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The Benefits Of “Getting Healthy” May Go Further Than You Think

by, Danielle Stein

In the media today, proper nutrition is seen as something that is necessary to be “healthy”, right? But what does this mean? What is “health” and what is it all about? Today, I want to take a moment and write to you about WHY getting healthy is not only about “looking good”, “beating cancer” or “avoiding diabetes”.  It is about SO much more than that. For some, those things are not enough. Maybe you like the way you look and you’re comfortable with your weight- that is fabulous! Perhaps cancer and other diseases seem unrealistic at this point in your life and you don’t want to live your life looking into the future, but in the present moment and that’s OK too! However, what you may not realize is just how much you can be affected by proper nutrition and wellness; A.K.A. taking care of yourself. The list below demonstrates this and I welcome you to take a read so that you have all the info. You may be surprised by some of the outcomes that are listed.

Benefits to “getting healthy” include, but are not limited to:

  • Skin that glows
  • Whiter/brighter eyes
  • Healthier gums
  • Whiter teeth
  • Improved levels of collagen elastin (a.k.a. less wrinkles, wrinkle prevention)
  • Cleared acne (leaving you with more time to sleep in the morning/a shorter makeup routine)
  • More energy
  • A clearer mind (leaving you with more success in life)
  • Lower levels of stress
  • Improved cognitive function &  focus
  • Improved digestion
  • Improved recovery rates from work outs, illnesses & physical ailments
  • A stronger immune system
  • Higher levels of self-esteem
  • Higher levels of self-worth
  • Reversed infertility
  • Ability to be more grateful & appreciate life
  • Intuitively understand what foods your body wants/needs
  • Control cravings
  • Control PMS symptoms
  • Control your daily mood
  • Oh yeah, and you’ll save money on doctor’s bills and can spend that money on smaller jeans. ;)

There truly are so many benefits to “getting healthy”. This is a list of only some of the main effects of taking care of yourself with proper nutrition. As you can see, they’re pretty much endless! What’s stopping you? Make the rest of your life, the best of your life, starting today! 

If you are interested in personalized assistance regarding your health & wellbeing, contact me today to schedule a complimentary health consultation. 

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Contest: Win a FREE Juicer

Come join me (@_daniellestein_) and the fabulous @yogella on Instagram (free app) for your chance to win a FREE JUICER!

WIN A FREE JUICER:  Starting Saturday, May 4th @yogaella and I will be hosting a juice & clean eating contest for 7 days! Tune in for 1 daily juice & 1 clean eating meal or dessert recipe each day of the contest. YOU could be the winner of this fabulous vitamin squeezing machine by Brevillle.

Grocery shopping list for all recipes will be posted the day before the contest begins (May 3rd).

RULES:
  1. Get your friends to join by tagging them in the comments below. The more the merrier. Winner must have at least liked or commented on this photo.
  2. On May 4th 2013, start juicing and eating clean! Post your pics and ingredients with hashtag #myjuice
  3. Make sure to not only hashtag but also tag both me @_daniellestein_ and the fabulous @yogella in your pics!
  4. The winner will be chosen based on creativity of ingredients and use of the provided recipes so have fun!
Get ready to start bikini/speedo shopping! We’re getting fit for summer! Can’t wait to start juicing! #myjuice
  • START: Saturday May 4th, 20313
  • END: Friday May 10th, 2013
  • WINNER receives: one Breville Juicer and recognition for their hard work!
Happy posting! xoxo
If you are interested in personalized assistance with your health & wellness, I invite you to contact me to schedule a complimentary consultation. 
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Inspired Grain-Free Pumpkin Bars

Inspired and originally created by the wonderful: Detoxinista

I don’t know about you, but I’m crazy about anything pumpkin. Especially when they’re guilt-free. I know it isn’t pumpkin season here in America, but I decided to make these anyway and I’m so glad that I did!

These pumpkin delights are dairy-free, sugar-free, gluten-free and grain-free.

They’re the perfect dessert, afternoon snack or post workout pick-me-up as they are filled with healthy fats, protein and starch and loads of vitamins and minerals.

Pumpkin health benefits include:

  • Vitamin A which supports cell reproduction (youthful skin), healthy bones, enhanced vision, a strong immune system
  • Vitamin K for help with blood clots & osteoporosis
  • Vitamin C for tissue repair and immunity
  • Vitamin E for fighting disease-causing free radicals in the body
  • High antioxidant count
  • Minerals such as; potassium, iron, calcium, copper, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc
  • High in fiber which helps lower cholesterol

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (fresh or BPA-free, organic canned)
  • 1/2 cup raw almond butter
  • 1/3 cup raw honey
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp organic vanilla extract (not the kind with corn syrup please)
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp. ginger spice
  • 1/4 tsp. sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • Some raw pecans added in is amazing if you like nuts 

Method:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
  • Mix all ingredients together in a medium sized bowl until smooth and delicious (I recommend taste-testing to get the flavor just the way you want it!)
  • Grease an 8×8 pan with coconut oil
  • Pour mixture in and cook for 20-30 minutes
  • Once cool, enjoy!

xoxo, Danielle

Do you need some extra guided help with your health and wellness? I invite you to contact me so we can set up a complimentary consultation.

