I have a bit of a routine when it comes to my morning healthy rituals. My partner loves the way my day starts out so healthy – it keeps us both on track for good things to come. As such, I am often asked my opinion for some of the ‘tricks of the trade’, including health and nutritional products I have in my artillery. So I am going to start sharing my favorites as a review throughout our blog to showcase some of my favorite items, what they are good for, and perhaps a few new ways for you to incorporate them into your daily health routine.
Good for your body and the planet, Vega One Nutritional Shake is a clean, plant-based nutritional shake. Made from natural, whole food ingredients, Vega One is a convenient, all-in-one supplement, packed with 50% daily intake of vitamins and minerals, 15 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber, 1.5 grams of Omega-3, antioxidants, probiotics and greens. One of these a day takes your health to a new ballpark.
Vega One is also gluten-free, and contains no added sugar, artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners. It is available in French Vanilla, Berry, Chocolate, Vanilla Chai and Natural flavors.
How I use it: I mix it with water or almond milk (can use juice too but that doesn’t taste quite right to me) either alone or with a host or other items including frozen berries, chia seeds, apple cider vinegar, spirulina and chlorophyll for a super intense health shake. My favorite is the vanilla chai flavor, although have tried berry and chocolate as well, and they are pretty tasty.
My little warning: The scoops are pretty big so be sure to use a decent size shaker or blender to ensure all of it gets dissolved and isn’t a gritty shake.
Coconut claims to be one of the world’s most nourishing super-foods. Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil is cold-pressed and never refined, deodorized or bleached. It is organic, non-GMO, non-hydrogenate, contains no cholesterol and is made from fresh coconuts.
Why use coconut oil? It is a ‘good fat’ which is good for your brain, and a ‘good bacteria’, which helps you fight off infection. It also aids in weight loss by increasing your energy so you can burn more fat and helps you feel full longer. It is great for your skin, promotes longevity, is good for your heart and has been shown to reduce blood pressure and ward off heart disease.
How I use it: Tons of options – because of it’s butter type texture it can be a replacement for anything you would typically use butter or margarine for. As a cooking oil, in place of butter in recipes, on toast with a titch of honey, or by the spoonful – it’s a great for you and tastes great too.
My little warning: one tablespoon of this goodness is 130 calories, so be sure to use it keeping that in mind.
Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
The body constantly strives to achieve a state of equilibrium. Apple cider vinegar helps the body maintain a healthy alkaline pH level. Research shows that higher acid levels (lower pH level) leads to a lack of energy and higher incidences of infection. As such, it is a natural energy booster of energy and detoxifying agent for your insides. This also makes it great for your skin and hair. Apple cider vinegar is great for your lymphatic system – it helps to break up mucous throughout the body and cleanse the lymph nodes. Believe it or not, research suggests that apple cider vinegar can help with allergies because of its ability to reduce mucous and sinus congestion. When reducing the effects of allergies, it can also help stave off sinus infections and their related symptoms, such as sore throats and headaches. It is also rich in natural enzymes that can help rid your body of candida—yeasts that are attributed to thrush in humans. Candida also is blamed for creating symptoms of fatigue, poor memory, sugar cravings, and yeast infections.
How I use it –I would suggest one ounce of vinegar to a full glass of water every morning. You can also add a splash to your shakes as well. You’ll get used to the taste, but it definitely takes some time to get used to.
My little warning: this is not something to drink straight. It’s intense as a vinegar would be, so an ounce without the water will burn your throat all the way down. Be nice to yourself with this one!