The Green Juice….Reinvented

Last year Armenia’s Green Juice was by far my most popular recipe! The Green juice is an excellent way to make sure you are getting a good dose of greens for the day, and it helps flush toxins out of the body.

Clients and blog followers gave enough feedback fueling my creativity to create the second version of my juice. Some clients were using the green juice as a tool to help performance during workouts, a detoxifying agent, skin repair, vitality, or just trying to make sure the body was receiving enough greens for the day. And some used it to recover from an extended night of consuming their favorite adult beverages. As I played around with different possibilities, this feedback was used to evolve the green juice. Both recipes are healthy and beneficial. Try both versions and see which one is your favorite! If you were already a fan of the original, now you have the second version to enjoy. Your feedback is much appreciated and always taken into consideration for future recipes.

The main difference in the new version is the additions of more greens and a slight reduction of sugars. This was accomplished by removing the apple and adding cucumber and celery. The diversity of spices has also been adjusted, with an increase in turmeric. Giving it an extra dose of anti-inflammatory benefits!

Let’s see what is in it….

1 banana
2 cups of kale
1 stalk of celery
1 3 inch piece of cucumber
1 brazil nut
1 cup of coconut water
1 cup of filtered water
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 inch long piece of fresh ginger
1/2 tsp of ground turmeric
1/4 tsp of cinnamon
Pinch cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp of spirulina (optional)
Blend it all in a and enjoy!

Portuguese Version:

1 banana
2 xícaras de couve
1 talo de aipo
Pedaço de pepino de mais ou menos 6 cm
1 castanha do Para
1 xícara de água de coco
1 xícara de água filtrada
Suco de 1/2 limão
1 pedaço de gengibre fresco (3 cm)
1/2 colher de chá de cúrcuma em pó
1/4 colher de chá de canela
Pitada de pimenta caiena
1/2 colher de chá de spirulina (opcional)

Misture tudo no liquidificador e aproveite!

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armenia@blissbalancehealth.com

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Health and Nutrition

7 ways to keep you healthy during the cold season…

The days are getting shorter and colder, winter is fast approaching in the northern hemisphere. It is the time of the year when most people find themselves struggling to stay healthy and fight the flu season. Being in a good state of health is a key component in fighting virus and bacteria, however there are a few measures that one can take in order to reinforce the immune system and prepare for the cold season.

Ayurveda sees Fall and Winter as Vata time. A time when the elements of wind and space are predominant and it is important to keep our bodies warm and protected. Making sure to dress in warm clothes and eat foods that are warm and comforting to the body. Target foods that bring the elements of earth, fire, and water into the body. They will help restore balance and ground the mind.

Keeping myself and my family healthy is always a top priority in my house. There are a few extra steps that I take each day with my children besides making sure they are well protected from the cold when they walk out the door. Here are some simple tips for you to remember as you prepare for the flu season.

Turmeric is my go to homemade ailment of choice. I have previously shared my recipe for Turmeric Milk here in my blog. At the time I highlighted the importance of turmeric in helping with inflammation. Turmeric is a very powerful anti inflammatory and antioxidant spice. Inflammation is your body’s way of fighting an intruder such as a bacteria or virus. Adding turmeric to your diet is a way to get a jump start in fighting any illness. A few of my favorite ways to add turmeric to my diet is adding it to smoothies, beans, rice, or soup. Local honey, cinnamon, and ginger are also great spices to add to your diet. They also help with inflammation and detoxifying your body.
Water is your best friend during the cold season. It is so important to keep hydrated for overall health. We tend to drink more water during the hotter months when we feel hot and sweat a lot. However, during the cold months the dry air and also indoor heaters tend to dehydrate our bodies. I recommend drinking a full glass of water right when you wake up and aim for 8 glasses throughout the day. Admittedly, drinking water all day every day can make one miss flavor and diversity. Mix it up! Drinking tea will also help you to keep warm as will help to keep you hydrated. I love sipping on ginger tea all day long! Green tea is also a great option.
Eat and drink your greens as a way to keep your body replenished with antioxidants, iron, calcium, and other vitamins and minerals. My Green Juice is a great way to guarantee you get a head-start on your daily servings of greens a day. Eating whole foods balances your diet and adds a punch of phytonutrients to your diet. Make sure you favor veggies and fruits when planning your meals.
Exercise regularly! A well balanced exercise routine includes flexibility, weight training/resistance, and cardiovascular exercises. Practicing Yoga will provide you with all three, just make sure to bump up those sun salutations for the cardio portion of the workout. Exercise is a great way to remove impurities from the body, keep your heart and lungs strong, as well as providing a good dose of happy hormones into your blood stream. During the cold days when we feel like staying in bed with a book, it is very important to resist that urge and go out to get some movement and breathe some fresh air! Find your routine, make S.M.A.R.T. (Specific. Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely) goals when setting an exercise routine. Marathon runners do not jump into 15 or 20 mile runs right away. They start small and build up.
Sleep at least 7 to 8 hours a day. Sleep is the time that your body needs to repair itself from daily stress and just overall fatigue. Sleep is very important to keep your immune system at it’s top shape. For those of you that have your favorite TV show,, use that DVR and watch it on the weekend. No need to stay up until 10 or 11pm during the week, just to catch a 30 minute or 1 hour program.
Meditate or practice any type of mindfulness practice. During meditation our body moves away from the constant state of Fight or Flight induced by stress into a state of restful awareness. During restful awareness our body is able to come back to a state of balance and our mind is able to release stress. Long term stress weakens your immune system thus leaving the body susceptible to bacterial and viral infections such as the flu.
Seasonal Detox is always a great way to reset and remove toxins from the body. Check out my Seasonal Detox article for tips on how to do a detox at home.

