Natlifestyle.com

This weekend, I was visiting my family. Which meant that I was eating white pasta, full-fat cheese, bagels, pizza and summer bbq stuff (and the list could go on and on). It was delicious! But not without feeling it: since I normally don’t eat that stuff, my body actually felt different, and not in a good way. I felt tired and I even gained a couple of pounds. Now that I’m back in town, I’ve been eating ‘cleaner’ and exercising (and feeling normal again). Which lead me to write about eating clean.

I’m a big fan of this style of eating because it’s not a fad diet, so you can just make it a part of your life. According to Answer Fitness, the Clean Eating philosophy is really based on the natural health food movement of the 1960s, which then got transformed into the “whole foods” approach to eating, which emphasizes consuming foods (preferably organic) that are unprocessed or refined as little as possible before consumption. 

Here are the basics of clean eating.  If you follow this philosophy of eating and exercise regularly, you’ll definitely see a difference in the way you look and feel.

• Eat a wide-variety of whole, unrefined and unprocessed foods in a form that’s as close as possible to how the foods appear in nature
• Avoid processed sugars, especially sugary beverages like soda
• Avoid saturated fat and trans fats, and instead substitute healthy, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats
• Always combine complex carbohydrates with lean protein and some healthy fats at every meal
• Spread your food out over 5-6 smaller meals, consumed every 2-3 hours
• Eat for maximum nutrient density. In other words, avoid “empty” calories found in fast food, soda, snacks, cakes and cookies, and substitute in nutrient-dense snacks.
• Pay attention to proper portions and practice portion control
• Drink lots of water (at least 8 cups a day.)

By the way, it’s okay to splurge every now and then to stay sane!

Here’s the link to the full article that explains each of those points in greater detail:

http://www.answerfitness.com/204/clean-eating-eating-clean-answer-fitness/

Colleges have rankings based on class size, majors, location…and lots of other factors that attract (or deter) kids from going. For me, it was all about location. For today’s college kids, the environment plays a role in their decision, with two-thirds of college applicants say a school’s green record would influence their enrollment decision. I hope businesses are taking note and realizing the importance of going green.

The Sierra magazine has just released its third annual list off what it calls “the most eco-enlightened colleges.” Scores were assigned in efficiency, energy, food, academics, purchasing, transportation, waste management and administration.  Here are the top 10 green schools:

I love Toms shoes. It’s not that they’re the latest, hottest thing…they’re just a company that I really admire. 

What I love most about them is that they’re founded on a very simple, philanthropic premise: for every pair of shoes Toms sells, Toms will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need.

People laughed at the founder Blake Mycoskie, when he basically said he was going to create a company that gives away shoes. Now, over 150,000 pairs have been given away, and Toms anticipates another 350,000 give aways for 2009.

Toms is bigger here in LA than anywhere else I’ve been, but definitely becoming a mass brand…and is, without a doubt, an inspirational brand http://www.tomsshoes.com/

Part of living a healthy lifestyle is coming home to a place that you love. A place that’s comfy, relaxing and personalized…where you can curl up with a book or kick-back with friends. After apartment-living in NY, Boston and now, LA, I’ve become pretty good at making the most of a space (I once lived in a 450 square foot studio in Boston!). I’m no interior designer, but I am a bit of a nomad. I’ve also learned a lot from friends that are also on the move a lot and create cool spaces, just as quickly as they move to their next city. Here are some easy, budget-friendly ways to make your space your own.

Old books make great pictures. Check out a used book store for inexpensive books – photography, design and even maps. One of my friends had these cool, expensive-looking photographs hanging up in her living room. I said, “Wow, those are beautiful – what photographer took those?” And she told me her secret…she cut them out of a used book and framed them.

Dividers create another “room.” When I lived in various studios, I would use room dividers to block off a separate area. I would put a comfy chair, a bookcase and a few plants there to make it feel like another room, which in turn made my whole space feel bigger.

Choose a theme that fits you. Do you want more of a laid-back beach vibe? Or more of a contemporary urban vibe? Shabby-chic or modern-minimalist? Choosing what fits you will help you pick items and colors that you’ll want to come home to.