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The Power of Greens

by, Danielle Stein

There are so many reasons to ♥ Greens! By “greens”, I mean green vegetables. The dark, leafy ones especially. Think kale, spinach, collards, bok choy, swiss chard, broccoli, etc. Greens are the #1 food group missing in the western diet today and ironically the most important. I can’t recommend a specific serving amount to eat because you should eat as much as possible! This is the only food group I would suggest ditching moderation. Everything else has its daily limit. Try having a green smoothie in the morning with yummy fruit (find recipes here) and a side salad before lunch and dinner to maximize your intake.

You may have already heard from my preaching on my Facebook page that they are:

~beautifying~

~uber-healthy~

& give you tons of

~energy~

~glowing skin~

and ~strong nails~

What else could there be? This is all true but, I want you to understand their benefits on a deeper level…

  • They strengthen the blood and respiratory system
  • They help filter out pollutants (especially handy for those in more urban areas)
  • They are high in Vitamins A, C, E and K
  • They are high in Potassium, Magnesium, Zinc, Phosphorus, Calcium and Iron
  • They are high in fiber, folic acid, chlorophyll and tons of micronutrients and phytochemicals
  • They can improve your circulation
  • The can help strengthen your immune system
  • They can help clear congestion (for example in your lungs by reducing mucus!)
  • They can help improve liver function
  • They can help promote kidney function

So eat up and stay healthy & beautiful!

xoxo, Danielle

For personalized guidance with your health and wellness, I invite you to contact me today so we can schedule your complimentary consultation.

Pic Source.

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Introducing: Summah from A Natural Connection

summah 4

I am so excited to introduce you all to my dear friend, Summah! I met Summah through studying at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. I felt an instant bond with her and feel so grateful to have her in my life. She is such an inspiration and the epitome of health. Below, learn all about Summah, her journey from party girl to inspirational health advocate & meditation teacher,  A Natural Connection, her faves and her recipe for Brazil Cacao Cake.

Please tell us about yourself:

Hi I am summah and I am the founder of A Natural Connection. I am a holistic health coach, meditation teacher and nutritionist in training. I live and work on the south coast of NSW with my fiancé, 4 horses, 2( soon to be 3!) dogs, 2 cats and 3 chooks.

 

How did A Natural Connection come about? What was your inspiration?

After going through a lot of personal change and really seeking online support, I saw a niche and decided to go for it! It is a blast, and my inspirations are the people I connect with every day on the blog and Facebook page.

 What goes on over at A Natural Connection?

The Facebook page is where we have the conversations. Someone will PM me a personal question that they require guidance with and I post it to the community. The replies are so beautiful, and we have created a support system of women. The website is for my blog posts and sharing information. Both are very dear to me.

 What does health and wellness mean to you?

Health and wellness means my body keeping up with my mind so that I can live the life that I desire. There is no point in being slim and toned if you are mentally sluggish and unhappy,

 What did your life look like before you started your journey to health and wellness?

I was a drunk, overweight, acne and piles of baggage all around me. My life was a maze of boozing, binge eating, lashing out at those around me and playing the victim. What a change!

 What is your favorite part of the life you lead today?

The promise of a new adventure Every.Single.Day ! And sharing it with the love of my life :)

 What are some of the daily rituals you practice?

Connections with my fiancé and animals. Meditation every morning and plenty of time outside.

 What are your non-negotiables?

organic food. Anyone who eats organic will tell you that there is a WORLD of difference. The feeling being mindful of what you place into your body/temple is addictive.

 What do you do for fun/for you?

Kayaking, anything on or near the water, reading non study books on womens wellness and personal development, TV series like The Walking Dead and playing with my animals. I also really enjoy lifting weights and challenging myself.

 A lot of people have a hard time staying healthy when they aren’t in the comfort of their own home. How do you keep your balance while traveling or eating out?

Prepare ladies prepare. It can be a pain, I know, but it is SO worth it. For e.g., as I type I have a granola in the oven, quinoa soaking, and pumpkin in my convection oven so that tomorrow when I am on the road I can enjoy a quinoa warm salad and granola as a snack with fresh fruit. My water bottles are made up, Im having a huge smoothie for brekky and dinner will be a fresh salad. It is possible, just create the time and make it a priority.

What is your #1 tip for living a truly balanced, healthful life full of vitality?

Put yourself first, and everyone will win!

Favorites:

Place? With my horses or my family

Book? You can heal your life by Louise Hay or Womens Bodies, Womens Wisdom Chris Northdrup

Magazine? Wellbeing or Nature & Health!

