15 Staples To Make A Protein Packed Pantry

I’ll have to admit it. In a dream world I would have a personal chef. If I had to take it down a notch, I would say round the clock food delivery. Eating healthy can feel like a part time job sometimes. When you’re on a first name basis with all the stock boys and cashiers at the farmers market, you know you spend a lot of time there.

I’m constantly checking out new products, reading labels, and replenishing those fresh fruit and veggies. As much as I love the grocery store, I wonder what about the pantry? It had become a taboo place for me. I associated it with chips, cookies, and jars of sugar. But could I make it a protein palace instead?

Yes, it is possible to have healthy meals made in minutes which do not come in liquid form. Check out these 15 protein packed staples to add to your cupboard. They’ll help you minimize the number of trips to the grocery store. Just make sure you stock up on those glass storage jars for your bulk buying binge:

• Black Beans 15g
• Lentils 17g
• Chickpeas 14g
• Red Kidney Beans 15g
• White Beans 17g
• Quinoa 8g
• Bulgur 17g
• Israeli Couscous 6g
• Chia Seeds 4g
• Walnuts 12g
• Pecans 9g
• Millet 22g
• Pine Nuts 18g
• Freekeh 5g
• Mung Beans 3g

Now what to do with amazing ingredients? Let’s take some of our newer additions to the pantry for a spin with a couple of fresh ingredients. 

Tomato, Basil And Millet Salad

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup uncooked millet, rinsed and drained
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup chopped green onions
• 1/3 cup thinly sliced basil
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 6 large leaves green or red leaf lettuce

Instructions:

• Toast millet in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and just golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and carefully add broth. Return to heat and bring to a boil over medium high heat then reduce heat to medium low, cover and simmer until liquid is absorbed and millet is tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Transfer millet to a large bowl, fluff with a fork and set aside to let cool. 

• Add black-eyed peas, green onions and basil to millet, toss gently and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, salt and pepper, then pour dressing over millet mixture and toss to coat. Add tomatoes, then spoon salad over lettuce leaves and serve.

Bulgur Salad with Cucumbers, Red Peppers, Chick Peas, Lemon and Dill

Ingredients:

• 1 cup bulgur or light bulgur
• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 1/3 cup diced red onion
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small English (or hothouse) cucumber, seeded and diced
• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh dill
• 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, from 1-2 lemons
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large garlic clove, finely minced
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions:

• Bring a kettle of water to a boil. Place the bulgur in a large bowl with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1-1/4 cups boiling water. Cover the bowl tightly with saran wrap and let sit for 25-30 minutes, or until all of the water is absorbed.

• Meanwhile, to soften the bite of the raw onions, place them in a small bowl and cover with cold water. Let them sit for ten minutes, and then drain. (Feel free to skip this step if you don't mind the taste of raw onions.) Combine the cooked bulgur with the red onions, remaining teaspoon of salt (I know it seems like a lot but the salad is bland without it) and all of the other ingredients. Season to taste with more salt, pepper, sugar or lemon if desired. Serve cold.

These are few ideas to take your pantry to the healthy level. Minimize your trips to the grocery store. Whip up a quick meal with ingredients you probably already have on hand. If you also happen to use dried seasonings versus fresh we won’t tell anyone either. Taste is taste, right? 

The Best Southern California Fitness Retreats

(Photo Credit: www.ladylux.com)

While our idea of vacationing most often entails lounging poolside basking in the sun's rays, we’ve recently become intrigued with the luxe fitness retreats popping up all over Southern California. And while there’s no better way to recharge than a little relaxation, there’s nothing more rejuvenating and gratifying than spending a few days giving your body the TLC it needs.  

Whether you’re on the hunt for an all-inclusive yoga retreat or you’re looking for a deeper mind-body connection, we’ve rounded up the So Cal fitness retreats currently on our radar.

(Photo Credit: www.eatingbirdfood.com)

Read on and get inspired!

The Oaks at Ojai

122 East Ojai Avenue, Ojai, CA 93023

An all-inclusive destination spa, The Oaks at Ojai is a fitness retreat that offers everything from guided hikes through the mountains to aquatic workouts under the sun. Casual and perfect for groups, it’s a great place to relax, lose weight, and feel great about yourself. Choose from a 2-night stay, a 5-night stress break package, a 7-night weight loss jumpstart package, or a 15-night body makeover. Bonus: they often feature monthly deals and discounts on the site, so be sure to check it out.

Esalen

55000 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920

Located in beautiful Big Sur, this hippie-centric retreat offers more than 400 workshops ranging from dance to culinary arts to life purpose and visioning. Additionally, the resort boasts luxurious massages, inspirational (you’ve gotta see ‘em to believe ‘em!) views, tasty food, beautiful accommodations, and more. With a goal to cultivate deep change in self and society, it’s the perfect place to visit when you’re in need of some self reflection.