Feng shui your home.  If you’re unfamiliar, start out with the basics, like clearing out your clutter and having good quality air and light. I recently wrote about clearing out my closet and selling/donating old clothes (“Closet purge”) – it felt great! Check out this article: How to get started with Feng Shui: http://fengshui.about.com/od/thebasics/qt/fengshuibasics.htm

Green your home…with plants. They’re inexpensive, easy to take care of, and they breathe some oxygen into your home.  Most importantly, they don’t take up that much space. Here’s a good plant resource: http://www.plantguide.org/

Use color to create a mood. This one is obvious, but colors really do create a vibe. Blue is a calming, relaxing color, great for bedrooms. Green is also relaxing and symbolizes a certain harmony both in the world and in life. Red, on the other hand, is an appetite and conversation stimulant, great for a dining room. A friend of mine painted her dining room walls a deep cranberry and it’s beautiful.  Yellow, my favorite color, has a happy, uplifting aura, perfect for a kitchen. The most important thing is to go with your gut and pick colors that you are drawn to. The worst that can happen is you paint over them again if you don’t love the color.

The best accessory. For me, it’s my girlfriends and a bottle of wine. Surround yourself with people you love being around and your home will be that much more fun to hang out in.

I was at the Farmer’s Market over the weekend, my favorite place to be on a Sunday. I usually go there without anything specific in mind – I’ll see something, and I’ll be inspired to cook with it.  Eggplants are in-season now, so I thought I’d create something healthier than the dish I grew up with, eggplant parmesan. Here’s a recipe for a healthy, but delicious eggplant dish, a perfect dinner if you’re having friends over. The ingredients are unexpected but go surprisingly well together. I made this the other night and my friends loved it.

Feta Stuffed Eggplant Rolls with salsa verde

Serves 6 as a first course, 3 as a main course

Ingredients:

• a 1-pound firm eggplant
• olive oil for brushing eggplant
• 3 ounces feta, crumbled (about 1/2 cup)
• 1/3 cup whole-milk ricotta
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, washed well, spun dry, and chopped fine
• 3 red bell peppers, roasted, or two 7-ounce jars, drained, and patted dry
• 1 bunch arugula or small bunch spinach, coarse stems discarded and leaves washed well and spun dry
• Salsa verde, jarred

Preheat broiler.

Cut eggplant lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices and arrange 6 center slices on an oiled baking sheet in one layer, reserving remaining eggplant for another use. Brush eggplant with oil and season with salt.

Broil eggplant about 3 inches from heat until golden, about 5 minutes. Carefully turn eggplant with a metal spatula and broil until golden, about 4 minutes more. Transfer eggplant to a platter large enough to hold slices in one layer and cool. (Eggplant may be prepared up to this point 3 hours ahead and kept, covered loosely, at room temperature.)

In a small bowl with a fork mash together feta, ricotta, mint, and salt and pepper to taste. Cut peppers lengthwise into pieces about same width as eggplant slices.

Assemble rolls:
Top eggplant slices with pepper pieces, arranging them in one layer. Put 1 tablespoon cheese mixture near narrow end of each slice and into it gently press 4 or 5 arugula or spinach leaves so that they stick out on both sides. Beginning with cheese end, roll up each slice to enclose cheese mixture and leaves. (Rolls may be made 2 hours ahead and kept, covered loosely, at room temperature.)

Serve rolls drizzled with salsa verde.

Whenever I’m out shopping, I avoid the makeup counters. I get sucked in too easily, especially when it comes to skin care. With all that’s promised (antioxidants! reduce lines!  lighten up undereye circles!), it’s hard not to sink $50+ into a tiny jar that lasts about a month. The worst part is that you get hooked on that tiny jar, and you’re addicted.

I’m not saying to stop buying stuff completely, by any means. There are, however, some really great ideas for natural skin care that you can create with stuff around the house. I also love the idea that these are real ingredients that you’re putting together on your own, rather than stuff on the back of a jar that’s hard to even pronounce.

