PFMs Healthy Living: New Year, New Me, New You

photo credits

i have taken a posting hiatus for quite a bit and there really isn't any particular reason other than life got hectic.  it brings to mind my previous post on 2012 and what the "end" really means in all the end of world prophecies.  i stick by my concept that it really meant hard endings and change specific to individuals (for my numerology folks - 2012 = 2+0+1+2 = 5 and 5 means change).  events like Hurricane Sandy and the Newtown tragedy only help prove my theory.  while there are many still dealing with how to move on from both the aforementioned events as well as other personal upheaval, the good thing is - we are still here!  this means that we have the chance, just like in the beginning of a new day, to start all over - fresh.  

the main message that i feel sums up 2012 is learning to be grateful for the things that truly matter - family, food, shelter, warmth.  it is hard to take any of these things for granted as we move into the new year.  in an age when we have access to so much, we are being forced to recognize we only need a little to make life bearable.  ...at least that's what i got and it's what i share with you.   my goal is to be happier.  instead of focusing on what i don't have or what i "need" to have to "be happy", i am focused on being happy right now, with everything exactly as it is.  achieving my goal will mean that i am living in the moment and making an effort to enjoy the roller coaster ride called life (which will remind me that that the ups and downs are all part of it).  i'm working on my outlook and, though i have a ways to go, i am enjoying the process of learning what really makes me happy.  it comes down to the above four things; they are the pillars to my foundation on which to build my true happiness. 

i challenge you to do the same; if you are unhappy, the only thing that you can change right now is you and your outlook on life.  if you can change that, be prepared for things to shift right before your eyes.  we have to "live our best life now".  to quote Rihanna's song Right Now- "tomorrow's way too far away, we can't get back yesterday, but we are young right now, we got right now, so get up right now." tomorrow isn't promised, yesterday is already gone and all we have is today - so love and live life right now.  

best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year and new you! xo sesheta

p.s. many thanks to all of our readers for visiting and reading our blog throughout 2012.  here's to hoping that we continue to inspire, encourage and provoke your best life as we strive for ours!

-the PFMs

PFMs in the Kitchen: Tempeh with Soba Noodles and Braised Kale

When it comes to ingredients I generally try to keep it short and simple. This recipe is an exception, but don't be intimated...promise you this dish is easy to make and happens to be vegan/gluten-free (be sure to read the labels on the King Soba noodles to find the GF ones.) Plus if you're like me and a creamy peanut butter sauce sounds more than appetizing...read on.

Psst, first I want to share an insider tip about cooking tempeh (a fermented soybean product.) Whether this is your first time using it in a recipe or you're a seasoned tempeh eater like myself- there's a little trick to keeping it a bit more moist and juicy: before you pan-fry or saute it, boil it. Yup, take the tempeh out of the package, toss it into a pot of boiling water and cook it for anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time you can spare. The longer you boil it, the less dry it will be when you crisp it up in the oil...you can experiment and see that it really makes a difference. Now on to what seems to be our fall dietary trend...healthy comfort food. Eat up!

You need: 

1 package King Soba noodles (we used the Brown Rice Wakame)

1 package Lightlife Soy Tempeh  diced into 1-inch cubes

grapeseed oil (great for frying)

2 bunches of kale, rinsed and chopped

1 tbsp coconut oil

4 cloves garlic, crushed
1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup water

4-5 scallions

sea salt

black pepper 

How to:

Cook the soba noodles according to the package. In a skillet, add 1-2 inches of grapeseed oil on medium heat. Remove your tempeh from the boiling water (see above) and put it in the skillet, cooking it until golden brown (about 5 minutes on each side.) Then take the tempeh out of the pan and put it on a paper towel to soak up some of the excess oil. Meanwhile, in another skillet, add the coconut oil. Toss in the ginger and garlic, saute for about 30 seconds. Add the kale and water- stir and saute for 4-6 minutes...the kale will turn a beautiful green color and wilt slightly. Remove from the heat and using tongs put the kale, tempeh, and noodles all together in a large serving bowl. Pour the sauce over everything, while tossing gently with the tongs.

