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Super Seasonal, Super Healthy Fall Cooking!

By: Saturday, October 22, 2011 Diet and Foods, Healthy Cooking, Healthy Eating, Recipes , , , , Permalink 0

The fall is such an amazing time for produce and cooking.  Fresh apples from the orchard, squash, pumpkins, pears, yams, maple syrup, rainbow chard, red cabbage, so many colors and delicious flavors.  I threw a little dinner party last night and put together a super seasonal menu that, in my opinion, showcases all of fall’s delicious bounty!  I also found it really fun to have some common ingredients that threaded the meal together, including some of the delicious apples we picked the day we got engaged!

Homemade Spicy Sweet Potato Chips

I had a bunch of mandolined sweet potatoes left over from the Sweet Potato Torte (see below), so I thought I would put them to good use by making a delicious pre-dinner treat of little crunchy chips.  They go great with the hummus I had out, and are just generally a delicious, healthy munchie food!

Ingredients:

3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/8 inch thick slices
2 tbsp olive oil (plus a splash for the baking sheet)
2 tbsp organic maple syrup
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 F.  Line a baking sheet with tin foil and lightly grease with a bit of olive oil.  Spread the sweet potato slices evenly throughout.  Stir together remaining olive oil, maple syrup and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.  Brush mixture over the sweet potatoes, and sprinkle with sea salt and pepper.  Bake in pre-heated oven for about 10 minutes, flip potatoes with a spatula, and bake for about 10-15 minutes more, or until the edges of the chips are crispy and begin to curl upward.

Arugula and Pear Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

Serves 4
This classic salad is made even more autumnal with a delicious maple vinaigrette.

Ingredients:

8 cups arugula leaves, washed and dried
1 organic pear, unpeeled, thinly sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp organic maple syrup

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, maple syrup, mustard, vinegar and seasoning.  Toss with arugula and pears, and top with crumbled gorgonzola.
{adapted from Real Simple}

Layered Sweet Potato Torte

Serves 8

I assembled the torte the night before and just popped it in the oven the night of.  Huge time saver!

Ingredients:
2 lbs organic sweet potatoes (I ended up using about 3 potatoes), thinly sliced on a mandoline
1 lb swiss chard, stems removed
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small red onion, chopped
4 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1/4 cup olive oil (for brushing)
3 oz. Taleggio or gorgonzola (optional), crumbled
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 450 F.  Brush 9 inch springform pan with olive oil.  Stack 6 leaves of swiss chard on cutting board and roll into a tight cylinder.  Slice cylinder into thin strands (chiffonade).  Repeat with remaining chard.  Place one sweet potato slice into the center of the pan, and begin to arrange the slices around in concentric circles, overlapping pieces by at least half, until entire bottom of pan is covered.  Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with about 1/3 of the rosemary and garlic.  Season with salt and pepper.  Spread 1 cup of swiss chard over the layer, sprinkle with 1/3 of the onion and 1/3 of the crumbled gorgonzola (if you’re using it).  Cover with another layer of sweet potatoes, press the layers down, and repeat layering 2 more times.  Place torte on baking sheet and cover with foil.  Bake 45 minutes, uncover, and bake another15 minutes.  Cool for 15 minutes, and press top of torte to remove excess liquid.  Turn torte upside down, unmold, and serve.  For a crispier top, unmold top down onto a baking sheet, brush top with olive oil, and broil for another 3 to 5 minutes, until potato slices start to brown and curl upward.  Cool 10 minutes before serving.

{Adapted from Vegetarian Times}

Braised Red Cabbage with Apples and Tempeh

Serves 8

This super hearty take on traditional German braised cabbage is loaded with protein, and has a delicious sweet and sour flavor.  This dish also reheats really well, just add a little bit of cider if there isn’t liquid in the bottom of the pot, and warm on low heat.

Ingredients:

1 8 oz package organic tempeh
2 lb red cabbage, quartered, cored, and thinly sliced
2 large organic sweet/tart apples, cored and chopped
1 large red onion, chopped
1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbs organic tamari
1/2 cup sweet apple cider
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp organic agave
Sea salt and pepper to taste

Cut tempeh width wise into 1/2 inch strips. Heat about 1 1/2 tsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.  Add tempeh and saute about 4 minutes, or until browned.  Stir in tamari and 1/2 cup water.  Simmer about 5 minutes, or until liquid has been absorbed, turning occasionally.  Cool, and cut tempeh into squares.

