Eat Well Mademoiselle’s Healthy Traveling Tips

Hello friends! I just got back from a wonderful vacation to Ireland to visit my family. Before I started the long trip from Los Angeles to Europe, I wanted to make sure to take the best care of my body to prevent sickness, digestive discomfort, and other health issues from traveling. Here are my wellness tips and tricks that I followed during my journey that left me feeling healthy from the inside out.

1. Take a yoga class before your flight. 

Practicing yoga before a long flight has many benefits. It calms the mind and releases stress and anxiety that you may experience from flying. It also stimulates your circulation and digestion systems. Vinyasa yoga classes are great to get the body moving and to stretch your muscles before you are cooped up in an airplane seat for 10 hours.

2.  Take probiotics for a healthy, happy gut!

Keeping your gut healthy will ensure that you won’t have to deal with bloating or discomfort through a long flight. Keeping a probiotic supplement in your carry-on bag will be your lifesaver. Probiotics also protect your immune system which is essential while traveling in a germ-filled airplane.

3.  Stay hydrated.

It may seem obvious, but it is very important to drink lots and lots of water while traveling to prevent dehydration. The humidity levels inside the airplane are usually extremely low which causes the cabin to be more dry than a desert. After passing through security, purchase a large water bottle to keep with you at all times on the plane. Try not to drink soda or alcohol as it may dehydrate you even more.

4.  Bring Ginger Candies for Motion Sickness.

Ginger is a lifesaver when it comes to battling nausea. An easy way to consume ginger on a plane are “Gin gin” candies which are available here on Amazon.

5. Essential oils.

doTERRA has a great essential oil blend called “On Guard”. This oil is a blend of wild orange peel, cloves, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary which protects the immune system when the body is introduced to environmental threats that may be present in the airplane. Keep a small roll-on bottle with you on the plane to apply to the palm of your hands for germ protection.

6. Eat Lightly. 

If you are on a long flight, your body is barely moving and is not burning many calories. Therefore, overeating can slow you down and may cause bloating. In the air your bodily gases expand by one third and the digestion process slows down in pace. When you are hungry stick to eating healthy choices such as fresh fruits or probiotic-rich yogurt.

7. Get up and walk around.

Don’t forget to get out of your seat periodically and walk around the plane. This is the best way to get your circulation moving and to prevent stiff muscles.

8. Fun self care tip: use collagen eye pads!

Purchase some Honest Hazel Eye Pads and bring them on your flight. An hour before you land, put the eye pads on for about 45 minutes to refresh your tired and puffy eyes. You will feel instantly refreshed and look well-rested (even if you’re not!)

I hope these healthy traveling tips will help make your next trip a smooth one!

Love,

 

 

Healthy Tips for Self Care and Wellness at Work

Let’s face it- working a 9 to 5 job, commuting in bumper to bumper traffic, and getting email notifications on your phone all throughout the night can really put a toll on your body, mind, and overall wellbeing. As much as I love working hard at my career, I notice a downfall in my health and stress levels if I don’t take the right self-care steps. I have put together a list of tips that I practice on a day-to-day basis at work so that I can manage my wellbeing.

1. Pack your lunch the night before. 

Packing a healthy lunch and some snacks for yourself the night before will save some time in the morning so that you aren’t rushed before you leave for work. You will feel like you have a little head start to the day. It’s just one less thing to worry about in the crazy rush of the morning!

2.  Make a work-start ritual

The first thing I do when I get to the office is make myself a cup of tea. For me, this is my mental sign that I am ready to start my day and be productive. Having a simple routine like this helps to keep on schedule.

3. Talk and connect with others. 

Smile at your coworkers, say good morning, and ask them how they are doing today. A friendly greeting can boost the good vibes of your work environment. Getting to know your coworkers in a friendly way helps to create a workplace where everyone works better together. You do spend the majority of your time at work, so you might as well be happy with the people you spend that time with.

