3 Foods to balance your hormones

Yesterday, I went to the Chiropractor.  Actually, she was a holistic chiropractor that practices CranioSacral Therapy, acupressure and chinese medicine.  I’m quite sure the list is even longer, but needless to say, she knows her stuff.  I visited her because I took a little fall during aerial a few weeks ago. I’m still a little crooked, but I’m certain that this amazing woman straightened me out today.

The first test she did led her to question the functioning of my pituitary gland.  The conclusion that we came to, was that my body was still adjusting to the major shift that occurred after I did the Ibogaine.  If you check out the link-no big news there, I did not do the treatment for addiction.  …

Probiotic-rich Cheese recipe for your belly

 

julyThanksgiving is over, but the Holidays have just begun! We’re in full swing now and it’s a great time to consider what’s going on in our guts.  Yep. Totally serious. I want to talk about your gut.  It’s a very important subject.  The happy little guys (called flora) that helps us digest and assimilate our food can be damaged during holiday drinking and overeating.  If you’re not doing either of these activities, bravo!  If so, let’s get some probiotics in do some work! 

This article from the lovely July includes a great recipe to use for the holidays.  I don’t advocate using much dairy (because I’m all about high quality or none at all), but read on for a few tips if you’re open to going that route.  

Thanksgiving: Are you eating poison or fuel?

In lieu of the upcoming holiday, I’m publishing early this week! I want you to receive this special message before Thanksgiving, so that you have the opportunity to bring this knowledge with you wherever you go, to gather with loved ones this week.

Less than a week ago, my husband Joe and I sat down to watch Origins: Our roots. Our planet. Our future.

I’m not big on pushing my belief system on anyone.  It’s always an invitation.  I invite you to eat food that will make you feel amazing. I invite you to get in the kitchen with your lover and family.  I invite you to vote with your dollars, and buy what makes you feel great-and supports the people who want you to feel great.…

Interview with the Sensual Foodist and Divine Kika

Just a few weeks ago, I was interviewed by Divine Kika.  She’s a good friend, and incredible Tantra teacher based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

If you missed it, no worries, because I posted a taste below, and the full interview can be seen on youtube. The last 15 minutes or so of the video is our interview.  This a full intro to the Sensual Foodist!  I’m honored to have been interviewed by Kika, as her work is inspiring and I think it’s just what we need to create a more loving, fulfilling life.  It wasn’t too long ago that Joe and I attended Kika’s kissing workshop, and we had so much fun I had to share this tantric kissing and sensual food practice.…

FREE CHOCOLATE giveaway!

Yes, it’s true! You can have free chocolate! Let me tell you a quick story.

This past Sunday, Joe and I were at the Palo Alto Farmer’s Market, having our usual blissful Sunday experience gathering Sensual Food.

On our mission to eat our favorite Oaxacan food before departing, we passed by two lovely women with a small chewing, mmm-ing crowd around them. We overheard one of them mention, “organic and sugar-free.” Our ears perked up. Joe glanced back and me and said, “organic and sugar-free.” I said, “I know!! I heard it,” and went to scope out the scene.

They were handing out samples of chocolate. The two lovely ladies had name badges on that read “chocolate researcher, PhD.” It was love at first sight.…

Monte Verde Pizzeria Restaurante: an Italian Gem in…Mexico?

The holiday season is near and I have fond memories of Italian dinners.  Did I forget to mention my Sicilian roots?  How could I?!  The Italian side of my family did big dinners for holidays with all of the works.  You know, the meat and potatoes but with the mid-western Italian twist.  Yes-mid-western Italians!  We had the pasta too, of course.

When I met my husband, the Italian dinners got even bigger.  I lived in South New Jersey where his huge Italian family would gather even more often, with even more food!  I became even more familiar with Italian holiday meals.  They were big and elaborate with an explosion of flavors and delicious aromas.  We have moved to the West Coast, but believe me, they’re still going strong!…

Halloween loving and pumpkin carving!

Did you carve a pumpkin this year?! If you did, congrats on being fun and playful. If not, don’t tell me you’re too old. We’re never too old to carve pumpkins!

There’s still time to get your pumpkin carving on!

Even if you’re a grinch of Halloween (I’ll admit that I’ve been know to get a little grinchy during the Christmas holiday) pumpkin carving is always a great idea.

Why am I all about this pumpkin carving business?!  Two main reasons that I’ll elaborate on: inner and outer nourishment.

For my husband Joe and I, opportunities to get messy, silly, and playful together are rarely passed up.  Diving into a big, sticky, squishy pumpkin is full of messy surprises.  Get creative!  …

Halloween without the horror

…of a sugar crash!  We all love to eat sweets during this holiday, but why not eat sweets and stay sweet too?

No really, a sugar crash just isn’t pretty.  Skip the sugar, but keep the cookies!

As we’ve discussed, there are many alternatives to the white, refined sweet stuff.  Knowing the effects of sugar consumption-both long and short term, is in your best interest.  Research suggests that erratic fluctuations in blood sugar levels are the leading cause of mood swings.  Mood swings are no fun.  Halloween and holidays in general are a time when our relationship with our partner, and with ourselves, can really benefit from maintaining a calm balance.  Choose wisely what you put past your lips and set yourself up for success.…

How to make up after a fight with food

When was the last time you had a disagreement with your partner?  Maybe you’re in a tense moment right now?  If so, no need to fear-your answer is here!  Yes, each situation is unique, and I honestly have no idea what the argument is or was about.  What I do know is what happens between Joe (my husband) and I.  The topic is agitating in the moment, and 99 times out of 100, I find that I didn’t really need to get heated-and the subject is irrelevant in the grand scheme of life.

It really doesn’t matter if you’re married, or have been dating for some time, disagreements are almost always temporary. Yes, they can get crazy and out of hand, or just be small and infrequent, either way they’re never fun.  …

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.…