An important part of my self-care routine and one of the steps in my sleep ritual, I apply this homemade shea body butter after a shower to deeply nourish my skin. I followed a simple recipe from Homemade for Elle with a few personalized tweaks using jojoba oil and one of my favorite combination of pure essential oils. This does take some prep time but steps are simple and the end result is worth it. A little goes a long way, too! Enjoy!
*Feel free to use your favourite essential oils. Just make sure they are a pure grade. I also love the scent of frankincense and eucalyptus.
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a double boiler, melt shea butter and coconut oil in a glass container.
2. Once melted, allow mixture to cool for 30 minutes.
3. Add jojoba oil and essential oils, stir gently and place in freezer until it solidifies (approximately 30 minutes).
4. Using a large spoon, break up the frozen mixture by stirring and mashing until soft and creates a whip-like texture. You can also use a hand mixer for ease.
5. Transfer the shea butter to a container and enjoy after a shower or anytime you need extra moisture.
Hope you and your loved ones had a fantastic holiday and 2024 is off to a great start!
I spent my last week in 2023 at a 5-day silent retreat at Kadampa Meditation Center and OMG did it open my eyes to loads of observations and insight. So much so that I haven’t fully processed them all. The biggest take away is to not miss any opportunity to create intention and compassion towards everything that I do. A beautiful example the Geshe (honorable Tibetan Buddhism title for monks and nuns) shared was the simple act of going to the grocery store. Instead of focusing on shopping for your needs, you would shift the intention to spreading love and connecting with others while you pick up some groceries for yourself. I know it may sound far fetched but this completely resonated with me. Along with many other gems, I was reminded that we all have the power to make any change we want but it all starts with creating habits that will serve our goal and purpose.
So as we are all still fresh in the new year spirit, let’s plant tiny seeds in our Intention Garden and envision 2024 with endless possibilities. With every seed of intention, patience, dedication and compassion is needed for it to grow into something beautiful. Creating healthy habits is what will keep us on track to reach the goals we have set out for this year.
Here are 4 healthy habits I am implementing this year.
Nurture my EQ
The number 1 pillar in heallth and wellness begins with your mindset. We go through a lot of emotions each day and navigating them can be a challenge at times. Checking in with my emotions and reflecting on my thoughts throughout the day is a powerful habit I have developed over the years. I have been using How We Feel , a science based emotion tracker app. It provides ease and convenience to help me create a daily journal habit. I select my emotion bubbles (2 – 3x a day) and journal my motivation in the morning and set my dedication in the evening. It’s so easy and quite satisfying.
Macro-Dose on Greens
Building a habit that fuels and nourishes your body doesn’t have to be overly complicated. After my morning lemon water, I take 1 scoop of AG1 in 10oz of water and I get all my micronutrients in one shot. Another way I get my daily micronutrients is breaking my fast with this blended green smoothie. It’s so simple, nourishing and kick starts other healthy choices for the day.
Prioritize Recovery
I never took recovery seriously until I experienced overtraining. Some symptoms are chronic and localized joint pain, disrupted sleep, brain fog, fatigue, and mild depression. Once I understood what my body was going through, I realized that I have neglected to provide the rest my body needed to perform at the level I was demanding of it. Planning recovery days is just as important (if not more!) as planning workouts for the week. Light stretches, sauna/steam, massage, breathwork, adequate sleep, and proper nutrition are some ways I recover so that I can show up 100% for the rest of my workouts and for life. Make sure you prioritize recovery at least 1 – 2 days a week. I thank my coach, Nicholas Lopez at Peak Vitality Solutions for bringing this crucial element of my wellness to the forefront.
Honor my Sleep Ritual
Sleep is a vital process that greatly impacts our overall health and well being. Sleep hygiene has been a hot topic of discussion as more research has surfaced on the importance of sleep and how we can prepare our bodies for a restful night. The first step is to establish a consistent sleep schedule and create an evening routine that supports you. My bedtime ritual starts almost 2 hours before I actually get into bed. This is what I do nightly to prepare for sleep:
Make sure I finish dinner by 7/730pm.
