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Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Supercharge Your Smoothies

You know the drill: toss frozen fruit into the blender, pour in milk or juice, sprinkle in a scoop of whey powder and—voila, your smoothie is ready. But? Blah! You’ve been sipping the same protein drink for as long as you can remember, and it’s beyond boring. Don’t switch to bars just yet. You can bring back excitement to your favorite healthy beverage with a number of easy add-ins. Here are a few of my favorites.




Chia & flax seeds

By adding just two tablespoons of a unique chia, flax, coconut and cocoa blend, your smoothie will go from snooze-worthy to sensational. Besides enjoying the decadent flavor combination of chocolate and coconut, you’ll be fueling up with extra fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, protein and calcium.

Bee pollen granules or powder

Want an un-bee-lieveably healthy smoothie? Spoon in a couple of tablespoons of bee pollen. These little granules are packed with nutrients, such as amino acids, proteins, minerals, vitamins and enzymes – that your body will love. Start with just a few granules at a time (to make sure there is no allergic reaction) and build up to 1-2 tablespoons per smoothie or shake.

Maca

Maca comes from a root vegetable and is rich in many beneficial nutrients. Said to be a staple in the diets of ancient warriors for its energizing effects, maca may be just the boost you need before a big workout. It’s also easily digested and just a teaspoon or two is enough to enhance your drink.

Coconut water powder

Maybe you’ve tried coconut water. But did you know it’s available in powder form? Just add one or two tablespoons to your post-workout protein drink when your body needs extra hydration, electrolytes and minerals.  You’ll get all the benefits of coconut water simply by adding a scoop to any drink.

Powdered peanut butter

If you’ve been avoiding peanut butter as a protein add-in because of its high fat content, try powdered peanut butter. With up to 90 percent less fat than ordinary peanut butter, you can still enjoy the protein and flavor of of your favorite nutty spread without worrying about extra calories and fat.

Nut & seed butter blend

Why settle for just nuts (or nut butter) or seeds in a smoothie? Get the benefits of both in a unique blend that will not only enhance flavor but add a ton of extra nutrients, including protein, omega-3 essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and more.

Matcha green tea powder

Battle back free radicals generated during exercise by adding a tablespoon of matcha green tea powder to a smoothie.* Containing phytonutrients and compounds known as catechins, matcha is made from shade-grown and early-harvested Camelia sinensis plants. It’s bright green in color and strong in flavor, so a pinch is all you need to rev up a drink.

Supercharged Post-Workout Protein SmoothieSupercharged Post-Workout Protein Smoothie

Ingredients
2 scoops whey protein powder 
1/2 banana (or fruit of choice)
1/4 cup oatmeal
1 tsp. maca powder
2 Tbsp. nut butter
1/2 tsp. bee pollen
1 scoop glutamine powderAlmond milk, coconut water or coconut milk (to achieve desired consistency)
1 cup (or more) ice
Directions
In blender, combine all ingredients and process for 15-30 seconds.

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Monday, April 24, 2017

E.L.F. COSMETICS // TOP 5 MUST HAVES

If you are after affordable, but high quality makeup products, look no further than e.l.f. (eyelipsface). It is no secret that I love many things from this brand, and today I'm comin' attcha with my Top 5 from the brand. This was definitely a hard one to narrow down and I've cheated a little by adding in some honorable mentions at the end. They're also in no particular order, because ranking them would be an even harder task!
The 'Studio' line from e.l.f. is the stand out from the brand, although the normal 'Essential' line also has some great products. The Studio line offers a higher quality product and also better packaging. e.l.f. products can online from  iHerb is a good way to go.
BLUSHES
I recently did a post raving about these blushes and the six that I own, which also includes swatches of the shades. I love these for a lot of reasons; the cheap price, the colour range, and the quality stands up to any of my higher end blushes. My favourite shades would have to be Tickled Pink and Pink Passion.
DEFINITION UNDEREYE SETTING POWDER
I finally got onto this after watching Shaaanxo use it multiple times in her videos. At first it looked a little scary and very glittery but I find this barely transfers onto the skin and it does a mighty fine job at setting the under-eye concealer and keeping it crease free all day. As well as setting every in place, it also brightens the under-eye area. This was a product I didn't know I would need until I had it in my life!
BRUSHES
Devotedly a Real Techniques girl, the brushes that come in second to those are e.l.f ones from the Studio range. You can get them in brush sets or you can purchase them individually, which is what I have been doing and adding them into my collection a couple at a time. Each one impresses me more and more; they are so soft, have no bristle fall out and wash up good as new with some warm water and baby shampoo. The Complexion Brush is the perfect one for bronzing and the Blush Brush has just the right amount of taper to it that it makes contouring a breeze. The Stipple Brush is my must have for cream blushes and the eye shadows brushes are great for packing on colours.
WATERPROOF EYELINER PEN IN BLACK
This liquid liner is from the Essential line and it comes in at around USD $2. It is my go-to for liquid liner and I've been through a couple of these over the past year or so. The pen nib is stiff enough that it can create a precise line that is densely black on first swipe and it doesn't budge all day.
MAKEUP MIST & SET
I've been through a few bottle of this, and use it while I'm doing my makeup to set it between stages, when I've finished my whole face, and then throughout the day to refresh my skin. It has a pretty fine mist that sets down in around 30 seconds, and although I don't think it prolongs the wear of my makeup for much longer, it definitely helps to keep the face from looking too cakey or powdery; it just makes everything settle down to where it should be. This is also a good one to carry in your bag over the warmer months; during the summer I'm spritzing this like crazy!