  

Sauce*: 

1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup shoyu

1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and chopped

1-2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped

1 tbsp toasted sesame oil

1 pinch cayenne pepper

1 cup water (for consistency) 

*In a blender, simply puree these ingredients together. Pour this sauce over noodles, tempeh and kale. Mix well and garnish with scallions. Et voila! Serves 4-5. xoxo Becca

Why I love these ingredients: 
Because tempeh is made from the whole soybean, it contains all of the bean’s naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. This plant-based soy protein has a chewy, grainy consistency that makes it a good substitute for meat in many recipes. 

Modified recipe via Andrea Beaman

PFMs Healthy Living: Make Time

(image via pinterest, text via me)

Yes you can. Do it. Now. 

Read more books.

Make and eat good food.

Take risks.

Experiment with hairstyles. 

Visit wine country.

Dream big.

Spend a rainy day in bed with your sweetheart.
Inspire yourself.

Meditate.

Be adventurous.

Sometimes we just need a little reminder to make time. What's on your list? xoxo Becca

Ask the PFMs: Making a Change - Step #3

Thank yourself for the progress you have made thus far! 

one of the hardest things to do, especially while trying to make a change for the better in your life, is to remain positive.  no matter the type of change, when we let the universe know that we are interested in doing things differently, sometimes it seems like everything and everyone is against us.  it can be extremely frustrating and can even cause many of us to give up on our goal.  that's why my step #3 is to be grateful.  while simple in concept, trust me, i know how hard it is to see the positive when everything around you seems negative.  besides taking baby steps, i encourage you to be happy with your progress.  it is easy to look at your goal and criticize how far you are from it.  instead of being your own worst critic, relish in the small victories.  pat yourself on the back for making a salad; it's one salad closer to eating healthy.  celebrate losing one pound; it's one pound closer to your goal weight.  applaud yourself for getting back on the horse; yesterday is just that and today is a new day.  thank yourself for your commitment you because, even for that alone,  you have already become a newer you.  congratulations! xo Sesheta

Ask the PFMs: Making a Change - Step #2

now that you have established your goal (see step #1 here), the easiest thing you can do to start incorporating healthy eating is to think green.  this is Step #2.  adding more green foods (especially raw - like in salads) to your diet can help to literally bring more life into your lifestyle.  it is also the simplest way to make a change that won't leave you feeling like you are missing something, especially if the thought of eliminating foods makes you cringe and has kept you from making changes.  here are some quick ways of getting your daily dose of green foods:

1. adding a salad to every dinner - you can find salad fixings all cut-up or pre-washed in your local market, like the salads from Earthbound Farm Organics, for an easy way to throw together a yummy salad.  add your favorite dressing (we love Annie's Goddess dressing) and you are on your way! (hint - if you are trying to lose weight, eat salad first so there's less room for other stuff.)
2. veggie snacks - stick some broccoli, cucumbers or snap peas in a baggie with a side of some dressing as your dip (Goddess dressing is perfect for dipping!!). now your veggies are ready for on-the-go snacking.  
3. green food powder supplements - so you still aren't ready to eat more veggies.  start acclimating your taste-buds by mixing green food powder supplements such as Green Vibrance into a morning smoothie.  loaded with such super foods as spirulina and chlorella, this ensures you will get a dose of green energy without much effort.

as you start to get used to having more green foods in your everyday diet, you can slowly start to increase the amount of veggies (and fruits) and then begin to decrease what you are trying to eliminate.  for example, if you are trying to eliminate carbs, using salad as your "rice" to accompany protein and veggies is a stress-free way to jump start weight loss.  

questions?  remember to shoot us an email at any time if you have specific questions or need us to clarify anything you've seen here.  xo Sesheta

