Matcha Vegan Shake

You say vegetarian, I say flexitarian

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Flexible — it’s what makes the Flexitarian Diet unique.

If plants make up most of your diet, but you love a hamburger now and then, the flexitarian diet might be the perfect “plate” for you.  The name flexitarian is a blend of “flexible” and “vegetarian”. It is heavy on fruits and vegetables yet allows meat and other animal products when you have a craving.  It’s about adding all five food groups to your diet.

You’ve probably noticed more restaurants incorporating plant-based options to their menus, like that specialty hamburger made with pea protein, coconut oil and other ingredients. Flexitarians generally look for plant-based protein options, but since they enjoy meat, they also look for that sensory experience.

Benefits of the Flexitarian Diet:

  • It’s flexible, ha! Recipes are easy to come by and there is very little meal preparation involved. Plus, you can enjoy eating out and you can have alcohol, if you desire. When eating out, you’ll still want to steer clear of anything fried, crispy, breaded or sautéed. Instead choose meals that are boiled, baked, grilled, roasted or steamed.
  • Want to become a vegetarian? Let’s say you have eaten meat for many years and are interested in becoming a full-blown vegetarian. The flexitarian diet may be a great way for you to do this. The diet cuts down on meat but does not eliminate it.
  • Eating more plants and less meat will help you lose weight, but also lower heart disease, diabetes and more.
  • The Flexitarian Diet was ranked #3 in best diets overall, and #2 in easiest to follow in the U.S. News Best Diet Rankings.1
  • Flexitarians tend to weigh less than meat eaters. Of course, it depends on how often you choose to eat meat.
  • Lower bad cholesterol levels and likely lower blood pressure and improve heart health. 2
  • Registered dietitian nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner, the author of The Flexitarian Diet, says “…flexitarianism isn’t about the amount of meat you cut out—it’s about how many plant-based foods you add. As you add more plant-based foods, you’ll “crowd out” the meats.”3

Incorporate PURE into your diet.

Eat more Greens, a tried-and-true staple of a healthy, nutritious and balanced diet and lifestyle. Adding one scoop every day to your favorite 100% fruit juice or smoothie gives you a range of nutrients your body needs.

Matcha Vegan Shake contains 19-20 grams of protein – a significant amount. Not only is this a great meal replacement, but it can be used between meals as well. It helps boost energy while it calms, it suppresses the appetite, and it even boosts creativity!*

Do you consider yourself a flexitarian? What has your experience been like? Share with us!

1 https://health.usnews.com/best-diet/flexitarian-diet

2 https://annals.org/aim/fullarticle/718395/improving-cholesterol-levels-low-fat-diet-high-plant-based-foods

3 https://dawnjacksonblatner.com/books/the-flexitarian-diet/

Target Digestion – Go with your gut instinct

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Every time you eat, you probably don’t think twice about what your digestive system is doing. You enjoy your food and let everything else just happen.

Well, if your gut could talk (and oftentimes we do hear it!) it would likely have a lot to say about the food you’re eating, your state of mind and whether you slept well last night. That’s because our choices have a big impact on the function of our digestion, which, in turn, is critical to our overall well-being.

The conversation your gut would have might look something like this…

“You can partly blame me for your bad mood.”

Bacteria in your intestines may be able to send signals to your brain via neurotransmitters. (See “Clean up your diet” below) According to researchers at the John Hopkins School of Medicine, the phrase “going with your gut instinct” has a literal meaning. They’ve found a connection between digestive issues and mental health, leading them to believe that the gut acts as a second brain. 1

“Relax and stress less.”

Avoiding stress is essential for our well-being. When you’re stressed out, your brain responds in a way that negatively affects your digestion by inhibiting its function. Gut bacteria get out of balance which hinders nutrient absorption … the key function of the gut.

“Feed me probiotics.”

Probiotics are good bacteria that help keep the gut healthy. Bacteria in the gut is necessary for digesting food, absorbing nutrients and water, and killing bad bacteria. The key is to foster a balance of good and bad bacteria with a healthy diet.

