Heather Nicole's Corner

Naked Cooking! The Naked Foods Cookbook

2012-01-27T07:09:00.000-08:00

We are so used to eating out here in Los Angeles, that it's hard to imagine using your kitchen sometimes. But it's often useful, especially if you have specific food preferences and preferences.

But how to begin, especially if you are used to eating at restaurants?

Get yourself a really good, simple cookbook to get started on your culinary journey. My current favorite is The Naked Foods Cookbook: The Whole-Foods, Healthy-Fats, Gluten-Free Guide to Losing Weight and Feeling Great, by Margaret Floyd and and James Barry. This book gives you the scoop on how to make delicious meals that are whole, organic, natural and gluten free.

Cooking "naked" to the authors means cooking meals that contain no preservatives or harmful additives. The meals featured in the book also take into account your busy lifestyle and are organized into the time it takes for you to cook them: quick 20 minute meals, longer "impress the neighbors" recipes, and also time intensives recipes for when you have some extra time.

Check it out and tell me what you think!

Bella Bars: Belle Raw Snacks!

2012-01-25T18:08:00.000-08:00

You all by now know how much I love raw snacks and foods. Well I particularly love raw food on the go, for when you are out on the town or on vacation somewhere awesome.

The go-to snacks for me right now are Bella Bars, luxury raw food bars, which are all natural, preservative-free and vegan, and with no added sugar and only 210 calories. I love these because I am an avid chocolate lover, and this is an easy way to get your choco fix without the stomach aches and calories that come with regular choco bars.

Bars come in chocolate nut and cinnamon nut flavors, both enough to satisfy your sweet tooth or that hunger on the go.

The bar's all natural ingredients include: Dates, Walnuts, Pecans, Agave Syrup, Hemp Seed, Rolled Oats, Hemp Powder, Ground Flax, Brown Rice Protein, Cocoa Powder, Vanilla, Cinnamon, Salt.

Order these online HERE.

Twin Cakes Bakery: Sweet Raw Goodness

2012-01-21T06:33:00.000-08:00

I love to eat healthy and try new healthy foods, but I also have a really strong sweet tooth! It's difficult when you get those cravings because there's not much that's out there that is also easy on the stomach. But luckily, I recently found Twin Cakes bakery, gluten-free, raw and vegan sweets for your tooth that was recently given honors by VegNews magazine.

The bakery offers biscotti, snack bites, crackers, and flat breads, and these are shipped directly to your house (they are no longer offered at farmer's markets, unfortunately).

They say that what makes their sweets different than other raw vegan products in that they dehydrate their treats, which preserves its nutrients.

They also explain their use of coconut oil, which is pretty good for you:

It actually is comprised mainly of Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCT’s). These MCT’s are liquid at 76 degrees and remain liquid in our bodies. They also quickly convert to energy and are most likely NOT going to be stored as body fat like long chain animal fats. Coconut oil is also very stable therefore does not oxidize easily to create free radical damage. Athletes consume 1-2 tablespoons of MCT’s before competitions for added energy!
Coconut oil also contains Lauric Acid, known to be anti-bacterial/viral.

Check them out for yourself and try a treat - and make sure you check out their blog for more gluten-free and fitness favorites.

Mother Organica - The Mother of All Delivery!

2012-01-18T07:20:00.000-08:00

My parents often visit me from out of town, and we love to sample the awesome and healthy food options that Los Angeles has to offer. Sometimes they just feel like staying indoors and ordering in a good meal.

Luckily, we have found MotherOrganica, which cooks and delivers healthy and amazing vegan options to your home.

It's basically like having your own private chef, because they go shopping at local farmer's markets to create customized meals that they then deliver on Monday and Thursday mornings. All you do is provide them with your dietary needs and restrictions, and voila! your own private meal arrives at your doorstep. They also offer private party catering, events and consulting.

I loved the options and my parents did too, so I'm sure you'll feel the same way!

Check them out here.

Feel Good Cookies!

2011-12-17T04:26:00.000-08:00

Have you ever eaten something that was vegan and thought to yourself, this can't be vegan! This has to have some kind of buttery or creamy goodness.

That was exactly my reaction when I tried EatMe Cookies, gluten-and-dairy-free cookies owned by Twyla and Bergin, who started eating vegan when diagnosed with Carcinoid Cancer. When her cancer cleared (thanks, she says, to her vegan diet), she focused on mass producing this amazing cookie.

The cookies are lowfat, vegan, with whole grains and no added oil. And they are delicious! They taste
just as decadent as their high fat, non-vegan cousins. Flavors include chocolate chip, cherry amore, mary cranberry and sarah brown.

