SPOTLIGHT SATURDAY

A supportive environment can be the one surrounding you that is making you FAIL at living your new healthy lifestyle you are working on!

You have kids who refuse to eat that "green stuff"or a partner who is obsessed with junk food and sees nothing wrong with eating it (and is skinny WTH). These could be the reasons you are having such a difficult time because as we have been told "what and who you surround yourself with becomes YOU"

You have constantly told this home, work, social environment that you are working on a healthier you but that support is LACKING and seriously un-motivating.

It is time to learn how to change that because this one problem could be the solution if you just know how to CONQUER!

Here are some Star Systemz tips on getting that healthy environment you so desperately need (desire):

SPOTLIGHT SATURDAY

Summer is right around the corner and its time for another update about what's in season when it comes to your produce!

No excuses to destroy that summer body with all this wonderful produce readily and organically available to you!

• Apples
• Avocado
• Basil
• Bell Pepper
• Berries
• Carrots
• Cherries
• Cilantro
• Cucumbers
• Eggplant
• Figs
• Garlic
• Green Beans
• Mangoes
• Melons
• Nectarines
• Okra
• Peaches
• Peppers
• Summer Squash
• Tomatoes
• Zucchini

An easy way to get all these amazing goodies into your diet is to create a soup or stew!

Just coat the bottom of your pot with some oil (Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Coconut Oil)

Light the stove top and add some onions, carrots, celery and garlic.

Add whatever veggies you desire and wait until they soften

Add chicken broth and water (1 cup chicken broth:2 cups water) As much as needed

Let sit on low heat for 45-50 minutes adding (lentils, beans, legumes of choice)

Add herbs as you stir (basil, cilantro...etc)

Stir every so often

Soup for the whole week!

Easy side dish or meal and stays good for about 5-7 days stored in the fridge

What are some of your favorite summer recipes?

SPOTLIGHT SATURDAY

I have been cooking up a storm since Mr. Bentley has been gone....

My ABSOLUTE favorite blog to grab recipes from is Love Veggies and Yoga

I also use Peas and Thank You but have just been introduced so have yet to try a TON of her stuff!

Averie Rocks :) I have been reading her blog since I was a full blown VEGAN in 2008 and always dreamed of having enough energy to bake or as she says UNBAKE away!

Her website has changed quite a bit and she has added all kinds of recipes so do NOT worry it has non-vegan related and easy recipes which is always a BONUS!

If I don't pull straight from her site I definitely get INSPIRED by her ideas and ingredient mixtures...

My Pumpkin Bars were pulled from Peas and Thank You but will try Averie's this week...

I tweaked the recipe with what I had because of course when I start baking..I start baking (NO STOPPPING ME)

• 1 c. oat flour (ground old-fashioned oats)
• 3/4 c. vanilla protein powder  ( I used Moduvated Vanilla Protein)
• 1 t. cinnamon
• 1/2 t. nutmeg
• 1 t. pumpkin pie spice
• 1 t. baking powder (did not have this but used gluten free pancake mix I had in the back of the pantry)
• 1/4 t. salt (I used sea salt)
• stevia to taste 
• 1/2 c. silken tofu ** (I used the flax "eggs)
• 1 c. canned pumpkin
• 1 t. vanilla extract

*If omitting protein powder, substitute any other flour of your choice or just use additional oat flour

**For a soy free version, substitute 1/2 c. unsweetened applesauce or 2 flax “eggs” (1 T. ground flax + 2 T. water = 1 flax egg)

Again this recipe is from Peas and Thank You..

My results were fantastic especially since I added some CAROB CHIPS!!  (before I ate them ALL) I gave them to my client so she can see that you can make your own protein bars at home! Plus I LOVE TO COOK/BAKE/CREATE..

SPOTLIGHT SATURDAY

KeVita ROCKS! Not only do the flavors like Coconut,Mango Coconut and Strawberry Acai Coconut taste like heaven these probiotic wonders are beneficial to your health and well being.