HONOURABLE MENTIONS 

STUDIO MATTE LIP COLOR IN NATURAL
The formula on these are unlike any other matte product; they're matte without drying out the lips and the colour sticks around for a good amount of time. There are a few other shades but this Natural one is that perfect 'your lips but better' shade and just works with any sort of makeup look you are going for.

STUDIO BLUSH + CONTOUR KIT IN ST. LUCIA
You can tell that e.l.f. have drawn a lot of influence and inspiration from NARS, especially in these duos (and also in their Studio Blushes). This is a perfect duo, with a peachy pink, slightly shimmery blush and a near matte bronzer. They both blend onto the skin easily, and this compact makes a great travel companion (the large mirror is a total bonus!)

DEFINITION POWDER
Loose powders can be a little tricky and messy to use and this one would have made the Top 5 but the packaging really lets it down - it's cumbersome and the powder goes everywhere. But I have to overlook that because the actual powder inside is amazing. It is an extremely fine, translucent powder that feels like silk once you put it on the skin. It sets everything down and just seems to blur pores and uneven areas - it's a bit magic if you ask me (I just wish the packaging was better!)

So that is my [current] Top 5 products (plus a few extra) that you all need to check out from e.l.f. The range is immense and there are so many other products I need to try out!

You can find E.L.F. Cosmetics products at iherb.com

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Macro Greens Review


This Macro Greens Superfood review will take an in-depth look at this green drink powder, as it is an accomplished superfood drink formula that encompasses 38 ingredients.

Overview

Macro Greens Superfood by MacroLife Naturals was founded in 1998.  Nutrition, Health and Fitness expert Sylvia Ortiz and leading Chiropractor Dr. Edward Wagner take pride in their product line, creating something for every household member from adults to children. Need a boost of energy or a quick snack on the run? The superfood bar does the trick and they have many other products using high-quality superfoods.
But this is about their flagship product… their superfood green drink.

Superfoods in Macro Greens

Macro Greens Superfood has an excellent superfood panel that includes a number of organic ingredients, but two really stand out. Barley grass juice powder is terrific for more energy and better sleep. Spirulina powder is a beautiful blue-green algae rich in protein that helps boost your immune system, regulates your cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Other superfoods incorporated to name a few: acerola (red berries having a high concentration of Vitamin C), apple fruit powder (most likely for the flavor), carrot (Vitamin A and the anchor for beautiful skin, cancer prevention, and anti-aging benefits), and much more.
Take the time and review all of the other superfood components to this product…we like how their label breaks down the superfoods in distinct categories that’s convenient for layman like us.  It’s refreshing to see some of the ingredients potencies (such as organic juice powders and barley grass & spirulina), whereas most green drink powders don’t bother.
We love the fact that their adaptogens (herbs that increase the body’s ability to adapt to stress and changing situations) are intended as metabolic enhancers and immune support with almost 11 ingredients and approximately 3 grams.
Overall…this is an impressive superfood panel, but what about the other components of green drink powders outside of the classic superfood veggies, grasses, and algae?

BUY MACRO GREENS

Nutrition

The “Nutrition” section of our review deals with the ingredients that fall outside of the superfoods category. Macro Greens Superfood radiates in this area.  It contains 18 billion units of probiotics and with that amount it shoots it up near the top echelon of our reviews!  Let’s face it, probiotics are vital to take daily and we’re thankful they were not forgotten in this formula.
Plus, let’s not forget the 200 mg of digestive enzymes: protease (process protein), cellulase (first treatment that attacks the structure of cellulite), amylase (helps digest carbohydrates), and lipase (helps the body absorb fat).
There’s an additional fiber in the form of apple pectin; flaxseed which is a huge source of omega-3 fatty acids; and MGS has a free radical fighting antioxidants section that includes acerola, green tea, grapeseed, and bioflavonoids (known as vitamin P).  An additional 1.5 grams of another 8 supporting herbs beneficial to the body in a variety of ways are included.