Ask the PFMs: Making a Change - Step #1

Photo Credits

there must be something in the air - maybe the cooler weather and shorter days - that serves as a sign to our bodies that change is in order.  i know i have been feeling the change in the air and it may be what my friend was feeling when he decided to "Ask the PFMs" for  assistance in changing up his diet.  though he isn't necessarily trying to become vegetarian or vegan, he was looking for ways to eat healthier.  he mentioned that he had started working out again and that this was part of an ultimate plan to generally be healthier.  it was also inspired by him often feeling tired.  does this sounds like you?  are you looking to make a change for the better?  well, i decided to share some of the tips that i told my friend with you, in case you have been wanting to do something but haven't figured out where to start.  

Today is step #1 and the tip for today is:

what is your goal? 

this may seem like a simple question but if you really start thinking about it more, you will see that it can really make or break your success.  take the time to examine what your purpose is for making a change.  have you been considering transitioning to vegetarian or vegan and decided this is the time?  are you just looking to lose some unwanted weight or simply would like to detox?  or maybe, like my friend, you are looking to incorporate some healthier choices into your everyday.  setting the intention for what you are trying to achieve is an important part of feeling and seeing a difference.  i challenge you to ponder this question and then write your goal down.  putting it down on paper will also make it more real for you and express your intention to the universe.  post your goal near your mirror or set a reminder with it on your phone so that you can renew your purpose to fulfill your goal every day.  once you have completed this step, you'll be ready for step #2 (coming soon). 

keep a look out for these Making a Change posts to continue gathering some easy first steps to making changes to your diet and your lifestyle. xo Sesheta

PFMs on the Town: Green Glam at Fashion Week

 

There's a craving I get every so often and surprisingly it has nothing to do with the latest recipe or handbag. It's a longing to get together with like-minded people who want to celebrate and share mutual passions...anyone else with me? So, when I was invited to the Green Glam Fashion Week Tweetup there wasn't a doubt in my mind that I would end up joining the party.

Hosted by 4 green beauty and fashion experts (including our friend and Eco-beauty goddess Rebecca Casciano) the event was a meeting of the green beauty-savvy minds...we bonded over our shared love of all things healthy and stylish. The boutique-like setting of Organic Avenue's Space of LOVE* was the perfect spot to sip fresh green juice and swap good vibes with dozens of other beauties. I met many amazing women from a variety of industries (can't wait to get together with them again) and had the chance to introduce my girl Jazmin to the awesome world of green beauty. Plus, we took home a sweet swag bag full of healthy treats! Looking chic and enjoying beautifying foods while spreading the message that vibrant health starts on the inside...now that's an ideal night spent during NY Fashion Week!

If you are inspired to be in the know about the next green beauty event in the New York area, I encourage you click the links above to follow or tweet any (or all) of those lovely ladies mentioned previously. Feeling like you want to empower yourself to make healthier choices in life, but don't know where to start? Of course you can always Ask the PFMs! This is just the beginning of a growing movement towards natural, healthy, and stylish living that is anything but boring. As green beauty-fashion-wellness enthusiasts, Sesheta and I are so proud to be setting a hot trend that can become an incredible lifestyle if you let it. xoxo Becca

*images via Rebecca Casciano, Jon Gordon, and MavenFresh

PFMs Healthy Living - Renewal through juicing

photo credits

i have been more than a little stressed lately.  with my boys back in school and strict routines back in play, i find that i am being pulled in more than three directions all at one time.  i have a feeling that, though i feel like it's just me, i'm not the only one being stretched to the limit.  most of us, when stressed, prefer to eat sweets or grab a cocktail to help "unwind".  i am no exception.  there are many junk food items that still qualify as vegan not to mention my love of wine and beer!  ...and though i may not let myself go past a certain point, there were many signs that it was time for a change. 

