#hotchickpea

Contrary to popular belief, the simple formula of calories out vs. calories burned is not complete in itself for weight loss. The process of breaking down fat is very much dependent on what you're consuming. (Duh, Tory. But do you know how many people count calories and think a 100 calorie apple is equivalent to a 100 calorie pack of artificially sweetened mini brownies?!)

The process begins with your liver. You know how people pack on the 'freshman fifteen' when they suddenly start drinking obscene amounts in college? This isn't only due to caloric intake, it also is a consequence of taxing the organ that is responsible for flushing fat! 

Everyday your liver produces about a quart of a yellowish liquid called bile.  Bile acts as an emulsifier, breaking down fats and oils so they can better mix with water for metabolizing. If fats and oils were left intact, they'd get stuck in the liver part way through the flushing process. After bile mixes with the fats, oils and water you've ingested, this lovely concoction is pumped into the small intestine. If you're eating enough fiber, this unwanted fatty mixture will stick to the fiber and be easily released through the bowels. Goodbye fat!

As you see, the quality and quantity of bile is essential to the fat-removal. It is the liver's job to produce said abundant, high-quality bile. The liver can be impeded in numerous ways:

1. Bile is made up of water, electrolytes, lecithin, cholesterol, and bile salts. If the liver is not provided with the all of these nutrients, bile cannot be produced.

2. If the body is dehydrated due to lack of filtered water, the liver will produce thick, sticky bile that cannot flush fat.

3. If the liver becomes clogged with excessive toxins (think processed food additives, cigarette smoke, pollution, non-organic/non-natural body lotion), it cannot produce enough bile. 

Unhealthy liver = no bile = no fat-flushing. 

If you cannot flush fat, it will begin to store around your liver. Surprise-- your liver is located in your abdomen, hence you will start gaining a roll of chub around that area… and then everywhere else. 

Here are ways to IMPROVE LIVER FUNCTION, WOOOOO:

1. DARK LEAFY GREENS: This comes up often. I think you might have noticed by now that I LOVE DARK LEAFY GREENS. Eat them up! They help with breaking down toxins and purifying the blood.

2. Cruciferous vegetables: Cabbage, broccoli, bok choy, kale, and brussel sprouts contain sulfur. Sulfur attaches to certain unneeded chemicals in the body and turns them into water-soluble non-toxins. Get that shit out of there!

3. Other sulfur-y things: Eggs, garlic, onions, red peppers. WE LOVE SULFUR. Also, eggs, garlic and onions encourage additional bile secretion. 

4. Asparagus, avocados and walnuts: These superheroes contain a compound called gluthathione that seeks out ugly toxins, attaches itself to them, and escorts them out the pooper. 

5. Citrus fruits: Oranges, lemons and limes contain Vitamin C which stimulates the production of our pal, gluthathione ^. 

6. SOLUBLE FIBER: We also love fiber! Remember, fiber attaches to fats in the small intestine and, ah hem, gets things moving. Pears, apples, oat bran, and legumes are great sources of soluble fiber. 

7. Beets: Beets contain betaine, which thins bile and makes it more productive.

8. Artichoke hearts: Artichoke hearts contain antioxidants called flavonoids that protect your precious liver cells. 

9. Brown rice: Think of brown rice as the custodian. It cleans, buffs and makes those intestines shine. 

10. TUMERIC: Feeling spicy? Don't answer that. This spice is the highest known source of beta-carotene (an antioxidant), and it protects your little liver from stupid toxins. 

11. Dandelion: You can use this herb in teas, take it as a supplement, juice the greens, or as a tincture mixed with water. Dandelion stimulates bile production, as well as assists in the breaking down of fat. 

12. I'm out of breath. MILK THISTLE: This herb has been used for 2,000 years for liver-healing. it contains an ingredient, silymarin, that can protect the liver from alcohol and other dangerous toxins. Silymarin boosts gluthathione levels in the liver by over 33%! (Milk thistle tea will not work, the silymarin is not water soluble. Get your milk thistle fix through capsules or tincture). 

Fear not if you've encountered the freshman 15! Or the 26-year-old 15! Take care of your liver, and it will take care of your chunky thighs.

If you would like LOADS more info of this sort, check out The Science of Skinny. It is NOT a book about dieting, it is a LIFE CHANGER. 

I've had a heavy heart for the past two days because a situation is unfolding very differently from how I expected, and how I wanted. Seeing *real* pain around me, people experiencing death, disease, poverty, real danger, has left me feeling silly and very guilty. 