Turn down all bright lights in my home once the sun sets. (Alexa is set to turn off all lights at 1030pm).
Set up an optimal sleep environment (turn down the sheets, close black out curtains, set room to 68 °F, diffuse eucalyptus oil in my bedroom).
Shut down all devices by 10pm (I have Alexa remind me nightly at 930pm).
Relax, read, and set my dedication in bed 30 minutes before my actual bed time.
This may not work for most of us but that is the beauty of a ritual. You can design and honor a ritual that works with your schedule and empowers you to get the rest your body needs. As with every healthy habit – consistency is the key that will unlock real and meaningful changes in your life.
What healthy habits and intentions have you set for 2024?. Leave a comment below or send me a message. Let’s kick off the year with some strong intentions that set us up to reach our true potential.
The energy and magic of the holidays are in full effect. NYC is vibrant and buzzing – one of my favorite times of the year.
Holiday dinners and parties are filling up our calendars so keeping to any healthy nutrition during this season is a challenge. I focus on getting in extra movement and to prepare the healthiest versions of my favorite meals. Opting for recipes that are gluten and dairy free and made with simple wholesome ingredients make holiday indulging guilt free!
Here are some of my favorite meals on my healthy holiday menu.
I’m a huge fan of fresh summer rolls but it’s not easy finding a vegetarian option. So I had to craft my own. Much easier than expected to make, I chose tofu, bok choy, carrots and herbs for these rolls but you can create your own with your favorite veggies and protein. Makes a great appetizer to any dinner. Check out my recipe!
Inspired by WellPlated, this vibrant and hearty Kale + Brussels Sprouts Salad is a great combination of texture and flavor. Loaded with nutrients, this salad is savory and sweet and makes a great side dish to any holiday meal. Here is the recipe!
This is my all-time favorite! These restaurant-style crab cakes are made with a few simple ingredients and take no time at all. A perfectly golden-brown exterior and flavorful interior are to die for! The best part – they are gluten and dairy free! Here is the recipe!
This healthier version of mac n’ cheese will give you all the comfort and satisfaction of the iconic dish but with a heaping of nutrients. Your family won’t even notice that you snuck in some extra veggies onto their plates! You can’t go wrong with this dish – get the recipe here!
My go-to protein source is salmon so this was a no-brainer for me to make. A simple recipe that can be served on a gluten free bun, lettuce wrap or in a large green salad. Made some small modifications to Food Network’s recipe for a gluten and dairy free meal. Here is the recipe.
If you know me, desserts (+ croissants) make the top of my list when it comes to indulging. Inspired by Dr. Weil’s recipe, it took me a few attempts on creating my healthiest version of the classic banana bread! And here it is! Get my recipe here.
The most sought-after recipe during the festive season. With a little modification, I get to enjoy this classic holiday favorite every year without having to compromise my healthy eating goals. Thanks to one of my favorite recipe blogs Cookie and Kate, who shared a healthier sugar alternative for the pie filling — naturally sweet pure maple syrup — which tastes just as good if not better! I also added a gluten free crust so splurging on a slice or two was guilt free! Here’s the recipe!
Instead of reaching for another protein bar, pop 1 or 2 of these before a workout and you’ll be up for any challenge! Also great as a little pick me up or when craving something sweet, this is a great go-to. All whole ingredients and so easy to whip up.
Inspired by Love and Lemons (one of my favorite recipe blogs), I made a few changes with the ingredients making this my very own decadent energy treat! Feel free to substitute with your choice of nut butter and non dairy milk to make your own energy ball variation.
In a medium pan, toast the oats over low heat until just browned around the edges.
In a small bowl, combine the flaxseed and warm water and set aside to thicken for about 5 minutes. In a food processor, combine the seed butter, maple syrup, dates, coconut oil, vanilla, cinnamon and salt.
