Detoxes get a bad rap but our bodies naturally go through this process daily. When you add in superfoods, like in the form of a Spirulina Detox Elixir, you’re helping aid that process!
Did you notice the week-long hiatus I took from the blog? Well, I did get a post up on Friday but I wasn’t posting my usual amount because I was conducting a 5 Day Gratitude Project over on Instagram. It was a wonderful experience and those who have reached out seemed to enjoy it—which makes me very happy to hear! On the other side of things, I was pretty overindulgent with sweets last week. I think I baked three new things during the week and none of those treats are leftover….
There is definitely room for treats and I’m not about restricting but I am of the mindset that the treats shouldn’t outweigh the nutrient-dense foods. I think we can all probably agree with that 😉 That’s why I try to sneak a handful of greens into a stir-fry or add some color to my smoothies. Spirulina in particular helps with liver detoxification, nutrient absorption, along with a plethora of other health benefits. It makes the ideal addition to give your body a boost! BTW I like this brand!
My latest favorite concoction is a Spirulina Detox Elixir. And by latest favorite, I mean… it has been a solid favorite for a year now and somehow I’m barely sharing it with you! I hesitate to share “easy” recipes, like my Protein Hot Chocolate, because I feel like anyone can make these sans a recipe.
As a matter of fact, I had to actually measure out the ingredients so that I could create an actual recipe for you guys. Oftentimes, I just scoop spirulina, pour some water, add a splash of ACV and lemon and drink! You can’t go wrong with it. If it tastes too strong, just add more water. If it doesn’t taste bright enough, add more lemon or ACV.
On any given day, I love making this Spirulina Detox Elixir but I predict I’ll be enjoying it a lot more for the next few weeks! It’s refreshing, tastes great hot, cold, or room temperature, and it is easy to whip up. Spirulina does taste a little oceany but I feel the slight saltiness helps me start my day with balanced electrolytes. It has even been the subject of research to potentially improve athletic performance given its nutrient profile. I actually crave this in the mornings now!
Be sure to tag me on Instagram or leave me a comment if you give this Spirulina Detox Elixir a try!
Spirulina Detox Elixir
Recipe Type: Drinks
Author: Melanie
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 1 drink
Ingredients
1 ½ cups warm or room temperature water
1 teaspoon spirulina powder (use ½ tsp to ease into the taste)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional)
Instructions
Method 1 If using warm water: in a large mug, add the spirulina powder and pour the water over it. Whisk vigorously until no clumps appear.
Add the lemon juice and apple cider vinegar, if using.
Method 2 If using room temperature or cold water: I recommend adding theingredients to a blender bottle or a bottle with a sealed cap. This way, you can shake it up to mix the elixir.*
The drink is ready to go! You can drink it all at once or sip on it throughout your morning. It can also be stored in the refrigerator for later consumption.
Notes
Spirulina dissolves better in warm water but, if using cold, you’ll just need to stir it up every few minutes so the powder won’t all sink to the bottom or clump up!
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If, like me, you’ve got a container of spirulina because you wanted to make trendy smoothie bowls but don’t know what else to use it for, give this drink a try.
I originally created The 5 Day Gratitude Project as a video series over on my Instagram leading up to Thanksgiving. The topics I share are designed to encourage us to explore a deeper sense of gratitude. If you read this on the day this post goes live, the videos are still up. Though, I want to still provide the messages in written form because I think they are valuable topics worth revisiting. You can also read over these topics at your own pace over the course of 5 days. If you saw my videos or choose to do this project, let me know what you think of it. I may just bring this back for Thanksgiving week next year! 😉
Before you start:
If trying out this project after the original date, I recommend focusing on one topic each day for five days straight. Just read over the topics and see how they resonate with you as you go about your day.
Also, this project is designed to be as straightforward and easy to follow along as possible though I do recommend a journal to hand write your answers to the homework assignments for days 2-5. Alternatively, you may also use the notepad in your phone. The homework assignments are optional but highly recommended!