Antibiotics can kill good bacteria, so after you’ve finished a course, be sure to eat yogurt or take a probiotic supplement to restore balance. Probiotic by PURE creates an ideal environment for digestion, immune function and absorption of nutrients. Micro-encapsulation of the probiotic species makes them more acid-resistant for maximum utilization and potency. Probiotic contains 8 probiotic species as well as prebiotics.

“Clean up your diet.”

The best foods for gut health include fiber, fermented foods, greens, roughage, fruits and garlic.  Bananas and garlic are good sources of prebiotics, the food that feeds probiotics.

Eating processed foods can decrease the production of neurotransmitters in the gut, like serotonin, so you won’t feel as energized. “Since about 95% of serotonin is produced in your gastrointestinal tract, and your gastrointestinal tract is lined with a hundred million nerve cells, it makes sense that the digestive system affects your emotions.”  (remember that bad mood?) The function of these nerve cells is highly influenced by the billions of “good” bacteria.2

Supplement your diet with Mila which is rich in plant-based fiber and protein. The fiber found in Mila is predominantly soluble fiber which aids in the relief of occasional constipation.*

“Avoid drinking too much alcohol.”

Chronic alcohol consumption can throw the balance of good and bad gut bacteria out of whack.

“When you sleep, I can sleep.”

In studies, sleep deprivation caused subtle changes to gut bacteria and increased the number of bacteria associated with weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes and fat metabolism.3

Other products by PURE that help target digestive health.

Daily Detox and HealthTrim Cleanse help detox your body of internal and environmental toxins. Improves digestion and bowel elimination. Daily Detox is used daily whereas HealthTrim Cleanse is used for short-term use every few months. * The premium, ceremonial matcha in Matcha Vegan Shake also helps in healthy digestion and cleansing. Noni superfruit is rich in antioxidants, providing support and promotion of a healthy immune system.

Be good to your gut and it will be good to you.

 

1 https://www.johnshopkinshealthreview.com/issues/fall-winter-2015/articles/the-garden-in-your-gut

2https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/nutritional-psychiatry-your-brain-on-food-201511168626

3 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212877816301934

Target fat – can’t live with it, can’t live without it

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Let’s face it, fat cells get a bad rap. If you’re trying to maintain your weight, they are the enemy. If you’re trying to put on the pounds, well, that’s a different story. Either way, we suggest you get to know more about them, so you can better understand how they work in your body.

Fat cells, also called adipose tissue, may make you cringe, but the body needs them. They store energy for when you need it later, they regulate body temperature and they release hormones that control metabolism. The important thing is to keep them in balance. You don’t want too many of them, because once you have them, they never go away!

Did you know?

  • Fat cells can grow up to 1000 times their original size.1
  • Fat cells are permanent. You can’t get rid of it; they can only decrease in size.2
  • Once a fat cell reaches its maximum capacity, the number stays consistent. New fat cells are made as old fat cells die off.2
  • During adulthood, about 8% of fat cells die every year only to be replaced by new ones.3
  • As newborns grow, their fat cells increase naturally just like other cells.3
  • Muscle is more dense than fat; fat is larger in volume.
  • 75 percent of persons who are obese in adolescence will likely be obese in adulthood, while only 10 percent of healthy weight children will become obese later in life.4
  • There are three kinds of fat cells: brown, white and subcutaneous. Brown fat helps with warmth and burns more fat; white fat stores energy and produces hormones; subcutaneous fat lives right under the skin.5

PURE has a variety of products to help you target your weight goals. 360 Complete Shake ican help you gain or lose weight. Add it to your daily food intake to increase calories. The protein, when combined with resistance exercise, can help increase muscle mass. Instead of adding calories from unhealthy sources high in sugar and void of nutritional content, 360 Complete Shake is an excellent source of high-quality protein packed with nutrients. 

Other products by PURE that can help with weight management include Daily Detox, Green Coffee Bean, HealthTrim Cleanse, Matcha Vegan Shake, Metabolic ONE, Mila, PURE Café, PURE Perk and SleepTrim.

