I had an amazing weekend hiking in Taos, New Mexico, which is just a few hours north of Albuquerque, where I currently am. We journeyed down a canyon to the Rio Grande River, which is wonderfully abundant in lush natural plants, many of which have medicinal, healing and beauty properties.
Check out these videos I shot!
Watercress
Rio Grande Plants
Horsetail is also really high in silicon, for hair/skin/nail strength and beauty.
Stewart
Many of you have been asking me for an ideal pre-workout food snack, especially in the late afternoon if you are planning on going to the gym, yoga or on a run after work, and need some “oomph” to give you energy and stamina to help you power through.
As usual, the best energy and beauty foods are found in nature. We need not turn to complex, soy protein isolate formulas or “muscle milk” drinks, or the products you get at GNC. I’d rather look to nature to give me what I need, rather than a synthetic lab. I urge you to do the same!
Without a doubt, one of the best workout foods I recommend for you is chia seeds. Yes, I’m talking about the same thing you may only have heard of from the “Chia Pet” phenomenon. Well the good news is that you need not grow a “Chia Ram” (admittedly, that is the chia pet I once had!) to get more energy, you just have to soak them and make them into a gel, which will serve as your power workout and beauty gel. You can get chia seeds at your local health market. They’re definitely getting more popular and are pretty common these days.
Chia seeds are an ancient, workout power food. It is said that the Aztec and Incan warriors used to eat them and run long distances between different tribal areas. It was well noted amongst these tribes that the chia seeds gave the warriors stamina and strength.
Today, chia seeds have been scientifically analyzed and we can see the specific nutritional reasons that chia is such an amazing food to carry us through out workouts. By weight, chia seeds contain more omega 3 fats than salmon, and more calcium than whole milk (which we don’t really assimilate well anyway from dairy, but that is another topic!), along with antioxidants. Chia seeds contain all essential amino acids, making them a complete protein. They also contain important minerals like magnesium and boron. High in both soluble and insoluble fiber, chia seeds also helps promote fullness, without feeling too heavy, and ongoing cleansing.
Chia is an amazing Beauty Detox Food that balances your blood sugar levels and provides, steady energy for hours. I’ve experienced that its ability to keep you full and provide optimal energy has helped my clients ward off sugar and other cravings, especially later in the day when they are stalling to workout and want to eat a treat instead! Instead, I make them my Chia Seed Delight recipe, which is in the recipe section of The Beauty Detox Solution. Basically though, you can soak ¼ cup or so of chia seeds in unsweetened almond milk, and sweeten with stevia. It is delicious! You could also make it into more of a smoothie by adding more almond milk/water, and you could throw some hemp protein in there as well. As long as you wait at least 3 hours after your lunch, which may have some starch in it, it is a great Beauty Food Pairing combo. Seeds also tend to be lighter and less acidic than nuts, so it is okay to have a few hours before dinner.
Chia seeds do an amazing thing: they absorb fluids to swell to 10-15 times their size, creating a gel-like substance that will keep you full for hours. Yes, I said hours. I’ve been known to take a non-breakable container of dry chia seeds on a long hike, then when we get to lunch I soak them right in the container with water out of my water bottle, sweeten with stevia, then eat them like pudding. Guess who’s always charging ahead on the hikes??
Try the amazing chia seed out for yourself!
I just took this picture for you on my porch here in Albuquerque (yes there’s a big movie shooting out here!). This is my favorite brand of chia seeds: The Chia Co. Their chia seeds are grown in my beloved Australia, and they are fantastic quality!
There’s a big push to “go green” these days, and tons of information out there to help you live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Many people don’t realize that the daily foods you choose to eat have an enormous impact on the environment. In this post, I’m talking about the benefits of a GREEN diet in three ways: Making sure your food choices are eco-friendly, reducing your consumption of animal products, and making sure your diet is filled with green veggies.
