Whole Life Holistics

Meatless Monday: Tempeh Burgers Recipe

hayleymorrisette — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:15:05 -0700

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or a full-blown carnivore this meatless burger recipe is a delicious step towards a healthier Monday. I’ll save you from my rant, you can refer back to all the reasons why you should add MM to your life NOW!

I revamped my Chicken Burger recipe to go veggie, and it actually shocked me how well it turned out.

Meatless Burgers

Servings 3 medium size burgers

INGREDIENTS:

12 oz. packet of GROUND vegetarian meat-substitute (I always prefer tempeh but soy is much easier to find and works well in this recipe) ** Options below
1/4 sweet onion, chopped
3 Sliced cherrie tomatoes, chopped
Large handful fresh cilantro, chopped and stems removed
Season it with: Basil, pepper and garlic salt/sea salt

DIRECTIONS:

- Heat pan with olive oil on medium cook partially covered for 5-8 minutes per side or lightly browned.

- If desired add a slice of Manchengo (or cheese of choice).

- Bun is always optional

- Ooooh and… sweet potato fries. Yum!

Lightlife’s Gimme Lean Ground Beef was the best option, easily formed into burger and stayed together when cooked.

Yves’ Ground Turkey was a little bit more challenging to work with but tasted great even if it was a little messy.

Meatless Monday

hayleymorrisette — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:32:25 -0700

Cutting meat out of your diet, even if it’s only one day a week, can have substantial health benefits. Excess meat consumption (or ANY meat consumption according to a recent study from Harvard School of Public Health) increases mortality rate… not to mention, increases rate of chronic heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, etccccc.

Then there’s the global impact… and I’ll try not to preach but there are some pretty mind-boggling facts.

The FAO concluded that worldwide livestock farming generates 18% of the planet’s greenhouse gas emissions — by comparison, all the world’s cars, trains, planes and boats account for a combined 13% of greenhouse gas emissions.
Then there’s manure — all that animal waste generates nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas that has 296 times the warming effect of CO2.
Much of livestock’s contribution to global warming come from deforestation
Lost forest cover heats the planet, because trees absorb CO2 while they’re alive — and when they’re burned or cut down, the greenhouse gas is released back into the atmosphere.

Celebrities are flocking to get involved. Some of the tastemakers (literally) include Sir Paul McCartney (who helped to launch Meat Free Mondays in the UK), Gwyneth Paltrow (dedicated a GOOP blog to the cause), Top Chef’s Padma Lakshmi, director James Cameron (who encouraged all to go MM at an Earth Day screening of Avatar), Simon Cowell, Biggest Loser’s trainer Bob Harper, and even Oprah (who announced that Harpo Studios will offer Meatless Monday options)… just to name a few :)

Hope you have a beautiful (and Meatless) Monday ♥

"Everything we do is infused with the energy with which we do it. If we’re frantic, life will..."

hayleymorrisette — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:42:37 -0700

“Everything we do is infused with the energy with which we do it. If we’re frantic, life will be frantic. If we’re peaceful, life will be peaceful. And so our goal in any situation becomes inner peace.”

- Marianne Williamson

"The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his..."

hayleymorrisette — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 11:30:05 -0800

“The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.”

- Benjamin Disraeli

Hot water with organic raw honey and fresh lemon. This has been...

hayleymorrisette — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 09:00:05 -0800

Hot water with organic raw honey and fresh lemon. This has been a morning ritual for me on and off for some time now. My voice has been a little strained these days from teaching yoga so my magic “tea” is back in the mix.

Hot water with a squeeze of lemon is considered to be one of the healthiest ways to start your morning. And don’t worry, I will tell you why!

Lemons contain beneficial amounts of vitamin C and help to promote detoxification of the liver (that thing we abuse by drink alcohol). That squeeze of citrus also provides you with potassium, which stimulates brain and nerve function… helping you to mentally prepare for the day (rather than getting cracky from too much caffeine).

Hot water with lemon and honey will also help to:

Strengthens the immune system
Healthy, glowing skin - vitamin C clears up blemishes
Weightloss - speeds up metabolism
Balance pH (lemon is very alkaline)
Soothe a sore throat
Clear congestion and reduce mucus
Relieves bloating or indigestion (by improving digestion of food)

*** Using LOCAL honey (can buy at a farmers market in your area) helps relieve allergies

Photo

hayleymorrisette — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 15:08:53 -0800

Candy Cane Beet Salad with Pistachios & Goat Cheese

hayleymorrisette — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 08:53:00 -0800

Candy Cane Beet Salad with Pistachios & Goat Cheese:

I know it’s a little early for lunch/dinner recipes but I wanted to share this beautiful candy beet recipe.

I just received my new CSA box yesterday… opened the box to find beets (among many other yummy items… strawberries, tangerines, oranges, and some great greens for juicing).

Beets aren’t a particular favorite of mine, in fact, very far from. However, I found out these are “candy beets” and according to google they look AWEEEESOME (like striped candy canes, get it…) once you cut them open.

