Going Green - No Poo

I have joined the "no poo" bandwagon!!!  For those of you who do not know what that is....it does not have to do with BM's.  ;)  No poo refers to the lack of use of traditional shampoo.

Our house is constantly getting "greener."  From cleaning supplies to personal care products to growing our own food, we are always educating ourselves, ridding our lives of chemicals and getting back to the basics.

I have had a long battle with shampoo and trying to find one that does not irritate my skin.  I have tried pretty much every organic, sulfate-free product on the market.  While some will start out okay, they eventually start causing my neck, back and scalp to breakout.  I was skeptical when I first heard of the "no poo" movement.  In fact, it took me a few weeks to actually try it.  Well, I must say.....I am hooked!  I love it!  My hair has more volume and is less greasy than ever!  (I have very fine hair).  Plus no more breakouts!  Another bonus...it is much more affordable!

(Picture after my first day No-Poo)

No poo is washing your hair with baking soda and using Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) as your rinse (conditioner/de-tangler).  I pour 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda into a small dish I keep in my shower.  When I get in the shower I add water (about equal parts) to the dish and mix with my finger.  (I make it fresh each time I wash my hair.  It only takes a minute).  Then I lean my head back and pour the mixture over my hair.  I work the gritty mix (the texture takes a little getting used to especially since we are used to super foaming washes) around my scalp and hair and let it sit for a minute or so.  Then I rinse the baking soda mixture from my hair with water.  Next, I pour a little ACV into the same dish, add equal parts water, lean my head back, pour the mixture over my hair from root to tip and rinse.

It takes a few washes to "detox" your hair, but once it is clean the results are amazing!  Give it a try and let me know what you experience.

Check out my other posts in the "Going Green" Series:
Going Green - Homemade Toothpaste
Going Green - Creating a Non-toxic Kitchen - Products I Love
Going Green - Homemade Non-toxic Household Cleaners

Enjoy and healthy regards!

Homemade Healthy Cereal

(Mommy and Me Cereal)

When I first began my whole foods lifestyle and cut out packaged foods, I simply stopped eating cereal.  However, many of my clients have been asking me for an alternative to their packaged, sugary, unhealthy cereals.  Ah, a mission!  I have finally created my own delicious, healthy, homemade, kid-approved cereal.  Emerson (21 months) ate 2 (child-sized) bowls and was still asking for more this morning. :)

This cereal is chalked full of antioxidants, Omega-3's, fiber, protein, and many more vitamins and minerals varying upon the chosen ingredients.  (To learn more about Omega-3's read my Omega-3 blog post here).

The basic formula is:
2-3 tablespoons of Organic Ground Flaxseeds
A sprinkling of Chia Seeds
2 nut variaties of your choice
2 organic fruits of your choice
Superfood (optional)
Topped with the milk of your choice

For example, in today's cereal I used ground flaxseeds, chia seeds, almonds, pecans, strawberries and blueberries with unsweetened almond milk.  (Feel free to add any "extras" you might enjoy.  For example, dried fruits, goji berries, pumpkin seeds and unsalted organic sunflower seeds are some options I find tasty...I use them on different days....not in the same bowl of cereal).

UPDATE 6.5.13: I recently started adding bee pollen to my cereal.  This amazing superfood assists in ailments from allergies to cancer to infertility and "contains all the essential components of life".  For more information on this incredible food go to: http://www.mercola.com/article/diet/bee_pollen.htm

The ground flaxseeds give it the cereal texture while the chai seeds add a nice seedy texture.  I encourage you to play around with it to find your favorite variety.  Enjoy!!

For more delicious and healthy recipes click below:  

Amazing Almond Butter Smoothie

Low Glycemic Dairy Free Ice Cream

Green Green Juice 

Gluten Free Chicken Nugget Recipe

Low Glycemic Index Smoothie Recipe (with greens)

Healthy, veggie-packed meatballs - gluten and dairy free

Healthy Regards!

THRIVE

Eat More Artichokes

(Picture of Emerson enjoying artichoke)

Did you know that artichokes are a super food?  We love artichokes and have them available in our house whenever we can find ripe ones at the store.  Artichokes are one of Emerson's favorite foods!  

Why are artichokes good for you?  Artichokes are a great source of Vitamin C and folate.  They are also heart healthy.  Artichokes are full of fiber, anti-oxidants, Vitamin K and B-Complex.  They even have healthful minerals like magnesium, potassium, iron and calcium.  If that is not enough, Dr. Sears has even ranked artichokes among his top vegetables and family foods for their protein, phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals.

While they take some time to prepare, they are delicious and fun to eat!!  You can grill them, steam them or bake them.  For ease, we usually steam them.  Simply steam them for about 30-45 minutes until the leaves easily pull from the artichoke.  To eat scrape the meat from the leaf with your teeth.  Emerson loves eating these...it is so fun!  Then, of course, you cut them open and eat the hearts.  

This Memorial Day serve up some artichokes as an appetizer for your family.

YUM!!

Sources: livestrong.com, nutritionandyou.com, askdrsears.com