Trying to be the person I encourage others to be, I know this is a learning experience. And through the tears, I would muster a bit of courage and positivity- then fall victim to my heavy heart again. I knew a blog post would come out of this- but I thought it'd be along the lines of 'Channeling sadness into productivity' or 'Meditating to find happiness.' 

But then, as it always turns out, the answer was plopped into my lap. I can't manipulate my feelings. The only real change I can make is to genuinely accept and embrace what's happening. 

Gabrielle Berstein, one of my idols, posted this video yesterday. In short, she came to the epiphany that 'a miracle is not getting your way, a miracle is when you get out of your way.' Genius.

So, get out of your own way. Get over yourself. LET GO of the ideas you created about the way things 'should' be, and let them unfold as they were *meant* to be. Enjoy the ride.

I've been vegetarian, mostly vegan, for quite a while now. (Note, I am not against eating meat- especially when done in an EDUCATED way. Research what you're putting into your body!) Most people know this about me, and consequently, are VERY excited to tell me when they have opted out of eating meat. Unfortunately, the misconception is that soy products- fake meats- are the healthy alternative. Sometimes I don't have the heart to squash their genuine attempts- but the truth is, soy ain't doing you no favors.

The soy industry began when manufacturers were in need of a cheap oil. Thus, soy beans were planted in hopes of extracting soy oil. The process, though, produced a residue- a soy protein byproduct. Because this soy protein could not be fed to animals, manufacturers looked for another huge market… human consumption! Lucky us.

The endless masses of useless soy byproduct motivated a multi-million dollar advertising campaign and FDA lobbying that resulted in over 74% of US consumers believing soy was nutritional. 

There are two types of soy, unfermented and fermented. Within these two groups there are two subgroups, organic and Genetically Modified. In North America, between 75-89% of soy beans are grown genetically modified. NEVER EVER EVER NEVER EVER EAT GENETICALLY MODIFIED SOY. End of story. As with most products, always aim for organic!!!!

Unfermented soy is the damn devil. Unfermented soy products such as tofu, bean curd, soy milk, soy infant formula, soy protein powders, and soy meat products are made from hydrolysed soy powder, which derives from the soy bean. Soy beans are from the legume family, as are many other beans. Legumes and all whole grains (rice, wheat, barley, etc.) contain phytic acid. In the body, phytic acid bonds to minerals, proteins, and starches, making them less absorbable for nutrition. So, in large amounts, phytic acid can block the absorption of substances that are needed for most processes within the body.

This can lead to a myriad of issues, including, but not limited to:

contributing to thyroid disorder (especially in women)

promoting kidney stones

weakening the immune system

contributing to food allergies and digestive intolerance 

contributing to pancreatic disorders

disrupting endocrine function and potentially causing infertility

potential early onset of puberty

potentially promoting breast cancer in adult women

increasing the body's need for B12 and D vitamins 

And it doesn't end there! Have you ever heard someone say soy can give men 'man boobs'? Unfortunately, this is true. Perhaps the most disturbing effect of soy consumption is from the phytoestrogrens it contains. These little buggers mimic the female hormone, estrogen. For a reference point, drinking two glasses of soy milk a day for only one month puts enough phytoestrogens in the body to alter a women’s menstral cycle. Babies who are fed only soy formula are estimated to ingest the equivalent of five birth control pills worth of estrogen A DAY. 

 But what about fermented soy? 

Well, when soy undergoes the fermentation process, the phytic acid is neutralized- making FERMENTED SOY something worth eating. In fact, fermented soys- such as organic miso, organic tempeh, soy sauce- are very friendly to the helpful bacteria in one’s lower intestine. So, ORGANIC FERMENTED soy is the only *nutritional* option. 

I'll post next week for other dairy and meat free options, sans soy. For now, check here for a quick and delicious alternative to dairy and soy milk! 

A GMO, or a genetically modified organism, is an organism whose genetical makeup has been altered- such as mutating, deleting, or adding genetic material. 

This means that GMOs are plants, animals or microorganisms whose genetic code has been altered to give it characteristics it does not naturally possess. 

So.. what's the problem? Although there have been attempts to modify organisms to enhance nutritional benefits, the majority of our food is modified to increase tolerance to herbicides and to insects. When plants are grown with herbicide-tolerant genes injected, farmers can spray large amounts of weed killer directly on the plants without the risk of also killing the crop. This means that the farmer can spray massive amounts of chemicals directly onto the fruits and vegetables you eat. Also, Insect-resistant GMO crops produce pesticides within the plant, killing or deterring insects from eating the plant. Although the farmer no longer has to spray pesticides on the plants, the crop itself is toxic with the pesticides residing within. This means you're eating pesticides.