This Candy Cane Beet Salad with Pistachios & Goat Cheese recipe looks delicious and I can’t wait to try! If you’re a beet-lover give this recipe a try, would love to know what you think.

Hope everyone has a wonderful morning! ♥

Balancing Perspective

hayleymorrisette — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:00:06 -0800

I have come to realize the tendency we all have to see one side (which usually happens to be our side) of a situation/thought/behavior/etc. I work too much. I don’t go to the gym enough. I drink too much. I don’t spend enough time with my family. Have I hit something you can relate to yet?

I was at lunch with my incredibly motivating friend J a few weeks back and he was telling me how he wanted to be more independent when it came to going and doing what he wanted to do. Going on a hike, to a concert, or trying a new restaurant… he was sick of waiting around for a buddy to join in, and decided that he wasn’t going to let anyone stop him from crossing items off his to do list. Very commendable to say the least. I however, have found myself of the compleeeete opposite side of the spectrum, being TOO independent in my hobbies and interest. I am at a place that I need to be spending more time with friends, work on being more social. Point being… no one is right or wrong in this situation. But when you have gone to one extreme it’s hard to remember that too much of the other side exists.

Next time you start getting down on yourself for too much/little of whatever it is, remember to look at the flip side of the situation. You will never reach “perfect”. It’s not a destination. The struggle to find balance, in every area of your life, will always be there. The sooner you start to accept this the sooner you will find peace in the good, the bad, and everything in between.

♥ Namaste :)

Truth of the day

hayleymorrisette — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 11:00:05 -0800

Truth of the day

Holy Crap

hayleymorrisette — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:55:14 -0800

Fresh from Canada comes Holy Crap & Skinny B two DELICIOUS artisan breakfast cereals. Made from Salvia Hispanica L. (more commonly known as Chia), organic hulled hemp hearts, organic buckwheat, organic cranberries, organic raisins, organic apple bits and organic cinnamon.

With a name like Skinny B, how could you not immediately want to try this?? The only difference between the two is that Skinny B doesn’t contain the dried raisins, dried cranberries, or organic apple bits. All of which I personally can skip (dried fruit usually contains a lot of added sugar)

Both cereals are:

gluten free
lactose free
sugar free
salt free
wheat free
nut free
all natural
vegan
raw
high in fiber and iron
source of calcium
source of omega -3 and -6
no cooking required

I like to sprinkle a little bit of this on top of my morning oatmeal for an extra crunch (and extra fiber to fill you up).

Or you can always go for a healthy sweet treat and make these healthy cookies. Mmmm :)

In Season: March

hayleymorrisette — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 18:07:05 -0800

Asparagus

Avocados

Beets

Broccoli

Cabbage

Carrots

Cauliflower

Celery

Chard

Citrus (blood oranges, grapefruit, kumquats, lemons, navel oranges, tangelos/tangerines)

Collards

Dates, Medjool

Garlic

Kale

Lettuce

Mushrooms

Mustard

Onion

Passion fruit

Peas, green

Spinach

Strawberries

Turnips

In case you haven’t already seen this Equinox...

hayleymorrisette — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:34:45 -0800

In case you haven’t already seen this Equinox advertisement of the lingerie-clad Briohny Smyth, it’s truly amaaaazing and a must see!

Aside from the controversy behind the ad campaign (we all do yoga in our bra and panties, right? HA), you have to give it to Briohny for such an awe-inspiring yoga flow. Regardless of where your yoga practice exists (or lacks to exist), it’s obvious that she has some serious dedication.

Whether it’s yoga or something totally different, let this be motivation to get you to move your body today!

"Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual..."

hayleymorrisette — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:45:05 -0800

“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude.”

- Denis Waitley

"The closest to being in control we’ll ever be is in that moment when we realize we’re not."

hayleymorrisette — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:30:05 -0800

“The closest to being in control we’ll ever be is in that moment when we realize we’re not.”

- Brian Kessler

Judgement

hayleymorrisette — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:56:24 -0800

A friend shared this on Facebook the other day and I thought it was a valuable story we could all learn from…

A doctor entered the hospital in hurry after being called in for an urgent surgery. He answered the call ASAP, changed his clothes and went directly to the surgery block.
He found the boy’s father going and coming in the hall waiting for the doctor. Once seeing him, the dad yelled:
“Why did you take all this time to come? Don’t you know that my son’s life is in danger? Don’t you have the sense of responsibility?”

The doctor smiled and said:
“I am sorry, I wasn’t in the hospital and I came the fastest I could after receiving the call…… And now, I wish you’d calm down so that I can do my work”

“Calm down?! What if your son was in this room right now, would you calm down? If your own son dies now what will you do??” said the father angrily

The doctor smiled again and replied: “I will say what Job said in the Holy Bible “From dust we came and to dust we return, blessed be the name of God”. Doctors cannot prolong lives. Go and intercede for your son, we will do our best by God’s grace”

“Giving advice when we’re not concerned is so easy” Murmured the father.