Taste

This is one of the better tasting green drinks we’ve sampled.  There’s something fruity about the taste and does a very good job of camouflaging the aftertaste of a healthy algae swamp…thanks spirulina!  If you struggle with the taste of green drink powders, simple add your daily serving to a smoothie or organic fruit juice.

Value

Now let’s define the value.  MGS is 9.4 grams per serving. The 10oz, 30-servings, 283.5 grams canister is $30, so that’s $1 per serving .
If you purchase the 30oz, 90-serving, 850-grams canister, this drops to $0.7 per serving.

The Good


  • Well-rounded, deliberate superfoods
  • Numerous certified organic and juice extract ingredients
  • Outstanding probiotics and digestive enzymes
  • Extremely reputable company with an extensive line
  • Delicious and fruity tasting

The Bad


  • Some folks don’t want to be pushed into a larger size just to save money

Bottom Line

Overall, Macro Greens Superfood is an exemplary green drink powder created by a respected company whose green formula is thoughtful, well balanced, and covers all the nutritional bases.

We hope this Macro Greens Superfood review has been helpful.

ORDER MACRO GREENS 


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Sunday, April 23, 2017

Detox for Spring with Delicious Drink Recipes


It's good to do a detox every now and then because you absorb so many toxins from foods, products you use on your body and hair, medicines, and outside factors like pollutants and cleaning products. Even when you try to eat all organic and use healthy products on your body and in your everyday life, you can't escape it all. When you detox, your body gets rid of some of the toxins that have accumulated over time.

The Best Time to Detox 

One of the best times to do a detox is in the spring. At this time, many have just finished a long winter where they ate and drank extra just to stay warm or weren't able to get out so much to breathe in the fresh air and be physically active. Also, sometimes the body builds up an extra layer of fat to stay warm during the cold months. The world around you is renewing itself in spring, and you want your body to do the same.

Detox Benefits

While you may not lose much weight from a detox, the point is not to lose weight. The point is to cut down on the number of impurities in your body (such as heavy metals) and clean out your body so that the immune system is stronger, you aren't so tired, you have a healthy complexion, and your liver and kidneys can do their job better. In fact, some experts say that worthwhile detoxes are the ones that cleanse the liver and kidneys because these organs already do the job of ridding the body of toxins, and they just need to be given a good cleansing and some fuel every once in awhile to do their jobs in the most efficient ways possible.

Detox with Fresh Foods

Some of the foods with the most detoxifying powers are fresh foods like grapefruit; lemons, which have a special ingredient in the peel that works magic; guacamole, which is a mix of fresh foods that are all natural detoxers; asparagus, which helps get rid of toxins and protects the liver; bananas, which decrease bloat by diminishing gas and preventing water retention; and raw greens. As little as 1 1/2 cups is all you need per week. You could pack this amount into a smoothie.

Other Detox Foods

There are other foods that can help you detox. These include hibiscus flowers, which are naturally caffeine-free and good at slimming down your waistline; white tea, which helps get rid of an inflated stomach due to gas and bloating; and raw almonds, more potent when soaked, that diminish fat buildup around the liver and decrease your chance of getting liver cancer. You may be able to cut your risk by almost 50 percent when you eat 15 almonds a day. Legumes, such as chickpeaspeaslentils and beans, may help you to lose weight, and they can be mixed right into many of the foods you're already eating. Rolled oats lower cholesterol, fight heart disease, and help you lose weight too.

Detox Flavored Waters, Tea and Smoothies

How intense you want your detox to be is completely up to you. There are some strong detox drinks that cut out everything but the essentials and really get your body cleaned out, and there are some milder detox waters that are much easier to get down; they have amazing benefits too. Detox smoothies are another option. Just add a scoop of protein powder to one of them, and you've got yourself a meal. From waters and smoothies to juices and shakes, you could get rid of a lot of toxins with whichever one you choose.
The great thing about detox waters is that they are mild enough in flavor that you can sip them all day, and yet they have just enough flavor to make you want to guzzle them all day. When the water is all gone, you can eat the pieces of fruit that are left at the bottom of the pitcher.
Making flavored water is as simple as taking two to four fresh and flavorful superfoods and adding them to 2 liters of drinking water, letting the flavors mesh in the fridge for several hours or overnight, and then just drinking away throughout the day. You can add as much of each fresh fruit or herbs as you like, but remember that the point is to give your water a little flavor without making it too strong to enjoy in large amounts. Here are some ideas. 