Heat remaining olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.  Add onions and apples, and saute for about 12 minutes.  Stir in cabbage, apple cider, vinegar and agave.  Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook for about 25 minutes, or until cabbage is tender, stirring occasionally.  Stir in tempeh and season with salt and pepper.

Gluten-Free, Vegan Apple Crisp

Serves 8

I ADORE this apple crisp recipe, and using the delicious, organic apples we picked the day we got engaged just made the whole thing that much sweeter.

Ingredients:

For the filling:
4 lbs. organic apples
1/4 cup organic agave (or less, depending on preference)
1/2 cup apple cider or water
1 tbsp arrowroot powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp allspice
1/2 cup organic raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

For the topping:
1 cup organic rolled oats
1 cup gluten free flour or baking mix (I use Bob’s Red Mill)
1/2 cup maple sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/3 cup coconut oil
3 tbsp almond milk or coconut milk
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350 F.  Peel, core, and slice apples into 3/4 inch chunks.  Dissolve arrowroot in apple cider or water, set aside.  Place apples and raisins or cranberries (if using) in a mixing bowl.  Add spices and mix.  Pour into a baking dish.  Pour arrowroot mixture over the apples.  To prepare the topping, mix all the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, add melted Earth Balance, milk, and vanilla.  Mix well until the consistency is crumbly.  Crumble topping over the apples, and bake for 45 minutes.  Remove from oven and let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

{Adapted from Post Punk Kitchen}

 

{Images: Pinterest}

10 Most Dangerous Household Toxins for Pets

By: Tuesday, August 30, 2011 Healthy Pets, Organic Beauty , , , Permalink 0
10 Most Dangerous Household Toxins for Pets 2 | The Organic Beauty Blog

Detoxifying our homes, beauty routines, and eating habits obviously has a huge impact on our health and well-being, but what we often don’t take into account is the effect it has on the health and longevity of our pets as well.  Our pets inhale our cleaning supplies, lick the floors, kiss our skin, and eat food of often questionable content.  Focusing on quality, non-toxic products and natural foods and treats will help your pet live longer and be much healthier!


10 Most Dangerous Household Toxins for Pets | The Organic Beauty Blog

10 Most Common Household Toxins for Dogs
  • Chocolate.  We all know chocolate can be deadly for dogs, and it is super important to consider places chocolate can be hiding (like candy bars, cake, and ice cream) so as to keep pets away from it at all costs.  Chocolate contains theobromine, which causes severe stomach upset, vomiting, seizures, blood pressure elevation in dogs and cats.  So no tasting (no matter how much they beg!), and keep those chocolatey treats covered and in a cabinet where pets can’t get to it.
  • Insect Bait Stations.  All those little ant and roach houses are full of super toxic poisons.  Even though a dog can’t crawl inside, it can chew through the trap and get to the poison nonetheless.  Choose a non-toxic, pet-safe alternative if you have a bug problem to control.  EcoSmart has some really good products made with plant oils that are safe for pets AND humans!
  • Rodenticide.  Although there is definitely a valid ethical argument against using rodenticides, some people still choose to use them, which is fine, provided they don’t accidentally poison an unintended animal!  There are some organic rodenticides on the market that only target rodents, and are generally harmless to other animals and humans.  Kiwicare makes one that is supposed to work really well.  But try to research some other options before resorting to poison.  Sometimes, fixing some holes or crack in walls and floors, or keeping food covered and tightly sealed and be enough of a remedy!
  • Chemical Fertilizers.  Ever see those signs on fertilized lawns warning you to keep pets and children away?  That’s there for a reason.  Fertilizers can cause seizures, liver and kidney damage, and potentially fatal levels of toxicity in pets.  Use caution when letting your dog play on any manicured lawn, because you never know what it’s been treated with!
  • Xylitol.  This sugar substitute is found in many sugar-free gums, diet products, and processed foods, and can cause severe hypoglycemia, acute toxicity, and even death in dogs.  If you occasionally feed your dog human food, make sure it is a whole food like a good quality meat, fruit, or vegetable (but not onions!)… Never feed your dog processed junk food that isn’t even health-supportive for you!
  • NSAIDs like Advil and Tylenol.  Unless recommended by your vet in specific doses, these over-the-counter medicines can cause a potentially lethal build-up of toxicity in your pet, and can cause severe stomach ulcers and kidney damage.  NEVER give your dog human medication unless your vet prescribed it!
  • Silica gel.  Those little packets that come in your vitamins and other products are sometimes irresistible to pets, both as little toys to bat around, and as a snack.  Although a tiny amount won’t do much harm if eaten, a larger packet ingested by a small dog could wreak all kinds of havoc.  Dispose of these packets immediately in a place your pup can’t reach.
  • Toxic household cleaners.  Pets come into much more direct contact with the cleaning solvents we use than even we do… They eat things off the floor, walk on and touch various surfaces and lick their paws, and lick everything.  Just as non-toxic household cleaners are important for your health, they can be even more important for the health of your pets.  Make sure to only use non-toxic cleaning supplies that are natural when possible.  Click here for an extensive list of recommendations!
  • Poisonous houseplants.  Some houseplants are poisonous and potentially deadly for both dogs and cats, so before bringing home a new plant-buddy, make sure to check the plant against the ASPCA list of toxins!
  • Onions, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, and caffeine.  All these foods can cause irreversible damage to your dog’s internal organs, and in some cases could even be fatal.  Feeding your dog human food can be a great choice, but make sure you’re making educated decisions for your pet.  Not everything that is good for us is good for them!
10 Most Dangerous Household Toxins for Pets 3 | The Organic Beauty Blog

