Top holiday picks for the wellness enthusiast in your life

We all have at least one person in our lives who loves a good sweat session, is also drinking the latest tonic or green juice, and is constantly providing you with the latest “must read” wellness books. Here are my top wellness themed holiday ideas for the wellness enthusiast in your life. And let’s be serious… we could all use a little more wellness in our life.

Rose Quartz Facial Roller $20

I start every day with facial massage, it’s a great way to reduce puffiness and provide a quick lymphatic drainage any time of day!

Four Sigmatic Hot Chocolate with Reishi from $15

Hot chocolate that’s actually good for you!

Boka Tongue Scraper $5

Removes toxins and bad breath…enough said.

Positivity Candle $38

Set your intention, stay positive. 

Cuyana Vanity Case Set $110

This is the perfect duo for all your travels! I love using mine for my supplements and all my wellness travel necessities!

CycleBar $25

A drop in to a new class is always a good gift idea!

Super Attractor $16

For the friend who is ready to start manifesting their dreams. 

Yoga & Wellness Retreat from $750

Stop saying yes to everyone except you. You deserve something special this holiday. Sign up before December 31 to receive 25% off our May 2020 retreat. 

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups of creamy organic peanut butter or almond butter

• 2 cups organic coconut sugar

• 2 cage free eggs

• 1 bag of dark chocolate kisses

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2. Mix all ingredients together, and create 1 inch cookie dough balls from ingredients

3. Place the cookie dough on a greased cookie sheet

4. Bake cookies for 8 minutes

5. Take cookies out and add dark chocolate kisses to each cookie, the trick is to twist the chocolate as you press it into the cookie

6. Place back in the oven for an additional minute

7. Take out of the oven and place on a cooling rack.

8. Enjoy!

Holiday Cocktail Guide

Happy Holidays!!!

The holiday vibe is in full swing! Office parties, family parties, and holiday get-togethers with friends … there seems to be a never ending reason to celebrate this time of year (and I love it!).

The trick to navigating these cocktail parties is to choose wisely.

Many of the themed holiday drinks are packed with sugar and will most definitely give you a terrible hangover the next day.

Here are two of my favorite holiday cocktails … and a few tips to prevent the holiday hangover.

Vodka Soda

• 2 oz Tito’s Vodka (or vodka of your choice)

• 4 oz + of soda water

• Squeeze 1/2 lemon or lime

• Option to add a splash of pure cranberry juice for the holidays!

This cocktail contains 100 calories or less!

French Martini

• 2 oz Tito’s Vodka (or vodka of your choice)

• 1/2 oz raspberry liqueur

• 1 oz pineapple juice

• Shake ingredients together with ice. Strain into cold martini glass, and garnish with fresh raspberries.

Less than 200 calories … and less than 4 grams of sugar!

To prevent the holiday hangover, make sure that you are hydrated BEFORE you go out.

When you are out remember to drink 8 oz of water (1 cup) in between each cocktail.

Cocktails are very dehydrating and this will keep your body hydrated, and keep you going.

Eat before you drink, choose a healthy, balanced meal (protein, fat & fiber) before going out. This will help you to make better choices later in the evening.
Final tip … enjoy! The holidays come around once a year, enjoy them … in moderation.

* Always drink responsibly, and never drink and drive.

Christmas Gift Guide

The holidays are my favorite time of year!

I absolute love buying gifts for family and friends. Here are a few of my top gift ideas for the Lean & Green individual in your life!

(1) Revitalize & Renew : 7 Days to a Healthier You

$14.95

My first book was published earlier this year! This is the perfect guide for newbies and experienced detoxers. This book will educate you on the importance of detoxing, how to ease in and ease out of a detox and will guide you step by step every day! Choose to detox for all 7 days, or start with just 1… you choose what works for your lifestyle today.

(2) Manduka Pro Lite Mat

$82

Perfect for the yogi in your life! These mats are made of recycled material, and are guaranteed not to wear out… or the company will replace it!

I have had my manduka mat for 8 years, with of tons of use and it is still my favorite mat to date.

(3) Zella Live In High Waisted Legging (Nordstrom)

$54

100% my favorite leggings!!

Theses cotton leggings hold everything in place, support your practice or your daily errands around town. They are breathable, and feel so good that you could wear them all day!