The biggest issue with genetically modifying anything is that the long term effects are completely unpredictable. Mother nature has constructed the organisms on our Earth in a precise and delicate way, and we are all interconnected in very complex and interdependent way. We know we can change one gene to reflect a desired trait- but we have no idea how this can spiral out of control, creating a domino effect on not only the crop- but the specimens that ingest the crop, and every organism tied to that crop through nature. 

There has never been a complete and conclusive study on the effects of GMOs on humans. We DO know that these mutated foods are alien to our insides, as our bodies have not evolved to understand and utilize them. We don't even know if the Frankenstein genes in the GMO crops can end up mutating our own genes in the long run! 

We also know the long term effects on animals tested with GMO products, and the results aren't pretty.

-  Severely damaged villi, finger-like projections of the intestinal lining that absorb nutrients. This means we cannot extract the nutrients from food that we need to LIVE.

- Skin problems

- Fertility complications (infertility, miscarriage, premature births, low birth weight.)

- The 'pesticides' formed within GM crops are designed to kill insects from the inside out, so it's probably killing our gut bacteria. Gut bacteria is needed for ALL of our systems, including digestion and the immune system. 

- The bacteria and virus resistant genes in GMOs mix with our gut bacteria genes, creating antibiotics resistant gut bacteria. This not only can make us resistant to antibiotics, but we may become more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections, or even cancer. 

And this is just the beginning, sadly. Even if a farmer doesn't intend to grow GM crops, wind carries the toxins to new crops. The effects of GM crops will outlast global warming and nuclear waste.

So, how do can we change this? Stop buying GMO products. If even 5% of of consumers stop buying GMOs, food producers and suppliers will be forced to change! Also, be wary of eating out. It can be exhausting, but ask your waiter to cook your food in butter, olive oil or ghee instead of GMO soy oil and canola oil. This market shift occurred quickly and successfully in Europe, we can do it!!

Here are the biggest GMO culprits, STEER CLEAR!:

Soy

Corn

Canola

Cotton

Beet sugar

Zucchini and crookneck squash

For a full list, visit here. Want to learn more? (There's SO MUCH MORE TO LEARN!) Check out the movies Food Inc., The Future of Food and King Corn.  

I grew up as the Antibiotic Queen, I used to go through up to 10 rounds of  each year for sinus infections. I had absolutely no idea how much irreprible damage I was creating within my body.

Before we begin, to be clear, there are no 'side effects,' to drugs- there are just straight 'effects.' We take a pill, and consequent processes take place. From this day forward, consider ALL effects when taking medication. 

So, what is an antibiotic? An antibiotic is a chemical or collection of chemicals that are used to destroy or inhibit the growth of bacteria within the body. 

Yes, this is good- especially considering we used to die from many of the small sicknesses antibiotics can now cure. The issue lies in our society's over-prescribing of antibiotics. The usage comes with a price.

Antibiotic overuse: By using antibiotics that aren't warranted, your body becomes accustomed to the drug, lessening it's effectiveness. This means that next time, you'll need more.

Antibiotics can't differentiate between good or bad bacteria: Our bodies, specifically our intestines, rely on 'healthy' bacteria to function properly. Antibiotics not only destroy the flora (healthy gut bacteria), but they promote yeast (or 'Candida') growth which can lead to Candida overgrowth. Candida is the cause of ENDLESS ailments including, but not limited to, exhaustion, fungal infections, skin rashes, digestive issues, autoimmune diseases (Lupus, MS, Rhumatoid arthritis), anxiety/depression, vaginal infections (UTI, yeast infections), and severe allergies. In 2006, it was estimated that 70% of people suffer from Candida- and this number is only increasing as we continue to consume processed foods, refined carbs and more MEDS. 

Over-prescribed: I had sinus infections so frequently that I'd go to my doctor and she'd prescribe me antibiotics without even looking at me. Now, I make sure they take a peek- and 2/3 of the time, my headaches are due to migraines- not even sinus infections. Many moms feed their children antibiotics 'just in case' at the hint of sickness. Colds, flus, bronchitis, and many sore throats DO NOT warrant antibiotics. Next time, insist your doctor take a close look before popping pills.

Antibiotics in your food: Most of the meat consumed in the US comes from farms that are overpopulated and, quite frankly, filled with really sick animals. To aid in preventing/curing sickness, farmers feed their animals antibiotics regularly. Guess what! You are what you eat. The antibiotics you consume from animal meat still wreaks havoc on your body. 

