products I love - part 1

As those who know me can attest, I'm habit-driven and obsessive when it comes to projects, activities, and the items I buy and use.  I'm quick to discard things that don't serve a strong purpose in my life, and eager to share those that I love.  Especially as I have traveled a lot these past couple years, I've discovered some products that minimize excess and maximize productivity and enjoyment.

Here's a list of my favorite ones, just in time for the Holidays:

brewing up brain-happy coffee and tea

I jumped onto the Bulletproof coffee train in late 2014, and have gotten much more consistent in my consumption this year - I have Bulletproof coffee or tea 5 or more times each week. You can find plenty of pro- and anti-Bulletproof articles online, but here is the basic recipe, along with some notes and observations from me below:

five simple ways to make a difference (in your life, and in others')

Tis the season for giving and for looking to how we can better ourselves in the coming year.  Here are 5 simple things you can do throughout the year to have a positive impact on your life and on others'.

apple cider vinegar in a nighttime tea - worth it

I can easily admit, I'm pretty quick to try a new health fad, and only slightly less quick to say how much I like it.  But then, I'll always admit a month later if I realize it's actually not producing the expected or desired results (which is 95% of the time); I guess I'm impressionable but ultimately honest.  That said, I try to wait to post on here about results until I've gotten past my initial optimistic excitement - I've reached that point with this latest trend of drinking an apple cider vinegar tea before bed, and can report that it falls into that rare 5%!

green smoothie recipe - autumn bitters

My primary grocery store doesn't carry cranberries year-round, so when they start showing up, I know that Fall is finally here! Cranberries are one of my favorite smoothie ingredients - they're jam-packed with antioxidants, micro-nutrients, and they add great color and bitterness with only 4 grams of sugar in a full cup of them! Beets are another Fall favorite that I hold off on until the colder months. Rotating fruits and vegetables throughout the year allows me to focus on more locally-sourced foods, keeps variety in my smoothies, and adds excitement to the changing of the seasons!

understanding omega-3s, omega-6s, and grass-fed goodness

One of the easiest changes you can make to your diet as a way of improving your health is to focus on consuming grass-fed / free-range dairy and meat products. These items tend to be nearly twice as expensive, but if we're talking about an extra $20-$50 per month per person, it's a small price to pay for better health, happier animals, and a more sustainable system.

green smoothie recipe - basil berry blast!

With spices growing on the back porch, and fresh local berries at the supermarket, it's a great time of year for green smoothies! I've been making the following smoothie (without the optional ingredients) almost every day - it's so refreshing, with just enough zing from the fresh basil and lime.  Enjoy!