Stacking Habit #2- Eat A Big Salad Every Day

Hey! How are you guys doing? Hows the big 2019 treating you so far? If you’re reading this I’m guessing you are wanting to make some health upgrades, introduce some new habits into your daily grind, or maybe curious at this point! Whatever the reason I am glad you’re here!

To get everyone up to speed, last week we started a ‘habit stacking challenge’ with the first habit challenge being to drink a tall glass of water each morning to start the day. Check out the last post to read on the many benefits this habit alone can have!

The next habit introduced on Monday on instagram was to eat a popcorn bowl sized salad every day! There are sooo many benefits from eating a variety and leafy greens and vegetables and its one of the easiest things for your body to absorb and digest. In short they are truly magic!

I use to think salads were a punishment but now I look forward to my big bowl of crunch and chew and variety of flavors. Honestly, a good salad is an ‘experience’ haha. It feels so good to sit down to a massive yummy salad!

Personally I’ve seen and felt a huge difference in how I feel from having a salad most every day. I say salad instead of nourish bowl because I like my base to be leafy greens and a topping to be what you might have as your base of a nourish bowl (ie rice). I like the leafy greens to dominate my bowls. The things that I noticed the most right away is digestion. Over time I noticed a difference in my skin, my physique, energy and mind clarity. Greens and a variety of vegetables are so gentle on the body yet so deliver such powerful results. Every time I stop eating greens and veggies I notice a difference right away and every time I get back into making them a priority all the benefits kick in again. Have you experienced this?

TIPS

What I do to make life easy and set up for success is first, stalk up on produce. Secondly, wash and prep enough for the day or two. If I don’t prep ahead of time I’m much more likely to eat something else when the time to eat comes. If its prepped and ready to go, that is exactly what I am going to eat.

The act of purchasing produce and prepping it is such a powerful path to making healthy choices in your kitchen! A few minutes a day ( I am talking max 10 minutes) can make all the difference in your daily diet which ends up affecting your whole life when you think about it!

What I like to do is put on some music, or a youtube video or listen to a podcast and just wash and chop some stuff for later in the day! Or okay lets be real, be breastfeeding with one hand and rinsing with the other, end up eating half of it with my hands and slapping on a lid for later haha. If the kids and Shem are home then they are in there helping and it just becomes a happy enjoyable things! It turns a chore into a moment to look forward too. Its therapeutic if you let it but rushed is okay too! The vegetables dont know the difference :)

A few more tips here…A simple salad with quality ingredients is way better than a complicated salad with poor quality ingredients. If you can, get good lettuce (local, in season, organic lettuce).

Second tip: Do not cover your bowl of nutrition with syrup aka store bought salad dressing. So many salad dressings are packed with sugar and other crap that’s not doing any good beside kissing our taste buds.

Personally, on a day to day basis, I like as simple as olive oil or cold pressed flax seed oil and a little salt and pepper and let the flavors of the vegetables comes through. If you go to France, this is how it seems to be done in so many places and homes from our experience. They are on to something here :) Its amazing.

Another simple dressing is taking some seed mustard, and olive oil or flax with a little lemon or taking your favorite hummus adding some water or lemon to expand it or avocado with some lemon and massaging into your lettuce!

Of course you can make full on dressings and there are healthy options you can buy too but these are my just slap together options that I love and tend to use most every day!

I need to wrap things up but keep it up!! Keep drinking your morning water, breaking a sweat each day and enjoying that big green bowl of goodness!

If you’d like to share your experience or your thoughts use #earthydays on instagram or below!

oh one more thing! To bulk up a salad and make it into a meal- avocado, rice, roasted veggies, nuts and seeds are my go tos!

Love you guys!! Baby is waking! GTG! mwah!

Stacking Habits Challenge- MORNING WATER #earthydays

Hi Hi! Happy New Years everyone! I did a poll recently on instagram that asked, “do you like making new years resolutions?” “Yes, I thrive off of them” or “No, it makes me cringe”. It turned out almost 50/50! Isn’t that interesting? I totally get it…Making goals is easy but the follow through is a totally different beast. Some people are naturally just driven by challenge and don’t have a problem making changes to complete their goals but for others its really really hard!