though i am a huge advocate of fasting, embarking on a true fast (juices and raw foods only) has not been attractive to me for a while.  i know for a fact that fasts are only doable when both your desire and mind are in the right place.  well, i can't say that i am ready for a fast, but i am ready for creating change by starting with diet.  i realize that right now, i can only handle baby steps but sometimes baby steps are all you need.  my first step was to start adding fresh vegetable juices to my everyday.  finding time in my already packed morning (or any part of the day) has always been my excuse as to why i haven't pulled out my juicer earlier.    i went to pull it out and dust it off (yes, it had been that long - i'd rather purchase a juice than do it myself lol) and wrapped my mind around that this was one thing i had to do for me.  ...so with my knowledge as well as my new found desire  (and help from Trader Joe's - fresh organic veggies at reasonable prices), i have been juicing to start my day.  i have also made all three of my boys drink some so that they get used to having it more often;  it is the perfect way to bring in the fall season and prevent early illness!   

i know that juicing isn't the solution to world peace or anything (or is it??) but, i do believe that maybe with a clearer body, i'll have a clearer mind.  then maybe i can channel some clear messages for how to make life a little easier.  who knows... either way, i know it starts with me and i have definitely renewed how important taking care of me is - first and foremost.  i'll keep you posted!  xo Sesheta

PFMs Healthy Living: New Beginnings

I think this letter speaks volumes about setting your intentions to show a little more love and appreciation to the body that you have. What would your letter say to that sweet bod you've got? These past few weeks had me thinking a lot about inner strength and being thankful for who I am and what makes me, me- particularly with my latest endeavor laid out ahead.  

I have some exciting news to share...I'm on the path to creating a new biz as a Holistic Health Coach! For those of you who don't know, I've always had an interest in nutrition and enjoy sharing this knowledge with those around me. Motivated by my health-conscious upbringing, my struggle with chronic disease, my genuine love of healthy food and my desire to help guide people toward elevated wellness, I officially committed to a formal training program! I'm currently enrolled at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition™ where I will earn a certification in July 2013. I will continue to bring you inspiration right here...but stay tuned because my goal is to combine my passion for fashion-filled healthy living with my education and ultimately be (happily) counseling others around food and lifestyle choices. 

I look forward to sharing my journey to wellness with you. We should all be given the tools to become our healthiest, most sparkly selves! And a big thank you in advance for your support. xoxo Becca 

*photo via http://thatkindofwoman.tumblr.com/

*text via Integrative Nutrition by Joshua Rosenthal

PFMs Healthy Living: So I Married a Meat-Eater

Here's the reoccurring scenario: my husband and I are at an engagement party, a baptism, an end-of-summer BBQ...and an acquaintance leans in to me with a hushed whisper and asks with fear in her voice "So, do you always have to make two separate meals?"

It's a burning question that seems to be on many people's minds. Why? Must be because I'm a life-long vegetarian who recently started living a gluten-free and vegan lifestyle, and somehow my (gasp) meat-eating man and I manage to exist together! When my hubby Nick had announced our pending engagement to his parents, his father asked "How is this going to work?" Nick was confused, thinking he was referring to our different religions (a total non-issue) but his wise-guy response was "I meant because she's a vegetarian!"

All kidding aside, I completely understand how it sounds like an impossible feat. We've been married 3 years and never had one single argument over our choice of food. We are both self-proclaimed foodies who share a passion for travel, wine country, and Italian restaurants in NYC. We actually enjoy grocery shopping together and get inspired to come up with new dishes...Nick's Tofu Tacos are the s*it! We've been together 8 years and we never run out of things to talk about. He keeps me worrying less, laughing more, and always inspired. But it's true- he eats meat and I do not...and yet we still fell in love.

I do realize that I'm luckier than most non-meat eaters. From the time that we moved in together, we found a way to happily coexist with our individual eating habits; things just fell into place naturally without any formal discussion or planning. It's like I'm married to an "at-home-vegetarian." Seriously, the only time that you would ever find meat at our place would be during the summer. That's because burger nights on the BBQ are so easy-peasy...veggie burger for me, hamburger for him. The rest of the year, we happily share the same delicious,  meat-free meals and then share our opinions on them afterwards...isn't that the best part? Making two separate meals was never even a thought; what I really love about our relationship is that we both like to cook, and ironically some weeks Nick is making more dinners than I am! 