 

10 Most Common Household Toxins for Cats

  • Lillies.  These beautiful flowers are highly poisonous to cats.  Eating just a few leaves can cause organ failure and even death!  Best to keep lillies out of a kitty household altogether.
  • Canine Flea and Tick Medicine.  Households with both types of animals need to be very careful.  Medicine that is recommended for dogs can be lethal for cats, like the common topical flea and tick treatments used.  Opt for a natural alternative to flea and tick treatments, like those found on Only Natural Pet.
  • Toxic household cleaners.  Same as for their canine buddies, these toxic chemicals are bad for all beings!  See above.
  • Rodenticide.  See above.
  • Paints and varnishes.  Just like many commercial paints and varnishes are super toxic to humans, our furry friends are especially vulnerable to the carcinogenic toxins in many of these products.  VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) used to be a necessary component of indoor paints, but no longer.  There are many safer low-VOC and no-VOC paints and varnishes on the market these days that are just as effective!  Check out Earth Easy for all kinds of awesome, safe, non-toxic solutions for all of your painting needs.
  • Glow sticks and glow-in-the-dark jewelry.   These relics of your 90’s party days are full of chemicals that can be especially toxic to kitties.  If your nostalgic streak keep you from throwing them out, keep them out of your cat’s reach!
  • Amphetamines.  ADD/ADHD drugs and other amphetamines may be what keeps you functional, but to a cat, it could spell heart attacks, tremors, and even death.  And the worst part is, cats are especially attracted to these drugs, so it’s especially important to keep them hidden away.
  • NSAIDs like Advil and Tylenol.  See above.
  • Onions, garlic, and root vegetables.  These contain a substance that destroys red blood cells in cats, and can cause serious anemia.
  • Chocolate.  We all know that chocolate can be lethal to dogs, but it also has some terrible effect for cats!  A good blanket rule is to keep chocolate away from all domestic animals.
    • If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, or has ingested any of the above, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA National

Animal Poison Control Center

    • at

1-888-426-4435

    .

Seasonal August Recipe: Fennel and Apricot Salad

By: Monday, August 15, 2011 Diet and Foods, Healthy Cooking, Recipes , , , Permalink 0
Seasonal August Recipe Fennel and Apricot Salad | The Organic Beauty BlogI walked into my office on Friday to find 2 big bags of delicious, freshly picked, mini apricots in the kitchen.. It was all I could do to keep myself from eating them all day long!  This pink cheeked, sweet and tart little fruit is not only delicious, but is also loaded with health benefits.

Apricots, one of August’s delicious seasonal fruits, are super high in vitamin A, beta-carotene, and lycopene, antioxidant nutrients that protect the body from cancer and heart disease.  They are also rich in fiber, which is necessary for proper digestion and heart health.  Make sure to consume only organic apricots, since those that are conventionally grown are heavily sprayed with pesticides.