1. Make sure your food is eco-friendly and sustainable.
One of the main ways to ensure a green and sustainable diet is by buying LOCALLY. This means purchasing foods from local vendors, especially farmer’s markets. Most cities are catching on and supporting farmer’s markets multiple times a week. There’s a great one here in Albuquerque, which is where I am at the moment. The reason buying local is so important is because it reduces the energy cost of transporting foods across long distances. When food comes from far away, it has to be driven on a truck, refrigerated, processed and packaged. That translates to a whole lot of gas, and lots of energy for refrigeration and preservation. Also, there is a possibility that chemicals will be added to keep the food fresh, not to mention the materials used to package it. ALL of those factors are eliminated when we buy produce that’s grown close to us!
Not only that, but buying local produce also promotes a much healthier and more delicious lifestyle. The reason is that foods that are grown near you and sold at local farmers markets are fresh, in season, and have more time to ripen on the vine and have a higher content of minerals and phytonutrients.
Also, buying locally promotes eating a diet that relies mostly on fruits and vegetables, instead of processed items. Once you get in the habit of going to local farmers markets, fruit stands, or to the “locally grown” section of the supermarket, it will become a fun ritual. You’ll feel good about yourself for helping the planet, and you’ll be supplying you and your family with delicious foods! Food that’s grown locally is always what’s in season near you, and you know it’s going to be super fresh because it hasn’t traveled halfway across the country to get in your shopping bag!
2. Reduce your consumption of animal products.
If we really want to be “green”, it is essential to look at the environmental impact of what we are choosing to eat and put on our plates on a daily basis. As I point out in The Beauty Detox Solution:
A 2006 report from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) cited livestock production as “one of the top two or three most significant contributors to the most serious environmental problems, at every scale from local to global.”
Among many of its shocking findings and summaries, the FAO reports that livestock production accounts for 18 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than all the world’s cars & SUVs combined. 2.4 billion tons of livestock-induced CO2 emissions are a result of the deforestation of over 7.4 million acres of trees cut for pastures and feedcrop land each year.
The livestock sector is the leading contributor to water pollution by nitrogen and phosphorous in the United States, and also pollutes large amount of pesticides and antibiotics into the water. 1/3 of fossil fuel consumption in the United States goes to animal agriculture.
Putting all other issues aside, such as health and beauty issues, animal rights, etc. the indisputable fact remains: eating animal products is environmentally destructive. If you do choose to eat some animal products, be conscious of limiting them and incorporating more vegetarian options into your diet, and make it a point of sourcing your animal products from local, smaller farms.
3. Ensuring your diet is greens-based, including mostly green leafy vegetables:
Following with the “green” theme, I want to talk about how important it is to eat lots of green vegetables. As we cut back on our animal products as mentioned in Point #2, it is important to fill that gap with abundant plant foods, not processed or commercial foods. Our planet has abundant plant food on it, both in wild and cultivated forms, and when you start exploring local produce, you’ll discover a whole new world of green leafy vegetables, some of which you’ve never heard of. In The Beauty Detox Solution, and in previous blog posts, I talk about the amazing benefits in green veggies. They’re absolutely packed with vitamins, minerals and amino acids that will make you look and feel amazing. Green veggies are full of fiber and naturally low in calories, so they will keep you feeling satisfied all day long, helping you achieve weight loss goals. You will also notice a healthy glow in your skin, and you’ll have tons of energy.
Of course I always talk about my Glowing Green Smoothie as a great way to get a big dose of greens first thing in the morning. It’s the easiest way to get lots of nutrients right away. If you want to read more about the glowing green smoothie click HERE. But the Glowing Green Smoothie is not the only way to get those great nutrients in your diet. There are so many delicious greens to add to salads, eat raw, or incorporate into your usual dishes. Of course once you start eating locally, you’ll start eating more healthy green veggies, which will help your body naturally detoxify itself. It’s a great way for you to achieve your weight loss and health goals, while helping the environment as well.