Day 1: Mindfulness in the Present Moment
We’re in an age and time where we look to online content or scroll through social media for a quick distraction to provide instant gratification.
Let me ask you: are you right now watching these videos while you’re in the company of someone else Do you have these videos playing while you’re watching TV or working on any other task? We train ourselves to think we can multitask and we can to a certain extent. Though, the more you divide your attention, the less you will be able to accomplish and, even more, the less you will feel accomplished.
Think of it: when you create a list of things you want to do, are you more likely to be able to check off all of the items of that list if you try to work on them all at once? I’ll let you consider that.
Okay, so what does any of this have to do with mindfulness? The issue I’m trying to highlight is that we’re lacking real presence in what matters. The more you flood your mind with distractions and so-called entertainment, the less energy you have to focus on yourself.
That’s all I have for today. I greatly believe breathing exercises are a way to develop presence. I’ll leave you with a link to one of my favorite videos. Tune in to what’s important, guys.
There is a hindering thought that crosses my mind and probably all of our minds at some time or another. It is a reassurance that we give ourselves that we will be able to get what we want LATER.
The thought might play out like, “Oh, if only I had more money” or, “One day I’ll have the chance to travel”. The worst of these may be when you resign to your circumstances and say, “This is just the way things are….”
The thing is: if there is something you want then there is really nothing stopping you from going after it. I know we’ve all heard that before but it’s true.
There is a concept called wabi-sabi. It’s a Japanese term primarily used to describe the perfect imperfection in art and aesthetics. Beyond that, it is also knowingness that things won’t ever be completely right or completely perfect. Life, like art, is flawed but there is beauty in that imperfection.
Life is going to continue and obstacles are going to continue being placed in our paths—that is the nature that is the imperfection of life. Embrace the idea that life is transient and imperfect and so are you.
Whatever your situation is, build from there. Life is hard but we can still accomplish everything we want if we are willing to work for it. So, there’s never a perfect time to go after what you want—there is just now.
HOMEWORK:
What is something you’ve wanted but haven’t gone after because you feel like it is too hard to achieve?
Could you perhaps be creating your own obstacles?
What is something you can do right now to change that?
Day 3: Comparison as a Tool
Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy”. I’m sure I’m not the only one who can attest to feeling a little unhappy when witnessing others successes.
Yesterday, we spoke about making the most of what you have but a related concern is: What do I have? It’s easy to look at or talk to other people who seem to have their life all together but, remember, nothing is perfect.
For a while I would look at others and find myself feeling less than satisfied with the way my life was going. At the same time, if you asked me what it is that I wanted I wouldn’t be able to give you an answer.
Put aside fame, power, money, opportunity, and anything else and get to the root of it. It took me time but I realized that what I found appealing in other people’s pictures and stories is the idyllic state of content existence they seemed to be in. And that is what I wanted. I think with a foundation of mindfulness, this is also easier to achieve.
Still, we all want more, right? So, what is it that you want? Hold that thought in your head. When you know what you want and what you’re working towards, you need not be affected by anyone else’s path because you’re on your own amazing journey.
Now, if you are thinking: Melanie, that’s all fine and dandy but what if I don’t know what I want? I got you. I’ve been there myself. This is where I like to see comparison as a tool.
What I started to do was look at things others were doing that I liked—and I still do this. I pick out anything from habits to career steps to spiritual practices. The key here is to look to others for inspiration but not for complete replication of their person. I take what resonates with me, leave what doesn’t, and use it to build a framework for my own self-improvement. In this case, I might not know what I’m working towards but I am building practices that feel right to me. The more you live in line with what feels right to you, the closer you’ll be to actually figuring out what you want.
HOMEWORK:
Who is someone that you admire?
What is that person doing that you like?
List any practices that you’d like to implement into your own life.
Day 4: Self-Love
Tell me, does the term might make you feel like rolling your eyes because self-love sounds like a cheesy term out of a therapy session you didn’t sign up for? It is okay to feel that way but I hope I can encourage you to reconsider what self-love means after today.