I personally find change hard if it requires discipline! I use to be really good at change but like a muscle discipline gets weaker the less you use it and I think the older I get the more set in my ways I get! haha. But talking about health… for the past years it took a lot of discipline to figure out my health, go plant based vegan and learn to love exercise. Now, I can’t live any other way and I enjoy it! Getting to a place where you enjoy the way you live is the goal, I think. If you can get through the battle of change, fight off the cravings, develop new cravings, and find the joy in these new habits you’re wanting to adapt then you’re cruising! This is the sweet spot!

So as we go into this challenge just keep in mind that change requires getting a bit uncomfortable at first. Welcome it as this is where the magic happens!

Personally I am really excited because every since my sweet baby Nalu was born six weeks ago, my sugar cravings have gone through the roof. And it hasn’t been for fruit, its been for processed crap! It feels like over night all the sudden all I want is cereal, and breads and vegan junk food which is taking its toll on me. My stomach has been so out of whack and super bloated and just ugggggh. Im over it.

Every day I say, ’gosh I got to eat better’, but then I don’t know what happens, but at some point of the day I just end up filling up on this junk that ends up making my stomach go crazy! I think breastfeeding and the lack of sleep has got my hormones all over the place and its been a total reminder how hard it is to change when your cravings are strong! So, the inspiration for this challenge is coming from a place of… I need to make these changes asap, I’ve done it before and it fully changed my life and now I need to tweak my lifestyle again so I can feel as good as I did and would fully love to support each other and do it together with who ever is in! The goal is to feel great from the inside out which will also help you be lean, strong, energetic vibrant humans! It will be 100% easier and more successful for each of us if we motivate each other!

So, what is the stacking habits challenge? Its a health challenge that is going to introduce new mini habits every few days to incorporate into your life. Each habit alone has the ability to make a big difference in your health but doing all of them could result in an entire lifestyle up grade.

THE FIRST CHALLENGE:

MORNING ROUTINE

Every single day, as soon as you wake up, on an empty stomach, drink a tall glass of water ( ie 16 ounces).

WHY? ‘Water fires up your metabolism, hydrates you, helps your body flush out toxins, gives your brain fuel, and helps curb sugar cravings. Its the cheapest, easiest most beneficial thing you could do to start your day!

If you want to take it one step further, take a ‘morning bomb’ (lemon and or a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with or without molasses and water). This is what I normally do and what makes the biggest difference. If you are a person that craves those quick sugars in the morning (bagel and cream cheese, muffins, cereals etc, this habit will help incredibly).

Personally, I like to make a second small glass of water so I can take it like a shot.

Morning Bomb Recipe

1 Tablespoon lemon

1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar

aprox 1/4 cup water

1 Tablespoon black strap molasses (takes the edge off and is a great source of minerals and fiber)

You might cringe every time you drink it. haha. I do, but it fully sets your mind and body up for the day.

Apple cider vinegar and lemon are fantastic assistants in the detox department aiding in breaking down fats and toxins, and also helps digestion, aids in the absorption of nutrients from your food and helps balance out your body’s ph.

Every day you do this… in fact every time you drink a glass of water, comment a water drop on the last post on my IG @earthyandy to show everyone you’ve done it! It will help motivate us all!

WORKOUT PORTION:

BREAK A SWEAT EVERY DAY. Tell us what you did to break that sweat via IG! If you see someones comment of something you’ve never done before be adventurous and try it! Maybe even dare a friend to do it with you!

If you’d like to share your progress or insights on what your doing tag me @earthyandy and use hashtag #EarthyDays

21 EARTHY DAYS 3.0

21 Earthy Days is ultimately a health challenge to encourage more plant based foods into ones diet while simultaneously inviting holistic balance into ones life! This one has a "stoked to sweat" portion lead by my sister in law Mona! You might know her as fitness guru @rocamoon, and a mini sustainible and gratitude challenge along side the ultimate challenge to eat "plant over processed" at each meal. See below and feel free to make it your own!   I will be doing it with you and answering questions on IG posts as much as I can! 

Hello hello!  We got back a week and a half ago from a few months of traveling and although we ate good, we indulged a lot too! Too much salt, oil, yummy treats and processed foods really adds up and  its actually become an awesome reminder of why eating clean on a consistent basis is so awesome and beneficial. Your energy, body composition and mood are just 10 times better as a result!