We found favorite restaurants that satisfy both of our cravings...going out for Japanese is a treat for the two of us. As for vegan restaurants- Champs' Sweet & Smokey black bean burgers pretty much rocked his world. Don't get me wrong, when we do eat out it's almost guaranteed that Nick will be ordering duck or pork if available, but how can I judge his individual eating habits when he clearly does not judge mine? He's a fairly healthy omnivore- not really into fast-food, sugars, or refined carbs. Then I immersed him in a world of plant-based foods that he fell for: green smoothies, tofu cutlets, salads with hemp seed, homemade granola from my mom, quinoa with chickpeas...and all this yummy goodness has slowly crowded out the desire for meat. As a bonus, my hubby's come to find out that there's definitely an improvement in energy levels and digestion with a diet high in veggies!

 "Mixed-food relationships" can work without either of you sacrificing your values or your choices. Here are some tips I've learned along the way...put 'em into practice with your significant other:

Don't judge or lecture. It might be tempting, but you won't get anywhere by listing the ill-effects of a diet high in meat, milk, sugar, processed foods, etc. Be supportive of each other and the different places that you're in. I had to understand that for him it was a process and doesn't happen overnight. That concept was almost foreign to me, being that I was born into this lifestyle and never felt like I was deprived or missing out on something. Amazingly enough, not ever did Nick judge my diet (or the fact that I've never even had a hot dog!) 

I never once asked my husband to give up meat. You can ask to be open with him/her about the benefits that you find with your way of eating, but don't ever go on the attack, especially when other people are around. For example, family members might not necessarily understand or agree with your views and values and want to chime in on what should be a private convo with you and your sweetheart.

 Add foods in rather than taking foods out. So this may mean brushing up on your cooking skills and whipping up some irresistible vegetarian or vegan fare. Knock their socks off and they will never think meatless dishes are boring again! Eventually with all those tasty veggies and filling whole grains, the cravings for meat will lessen. Who knows, you might just end up with a master vegan chef on your hands if you're lucky! I'm slowly manifesting that... ha ha. xoxo Becca

*photo by Henry Chan

PFM Obsession: Becca's Beauty Fresh Five #1- Fragrance

Since hopping on the green beauty bandwagon, it's been an impulsive couple of weeks full of  sampling, researching, and purchasing a variety of different healthy beauty products. But when it comes to choosing your signature scent, it can be a very personal thing; many ladies (and gents) don't like to stray from what they know and love. 

I've come to realize love is a coconut. Drumroll please...the all-natural organic french perfume brand Honore des Pres has made it to our #1 spot on the Fresh Five Beauty Countdown with their concoction of coconut, vanilla, and coriander. Love Coconut is an intoxicating light coconut fragrance that's so fresh and so clean (clean!) This special mix of 100% natural and certified organic essences lasts like a long-overdue nap on a tropical beach, where you're sipping an icy cocktail and melting your cares away in the heat. It's vacation in a bottle...and I plan on extending mine by using this perfume all year round. 

I hope this countdown inspired you make some changes in the products you use...there is a healthier side to beauty! xoxo Becca

PFM Obsession: Becca's Beauty Fresh Five #2- Hair

image via Spirit Beauty Lounge

Hi beauties! Bringing you #2 on the Fresh Five countdown today...it's time to show some love for your gorgeous locks! I'm a firm believer that your hair is your cheapest accessory (thank you Beth Jones!) and you have plenty of opportunities to use it to your advantage. So we should take good care of it- right? 