Part of what makes us hesitant to shower ourselves in self-love is the lingering discomfort we have with ourselves over past and present situations. I hope some of the tips I’ve shared the past few days have resonated. When practiced regularly, they encourage a positive mind frame so that we do not rely as much on the hindering thoughts and behaviors we may have embraced.
If you recall the Day 1 Gratitude Project topic, I mentioned how being mindful in the present moment is important because it allows us to tune into ourselves. When you spend even a few minutes alone, without distractions, you’re at an advantage to explore the things that make you YOU. I do believe that quiet reflection like meditation is extremely beneficial for this but, before you click out of here, there are other methods, too.
Spend time doing something that will benefit you—no matter how small. You can cook yourself a delicious and nourishing meal or light a candle that smells appealing to you. You can do a workout that YOU LIKE or here’s one of my favorites: changing my bed sheets. I swear there is nothing more satisfying than crawling into a bed with clean and fresh linens and wrapping myself in the sheets. It’s these small gestures that will remind us of the things that speak to our soul.
Cultivate a relationship with yourself! You are an individual with many habits, dreams, quirks, and preferences—many of which you may not even realize you have. I wish I could reach out to every single one of you, give you a hug, and tell you that you are loved. But that wouldn’t be enough to ignite self-love. The only person who can cultivate that is you.
Let go of past burdens and accept yourself for who you are in this moment. And if there is still something holding you back, then I hope tomorrow’s topic provides the affirmation you need.
HOMEWORK:
Write three specific things that you like about yourself.
Write down two things that speak to your soul! (Consider even small gestures.)
Write one thing you will do today to provide yourself with love—and hold yourself accountable!
Day 5: Worthiness
You are enough and you are worthy. Let that sink in for a moment.
For the final day of The Gratitude Project, we’ll be discussing worthiness. Too many times we equate our worthiness with empty things like how much money we have in the bank or the amount of hours we put in at a day of work. Maybe even the compliments or critiques of others are an influence. I won’t say these things don’t matter but they don’t have anything to do with your worthiness.
As a disclaimer, I’m not saying we shouldn’t appreciate those things but we need to know we are enough right now. You are enough. You have purpose, you are important, and the fact that you exist and are breathing air right now makes you worthy. This isn’t a trick or a metaphor, this is simply a fact.
Let me break this down: you are worthy of respect; you are worthy of any dreams you aspire to bring into fruition; you are worthy of having a voice; most of all, you are worthy of love.
YOU GUYS. This brings us to the conclusion of the 5 Day Gratitude Project! The things I’ve shared this week have been practices that have been big in changing the way I experience gratitude. I am always trying to work on myself and I am grateful for the ability to learn and improve and share some of that with you.
I hope you’ve gathered something of meaning during these past 5 days. This has been a project really close to my heart and I am so appreciative that you’ve let me share it with you. Let me know what you think if you’ve followed along!
This was everything that was touched on over these past 5 days. Read over any topics you may have missed in video form or feel free to revisit this project and participate in the challenge on your own time.
HOMEWORK:
Finish this sentence with whatever feels right: I am worthy of ________________________.
What advice would you give to someone struggling to feel content with themselves? Could you use this same advice?
Who are you thankful for? List however many people come to mind!
Foster relationships. Reach out to at least one person who you haven’t spoken to in a while but whom is important to you.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I’ll leave you with a final thought:
The world won’t stop turning without you in it…but that doesn’t mean you can’t be memorable. Your words, your actions, and your kindness live forever in the hearts you touch.
For my pals in the USA, Thanksgiving is just around the corner! Are you cooking for your extended family or friends? I don’t typically have that responsibility but, as my interest in cooking has grown over the years, I now want the challenge. I’m looking forward to trying out healthier versions of Thanksgiving dishes on my family this year. In light of that, I’m sharing some tried and tested recipes that I love and think your Thanksgiving company will, too!
If your family is anything like mine, they want a no-frills Thanksgiving dinner. So, this is not the time to make a fancy rice pilaf, homemade bread rolls, or whatever artichoke appetizer you found on pinterest. When time is of the essence, you’ve got to consider what is really worth your effort.