In the end its really a matter of finding a balanced lifestyle that works for you and thats what I hope this challenge helps you create more than anything else! Personally, I follow a 80% really good choices and 20% not as good choices. i.e. 80% Living raw foods 20% processed or cooked foods. 

Feel free to take this as far as you want to!  I will post tips and try to answer as many questions as possible to help you, and if you are open to share your experience or even a cool recipe with us all who are doing it  use the hashtag #21earthydays on instagram! You can also check out my meal plan with recipes here and past 21 earthydays challenges here. For more information, tips, educational resources, and recipes take a look through my website for starters! This is everything I learned and used to change my own health. Note all health claims and information on my blog have been approved by certified doctor Joy Ostroff. 

21 EARTHY DAYS GOALS

GOAL 1: 

PLANT BEFORE PROCESSED: Eat plant before processed every time you're about to eat something. (Even if you're going to eat something processed make a promise to yourself you will get something in fresh first). - ex apple, smoothie, cut up veggies, a pop corn bowl sized salad. Preferably something raw and water dense as opposed to dried fruit and nuts if possible. The purpose of this is to train the hand and mind to reach for the fresh produce when your hungry and possibly craving sugars and fats! This will help settle your cravings, guarantee to get nutrients in your body and help you stay on track. If you can master this alone your entire eating habits will change! 

GOAL 2: 

BREAK A SWEAT: Every day of the work week, break a sweat! In whatever way you want just challenge your body, get your heart pumping and break a sweat! My sister in @rocamoon has created some epic workouts we can do together for anyone who wants a plan! Follow her for updates, work outs and tips and check out her 21 days of stoked to sweat here! Thanks for putting this together Mona!! I can't wait! Side note, Mona change my despise for burpees and other exercises into something I actually crave and as a result lt I feel leaner and stronger! Mixing in her workouts with swims, surf, yoga, beach runs, etc has kept things interesting, challenging and fun!

GOAL 3:

STRAW & PLASTIC WATERBOTTLE FREE: For 21 days see if you can refrain from using any plastic straws and plastic water bottles! This may be super easy for you or a hard challenge! Straws and plastic water bottles are everywhere and wreak havoc on our oceans and environment. See if you can either bring your own reusable  straw and bottle around with you or drink without one! If this is too easy, make your own sustainable challenge! 

GOAL 4:

SHOW GRATITUDE: Every day take a moment to close your eyes and think about 5 things you are grateful for that day. Reflect on what happened that day, did anything stand out to you that made you smile or feel grateful, did a friend help you out, do you have good neighbors, did your boyfriend or your husband or mom or child or even a stranger make you feel loved some how, are you grateful for a strong body or mind...whatever it is, just take a moment to really relish in these things and moments!

In a nut shell these are the four goals! Plant before processed, break a sweat, go straw free and gratitude! Feel free to share with us all who are joining using tags #21earthydays and #stokedtosweat.

Most every day I will share a tip of the day, and recipe idea of the day! I will use IG stories and posts if you'd like to follow along on @earthyandy and @rocamoon will be sharing tips and exercises on her page!  See if you can grab a friend or a family member to do it with ya! 

Hey! For those of you that got my where focus goes energy flows bowls this is a great time to put them to use!! Show us what you create in your coconut! And if you want to get one click here! 

NOTE: I started this health journey 3 years ago purely for health reasons but the more I learned the more I realized how much of our lifestyle goes full circle and effects the planet and can make an ethical difference! If it wasn't for internalizing these issues, I think I would have a hard time living plant based vegan consistently. Its these reasons that give more purpose and meaning beyond myself. In saying that, I don't know where you are on your own journey or what your current beliefs are but if you're readying this you're curious and have an open mind. Keep that curiosity and use it to your advantage! If want to go  fully vegan go for it!! If it's much too intimidating right now, try 'meatless mondays', or have one vegan meal a day! Feel it out! And if you are keeping the goal of "plant before processed" you are automatically cutting down on the amount of animal products you might have been eating before, and how much plastic waste you create - not to mention the many health benefits you will gain! I remember being shocked to stay the least!  So without further adieu lets get going and see what the next weeks brings!!