(4) True Roots Cookbook by Kristen Cavallari

$12

LOVE this book! It is full of gluten free, dairy free and refined sugar free recipes that the whole family will love!

(5) Made for More Movie

approx. $14

Rachel Hollis has created a movie, Made for More, out of her hit inspirational sell-out weekend event!

This inspiring movie will leave you wanting to go out and live your dream.

(6) JBL Headphones

$199
Favorite headphones! These wireless headphones are perfect for my workout, cardio session or for when I travel. Highly recommend.

(7) Harney and Sons tea

$6 and up

By far my favorite tea brand! I grew up with the Harney family, and love everything this company stands for.

I have tried several of their teas, and have loved them all!

A few of my favorite… Hot Cinnamon, Winter White Earl Grey, and Mango Black tea.

(8) Lean and Green Body Pullover Zip Up

$56

The perfect pullover for those chilly mornings heading to the studio, or even post yoga coffee with friends! Breathable and light weight, this pullover comes in black or pink.

Roasted Carrots Recipe

Another Fall favorite!

This roasted carrot recipe is perfect for the holidays, and a sure favorite by everyone at your table.

Roasted Carrots

Ingredients:

• 1 bag of whole carrots (approximately 6 whole carrots)

• Grapeseed or Avocado Oil

• Sea Salt and pepper to taste

• Garlic powder and crushed red pepper optional.

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F

2. Wash carrots, and slice into 2 inch pieces.

3. Spray baking sheet with cooking oil (our favorite is coconut oil or avocado oil spray)

4. Place carrots onto baking sheet, coat with oil (grapeseed or avocado oil) and season to taste.

5. Bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until tender.

Presence Not Presents

Presence is a gift we give ourselves and those around us. 

During the holidays, it can be so easy to get wrapped up in presents and gift giving, that often times we forget to be present ourselves. 

We are so busy multi-tasking and making sure our work is done, our kids are happy, we mailed the holiday cards, and we bought gifts for everyone on our list. With all the to dos on our list, we forget, or don’t take the time, to be present. All of this is compounded with the fact that we are glued to technology these days (I swear it’s a blessing and a curse). 

Instead of focusing on the to do lists and gifts, cherish these moments and focus on being fully present for your loved ones. Give them the gift of your presence and maybe you will be gifted with their presence. This is the gift that continues grow long after the holidays are over.

Happy New Year! 

Setting Yourself Up for Success in the New Year

The holidays are over and the New Year is quickly approaching.  Instead of setting traditional New Year’s resolutions this year, why not try something new?

This year let's set intentions for the New Year, instead of looking at these as resolutions or jobs, that many of us will forget come March.

Consider setting intentions, consider what you need, and allow yourself to be open to receiving.

Here are a few of my Intentions for 2018:

1. Self-care. Take 30 minutes every day just for ME.

2. Read. Every day, not contracts and emails, something that will stimulate my mind and my soul

3. Date my husband.

4. Live my best life.

5. Smile every day. Have fun! Life does not always have to be so serious.

Take some time to breathe and really think about your intentions for 2018. 

We can’t wait for you to share what your intentions are!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

xx,

Jennifer and the Lean and Green Body® Team

Holiday Cookie Recipes

This year I will be making my favorite Peanut Butter Cookies!

The cookies are gluten free, dairy free and flourless! 

Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups of creamy organic peanut butter or almond butter

• 2 cups organic coconut sugar

• 2 cage free eggs

• 1 bag of dark chocolate kisses

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2. Mix all ingredients together, and create 1 inch cookie dough balls from ingredients

3. Place the cookie dough on a greased cookie sheet

4. Bake cookies for 8 minutes

5. Take cookies out and add dark chocolate kisses to each cookie, the trick is to twist the chocolate as you press it into the cookie

6. Place back in the oven for an additional minute

7. Take out of the oven and place on a cooling rack.

8. Enjoy!

I am also going to try out a new recipe this year from Kelly Leveque, author of Body Love! 

Pecan Thumbprint Cookie

Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy raw pecan butter (homemade: pecans pulsed in a food processor until creamy)

• ¾ cup coconut sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 3 tbsp chopped pecans, extra 2 tbsp for topping.

• Honey for drizzle.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Mix pecan butter, sugar, egg, baking soda salt, and chopped pecans.

