Sensual Food is about the sex…

sex
seks
noun
verb
  1. 1.
    determine the sex of.
    “sexing chickens”
  2. 2.
    informal

    present something in a more interesting or lively way.

    “the department set up a task force to help sex up the concept of conserving water”

When I introduce myself as a “Sensual Foodist” I usually get a reaction, followed by a question. What the hell does that mean? Ever heard of this definition? Presenting something in a more interesting or lively way? I like to talk about food in a more interesting or lively way. It’s just how I feel. I’m passionate about it. I’m passionate about putting something in my body that helps to make me feel amazing-inside and out. Yes, it’s about the sex, too.…

Meeting the Food Babe

Have you ever seen an invention, and said to yourself, “Hey! I thought of that years ago! Why didn’t I act on it?!” I feel like this is so common in our world today, and this same scenario goes for business as well.  When my husband Joe discovered the Food Babe, I totally had this feeling.  Why wasn’t I courageous enough to start speaking about the food industry publicly?  What was I waiting for? How could I withhold this information for years?! This feeling only lasting a brief moment, because I instantly fell in love with Vani Hari, the Food Babe and decided that the only and best option was to join the food babe army.  I was so excited about what she is doing, that I felt compelled to stand on my desk and clap as I read through her blog articles, and watched her videos exposing the food industry.…

2 steps for overcoming the fear of cooking

Just a week or so ago, Joe and I went on a double date with our good friends, who I absolutely love talking food with. We went to one of our favorite restaurants, Dosa in San Francisco.

While we indulged in our Dahi Vada, it dawned on me that the issue we were discussing wasn’t uncommon. It wasn’t something I’d experienced, so I didn’t tune it right away-so I’m definitely curious if it rings true for you.

We’ll call the female counterpart of these double daters, Sara, and her husband Tom. Sara was telling Joe and I a story about visiting friends on the East coast. It was a joyous conversation until a dreaded question arose. “Tom! What does Sara make you for dinner?”…

The Hurb…can you guess what it is?

Have you ever used a vending machine? What shiny little package shot out of the bottom? When you ate it, how did you feel?

A life-long friendship was birthed out of a moment when I really could have used a vending machine-but not just any vending machine, of course. In 2012, I was dancing for a band, called Durian Sex Cult, while they performed in Santa Cruz, California. An airbrush artist named Kelsea Ernst came to paint the dancers with adornments before the show, and I totally fell in love with her. While she was airbrushing black lace cuffs on my wrists, I was expressing my deep desire for something delicious to eat to my husband Joe, sitting next to me.…

Exploring the magical garden

What makes you feel lucky?  How about having “good karma”?  It doesn’t matter how it’s put, I felt it on my birthday this week! It was my third birthday at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. Our friends from Argentina accompanied us for this trip, and I love what Mercedes said as she walked into the garden,

“Is this a dream?”

 

If only I could have captured the look on her face.  It was her and her husband Hernan’s first time to Big Sur, and their first time to Esalen.  We love introducing this magical place to people, because it’s the closest to utopia that we’ve seen.  We’ve been many times, for week-long retreats assisting our Tantra teachers.  …

Spicy Secret Series #2: Turmeric

july

Spicy Secret Series #2: Turmeric |  by: July Westhale

Turmeric is the spice that keeps it flowin’…and what, exactly, does it keep flowing?  Do, read on 😉

This bright orange spice is a member of the ginger family, and has been used for over 4,000 years to increase health and treat ailments.  In Southeastern parts of Asia, it’s used to treat everything from gas to neurological degeneration.

Recently, turmeric has become popularized in the United States for its curative powers, which have been shown to counteract the damaging effects of the American diet. Used as a digestive aid for breaking down beans, proteins, fats, and grains, this miracle spice has been introduced into Western pharmacies to help maintain intestinal flora (which sugars, grains, bad fats, and antibiotics often destroy), as well as improving the elimination of toxins and purifying blood.…

Travel: 5 Lessons for International Sensual Foodists

As I zip around my house packing for a trip to Bali, via Japan; then back to Cali, south to Los Angeles,  and onward to Tulum, Mexico followed by Burning man…I thought this might be an appropriate time to discuss being an international Sensual Foodist.

Last week, we ran though a concise list of the best food to pack for travel.  The items I mentioned will, of course, only make it halfway through an international flight.  Once we arrive, we’re on a mission, called organic veg for real.   

Ms. Mckenna is also a Sensual Foodist, and thus, I am happy that she’s has these simple 5 tips to keep in mind while globe trotting.

mckenna 

5 Lessons for International Sensual Foodists |  by: Mckenna Toston

 

Early last year, upon the suggestion of a complete stranger, I took a spontaneous trip to India.…

It’s all about UPW. Unleashing your power within

I’m sharing this article  early this week in lieu of an upcoming event.  I’m super excited and would be so happy to hear from you if you’re also attending!

Starting tomorrow, and until June 29, my husband Joe and I, and our 12 year old son will be attending UPW (Unleash the Power Within) with Tony Robbins.  We’ve purchased front row seats this year, in effort to be engaged and attentive like never before.

 

This is a four day event, that can affect the physical body and mind like a five week event.  For the entire four days, the room is kept freezing cold.  Tony has us jumping up and down and physically active; to the point where you feel as if you’ve been in the gym all day.  …

The feel good buffet: 5 lessons I learned at Esalen

Where is your paradise?  Is it a tropical, exotic destination-with white sandy beaches and hot, sticky whether?  Or, are you more adventurous and love to hike in the mountains, or forests with huge redwood trees?

For me, being in nature is almost always paradise.  One of my favorite destinations isn’t too far from home.  Esalen Institute is in Big Sur, California.

My husband, Joe and I feel absolutely blessed to assist our Tantra teachers, Elsbeth and Freddy Zental, co-founders of TantraNova institute.  We’ve spent weeks with them at Esalen over the past 3 years.

If you have the opportunity to visit this magical place in the world; do it!  It’s perched up high, right on the Pacific coast-the edge of America!  …

Chew to avoid stinky embarrassment

Do you chew well? No really. Do you chew your food when you have a meal? Let’s be honest, we’ve all scarfed down a piece of pizza at one point or another.  You don’t need to feel bad about it.  There’s certainly a time and place for everything.  I can tell you that I do not always pay attention to chewing.  Sometimes, I’m gabbing away with friends or my lover and just enjoying the moment; somehow mindful chewing is temporarily neglected.

Just a few weeks ago I attended a course at CreativeLive and spent three incredible days with the lovely Darya Rose.  I can’t say enough about her work and about how much I love her message.  She’s not only a Foodist, she’s a total (self proclaimed) science-geek!…