Here’s a list of some of my favorites:
–Spinach
– Dandelion greens
–Purslane
– Watercress
–Swiss Chard
– Kale
–Romaine
–Cabbage
–Arugula
–Mache
–Mustard Greens
When the weather heats up in the summer, it’s especially important to stay hydrated. Staying hydrated will give you energy in the heat, and keep your skin looking radiant and beautiful. Obviously water is the best source of hydration, but there are lots of foods you can eat that will help keep you hydrated in the summer months. Here’s a list of some of my faves to help get you started!
1. Cucumbers:
Like most fruits and vegetables, cucumbers are made up of mostly water. But they also has a lot of other nutrients that will hydrate and nourish the body. Cucumbers contain vitamin C. They’re also rich in caffeic acid, which helps soothe the skin. They are great to eat plan, or on top of salads. You can even add cucumber to your water for a refreshing summer drink!
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Saturday was the last day of shooting on the film I have been working on in New Orleans as the nutritionist, and last night I left the city, which has been my home since mid-April. I’ve had such an amazing time I’ve had the last few months, and forged such a connection to the city and it’s people. I’ve put together a little picture album to share with you, of my favorite people and places in NOLA:
The French Quarter was literally across the street from my hotel, and I love its architecture, music and energy. How could you not?
Since my hotel room was on the 47th floor, below was my view of the Mississippi River, taken from my hotel window.
Here we are at Jazz Fest, which was so much fun. I also heard a lot of jazz throughout my stay, as live music is such a big part of life in New Orleans! It has been great working with Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan, who are not just clients but dear friends. They are incredibly nice and down to earth, and working for them was truly a dream job!
I found a great pottery studio on Magazine Street in Uptown (where I pretty much spent all my time) called Hands of Clay. If you live in NOLA I highly recommend taking a class there! I had never worked with a potter’s wheel before, but the teachers are great- especially mine! Her name is Jacqui Lincoln and she let me throw huge blocks of clay I really had no business working with. 
It was so fun to talk to the ladies in class for a few hours every Wed. night. I miss my pottery friends already!
Here’s Jacqui, who’s very talented at ceramics!
I also found a yoga home, which is hugely important to me. It is a wonderful yoga studio called Wild Lotus Yoga. If you are passing through or live in the city, you must go by!
Here are the two teachers that touched my heart, and that I will never forget. I took their classes faithfully every week, 2 classes each for both of them. I LOVE their classes, and I treasure them as yogis, teachers, and wonderful human beings. On the left is Amanda Rubinstein-Stern and on the right is AC Lambeth. I can’t recommend them enough!!!!! Amanda’s classes are very alignment focused and AC’s are like riding a beautiful flowing wave. Saying goodbye to my new yoga home was a very sad day, but alas, unattachment is a (hard) yogic teaching.
Um, yeah, you could say I really made my hotel room my home. How does one live in a hotel room for almost 3 months, you might ask? Well I decorated it like an apt., and the walls were lined with mini fridges!
Here’s Christine at the Skin Studio, which is next to Wholefoods on Magazine Street. She gives great facials! I had a few while I was there, as I was in WF every day and her relaxing office would beckon to me. And I like her Derma Potion natural facial SPF 30 sunscreen.
After many, many good times, Glowing Green Smoothies, walks in Audobon Park, growth, new friends, new adventures, and falling in love with a new city…
It’s time to say goodbye for now New Orleans! But I’ll be back for sure.
And now a new adventure starts, and I have a very exciting summer ahead! I am really happy to enjoy my home in NYC for now, even if it is for only 5 days before I move again. But life is a flow, and as AC would say, “surf the waves of life.”
Love to all,
Kimberly
PART 2:
Interested in more diet myths? Check out Part 2, below!