I have been reading about probiotics for some time and never quite understood what a probiotic was and why I needed to add such thing into my diet. I have then come to find through drinking KeVita that I have more energy and I just overall feel better after a meal. Why you may ask? Is this all in my head?

SPOTLIGHT SATURDAY

I met Rachel Marie on the crazy night of HALLOWEEN and her and I became instant friends! Rachel and  I share the same interests in food, wine and fashion. She is a health nut as well :) Besides her being the sweetest girl ever and her and I being friends she is an all around cool chick! But what made me so inspired and interested in her and why I am sharing her with you all is she is SO CREATIVE! I mean artistically creative. She can take scrap leather and make beautiful earrings, necklaces, bracelet, the likes! I was shocked when she showed me the pieces she started with and what she was able to create with these scraps! Thats using your imagination!

Here is an interview I did with her over email since I know if we would have done it in person we would have written a book :)

How did the name Hunt.r come about? 

It is actually a sort of funny story. I was in Canada visiting my family when I decided it was finally time to give my jewelry line an identity. I had been brainstorming with my sister Rebecca all week, but nothing we came up with seemed to work. The last night I was in town I was having dinner at my dads with my siblings and a few close friends. We got talking about possible names for the jewelry and my one friend Chelsea had an idea. She decided that we should all write a letter on a piece of paper and throw it in a pile, and then whatever word the letters made up would be the new name of my jewelry line. Honestly I didn't think it would work at the time.. but we all did it anyways. I ended up with a pretty hilarious pile of letters. I can't remember them all now.. but there was only one vowel, the U. We ended up throwing away a few letters in the process, but Chelsea's idea ended up working, we came up with the name Hunt.r. The company logo is an actual picture of the letters all scatters on my dad's kitchen table!

Tell me about your jewelry (what made you want to use up cycled materials etc.)

I started making the jewelry when I was living in Vancouver. I was taking a fashion merchandising and marketing diploma there so I was surrounded by fashion every day. Through the course I found that my love for fashion didn't run quite as deep as had once thought it did. I couldn't help but see the extreme waste that the fashion industry causes on all levels, so when I started experimenting with materials and ideas I tried to keep all of them as eco conscious as I could. The jewelry I make is made of up cycled and donated leather that I get from various different sources. I enjoy knowing I am making something new and unique out of what some people might consider useless or waste. 

Where did you learn to make jewelry?

I basically taught myself. I started making jewelry for myself and my friends about a year ago. Then as I learnt more I started selling pieces here and there.  Over the past year of creating I have learned a lot about manipulating fabrics and new techniques that make the process much more efficient. 

Did you make jewelry as a child?

I loved to make those multicolored string bracelets as a kid. I have always been crafty.. so through the years I have learned to make things that I want to wear.

What inspires you?

I am constantly inspired by life itself. History, culture and our surroundings play so much into who we are and the way we see the world. I love seeing how each person has a different perspective on what looks good and which items should go together in an outfit. The unique differences in the world are what I enjoy focusing on. 

Where can I buy these pieces?

You can buy them directly from me through the Hunt.r FACEBOOK page or from the boutique Pepita's located in the Palmilla shops.

Do you do custom orders?

I do take custom orders. I have limited materials so the colors and fabrics are always changing. If you have something in mind that you would like let me know and we can work together to make it happen. I love a new challenge! 

Contact info:

Facebook Page: Hunt.r

Email: rache.toth@gmail.com

I personally love the earrings! They are so light weight and so beautiful I get compliments on them all day and forget I had them in because of how light they are! I also love that she makes the items out of material that would normally be thrown away! Sometimes all it takes is a second look and a creative mind like Rachel's and you have an amazing label!

