Ch Ch Chia

No, not the pet plant… Forget about my last post, this is the real craze that even has my parents hooked.  My brother included, one of the most health conscious people I know, has asked me for the chia seed pudding recipes.  Chia seed pudding is a great alternative to oatmeal especially in the spring and summer months.  It is light and airy but has a little crunch and packs a lot of energy. You can make it at night to enjoy the next morning or mix it when you first wake up and pack it for an early morning snack at work.

I heard about chia seeds in the past but it wasn’t until one of my friends was working the Iron Man Triathlon needed someone to market a chia seed product, so he sent me a bunch of information that I looked over and was very surprised at the nutritional benefits from such a tiny seed.  Great source of Omega-3 oil, high in protein, calcium and zinc, antioxidant, and aids digestion.  No wonder these triathlon-ers need such a nutrient for their body.  I would have this ‘superfood’ as a pregame meal back when I was playing basketball in college – could’ve sprinkled this stuff over everything in Eickhoff (TCNJ shout out).  Now I use it as a quick and easy breakfast or work snack which keeps me surprisingly filled and that is tough to do!  Studies have also led researchers to believe that it may help with sleep, so have it for dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Pictured are two of my favorite recipes 🙂

Chia seeds + coconut milk + cocoa powder till dark brown + chopped up bananas folded into the mixture & topped + coconut panko crumbs & honey on top

Chia seeds + coconut milk + frozen and thawed berry & cherry mix from Trader Joes (or any frozen/fresh fruit you would like) + vanilla extract + honey  — On the side is a GF cran-apple-oat muffin from The Bread Co. in Montclair, NJ – no added sweetener, tart taste, delish!

Worried about the price? Purchase chia seeds from Trader Joe’s or any market when they are on sale or look in Marshalls, TjMaxx, and Homegoods for less expensive brands.  This bag cost $9.99 and has lasted myself and my parents well over a month.  I have been making the 3 of us batches of pudding that last us a week.

Measurements:

Bigger batches – 3 C almond/coconut milk : 1 C chia seeds                                                        This is the exact measurement I made for mine today which consisted of 1 C almond milk, 2 C coconut milk, 1tsp vanilla extract, sprinkled cocoa powder and some cinnamon over the top

Smaller batch – 1 C : ~1/2 C chia seeds (I say around 1/2 C because you may need to sprinkle in some more depending on how thick it becomes, which you can usually tell after 5-10 minutes of stirring and letting it sit)

Have a recipe you’d like to share? Let me know!  I came across Chai chia seed pudding and others topped with different fruit – always looking to try something new.

Crazy for Coconut

Not only is coconut oil great for cooking purposes, but this summer I have utilized it in the making of my natural beauty products. If you don’t have a jar of coconut oil I suggest you search around next time you are out shopping.  I have been finding reasonably priced ones at Marshalls or TjMaxx (my go-to stores) but any supermarket or heath-food store will have it.  

All of these products took me ~ 5 minutes to make and have lasted me well over a month.  I think about how many lotions  I bought in the past and this by far works the best, is the best for your body and you can easily store it.

Shampoo:  Coconut Milk, 2/3 C Castile Soap (Dr. Bronner’s peppermint/eucalyptus/almond brands), 30 drops of essential oil, 2 Tspn Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  I doubled the amounts and still am using the same bottle.

*Measurements taken from http://www.eatgood4life.com/2012/07/home-made-coconut-shampoo.html#oIY4tC4J3GjYMv7A.99

Body Butter & Cooling Lotion: Add desired amount of coconut oil.  I tend to use ~ 1 cup.  Using a handheld electric whisk, whip up the coconut oil and drop in your desired amount of vitamin E (BB), baby oil (BB), or fresh aloe vera or aloe vera gel (CL).  Feel free to add 10-15 drops of any essential oil.  I think the eucalyptus smells great and is good for your skin.  For an extra cooling sensation store in fridge and take out before use to let soften.

Coconut oil, aloe vera, eucalyptus essential oil

     

Coconut oil, baby oil or vitamin E capsules, essential oil

Check out my body scrub >> http://pinterest.com/pin/210402613814203727/

You can also try a tint of tan lotion by adding your desired amount of cinnamon and cocoa powder blended together to add shimmer to your legs, arms, chest, and cheek bones.  At first, I was hesitant that it would work but it adds a slight tint and shine.  Bonus: If it gets on your clothes it wont stain since it’s all natural!

If you are thinking about purchasing an “all natural” coconut-based lotion instead be sure to check the label to find those hidden ingredients (aka chemicals).  Making your own is the only way to know what is in your product and a way to personalize what you like (scent, tint, oiliness, etc.) and the amount you need.

Store all of these products in room temperature – put in an air tight container if traveling since the oil will melt when heated.

I have yet to lose this chapstick…

Lemon Lavender Lip Balm with essential oils *See ingredients*

Peppermint Clove Lip Balm and Sweet Grass Aura roll on body oil

It is RARE to come across all natural beauty products for women; there are always hidden ingredients that preserve or color the product.  These small beauty accessories are hand made by the people at DollyMoo.  I first found their product at a street festival in Hoboken, NJ.  I was attracted to the all natural ingredients and refreshing scents after sampling the lip balms and body oil.  The balms have a nice glossy finish while the oil is good for a lighter perfume option or a quick ‘my deodorant is wearing off’ fix.  They were also reasonably priced!  I even bought a little set for my mom for Mother’s Day.  Check them out at www.DollyMoo.com or follow them on instagram.

 

Let me think here

This is my first attempt at a blog/blogging.  As usual, I became obsessed with starting something at 11:00 pm and two hours after figuring out how to use this, I am beginning my first post.  I am excited to share my interests, tips, and knowledge with you!  Besides – I think I should give my friends and boyfriend a break from hearing about or seeing my ‘clean’ meals or workouts posted on FB and Instagram, especially since they are the one’s who witness my beer drinking and wheat-eating.

This blog is for you to explore and pick up ideas, information, and inspiration from topics like fitness, nutrition, beauty, and let’s not forget mental well-being.  I hope this blog will be as helpful to you as it will be to me – we can all benefit from journaling as I have learned from counseling research, so why not try.