1.”Splenda is a diet-friendly sugar substitute”:
There’s a lot of debate over whether or not artificial sweeteners are healthy alternatives to sugar. When dieting, many people use packets and packets of splenda. Most people think because it contains zero calories, it won’t derail your health and weight loss goals. There have been many studies that actually show that these artificial sweeteners such as Splenda, Equal and Sweet ‘n Low can induce weight gain. The reason is because they can trigger the body to store fat and crave carbs. There are so many health risks connected to these ever-popular sugar substitutes, so I strongly recommend avoiding them altogether. The best choice when it comes to sugar alternatives is stevia. Stevia is a zero-calorie, natural herb that will add that sweet boost to your food and drinks. Another acceptable sugar substitute is xylitol, which is a naturally occurring sugar in fruit and vegetables. Both have become widespread, and can be found in grocery and health food stores.
2. “It’s bad to eat after 7 pm”:
There’s a common myth that anything you eat after 7 pm will turn straight to fat. While I definitely do not recommend eating a highly concentrated meal close to bed time, I do not follow the 7pm cut off rule. Everyone’s diet differs depending on the individual’s lifestyle. If you are the type of person who works late and becomes hungry after work, it might be best to have some green salad and a light dinner at 8pm, so you are satisfied through the night. I recommend eating dinner at least 3-4 hours before going to bed, so if you go to bed at 11 or midnight, eating at 8 pm is okay. It’s not healthy to go to bed starving because you will just wake up feeling famished, and you might not make such great choices in the morning. Remember that morning is the time when our body detoxes itself. The best way to eat is light to heavy, starting off the morning with a Glowing Green Smoothie, then incorporating more concentrated foods as the day progress. If you follow that pattern on a daily basis, your body will get used to its daily routine, and the late night urges will be more manageable.
3.” Caffeine is the best energy booster”:
Caffeine is typically the go-to substance most people turn to for a morning perk them up, or an afternoon boost. I advise staying away from caffeine in general. There is no better energy booster than a Glowing Green Smoothie, fresh greens, and it is important to stay hydrated. I promise once you ween yourself off of your daily latte or afternoon iced black tea, you will realize the beauty of getting energy through natural foods. If you want to get more ideas of some energy boosting snacks, check out my previous blog post.
4. “You should never snack between meals”:
I do recommend minimizing snacking, but it doesn’t mean you can’t ever snack. Especially if you wake up early and have a long day, you may need a snack between lunch and dinner, especially if you want to work out after work. Try choosing healthy snacks, like veggie sticks with salsa and dips, or if you need something more satiating try an almond milk and hemp protein shake, mid-late afternoon. Remember the importance of food pairing, which I stress in my book. You want to eat your fruits on an empty stomach, and wait 3-4 hours in between eating different concentrated foods or fruits. This is vital in order to make sure your digestion runs smoothly. Instead of worrying about when you should and shouldn’t eat, follow your urges. When you are hungry, feed yourself, but make a wise and informed choice. Make smart pairing choices, and make sure you wait long enough in between the different types of foods you consume. Soon enough, you will know how to listen to your body and you will feel great when you make these smart choices.
It’s no wonder dieting is a billion dollar industry, with so much misinformation and confusing programs and calculations. Who wants to bring a calculator to dinner? Thankfully being slim, healthy and beautiful is much easier then we have been led to believe. Here are 8 myths busted that will help you achieve your health and beauty goals:
1. “Carbs are bad”:
Many people try to severely limit their consumption of carbohydrates. This is probably because there’s so much talk about “low carb” diets. This concept can be very misleading. It’s not about limiting carbohydrates altogether, but instead, it’s important to choose the right ones. It’s important to choose complex, unrefined carbohydrates because they are high in fiber, keeping you fuller longer. Try eating quinoa, millet, natural oats, soba noodles and buckwheat. Stay away from simple, refined carbohydrates like white bread, pastries, crackers and white rice. They cause a spike in sugar levels in the body, and inflammation that can lead to premature aging and wrinkles. I also advise my clients to avoid wheat, as many of us are sensitive to the protein in wheat, called gluten, and don’t even know it. Wheat is also a highly pesticide-sprayed and hybridized crop. Avoiding wheat (along with rye and barley) helps us avoid processed foods, and naturally limit unfavorable carb choices.