SPOTLIGHT SATURDAY

Cravings are tricky and really severe cravings are signs your body is sending you to tell you about other problems you may be having. So again, yesterday I mentioned you need to LISTEN to your body and I mean it! For those of you who have a hard time doing so there may be some stress or emotional imbalances you need to take care of first! 

When your body starts craving breads for instance (like "I NEED BREAD NOW") you may be lacking nitrogen or you simply could have a yeast problem or maybe you did not eat enough that day and your body is craving a high energy source (calories are units of energy). If this is a constant battle the first two are most likely if you are not in a stressed, emotional imbalance.

Foods that contain the most nitrogen are provided in the chart above so get eating!

Eat small frequent foods throughout the day but NEVER force food just because its TIME to eat. That always drove me crazy and I learned that eating when hungry, slowly, calmly and nutritiously dense has given me the best results. There are days where I have a bit of breakfast, a snack a bit later and lunch than a snack and than dinner! Some days its just the 3 meals, I NEVER force myself, I LISTEN. Listen to your body and ask why certain cravings occur, ask questions to certified specialists or go for it and research it yourself (pubmed.com) 

I hope all of you have an AMAZING SHINING SATURDAY

STAR SPOTLIGHT

I noticed Ashley Armstrong at a Tomatoes meeting and could not wait to meet her. I saw a beautiful, knowledgable, healthy and radiantly glowing mother! I ran right up to her and introduced myself and after that I found her on face book. From there I connected with her when she introduced her product The Super Food Booster. I am currently studying the health benefits of super foods and have been having a difficult time finding them out here in Cabo so when I saw Ashely selling this product I jumped right on it! 

I went to visit her at her home where I picked up my delicious Super Food Booster and got to talk with her a bit. I really fell in love with her passion for introducing others to health benefits and foods that most do not have any knowledge of. I also fell in love with her radiant, daughter who ran up and hugged me! I have never seen in my life such a healthy, glowing baby. Most babies you see look tired and sick but this baby was special. This is because Ashley is well versed in raising a healthy child and specializes in getting your kids to eat those healthy foods! She even makes cookies with healthy ingredients and hides seaweed in there if you can believe it!

The superfood booster is my new favorite addition to my smoothies because it contains organic seeds, buckwheat, goji berries, mulberries, apple pieces, spirulina, chlorella, wheat grass, cinnamon, maca and xylitol, camu camu, turmeric and ginger all in 2 tablespoons! I tasted the booster alone and I wanted to eat all 8 oz in one sitting! Receiving all these vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, dietary fiber and iron without gluten and vegan is insane especially since it tastes so yummy! 

Star Systemz Super Smoothie using Baja Super Booster

I wanted to introduce Ashley (http://www.bajasuperfoods.com and www.alternativemedicinecoach.com) to my readers so I asked her a few questions and LOVE her answers! She really shows who she is and why she is so passionate about helping others be healthy and raise there children the same!

1. How did you learn about super foods?

 I am a natural health practitioner, I work with naturopathy, homeopathy, body cleansing, natural medicine and other alternative therapies. From this I gained a lot of wonderful information, plus I grew up in an overly healthy, athletic home !

2. What made you want to start creating the Super Food Booster?

I am a mother of two amazing girls and even though we eat healthy, they still get into their "I don't like that" tantrums. So I am always adding extra special ingredients to boost their immune system and mine.

Plus, every time I make something, i.e. super cookies or super brownies for my family, my friends, clients and Cabo locals, all hound me to sell it to them. So, I realized a gap needed to be filled, hard to get super foods, for us locals.

3. Who can benefit from the Super Food Booster?

The food booster is for the whole family. Babies under 1 years of age is not recommended, because of possible allergies. You need to try one ingredient at a time to make sure, other wise it's up to each family. My girls always ate things earlier than normal.

4. Tell me how you got into nutrition, natural medicine, infant education and child birth education.

That's a long winded question. But to try and sum it up I would say, it started with my up bringing of a super athletic and healthy family. My father attended 4 olympics for downhill ski racing, as the Olympians technician.

