Rainy Day, Candles, & Green Tea

Brrrrrrrrr... it just started raining! And it's really coming down! Apparently we are having at least one more winter storm for the year!

But I am staying warm and cozy! I brewed myself a cup of relaxing green tea (thanks to L-Theanine!), lit a candle in my office, and am now blogging while listening to my Integrative Nutrition lectures. ♥

Anyways, I just wanted to let you know that if you are interested in enrolling at Integrative Nutrition, there are 2 more days to sign up for the next quarter! And, they are also giving away iPad 2s for new students who enroll by March 25, 5 pm  EDT. More info can be found here.

Now, about green tea... I know it may be nerdy, but I always like to know the health benefits of everything I am eating or drinking. We all know green tea is good for you... but why exactly?

Benefits of Green Tea

"Green Tea's health benefits are largely due to its high content of flavonoids — plant-derived compounds that are antioxidants. Green tea is the best food source of a group called catechins. In test tubes, catechins are more powerful than vitamins C and E in halting oxidative damage to cells and appear to have other disease-fighting properties. Studies have found an association between consuming green tea and a reduced risk for several cancers, including, skin, breast, lung, colon, esophageal, and bladder." Source: Harvard Health

What about L-Theanine?

L-Theanine is an amino acid derivative commonly found in tea. It is able to cross the blood-brain barrier, and has psychoactive properties. (Whaaat?) L-Theanine has been shown to reduce mental & physical stress and improve cognition and mood. It may also help the body's immune response to infection by boosting the disease-fighting capacity of cells. Source: Wikipedia

What's your favorite tea?

I hope you are having a great week! Happy Spring! :)

Vegan Brownie Fudge!

Greetings! :)

I hope you had an amazing weekend! It's been cold and rainy in Palmdale... perfect for relaxing by the fire, watching movies, working on Integrative Nutrition coursework, spending time with family, cooking, and making fun vegan treats in the kitchen!

Anyways, my friend Amber invited me over for dinner tomorrow... so naturally, I wanted to make a healthy, guilt-free dessert! :)

What I came up with is a treat that is half brownie, half fudge, partially raw (the base), and the rest just vegan (the topping).

Vegan Brownie Fudge

For the base layer-
Ingredients:

• 1 cup walnuts
• 1 cup almonds
• 1 cup dates, pitted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup carob powder
• 1/4 cup almond milk 

Directions: Process the ingredients above in a (heavy duty) food processor. Press into an 8x8 square pan lined with parchment paper. To help make the brownies lie 'flat' in the pan, I placed parchment paper on top and  pressed on the mixture until it was even. Place in freezer to firm for approximately 30 minutes.

For the topping-
Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
• sprinkles

Directions: Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler. Spread onto brownie layer. Add the sprinkles! :) Let the chocolate topping return to a solid state, or place in the refrigerator to quicken the process. After the chocolate has become solid, carefully lift the brownies out of the pan and place on cutting board. Cut brownies into squares... and enjoy!

What do you do on rainy days? Did you make anything exciting in the kitchen this weekend?

Institute for Integrative Nutrition: Update

Happy Friday wellness lovers! I hope you are having an amazing start to your weekend! :)

Today I wanted to give an update about the nutrition school I am currently attending! Many of you have  asked questions about it... so hopefully this will be enlightening!

About Integrative Nutrition
Integrative Nutrition is the world's largest nutrition school, where they teach 100 different dietary theories. Even more importantly, they teach how lifestyle factors have an even greater impact on your overall health & wellness than nutrition alone! I have been enrolled since January 2011, and am loving every minute! Every week, I listen to hours of lectures on an iPod, complete coursework online, and interact with faculty and fellow students on a weekly basis. A key highlight... the curriculum guides you through setting up your own health coaching practice as a "Certified Health Coach." They also connect you to a mentor, who has already graduated from the school and currently has a successful health coaching practice because of their education at Integrative Nutrition. And the best part? You get to work towards a career where you are in charge, can earn a living doing work you love & believe in, can work from your home office, and most importantly... inspire others to improve their overall health & wellness, which overall helps to make the world a happier and healthier place!

Also, graduates from Integrative Nutrition were recently featured in the article in the March 2011 issue of Oprah Magazine! You can read the article here.

If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them for you! I have only positive things to say about the school.... enrolling was one of the best decisions I've ever made! I get to study my passion and fulfill my dream of becoming an entrepreneur!!

If you are seriously interested in becoming a student, let me know! (I might be able to get you a scholarship!) I can be reached at tasteforhealthy@gmail.com.

More information:
Integrative Nutrition Website
Integrative Nutrition Catalog
Integrative Nutrition Health Coaches Take Miami 2011 (YouTube)