Eat apricots raw as a delicious snack or dessert, or try this super yummy, seasonal salad as a delicious, light dinner, or lunch side! 


Seasonal Fennel and Apricot Salad

Serves 4-6 


Ingredients


1 package organic arugula
1 large organic fennel bulb, shaved very thin
1 small red onion, shaved very thin
3-6 apricots (depending on size), thinly sliced
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
2 tablespoons agave
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup unsalted pistachios


In a medium bowl, mix together the lemon juice, olive oil, thyme, agave, sea salt and pepper.  Add the shaved fennel and red onion. Let marinate for about an hour.  Just before serving, pit and slice in the apricots and add arugula and pistachios.  Mix and serve!




Recipe adapted from Cookthink.com

Less Stress & More Energy Through Breath!

By: Monday, August 15, 2011 Exercise, Holistic Health, Lifestyle, Wellness , , , , Permalink 0
Less Stress & More Energy Through Breath! 2 | The Organic Beauty BlogDoesn’t it seem like navigating through the world of healthcare and self-care always seems to come at a cost?  Supplements, nourishing organic produce, fitness classes, self-care appointments, it seems like very little of the great things you can do for your body and your health are free.  But there is something that is always there for you and doesn’t cost a penny… your breath!  We all know how important it is to breath right while exercising, but we often times lose sight of the fact that the way we breathe the rest of the time is just as important.  Here are some simple tips and exercises for maximizing your breath to manage stress, calm nerves, energize your body, and experience amazing health benefits!
  • Breath through your nose as much as possible.  Breathing through the nose is much more energizing and oxygenating than breathing through the mouth.  When you’re walking around, doing your thing, make an effort to breathe through your nose as much as possible, focusing on taking long, slow breaths.   Inhaling and exhaling nasally takes much longer tan orally, which gives the oxygen more time to get into the bloodstream.  This slower, deeper breath also has a remarkable effect on brain waves, which reduces stress and anxiety, lowers blood pressure, and can even help with hunger and food cravings!  
  • For relaxation, try the 4-7-8 breathing exercise.  This exercise is an amazing tranquilizer for the nervous system, and is a great tool for lowering stress levels, blood pressure, as well as improving sleep!
    • First, place the tip of the tongue on the ridge just behind your your front teeth.  
    • Secondly, exhale completely through your mouth, totally emptying your lungs of air.   Then, close your mouth and inhale through your nose for a count of 4.  
    • Keeping your mouth closed, hold the air in your lungs for a count of 7. 
    • Next, exhale slowly, for a count of 8, making a whooshing sound (as though you’re saying “shh”).  Make sure you exhale out completely, so your lungs are completely empty of air, and your abdominal muscles are engaged.  This is one cycle of 4-7-8 breath.  Repeat this cycle 3 times for a total of 4 breaths, and you’re done!  Try to complete this exercise twice a day for maximum results.  Use it whenever you feel stressed, overworked, nervous, or when you’re dealing with insomnia.
  • For an energizing boost, try Bellows Breath.  This yogic breathing exercise is wonderful for when you’re tired, low on energy, feel your alertness slipping, or when you just need a late afternoon pick-me-up.  It can be just as effective as a cup of coffee!
    • Inhale and exhale very rapidly through your nose, with each breath being as quick as possible…like a bellows!  
    • Aim for about 3 in and out breath cycles per second, with inhalations and exhalations being equal in length.
    • For the first few tries, complete the exercise for no more than 15 seconds.  But feel free to increase the duration every time you do it, up to a minute in length maximum.
  • Lastly, forget huffing and puffing while exercising.. Instead, try ujjayi breath!  Heavy breathing during exercise puts the body into a highly stressed state of emergency, which is actually counter-productive to the benefits of physical activity.  Maintaining a steady, deep breath takes the strain off the body, allowing us to do more without as much strain.  Ujjayi breath is an ancient yogic breathing technique that was created to cleanse the mind and body, focus thinking, and cause a deep sense of calm and relaxation.
    • Less Stress & More Energy Through Breath! | The Organic Beauty BlogTo learn ujjayi breath, inhale deeply through the mouth.  On the exhale, start to close the back of your throat to slightly constrict the passage of air, as if you are fogging up a pair of glasses.  This should sound like an ocean wave.  
    • Once you are comfortable with this exhale, work on employing that same throat constriction on your inhalation.  Focus on an even, slow inhalation and exhalation in this manner… kind of like Darth Vader.  
    • When you’re ready, close your month, and continue this style of breath exclusively through the nose..  That’s it!  You are employing ujjayi breath.  Try breathing this way when you are stretching, doing yoga, or other forms of light exercise.  Eventually, try to breathe this while doing all forms of exercise.  It definitely takes some getting used to, but focusing on this deep, slow, nasal breathe while the body is being physically stressed makes for a more effective workout that has much less negative impact on the body.  For more information on the benefits of this style of breathe and its benefit for physical activity, check out John Douillard’s amazing book, Body, Mind, and Sport.
Breath is the most vital sources of our life, energy, and health, but, as it is an automatic function, it’s very easy to neglect in terms of conscious use.  When we bring our attention to our breath, we gain access to an incredibly powerful and effective wellness tool that can aid us in so many different aspects of our health.  Best of all, it’s a tool that is free, easy to use, and that we have access to 24 hours a day, regardless of where we are!  Try some of the above techniques consistently for a few weeks, and you will notice dramatic results.. without spending a penny!