Once I was into my teen years, I was very active in competing and then teaching and developing programs in the snow sport industry. Which was when, I really developed health issues and not one doctor could help me. So a process of elimination and then into college, I gained more awareness of how food reacts with your body and how your mental attitude controlled EVERYTHING.

Then the move to here, Cabo San Lucas, from Whistler, Canada. I was not able to work, so I focused on my then, hand crafted jewelry business and diving knee deep into personal growth of mental, emotional, nutritional, environmental, spiritual health and went back to school to become a Natural Health Practitioner, hoping to continue to my doctorate this year.

The child development really took place once I became pregnant with my first child. My motto in life is "knowledge is power and power is CHOICE !" Again, it was knee deep into studying and learning all avenues of child development, education and then onto birthing.

The recent start up of my other company Eat Pray Love Baby, found on Facebook or http://www.EatPrayLoveBaby.com, came to light after having a pow-wow with my meditation coach, Gaby De La Rosa, of another gap here in Los Cabos. From there, I again went Knee deep into what I love and do best. Teach, educate, share and I hope to inspire our locals from all walks of life, by showing them, they have a hand for support.

5. Tell me about your baby classes. Where do they take place? When is the next class?


The child birth and infant education courses are amazing. I get to take my holistic world, child development and birth world and role it all up into one huge, jam packed ball of information goodness. That it makes me excited to think about how much information there is, and how much more I can learn still. 

We discus everything from how to be a good support, for both parents and much needed training for the father or partner to be. Labor, labor options -holistic to medical, birth pain management and relaxation, nutrition, breastfeeding, attachment parenting, newborn care, CPR, baby massage, making super baby food and my favorite, conscious parenting. More information can be found at http://www.EatPrayLoveBaby.com or contact me directly.

The classes are being held at Yoga-Shala, in the Home Depot plaza up stairs, above where Green Tree used to be. The first infant class is from 4pm-5:30 pm, april 28th and the next Child Birth course is 6-9pm on April 28th. I need to be contacted for registration, there is limited space in the studio.

6. What is one food you can not live without?

Oh, dear..... That is not a question I do well with. All of them ! haha, well veggies, fruits and seeds ! To narrow it down more, would have to be tomatoes, avocado, bell peppers, chia seeds, walnuts, almonds, pecans, wakame, swish card, lemons/limes, coconut oil, my Yummy Tummy Probiotic Drink, I make and sell and Whistler/Vancouver quality sushi. Basically I am a smorgus board person and eater, I love all styles, all health foods, I can't commit to one.

7. If you could tell someone one thing about yourself what would it be?

Well, I feel like I practice this one a lot. "I screw up as much as the next person, I am not perfect but I don't stop trying to grow and be a better person."

8. What other products and services do you offer?


Other than the therapies and already mentioned nothing else. just the probiotic drink, and soon the probiotic to go, the food booster, and the cookies are just for fun. they are organic, non-gmo, gluten free made with garbanzo bean, millet, spirulina, kelp, chia seeds, flaxseeds, cacao nibs. The brownies are made with black beans, cacao powder and cacao nibs.

9. Anything else you feel would be informative to my readers.

Well, one piece of advise would be to, "always read your labels ! Including Baja Super Foods, Food Booster.

and to "view people, like you,(Courtney) and me, who spend the time and funds to educate our selfs, to better our selfs and in return, offer to help our communities, to be viewed as professionals as well. 

It does not hurt to try something new, it can be quite fun, as an example. I use other alternative therapies, like EFT-emotional freedom technique, nuero-sensory algorithms-strategic mind messaging, and touch for health-energy running. They are all proven to be fun and amazingly affective, for my clients and myself.