For example, a few years back I made a cranberry sauce from scratch. It was so good! (Here’s the recipe if you’re interested). At dinner, my dad and sister tried it but that was it. I had cranberry sauce leftover for days because the rest of my family preferred the canned stuff they were familiar with.
Incidents like that make me frustrated and want to throw in the towel for cooking for my family. I absolutely HATE food waste but I also don’t want to be stuck eating my prepared dish for three days or more! Therefore, my tip for getting your family/friends to eat your dish is: DO NOT OFFER AN ALTERNATIVE. If the only cranberry sauce available was mine, I bet I wouldn’t have come home with a bowl full.
What was today’s post about? Oh yes, Thanksgiving dishes. I digressed. Anyway, I’ve tried all of these recipes (except one, noted) and think they can hold a worthy spot at the Thanksgiving table.
Sweet Potato Casserole is a solid dish on it’s own but I bet your guests won’t even detect the butternut squash. You get the caramelized sweetness of the sweet potatoes without all the heaviness. The butternut squash helps to lighten things up and the pecan crumble makes this practically dessert-worthy WITHOUT all the sugar in the classic dish.
Instead of mashed potatoes and gravy, make this mushroom gravy pie! Expect everyone to swoon and be begging for the recipe. Okay, I can’t say I’ve been begged for the recipe but the dish was well-received when I made it. If your family is super picky, you could omit the kale and everything will still be delicious. Plus, the pie works as a side to turkey or a main for the vegheads (like myself) at Thanksgiving!
If there is a vegetable that is most widely accepted, it would be cauliflower. Cauliflower has made its mark but I still wouldn’t go wild with it for Thanksgiving. In this salad, I love the tender cauliflower combined with toasty almonds and the creamy tahini dressing. The cauliflower salad is perfect because guests can get a few florets without feeling like they are taking away from the other Thanksgiving dishes they prioritize eating.
Show me someone who doesn’t like carrots. I bet you’ll have a hard time finding that person. If you have a group of vegetable haters at the table, like me, then stick with familiar vegetables. The carrots develop next level sweetness while roasting! In contrast, the curry spice provides some balance so you don’t feel like you’re eating straight up candy. (Not that anyone will confuse carrots with candy….) Also, the spice level is super light so it won’t interfere with the flavor profile of other dishes at the table.
I mentioned at the beginning of the post that I would include one recipe that I haven’t tried. This is it! I’ve made some other Hummusapien recipes and have been pleased so I don’t doubt this one will be great. If you’ve been looking for a green bean casserole that doesn’t used canned soup or mystery dry onions then we’re in the same camp! My mom usually makes green bean casserole with both of those ingredients but this year I’ll be in charge of the dish. I’m very excited to clean up the casserole and use real, whole food ingredients!
Remember that family meals require a little bit of compromise. Sometimes it is easier to go the pre-made route with certain dishes. Though, if you or someone else at your table has dietary restrictions then it will be much appreciated to have some allergen-friendly dishes. Just some food for thought as you go about preparing a Thanksgiving meal plan.
Also, if you want some more plant-based Thanksgiving inspiration, you can see these recipes and more over on my Pinterest Board!
Sometimes, it feels almost silly to write a recipe for something that is so simple to make. Though, as simple as something may sound to me, maybe it’s not a given for others. I’ve been making a sugar-free protein hot chocolate for so long now that I think it’s necessary I share it.
As far as I’ve seen, there are two camps: those who like cooking with protein powder and those who don’t care for it. For this recipe, you’ll need to be in the first camp because protein powder is essential to the sugar-free protein hot chocolate. BTW I like this brand of protein powder.
I’ll explain why I’m using protein powder:
Protein powder naturally has thickening properties so this helps give the beverage some body without making it heavy on milk.
It is also necessary for the sweetness factor. We’re not adding any sugar to this hot chocolate so we’re relying on the sweetener from the protein powder.
I’m a fan of drinking this when I want to get my protein in after a workout but don’t feel like swallowing a cold smoothie. #wintervibes
I’ve also been known to make this beverage in the afternoon for a natural pick-me-up. The cacao powder provides a mental energy boost and the protein helps tie me over ’til dinner.
