Tag: healthy lifestyle

5 Reasons Why You Should Switch to Matcha

Published on by soreiya2 Comments

Many people reach for coffee when they wake up hoping that a cup of the hot brew will perk them up for the day ahead.  As coffee has gotten a bad rep over the past few years, some people have switched to tea.  With it’s lower levels of caffeine and multiple health benefits tea seems like the perfect alternative (albeit without the huge caffeine boost that coffee offers).  So what if there was another alternative that gives you a nice boost of energy and alertness but without the crash and it is was really really good for you, would you believe me?  In case you haven’t tried it before, let me introduce you to matcha.

Matcha is the highest quality powdered green tea available.  It’s made from nutrient rich, young leaves picked from the tips of the camellia sinuses plant that have been shaded.  Once they are picked, the leaves are steamed and de-stemmed then stone ground into a fine powder.  It is important to store matcha properly and away from sunlight and oxygen in order to preserve matcha’s bright green colour and antioxidant properties.

Here are my top 5 reason’s to reach for matcha on a regular basis:

  1. Enhances A Calmer State of Mind – matcha is commonly used as a means to calm the mind, relax and meditate while remaining alert
  2. Boosts Memory and Concentration – this is a side effect of the L-Theanine in matcha.  L-Theanine helps to boost the production of serotonin and dopamine within the body.  Both of these neurotransmitters can help to improve your memory, promote better concentration and boost your mood.
  3. Detoxify The Body – Matcha is very high in chlorophyll which is a natural detoxifier.  Chlorophyll is great for removing heavy metals and toxins from the body.
  4. Weight Loss – many people reach for the matcha in the hopes that it will help them to shed unwanted pounds.  While matcha can help boost weight loss, while on a healthy weight loss program it is not a magic cure all.  Matcha has a high concentration of EGCG, which has shown to increase the rate of buying stored fat within the body as energy, it also helps to decrease the formation of new fat cells, and increase the body’s rate of calorie and fat burning especially while exercising.
  5. High in Antioxidants – this is my favourite reason to reach for matcha.  Matcha contains 5X as many antioxidants as any other food.  The antioxidants help to reduce inflammation within the body, support skin health and reduce free radicals that accelerate skin aging.

When purchasing matcha powder, be sure to purchase organic as high concentrations of lead and fluoride have been found in non-organic matcha.  Also make sure that it has been sealed and stored properly, in order to maximize the benefits of this fabulous green drink.

After a quick internet search, I learnt that everyone has their own favourite way to make matcha.  Some like to keep it traditional, while others like to get fancy and include it in smoothies and lattes.  Personally, I like to keep it simple but I also like to enhance it a little bit.  I don’t use the traditional method, but I enjoy it and wanted to share it with you.

Soreiya’s Morning Matcha (1 Serving)

1 tsp of organic matcha

1 scoop of organic collagen powder

pinch of cinnamon

Hot water

Traditional bamboo whisk + bowl

It’s important not to use boiling hot water as this can cause the leaves to burn, so I normally boil the water and wait 5 – 10 minutes for it to cool.

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Combine the matcha, collagen powder and cinnamon in the bowl and use the whisk to combine them and break any lumps that may be in the powder (the texture should be smooth and even)

IMG_0841IMG_0844Add 2oz of hot water

Whisk the tea using a zig zag whisking motion until the tea is frothy

IMG_0847IMG_0849Either enjoy drinking the tea straight from the bowl or pour into a cup and drink

I hope that you have a beautiful day!  XXS

Please Note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.  It is not intended to serve as a substitute for a consultation or medical treatment from a qualified physician or healthcare practitioner.

 

Wonderful Walnuts

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Nuts have had a bad reputation for many years.  As the fat free craze took hold a few years ago, anything containing fat was demonized and nuts were no exception.  Thankfully, we now live in a different world – a world where healthy fat is embraced in many forms  and nuts have once again become a pantry staple in many households.

I love nuts in all forms but one of my favourites is walnuts.  Rich in healthy fats, vitamins and minerals walnuts boost incredible health, brain and beauty benefits.  As a rich plant source of Omega 3 fatty acids  walnuts are known to help to decrease LDL cholesterol levels in the body and may help to reduce the risk of prostrate and breast cancer.  With a high concentration of the Omega-3 fatty acid DHA , walnuts can help to improve cognitive brain function in adults and help to prevent cognitive decline.  Research has also shown that walnuts help to increase inferential reasoning in young adults. Filled with stress fighting properties, these powerhouse nuts are packed with fibre, antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids.

