar, palm sugar, etc). This was similar to what I did in 2013 when I began the Virgin Diet, which involved cutting out sugar and artificial sweeteners. Some recipes will follow.

I must say, for the month of June, I felt absolutely amazing. Some people think that sugar has been given a bad name overtime, but it truly is not good for you, even the healthier forms. Now, I won’t be a hypocrite. For the month of July, I did explore sugar again that was unrefined, but not without consequences. Headaches, joint pain, stomach aches, back pain, lethargy, and mental fog were just a few of the results. I deserved them! Everyone must remember that our bodies speak to us. That may sound insane, and if it does, so be it. Our skin is a mirror to what is inside, and whenever I eat a lot of sugar, I break out. Our heart, stomach, liver and kidneys will also tell us when we are plunging into dietary suicide.

Without a doubt, I strongly encourage everyone to try a month of no sugar. Prior to this, you may even want to try a detox or cleanse for a period of time for optimum fortification. A few months back I tried an excellent 7-day cleanse. From that, I felt as if I removed so much clutter from within, not just physically, but also mentally. Though it was for seven days, the cleanse was not harsh at all! Experts say that a cleanse is necessary for the body, and should be performed twice a year. Imagine that; many have never cleansed at all. A cleanse is not just good for losing weight, but also to combat environmental stress, physical stress, poor diet, as well as harmful health practices.

So, it is my aim to be steadfast on this road to minimal to no sugar. And you know what? My body is happy with that because it remains silent when I eat the foods that are good for me.

Visit NutriDreams for your daily nutritional needs. Find vitamins, minerals, and bulk organic, gluten-free and vegan foods.

Food for the Face – Turmeric Facial Mask

The first thing on your mind is probably, “A turmeric mask?” Yes, you read right. Turmeric, in its powder form, is used in various recipes in South Asia, such as curry. But it also has many benefits for one’s health and appearance.

In different cultures, turmeric has been seen as a natural antibiotic, having powerful effects on the body. It has even been attributed to having anti-cancer properties, and the ability to inhibit other disorders. It especially works as an anti-inflammatory and anti-aging agent.

I first learned about this natural “beauty secret” from a Pakistani friend a year and a half ago. I was looking for a solution to uneven skin complexion, and a means to combat bouts of acne. For those with browner skin tones like myself, you may be used to your face appearing dramatically different from other areas of your body. For me, this summer tan fades slowly, and sometimes not at all!

How To Make The Mask:

So, what do you need for a turmeric mask? The list below includes ingredients for the mask featured in this blog:

1 tsp of turmeric powder
1 ½ – 2 tsp of ground oats
2-3 tbsp of plain non-fat yogurt

• Simply combine a small amount of turmeric powder with non-fat yogurt.
• If you lack a food processor, use a knife to chop up oats, then add to mix.
• Mix the ingredients until you create a paste (see the first photo above).
• Apply the mask to a clean face, and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes; then gently remove with warm water.

The ingredients for the turmeric mask can vary. In some instances, I have combined just tap water with turmeric. Coconut oil and turmeric is also a good combination, but tends to be runnier, and not as firm as using yogurt.

A Few Tips:

• Turmeric DOES stain. Avoid wearing nice clothing while using the mask.
• If you notice turmeric remnants after removing the mask, rinse your face thoroughly, or use a facial cleanser.
• To avoid staining your hands, use a glove or cotton ball to apply the paste.
• Natural skin remedies take longer. Be patient.

Since I first started using the turmeric mask, I have seen many improvements. My complexion is a lot brighter, skin tone is more even, and my acne and dark marks are more manageable. In fact, many people have noticed and complimented me on my skin. I suggest using a good facial cleanser before applying this mask, as well as a good toner after. You may want to then follow with a good serum, and of course moisturizer. Need some suggestions. Check the link below!*

So, there you have it. Turmeric is not  just food for the stomach, but also food for the face.

If you want some more tips on how to help manage healthy skin, here’s my weekly skincare regiment*

Visit NutriDreams for your daily nutritional needs. Find vitamins, minerals, and bulk organic, gluten-free and vegan foods.

Homemade Banana Ice Cream

It’s 90+ degrees outside and you’re looking for the perfect thing to cool you down, while satisfying your sweet tooth. I came across this recipe for non-dairy banana ice cream a few months ago. Instantly, I fell in love with the idea. If you’re like myself, with an intolerance to most dairy, you probably search high and low for a simple, cost-efficient, alternative to ice cream.

I’ve tried everything from soymilk based ice creams, to those that even use coconut milk. The problem with these alternatives is that, though comfortable for us to digest, they’re not too comfortable for our pockets. I recall paying from $3.99 to even $4.99 for a pint of non-dairy ice cream, and frankly, the quality was quite poor.

What I like about this banana “ice cream” is that it’s simple to make, it tastes amazing, and it’s healthy for you! Think about it, for my ice cream, I just used:

3 Bananas

½ cup of peanut butter

A sprinkle of Ovaltine

1/2 cup of soy milk or almond milk (for milkshake)

After peeling each banana, chop them up into small, coin sized pieces, and place them into the freezer for about an hour and a half. Then, add the banana slices to the blender to purée. Following that,  you can add peanut butter for texture and a nuttier taste, that’s reminiscent of my favorite ice creams.

If you’re looking for a more creamier ice cream base, or simply want a “milkshake,” add your milk alternative; I used soy milk. After blending, remove the banana purée, put it into the freezer to chill, and sprinkle some Ovaltine on top for taste!

For feeding more than 1-2 people, I would use more than 3 bananas. Other variations of this recipe use honey, cocoa powder, and other light ingredients to give it a little kick.