Introducing Contemplative Wellness
Milk alternatives are huge business as consumers look for increased choices beyond dairy. Huge demand can also mean huge prices for these products ($3-5 per quart or $1 dollar per 1 cup serving). But they don’t have to be expensive! These “milks” are so easy and so cheap to make at home (pennies per serving).
Cashews, often deemed indulgent, are a rich dietary source of monounsaturated fat and copper which is essential in energy production, antioxidant functioning and bone formation. Enjoyed in moderation, they contribute to increasing our overall intake of nuts which studies have confirmed can lower our risk of heart disease, lower the risk of developing gallstones, and lower our risk of gaining weight! Participants in a study that consumed nuts 2x per week were 31% less likely to gain weight than those that never ate nuts. Enjoy (in moderation)!
Although it’s true that dark chocolate contains beneficial bioactive compounds, we like this evening snack for its theanine (in the chocolate) to help induce relaxation– perfect for those cold winter nights. This hot chocolate is balanced and very subtly sweet compared to commercial preparations – but that’s why we love it. Sip it knowing you are supporting your health through balance and before you know it you will actually prefer its simplicity.
Roasted chickpeas were made for us “salty snackers”. Replace the afternoon pretzels with this high-fiber, high-protein yet salty and crunchy- alternative. Chickpeas are a rich pre-biotic food (from our CARE Bonus Step: Strengthening Digestion). Pair with an herbal digestive tea, like ginger or mint, for a therapeutic mid-day break that actually support your intestinal cells vs stress them (like high caffeine, high sugar afternoon snacks). PLUS, this is a great portable snack that keeps in desk drawers and bags making sure adhering to meal timing is not a problem!
I love this snack as an example of food first (vs. supplements). This snack supports your immune system, natural detoxification, and thyroid by providing 100% of your daily needs for both vitamin C (kiwi) and selenium (Brazil nuts). It also provides fiber and just the right combination of healthy carbohydrate (kiwi) and healthy fat (Brazil nut) to help control your blood sugar in-between meals. This is how easy, and tasty, it is to eat with purpose.
Let me show you how to stretch your chocolate craving by using chia seeds and real peanut butter in this no-bake, 5-minute, 5-ingredient recipe! We talk a lot about the benefits of high-volume, low-density leafy and tender carbohydrates on our plates, but there are three times when dense might just be better.