Anti-inflammatory in nature, walnuts are a great source of selenium which helps to treat existing skin damage as well as protecting the skin from UV exposure.  Helpful in treating inflamed skin conditions by oxygenating the blood and boosting circulation so nutrients are circulated well.  By combating free radicals in the body, walnuts can also help to control how fast you age.

Walnuts are a great addition to your diet as there are benefits for everyone.  Just be mindful of your serving size – a handful a day is more then enough to considerably boost your antioxidant intake.  What is your favourite way to include walnuts in your diet – let me know in the comments below.

I hope that you have a great day!

XXS

A Simple Detox Ritual To Start Your Day

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Starting your day with hot water and lemon has often been suggested on every wellness blog and detox blog that I have ever read or perused.  I began to include hot water with honey and lemon into my morning ritual about 10 years ago after reading about the metabolism and immunity boosting benefits that it provided.  I began this ritual when I was in fashion school full time and working full time – I couldn’t afford to get sick. I truly believe that this simple ritual helped to keep me healthy.  Over the years I have adjusted this drink, at times I omitted the honey and included a pinch of turmeric and black pepper or a few drops of turmeric oil for an anti-inflammatory boost.  But drinking a mug of hot water with fresh lemon has remained a constant to my morning ritual over the years.

Because I often read about the benefits of drinking this simple warming drink, I just assumed that it is something that everyone does. But after working with clients and speaking with friends and family over the past few years, I have learned that I was wrong.  Despite the plethora of evidence supporting this simple detox ritual, many people have yet to get on board.  If you are one of those people – don’t feel bad, but I would like to encourage you to include this simple drink into your morning routine.

Reasons to begin this detox ritual:

  1. It helps to rehydrate your body by replacing fluids you may have lost during the night while sleeping
  2. Aids digestion as the lemon juice helps to flush out unwanted toxins and waste from the body
  3. Boosts your immune system, lemons are a great source of vitamin C and honey is anti-bacterial.
  4. Helps to balance your body’s PH level. Disease thrives in an acidic environment within the body and lemons are one of the most alkalizing foods (once metabolized), so they are superstars when it comes to re-balancing your body’s PH to a healthier level.
  5. Helps to keep you skin clear.  Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant which combats free radicals, this in turn helps to decrease wrinkles and blemishes and boosts your glow factor.
  6. Aids in weight loss.  The pectin fibre in lemons helps to squash hunger cravings and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

What to do:

  • It’s a good idea to use spring or filtered water as you want to keep it as clean as possible
  • Use warm – hot (not boiling) water
  • Squeeze the juice of half of a fresh lemon into a mug
  • Pour in the hot water
  • Optional additions to your lemon water: half a teaspoon of raw or Manuka honey, a pinch of turmeric powder/a few slivers or raw turmeric/3 -4 drops of turmeric oil with a bit of black pepper

Some people may feel that including a mug of hot lemon water to their mornings may be time consuming and that they just don’t have the time for it as they rush to start their day.  I would suggest that if you are one of those people, then try to include this ritual into your mornings a few times a week when you are not so rushed (weekends perhaps?).  Another option is to fill your travel mug with hot lemon water to sip on your way to work and have your first coffee when you arrive at work.

Try it and let me know what you think!

Do you have any detox rituals that you swear by?  Let me know in the comments below!

I hope that you have a wonderful day!  XXS

My Battle With This Horrible Tasting Superfood

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In my quest to clean up my diet I have tried a myriad of so called superfoods.  One superfood that caught my attention a few years ago was algae – more specifically spirulina and chlorella. As high source of protein and nutrient dense, this blue green algae is filled with many vitamins and minerals including magnesium, calcium and B vitamins. The benefits of spirulina and chlorella include regulating blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, boost energy and detoxification from heavy metals.

Given the amount of research supporting the beneficial health claims of both spirulina and chlorella I was interested in adding it into my diet.  Most people who supplement with these algae tend to add it to their smoothies but I am not a big smoothie drinker as I generally prefer to chew my food. Adding aqua greens into my non existent smoothie routine was not going to work for me.  I decided that the best way to take the spirulina and chlorella was to mix it with water and just gulp it down.  I generally don’t have to much difficulty introducing new things into my diet and I assumed that spirulina and chlorella wouldn’t be an issue.

I was wrong.

