matcha green tea energy balls

Matcha Green Tea Energy Balls

Tasty energy balls made with a mix of oatmeal, nuts, seeds, shredded coconut, honey, dates and matcha green tea powder. Perfect energy-pick-me-up or pre-workout snack.

Having recently researched the benefits of matcha, in addition to having the pure tea, I was curious to also try a few different recipes that incorporate this health boosting ingredient.

After preparing the energy balls I was extremely pleased with the outcome. Not only do they taste delicious , but they are also highly nutritious and very filling. Continue reading

health benefits of matcha

Spotlight on Superfoods : Health Benefits of Matcha

INFORMATION ON ThE HEALTH BENEFITS OF MATCHA

Matcha : Origin and background information

Just like all true teas (including black, yellow, oolong, pu-erth and white) green tea comes from the evergreen, native to Southern China, shrub “Camellia Sinensis”.

Matcha green tea literally translated as ‘powdered tea’ (in Japanese ‘Cha’ means tea and ‘ma’ powder) was first introduced to Japan around 1191 A.D by the Buddhist monk Eisai, who also became the founder of Zen Buddhism. He brought green tea seeds from China and is believed to be the first person to grind and consume green tea leaves in powdered form. Matcha became and continues to be the focal point of tea ceremonies in Japan as it not only stimulates mental alertness, sustained energy, and presence of mind, but also a meditative state and a sense of calm. Continue reading

Green smoothie recipe

Green Smoothie Heaven

Delicious Spinach,avocado and banana Smoothie topped with fresh mango, kiwi, and tropical fruit granola

As we know starting the day with a good, nutritious breakfast is important. I love to experiment with different smoothie recipes and if you ask me, they all taste delicious!  My most recent experiment was particularly good. In fact, too good not to share! Continue reading

the benefits of plant-based diet

4 benefits of plant-based diet

1. HIGHER LEVEL OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS

benefits of plant-based diet

Eat primarily plants and you will likely enjoy a higher level of health and wellness, thanks largely to the amount of vitamins and nutrients within foods in this particular group.

For instance, eating carrots supplies your body with a fairly high level of vitamin A, biotin, and vitamin K. And if you eat almonds regularly, your body is getting a decent amount of biotin, vitamin E, manganese, copper, vitamin B2, and more.

All of these nutrients are critical to the efficient and effective functioning of your body and all of its organs. In other words, eating a wide variety of plant-based foods can give you the nourishment you need to get and stay as healthy as you can be. Continue reading

how to stay healthy during the holiday season

5 tips on how to stay healthy during the holiday season

1. Eat slowly and chew your food well

Digestion begins in the mouth. Chewing your food well and eating slowly helps to release enzymes in your mouth which begin the breakdown of food nutrients.

Spend a minimum of 20 seconds for each bite (time it if you need to). Chew your food until it becomes liquid and there is nothing solid left in the mouth.

It takes up 20 minutes for your brain and stomach to register feelings of fullness. Therefore, through slow eating, you can avoid overeating.

Stay healthy over the holiday season. Cherish each mouthful, and be thankful for the food you have on your plate.  Especially around this time of the year when we are surrounded by friends and family, take a moment to be grateful for everything and everyone in your life. Be mindful of the food you are eating and enjoy each bite like it’s the last. It’s beneficial to practice this not only around the holiday season but of course throughout the whole year. Continue reading