If you need help creating a balanced diet, learning how to meditate, or doing a detox, contact me for a personalized diet plan or to learn Primordial Sound Meditation. Bliss Balance Health also provides retreats for those who want to experience a week of relaxation and detoxification. The retreats include instruction in Primordial Sound, Ayurvedic Lifestyle, Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga Classes and massages. Make sure to contact me at armenia@blissbalancehealth.com or 864 551 5731 to learn more about our services. We also provide daily Seven Spirirtual Laws of Yoga classes for those in the Greenville, SC area.

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Cooking, Health and Nutrition

Fall is upon us and so is soup season! Try something new…kale soup!

Last week I went on vacation with my family. We had a lot of fun, and admittedly I indulged in a few of my favorite old food items that I tend to stay away from. For a few years I was living in France and absolutely fell in love with all the varieties of cheese! However, about a year ago, I removed all dairy items from my diet. After the sun had set on our vacation, I began listening to my body. Quickly I realized that dairy products were not making me feel good. Things just were not working as they should in my digestive system. Cheese is exactly the item I indulged in while on vacation.

Being back home, reality set in and I decided to do a body reset! In the United States, Fall has arrived. Ayurveda recommends a detox or fast of some kind every time the season changes. This week was the perfect time to do just that! I am doing a 5 day body detox to reset my system and get things back in order! When doing a detox on myself it is also a perfect opportunity to experiment with tastes making a recipe that is gentle on the digestion, but still provides me with nutrients.

This kale soup that I am sharing with you today came from a desire to have something that was warm in this Fall Season and comforting. I was thinking of something with lots of broth, comforting as a classic bowl of chicken noodle soup, but without the chicken and the noodle. Kale is a vegetable that has a lot of nutrients. It has been considered a super food for its many benefits to the body. Kale is also a wonderful Detox food because of the many fibers and sulfur it contains that aid in the removal of toxins from the body. It also has high amounts of iron, calcium, vitamins A, C, and K, and antioxidants. Kale also helps to lower inflammation in the body, a key component when doing a body reset.

Although I am suggesting this recipe as something to eat during a detox, it is perfect for any occasion. Whether it is a cold, rainy day, or you’re feeling a little under the weather, Kale soup may be just what the body is needing. Smaller portions compliment well as a side soup with many dishes. Tomorrow I will be serving it to a friend for lunch along with my Rainbow Quinoa. I hope you enjoy this soup as much as I do!

Ingredients:

1 tsp of coconut oil

1 medium diced onion

4 celery stalks cut into 1/4 inch pieces

1 Tbs of liquid aminos

1 tsp of tarragon

1 tsp of thyme

1/2 tsp of allspice

Pinch of salt and black pepper

1 stalk of Kale cut into small pieces

4 cups of vegetable broth

1/2 cup of light coconut milk

Melt the coconut oil in a large soup pan. Add the onion and celery and let it saute until translucent. Add the spices and wait a couple of minutes. Add the kale and wait another 3 minutes or so. Add the broth and milk and let it come to a simmer. Serve warm!

