Raw Meal - Living Healthy while on the Go!

Many of us have busy schedules, and face challenges with healthy eating. Typically Vegtarians and Vegans face difficulty making sure that they have proper nutrients throughout the day. For a Yoga Instructor who goes from class to class, living off of a few fruits and veggies may be habitual, healthy, and we get to a point where our body thrives off of "spirit". But is this enough? Are we getting enough nutrients? We can eat nutrient rich foods like Kale, Sprouts, and various other things, but we may end up carrying half of the farmers market with us throughout the day. For a long time I have been on a quest for a vegan friendly protein shake that provides nutrients without the typical chemicals & sugars found in most protein shakes. Hallelujah! I have found the answer. A company called Garden of Life, which makes the famous brand Vitamin Code has come up with a shake called RAW MEAL. This shake is primarily made of sprouts!!! No added sugars, chemicals, NO SOY (which I avoid since in North America it is Genetically Modified), no Whey, no High Fructose Corn Syrup Solids, no Soy Lecithin (Another GMO filler that can lead to various hormone related diseases). Now since it is made mostly of sprouts, it may have a taste that some won't enjoy, just add a banana, or whatever your favorite fruit is, and chug that bad boy down!!! Totally healthy, loaded with nutrients, loaded with vitamins and minerals, no chemicals, ALL NATURAL....and best of all NO SOY! I found this product at Vitamin Shop. Look for it and get your sprouts on!

Pumkin Seeds & Protein Shakes

Many yogis who are vegans and vegetarians have asked me questions regarding protein shakes. When embarking on a disciplined physical fitness routine, it is important to have adequate amounts of protein. Since vegetarians may not be eating the required amount of daily protein, which is 1.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight, a shake may be the best choice.

I prefer natural protein shakes that are free of chemicals and sweeteners. The Vitamin shop brand makes an excellent vegetarian shake that is free of whey and soy, which is my preference. Be aware since the majority of the protein for this brand is based from peas, you will feel like you are drinking liquid peas. Like me, you can always add fruits for taste, fiber and added vitamins.

I also like the Nutri Biotic brand of Vegan Rice Protein Shakes because along with being healthy, they are really yummy! Picking a protein shake that uses stevia and or cane sugar for sweeteners are my preference also, as the long term effects of artificial sweeteners have been linked to tumors and cancer cells. I also like to use rice milk mixed with water, but almond and hemp milk are also good choices.

Finally, one of my newest additions to my protein shakes is pumpkin seeds. These seeds are loaded with goodness like: zinc (good for skin and linked to lower chances of osteoporosis), magnesium (1/2 cup has daily requirement which most of us are deficient in), L-tryptophan (which is a compound that naturally fights depression), and these seeds promote a healthy prostate, bladder function, act as a natural anti-inflammatory, lower cholesterol (which can also protect against some cancers), and help prevent kidney stones.

Make sure to get the adequate amount of protein to replenish your muscles after you work them out. Just a handful a day, grinds up smooth in a good blender and does a body good. ~ Peace & hugs, Ambria