Add the walnuts and pulse until combined. Then add the flaxseed mixture and mix until smooth.
Then add the oats and coconut and pulse until combined. Add the chocolate chips and pulse until chocolate melts and makes the whole mixture gooey.
Roll the mixture into balls (10 – 12 balls) and chill until firm, at least 30 minutes.
Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
These past 3 weeks have been a whirlwind for me. A whipping tornado tearing through lists of things to do and leaving behind a debris of pieces that won’t be tended to until next year. Does anyone feel this way? Does this happen to you during the holidays?
My last straw was just yesterday when nothing I planned went right. I was losing my composure and felt I was being tested. I literally asked the universe “Are you testing me right now? Am I failing this test?”
So instead of grimacing and complaining through the rest of my day, I stopped to notice my behavior and current outlook. I closed my eyes, took 10 deep breaths and refocused my attention to what truly is important – my health, the warmth and love of my family and friends, and most importantly the ability and choice to turn my perspective around. I later had a session with my amazing dance teacher and it all melted away. I still had so much on my plate but I knew that huffing and puffing my way through was not helping anyone especially those that I surrounded myself with. Bringing awareness to forefront, regulating my emotions and shifting my perspective changed everything.
If you’ve found yourself in a similar situation, take a pause, breathe, re-center, and remind yourself of all that you have in your life. We have the choice to change our perspective and it only takes a few moments and several deep breaths (as many times as necessary through the day ;)). Despite all that you have to do during this season, embrace the beauty in each moment.
Sending you and your loved ones so much love and light this holiday season and always.
I look forward to deepening our connection in 2022! Stay safe and healthy!
Fall is upon us and I can already feel the change in the air – the shift of the season – the transition in my energy. As much as I love the heat of Summer in the city, it’s exactly what makes me embrace the crisp and chilly air of Autumn.
I recently returned from a wonderful journey to Morocco. 7 days / 7 cities, I experienced the historical northern cities of Tangier, Tetouan, Chefchaouen to the faster pace of Fes down to the surreal and powerful Sahara Desert (Merzouga) and finally to the “red city”, Marrakesh. Had the honor of meeting the most amazing and generous people I have ever met in my life that opened up their homes and hearts to us. This was not only the cultural experience I have longed for the past 2 years but one of spiritual connection that will be engrained in me for life. (If you’re traveling to Morocco, I would love to share with you the amazing recommendations and connections I discovered!)
Often when traveling internationally I put up a protective shield to guard myself from being the doe eyed traveler I can sometimes be taking in the wonders of a new city. As warm and welcoming as the Moroccans were I was still very skeptical and at times found myself defensive and gripping to my American way. I came to realize that their humble way of life and their giving nature was not a facade and I had to let go and embrace it.
I later came across this reading from Daily OM that reminded me of why we hold on so tight to our boundaries and defenses and what comes from letting them go. Wanted to share with you and hope this speaks to you as it did to me.
Sending you all so much love, peace, happiness + wellness this Autumn and always.
DAILY OMwrites:
Trees grow up through their branches and down through their roots into the earth. They also grow wider with each passing year. As they do, they shed the bark that served to protect them but now is no longer big enough to contain them. In the same way, we create boundaries and develop defenses to protect ourselves and then, at a certain point, we outgrow them. If we don’t allow ourselves to shed our protective layer, we can’t expand to our full potential.
Trees need their protective bark to enable the delicate process of growth and renewal to unfold without threat. Likewise, we need our boundaries and defenses so that the more vulnerable parts of ourselves can safely heal and unfold. But our growth also depends upon our ability to soften, loosen, and shed boundaries and defenses we no longer need. It is often the case in life that structures we put in place to help us grow eventually become constricting.