One more thing to note is that essential fatty acids, things your body can’t make and are available only through the foods you eat or supplements you take, are used for many functions in the body. The brain is 60% fat6 and thus needs essential fatty acids to do its job. Mila is an excellent source of fatty acids, or omega-3s.

To learn more about these products, and others, please visit livepure.com where you can find product descriptions, ingredients and recommended usage.

 1https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC302341/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC302341/

2 https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/fat-cell-numbers-teen-years-linger-lifetime

3 https://scienceblogs.com/notrocketscience/2008/05/04/fat-cell-number-is-set-in-childhood-and-stays-constant-in-ad

4 https://iythealth.com/many-fat-cells/

5 https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-truth-about-fat#2

6 https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/prime-your-gray-cells/201109/the-skinny-brain-fats

It’s National Beverage Day

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Feeling thirsty?

We recently asked the employees at PURE to share their favorite PURE-centric beverages.

The ideas were endless! From hot, cold, blended, shaken, sweet and other delicious ideas, you just might discover your new favorite!

  • “Combine 2 fl. oz. of GoYin and 2 fl. oz. of Mangosteen superfruit with 2 tablespoons Mila® chia. Add ice and water as desired.” – Daren H.
  • “Blend Acai superfruit with 1 ½ cup strawberries, 1 ripe banana and 1 cup fresh spinach for a delicious breakfast smoothie.” – Jennifer E.
  • “I combine Mixed Berry ENERGY with 360 Complete Shake (Vanilla Bean) and Mila. My oldest daughter loves it!” – Ivonne T.
  • “I like to add 2 fl. oz. of GoYin to my morning shake. It makes it taste way better.” – Joel J.
  • “Combine one serving of Matcha Vegan Shake (Vanilla), 1 cup of vanilla almond milk, 2 spoonfuls of peanut butter, half a banana, a dash of cinnamon and a couple of ice cubes in a blender. Enjoy!” – Stacy K.
  • “Mix orange juice, lime juice and Goji superfruit for a delicious and refreshing morning drink.” – Jennifer E.
  • “Blend ¼ cup Noni superfruit, 1 ripe banana, ½ cup fresh pineapple, ¼ cup fresh mango, the juice of ¼ lemon, a handful of spinach, ½ cup almond milk and 1 tablespoon honey. Enjoy!” – Jennifer E.
  • “Make a hot cup of PURE Perk and add about 1 tablespoon of orange zest and a ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Top with Cool Whip whipped topping if desired. Delicious!” – Anonymous

Do you have a favorite drink using PURE products? Don’t keep it a secret.

Catch those Zzzs with products by PURE

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Was that a yawn? Did you get enough sleep last night? If you didn’t, do yourself a favor and read this post. It’s World Sleep Day® and a great opportunity to celebrate sleep because sleep is, well … dreamy!

You may already know how important sleep is for your body. Do you sleep 7 to 8 hours every night? I usually have no trouble getting to sleep and I rarely wake up in the middle of the night, though I do have some bad habits like playing games on my phone right before turning off the light. Now, getting out of bed in the morning is a totally different story. I’m not a morning person.

Whatever your sleep habits, getting quality sleep and an adequate amount are vital to health, and we’re going to discuss the benefits in this post. Lack of sleep can certainly make one cranky, but it can change more than just your mood.

Lose sleep and more

You charge your phone at night, right? Well, your body, and brain, need to recharge, too. Lose sleep and you’ll lose the ability to recall details or to focus. Your brain needs sleep to catch up. Lack of sleep may cause you to experience more negative emotional reactions and fewer positive ones.2

  • Lose sleep and your blood pressure doesn’t have time to rest, which can lead to illness.
  • Lose sleep and your muscles can’t repair themselves from the day’s activities.
  • Lose sleep and you’ll disrupt the hormones that control appetite. When these get out of balance, so does the temptation to eat unhealthily. You’ll also be more tired and less likely to exercise. Not a good combination.

Can you get too much sleep?

