Abundant Energy | FOUR WAYS TO LIVE A FULLER LIFE AND BEAT FATIGUE

By Katie G.

Recently, I had the good fortune of being invited to an IVY Connect panel discussion with Dr. Holly Phillips, a contributor to CBS News and author of the new book The Exhaustion Breakthrough. I have  always been intrigued by the idea of energy in the body: where it comes from and how it affects our everyday lives. During this event, I had an a-ha moment. I realized that many of the behaviors viewed as "normal" are actually telltale signs that we need to take a step back and be honest with ourselves. For example, do you find yourself yawning uncontrollably at 3:00 pm when you're in the umpteenth meeting of the day? Do you make excuses not to exercise or socialize because you're just not feeling up to it? Are you nodding out every night on the couch at 9:00 pm? Do you just wish you had a little extra oomph? Do you feel like you're in a fog when you wake up in the morning? Are you drinking more than one cup of coffee and/or eating sugary foods to keep your energy "up?"

If the answer is yes to any one of these questions, then you, my friend, need to read on.  The secret to energy isn't found solely in sleep (although don't get me wrong, it's important), but in various lifestyle choices and patterns that you can control.

Side Dish | GIVE THANKS WITH THREE RECIPES THAT ARE DAIRY-FREE, GLUTEN-FREE, AND OH-SO-DELICIOUS

by Katie G.

I always look forward to Thanksgiving; it's one of my absolute favorite holidays of the year. Not only is it a time to gather with family and friends, but it's the ideal moment to reflect on what it is we're truly grateful for. It's also the holiday that's most intrinsically linked to food. Our forefathers celebrated a successful harvest with a feast, inviting both Pilgrims and Native Americans to break bread together. It's actually a beautiful sentiment when you think about it. Today, we mark the holiday with a feast of our own – whether it's Friendsgiving or an all-out family meal.

With a feast, comes indulgence. I'm sure our forefathers were happy with a little corn and fowl. But these days, in a time of abundance, just think of that buttered-up turkey or those biscuits with gravy, or, if you're like me, my mom's "gut-buster" stuffing. And don't get me started on the pecan and pumpkin pies. This holiday is pretty much defined by butter, oil, and sugar. 

However, this year, I'm determined to do things a little differently. I've discovered (and taste-tested) three super-delicious recipes that are savory, easy to make – oh, and did I mention, vegan? Go ahead, give them a try.  They won't disappoint.

Your Pain Meds Suck | 4 ORGANIC WAYS TO ALLEVIATE PAIN AND CHILL THE EFF OUT

So. Many of us have known for years, but "secretly ignored the warnings." But now, the data is out and becoming more evident than ever before. The sad truth is that the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) has issued a heightened warning about the deadly side effects of over-the-counter pain medication (CBS Article, FDA article). Many of us have these OTC meds in our cabinets at home. Many of us live and breathe by these pain meds. We have even been told by our parents, grand-parents and doctors that an aspirin a day can keep you healthy and vibrant. But what if, just maybe, after all these years, we have been slowly destroying the functionality of our vital organs? What if these pain meds have been slowly decreasing our immune system strength, destroying our nervous system, giving us insane amount of anxiety, and ruining our chances at living a long and vibrant life? Fuck. Sucks, right? I'm sure the healthcare industry never intended for us to have a bad experience with their approved medications. But, what they didn't tell us is that many of these FDA approved meds have an addictive quality to them. And as a result, many of us rely on them and make them a part and parcel of our daily routines: wake up, workout, have breakfast, pop a pill or two or three, then start the day. But luckily for you, this is where project: Clean Food comes in.

the Power Of Yoga | MASTER YOUR BODY. MASTER YOUR MIND. MASTER YOUR LIFE.

Whitney Richardson / New York Times

Yoga. A word that has its history buried deep into the fabric of this world. Today, yoga has come to be associated with the various exercises, stretches, and purifying techniques that can be found in most gyms and yoga studios. In the past, yoga was mostly associated with people of the various religious orders and sects, secret societies, and ascetics that roamed about the Earth: and it is still associated with these groups. However in our western society, yoga is not secret. It is practiced openly and freely. It is practiced in parks and field grounds in the summer time. It is practiced on television for talk shows and the respective audiences. It is practiced at big conferences and seminars abound in order to introduce new practitioners to the beautiful practice, and to impress upon the advanced practitioners the advancement and the evolution of the practice itself. Every bookstore, supermarket, and airport terminal has books and magazines on yoga. Ancient texts

BE ABSOLUTELY BETTER THAN YESTER-YEAR | project: CLEAN FOOD's TOP TEN RESOLUTIONS

Start getting them in your mind now!! Start thinking about what you wanna bring into the new year, and what you wanna leave behind.  And of course, count on us here to help you out a tad bit!

Here's the top ten resolutions to think about for the upcoming new year. Let the abundance starting flowing into your life today!

1. Cleaner and balanced eating habits
Find some sort of eating regimen that works for you and stick to it!

2. Cut back on all vices ~ (no need to list: I know you know what they are)
Because they drain you and because they attract the wrong sort of people in your life

3. Healthier, more positive people around you 
You want to be around people that bring out the best in you in each and every moment

4. Daily, balanced, and healthy exercise
Not only is it good for the body, but also for maintaining strength, and lookin' damn good!

5. More personal time ~ (for creativity, wellness, relaxation, for fun, etc)
Because, hey, you deserve it. Work hard, and balance stress out with good, chill time

6. More patience with everything and everyone (Try, dammit)
Um.  Yea. Practice patience. Key word: practice

7. Love your enemies, just keep some distance
To expend energy hating someone is a complete waste of time. Love them, and move on. The. End.

8. Read/Watch more quality material
Nothing wrong with a little crappy media stimulation: just don't let it be the story of your life. Visit a new section of the book store

9. Be nicer, and more compassionate
Because you'll go a lot further: in business, in your love life, in your personal life.

10. Be better than yesterday
Every moment is an opportunity to learn more, and grow more. Expand your horizons. Be more open to experience. Be receptive.

...and...

BONUS - (for you New Year's resolutions junkies...)

Eat my favorite meal once a week!

Happy New Year, 2013!