2. “All fats are fattening”:
While it is true that fats should be limited in our diets, there are some natural sources of fat that serve important functions in the body. There are many different types of fats: saturated fats, unsaturated fats and trans-fatty acids. We want to try to eat unsaturated, “heart healthy” fats. These healthy fats are found in avocados, nuts, seeds, nuts and natural plant oils. There are many beauty benefits to unsaturated fats. They make our hair and skin more beautiful and also help lubricate joints and strengthen cell membranes. There are some good saturated fats as well. Coconut oil is an example. It is a cholesterol-free saturated fat made from medium chain fatty acids that nourish the thyroid and can help us burn stored body fat. It is my favorite oil to cook with, due to its high smoke point.
3. “Yogurt is a health food”:
Yogurt is widely understood to be a diet food that can help you lose weight, however this is not the case. I tell all my clients that dairy should be avoided at all costs. Many people talk about lactose intolerance, and the inability to break down the milk sugars because of a lack of the proper enzymes. But dairy also contains a dangerous protein called casein, which has been found to promote many diseases. As a reference for this check out The China Study, which is the longest running study in medical history. It is also interesting to note that in countries where little dairy is consumed there is also virtually no osteoporosis. Dairy is extremely acid-forming and leaches alkaline minerals like calcium out of our bodies. We can get calcium from many plant sources. In general, dairy is very hard for us to break down and it creates mucus in the body, and we don’t want that! A clogged body can not express its full beauty potential. I am a huge proponent of probiotics, but the healthy bacteria found in yogurt can also be found in other natural food sources, such as Probiotic & Enzyme salad.
4. “It’s best to eat a big breakfast right when you wake up”:
Many believe that when dieting, you need to have a solid, filling meal within 20 minutes of waking up. It’s believed this way you will be satiated throughout the day. However, this is not the most efficient way to eat. In order to keep foods moving through the body, its best to eat the lightest foods first, and save the heavier foods for later. Otherwise, we get dragged down by digestion and have to contend with needing more caffeine and additional snacks later. Digestion takes an enormous amount of energy. Having a heavy breakfast is like starting the day with a brick tied on- it drags us down. It is true we need nutrients in the morning, which is why the Glowing Green Smoothie is the best thing to have in the morning. It is blended, so our bodies don’t waste energy on absorbing the nutrients, and we get a whopping dose of vitamins, minerals, fiber and other important phytonutrients.
5. “Fruit is the healthiest dessert choice”:
I cannot stress enough how important it is to eat fruit on an empty stomach. This is one of the biggest misconceptions I see. Fruit is known to be rich in key vitamins and minerals, however most people don’t realize the importance of when we consume fruits. I urge everyone NOT to eat fruit after a solid meal because it will lead to a digestive disaster! The reason is because fruit digests extremely quickly. So when you eat fruit after concentrated foods, it gets held up, you get bloated and the nutrients will aren’t be absorbed as efficiently. So remember, always eat your fruit, but eat them on an empty stomach!
6. “Counting Calories is the best way to lose weight”:
Many people believe you have to count every single calorie you consume in order to stay slim. That’s not the case if you learn to make smart, healthy choices. Calorie counting is actually a modern invention created by the “diet industry.” I do not believe in tightly monitoring your diet in this way, because it tends to be highly restrictive. When you count calories, you tend to shift from focusing on nutrient-rich, quality foods to foods that are low-calorie and possibly highly processed. If you eat a fiber-filled, plant-based diet that is centered on greens, along with fresh fruits, veggies, seeds, nuts and healthy whole grains, you will feel satisfied, energetic and the best part is that you won’t have to obsess over calories!