Natural face masks:

Honey:  Mix one cup honey with 1/2 cup olive oil. Apply enough to cover your face but (like all of these ideas) keep mixture away from delicate eye areas. Spend a few minutes massaging the mix into your face. Wash off with warm water and pat your face dry with a towel.

Pineapple: After mashing up a pineapple slice well, mix it with the juice of an orange or a lemon and add all these ingredients with wheat flour. Apply this mixture on the face and neck. Scrub it off after 15 minutes.

Guava: Mash one guava; stir it well with the mixture of oatmeal and lemon juice. Apply this onto face for about 20 minutes and wash it off with cold water. The oatmeal exfoliates for glowing skin.

 Carrot: take a carrot, grate and mix well with one spoon of honey. Apply this all over the face and leave it for 15 minutes. Wash if off with cold water.

Cucumber: Slice a large cucumber, reserve two slices to place over eyes. Peel and puree the remaining cucumber. This can be applied as a pack onto your face. Remove after fifteen minutes.  Apply moisterizer thickly to seal in water.

Body scrub:

This is my personal favorite. Mix 1/2 cup brown sugar with 1/3 cup of olive oil. When you are in the shower, scrub your skin with this great smelling exfoliant. Rinse well. Your skin will feel so soft.

Facial Mist:

Mix 2 cups of cool water with 4 drops of lavendar essentail oil. Spray all over your face for instant relaxation.

Foot scrub:

Mash 8 strawberries with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 teaspoons of sea salt into a paste. Massage scrub into your feet then rinse well.

LA isn’t exactly the capital of minimalist-living.  I drive through Beverly Hills every day from work, which is pretty much the opposite of anything minimalist. There’s just so much distraction when you live in a big city like LA, from all of the material stuff  (cars, stores, the latest, ‘hottest’ restaurant)…to the social stuff  (commitments with friends, significant others, work, etc.)

The thing is, it’s not just big cities that are complex, it seems to be everywhere. Which has caused many people to try and simplify their lives, including me. Like most things though, simplifying is much easier said than done. So here are some practical tips that have helped me uncomplicate my life…just a little. And every bit helps.

Focus on less, to produce more. I’m an ambitious person, so I always have projects brewing. Rather than trying to work on 5 things at a time, I focus on 1 or 2 (like natlifestyle.com)

Find something you love to do. For me, this is working-out, which has helped balance my life tremendously. There are so many things in life you have to do that you don’t love doing. Try and put more energy towards the stuff you love.  You’ll probably find that these passions aren’t something you can buy. Which is a nice segue into…

Buying less. I try to focus on what I have and am grateful for, versus what I want (and probably don’t need). 

Purge stuff you don’t need. I did this recently (check out my post “closet purge”) and felt so much better when I got rid of possessions that I just didn’t need.

Commit less.  Simply put, we’re overscheduled. And if you constantly feel like you’re always rushing to the next ‘appointment’ in your life, big or small, you’re just going to be more stressed. Try to commit to one less thing this week. Take that time and put it towards something you love (see above!).

Connect with nature. I know, that sounds really, really earthy. But it’s so true. What’s more relaxing: a hike, or a trip to Fred Segal, looking at things you can’t afford to buy? Spend more time in places that are not so ’stuff-focused’: the beach, a park, a hiking trail, your backyard hammock…all places that do not take credit cards.

My grandma always used to make frittatas. I remember those days so clearly. . .walking into her kitchen that smelled amazing, like pasta sauce and basil, and eating frittata before a gigantic, delicious meal (this was obviously when I didn’t care about calories).

I always thought frittatas were hard to make, but I’m happy to say (this time) that I’m wrong. They’re really easy. An added bonus? They’re vegetarian, budget-friendly and super healthy.

This recipe makes 6 to 8 appetizers or 4 main-course servings.

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 cups frozen artichokes (canned works too!)
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 7 large eggs (4 whole eggs and 3 egg whites)
• 4 tablespoons reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups fresh Shitake and/or Crimini mushrooms, thinly sliced

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add artichokes to skillet; sprinkle with salt and pepper and saute until cooked, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, reduce heat to medium low, and continue to saute about 3 more minutes. Remove from heat.