Please use instagram comment as a way to communicate as direct message or email is not possible for me! I hope thats okay! Lots of love!!

-Andy xoxo

21 Earthy Days 2.0

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new”.

Most of us, including myself, don’t have a lot of spare time to share so this #21EarthyDays Challenge is going to cater to the modern day doer more than ever!

In the past I have created a meal plan and grocery list to follow for the 21 Earthy Days with the main goal to simply consume plant before processed every time you choose to eat! (Click here for the last 21 Earthy Days Challenge). If you want to eat processed after that is completely up to you just get in something that came from the earth first; and preferably something living (fresh raw fruits and vegetables). -The purpose of this is to train the hand and mind to reach for the fresh produce when your hungry and possibly craving sugars and fats! If you can master this your entire eating habits will change! 

This time I thought we could change the format to include mini daily  bench marks to work in your day as you see fit! Throughout the week I will share what I am doing, recipes, and what others who have joined are doing as well for ideas! The past meal plan is here if you want recipes and an idea of what a plant based meal plan can look like.

THE PURPOSE: The overall goal for this challenge is to find a  lifestyle that supports the quality of life YOU want to live while supporting the planets health and keeping in mind ethical and equality living. I am hoping you can have a chance to experience the healing and charging benefits from a plant based diet  that we all desire- increased energy, mood, a healthy and happy digestive system, clear skin, muscle tone, and an overall well functioning happy body and mind!

Take it as far as you want or test the waters if its overwhelming.  My wish in the end is that you can learn to listen to your own bodily cues, become an expert on you and find a lifestyle you can feel good about and that works with you not against you.

Yo-yo diets are so 2010! What if you could live in a way that never felt like you were dieting ever again. A lifestyle that you can live abundantly and freely and just simply feels right!  I hope that this challenge can help one find balance in one’s life while supporting the consumption of healthy natural foods and refrain from animal products. If giving up whatever it is that scares you to give up is too big of a pill to swallow than don't worry about it just try doing these 6 goals each day and fill in the blanks how ever you wish!

4 Rules: 

1. Never Restrict- Eat when hungry while practicing listening to your body’s cues.
2. Stay stocked! Think-smoothie supplies- salad supplies, big pot of lentils or black beans and rice for easy meal etc (check here for ideas).
3. Exercise your discipline- get uncomfortable. Challenge yourself a little beyond you think you can! Change is easy said no one…;)
4. Treat this as an adventure and have fun with it!!

MINI DAILY BENCH MARKS

1. Eat plant before processed every time you're about to eat something. - ex apple, smoothie, cut up veggies, your pop corn bowl sized salad. Preferable something raw and water dense as opposed to dried fruit and nuts if possible.
2. Drink a tall glass of water before each meal Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. 4 Liters is the end goal every day. - * What I have been doing is filling up my hydro flask first thing every morning and I bring it with me every where I go.
3. Eat one large leafy green salad at some point of every day- feel free to turn it into a "nourish bowl"
4. Drink 1 smoothie or mono meal at some point each day (preferably first meal of the day).
5. Take 5 minutes out of every day to close your eyes and think of the things that you feel grateful for, what you did that day and what you want to accomplish tomorrow. Feel free to write your thoughts down or just reflect and internalize for a couple of minutes.
6. Break a sweat every week day. I don’t care how you do it but do it! Yoga, jog, HIIT, a hike, take the stairs, play with your kids, clean your house extra fast….whatever you want just feel some sweat beads run down your chest!
7. BONUS think of something nice to do for someone else each day. As we are working on ourselves its amazing how charging it can be to focus our attention on someone else. ex: give someone a sincere compliment, invite someone over for dinner, call up an old friend, or family member, offer to babysit your friends kids :)

BONUS BANK:

Have fun with these! I am going to try and do all of them hehe! Share with us if ya do! ;)

• Go for a walk
• Take a day off social media
• Watch the sunset
• Wake up for sunrise
• Make soup for a neighbor or friend
• Have a plant based theme potluck
• Make a mud mask
• Call a loved one, tell them you love them. Talk about one of your favorite memories with them
• Call a friend and let them know what you love most about them and why they are special to you
• Organize a drawer in your house
• Make a giveaway bag of old clothes and give it to someone that you know will appreciate them.
• Go skinny dipping ;)
• Replace something in your cupboard with an organic replacement, i.e. white sugar for coconut sugar, Jiffy or Skippy for natural peanut butter, pasta for organic gluten free pasta
• Visit your farmers market
• Write a love letter
• Go on a new adventure (hike, surf, try a new hole in the wall restaurant)
• take someone out on a date! (your crush, a brother, a parent, a friend!)

