Ever heard about “live micro-organisms"? Do they sound gross? Well they shouldn't, because these little living creatures are great for your tummy. But sometimes, these guys need a little bit of help, especially when they get a little wild.
Probiotics does just this, they help your intestinal bacteria get healthy, especially after being harmed by stress, taking antibiotics or any other external toxin. After just a few days of taking probiotics, you'll probably find that you are less bloated and feel less intestinal pain or cramping.
One easy way of getting your daily probiotics is through Bio-K+, which can be taken in either pill form or as fermented milk. What's even better is that if you're lactose intolerant - which many of us are - Bio-K+ offers soy-based fermented milk. These even come in alternate flavors, like strawberry or pineapple/vanilla.
Before you worry that these things might taste as funky as they sound (bacteria!), they are actually delicious! They taste just like creamy, rich plain yogurt.
Try it out for a week and see just how much better your tummy feels.
I know so many friends who have completely sworn off cookies from their diets, because they are just so problematic in terms of keeping fit and healthy. Given that they normally contain flour, sugar, butter, and milk (problematic for some), cookies have gotten a really bad reputation, especially for health nuts like ourselves, and vegans/vegetarians who can't stomach dairy.
But luckily there's an alternative (isn't there always?).
Nut Just A Cookie offers a great way to snack with their Nutty Nibbles line of cookies, which are bit-size, completely organic ingredients, and without any refined sugars. They come in a box of 24 and come in regular or sugar-free options.
And of course, they are completely delicious. I have a box next to me as I type this!
Evolution Fresh juices are my favorite, but if there's another thing they do really well it's the soups. Did you even know these guys made soup? These are my absolute favorite meals - and they're just perfect for those cold winter/spring nights.
Evolution uses fresh veggies, fresh herbs and fresh spices, made every day! They are also low in calories and sodium.
My favorite soup is the lentil and carrot ginger, but they have plenty of other options:
- Butternut Soup
- Chipotle Black Bean Soup
- Jolly Green Soup
- Roasted Garlic Tomato Basil
- Southwest Roasted Corn
- Split Pea Soup
- Vegetable Minestrone Soup
Pilates Platinum will be holding a First Friday event on February 4th at Abbot Kinney (at our Venice Beach studio) with a live DJ, lights, wine/cheese, snacks and 3 pilates/spin sessions throughout the evening!
There will also be giveaways for free Pilates Platinum sessions, free toezies, and other possible giveaways and discounts!
Come out, hang out, talk to us and chill out - participate and help us make this event a success, dogtown neighbors!
Love, Heather Nicole
Chocolate brownies don't have to be scary. They can be an amazing, wonderful thing!
And they don't always have to be a million calories high - you can create your own brownies that are only 100 calories, thanks to Dr. Oz, using black beans, whole wheat pastry flour, and espresso powder. Crazy huh?
Check them out over on the Dr. Oz show, 
The 100 Calorie Brownie
They look amazing!