Summertime means I'm either fighting frizz or creating beachy waves (usually both at the same time) and I wanted to find an all-natural hair product that can help. After making the conscious decision to green my beauty routine, I discovered the Yarok line of hair care products online at Spirit Beauty Lounge. Yarok means green in Hebrew, and their mission is to make the greatest positive impact on hair and scalp health with the least negative impact on the natural environment. Don't you just love that? The glowing reviews pushed me to try out Yarok Feed Your Roots Volume Enhancing Mousse on my naturally wavy hair. So glad I did! I'm a huge fan of letting my hair air-dry in the summer, and this product has been a lifesaver. I dispense about 2-3 pumps of this lightweight mousse and then use my fingers to squeeze, scrunch and define. My long hair becomes shiny, bouncy, and not at all crunchy. It gives me loose waves that are soft and full of body...no frizz! I've also used it to amp up the volume after my hair was already dry and styled. This is what I consider "hair care"-  a 100% natural plant-based product that actually nourishes my hair, makes it healthier, and *gasp* makes it look good? More please. xoxo Becca

image via

I leave you with this...feel free to share it someone special!

PFM Obsession: Becca's Beauty Fresh Five #3- Body

I've been reading many online articles on healthy beauty lately, in an effort to increase my awareness about the potential harm that can and will result from the use of common beauty products that contain lots of chemicals. If you have any doubts, read this and then let's discuss! It definitely had me thinking about the body's biggest organ- your skin. It's so important...and we should treat it that way! An all-natural exfoliating body scrub is the perfect way to refresh and renew your skin.

via MindBodyGreen

SkinnySkinny Organic Clementine and Clove Body Scrub has become my latest addiction. It has a light and slightly citrusy scent that's mixed with a subtle hint of cloves...a total indulgence that's got summer written all over it!  You will find me looking for any excuse to open the jar and just take a whiff. Made with organic ingredients, and vegan and cruelty-free, this stuff is seriously drool-worthy. Plus my skin has never been softer! Enjoy xoxo Becca

PFM Obsession: Becca's Beauty Fresh Five #4- Eyes

Hello lovely ladies! After learning about all the ill-effects that these toxic cosmetic ingredients can cause, changes are definitely in order! Next up on the green beauty countdown...#4, eyes. My summer makeup routine is usually very simple (read about my love of a bold lip here) but it isn't complete without a basic black eyeliner. I don't think I'm alone on that! So imagine how excited I was to realize that there's an all-natural beauty essential that's affordable and can be found in most drugstores...yes! Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Eyeliner is free of harmful, synthetic chemicals...it's made with Organic Jojoba Seed oil and Beeswax. Backed by rave reviews from the Green Beauty Team, this healthy beauty product has me ditching my (uber-expensive) Chanel eyeliner for good. 

Physcians Formula Organic Wear Eyeliner & Ilia Beauty Neon Angel Lipstick

There are three shades to choose from- I'm loving Black Night Organics, it's black with the most subtle hint of pine green that accentuates your eye color. I'm a big fan, although one recent steamy summer night had me reapplying the creamy line when the temperature hit 100. Overall this eyeliner is gentle, easy to use, and it's been lasting the entire day. More to come... xoxo Becca

PFM Obsession: Becca's Beauty Fresh Five #5- Lips

Get excited, ladies...it's the latest Fresh Five- Green Beauty Edition! I'm counting down my top five favorite beauty products that are not only going to help you look great, they are actually healthy for you and for the environment too.

Sesheta and I recently had the pleasure of attending an event hosted by the Green Beauty Team. We spent an evening learning and celebrating healthy beauty. Inspired by our good friend (and host) Rebecca Casciano, I've been trying to green up my personal beauty routine...one product at a time. Being that I'm so conscious of what I put in my body, why wouldn't I want to be just as aware about what goes on my body? Does this have your mind spinning a bit? Click here for a list of toxic ingredients that has become my new shopping guide. 

