Protein Shakes aren’t just for Bodybuilders

Happy New Year!

How was New Year’s Eve for you? Did you set intentions or make resolutions? I love the energy of pivotal moments like 11:59 on December 31… Incredible shifts and transformations are swirling around in my life, and it’s taking some effort to embrace them. I am enjoying the idea of a clean slate as I dive into 2016.

Joe and I are in awe on a daily basis while PsychedelicTimes.com is rapidly growing and evolving. It’s taking energy and focus that we’re offering with anticipation. As if this wasn’t enough on the menu for this first month of 2016, we’re also nearing the launch date of a book I’m co-authoring! This means we are implementing some new hacks in the kitchen and condensing time, for a few meals each week.…

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

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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.

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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.…

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!…

Top 10 Sensual Foods

Top 10 Sensual Foods

These are 10 superfoods that I like to keep stocked in my kitchen, as they are proven to ignite the senses, summon sensuality and provide the body with optimal nourishment.

  1. Maca
  2. Raw Cacao
  3. Avocado
  4. Kale
  5. Beets
  6. Blueberries
  7. Raw Almonds
  8. Goji Berries
  9. Celery
  10. Asparagus

Things to remember: all of these delicious foods are more potent and higher quality when grown organic. Organic farming promotes ideal soil conditions.  By purchasing organic, you  are voting with your dollars and asking for more nutrient rich soil and in turn, optimal nourishment for you and future generations!  If possible, also have these powerful foods fresh, and raw.

Now for the good stuff.  Let’s chat about the number one sensual food.

MACA! …

Professional Sensual Foodist

Yet another, very fabulous moment just occurred, and I want you to be a part of it!  Let me tell you what happened. 

When I moved to Northern California, one thing that I knew for sure was that I would be experiencing Burning Man for the first time.  I have built an endless list of amazing things that have blossomed by virtue of being part of the Burning man.  I am dialed into this massive web of conscious individuals, who are living life in alignment with one another as they strive to make the world a better place.  The most important way they are taking action is simply by being the best version of themselves.

 Through this huge network of “burners” I’ve discovered conscious clothing designers that I absolutely love. …

Get Sweaty and Get in tune. Yoga is my drug.

My Happy Drug, that is!  First things first.

Somehow, in this adventurous life I lead, I board a flight at least once a month.  Fortunately, I love traveling. I love the energy and the many unique people I encounter. I love learning how to acclimate to new places.  I even love airports-especially my main hub, San Francisco International Airport-talk about Sensual Food options, OH yeah!  One thing I have found to be true from the 100+ flights I’ve boarded in the last few years, is that I need three main things to keep me going while in transit.  Number one is, of course, Sensual Foods: the highest quality organic and sustainable food available.  The second is physical activity; I prefer Yoga or dance, and the third-without a doubt, is laughter.…

“Sex and Poop”: a Valentine’s libido class

FREAKING elated.  Yup. That’s what I was during a class I attended at Rainbow Grocery Cooperative in San Francisco.  This class drew me in with the saucy subject; Libido and Sexual Health.  “Poop,” as you may have noticed in the title of this post, is a bold way of referring to digestion.  I will expound more on this topic in following posts!  The main topics of the class were as follows:

  • Which foods boost and which foods squash your sex drive
  • The connection between your mind, heart and libido
  • Understanding the role of hormones
  • The role of stress and mood on your sex life
  • Herbs that support libido and sexual well being

The three presenters, Sara Reed, Marisol Kim, and Sara Jane Gorman delivered such intriguing and useful information that I was literally on the edge of my seat, while attempting to take notes at lightning speed.…