7. “Diet soda is okay because it has zero calories”:
We all know that soda is loaded with sugar, but many people think its okay to drink diet because it has zero calories. It’s not just the calories that are the problem. Soda contains tons of chemicals that are acid-forming. Not to mention it has no nutritional value. Drinking diet and regular sodas on a regular basis can demineralize our teeth and eat up minerals in the body. Even though its called “diet,” it’s not a beauty food, and it will not help you lose weight! For more scary info on Coke Zero, check this out.
Diet soda is okay because it has zero calories:
8. “You have to be perfect 100% of the time”:
When trying to lose weight, there are a lot of guidelines to follow and you may have to make some seemingly drastic changes to the way you’re used to eating. These changes can be hard to adjust to for many, so I recommend transitioning into your Beauty Detox Solution. That means you can treat yourself to an occasional splurge while you are still getting used to your new health plan. If you have a strong urge for a piece of chocolate, you can give yourself a little bit. If you love cheese and need it one day, have some goat’s cheese, which digests much better. Everyone’s body is different, and if you feel you need some fish or other animal protein in your diet that is fine. You don’t have to be a full vegan or vegetarian to follow the Beauty Detox, though you do have to incorporate a much higher amount of plant foods. The most important thing is not to feel overcome with guilt for slipping up. Just get right back on track with your proper Beauty Food Pairings and GGS!
We all need to stay hydrated to keep our skin and hair looking its absolute best, and to keep an optimal energy level. The question is: what are the best beverages to beautify us and help with this process?
Let’s start first with a few drink categories to avoid.
1. Tap water: I rank tap water pretty high upon the avoid list, since it is full of chlorine, heavy metals and contaminates, and trace prescription meds that aren’t all filtered out at the water processing plants. Get yourself a good water filter!
2. Artificial sweeteners: We should also avoid beverages that contain any type of artificial sweeteners. Besides aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame potassium and saccharin, also look out for chrystalline fructose, which is derived from corn. No artificial sweeteners are in line with promoting our natural beauty. Period!
3. Heavily pasteurized beverages: These include most every beverage that comes in bottles. Orange juice and those Odwalla smoothies are among the first thing that come to mind. I do not recommend them. They are high in sugar, acidic and their enzymes and natural nutrients have been destroyed by the high temperatures. There are different levels of pasteurization, and some products are more gently pasteurized than others, which is better b/c some of the nutrients are preserved. Coconut water is an example of a product which is gently pasteurized. It holds up pretty well, and coconut water contains important minerals versus vitamins; vitamins are more susceptible to high heat damage from pasteurization.
Now here are 6 great beautifying, hydrating beverages. These ideas are also featured in the current People Stylewatch over 2 pages (very exciting!), and I thought I would be great to share with you as well!
1. Hot water with lemon: Start the day off right, with a mug of fresh water heated up and some lemon to add a punch of Vitamin C and to help flush out your system.
2. Glowing Green Juice: Thirsty? If you have a juicer you can follow the same basic recipe as the GGS for lots of liquid packed with the bonus of antioxidants, enzymes and minerals!
3. Coconut water: Contains lots of potassium and minerals, and very hydrating. Comes in convenient recloseable cartons also!
4. Iced herbal teas: Right now my favorite is peach rooibos, which I have been drinking a ton of here in hot New Orleans during this film! Herbal iced teas add great flavor, antioxidants, and doesn’t have the caffeine of iced green or black tea. I drink mine unsweetened, bu you could sweeten yours up with stevia if you like!
5. Watermelon: At around 92% water, watermelon is so juicy! Remember you can hydrate with fruit! But in keeping with our blog heading, the way to make this is a drink is to simply blend it with a bit of cold water, then you have a great watermelon smoothie to sip on at your desk!
6. Last but not least….the GGS!: The Glowing Green Smoothie is incredibly hydrating, and the fiber keeps you full and energized, so you won’t need so many dehydrating caffeine-filled beverages. Some of my clients are doubling their amount of GGS in the heat, and they have a lot of energy and look even more fantastic!