I know, you’ve been told all your life that milk is essential to your diet.

A liiiiiiittttlllleeee bit about milk:

-Even cows don’t drink their own mother’s milk past infancy.

-ALL COW’S MILK, organic or conventional, contains 59 hormones, up to 52 powerful antibiotics, dioxins, pesticides, herbicides, blood, feces, pus, bacteria and viruses.

-YOU’RE DRINKING THE BODILY FLUIDS OF ANOTHER MAMMAL. Imagine drinking someone else’s breast milk, (barf). APPLY THE SAME PRINCIPLE…to a dirty animal. :)

Think about it. The environment these cows live in is FILTHY. They are regularly sick, cramped, and their raw utters are used far more than nature intended (sores, pus.) The milk comes from those udders. The end.

(I went easy on you. Want to know more? Google!)

Solution! Nut milks! If you’re new to nut milk, I suggest you make your own. The store bought brands won’t impress you. If you’ve only tried store bought, make this ONCE and I promise you at least humor the idea of ditching your cow’s nipple juice.

Coconut Cashew Milk :

1. soak 1 cup raw, organic cashews in water for at least 4 hours (can soak overnight)

2. Soak 2 organic dates for 4 hours

3. Add soaked, drained cashews to blender

4. Add 3 cups filtered water to blender

5. Add soaked, drained, pitted dates to blender

4. Add one dash cinnamon to blender

5. Add one tablespoon real maple syrup to blender

6. Add one sprinkle of sea salt to blender

7. Add 1 cup organic, shredded coconut (or don’t!)

8. BLEND

If you have a super blender, your milk will be the consistency of whole milk. Tweak it to fit your preferences! Add more water, more maple syrup, more coconut, some cocoa powder… go wild, you can’t mess this up.

If your blender is not producing a smooth milk, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth (or small-netted, CLEAN, not-dyed material).

ENNNNJOOOOYYYY. I use my nut milks in smoothies, on my granola, for homemade hot chocolate.. or just as a cold drink.

Everyone asks if I have posted how to make hummus… you're all just so witty. Here is the quickest hummus recipeeeeee everrrrr.

Materials:

-1 can ORGANIC chickpeas

-quality olive oil

-salt and pepper

-lemon cut in half 

-food processor or blender 

Open your chickpeas and strain the excess liquid. Add chickpeas to blender/food processor. Blend. Drizzle one swoop of olive oil, sprinkle some salt and pepper, squeeze one squeeze of lemon juice out of your lemon. Most likely it'll look a bit like this:

(Notice is plastic cupcake and ice-cream cone. Those are important materials too.)

This is a bit clumpy, so add one more swoop of olive oil. Taste and add another squeeze of lemon if needed. Blend again.

The end.

Other fun ingredients to try:

-I add cayenne pepper to mine

-a drizzle or two of tahini

-paprika

-chopped garlic

-olives

You've seen hummus before, mimic your favorite kinds. The difference in making it yourself is that you KNOW every that is going into your mouth. If buying hummus, read the labels and do not purchase if there's any additional crap inside. (Most likely there will be.)

Enjoy. 

I made it through the week of detox! But, admission, I cheated a bit. Over the weekend I ate A CUPCAKE and had some alcohol. The great news, though, is that when you start training your body to crave alkalizing foods, you can quickly get back on track. 

My Skin: Cleared up! I am actually surprised about this, as with detoxing you usually get messier before it clears up. (Toxins that are released through the skin can cause irritation and acne). My butt is still a work in progress, I will post at the end of the month to see if refraining from processed foods has changed anything! I have been using my homemade lotion bar all week, even on my face, and my skin feels AMAZING. In the past I've only used coconut oil for lotion, and in the process of detoxing it makes me itch like crazy. 

My insides: I was already peeing a 7.5 by Wednesday, I have been at a stead 8 since then! I've also lost 4 lbs (this could be due to a variety of things, especially as a woman) but most importantly I just feel LIGHT and energized. 

My mind: I meditate every morning and most nights before bed. I'd like to get better about meditating on the weekends, though- and to incorporate long meditations once in a while. (I like to do 15 minutes.) Despite the absolute chaos of my life, I am feeling quite relaxed and together.

My room: It's already messy again. This is a weekly process! Continually clean your space.

Another admission. I usually eat like this all of the time. Of course I cheat… and sometimes often… but there's a major difference between cheating when you REALLY want something, and maintaining your integrity for the rest of the week, and with just eating crap because it's there. I hope you were inspired to try a couple of this week's approaches, it's never too late to start :)