Day 1- Self Reflect
Ask yourself- What is motivating you to do this health challenge? What do you want to gain? What are you afraid of? What are you willing to do to reach your goals.

Reflection is the most important step of all. Facing what is it you want in life and giving the energy to confront it head on and internalize these desires as well as what you are willing to do to prepare yourself to get there.

Below is a Calendar you can print out with all the details on it! I'm so excited and really looking forward to hear how you are doing! If you would like to share any part of your journey with us or journal it all online use hashtag #21earthydays on instagram. You will notice on the calendar there are colored circles, check them off every time you meet your daily goal! I am really looking forward to connecting more and genuinely hope  that you will receive whatever it is you are looking to gain from this! Aloha!! Remember we are doing it together and feel free to reach out in the comments on instagram with any questions you have! Much love!

-Andy  @earthyandy

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD LINK OF CALENDAR BELOW!

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL- Recipes and Uses

Activated Charcoal Uses & Benefits

Activated charcoal is getting a lot of attention these days in the health world. Its name and funky black color is intriguing but also a bit intimidating. I thought we could break down the many benefits, talk about how to choose the right kind as well as how to use it properly! 

What is Activated charcoal? It is a potent natural treatment used to trap toxins and chemicals in the body before the body can absorb them internally. When using activated charcoal for natural healing choose a product derived from coconut shells or other natural sources.

The first time I had ever tried activated charcoal was when my friend Jenelle who runs Well'n Proper Juice Company brought some over when one of us had a cold.  She made an activated lemonade which tasted just like a refreshing lemonade! The first time she brought one I was nervous about it but the second time after doing some of my own reading I was excited to drink it!

One of the most popular activated charcoal uses around the world is in emergency trauma centers around the world for the treatment of poisoning and drug overdoses. Now more than ever people are benefiting from using it for a number of reasons including the reduce bloating and gas, lowering cholesterol, treat bile flow problems safely during pregnancy, and even prevent hangovers. (I was just talking to a lady the other day that said she and her friends ALWAYS use activated charcoal to skip hangovers and swears by it). That is a pretty good sign that its does a good job soaking up junk in the body...

 How does activated charcoal work?

In a nut shell- "activated charcoal works by trapping toxins and chemicals in its millions of tiny pores. It doesn’t absorb the toxins, instead it works through the chemical process of adsorption. In the body, absorption is the reaction of elements, including nutrients, chemicals and toxins, soaked up and assimilated into the blood stream. Adsorption is the chemical reaction where elements bind to a surface.

The porous surface of activated charcoal has a negative electric charge that causes positive charged toxins and gas to bond with it. The nooks and crannies in activated charcoal are created through a heating process. It’s important to note that activated charcoal is not charcoal used in your barbecue grill! Barbecue charcoal is loaded with toxins and chemicals, and should never be consumed."

 Activated Charcoal Uses

To use: Very important! -Its imperative to drink 12-16 glasses of water per day to avoid  dehydration and to asset in the detox process. 

Whitens Teeth- If you're looking for a cost effective natural way to brighten your smile and make sure your breathe is in check try it! The way it works is by adsorbing plaque and tiny tidbits that are staining your teeth from coffee etc. Kinda funny... it will whiten your teeth but stain your clothes and counter tops so be careful:)

Teeth Whitening: 2-3 x a week- wet your toothbrush and dip into powdered activated charcoal. Brush for a minute, sip. swish, spit until your mouth isn't black anymore ;) 

Another recipe is activated charcoal mixed with coconut oil and peppermint oil! I want to try this sometime! 

note- If you have veneers it could stain them so avoid.

 Alleviates Gas & Bloating

"One activated charcoal use often overlooked is to alleviate uncomfortable gas and bloating. It works by binding the gas-causing byproducts in foods that cause discomfort."