Yes, but we don’t want you to lose sleep over it. Sleeping too much may have the same effects as not sleeping enough. According to a study in the journal Sleep, researchers defined short sleep as six hours or less, adequate sleep as seven to eight hours and long sleep as nine or more hours.1

A study from the American Heart Association showed that people who slept for ten hours in a 24-hour period were 30% more likely to die prematurely, compared to those who slept for eight hours. Longer sleepers were more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.2

Catch those Zzzs with products by PURE

If you’re not getting adequate sleep, or if you’re getting too much, we can help.

Fall asleep, stay asleep and wake up refreshed with SleepTrim, and help the body burn calories while you sleep.* Melatonin is released in two stages throughout the night, ensuring continued absorption. A Relaxation Blend of botanicals, including magnesium, L-theanine, passion flower and chamomile, helps the body relax mentally and physically.* Melatonin decreases as we age, making its consumption even more important.

Relaxed muscles are necessary for adequate sleep. CalciuMK+ can help by supplying magnesium, a mineral that relaxes muscles but also regulates blood pressure already in normal range.* CalciuMK+ is an excellent source of magnesium, providing 50% of your daily value.

GPS Reset, a product in our performance line, encourages restful sleep while enhancing muscle physiology and calorie burning. It supports the release of growth hormone (HGH) which encourages adequate sleep. Think of HGH as your body’s master hormone. It helps to maintain your health as an adult by controlling metabolism, immunity, brain functions, temperature regulation, heart health, organ and tissue growth and more. The older you get, the less your body produces it. Lose sleep and your body loses the ability to produce it as the only time the body releases HGH is when it sleeps.

GPS Reset not only helps you sleep but it helps boosts lean body mass and overnight recovery from physical activity from the day. *

Can’t stay awake? Caffeine and other botanicals might do the trick. Products like PURE Perk, PURE Café, ENERGY, GPS Energize, Matcha Vegan Shake and 360 Complete Shake work in different ways to boost your energy.* Be sure to monitor your caffeine consumption and limit it to no more than 400mg a day.

Well, I hope I didn’t put you to sleep. Then again, that might be a good thing!

1https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-sleep-trends/more-u-s-adults-losing-sleep-in-recent-years-idUSKCN1OR1FZ

2https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.118.0085523 https://www.ajc.com/news/health-med-fit-science/sleeping-the-weekends-could-help-you-live-longer-study-suggests/kGJdhV27BcObz5WhLl0nMP/

 

World Sleep Day is an awareness activity of World Sleep Society, founded by World Association of Sleep Medicine (WASM) and World Sleep Federation (WSF).

Brr … it’s getting chili

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I can’t think of a better day to share chili recipes than on National Chili Day! I’m talking about the hearty, comforting, meaty and veggie kind of chili!

It’s still the perfect time of the year to warm up with a big bowl just packed with a unique combination of ingredients, including products by PURE.

I think these are definitely cold-weather worthy and I hope you’ll agree. Grab your ingredients and get cooking! Make one of these, or both, and have your friends and family choose their favorite! 

 

Chocolate Chili

This is a delicious, hearty chili with a very subtle chocolate flavor, but a lot of tang. You can add jalapenos to this recipe if you desire more of a kick.

The additional of Matcha Vegan Shake adds omega fatty acids and all essential amino acids for sustained energy, Also, naturally occurring tryptophan in sacha inchi helps serotonin production for elevated mood. Matcha naturally supports fat metabolism and aids in healthy digestion and cleansing.

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 2 onions, chopped
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 2 tbsp Matcha Vegan Shake – Dark Chocolate
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 15-oz. cans ranch-style beans, undrained
  • 1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes
  • 3 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • Garnish with sour cream and/or shredded cheese (optional)

Directions:

In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook for two minutes until browned. Next, add the onions, chili powder and cumin and stir together. Add the Matcha Vegan Shake (Dark Chocolate) and garlic, mix together and cook for two minutes. Next, add in the ranch-style beans, cayenne pepper and oregano and cook for another minute. Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and broth, cover and simmer for one hour, stirring occasionally.