4. Keep water on your desk at all times.

It is so important for your health to drink enough water during the day. Keeping yourself hydrated will naturally increase your energy and will prevent headaches during the day. I always keep a large bottle of fresh water on my desk so that it is easy for me to remember to drink it. Sometimes I will add a fresh lemon slice or some mint leaves in my water for some extra flavor.

5. Get out of the office.

This is something that is necessary, but really hard for me to find the time to do. Taking breaks actually increase work productivity and keeps us from being mentally stagnant. Even if you bring your own lunch to work, try to at least get outside for 5 minutes for some fresh air or go for a brief walk.

6. Must have oils: Lavender Oil & CBD Oil

I have expressed my love of lavender oil before in my blog post, 8 Wellness Tips to ensure a Healthy & Happy Day.  This is my key to stress relief. I always keep a bottle of lavender oil on my desk at work. I simply rub it on my wrists and the aroma of the oil instantly relaxes and calms me. I recently started using CBD oil and I am hooked! I use “Plus” brand CBD oil spray from this website. CBD oil has many benefits but I use it to treat anxiety that I experience in times of stress at work.

7. Make plans for self-care after work to destress.

For me, the key to managing my wellbeing is dedicating some time to myself to destress and wind down. My favorite way to unwind is to take a yoga or meditation class. Other options would be to go for a walk, do a 60 minute gym workout, read a book, bake some healthy treats, or watch a movie while drinking some herbal tea.

8. Unplug.

For us workaholics, it can be challenging to completely unplug and not respond to work emails that we get during the night. However, it is important for your mental health to take a break and turn off those notifications so that your mind can get a rest. Try to set a time (for example, after 8:00 p.m.) where you turn off your work emails, relax, and spend time with your family.

I hope you try out these wellness tips and that it helps your work-life balance like it has helped mine.

xoxo,

 

Health Hack: Eating Papaya Seeds!

Papaya Seed Benefits

I am always intrigued to find foods that have super power benefits. My recent find is papaya seeds! When most people cut into a papaya, they throw away the seeds. Little do they know, the seeds contain so many properties that can benefit your body. The top 3 benefits that I find useful are:

1. DIGESTIVE PROPERTIES: Papaya seeds contain natural digestive enzymes that help break down undigested protein in your digestive tract. Eating papaya seeds with a meal can prevent bloating or indigestion after the meal.
2. TREAT BACTERIAL INFECTIONS OF FOOD POISONING: Papaya seeds have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects which is effective at killing E coli, salmonella, and other harmful bacteria.
3. DETOXIFCATION OF THE LIVER: The seeds can improve the liver’s ability to eliminate toxins within the body.

How to Prepare the Seeds

To reap the benefits of the papaya seeds, cut a papaya in half lengthwise. Simply scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Put them in a strainer and rinse off any juices left behind. Store it in a container in the fridge. You can also store them in the freezer to last longer.

 

How I use them

I simply take a teaspoon of papaya seeds and sprinkle it on top of my food. The seeds taste very close to peppercorns so it almost acts as a replacement for adding pepper on top of my food. From experience I have discovered that adding papaya seeds to my meals like a condiment tastes great on avocado toast, hummus on crackers, salads, and even soups. When I add papaya seeds on top of my meal, it helps digest the food easier so I feel really good after eating. Through research, I have found that it is recommended to only consume a half to a full teaspoon of papaya seeds at once.

I hope you try it out and of course, don’t forget to eat the papaya fruit while you’re at it!

xoxo,

 

The research I did on this topic is from http://www.superfoodprofiles.com and http://www.curejoy,com

8 Wellness Tips to ensure a Healthy & Happy Day

Tip #1: Start your morning off with a glass of warm water with fresh squeezed lemon as soon as you wake up. Among its many benefits, warm lemon water hydrates and alkalizes your body, making it feel refreshed after sleeping all night. It also improves digestion, clearing any toxins from your body left over from the day before. It will boost brain power and energy so that you will have the best start to the day!