The surgery took some hours after which the doctor went out happy, “Thank God! Your son is saved!”

And without waiting for the father’s reply he carried on his way running. “If you have any question, ask the nurse!!”

“Why is he so arrogant? He couldn’t wait some minutes so that I ask about my son’s state” Commented the father when seeing the nurse minutes after the doctor left.

The nurse answered, tears coming down her face: “His son died yesterday in a road accident, he was in the burial when we called him for your son’s surgery. And now that he saved your son’s life, he left running to finish his son’s burial.”

NEVER JUDGE ANYONE because you never know how their life is and as to what is happening or what they’re going through.

Photo

hayleymorrisette — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:02:06 -0800

Healthy Eats: Pacific Palisades

hayleymorrisette — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:04:53 -0800

There’s nothing like having a good meal to look forward to after a workout. I discovered Cafe Vida a few weeks back when my girl friend suggested going to there for brunch after our hike … what a treat. This place, note the not-too-excruciating-for-a-weekend wait, is delicious and has great healthy and nutritious options that focus on organic produce/eggs/chicken, gluten-free items (there’s usually have some sort of gluten-free pancakes or waffles special), not to mention tasty juices! A couple great options are the Organic Leafy Herb Salad, Eggwhite Frittata; they also have a GREAT Veggie Burger. The biggest issue… the breakfast or lunch decision??

CAFE VIDA

15317 Antioch St, Pacific Palisades 90272

(310) 573-1335

Check out their menu here.

Yes, I will admit I have a little bit of a green lemonade obsession… and Cafe Vida did not disappoint. Fresh squeezed agave nectar lemonade with parsley and spinach. It’s a little more “green” tasting that most green lemonades, so go light on the greens if you’re nervous to try.

"It doesn’t matter where you are, you are nowhere compared to where you can go."

hayleymorrisette — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:02:05 -0800

“It doesn’t matter where you are, you are nowhere compared to where you can go.”

- Bob Proctor

Meditation

hayleymorrisette — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:24:52 -0800

“Meditation actually changes your brain, increasing grey matter density in regions associated with learning, memory and compassion—and decreasing it in areas linked to stress and fear.”

via The Well Daily

Graston Technique: Update for LA

hayleymorrisette — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:06:00 -0800

For those of you who have any kind of recent or longstanding physical/sports injury, I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Jorge and the Graston Technique he uses. I met Dr. Jorge during a Health and Wellness seminar at my yoga studio. A little wary to volunteer after seeing his torturous-looking tool kit (see below!), I decided to give him a shot. I have some longstanding ankle/knee issues from an ankle injury years ago that resulted in tendonitis, which usually acts up with overuse. After working on my foot, ankle, and calf for about 10 minutes the immediate relief and “lightness” my entire leg felt was almost beyond belief. I believe Dr. Jorge could provide the same results, if not drastically more pain relief (being that an initial consultation is 60-90 minutes, whereas I only spent 10-15 minutes with him) on almost any muscle pain in the body.

Stately Chiropractic Group

Dr. Jorge Guevara

949.645.6325

275 Victoria St. Suite 2C

Costa Mesa, CA

Los Angeles - Lucent Chiropractic

Dr. Serge Lazatin

6399 Wilshire Blvd Suite 712, 7th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90048
310.592.7095

Here are a few highlights of the very interesting Graston technique.

The concept of cross fiber massage is not new. Graston Technique^® is grounded in the works of Dr. James Cyriax, an English orthopedic surgeon. With the use of specially designed instruments and protocol.

Graston Technique^® has become standard protocol in universities and hospital-based outpatient facilities as well as industrial on-site treatment settings such as Indiana University and the University of Michigan. The technique is also being used at industrial settings and by NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball trainers.

What is the Graston Technique^®?A. The Graston Technique® incorporates a patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively detect and treat scar tissue and restrictions that affect normal function.

The Technique:

Separates and breaks down collagen cross-links, and splays and stretches connective tissue and muscle fibers
Increases skin temperature
Facilitates reflex changes in the chronic muscle holding pattern
Alters spinal reflux activity (facilitated segment)
Increases the rate and amount of blood flow to and from the area
Increases cellular activity in the region, including fibroblasts and mast cells
Increases histamine response secondary to mast cell activity

How are the instruments used?

A. The Graston Technique^® instruments are used to enhance the clinician’s ability to detect adhesions, scar tissue or restrictions in the affected areas. Skilled clinicians use the stainless steel instruments to comb over and “catch” on fibrotic tissue, which immediately identifies the areas of restriction. Once the tissue has been identified, the instruments are used to break up the scar tissue so it can be absorbed by the body.

What kind of results does Graston Technique^® produce?

A. Historically, the Graston Technique^® has had positive outcomes in 75–90 percent of all conditions treated. It is equally effective in restoring function to acute and chronic injuries, and pre- and postsurgical patients.

Click here for Outcome Summary Data of the 17 most common diagnoses.