Food Focus: Smart Eating for Omnivores

By: Thursday, August 4, 2011 Diet and Foods, Nutrition , , , , Permalink 0

Food Focus Smart Eating for Omnivores | The Organic Beauty BlogAs a nutrition counselor, I know that a plant-based (or even mostly plant-based) diet isn’t for everyone. Try as they might, some people just don’t feel their absolute best without some animal protein in their diets, and that’s ok! But there are definitely some steps you can take to be smarter and healthier when consuming meat. Here are some great rules of thumb to live by in the meat-eating world:

In general, try to make meat a complementary part of your diet, not the primary focus. The most health-supportive, energizing, nutrient-rich, and anti-oxidant foods out there are fruits and vegetables.

  • Always opt for grass-fed or pasture-raised meat. Animals raised in these ways are healthier, happier, and yield much better meat, that is much better for you!
  • Always look for meat that is hormone and antibiotic free. This will reduce your exposure to these harmful, altering drugs and chemicals, and will help to alleviate many hormone-related health problems, as well as resistance to antibiotics (for when you really need them!).
  • When possible, opt for organic meats. If you’re following the tips above, you’re already going to be consuming much healthier meat, but as always, organic is definitely a plus. This will ensure that the animal wasn’t fed foods that are laden with pesticides, fertilizers, and are genetically modified. Most commercially raised meats are fed low quality, GMO corn, and are exposed to other harmful toxins. Keep that out of your meat, and out of your body!
  • Stick to the leaner cuts.  Leaner cuts of meat will have less fat (obviously), which means less cancer-causing toxins in your body, less bad cholesterol in your body and less flab on your mid-section!
  • Go for meat that is low-sodium, nitrite-free, and never processed. This means avoiding foods like lunchmeats, hot dogs, packaged meats, chicken nuggets, or any other meat-based foods that have gone through extensive processing. There are little to no health benefits to these foods, and they actually do more harm than good to the body!
  • Incorporate Meatless Mondays into your week! Going 100% meat-free for just one day a week will do wonders for your health, as well as the environment. And taking the focus off of meat for an entire day’s meals makes you get creative with vegetable-focused cooking, which will improve your cooking, and help you change the way you eat the rest of the week. See more info on the Meatless Monday movement here.

Whether or not to eat meat is a very personal decision that takes many factors into account– your health, your ethical stance, your body type, and your lifestyle. No matter which direction you go in, you can be smarter about everything you put in your body. Those smarter choices will translate into noticeable results for your body and health, as well as the environment!

Organic Mania!

By: Friday, July 29, 2011 Healthy Eating, Holistic Health, Lifestyle, Organic Beauty , , Permalink 0

Organic Mania! | The Organic Beauty Blog

Obviously, we here at The Organic Beauty are super pumped about the recent data that shows a whopping 60% of Americans, across all age groups, prefer organic foods to the conventional options.  An even higher percentage of respondents 35 and under reported the same preference as well!  This is great news!!