Unlike a tree, we must consciously decide when it’s time to shed our bark and expand our boundaries, so we can move into our next ring of growth. Many spiritual teachers have suggested that our egos don’t disappear so much as they become large enough to hold more than just our small sense of self — the boundary of self widens to contain people and beings other than just “me.” Each time we shed a layer of defensiveness or ease up on a boundary that we no longer need, we metaphorically become bigger people. With this in mind, it is important that we take time to question our boundaries and defenses. While it is essential to set and honor the protective barriers we have put in place, it is equally important that we soften and release them when the time comes. In doing so, we create the space for our next phase of growth.
We are inundated with so much information in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s natural to fall into a state of fear and panic. As we are still in this state of flux, I want to remind you of the key pillars of healthy living as this is our line of defense to stay strong and protect ourselves, those we love, and our community.
#1 HAVE A STRONG MINDSET + DO NOT STRESS
When we are faced with a situation that is out of our control, how we respond is where the true power lies. Have a strong mindset, think positive and behave within reason to gain a sense of control and balance. Taking the CDC precautions of washing hands, wiping areas down, not touching face, and social distancing, we can put matters into our own hands and be socially responsible.
Stressing out during these times do not help. When we stress, our bodies release cortisol which breaks down our immune system. Now more than ever, our immune system needs to be strong and resilient.
#2 FUEL UP ON NUTRIENT DENSE FOODS + HYDRATE
Nutrition is medicine! When we nourish our bodies with nutrient dense foods, we amp up our immune system. Avoid alcohol, sugar, and dairy. It helps to reduce inflammation and mucus so our cells can do their job. Make sure to drink lots of water. Avoid drinking cold water, warm water is best to aid in release of toxins and purification of the bloodstream.
#3 GET ENOUGH ZZZZZ’S
Sleep deprivation doesn’t provide ample time for our bodies to recover therefore weakens our immune system. Make sure to get at least 7 – 8 hours of sleep. Recovery is crucial to help fight off infections.
#4 (LAST BUT DEF NOT LEAST) EXERCISE!
It is so important to maintain physical activity during this time. Not only will it relieve stress but helps to build up antibodies and promotes cellular turnover to ramp up the immune system. One of the main reasons to exercise is to be and feel stronger so when we get hit with these infections, our bodies can tolerate the blow and recover! With technology, we are now able to stream classes and work out at home or opt for an outdoor workout. If you do train at a gym, make sure to keep your distance from other members, be cautious and wipe down all surfaces, avoid touching your face and wash your hands before and immediately after your workout.
Our mind and body is stronger than we think. So let’s tap into our natural super powers, love and laugh and we will all come out on the bright side soon enough. Stay healthy and strong NOW + ALWAYS!
One of my most memorable New Year’s eve was spent in Woodstock with my good friends Camellia and Renee from Soul Being Wellness. Being in the woods surrounded by great energy, so much love, and delicious food was more than I can ask for. One of the many moments that made this night so special was when we welcomed the new year with a Latin American ritual called El Ano Viejo. A dummy is constructed from newspaper, cardboard, scraps, rags and stuffed with a list of the things you want to release and let go of the year and all things to manifest and create in the new year. The dummy is then burned at midnight welcoming the new year. This experience really stuck with me and will be one I won’t forget.
This year, my plans won’t take me to the woods to celebrate El Ano Viejo, but that doesn’t mean I can’t continue the ritual. This year I will be practicing a similar tradition called Burning Bowl Ceremony. A mindful and intentional practice that can be done in any setting (with caution of course). This simple ritual aims to cleanse you of the past and allow yourself to start fresh to create a more positive and abundant new year.
EASY STEPS TO BURNING BOWL CEREMONY: #1 Create the space
An ideal space would be outdoors (backyard, park, garden, rooftop, etc). Make sure you feel comfortable and safe in this space and it doesn’t contain loud noises or distractions. You want to make sure you can focus with intention.
#2 Set Your Intention
Start with taking 5 deep breaths with your eyes closed. Allows these breaths to ground you and bring your mind to a state of peace and calm.
#3 Make Your List & Let It Burn Baby Burn!