 

Mila Chili

This is a delicious, vegetarian chili that uses chia. Mila is a super food that is gluten-free, trans-fat free, sugar-free, and is a superior plant-based source of protein and fiber. Mila uses different varieties of micro-sliced chia that is easily digestible and nutritionally robust.  

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 can chopped tomatoes
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can chick peas
  • 1 can red kidney beans
  • 1 can black beans
  • ½ cup hot sauce
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • ½ cup chopped cilantro
  • 3 cups fresh spinach, rinsed and chopped
  • ½ cup Mila chia

Directions:

In a large pot on medium heat, cook garlic, onion, chili powder and hot sauce. Add chopped tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, chick peas, red kidney beans and black beans. Allow vegetables to cook. Add cilantro and Mila. Stir. Slowly add spinach. Cover and let simmer on low heat for at least an hour.

Find more recipes at livepure.com/recipes. Have a favorite recipe that incorporates products by PURE? Share it with us at stories@livepure.com.

Have a “berry” happy Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving dinner wouldn’t be the same without the cranberry — that quintessential fall fruit that combines a bit of sweet with tasty tartness. Cranberry sauce just might be my favorite dish at Thanksgiving, atop a slice of turkey. I love the smell of cinnamon and citrus that comes from cranberry sauce bubbling on the stove.

Cranberries are only available October through December, but you can freeze fresh cranberries up to a year. Stock up now. You can also enjoy them dried, canned or in juice form (100% juice). Not only are cranberries delicious but they are packed with nutrients.

  • Cranberries are high in fiber.
  • When it comes to fruit, cranberries have the least amount of sugar.
  • They are loaded with vitamin C, a rich source of antioxidants.
  • They have natural detoxifying properties in that they help balance bacteria in the gut.1
  • They contain proanthocyanidins, which may help ease urinary tract infections. 1

These two recipes incorporate products by PURE and are a great addition to your Thanksgiving dinner.

Cranberry Goji Sauce

  • 1 pound of fresh organic cranberries
  • ¼ cup Goji superfruit juice
  • ¼ cup of water
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • ½ teaspoon allspice
  • 1 orange, juice and zest
  • Raw honey (add to your desired sweetness)

Rinse cranberries and place in a slow cooker with Goji, water, cinnamon and allspice. Cook on low until the berries soften and break open. Add orange juice and zest and continue to cook until the sauce is the desired consistency. When the sauce is nearly the consistency you want, add honey to taste. Add a little more water as needed. When ready, remove from heat and serve cool. Refrigerate leftovers.

Matcha Cranberry Scones

  •  2 cups flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons Matcha Vegan Shake (Vanilla)
  • ½ butter (cold/cubed)
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup milk substitute
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
  • Sliced almonds and sanding sugar

Preheat oven to 400°. Sift and whisk the dry ingredients together. Add the butter to the dry ingredients and cut until crumbly. Whisk the wet ingredients together and add them to the dry ingredients along with the cranberries and white chocolate, until a soft dough forms.

Divide the dough in half. Flatten each to about ¾-inch thick. Cut the dough into 8 wedges and place on a greased baking sheet, flattening the sides. Dab the wedges with milk and top with sanding sugar and almond slices. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.

Other ways to enjoy raw cranberries are to add them to cereal or stir into scrambled eggs. Try making relishes with them or make a trail mix with dried cranberries.

Do you have a favorite holiday recipe to share that uses a product by PURE? Share it with us at https://livepure.com/recipe-submission!

 

1https://www.activebeat.com/diet-nutrition/the-incredible-health-benefits-of-cranberries/9/

Habits that sabotage your weight management goals

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Do you feel like you’re making lifestyle changes, but not seeing the results you’d like? There could be many reasons why the scale won’t budge or your clothes aren’t fitting well.

Simple habits like not drinking enough water or not getting adequate sleep can throw off your best intentions. Read on for some common habits that could sabotage your health goals.