3. Make 1-inch balls and cook 8-10 minutes.

4. Drizzle with honey and top with extra chopped pecans.

Holiday Parties

Healthy options for your holiday parties!

Tis the season for holiday parties, a bit of bubbly and likely some overindulging.

How can you enjoy your holiday work parties, family parties and host your own party without wrecking your diet?

The average American is likely to gain over 5 pounds during the holidays. That is a huge set back for most of us, and only makes New Year’s resolutions more stressful. I’m here to help guide you through the party scene this holiday season!

Whether you are at a work party, family party or hosting your own gathering, it is likely that the booze and bubbly will be flowing. It’s okay to indulge and celebrate, just make sure you stay hydrated. Alcohol is very dehydrating, which can lead to wicked hangovers. Drink 8 oz of water in between each glass of wine or cocktail. This will help keep your body hydrated, slow down your drinking, and make sure you enjoy (and remember) the party. 

Another trick if you are not in the mood to drink, or have an early start the next day, but still want to please the host by enjoying a cocktail….order club soda on the rocks with lime. Looks like a cocktail, but will save you from an awful hangover the next day! I love using this trick when hosting a party at our house, or at work parties!

Food seems to be the next hurdle at many holiday gatherings. So many options, perhaps you have been dieting all year, and now is your chance to indulge and enjoy? Nope, sorry, it doesn’t work like that. Regardless of your physical or mental goals this year with food, overindulging at a holiday party will not help anyone. Think portion control. See a few appetizers you’d like to try? Try them! Just limit the portion size, aim for a teaspoon to a tablespoon portion. This will allow you to try three maybe four different appetizers. Your taste buds will be happy, and your waistline will thank you! 

Food allergies, vegan, or following a strict diet at the moment? No problem! Have a small meal, smoothie, or some protein before the party. This will ensure that your belly is satiated, and you are not drinking on an empty stomach, but will also save you in case there is nothing for you to eat. Best case scenario, there are a few appetizers that you can have -- awesome! Have a few small tastes, and enjoy. As someone who is gluten free and dairy free, I frequently run into this issue, and typically make a smoothie with protein, fat, and fiber in it prior to the event.

Desserts. You successfully handled the drinks and the food, now the desserts are served. Although this may seem like the most difficult party of the evening for some, the same rules apply here. Portion control. It’s okay to taste the pumpkin pie and the brownie, but limit the size. Taste a teaspoon or tablespoon of each! 

Enjoy the holiday party season, know that you can go out, have fun, and indulge a bit. The key is to indulge mindfully. Don’t let one evening ruin goals you have been working towards all year. 

Take Time For YOU

The holidays can be a hectic time. Full of expectations, juggling daily life, holiday parties, and all the things that come with this season. This is said to be one of the most stressful times of the year…and yet it is also the happiest time of the year.

How can you juggle everything, find your balance and spread holiday cheer?

Take time for YOU!

We cannot take care of others, unless we are taking care of ourselves. 

You cannot serve from an empty cup.

Take 20 minutes per day just for you. I’m not talking about working out, power yoga or  answering emails with a glass of wine. 

Find 20 minutes in your day for you. Our workouts and workaholic lifestyle has become a daily part of our life. At some point, we need time to unwind and relax.

When are you the most relaxed?

What are you doing? What does it smell like? What is the lighting like?

Find time to create these moments everyday. 

Perhaps, you enjoy reading with soothing lighting and a vanilla candle. Perfect!

Or you enjoy the beach, sitting there as the sunrises, smelling the salty air. Great!

Or perhaps you enjoy sitting by the fire and just breathing, the smell of the wood burning and the feeling of your stress melting away. Wonderful!

Think about what relaxes you. Choose to make yourself a priority this holiday season. 

Holiday Gift Guide

Perfect for the health and wellness enthusiast in your life!

MAZI Towels 

$44

Perfect for yoga, beach, hiking or wherever your next adventure takes you! 

For every towel purchased, this company plants a tree!

INEYT Yoga Mat Towels and Hand Towels

$14-$34

Perfect for the yogi in your life. These towels showcase some beautiful colors and patterns sure to inspire you!

Lifefactory 22 oz BPA-Free Glass Water Bottle

$16+

These have been my favorite water bottles for the past five years! I prefer to use glass over plastic and love how easy these are to clean.