Lastly, I love using this raw cacao with golden milk spices added. It makes for a hot chocolate with a lot of depth! If you don’t have this kind, regular cacao powder will do.
Sugar-Free Protein Hot Chocolate
Recipe Type: Drinks
Author: Melanie
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 1
Finally! A Hot Chocolate that isn’t a sugar bomb and actually keeps you satiated without weighing you down.
Ingredients
¾ cup milk
½ cup water
1 1/2 tbsp cacao powder (not cocoa powder!)
1 scoop (about 1/3 cup) chocolate protein powder
A tiny pinch of sea salt (optional)
Sprinkle of cinnamon and tumeric (optional)
Instructions
Add the milk and water to a pan and heat until it begins to simmer. Be careful not to let it boil!
In a mug, add your protein powder, cacao powder (I use 1 ½ tbsp but scale down if your protein powder has a very strong chocolate taste.), and sea salt (if using).
Pour the liquid into your mug and whisk until no clumps are left. At this point, you can sprinkle in a bit of cinnamon and turmeric on top. If using regular cacao powder, cinnamon and chili powder would taste good, instead!
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Even if you don’t follow this recipe exactly, I hope you give it a try. If a protein hot chocolate appeals to you then be sure to comment below or tag me on Instagram with your sugar-free protein hot chocolate recipes!
All you need is a few craft supplies and you’ll have the cutest little pinecone turkeys for your festive home or Thanksgiving table spread.
Who else likes to window shop at Michael’s, Home Goods, and Kirkland’s around the fall/winter season? The reason I say window shop is because seasonal decorum is so pretty but sometimes so expensive. Depending on what you’re looking for, there are some ways to craft decorations at home for a fraction of the price at stores.
Convenience plays a big part in the reason we buy those pre-made items. Especially if you’re like me and worried it won’t come out if you try making it yourself. Well, let me tell ya, these pinecone turkeys are easy enough that even I can make them. So, I think you can, too!
My mother is the queen of crafts and, as creative as I like to think I am, my DIY skills are limited. Most of the crafts she comes up with just by looking at what she already has available. She actually came up with the turkey friends after we acquired a large quantity of pinecones. Now, we have a couple of pinecone turkeys gracing the hutch in our home.
I loved the quaint and kitschy look of the decorations so much that I asked my mom if I could feature them on my blog. So here I bring you a DIY project for Pinecone Turkeys!
What You’ll Need:
Pinkering shears or sharp scissors
A few sheets of felt in autumn colors
Hot glue gun + glue sticks
Large or small pinecone with open scales
Directions:
Cut corners of felt sheets from your chosen colors into a fan shape. (I used 3 for the small turkey’s tail and 6 for the larger turkey’s tail)
With pinkering shears, cut slits into the fan from the outside towards the center. This will create the plumage, or tail feathers.
Cut a strip of felt for the turkey’s face in a tan or beige color. For small turkeys, a 1-inch long piece is ideal. For larger pinecone turkeys, use about a 1 ½ inch piece.
For the eyes, cut out 2 small circles in white felt and 2 smaller circles in black felt. The white circles should be larger than the black ones because they need to show after the black center is adhered.
Make the beak and a snood (the dangling part on the turkey’s forehead) in your choice of color. I cut out two triangles: one in orange and one in garnet felt.
Assemble the plumage cut outs between the open scales of your pinecone, using hot glue to adhere the plumage. Then hot glue the felt pieces for the turkey’s face where you imagine the head should be.
Let dry for a few minutes before handling. Place the pinecone turkeys wherever you need some festive decorations.
In the most basic of explanations: just cut out some pieces of felt for the turkey’s tail, face, and beak and glue it onto the pinecone. If your shapes aren’t perfect, it’s okay. The decoration is supposed to be rustic and whimsical so don’t overthink it.
Let me know if you give this easy craft project a try. Also, do you want to see more DIY projects here on my blog?
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