Detox Flavored Waters

Grapefruit and Mint Detox Water
Ingredients:
2 whole fresh grapefruit
5 mint sprigs or 20 leaves
Instructions:
  1. Wash the whole grapefruit and mint sprigs or leaves thoroughly.
  1. Slice the grapefruit into thin rounds or wedges, and add them along with the mint to 8 cups of water in a large pitcher.
  1. Store this water in the refrigerator in a covered glass or plastic pitcher. Makes 8 servings.
Apple, Lemon, and Mint Detox Water
Ingredients: 
3 apples
1 lemon
5 fresh mint sprigs or 20 leaves
Instructions:
  1. Wash and core your apples, wash and slice your lemons into thin rounds, and wash your fresh mint sprigs or leaves.
  1. Combine with 8 cups of water in a large bowl or pitcher.
  1. Store covered in the fridge for several hours or overnight before you begin drinking it. Makes 8 servings.
Hibiscus and Lemon Detox Water
Ingredients:
Handful of dried hibiscus flowers
2 tsp. fresh grated ginger
1 lemon
  1. Wash the lemon and slice it into thin rounds. 
  1. Add it along with the hibiscus flowers and ginger to 8 cups of drinking water. 
  1. Leave it alone in the fridge for several hours before you begin drinking it. Makes 8 servings. 
White Tea, Berry and Lemon Detox Water 
Ingredients: 
white tea teabags or 4 Tbs/ loose white tea leaves
24 raspberries and blackberries
1 lemon
Instructions: 
  1. If you're using loose tea, steep the tea in 3 cups of boiled water for three minutes, remove the loose tea, and add the berries. Let steep for an additional five minutes, and then add the rest of the water and the lemon, washed and sliced into rounds. 
  1. If you're using teabags, you can steep everything at the same time. Remove the teabags before adding the rest of the water. Leave it alone in the fridge for several hours before you begin drinking it. Makes 8 servings. 



Detox Tea
Turmeric, Lemon and Ginger Detox Tea 
This detox drink has a strong flavor, but its benefits are immense. 
Ingredients: 
6 inches fresh ginger root
1/2 tsp. cayenne powder
cinnamon sticks, about 6 to 7 inches altogether
6 fresh lemons 
Instructions: 
  1. Peel and slice the ginger. 
  1. Put 6 cups of water in the pot with the ginger and bring to a boil. Turn it down to a simmer, and after 10 minutes, add the cinnamon, turmeric powder, and cayenne pepper. 
  1. Stir occasionally while letting it simmer for another 10 minutes. 
  1. Remove from heat and strain. Once cool, store it in the fridge in a covered container. Each morning, put 1/4 cup of this mix in a glass with the juice of half a lemon and 3/4 cup warm or ice water. You can also add honey if you like. Makes 24 servings.


Detox Smoothies 
Turmeric Smoothie
If you want a gentler way to get the super powers of turmeric, try this smoothie. It's great as a snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
 1 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup almond milk
2 frozen bananas
2 Tbs. chia seeds
2 tsp. ground turmeric boiled in 1/2 cup water
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
1 pinch of sea salt
1 pinch of cinnamon
1 pinch of ground black pepper
Instructions:
  1. Put all the ingredients in the blender, including the turmeric with the water, and blend on high for 1 minute.
  1. Serve in two 8-ounce glasses and sprinkle with additional cinnamon if desired. Makes two servings.
Oat and Strawberry Smoothie
 This is an amazing smoothie, and in addition to being packed with powerful detox foods, it is a meal replacement or post-workout smoothie.
Ingredients:
2 cups plain almond milk
2 bananas
20 strawberries
2/3 cup rolled oats
2 scoops protein powder
4 handfuls of greens, such as collard greens, bok choy or spinach
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 Tbs. non-alkalized cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
sliced strawberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
  1. Put the ingredients in the blender and blend for 1 minute.
  1. Pour into two glasses and garnish with sliced strawberries. Makes two 8-ounce servings.
Fruit and Greens Smoothie
 This smoothie has a lot of superfoods in it to fuel your body.
 Ingredients:
 2 cups almond milk
1 cucumber with the peel
1 large handful fresh parsley
2 bananas, peeled
2 cups chopped pineapple
2 oranges, peeled and seeds removed
4 cups fresh dandelion greens
6 - 8 ice cubes
 Instructions:
  1. Put everything into the blender and blend for 1 minute or until smooth. 
  1. Pour into glasses and serve immediately or store covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Makes eight 8-ounce servings. 


Be sure to visit iherb Food, Groceries page:

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You can try Ready to mix smoothies:



https://www.iherb.com/c/Superfoods


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