OH, YEAAHH! *Healthy* Kool Aid!

Summer means increasing your water intake. I often liven up boring water; avoiding sugar filled sports drinks and artificial water flavor enhancers, with an herbal infused sun tea.

Today, I stopped by my local food co-op and picked up a loose leaf, fruit blend tea in bulk to try!

This one contains Red Raspberry Leaf, Hibiscus, Orange & Lemon Peel, Rose Hips, and Lemongrass.

I swear it takes me back to my youth – chugging a glass of Kool-Aid after running thru the sprinkler all day..

To Your Health!

~V

Happy International Day of Yoga

How did you celebrate International Day of Yoga?

My community offered free yoga classes all day at the pedestrian bridge overlooking the Wabash River today.

I was so happy to greet the morning, sharing Sun Salutations with others.

To Your Health!

~V

My Mom Always Told Me to “Eat Your Vegetables.” sooo….

I wrapped them in Steak!

I’m always intimidated by those popular cooking videos on social media, but this weekend, I pulled one off!

In a Teriyaki marinated Flank steak, I wrapped sliced Red pepper, Zucchini, Red onion, Carrot, and Asparagus secured with toothpicks and grilled 

about 5-7 minutes each side, brushing on the leftover marinade for a glazed finish.

You can find the full recipe HERE.

To Your Health!

~V

Recipe: Summer Thirst Quencher *healthy!

This summer, why not quench your thirst with my recipe for an all natural, healthy, and homemade Electrolyte Drink?

It’s featured HERE on the Institute For Integrative Nutrition’s Alumni Recipe Blog. 

To Your Health!

~V

“Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.”

“Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.”

– Chinese Proverb 

I’ve been really working on mastering my Eagle Pose; breathing, stretching and rooting to improve balance and focus. 

Eagle Pose, similar to Tree Pose, will Strengthen: quadriceps • gluteal muscles • hip adductors • concentration 

While also Stretching: gluteal muscles • upper back • shoulders • calves 
To Your Health!

~V

Winner, winner, vegetarian dinner

This quick meal was a win/win of easy and healthy.

Brown rice (made in my rice cooker) topped with Black beans (I used Simple Truth Organic sold at Kroger) that I doctored up with Onion, Green pepper, Tomato, Pablano peppers, and Cilantro.

Served with sliced Avocado and Green onions adding a dash of Louisiana Hot Sauce.
To Your Health!

~V

🌮🌯 TACOS 🌯🌮

Did you just say, “Mmmm, Yes! Tacos!” ? 

When you think of tacos, do you think “junk food” ? As in that tacos are not ‘allowed’ , they’re not healthy…?

If so, you’d be wrong! Tacos, made with the right ingredients 

can be incredibly healthy and also a great way to add lots and lots of quality protein and vegetables.

I add variety by filling whole wheat tortillas with Black beans, Black or brown rice, Onion, Tomato, Avacado, Cucumber, Corn, Raddish, Peppers, and Cilantro for a tasty dinner.

I also like to make my own 

Garden Salsa with fresh ingredients from my garden – or whatever my neighbor kicks down from his 😉 
Pair it with a nutrient rich 

Pina Colada smoothie – Banana, Pineapple, Kale, Flaxseed and Coconut milk – and you never, ever have to sacrifice eating tacos again.

Happy Cinco De Mayo 

To Your Health!

~V

Travel Size Skin Care

When your travel size skincare has to be packed in the cooler!

I spent the weekend hiking in the Red River Gorge, KY and that’s right, I packed my skin care ‘product’ in the cooler; along with the lettuce, spinach,cucumber, carrot, radish, etc…

You see, awhile ago a friend turned me onto using pure aloe gel from the plant on my face in place of the costly anti-aging products on the shelves and counters commonly sold.

I’d have to write a whole other post about the chemicals and dyes in those! But, for now…I just want to encourage you to try replacing your skincare products with something natural, like Aloe.

*Bonus! I paid $1.62 for a large aloe leaf that’s lasted one month! Not only will your skin look and feel healthier, but so will your wallet 🙂
To Your Health!
~V

bal·ance

bal·ance 

a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.

I teach health and wellbeing using the concept of ‘Primary Food’ – *the food that feeds our soul as being our true path to health and wellbeing – how the Quality of our relationships, Career satisfaction, Daily movement & fitness, and Sense of spirituality; feeling connected to nature, community, etc.. truly effects our overall wellness.

That’s why I created my 1,2,3, Vitality – Three months to health, wellness, and vitality program.
In 6 sessions we will navigate the contradictory world of health and nutrition, giving you a clear plan for simple and do-able practices to support your wellbeing and healthy lifestyle. 

You can read the program details HERE

And, in the meantime, get daily inspiration on my Instagram page.
To Your Health!

~V

💫GratiTuesday💫 A Reminder That Gratitude *every day* Is Important

“People’s dreams are made out of what they do all day. The same way a dog that runs after rabbits will dream of rabbits. It’s what you do that makes your soul, not the other way around.”

– Barbara Kingsolver

I have a post-it note on my bathroom mirror that is a shortened version of this quote – it reminds me to live my gratitude by doing something that makes me feel connected to myself every day. 

What is one thing you could do each day that is an expression of your genuine interests?

One of mine is getting my love and our dog to hit the trails with me – taking care of our bodies, enjoying togetherness in nature.

To Your Health!

~V