Ranch at Live Oak Malibu

12220 Cotharin Road, Malibu, CA 90265

Internationally acclaimed and recognized as one of the World’s Best Spas in 2012 and 2013 by Travel + Leisure, this results-oriented retreat promotes weight loss, wellness, and nutrition. Whether you opt for the 4-day jumpstart program or the 1-week immersion option, this ultra-luxe spa offers all-hours-of-the-day exercise (think hikes in the nearby mountains, yoga, and body sculpting classes). It also boasts chef-made vegetarian food, intense bonding with 13 other “campers”, and insanely gorgeous scenery. Oh, and did we mention caffeine and cell phones are strictly prohibited?

Cal-A-Vie Health Spa

29402 Spa Havens Way, Vista, CA 92084

Nestled away from the stresses of everyday life, this French-inspired retreat offers an award-winning wellness program that works with guests personal needs and goals. Thanks to a 5:1 staff-to-guest ratio, the environment is peaceful, beautiful, and energizing. Visitors can enjoy fitness classes, mind-balancing sessions, spa treatments, delicious cuisine, and Mediterranean-style accommodations. You’ll leave feeling empowered, invigorated, and of course, relaxed.

The Pearl Laguna

21095 Raquel Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Located in Laguna Beach, this intimate retreat accommodates only 14 guests at a time. Featuring 12 bedrooms and 12 baths, it offers weeklong and multiple week retreats. Created by yoga pioneers and natural health pros, it’s designed to promote health and revitalize the body through nutrition, yoga, hiking, relaxation (their spa treatments are said to be incredible!), and beautiful surroundings. Expect to leave feeling balanced, renewed, and ready for new fitness challenges.

What do you think? Would you love to visit any of these wellness retreats?

Spring Has Sprung With Pastel Workout Gear

Spring has officially sprung, and to celebrate the new season, we’re all about mastering the pastel palette. Soft and sweet, pastel shades pack a major punch (in the most subtle way possible, of course!). And what’s not to love about that? Whether it’s a pretty peach or serene green, there’s something for every style and every personality.

Intrigued? We thought so! Read on for the pastel pieces we’re coveting now.

Vimmia’s Printed Core Pant not only features 4-way stretch technology, but they’re also made with fast-drying fabric for the most comfortable workout. The best part? The gorgeous geometric pastel print.

Soft and stretchy, Atheta’s Energy Chaturanga Capris complement any workout, and look so flattering on any skin tone. The cool pink shade is perfect for spring, but also looks so-chic with sweaters and boots.

Alo Yoga’s Sweat It Trunk shorts come complete with the most ah-dorable ruching detail to flatter your figure in the best way possible. The Easter-egg peach shade is not only gorgeous, but it’s the best way to bring out that new-season tan you’ve been working so hard to perfect.  

Free People’s Starry Night Tee is a serious stunner thanks to ombre details and an effortless fit. Pair it with your favorite leggings or shorts and wear it from the studio to the streets. It’s a need-now essential - trust us.

Complete with a flattering scoop neck and barely-there back, Alo Yoga’s cropped Jasana Tank is perfect for Pilates and beyond. Pair it with a printed bra and legging combo for the sexiest finish.

Look no further for the perfect on-the-go jacket. Lululemon’s In Flux Jacket not only comes in a seriously serene shade, but it’s ideal for those chilly spring mornings that don’t require a puffy jacket. No-bulk technology makes it that much better.

Last but not least, no Pilates Platinum class is complete without some ah-dorable Toe Socks. Functional and fashionable, their latest collection boasts some seriously sweet shades! Our favorite hue? Fishnet Kiss! Why? It’s the most perfect shade of pink!

Souping: Juicing's Healthier Cousin?

Remember when juicing was life? You spent your mornings washing vegetables. Wondering how many apples you could use to make the greens a little more yummy. Sometimes you would plunk down the ten dollars to get your cold pressed fix since you didn’t have the time to make your own. Ready to meet juicing’s cousin, souping?

It’ll leave you satisfied longer. Give you the fiber you need. Plus, you’re not adding tons of sugar to your diet from all the fruit used to make greens easier to drink. Some people go the

juicing route for a cleanse, but it’s only a short term fix. Souping can be part of a regularly detoxing way of life. 

I have to admit, I was a little taken aback by the souping concept. When I think of soup, I think of the traditional American fare like chicken noodle. Or if it’s a family gathering, we’d have albondigas soup, spicy mexican meatball soup. Neither is something you’re having through a straw. So I opened up my mind to the concept of souping. What’s it all about?

I love juicing. There is nothing better than a fresh made cold pressed drink right at home. I did have a little guilt when I ended up throwing away so much pulp, and figured out other goodies to make with it. But still I was left with the thought, “Why am I working so hard to make a drink.” The more I learned about souping, I think this could be a new route for me.

Juicing gives you so many vitamins and minerals which are quickly absorbed by the body. It’s a great way to detoxify, but how much goodness are we missing out on by not having the roughage? Learning about slow cooking taught me how much vegetable skin is good for us. You’re throwing away nutrients by not having the vegetable skin. It’s the vicious cycle of juicing. 