Write down on a piece of paper all the things you want to let go of: negative attachments, mindsets, regrets, sorrow, pain, loss. Place the paper in a metal or glass bowl, light it up, and let it burn. Let the burning allow a feeling of closure, release, and love. You will be surprised how good you will feel after.
So let’s set our intention and light the way into a prosperous new year filled with growth and love.
May 2020 bring you and your family all the peace and happiness the universe has to offer.
Countdown to my fave holiday…Thanksgiving! In less than 36 hours, most of us will be sitting down with our family and friends to enjoy turkey, stuffing, and pie; consuming an average of 4500 calories on this holiday. I encourage my clients to enjoy and indulge in their favorite T-Day dishes, especially if they have been working their butts off all year long with me. I’ll also remind them to be mindful, listen to their bodies, and do these 4 things to avoid going overboard on stuffing and pie.
#1 GO WORKOUT!
If you are planning to consume too many calories on T-Day, give yourself a head start and burn some calories off first. Go for a run, take a HIIT, cardio, or yoga class, or hit the gym in the morning. Better yet, bring a friend or family for accountability! Start the day off feeling accomplished and ready to take on the feast…I mean day! 😉
#2 TAKE PROBIOTICS + DIGESTIVE ENZYMES
Your body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are “good” live bacteria that are helpful to our digestive system. Found in the intestinal tract and made primarily of these 2 groups (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium), probiotics aid in digestion and keeping the gut healthy, amongst other benefits (strengthen immune system, weight management, fight against IBS, diarrhea, constipation). Look for foods and drinks that have “live and active cultures” such as yogurt, fermented foods, and kombucha or in a pill or powder form (listing some of my faves).
Digestive enzymes are substances that are secreted by our digestive system and help break down food, allowing the nutrients to be absorbed into our bloodstreams. They help to support proper functioning in our cells throughout the body. Our bodies produce several different enzymes to break down certain foods. For example: amylase breaks down starches into sugars, proteases breaks down protein into amino acids, sucrase breaks down sucrose into fructose and glucose. Supplementing with digestive enzymes will protect from malabsorption of nutrients we need to function optimally. My go-to digestive enzymes are from Dr. Lipman.
These 2 supplements are great to have for every day digestive support. Especially on days like Thanksgiving, where over consumption is likely, we need all the help we can get. Take both these supplements together 20-30 minutes before your meal to assist with digestion and support digestive health.
#3 DRINK A TALL GLASS OF WATER BEFORE YOUR MEAL
Thirty minutes before you sit down to (over) indulge, drink a 16oz glass of water slowly. Drinking water before a meal will give you a sense of fullness and a likelihood of consuming less calories in that sitting. That same glass of water will also help you stay hydrated from the sodium consumed in that meal AND help with digestion by breaking down the foods so your body can absorb the nutrients. YES to all!
#4 MIND YOUR PLATE RATIO
Instead of grabbing the largest plate in the kitchen, grab a medium sized or appetizer plate. Fill half the plate up with salad and/or veggies, a quarter of it with protein (turkey, fish, seafood, etc), and a quarter with carbs (pasta, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stuffing, rice, etc). This will ensure your second helping won’t send you over the edge, mentally and physically. For dessert, cut a sliver instead of a quarter (that would be me!) slice of pie. Take your time, chew at least 20x before you swallow, and savor every single bite and flavor.
Try these and I promise you will feel a big difference. A big part is to be mindful and aware and listen to your body. It’s all about balance and moderation but never deprivation.
On this special holiday, I would love to express gratitude and thank you so much for being a part of my community and keeping up with me. I am truly grateful for you and look forward to sharing more to help you stay fit and healthy. HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOURS! xo
There are certain things you do that come naturally. You don’t even have to think about it. Your mind and body instinctively functions with ease and confidence. Your actions are involuntarily, like second nature. So what happens when you are challenged with something that you are just not good at? You struggle, get easily frustrated, your brain shuts off, become mentally drained, and more than likely you give up and never attempt it again.