The Two Rebeccas! Images c/o Green Beauty Team

Lately Rebecca's been rocking a shade of neon pink lipstick that has me smitten. I got the chance to sample this lil beauty delight at the event (with an amazing makeup pro applying it, no less!) Immediately, I loved the way it looked with my skin tone.  Ilia Beauty Lipstick in Neon Angel is my now my go-to for bold summer lip color...expect to see a lot more of it in future outfit posts! In the most perfect highly pigmented shade of punchy pink, it rivals the best-selling brands at Sephora...and as a bonus- it actually keeps lips moist and smooth. Most importantly, when you are licking your lips you won't be worrying about what your body is absorbing and how it's affecting your health. Find your perfect shade online at Spirit Beauty Lounge...and stay tuned for #4! xoxo Becca

PFMs Healthy Living: LifeFactory Water Bottles

most don't know that i have named myself a water snob; i am one of those people who refuses to drink water that doesn't taste good.  don't get me wrong, i am fully aware that i am a child of privilege, especially when so much of the world is in need of clean drinking water.  i am blessed (or cursed depending on your outlook) to live in the land of plenty.  we have multiple types and brands of water that we can drink in addition to water flowing out of our tap.  while i am not totally sold on the bottled water phenomenon, i do know what tastes good.  that means i do buy bottled water, but i always refill bottles to carry on the go.  ...so here are my reasons for giving Lifefactory bottles a test run.

1. a big part of keeping my water fresh tasting and not stale, is based on what i carry it in.  i have owned a Klean Kanteen for years. my whole family has had them and i still swear by those bottles.  ...but when these babies came on the scene, the idea of using glass was more up my alley.  these bottles by Lifefactory, boast that, in addition to being BPA and toxic material free, they offer the best taste.  
2. glass?? i did have my reservations... i wasn't sure if it was gonna make my bag (even) heavier to carry one around.  not to mention, the chances of breakage with one drop (did i mention how banged up my Klean Kanteen is from multiple drops?).  despite the possible disadvantages, i still wanted to got one.  though i am a water snob, i can be really bad at making sure i get my daily fill.  the main benefit of glass is that i need to see the water going down in my bottle so that i can keep my eye on the prize.  when i can't see the water level, i am more likely to ignore that i haven't emptied the bottle.  i'm hoping the guilt of seeing a full bottle will assist in me being extra hydrated.
3. last but not least, who can resist the fun, colorful silicone covers??  it was hard for me to choose which one to go with.  surprisingly, i was not drawn to my usual fave color purple.  instead, i chose to go with the midnight blue color (see pic above).  i also bagged the 22oz for $19.99 at Wild by Nature out here on LI.  that's a full $2-3 cheaper than i've seen it elsewhere.

so now it remains to be seen how this bottle performs.  i'll keep you posted!! xo sesheta

PFMs Healthy Living: Intentions

Set your intentions. This powerful phrase comes straight from the lips of my Bikram yoga teacher, and I apply it daily. Not only to my yoga practice, (one day I will be able to touch my forehead to the floor) but to my life. Do you have goals that you want to accomplish? Everyone does. Try putting them in writing. Don't hesitate to put your intentions out there in the universe; you will be that much closer to one day reaching your destination...whatever that may be. 

Stewie started with the simplest of intentions: to get out of bed today. He made it halfway, and so I applaud him and his cuteness. All that's needed is purpose and a plan...you'll get there eventually. Here's to a weekend full of best intentions!

PFM Healthy Living: "Growing Power" Revolution - Small Farm Summit 2012 -

this weekend was the 2nd annual Small Farm Summit.  many people are unaware of their "Growing Power" and the "Good Food" revolution happening right around us.  ...but there are others who are reclaiming their right to good food  by starting and/or supporting small farms.  the Small Farm Summit was created in an effort to offer support and recognition of all these people and "to cultivate active community support of sustainable local agriculture"  i had the privilige of attending this summit and the even greater blessing of hearing Will Allen talk about his company, Growing Power, Inc.  i encourage you to follow the links and watch the clip.  it is time to start paying attention to people like Mr. Allen and to events such as the Small Farm Summit.  i have a renewed inspiration to strive for holistic living in my life and to promote it to others as well.  