Tip #2: Enjoy a shower infused with essential oils! Whether you shower in the morning or at night, the aromatherapy powers of an essential oil shower can really put your mind at ease. Pour about 5 drops of an essential oil on the floor of your shower while the shower is running. If you shower in the morning, use peppermint oil as it promotes alertness or lemongrass which boosts energy. If you shower in the evening, use something more soothing to get you ready to sleep such as lavender or eucalyptus oil.

Tip #3: Take a probiotic supplement with your breakfast to ensure optimal digestion. I am all about gut health and if there is one thing I can’t live without, it is my probiotic. My favorite probiotic is the Garden of Life brand. I have tried other brands but I have found that G.O.F. works the best. This supplement will make your digestion system feel healthy all day to avoid bloating or other digestive issues.

Tip #4: Keep lavender essential oil in your purse and/or on your desk at work. This is my secret to dealing with stress and anxiety. If you are feeling stressed, rub a drop of lavender oil on your wrists and inhale. The aroma has instant calming properties that I swear by. You have to try this!

Tip #5: Make yourself a mid-morning power tea with mood-boosting and stress-relieving ingredients. This is something that I look forward to while I’m checking my emails. My tea of choice is a Matcha Coconut Milk Latte with adaptogenic herbs. The powerhouse ingredients that I add to my matcha latte are:

• Matcha- It is high in antioxidants, increases metabolism, and protects liver health. My favorite thing about Matcha is that it increases your energy levels while still keeping you calm and boosting your concentration for a productive day.
• Maca- It is also rich in antioxidants, balances estrogen levels, decreases anxiety/depression, and enhances mood.
• Ashwagandha- It reduces stress and anxiety, reduces blood sugar levels, improves brain function, and can reduce cortisol levels.

Tip #6: After a long day of work, I usually take a yoga or meditation class. However, what has changed my life is my current obsession- Sound Bath Meditation classes. It is absolute pure bliss. In case you have never heard of this, let me enlighten you! Sound Bath Meditation is an ancient Tibetan Practice where you are literally bathing in sound waves. As you lay on the earth in a mindful meditation, the practicioner plays Tibetan Crystal “Singing Bowls” (which are similar to gongs) to create powerful sound wave vibrations. These vibrations make waves of peace, putting you into the most zen state of being. I honestly leave these mediations feeling so rejuvenated, refreshed, and in the clearest state of mind. Most people enjoy sound baths to relieve stress, receive pain relief, promote happiness and wellbeing, and increase mental clarity. You must try it- and you can thank me later!

Tip #7: At the end of the day, do a homemade honey mask. I mix together 3 T Raw Manuka Honey, 1 T Cinnamon, and a few drops of tea tree oil. This mask is really great for your skin. Honey is naturally antibacterial so it is great for unblocking pores. The reason why I apply it in the evening before bed is because it is moisturizing and soothing, so I feel clean and refreshed so that my skin can breathe during my rest.

Tip #8: Practice gratitude. End your day reflecting on the positives in the day, in your week, and in your life. Journaling your reflections is a good way to affirm your thoughts and look back on them to remember your happy feelings. “An attitude of gratitude brings opportunities”. -Yogi Bhajan

 

 

Welcome to Eat Well Mademoiselle!

My philosophy on food is simple. Eat what makes you feel good and what makes your body thrive. I truly believe that food is medicine and eating the right “medicine” can transform your health in the best way possible. For me, eating well is not a diet or a restriction. It is a lifestyle choice I make so that I can always feel my best and live the healthiest life that I can. I have discovered that when I eat foods that makes me (and my belly!) happy, I am the best version of myself. I focus on creating tasty plant-based meals that are easy to make and nourishing to the body, mind, and soul.

This is Eat Well Mademoiselle. Enjoy!

“Let food by thy medicine, let medicine be thy food”. -Hippocrates