10. How can I contact you and try some of those delicious super food cookies everyone talks about?

At this moment, the best way is through email ashley@EatPrayLoveBaby.com or info@BajaSuperFoods.com, www.bajasuperfoods.com or on Facebook through, me, Ashley Armstrong, or Alternative Medicine Coach or Baja Super Foods or Eat Pray Love Baby, Child Birth Courses. Lots of options, and after 3 days of requests, I am baking some super cookies tomorrow.

Feel free to contact Ashley Armstrong at ashley@EatPrayLoveBaby.com or on Facebook at Ashley Armstrong, or Alternative Medicine Coach or Baja Super Foods or EatPrayLoveBaby.com or sign up for her Child Birth Courses on April 28th. She is also available for Skype coaching for those who are not in the Baja area at: AlternativeMedicineCoach and www.alternativemedicinecoach.com

Give her cookies and brownies a try, I promise you will be hooked!

STAR SPOTLIGHT

April is around the corner and its time to stock up on your fresh vegetables and fruits because summer is right around the corner. As we all know, vegetables are nutritionally dense foods and should take up about 75% of your diet! That's right 75%. Vegetables provide your body with all the vitamins and minerals you need for very few calories. Vegetables are an amazing source of energy, fiber, and even prevent disease. So get on that veggie wagon and start making your plate a rainbow of colors!

Imagine if most of your calories came from vegetables?

http://www.ginacarson.com/gc/2011/09/tax-soda-subsidize-vegetables/

There is nothing wrong with your meats, dairy, fruits and all that other fun stuff but imagine if you could get very full on a ton of food and have it be so low in calories that losing weight is so easy!

It is important to know whats in season and what is locally grown in your area. My favorite for the United States area is http://www.localharvest.org/ for those who live internationally http://www.openair.org/view/marketmagazine gives a pretty good view of where to find a local farmers market. When purchasing local produce know its less damaged, less preservatives as the farmer does not need to preserve it to ship and it supports your local economy!

Check out your local farmers markets and don't forget to wash your veggies and fruits!

Health Foods

Moderation is key to a healthy lifestyle. For me enjoying a night of fun filled drinking is my vice but to be honest I feel thats my moderation.

Most people think they are eating healthy but I am about to share with you some key facts and information that will change the way you currently eat.

Think ordering that salad at a restaurant is the healthiest choice? More than half the time its NOT! Yes, I said it, the salad is not always the best choice. Some salads can be just as bad as a cheeseburger and french fries calorie wise. The word "salad" means nothing! Creamy dressing, croutons, fried wontons and tons of cheese can be what kills the health word "salad" in seconds!

Pasta "Salad"

Another example of the word salad used to trick individuals into thinking they are eating healthy. 1 serving of this refined-flour, sugar spike is around 300 calories. That may not sound like a ton but think of a serving size as the size of your hand fisted. Does that fill you up?

Yogurt with Fruit on the Bottom

Sounds like a healthy way to start your day right? Wrong! Most low fat yogurts with fruit on the bottom contain huge amounts of sugar, high fructose corn syrup and preservatives to keep that fruit fresh. Next time switch to some Keifer yogurt with your own fresh fruit mixed in. This can save you over 90 calories and keep you away from those horrific chemicals

Granola

People who sit and eat bags of granola are in for a killer fact. There is about 450 calories in 1 cup of granola. Most meals for women should be around 300-400 calories so this eats a meal and half a snack. Low-fat granola should be ok right? Wrong again, most of the time low-fat granola is filled with artificial fillings, partially hydrogenated vegetable oils and artificial sugars. Worth the calories? Not one bit!

Diet Soda

This has always been my favorite because of the word "diet" and the fact that its 0 calories people think they can consume a few a day and lose weight. In all actuallity, "diet" soda is not for those on a diet at all. Can you tell me where any of those ingredients are from? If not, than stop drinking that cancer causing "diet" drink. 

The best way to eat is to eat REAL food. Food with no ingredients! I promise if you exercise and eat vegetables, fruits, meats and unprocessed grains you will lose weight without even trying. Try it out for a week and see how you feel. I guarantee you will continue with it, just from the feeling you get of being clean and having natural energy.