PFM Healthy Living: A night off

after the second of two incredibly long days at work, the best thing that i can do for myself is give myself the gift of a night off.  wearing all of my different hats can take it's toll and, though i would love to post something fabulous, i am doing what no one else can do - take care of me.  i give you the permission to do the same for yourself.  kick off your shoes, put away the to-do list, say no to work and yes to relaxation.  

with that, i sign off until next time.

xo

sesheta

PFMs Healthy Living: Food Lockdown?

Not sure if y'all are a fan of The Office (personally I love it) but a recent episode made me want to share something important. In it, Darryl was getting all down on himself, explaining that he's never been a lucky guy "Who gets a soy allergy at 35? And why is soy in everything?" This had me laughing, then had me remembering. OK so I am not yet hitting the 35 mark, but I did just recently find out a have a soy sensitivity. And did I mention that I've been a vegetarian my whole life? And that so much of my diet consisted of soy?

I'm sure you know someone with a food allergy, but "food sensitivities" are also quite common and because these reactions are much less violent and dangerous they are potentially more deceptive and often left undiagnosed. I was struggling on and off with migraines, fatigue, weight gain and digestive issues, but it was so easy to just write it off as not getting enough sleep, or just eating a little too much, etc. Since I've always been such a health conscious eater, there may have been some denial that my issues could be food-related. Then I reached a point when I knew it was time to focus on getting answers.*

two of my favorite foods- edamame & tofu

It could mean that something you ate last Friday is causing a headache on Monday. It's very difficult to find out the connections between your symptoms and specific foods, but so worth it to find out! One way of doing so is a food elimination diet, which is a pretty common solution. There are plenty of variations, but here's a simple example: eat clean for seven days, avoiding meat, fish, wheat, citrus fruits, dairy, soy, corn, caffeine, alcohol, bread, eggs, sugars, peanuts, artificial food colorings or preservatives. No packaged foods! Try hard to increase your intake of whole foods, including fruits, grains, vegetables, and protein sources. I made lots of fresh vegetable juices and fruit smoothies. And then on the eighth day begin to introduce foods back in one at a time. It's very important to keep a food journal of what you eat, the way you feel throughout the diet, and any changes in weight. This will get you to connect the dots. Don't forget to pump up the probiotics during and after the elimination diet. It will re-establish the proper balance of healthful bacteria in your intestines which was probably depleted if you have a longtime food sensitivity.
 

i highly recommend this acupuncture office!

With the help of my amazing friend who is an acupuncturist we customized an elimination diet plan that I stuck to for over 30 days. This was also combined with daily Bikram yoga classes, weekly acupuncture sessions, and some Chinese herbs before introducing any potential food culprits back in. I was determined to detox my system and bring it back into a state of balance. I can't begin to tell you how much better I felt; and how bittersweet it was to find out out soy had been the cause of my symptoms. I also realized a few more things about myself along the way...like my body doesn't really love dairy. Or gluten. And I don't always need to drink wine with dinner. Ha. But hey- all in moderation, right? I am taking a much-needed break from soy, but may try to reintroduce it in a year or so. In the meantime I have so many other delicious options to choose from, and I learned a few tricks along the way. Who needs soy milk in a cappuccino when you have coconut milk? Seriously. Side note: I've developed a strong love of rice pasta. (And breakfast smoothies with a handful of spinach.) Sure I most likely will have lots of questions about the menu when we go out to eat in a restaurant, but that's fine with me. Having to be creative with food choices can bring delicious results, so just go for it...you can only get healthier and feel happier. I have a big ol' food journal full of unique recipes and positive reactions to prove it.

* Disclaimer: a 30 day elimination diet is likely to cause weight loss, clear skin, heightened energy, and decreased stress levels. Be prepared for good things! If you have questions about any of the above suggestions, don' t hesitate to ask.  As with any health advice, please consult your health practitioner(s) to prepare a plan that best suits you.