Music? Nahko, Il Divo, No use for a name… eclectic I know but I’m a punk rocker from way back

Meal? Right now I cannot get enough of my chilli pasta! ( this will be posted this week! )

Season? All of them

Guilty pleasure? Lingerie!!! I am addicted!

Beauty Tip: Scrub your insides as well,  Water and greens baby!

Recipe: Cacao Brazil Cake

  • 1 cup of cacao
  • 1 cup of GF flour/ Nut meal ( if using nut meal, you may need a little more coconut cream)
  • 1 cup of coconut sugar
  • 1 cup of coconut cream ( full fat )
  • 1/2 a cup of water
  • 2 tbspn coconut oil
  • 1/4 tspn of celtic salt
  • 1 tspn Cinnamon
  • Dessicated Coconut
  • Brazil Nuts, crushed into large pieces
  • Preheat oven to 180 degrees.
  • Mix ingredients ( except the dessicated coconut )until they are well combined and you have a lovely batter to drool over.
  • Place into pan, muffin tray whatever you are using! Sprinkle the coconut on top, and bake for 30mins.
  • The texture should still be moist in the middle, and leave your knife dirty when inserted. There are no raw eggs in this recipe, we want that gooeyness!
  • Remove from oven and place in the refridgerator to cool.
  • Trust me, the flavour will be SO much better and texture more mudcakey once its cold!
  • Serve cold with vegan whipped cream and a sprinkly of berries/crushed nuts

Note. You can play around with this recipe SO much. To date, I have made peppermint mudcake muffins, decadent brownies with roasted coconut flakes, added berries to the mix for a richer version and added chia seeds, pepitas, sunflower seeds and topped it with quinoa flakes for a strange choccy crumble. YUM!

You can connect with Summah here:

A Natural Connection

Facebook page 

Instagram: @summahprovost

 

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DIY: Detox Bath

by, Danielle Stein

Tonight, detoxify and slip into deep relaxation with this bath mixture. Afterwards your feelings of exhaustion and fatigue will disappear and you’ll only be left with relaxation. You will feel fabulous!

Pic Source.

You need:

  • 1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 cup Epsom Salt
  • 5-10 drops (…depending on how sensitive your skin is, about 7 is perfect for most of us) of doTERRA’s Serenity Essential Oil Blend. It’s a calming blend with Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, Roman Chamomile, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood & Vanilla, or use whatever essential oil you have on hand. You can buy essential oils right here!

Why?

  • Apple Cider Vinegar: It’s an amazing way to detoxify through the skin and will also make you wonderfully soft. And don’t worry, the smell won’t carry.
  • Epsom Salt: Does a number of wonderful things, such as; relieves stress, softens skin and soothes muscles. How can you go wrong?
  • doTERRA’s Serenity Essential Oil Blend: “Stress is a major contributor to illness and disease, in fact, it is estimated that more than 90% of all visits to health care professionals are related to stress. Serenity is a blend composed of individual oils with known calming properties which create a sense of well-being and relaxation. Lavender, sweet marjoram, roman chamomile, ylang ylang, sandalwood and vanilla bean create a subtle aroma ideal for aromatic diffusion or topical application. Applied to the bottom of the feet at bedtime, dōTERRA®’s Serenity is an excellent way to promote restful sleep. Added to a warm bath Serenity creates the perfect escape with its peaceful, renewing fragrance. For topical or aromatic use.” You can buy this amazing product here.

Method:

  • Fill up your tub with the water as hot as you can stand it
  • Throw in your ingredients
  • Relax for about 20 minutes, rinse off in the shower and voila you’re done! Afterwards, get cozy and melt into a peaceful slumber.

Side note: Please make sure to hydrate before and after your bath…

For added affect: Add rose petals to the water for more fragrance, skin softening and beauty & light some non-toxic candles…

For more information on how you can detoxify and improve you health, contact me so we can schedule a complimentary consultation

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Miracle 3-Ingredient Cake

I was blown away by this cake the first time I made it. Only 3 ingredients and SO delicious! Moist, flavorful and the best part is you can play around with it. Add in coconut flakes, berries, raisons, dried cranberries, homemade raw dark chocolate, nuts, you name it! I LOVE it just like this though. It is filled with lots of healthy protein & fats, is combined perfectly and oh-so simple.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup organic, natural peanut butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 2  1/2 Tbsp. raw honey (Must be raw otherwise it defeats the whole purpose. Read more about why here in this post.) 

Method:

  • Set oven to 350 F
  • Combine ingredients
  • Place in baking pan, grease with virgin coconut oil
  • Bake 20 minutes 

Eat for dessert, before or post workout- perfect for any occasion!

Enjoy!

xoxo, Danielle

Like this recipe? Don’t forget to share it with someone else who will too!

 

For more nutritional guidance, contact me today and receive a complimentary consultation.