Whisk eggs and 2 tablespoons cheese in large bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, saute until browned, about 5 minutes. Add artichokes to skillet and stir 2 minutes. Add eggs; stir to blend. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook until eggs are set, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons cheese. Serve warm or at room temperature.

I know a lot of people who go to the gym, look around, and think, “Now what? I didn’t get here in time for the class, I’m bored of the ellyptical machine, and the bikes don’t give me a good enough workout.”

A way to breathe some life into your cardio workouts is to do intervals. Now, they’re hard work. But you truly get an awesome workout. Doing bursts of hard exercise not only improves cardiovascular fitness, but also the body’s ability to burn fat. Simply put, high-intensity workouts burn more calories.

The stairclimber is a great way to try an interval workout. Start at a speed you would normally consider average for you. For me, this is a ‘10.’ Step at this speed for 3 minutes. Then, on the 4th minute, go up to a speed that’s very intense. For me, this is a ‘14.’ I did this for 25 minutes this morning and I was sweating, breathing heavily, using every bit of energy…but so proud of myself when I was finished. Note: everyone is different! You know your own body, so gauge what feels right for you. I couldn’t have done a ‘10′ to a ‘14′ a few months ago, I worked up to that. Start low and work your way up.

If the thought of going on the stairclimber makes you want to leave the gym, ramp up your ellyptical workouts with intervals: 3 minutes moderate resistance, 1 minute hard resistance.

And then bask in the feeling of accomplishment.

The biggest challenge for a lot of people is actually mustering up the motivation to become more active. It’s tough. We’ve got a lot going on these days, with barely any extra time to squeeze in even a half hour at the gym. I know from first hand experience. When I’m ‘on’ and commited to working out, I’m on. When I’m ‘off’, well…I’m off.

In the past few months, I’ve become really consistent with working out, whether it’s going to the gym or something outdoorsy that doesn’t feel like I’m working out. Here are some ideas that helped me become more consistent.

Intensity trumps time. It’s true. 45 minutes on the ellyptical at an easy, unchallenging speed (signs: you’re not out of breath, you’re leisurely reading OK Magazine, you’re going so fast you’re practically flying off the machine), will not be that effective. On the other hand, 15 minutes of intense interval training on the Stairclimbing machine is going to be a much better workout. So, do 15 minutes of quality, rather than 20 minutues of quantity.

Go out and get a new partner. Not that type of partner. A gym partner. It’s true, setting goals with a buddy will help motivate. Keep each other in-line. 

Go outdoors. Hiking is an intense workout that’s paired with beautiful views. Or, go for a jog on the beach — the lack of stability in the sand makes your body work harder. Check out your local university’s track or stadium stairs. Try a new sport. I recently went surfing with my boyfriend and got the best workout ever…without even realizing it (until the next day, when I was sore).

Stay indoors. With a great workout video. If you don’t feel like dragging yourself out the door in the morning, drag yourself out to the living room. As I’ve mentioned, I’m a big fan of the Tracy Anderson Method mat workout video.

Track progress. It’s a little painful at first, but weigh-in, get measured, and then set some goals. You’ll feel amazing when you start seeing changes to your body. For those outdoorsy readers, a pedometer is a great way to track your walking/jogging. It always feels great when you look and realize you just ran 2 miles.

Everything counts, just add up to 30. If you are working on cardio machines, switch it up. For example, 10 minutes on the stairclimber, 10 minutes on the treadmill, 10 minutes on the rowing machine. It all counts.

Go to a class for variety. Running on the treadmill gets really boring. And boredom leads to quitting about 15 minutes before you’ve reached your goal. Check out a class, and if you’re in the market for a gym, find one with cool classes. Crunch has a ton, like “Moviography: The 80’s.” I’m serious. check it out: http://www.crunch.com/Classes/Fitness%20Class%20Descriptions.aspx?cat=Dance%20Rhythms

Buy cute workout clothes. Yes, this applies to the ladies – but guys too! If you invest in the right gear, you’re more apt to feel better about yourself and make a cameo at the gym.