Receita em Portugues

1 colher de chá de óleo de coco

1 cebola média cortada em cubos

4 talos de aipo cortado em pedaços 1/4 polegadas

1 colher de sopa de molho de soja

1 colher de chá de estragão

1 colher de chá de tomilho

Meia colher de chá de pimenta da Jamaica

Uma pitada de sal e pimenta do reino

1 talo de couve cortada em pequenos pedaços

4 xícaras de caldo de legumes

Meia xícara de leite de coco

Derreta o óleo de coco em uma panela grande de sopa. Adicione a cebola eo aipo e deixe refogar até ficar transparente . Adicione os temperos e esperar um par de minutos. Adicione a couve e aguarde mais 3 minutos ou menos. Adicione o caldo de legumes e leite, deixá-lo vir para ferver. Sirva quente !

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armenia@blissbalancehealth.com

864 551 5731

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Health and Nutrition

Seasonal Detox at Home…

Living the Ayurveda Lifestyle is a continuous education. A large portion of my studies is aimed at being able to successfully and properly instruct current and future clients. Very rarely do I have the chance to take a step back and put myself in the shoes of the student. Fortunately for me, the final lesson in obtaining the Ayurveda certification, requires future instructors to experience first hand the Perfect Health program. Massages, Ayurvedic meals, meditation, philosophy, are daily aspects of the week long program. The program also includes a Detox of the body, mind , and spirit. Needless to say, I was ready to jump head first into the ocean of Perfect Health.

Reflecting on my experience of a Perfect Health week…

The week was amazing. All of the teachers willingly share their knowledge and provide constructive feedback. My primary objective during the Perfect Health week was to enjoy the experience, but I must admit, every night I would journal my thoughts and ideas on how I could share this experience with my friends, family and clients. My personal reflection lead me down a path of recreating a Detox at home that is easy on the body and can be performed at the beginning of every season. Ayurveda suggests that at the beginning of each season or every time we experience a major life change we should do a reset of the body and pay closer attention to what we are digesting in our body and mind.

At home during our everyday activities, it is hard to take the time to slow down and spend a week dedicated to removing toxins. My recommendation is that you take a weekend out of your busy schedule to work on removing what no longer serves you and bringing nourishing choices into your life.

Okay, so how do you get started…

Start on Friday night by having a small dinner such as a light soup. This step is very easy, but also the most important to get the most out of the process. This is a signal to the body that you are preparing to slow down. Prior to bedtime, enjoy a nice bath with a reading of inspirational literature. Nothing too serious or lengthy, but something that you really enjoy and makes you smile. Wrap up your evening by surrounding yourself with a small collection of your favorite scents and sounds and go to bed early (aim for at least 30 minutes earlier than usual, 1 hour earlier is the recommendation).

On Saturday begin your day with meditation and light yoga exercises. For breakfast, have one serving of Armenia’s green juice along with a tablespoon of an oil combination (such as Udu’s oil blend) and 8 oz of water mixed in with a vegetable source of fiber powder (such as Garden of Life). For lunch enjoy a blended soup (for easier digestion). Drink plenty of room temperature water and ginger tea throughout the day. In the evening repeat the soup and the oil/fiber blend. Spend the evening journaling about the feelings that arise during this experience and enjoy a nice bath before bed. Don’t forget that early bedtime! Try to push it up by another 15 minutes!

Sunday spend the day as you did on Saturday, but if possible, spend the day in silence with nature. Walking barefoot along bodies of water and reflecting upon your experience can be very rejuvenating to your body and mind. Let go of toxins by releasing them through a ritual during your walk with nature. (The silence may be the hardest and most rewarding phase of the detox)

Begin your week by making nourishing choices to your mind and body. Be conscious of the signals your body is sending you. Your breakfast after the detox should be something gentle on the body. A small bowl of porridge with some dried fruits and nuts is an easy option.

There are many ways to perform a detox, but few are as simple, reasonable, and effective as this approach. Think about how it would feel to have a weekend dedicated to yourself. The Summer weekends and vacations are coming to an end, perhaps a detox weekend is the right way for you finish the summer and reset for the fall.