Here are 3 things that I suck at but I keep striving to be better.
#1 SNOWBOARDING
Every year, my family plans a winter trip that I dread. I adore my family and, to me, nothing is better than family time. But I know that I would have to get on a snowboard, ride the lift, and make my way down (repeatedly). I start feeling the frustration days before the trip and already have negative feelings about the whole experience. I’ve got a crap attitude about it from the minute I get there through the whole gearing up process. It’s a lose-lose for me, right? WRONG! Every single time I go, I remember the feeling of being on the board so my body is at ease quicker than the year before. I automatically acclimate to the instability of the board and understand how to fall and land softly. I learn just a little bit more about my body and the sport. So this year’s trip wasn’t so bad. I did walk in with a negative attitude and my brother and I always get into a little argument (as he so sweetly is trying to teach me) but eventually, I was up and down the slopes on my own and felt much more confident. My brother and sister-in-law are snowboard fanatics so this trip will happen every winter…it’s inevitable. But I am determined to get better every year instead of just giving up and sitting in the hot tub. 😉
#2 DANCE CLASS
I LOVE LOVE LOVE to dance and am actually a pretty good dancer on the dance floor. But throw me in a class where the steps are choreographed and timed…I’m the one 5 steps behind. There is a major mental block in my head when it comes to choreography. I still can’t explain what it is but I fight tooth and nail to do better. I have been taking dance classes every week for almost 2 years and still struggle through a class but am doing 100x better than my very first class. Just like training your muscles, training the brain is just as (if not, more) important. New brain cells form, stronger connections between them, and better mental activity. Challenging your brain to different tasks and thought patterns, in the long run, help with better brain function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Especially as you age, putting your brain through these tests daily is crucial. The frustration and insecurity I used to feel has been replaced with a bit more confidence and a feeling of “just not giving a crap” because I’m having so much fun. I am so grateful for my client, Amita, for encouraging me to go to Broadway Dance Center. It started my love and motivation to succeed in dance class.
#3 TRAPEZE SCHOOL
Have you ever climbed up a ladder or looked over an edge and feel your legs quiver and the sensation of falling? That was me every single time I was challenged with height. I hated the feeling and it was sometimes debilitating. My phobia of heights was unbearable and worse part was I had no control over it. So when I came across Trapeze School of NY, I knew I had to take a class. There was just no escaping my fear. A harness is attached to my waist so no reason to fear falling to injury but I still had to climb up a ladder taking me to a platform approximately 50 feet from the ground. Once on the platform, I jump off it and swing back and forth from a trapeze bar. It was nerve racking and so stressful the first 3 attempts but the more I did it, my body adjusted and the less panicky I became. The body is amazing and can acclimate to anything when exposed to repetition. The stress receptors fired up in my brain, kicked me into survival mode and made me stronger with every “fly” (trapeze lingo). I learned to adapt to the climb and the pull of gravity as I leaped off the platform. Slowly, I was able to detach from my fear and feel my body go through the motions. I gained a sense of awareness and began to control my body and mind to perform. I have taken 4 classes so far (and just booked my 5th) and every time I fly I feel more confident. Climbing the ladder is now a piece of cake however jumping off the platform still needs work. But I absolutely love it and have definitely overcome my fear of heights.
You may ask…What’s the point? Why should I put myself in such a vulnerable position? Is it worth it? Who cares? Why start at the bottom? What if I never get better?
My ONE answer to you is WHY NOT??? The feeling of accomplishment alone makes it all worth it. Tackle a challenge, supersede expectations, break down insecurity, and manage the self talk and frustration are all reasons to do something you’re not good at. Not to mention the brain gains! Choose ONE thing you’re not good at or something you have always wanted to do but afraid to fail at…and JUST DO IT!!If you put your mind to it, you will achieve it. I would love to hear about your journey so don’t hesitate to email me and let me know. HAVE FUN doing something you suck at! I’ll be cheering you on!!