It’s a lot of work. It’s not always satisfying. It’s wasteful when you’re throwing away vegetables because you missed a day or two of juicing. Don’t get me wrong, I love juicing. But like all things, let’s mix it up in moderation. 

Here are some more fun souping pros for you:

• Souping Is More Economical.
• Souping Retains The Fiber
• Souping Is Mentally Easier To Sustain
• Soups Are Veggie-Loaded
• Benefit Of A Wider Variety Of Herbs, Spices, And Broth
• Won’t Leave You Feeling Hungry
• More Textures Instead Of Only Sipping Your Meal
• Warming & Grounding According To Ayuverdaa

I hope I’ve piqued your curiosity. I take my health and well being seriously. I’ve definitely noticed a difference in my body, internally and externally since I’ve made a conscientious effort to treat my body well. But like all humans, we get stuck in our ways. Even with our foods when we’re being healthy. You should see me when I realized I ran out of raw coconut vinegar!

I told myself it’s okay. My usual health food store isn’t open, but I can run to my local supermarket. I’m going to try a new cleanse tomorrow. Now to decide between these two. What do you think? 

Beetroot Soup

Ingredients

• 1 Large Beetroot
• 1 Large Carrot
• 1 Potato
• 1 Onion
• 1 Can of Peas
• Small can of tomato paste
• 1/4 Cabbage Head
• 1/2 Lemon
• 2 Bay Leaves
• Salt, Pepper and other spices

Instructions:

Boil a pot of water and add chopped potato and bay leaves to it.

Meanwhile, spray a frying pan with a little bit of oil and add chopped onion to it. Once the onion turn yellowish add grated beetroot and carrot. Stew them for 15 minutes. 

In a separate bowl mix the tomato paste with 2 cups of hot water and add it to the frying pan after 15 minutes. Let it stew for additional 15 minutes. 

Chop the cabbage. Once you finish stewing the beetroots and carrots, add all the frying pan contents to the boiling pot, add the cabbage and the peas as well.

Add Lemon juice, 1 table spoon of sugar, salt, pepper and other spices of you choices. Let it cook for additional 10 minutes. 

Lentils Soup

Ingredients

• 1 Cup of Lentils
• 1.5 Liters of Water
• 2 Tomatoes
• 2 Carrots
• 1 Onion
• 1/2 Lemon
• Salt, Pepper, Cumin and other spices

Instructions:

Boil a pot of water and add the lentils in. Meanwhile, spray a frying pan with a little bit of oil and add the chopped onion to it. Once the onion turn yellowish add grated carrots and chopped tomatoes. Stew them for few minutes.

Add all the frying pan contents to the boiling pot. Let it cook for about 40 minutes. Add salt, cumin, pepper and lemon juice. Use a blender to blend everything to a uniform puree soup. 

Switch Up Your Skincare for Spring

While we’re still a ways away from an all-out heat wave, spring is definitely upon us! And as the new season approaches, it’s time to give your skincare routine a revamp.  

With that said, after months of chilly weather, your skin’s probably on the hunt for some serious hydration. The good news? Keeping skin looking on point for spring has never been easier thanks to a few simple switch ups.

Ahead, the products you need to put your best face forward for spring!

An A-List Approved Sunscreen

The best way to prevent fine lines and keep sun spots at bay is by sticking with a serious sunscreen routine. We recommend using at least an SPF30 to block UV rays from damaging the skin. Apply a tablespoon to the face 30 minutes before leaving the house, and you’ll be set. We’re obsessed with Josie Maran’s Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47! It’s hydrating, non-greasy, and keeps skin smooth and radiant.

Go Lighter

Heavier skincare products could lead to clogged pores, whiteheads, blackheads, and more – especially as the temps heat up come spring. With that said, we’re big believers that a lightweight serum is the perfect substitute for heavier creams.  Tata Harper’s Rejuvenating Serum is formulated with the most natural ingredients and works hard to protect the skin from environmental damage.

Scrub Away

Use an exfoliating skin brush (we love the Clarisonic!) every day to keep skin bright and radiant – all season long. Additionally, it’s important to integrate a physical scrub into your routine twice a week. For spring, opt for a product with lighter granules and scrub the skin in small, circular motions. Arcona’s Cranberry Gomage Exfoliant purifies the skin and helps to reduce free radical damage.

Revamp your Makeup Routine

As the weather gets warmer, we’re all about the less-is-more look. Switch out that heavy foundation for a lightweight BB or CC cream (bonus if it’s packed with SPF!), use a lightweight cream blush to leave skin dewey and refreshed, and skip the eyeliner and lipstick altogether for a little mascara and tinted chapstick.

Tone Up

While we’re all about a good tone-sesh at the studio, toning the skin as just as important. To keep skin cool, glowing, and revitalized, opt for a spray toner like Fresh’s Rose Floral Toner. It’s alcohol free and one spritz does wonders for tired, dull-looking skin. Bonus: keep it in the fridge for an extra-refreshing finish.

And there you have it - skincare hacks to keep your complexion looking flawless for spring! Do you have any products you love? We’d love to hear your favorites!