The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein

$10+

This book guides you in letting go of what is holding you back. It helps you to let go of the fear and to be open to what is waiting for you. One of my favorite books I’ve read this year.

Mikalyn Yoga Straps

$24.99 +

These yoga straps make carrying your mat hip. Find the strap that matches your style!

Manduka Yoga Mat

$42+

My favorite yoga mat, and the only mat I have used since 2011! I use the Manduka Pro daily for my practice, but love bringing the Manduka Superlite Mat whenever I travel!

Harney and Sons Tea

$6+

Love this tea and the family behind this company. I grew up in the same town as this tea family. Even though I moved away, I still enjoy it daily and it reminds me of home.

Favorite flavor for this season :  Hot Cinnamon

Fitbit Alta

$149

Track your sleep, workouts, and stay on track with this fit bit! This new sleek design comes in a variety of colors and the battery last 7 days!

** This is not a sponsored post, just simply a few of our favorite products!

How to take care of yourself around the holidays in 5 easy steps:

1. SLEEP.
The holidays can be such a busy time. They are filled with tons of emotions, parties, and checklists. You need to take time to unwind every day and allow time for your body to recharge. Perhaps,you can go to bed just 30 minutes earlier every night for the rest of the year.

2. NUTRITION.
The holidays are notorious for cookies, candy and spiked egg nog. Be sure to balance out your indulgences with tons of fruits, vegetables and water. I recommend having a green juice in the morning to start your day off right. Increase your daily recommended water intake from 8-8 oz glasses daily to 10-8 oz glasses of water per day. This will help keep you hydrated, and will assist in cleansing the body.

3. MOVE.
Take a minimum of 30 minutes every day to move your body. Ride your bike, take a walk with loved ones, try a new fitness class... sweat every day! Exercise not only helps keep our physical body healthy, but helps to keep our mental and emotional body in balance as well.

4. PLAN.
Plan your weeks out in advance. One of my favorite things to do on Friday’s is to plan the following week out. I write down all appointments, meetings, dinners, and schedule my workouts. This allows me to clearly see what I am dealing with and create a plan of action. I can schedule mid-week grocery runs, holiday parties, and leave room for the unexpected.

5. MEDITATE.
Meditation is the key to a balanced life. Taking a few minutes, if you are a beginner perhaps start with 5 minutes, every day to sit in stillness and just breathe. Find a connection to your breath, letting go of the outside world and your to-do lists, and really tuning into your body. There are numerous benefits of meditation; one of my favorites is that it helps me to slow down. I am constantly on the go, and the holidays seem to be even busier, my meditation practice allows me time to check in and pause. Afterwards, I feel a sense of renewal and peace.

The holidays can be a very busy time, don’t forget to take time for YOU! 

Healthy Eating Around the Holidays: Part 2

The holidays are upon us. Weeks are filled with Christmas parties, cookies, and champagne. Celebrations are in full swing! How can you possibly maintain your meal plan amongst this chaos? These are a few easy tricks to help you stay on track over the next few weeks. 

1- Eat a small healthy meal — grab a green juice or smoothie — before you go to cocktail hour. Curbing your hunger ahead of time will make the dozens of appetizers less appealing, and will help you to only take a small taste of the culinary delights, if you choose to do so.

2- Champagne is my drink of choice around the holidays. It’s so festive and celebratory! However, champagne like many cocktails can quickly become dehydrating. The trick is to have 1 full glass (8 oz) of water in between each alcoholic beverage. This will keep you hydrated, and help to prevent a hangover the next day.

3- Holiday dinners can be very daunting (we discussed a bit of this in my Part 1)... so set yourself up for success before you even leave the house. Drink 8-16 oz of water before you go to the dinner party, this will falsely fill your body up and ensure you do not over indulge at dinner. Often times hunger is confused with dehydration.

4- If you are hosting the cocktail hour or even a dinner party at your house choose healthy options! There are healthy spins on almost every traditional recipe. Check out our recipes from last week for some healthy alternatives.  We will be posting more healthy recipes as the holidays unfold!

5- Balance. The holidays are all about balance. It is so easy to get caught up in giving, that sometimes we forget to give to ourselves. Give yourself 30 minutes per day to unwind, rest and rejuvenate so that you may give yourself fully to your friends and family this holiday season.

Happy Holidays!!