If you and/or your partner live in the Upstate of South Carolina, or even interested in visiting the area, I would love to hear from you and discuss options on having a weekend retreat hosted by me.

http://www.blissbalancehealth.com

armenia@blissbalancehealth.com

http://www.facebook.com/blissbalancehealth

864 551 5731

Health and Nutrition

Mango Bliss Smoothie

I just had a lovely weekend away visiting family! The loveliest part of it was that I got to try all these new beers that were native of the Milwaukee area. They were really good, but definitely left me feeling a little bloated. Now back in the South Carolina heat, I was in desperate need for a breakfast that helped me cool down and detox from the weekend indulgence.

My mango shake was just what I needed! This smoothie has mostly a mango flavor, but it can definitely become a version of a “mango pina colada”, if you substitute the almond milk for coconut milk. If you add protein powder to it, it could also be a meal substitute for those days that you are pressed for time. I don’t add any sweetener to it, it is great as is! It is a great smoothie to try now that mangoes are in season.

Why is this smoothie detoxifying and cooling? The Aloe Vera juice is a great detoxifying and cooling agent. The cardamon, my key ingredient, also detoxifies, aids in digestion,is an antioxidant, lowers blood pressure, and has anti blood clotting properties. The cinnamon is my always present ingredient, as is a wonderful natural blood sugar stabilizer. Turmeric and pineapple have wonderful anti inflammatory qualities. This smoothie is going to remove lots of toxins from your body!

So let’s get to the recipe!

1 mango cut in cubes (1 manga em cubos)

1/2 cup of pineapple chunks (1/2 xicara de abacaxi em cubos)

12 oz of unsweetened almond milk (coconut milk for the pina colada version) (400 ml de leite de amendoa ou coco)

Handful of coconut flakes (1/4 xicara de coco ralado)

2 Tbs of Aloe Vera juice (2 colheres de sopa de suco de aloe vera)

A large pinch of cinnamon, turmeric, and cardamon. (Um pouco de canela, acafrao, e cardamomo)

1 scoop of protein powder (optional)

Put all the ingredients in a blender, blend it for a couple of minutes and enjoy!

Coloque todos os ingredientes no liquidificador e aproveite!

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Contact me at armenia@blissbalancehealth.com to learn more about Ayurveda Lifestyle and Primordial Sound Meditation.

http://www.blissbalancehealth.com

Health and Nutrition

Armenia’s Green Juice

I just love green juices! I can feel it going into my body and just taking all the toxins away with it! I especially love to drink it in the morning or after a workout. I make a special point of drinking it after a day of splurging because it helps me to get back on track. I switch my green juices around depending on my mood or what I am trying to accomplish by drinking it. This particular recipe is very easy, not a lot of ingredients to find, but still containing a lot of nutrients!

Let’s break them down:

Bananas and apples – your carbs, they are going to give you energy, potassium, flavonoids, vitamin C and B-6, and some good fiber.

Spinach – bitter greens have a wonderful detoxifying effect in your body, promotes regularity, and improves skin and hair health . Spinach also has a good amount of protein, is high in vitamin A and K, calcium, iron, and beta carotene.

Brazil nut – selenium…lots of it! Considered to have a big role in combating cancer, heart health and aging, selenium is a great nutrient to include in your diet. Selenium also supports iodine levels which are important for thyroid health.

Coconut water – this is Mother Nature’s sports drink! It will hydrate you, has more potassium than 4 bananas combined, and very low in calories.

Cinnamon – natural blood sugar stabilizer to balance out the sugar in the fruits.

Turmeric – antioxidant and is a great natural anti inflammatory!

Cayenne – fights inflammation, especially combined with turmeric. It also stimulates digestion, metabolism, and boosts your immune system.

Ginger – stimulates digestion, appetite and is a great detoxifier!

Now that you know all the good stuff that is in it and why I chose this combination, I can’t wait for you to try! I would love to hear what you thought about it! So here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

1 banana ½ green apple (maca verde)

Armenia’s Green Juice

2 cups of spinach (2 copos de espinafre)

1 brazil nut (castanha do Brasil)

2 cups of coconut water ½ lemon (limao)

1 pinch of cinnamon, ginger, cayenne, and turmeric (canela, gengibre, pimento vermelha e curcuma)

Blend it all and enjoy! Bata tudo no liquidificador e aproveite!

Check out http://www.blissbalancehealth.com to learn more about Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga!

Bliss Balance Health

Wellness Coaching from Within

Tag Archives: detox

The Green Juice….Reinvented

7 ways to keep you healthy during the cold season…

Fall is upon us and so is soup season! Try something new…kale soup!

Seasonal Detox at Home…

Mango Bliss Smoothie

Armenia’s Green Juice