Skipping meals: A common misconception is that skipping meals saves calories. Studies suggest that skipping meals is linked to abdominal weight gain.1 People who end up skipping a meal may be already hungry and may not always reach for the healthiest option.

Some people may choose to replace a meal with either 360 Complete Shake or Matcha Vegan Shake. Each 160-calorie serving of 360 Complete Shake features proprietary Craving-Control Technology to help support weight loss. Matcha Vegan Shake is a lean plant-based protein shake that contains 180 calories per serving. Ceremonial matcha, sacha inchi and chlorella offer a nourishing, protein-rich, drink that helps support weight management and sustained energy.*

Try making this Summer Protein Shake for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Poor sleep habits: Sleep is essential for overall health. It allows your body to rest and repair itself. Poor sleep raises cortisol levels and affects hormones regulating hunger which can affect your ability to lose weight.2 Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep a night. SleepTrim sleep and weight-loss support is a combination of melatonin, herbs and a metabolic-boosting blend that help the body burn calories naturally while sleeping.*

Too many liquid calories: People who drink sugary beverages do not feel as full as if they had eaten the same calories from solid food.3 Calories from pre-made smoothies; coffee with cream and sugar; and sweetened sodas, teas and waters all contribute to weight gain. Consume liquid calories in moderation. Switch from calorie- and sugar-laden drinks to ENERGY drink mix which contains antioxidants, botanicals and natural sources of caffeine, or drink plain or fruit-infused water. If you choose juice, make sure its 100% fruit juice.

Not drinking enough water: Hydrating with water always does a body good. Drinking adequate water helps boost your metabolism, cleanses your body of waste and helps you feel full, which suppresses appetite.

Poor stress management: Healthy living and weight management are not only about a clean diet and exercise program. Chronic stress can undermine health and weight loss efforts. Stress affects your cortisol levels, blood pressure, heart rate, immune function, digestion and hormones and may lead to emotional eating.4 L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, combined with adaptogenic herbs in Metabolic ONE can produce a calming effect, helping to alleviate stress eating. In addition, the ingredients in Metabolic ONE help your body utilize insulin more effectively, helping to curb appetite.* Find different ways to manage stress such as taking walks, doing yoga, calling a friend or seeking support.

Opting for low-fat or fat-free foods: You really aren’t making healthier choices when you purchase these items. As manufacturers create low-fat versions of foods, they have to increase the amount of sugar in them so we still enjoy their taste.5 Manufacturers also add artificial flavoring and processed ingredients. Instead, focus on eating whole foods that contain healthy fats, like yogurt, salmon, raw nuts and avocados.

Check out some healthy recipes here.

Fueling up with energy bars or sports drinks: If you snack on these during exercise, know that many of them pack in the calories and added sugar and are not necessary. Instead, opt for any of our GPS sports performance products which provide energy and support before, during and after your workouts.

Try making these Complete Shake Protein Bars or Lemon Blast ENERGY Granola Bars, for a healthy, filling snack in between reps.

If you are trying to lose weight, and falling short, it’s time rethink your habits and incorporate some of the above tips. And, don’t be fooled if the numbers on the scale aren’t moving down. You may be likely losing inches, and gaining lean body mass, which is a move in the right direction!

 

1 https://news.osu.edu/news/2015/05/19/skipping-meals/

2 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/sleep-and-weight-gain/faq-20058198

3 https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-drinks/sugary-drinks/

4 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037

5 https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/truth-about-low-fat-foods

Here’s to a healthy and delicious St. Patrick’s Day

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In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we have some “green” recipes to share with you. These all incorporate a product by PURE.

We think these are all worthy of dancing a jig over, as they are healthy, delicious and easy to make. Enjoy!

 

“Greens” Hummus

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup water
  • 15 oz. frozen shelled edamame
  • 1 avocado
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • Greens (to sprinkle on top)
  • ½ cup parsley
  • ¼ cup tarragon
  • 3 tablespoons chives
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup tahini
  • Salt
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F
  2. Add water and edamame to small saucepan and place over high heat. Bring water to boil and cook uncovered for about 1 minute. When edamame has thawed, turn off heat.
  3. Pour edamame and water from pan into food processor. Add avocado, garlic, parsley, tarragon, chives, lemon juice, tahini, and 1 t. salt. Process. Allow to cool before serving.
  4. Serve with chips or pita bread.