"Dosing recommendations to alleviate gas and bloating: Take 500 milligrams one hour prior to a typical gas-producing meal, with a full glass of water. Follow with an additional glass of water immediately thereafter to help get the charcoal into your system, where it can bind with gas-producing elements".

Prevent Hangovers

Activated charocal works quickly to remove toxins which many people have found reduces or eliminates hangovers all together. (I have no idea personally but this is based off of what I have read online and have heard from friends).  

Mold Cleansing

Something that I have learned while researching activated charcoal is that toxic mold in the body can cause depression, kidney and liver failure as well as decrease brain function, heart disease, eye irritation, headaches, vomiting, impaired immune system function, and severe respiratory distress.

Mold grows in Hawaii very quickly. This is something that people inspect their houses for because of the server health problems mold is the culprit of. 

Skin and Body: External Uses

Its kind of a miracle ingredient huh! There are beauty applications all the way to affective order control, to the treatment of acne, to the relief of insect bites (mosquito bee etc), rashes and poison ivy/oak! 

To treat bites and rashes: Its recommended to  mix one capsule of activated charcoal with ½ tablespoon of coconut oil, and dab on affected area. Reapply every 30 minutes until itching and discomfort are gone. Cover with bandage to avoid stains.

To treat acne/spots and give your skin some love: mix one capsule of activated charcoal with two teaspoons of aloe vera gel, and smooth over face. Let dry then rinse off completely. The science behind this is that the activated charcoal binds with environmental toxins and dirt then pulls it out. So curious what you think when you try this! Aloe is amazing.... but that is a whole new topic.

 Digestive Cleanse

"Activated charcoal uses help promote a healthy digestive tract by removing toxins that cause allergic reactions, oxidative damage and poor immune system function. By removing the toxins from your system, you can reduce join pain increase energy and increase mental function".

No matter how clean we eat and live, we sometimes need an extra boost to clean house. If only we lived in a perfectly pure world with not pollutants, pesticides etc! 

Two day cleanse:  have only done this once but I liked it:  To complete a digestive cleanse with activated charcoal, take 10 grams 90 minutes prior to each meal, for two days. Eat clean during this time (no pesticides, lots of water, no sugar, and completely plant based vegan if possible :) 

 Anti-Aging

"Activated charcoal uses include helping prevent cellular damage to kidneys and liver, as well as supporting healthy adrenal glands. It’s imperative to cleanse toxins and chemicals routinely from the body. Activated charcoal benefits major organs by helping the body flush out the toxins and chemicals that cause the damage".

"For this activated charcoal use, take two capsules per day after exposure to nonorganic foods, heavy meals or after contact to other toxins. This supports better cognitive function, a reduction in brain fog, healthier kidney and liver function, and a healthier digestive tract".

Activated Charcoal Side Effects- a few things to know! 

Generally considered gentle but always good to do your own research :). Also make sure to drink a lot of water while ingesting and know that activated charcoal can interfere with the absorption of nutrients, supplements and prescription medications therefore don't take with a meal 90 minutes to two hours prior to meals, supplements and prescription medications. 

Where to Buy Activated Charcoal

Know that not all activated charcoal supplements are created equal. Look for  "activated charcoal made from coconut shells or identified wood species that have ultra-fine grains." avoid the artificial sweeteners that some companies use.  Jenelle owner of Well'n Proper, my most trusted sources ;) uses Country Life activated coconut charcoal powder. You can get online.  If you have any brands you love let us know! I prefer coconut based...

Three Coconut Activated Charcoal Recipes:

Activated Black Lemonade- my daily drink these days.

Detoxifying Lemonade using coconut activated black charcoal. Also great for hangovers or to use as part of a cleanse.

Ingredients

•         1 liter mineral water
•         2-3 squeezed lemons  
•         1 tsp activated charcoal 
•         1-2 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions: 

Shake until stirred. 

Black Lava Flow

4 ripe Bananas

1/4 cup coconut milk

6 almond ice cubes

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp coconut activated charcoal

Instructions: 

Blend until all but activated charcoal until smooth. Take out a few scoops and place in your cup and put in freezer. Blend in the activated charcoal in the remaining shake. Sometimes I like to freeze for a bit longer to make thick like ice-cream before eating!

fun fun! 