As the consumer demand for high quality, organic produce and foods increases, the supply (and therefore the price) decreases substantially.  The primary reason that organic foods are more expensive than conventional varieties is that there are fewer farmers and food manufacturers producing the foods, and significantly fewer subsidies that support organic production.  Organics have, until only very recently, been in the realm of the luxury market; something only the privileged classes could afford (or even gain access to!).. Remember when organic food was #6 on the hilarious blog, Stuff White People Like?  Yeah…

All you faithful OB reader know by now that eating and buying organic is incredibly important for your health, the environment, and even those radiant good looks.  Let’s all keep voting with our wallets, and supporting organic farms in our supermarkets and farmer’s markets, and organic beauty products in stores and online.  The more we show that buying organic is important to us, the more amazing organic products will be available to us and our fellow Organic Beauties and Beaus across the country, who may not already have ready access to pesticide, hormone, antibiotic and carcinogen free foods and products.  Let’s make that 60% into 100% of Americans that say DON’T FEED ME CRAP!

Stay Healthy and Beautiful While Traveling

By: Thursday, July 21, 2011 Exercise, Healthy Beauty, Lifestyle , , , , Permalink 0

 

Stay Healthy and Beautiful While Traveling | The Organic Beauty BlogMost of us do a lot of traveling during the summer months, and whether it’s for work or those long-awaited vacations, travel can wreak utter havoc on our health.  Air travel is dehydrating, and can leave us exhausted for days.  Unfamiliar surroundings can make finding a healthy, organic meal difficult.  Sitting for hours on our chosen form of transportation can cause soreness and swelling.  All this stress on the body can increase the chances of getting sick, but can also cause fluid retention, breakouts, stomach problems, and other unfavorable effects.  But there are some simple steps we can all follow that will help us leave the downside of traveling behind so we can enjoy our well-deserved vacations, and be super productive on our business trips.. With no regrettable after-effects!

Tips for healthy air travel:

  • Make sure to drink lots of water before, during, and after air travel to combat fatigue, swelling, skin dryness, and jet leg.  Aim for a large glass of water for every hour you are in the air.
  • Don’t eat the food!!  Plane food is utter garbage, and is laden with salt, which worsens dehydration, bloating, and fatigue that many people experience while flying.  Instead, make sure to eat a healthy meal before you leave the house, or if you must, grab a salad at the airport.  But avoid anything heavy, greasy, or salty before getting on that plane.  And bring a healthy snack like raw, unsalted nuts, some fruit, or veggie sticks with you on the flight in case you get hungry!
  • With their recycled air, planes are breeding grounds for germs.  Make sure to strengthen your immune system by taking 1000 mg of vitamin C the morning of your flight and when you land.  And make sure you eat lots of nutrient-rich, immune-boosting fruits and veggies before your flight!
  • I know it can be fun, but stay away from alcohol before and during your flight.  If your goal is to arrive looking fresh and great, alcohol will definitely not help, and it adds to the body’s dehydration.  Getting off the plane hoarse, dry, and with circles under your eyes is anything but fabulous.  If you’re a nervous flier, and need a little something to help you relax, take some valerian root to calm your nerves, or some natural melatonin to help you sleep.  Benedryl, or any prescription sleep aids will just result in arriving groggy and out of it.
  • Flying is no fun for your skin either.  Make sure to wear a good, oil-free facial moisturizer with SPF to protect your skin from the super strong UV rays up there, and pack a revitalizing facial spray to perk up your face after the flight (I like L’Occitane Olive Tree Organic Toning Face Mist).  Ladies, avoid caking on the makeup before your flight.  If you must wear something, just a little mineral powder, some mascara, and a moisturizing lip balm should do the trick to get you there in style.  Wearing more than runs you the risk of getting post-flight pimples, clogged pores, oily skin, and looking all melted when you land.  I like to bring a little face wash with me to wash up after the flight, and if necessary, putting on a little more makeup at the airport when I land.