Nothing I have ever eaten in my entire life could have prepared me for the disgusting, pungent, nauseating taste of this algae.  It smelt funny, tasted worse and left me with an distinctly queasy feeling that I hope to never experience again.  I was traumatized. But I am also stubborn and giving up on my goal of including spirulina and chlorella in my diet was not something that I was willing to do just yet.  So for the next few days I would faithfully mix a spoonful of the powdered greens with water and choke it down telling myself that it wasn’t that bad, that the agony that I felt was all in my head. I was lying to myself and I was not very convincing.

Spirulina and chlorella soon became my superfood nemesis and I was willing to avoid it all cost.  I would think of excuses as to why it was not a good idea to drink it that day, I would “forget” to drink  it on the days that I couldn’t think of an excuse and I would hide the container in the back of my fridge so that it would be “out of sight, out of mind”.  I should have just thrown in the proverbial towel, thrown away the pricey container of spirulina and chlorella and moved on, but I read a lot of articles and do a lot of research on health and well being, and I was frequently reading about the benefits of these powerful algae.  A small part of me was just not willing to completely give up.

I finally came across an article that solved my dilemma. It discussed how wonderful blue green algae was for the body, and offered a simple suggestion for those wanting to create an easy and energizing beverage using spirulina and chlorella – instead of mixing the greens with plain water, use coconut water instead.  The sweetness of the coconut water neutralizes the strong seaweedy taste of the chlorella and spirulina and the addition of the coconut water offers extra hydration and electrolytes.  Genius!  I hadn’t thought to mix it with anything else as I generally stick to water or tea as my choice of beverage. I immediately ran to the grocery store to purchase a carton of pure coconut water and the next morning before heading to the gym I tested out my “new” concoction – while the taste wasn’t amazing, it is tolerable and even somewhat refreshing.  Now I’m hooked.  Spirulina and chlorella mixed with coconut water is the perfect pre-workout beverage, it’s protein rich, hydrating, energizing, healthy and filling.

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For those of you interested in boosting your superfood intake with spirulina and chlorella:

  • only purchase algae that is clean, safe and pure – environmental pollution can contaminate algae
  • purchase organic to ensure that it is free of fertilizers and toxins
  • purchase from a reputable maufacturer
  • some people are allergic to spirulina and chlorella, seek medical attention at the first sign of an allergic reaction
  • spirulina and chlorella can interfere with certain medications including blood thinners.  Check with your doctor to ensure it won’t interfere with any medications you are on and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Spirulina and chlorella can be great and healthy additions to many diets but the key is to find a way to take it in a way that works best for you and be consistent.  By mixing it with coconut water you have an easy, energizing and healthy drink to help you power through your day.

Are there any super foods that you have struggled with?

I hope that you have a great day!  XXS

My Latest Beauty Obsession

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I love to try out new beauty products, and without a doubt my favourite beauty product in my beauty arsenal are masks. Sheet masks, foam masks, clay masks, DIY masks – I love them all and I try a new one every chance that I get. I consider masking a bit of self love for my skin in my on going quest to be the  glowy-est possible version of myself.  Recently, I treated myself to the new Honey Potion mask from Farmacy, and to say that I am obsessed with this mask is an understatement.  It is fabulous!  Filled with hydrating ingredients and anti oxidants, this mask leaves your skin moisturized, glowing and refreshed.

True to it’s name Honey Potion looks like a jar of honey (just don’t eat it) and when you massage it onto your skin it turns white and begins to warm up.  The warming sensation adds to the spa feel of this mask. Wash it off with warm water after 10 – 15 minutes and enjoy the glow!  As an extra little bonus the spatula that comes with the jar magnetically attaches to the lid – perfect for someone like me who always loses the spatula!

The ingredients in Honey Potion include ultra hydrating honey, propolis and royal jelly all of which makes this mask a must have for winter as cold outdoor temperatures and indoor heating can be incredibly dehydrating and wreck havoc on your skin.

For those of you that are not familiar with the Farmacy brand, it is definitely one that you should check out.  They combine farm grown botanicals with cutting edge technology to produce clean irritant free products.  Plus all of Farmacy’s products are made from naturally derived ingredients and free of parabens, formaldehyde and artificial colourings plus their products are not tested on animals.  Effective clean, green beauty – this mask checks every box and is the perfect addition to my beauty arsenal.

Have you tried any products from Farmacy? What is your favourite beauty product?

I hope that you have a beautiful day!

XXS