Black Pina Colada Detox Smoothie

1/2 cup coconut water

1/2 cup coconut milk

1 cup pineapple

2 frozen banana

1 tsp activated charcoal 

1 cup ice 

1 head dino kale or 1/2 cup baby kale (optional)

Instructions: 

Blend!

NOTE! This is not a sponsored blog post I am just a nerd having fun discovering this new ingredient! 

21 EARTHY DAYS!!!

ALOHA! Its been a good 4 months since doing a health challenge and I am feeling like I need a reset and thought it would be fun to do it together!  I have refreshed the last

21 EARTHY DAYS Challenge complete with a 7 DAY MEAL PLAN with links to recipes and a few health articles to keep us fueled and motivated! Use the recipes and shopping list as ideas and alter how you want! I personally love green smoothies almost every morning but I shared a few ideas.

I have also included a "What's In The Kitchen" and "Produce Buys" page as well as a "List of Staples"  that I have in my fridge and cupboards to make delicious healthy food on the fly. 

*(To ensure the best tasting and quality of your produce I recommend buying fruits and veggies in their season therefore feel free to swap out my picks for your local picks i.e. mangoes for plums).

The main purpose of this challenge is to introduce plant based whole foods into your diet and to experience the endless benefits that we all desire- increased energy, mood, a healthy and happy digestive system, clear skin, muscle tone, and an overall well functioning body.

WHAT IS 21 EARTHY DAYS?

21 Earthy Days is a health challenge to encourage more plant based foods into ones diet while simultaneously making more effort to invite holistic balance into ones life. Below you will find a eating plan designed to either give ideas or to follow on a daily basis depending on how "full on" you want to take this challenge.  We can keep each other motivated and you can find updates on my Instagram EarthyAndy!

*The advice you will find throughout this meal plan and all throughout my website was formulated following a high carb low fat vegan (HCLFV) lifestyle with a focus on plant based, nutrient dense foods while keeping food combining in mind for ultimate health and healing!  To learn more about the key principles of a high carb low far vegan lifestyle I personally follow click here.

*All info you find here on earthyandy.com has been approved and is supported by Dr. Diana Joy Ostroff. This is the style of eating that I followed that changed my health and life! I have never found such improvements then following this way of eating. Keep in mind I am a huge believer in becoming an expert on oneself. This is what worked for me and works for many others but you may find something better for you. Also note that this is a gentle way to eat for ones body to heal and even thrive. Keep in mind, you might experience detoxing symptoms which could discourage you. You will find all sorts of information to answer questions you have throughout my website. I encourage you to be open minded, to get educated and treat this as a little adventure! We will do it together! And I am sure at times you might curse my name but that's okay! haha. Take it out on me and keep going!

THERE IS ONE RULE:

This is a holistic health challenge with a focus on PLANT OVER PROCESSED. We will have mini challenges to encourage mindful living 🌟with the underlying consistent daily goal of choosing 'something plant before something processed' ever single time you decide to eat.  If you want processed after... that's fully up to you but this act of choosing plant first is going to do a number on you mentally in a every positive way. Knowing you can have the processed if you want after is your comfort blanket . This will help you get familiar with getting in the plant food while you're hungry and create some really great habits and you might be surprised...you may not even want the processed after all! One of the hardest habits to break is choosing a healthy option first so we are going to train that hand to grab or prepare something beneficial for your body before grabbing something that only benefits your taste buds...

FAQ - Check out Frequently Asked Questions here if you're interested in diving in deeper!

Last thing,

HAVE FUN & LETS CONNECT! This challenge is meant to get us off to the right start!  Use these tools as guides to either make the meals listed and follow the recipes or swap out and switch up ingredients if you like to whip your own creations.  For health articles check out @earthyandyforum! If you have questions or you are looking for motivation, updates,  keep connected via Instagram or Facebook and use the hashtag #21earthydays.

 I look forward to connecting and hearing about your progress!

XO - Andy @earthyandy

pssst, grab a friend, a brother, a sister,  your husband, your girlfriend, a random neighbor ... whoever and do it together, could be fun... just don't get too "hangry!"  No matter what I'll be here, and we can lean on each other!