Stay Healthy and Beautiful While Traveling 2| The Organic Beauty BlogTips for when you arrive:

  • Try to do some stretching (or even hit the gym at your hotel if you feel up to it!) shortly after you arrive.  This will do a lot to combat post-flight stiffness, swelling, not to mention fatigue.
  • Do some research before you leave about some healthy food options near where you’ll be staying, and locate them when you get in.  We often arrive at our destinations famished, and it’s really easy to make terrible food choices in the interest of convenience when we’re stressed and tired.  But that’s exactly the time when a healthy, nutritious meal is most important!
  • Once you’re all settled, purchase some healthy snacks, bottled water, and maybe some breakfast items to keep in your hotel room (that little fridge isn’t just for overpriced candy bars!).  This will help keep you away from those hotel buffets and continental breakfasts that are responsible for so much of travel-related weight gain.  Fruit, some whole grain crackers and hummus, nuts, and Larabars are all great options to have around.  If you’re going to be in a location where purchasing specific items you like will be difficult, just bring them from home!
  • If your hotel room has a kitchen, try to incorporate some home (or hotel-) cooked meals into your travel schedule, especially if there aren’t a lot of healthy restaurant options around you.  And even when eating out at the most dubious of restaurants, you can still make healthier choices!  A soup or salad is always a good idea, and almost all restaurants will have at least one or two vegetarian options available, which are definitely preferable to the sketchy, high-fat meat dishes you’ll find at that greasy spoon or chain restaurant.
  • Lastly, try to keep up some semblance of your normal routine while you’re traveling.  Go to bed around the same time (accounting for time differences, of course), eat around the same time you are used to, and definitely maintain your exercise routine!  This will keep you from getting sick, putting on travel weight, and throwing your body out of balance.  Indulging in treats you wouldn’t normally eat, and getting a little lax with working out can be a fun part of de-stressing and letting go while on vacation, bit it’s important not to overdo it.  Spending the three weeks after you get back undoing all damage you did to your body while traveling isn’t really worth that one week of blissful abandon, is it?
 Photo via Pinterest

Thinking about going raw?

By: Friday, July 15, 2011 Diet and Foods, Nutrition, Organic Beauty, Recipes , , , , Permalink 0

Thinking about going raw? | The Organic Beauty BlogSummer is the absolute perfect time to be incorporating more raw foods into your diet.  Raw foods are alkalizing, cooling, cleansing (not to mention slimming!), nutrient-dense, and have the perfect carbohydrate balance for a high-energy summer.   Try making fresh green juices, salads, fruit, raw nuts and seeds, and sprouted raw grains a bigger focus in your summer eating, and you will be amazed at how much more energized, light, and happy you will feel.

Summer is also the ideal time to transition into a 100% raw food diet, if you have ever considered going that route.  Although a completely raw foods diet is a little too hardcore for me, I totally respect the determination and willpower necessary to make it happen (and definitely envy the boundless energy, amazing skin, and teeny tiny waistlines of those who go totally raw).  But going raw doesn’t have to be an all or nothing endeavor!  I myself love doing occasional raw food cleanses, and going raw for just a couple of days can do a lot of amazing good for your body.  Even having a raw breakfast and dinner, and a normal, healthy, cooked lunch can be an amazingly cleansing detox for 3-5 days!

Making the transition to a raw foods diet can be a grueling process if you don’t have access to the right resources to aid you.  Here in New York, we’re lucky enough to have tons of options (like my beloved Pure Food and Wine) for experiencing raw foods, but you don’t need to live in the big city to enjoy the benefits of a raw, or occasionally raw diet.  The Institute for Integrative Nutrition (my alma mater) recently posted a really great list of raw foods resources on their blog, with great recipes, books, films, products and kitchen tools that form the Ultimate Raw Food Resource.  Check it out for some great ideas!

Organic Beauty Raw Watermelon Gazpacho
I’ve been seeing watermelon gazpachos popping up on menus all over NYC, and wanted to share my own version. This super yummy twist on popular, chilled soup is one of my favorite refreshing summer dishes… perfect for the 90+ degree weather!

Ingredients:

Thinking about going raw? 2 | The Organic Beauty Blog8 cups seedless watermelon, chopped
1 local cucumber, peeled and chopped
1/5 of an organic red or yellow bell pepper, chopped
2 tbsp minced shallot
1 organic jalapeno pepper, diced
1/2 avocado, chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil
2 tbsp organic extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp organic rice wine vinegar
3/4 tsp sea salt (or to taste)

Combine all ingredients except the avocado in a large mixing bowl.  Blend about 3 cups of the mixture at a time, and pour into a separate bowl.  When all of the soup is completely blended, chill for at least 10-15 minutes, then serve, garnished with a handful of chopped avocado and sprouts.  If serving as an appetizer or amuse bouche, use glasses, if as an entree, the soup looks gorgeous in a white bowl.