 

“Greens” Power Balls

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup raw cacao, ground
  • ¼ cup goji berries, ground
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon raw honey (or sweetener of choice)
  • 1-2 scoops Greens
  • 1 tablespoon micro-sliced Mila® chia
  • Pinch of sea salt

Directions:

  1. Combine all ingredients well in a large bowl (little hands work great here!)
  2. Once fully mixed, use your hands to form small balls
  3. Keep refrigerated until ready to eat!

 

Matcha Green Tea Pancakes

 Ingredients:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup Match Vegan Shake
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 3 tablespoons oil

Directions: Mix ingredients together and make using pancake grill.

Do you have a favorite “green” recipe to share? You can find more delicious recipes at livepure.com/recipes.

How to better manage stress

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Stress isn’t just a state of mind, it has physical effects in the body. It can wreak havoc both mentally and physically and play a role in your immune system’s ability to function. When you are under stress, your body goes into fight or flight mode.

Back in cave-man days, you might have been chased by a ferocious animal.  Today, you may be stuck in traffic or frantically trying to meet a deadline. You get a burst of adrenaline, which then causes your cortisol levels to rise. These two chemicals evoke the following:

  1. You get a burst of energy.
  2. Digestion is slowed and your immune system is weakened.
  3. Heart rate is increased.
  4. Sensitivity to pain is reduced.

This bodily response is appropriate if you have a real physical emergency and need to react quickly. However, being in this state for long periods of time can affect your health and well-being.

With the fast-paced society we live in, it can be challenging to keep stress levels at bay.  Healthy eating and supplementation can definitely improve your body’s ability to manage stress; but this may not be enough. If you find yourself feeling stressed on a regular basis, assess your life and find ways to mitigate stress.

These are some of many questions you can ask yourself to start down a path of self-improvement.

  • How would you rate your stress levels?
  • Is there anything you can do to modify your own behavior or the way you perceive things?
  • Do you need to make a change?

Stress-Relieving Activities

While stress is inevitable, you can incorporate activities in your life that help you mitigate it.  For example, simply taking a minute to breathe in deeply several times can bring your adrenaline back to normal. Taking a brisk walk can help oxygenate your body and relax your mind. Taking a warm bath at night can relax your body and mind. You can also use this breathing technique.

  1. Breathe in through your nose deeply for 4 counts.
  2. Hold your breath for 7 counts.
  3. With the tip of your tongue lightly pressed to the roof of your mouth, force your breath out through your mouth for 8 counts.
  4. Repeat this process 5-10 times, or as long as you would like.

Note: this technique may make you a bit light-headed the first several times you do it.  This is because of the massive amount of oxygen you are bringing in. You will get used to this sensation over time.

Need help managing stress? PURE is by your side.

HealthTrim® Matcha Vegan Shake, a clean and lean plant-based protein, can help in promoting a sense of calm. L-theanine is a special ingredient in matcha that has been shown to reduce psychological and physiological stress responses.1 It helps promote relaxation by affecting brain waves and decreases anxiety and helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels.2

GoYin balancing blend can enhance well-being with a delicious, proprietary blend of superfruits, herbs and other fruits. It can provide nutritional support to help your body deal with everyday stressors. Created on the premise of 5,000 years of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it contains a proprietary blend of superfruits, herbs, and other fruits that have been traditionally used to help bring the body into balance and enhance overall well-being.*

Whatever you choose to do, I encourage you to be consistent in managing your stress levels. Anytime you notice elevated stress levels, try and take a short break to counteract your stress. Over time, you will learn to effectively mitigate stress quickly, keeping your body and mind healthy and full of vitality.

1https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16930802

2https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3518171/

 

This article is for nutrition information purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any health concerns you may have. The information in this article is not intended to promote any specific product, or for the prevention or treatment of any disease.