The Tasty Ingredient Proven to Lift Your Mood!

There is an ingredient so powerful, so healthy and so full of antioxidants that it has been scientifically proven to not only provide your body with: decreased blood pressure and improved cholesterol levels, but it is also proven to lift your mood! (Probably because it helps you to no longer worry about certain health issues).

What is this magical ingredient you ask? It's Cocoa (yup--the kind that chocolate is made of).

A women's Day article states, "According to researchers, cocoa contains theobromine & Phenethylamine-- plant compounds that raise your body's production of mood-elevating brain chemicals."

Cocoa is a powerhouse of feel-good (and taste-good) compounds which- if enjoyed on a regular basis- can have intense health benefits.

However, the best way to ensure that you are getting what you need is to consume the 'good' stuff. Meaning instead of purchasing that beloved Milk Chocolate bar go for the 'Dark' Chocolate one (which contains more of the feel-good chemicals & their health benefits).

However, if you're not a 'chocolate eater' (like myself)- you can receive these benefits in other ways. For example, it may sound silly but I'll devour a cup of Hot coco, but if someone were to offer me a Hersey's bar- I'd look at them sideways. For those special people (like me) you can opt to reap these benefits via a variety of tasty and healthy drinks (and just in time for summer)!

Try This out for starters:

Aja's CoCo-LoCo Snack Drink
- 2 cups Ice
- 2 cups Rice Milk (or whatever kind of milk you like)
- 1/2 cup Organic Vanilla Yogurt
- 2 scoops Cocoa Powder (Unsweetened)
- 2 scoops of Whey protein
- Dash of Cinnamon
- Pinch of Nutmeg
*A Tbsp or two of Brown sugar- if needed*

Combine ingredients in blender-Top with some homemade whip cream (optional)
& Enjoy! (Makes 4 servings)

Spring Cleaning? Save Money/Help the Planet!

Yesterday was officially the first full day of spring (thank goodness-the wonderful weather should be soon to follow!) therefore many of you may be getting ready for the very necessary ‘spring cleaning’!

Spring cleaning is a great way to air out an old, dusty home that hasn’t seen fresh air since early fall; purge old items that take up space and are of not much use and do a little redecorating to add that splash of spring/summer ambiance to your home.

However, the introduction of spring is also a great time to ‘green your home’. Going green is becoming easier than ever as more companies are making it more convenient by supplying us with the necessary products and know how.

Now, I know ‘going green’ isn’t everyone’s thing. Some people still don’t get the idea - although there are many resources that explain why it is so necessary in our day to day lives. Besides, going green can benefit more than the air quality, the water value and the types of food your family consumes; it can also benefit your pockets! (I know everyone understands/relates to that).

Check out this article to see how you can save money, help the planet and boosts your personal quality of life by ‘greening your home’ for spring.

The Sweetest & Healthiest Fruit Choice

As spring approaches we are starting to see a lot more fruit choices becoming available, though it has been my observation that most of these choices don’t look too appealing. However, there has been one type of fruit that not only smells delicious (as one walks past it in the aisles) but also proves itself by tasting delicious as well; it’s Citrus Fruit. Now at its peak, citrus fruits (namely Grapefruits, Oranges & Clementines) are the juiciest and sweetest fruits on the shelves at present (and carries a pretty low price tag considering).

Other than their desirable sweet taste, citrus fruits play a bigger role (especially during this ‘transitional’ time of year). First, the smell of citrus (particularly during drab times of the year) sends ‘feel good’ waves to our brain resulting in both physical and mental well being; the therapeutic reaction to the smell of citrus fruit is just as potent as treating yourself to an aromatherapy treatment with citrus essential oils. The fragrance has been proven to lift one’s mood, energize and relieve stress. If that’s not enough reason to up your daily intake here are a few more:

-        May prevent certain diseases (with regular consumption)

-        Great source of Vitamin C & Potassium

-        Protects eyesight & Aides in digestion

-        Prime source of Antioxidants
         (known to fight harmful effects of free radicals & keep skin youthful)

-        Good source of Dietary Fiber

For more information on these wonderful fruits and their positive impact on your health & overall well being, please check out these websites:

http://www.fao.org/docrep/x2650t/x2650t03.htm

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/daily-dose-potassium

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5800837_benefits-citrus-fruits_.html

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth--Naturally (and w/ added health benefits)

I love making sweet tea, lemonade and adding a little touch of sugar to cream of rice or oatmeal; but I’m also not a huge fan of white sugar (as it’s over-processed) and sometimes I want something different from the raw brown sugar that I normally use. So, I recently came across an article on how to satisfy your sweet tooth—naturally & with added health benefits.

1.       Honey- Probably the most obvious alternative, this sweetener contains antioxidants with proven immunity boosting, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and more recently proved-anticancer properties. “Research has show that it’s bioflavonoids block carcinogens and laboratory test have confirmed that honey can shrink tumors”-Jonny Bowden, PH.D. & author of The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth.  Try using local raw honey. I like the Really Raw Honey brand (which can be found in Deans & Whole Foods). 

2.        Molasses- Your grandma may be more familiar with this old-fashioned sweetener, but it still holds the same perks today as it did then. Molasses is packed with Iron, Manganese & copper- three minerals that boost oxygen & naturally flushes fat & toxins from the system and therefore providing you with more energy! I like to mix a tablespoon of black strap molasses with some warm milk before bed-I think it’s better than a cup of hot coco. 

3.       Coconut Palm Sugar- This is a new one to me; this sugar tastes similar to brown sugar but is made from the nectar of the coconut palm tree.  Since it has a low glycemic index it helps to stabilize your blood sugar while improving glucose & lipid levels in people with Type 1 & Type 2 diabetes. It’s also high in both Vitamins B & C which provide you with energy & help to boost your immune system.  Coconut Palm Sugar can be found in Health food stores & is a great alternative when baking- as 1cup of regular sugar can be substituted for 1cup Coconut Palm Sugar without compromising your recipe. The Sweet Tree brand can be found at most Whole Foods.

This list is proof that just because you live a healthier lifestyle doesn't mean that taste or nutrition has to suffer. I certainly don't indulge in sweets the way I used to (before I knew better) but when I do want a little sugary-goodness, one of these options will definitely get the job done! Enjoy.

Natural Chica's 'The Big Chop Files'



*Photo Credit: Natural Chica



I recently discovered a new site by the Natural Chica herself, Nikki Mae, called ‘The Big Chop Files’.

It’s a cute site that caters directly to those who have BC’d or who are contemplating it.  It’s a great place to find out why others went natural, see their progress and to be inspired. .

If you haven’t cut it all off yet, then this is a great place to start and if you have then you can use this forum as a place to share YOUR Big Chop story. CLICK HERE to be featured & share your story!