Stay hydrated my beauties!
Love to all,
Kimberly
I know. This picture is absolutely heart-wrenching. The first time I opened it in my email a few nights ago I went through half a box of tissues- it just made me bawl. What really got me is the face of Mekund, the little boy. He’s so carefully focused on holding the plant that will soon grow vegetables for him and his family to eat. You can tell he is a very, very sweet little boy. Look at his face- he is an angel!! Well what’s amazing is that Sara, who is one of you, my beloved blog readers, is directly supporting Mekund’s garden right now with her $25 donation! More on that in a moment.
My charity partner is SeeYourImpact.org, which is an amazing charity because it connects real stories and photos we make possible with each gift. I believe in them so much that I’m donating 10% of my book proceeds to them to support the vegetable garden projects- which are really your donations. Thanks to your support, this year we’ve delivered gardens to families in Colombia, Rwanda, and here at home in the US!!
I love giving through SeeYourImpact.org, because we all get to read the real stories and photos we make possible with each gift. When I held a fundraiser last November, so many of you joined with me and your generosity blew me away!
I’d like to share a few of the stories with you, and I hope you’ll join me in my current fundraising campaign and donatea $25 gardentoday through this amazing organization that shows you exactly where your donation goes.
Last December, Sara joined my fundraiser (Thank You, Sara!!) and donated a $25 garden to a family in Rwanda. Here’s the Impact Story she received back for her gift, with the picture of Mekund and Angelique above!
Dear Sara,
Angelique took in several of her grandchildren to care for after they’re parents died of HIV.
The garden you support in Karama, Rwanda, will make a great difference in their lives, giving them access to a wide variety of healthy fruits and vegetables!
Brave women like Angelique face hardships, trying to raise their children’s children due to the AIDS epidemic. It’s hard to fathom what they’re going through, but easy to help if we actnow. I’m so grateful to Sara for taking a moment out of her day to help.
When Franziska donated, she gave to someone in Colombia, and this is the Impact Story she received. What inspires me most about Franziska’s update is that she’s not only helping feed Eliza’s family. She’s giving them a source of income for the future!
Dear Franziska,
Thanks to you, the Ruiz family in Cartagena, Colombia received a gardening kit. Elida, is responsible for the basil, peppermint, watermelon, cabbage and cauliflower they grow in the garden; she also works selling fruit juices.
She lives with her four grandchildren, who attend school. Her home garden helps them to get more nutritious meals, better the environment and generate an additional income.
Aren’t these stories unbelievable? The most amazing thing is that they’re real. These are real people. And we can help them. I’m so inspired by the number of you who joined with me before. I know we can do it again. So let’s do it. Consider this a huge request for your help. Join myfundraiseronSeeYourImpact.org, and let’s see how many people we can help!
In about 2 weeks, when the stories come back, I’ll feature some of them here.
It’s so easy to change lives. I hope you’ll join me again! Really. Don’t wait another minute longer!!
Let’s live generously, and get nutrition to those who need it most. Oh – and when you do, share thislinkon Facebook and Twitter and invite your friends to do the same! Let’s spread the word and see how many lives we can impact together!!
Love, Kimberly
We are flooded with information in the media about fad diets and extreme detox plans and the information can sometimes be misleading. In this entry I want to explain the importance of a proper lifestyle where you detox on a continual basis, as opposed to a strict diet or short-term detox. This approach is much more effective, and is sustainable for the long-term.
“Diet” technically means to restrict oneself to small amounts or special kinds of food in order to lose weight.
“Detoxify” is defined as changing eating habits in an attempt to remove toxic substances or qualities. The problem is that many of us think of “detox” as a noun, as in to do “a detox” for a few days here and there. I emphasize “detox” in the verb form, ie detoxing continually, as we also amass toxins constantly.