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The Sephora of the Organic Beauty World

By: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 Healthy Beauty, Organic Beauty , , , , Permalink 0

Ok… This is a little embarrassing.  I literally JUST stumbled upon a site that is going to change my life!  (And hopefully the lives of my lovely readers)  It’s no secret that there is a huge shortage of quality online stores that carry a wide variety of all-natural and organic beauty products that have been carefully edited to exclude harmful ingredients.  Enter:  Spirit Beauty Lounge!  Kind of like a Sephora for Organic Beauties, they carry a wide range of organic and/or natural products that adhere to a strict list of do’s and don’ts (including NO harmful chemicals, no animal testing, recyclable and/or biodegradable packaging, and actual potency of the product), and they carry some of my favorite brands!  Check out great beauty gear by SkinnySkinny, RMS Beauty, Priti, and Pangea Organics.

Just from my initial, super excited sweep of the site, here are some of my top picks:


RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek has been one of my favorite products since I got one in a gift bag from the release party for Pure Food & Wine’s latest cookbook.  It comes in a great palette of colors that look great on lips AND cheeks, and the ingredients are organic and super potent.

RMS also makes this amazing and versatile Raw Coconut Butter, which serves as a great moisturizer for face and body, a super nourishingleave-in product for hair (great for dry ends!), and an easy makeup remover.  Coconut oil is deeply moisturizing, and has anti-aging, anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties.

In addition to all of their awesome, non-toxic nail polishes, in all the best seasonal colors, this Soy Nail Polish Remover by Priti is an absolute must-have.  It is totally green, with no formaldehyde

Intelligent Nutrients Organic Volumizing Spray is another great, organic, multi-functional beauty bad-ass.  It embodiesthe hair with tons of volume, activates curls, and is great to use between showers as a water-free hair refreshing tonic! Plus it won awards from everyone that matters, like Elle Mag and Fig+Sage.  A+

Affordable Organic Makeup!

By: Friday, July 8, 2011 Healthy Beauty, Organic Beauty, Product Reviews , , Permalink 0

Affordable Organic Makeup! | The Organic Beauty Blog

Organic wear 100% Natural Origin Pressed Powder

$13.95

This is for all you readers out there that living the organic life is prohibitively expensive… It’s just not true!  There are SO many all- (or mostly-) natural and organic beauty products out there that are available at your local pharmacy and won’t break the bank.  All it takes is reading your ingredients!  One of my latest faves is the Organic Wear line by Physician’s Formula, which I stocked up on the other day when a bunch of my makeup products ran out once, and I couldn’t wait long enough to order my stand-bys online.  I had used their pressed powder and Jumbo Lash mascara before and was impressed by the quality of the products, and the more or less decent ingredient list (the powder does contain mica, but in a pressed powder that is not inhaled, it is much less dangerous).  The entire line is free from harsh chemicals, parabens, GMOs, and synthetic preservatives, which, along with being 100% natural origin and anywhere between 15-45% certified organic, already puts them miles ahead of any other products sold at conventional stores.  And they are totally affordable!

Organic wear 100% Natural Origin Mascara

$9.95

On my last trip, I purchased the bronzer, the regular mascara (I found the Jumbo Lash to be a little too clumpy, but the regular version is great), and the eyeliner, all of which I was super happy with.  In a pinch, even the regular Physician’s Formula line is still a decent choice, in the absence of other options, with no parabens, and a lot less toxic chemicals than most conventional makeup lines.


I totally realize we all can’t afford the fancy 100% organic and natural beauty products out there, but as the beauty industry catches on to the huge demand for more natural and safe products, we have so many more options available to us beyond the more mainstream Revlons and Clairols of the world.  Every purchase we make, regardless of our budget, is a statement.  Do we want to support companies that test on animals and continue to use toxic, carcinogenic chemicals and sub-par ingredients just because they are legal?  Or do we want to make it clear to the beauty industry that we have smartened up, and we won’t settle for products that are harmful to our bodies, animals, or the environment?  Even on a tight budget, I think the choice is clear!