Enjoy your weekend!

FOOD SPOTLIGHT

Barley is a power food! Low glycemic index, low fat, contains both soluble and insoluble fibers, cholesterol free, antioxidants and phytochemicals. With only 144 calories for 1/4 cup of barley you can add a ton of vegetables and you have yourself a meal for under 200 calories. You could also add some lean skinless chicken chopped in barley and vegetables for a protein and nutrient packed meal for under 300 calories.

Because of its low glycemic index many of those who worry about blood sugar levels should switch your typically oatmeal breakfast for barley. It also contains more fiber than oatmeal. Oatmeal has about 3.98 grams for one cup whereas barley has 13.6 grams for one cup. Beat that oatmeal :)

Forms of barley include:

• Pearled Barley-Not recommended as the way they "pearl" and polish the barley it takes away most of the amazing nutrients the barley provides. It is less chewy, and cooks quicker but not worth it when it takes away what barley is intended to do.
• Hulled Barley-The outermost part of hulled barley gets removed and although it is more chewy and takes a bit more time to soak and cook it keeps all of its nutrients!
• Barley flakes-Flattened and smoothed out this type of barley may or may not be the best choice. Sometimes companies use pearled barley instead of hulled so be sure to read those labels and get the most out of what you eat.
• Pot/scotch barley-Stuck in between hulled and pearled this type is commonly used in soups. They polish it and remove the outer hull but the barley is not polished for too long so it still retains most of its nutrients.

FOOD SPOTLIGHT

Many people try and find alternatives to your everyday brown rice or wild rice side dish. I admit it gets old! Grilled chicken/fish, vegetables and brown rice everyday gets old and let me tell you I have done it and still do it. I try and be creative with my spices and spice things up but sometimes you just need something else besides that. I am a huge fan of lentils! Lentils not only come in many varieties but have the nutrition of perfection! One other thing about lentils is they suck up flavors very well and are fairly easy to make.

The nutritional profile of these little magical legumes is no fat, tons of protein and fiber! You can not beat that! 1 cup of lentils yields about 230 calories so add in low calorie vegetables some herbs and spices and you have a very filling meal for under 300 calories!

The high fiber content in foods like lentils provides less risk for heart disease. Lentils also stabilize blood sugars so for those with diabetes or following a glycemic index diet grab those lentils.

I suggest purchasing dry lentils in a bag, I feel they keep texture longer. The taste of lentils is a nutty grain taste but can easily be altered with the use of herbs and spices. I personally enjoy black lentils because I enjoy a more "earthy" flavor but for those new to lentils I suggest green lentils as they hold shape and have tons of flavor!

Lentil Vegetable Stew

Ingredients

-2 cups lentils

-4 cups water

-1 red pepper

-1 yellow pepper

-1 orange pepper

-2 stalk celery

-1/2 red onion

-1 carrot

-rosemary

-1/4 cup olive oil

-pepper

-1 lemon

Directions

1. Wash lentils and remove any tiny stones, damaged lentils or dirt
2. Place 4 cups of water in large pot than place lentils in the pot
3. Turn the stove on to med-high and wait till boil
4. Cut up all vegetables into small cubes, the smaller the better
5. Once lentils are boiling, set stove to simmer and start mixing in vegetables
6. The lentils will start soaking up the water keep mixing in vegetables
7. Once water is half way soaked up start adding in olive oil, rosemary and juice of 1 lemon
8. Water will continue soaking into stew
9. Wait about 3-5 minutes and take a taste
10. Add pepper until taste is desirable

Now you have a very easy dish that can be used in a variety of ways. You can either make it a side dish or add some type of lean chicken diced up in the mix. The vegetables I chose were just leftover from cooking all week so if you would like to add other vegetables go for it! The more vegetables the better :)