Try it out, and tell me if you liked it!

Fonuts Are Fun Donuts!

2011-12-14T04:50:00.001-08:00

You will never believe me when I tell you that I eat donuts! Seriously, I love em. And not just the basic run-of-the-mill donuts. I mean chocolate hazelnut, cheddar, and caramel donuts.

But these aren't your regular donuts that I have fallen in love with. Fonuts are a fun new way of eating your favorite guilty treat - they're gluten-free, vegan, and wheat-free.

So order and eat up these delicious donuts! Try them out and tell us what you think. Their flavors range from the regular to the wacky:

Glazed

Banana Chocolate*

Chocolate Hazelnut*

Peach**

Lemon**

Strawberry Buttermilk

Rosemary Olive Oil

Peanut Butter & Jelly

Maple Bacon

Hawaiian

Chorizo Cheddar

Salted Caramel

Cinnamon Sugar

Fonuts:
8104 W 3rd. St Los Angeles, Ca. 90048

Mashed Cauliflower: The Best Type of Potato!

2011-12-12T06:32:00.001-08:00

I have always loved American home cooking, especially filling and creamy things like mashed potato. But unfortunately, mashed potato gives me a bit of a stomach ache, which could be attributed to the milk or the butter used in the dish.

But what's mashed potato without milk or butter?

Luckily I found a great alternative to the traditional mashed potato, over at health-foodie.com. Mashed Cauliflower! Just mash up some cauliflowers, season, and voila, you have something that is just as creamy and delicious as traditional mashed potatos, but easier on the tummy - especially if you are vegan or have various food allergies or intolerances.

Try out the recipe and tell me what you think!

Photo from health-foodie.com

Wholesome2Go: A Convenient Detox

2011-12-07T12:47:00.000-08:00

Always wanted to try a detox but you seem to find that you're a really picky eater? A really great way to start is by using Get Wholesome. It's a great new service that allows you to order detox foods that you like, all personalized according to your food allergies or preferences.

Prices range from $15-$60 a day and about 2-3 days worth of food arrives per order. Meals are delivered to your front door in a cooler.

Their selections are intense. Breakfast foods can be picked from fruit items, gluten-free cookies, to a veggie fritata. Lunch items include quinoa rolls, salads and paninis.

Their only requirement is that you order at least $35 worth of food items per order.

Order up and enjoy!

Lollihop: Made To Order Goodness

2011-12-07T12:35:00.000-08:00

My first package came today from Lollihop!

Lollihop is a new subscription service I just found that lets you sample the latest organic snacks. The box includes 8 snacks that are hand-picked by a nutritionist so you no longer have to analyze nutrition label of your favorite bars.

I have seen or even tried most of the snacks that arrived in this pack, but didn't mind because they are delicious - Larabar and Kindbar. The box is full of snacks that will help you stay a lean mean fitness machine!

Check them out at https://lollihop.com/

Avocado: The Good Fat

2011-11-20T05:51:00.000-08:00

I have always been really careful with avocado, as I know that it's a fruit that's really high in calories - but I have always loved the taste of it. Just recently I found a product that I feel allows me to enjoy avocado without the worry.

Thanks to Dr. Oz I have been introduced to a super special 100 calorie pack of guacamole, "Wholly Guacamole," which helps you measure how much is "too much".

Regardless of the number of calories, there are numerous health benefits to adding the fruit to your diet. Avocados are full of the "good" kind of fat that actually lowers cholesterol, (monounsaturated).

It's also the best fruit source of vitamin E, an essential vitamin that protects against many diseases, including breast cancer, and helps maintains overall health. Also, I mean, it's an all natural snack! So no having to worry about pesky preservatives or extra ingredients. Just cut and go.

This combination gives it an exceptionally diverse range of dietary advantages. And it's so easy to eat! The avocado can be served as an hors d'oeuvre, soup, salad, dip, sandwich spread, garnish, half-shell spoon-out, entree, dessert, or drink. My favorite is to make a turkey sandwhich on Ezikiel Bread with one packet of avocado for the spread. Pretty amazing! I can now add this oil-rich, nutrient-rich deliciously-flavored food in to my diet without any concern. Buy the Snack packs here and let us know how you liked them!

Raw (Sort of), Vegan Celery Soup For Those Detox Days

2011-11-10T10:50:00.000-08:00

A while back, I bought 'Rawvolution', a raw cook book by Matt Armsden, owner of Euphoria Loves Rawvolution in Santa Monica. One of my favorite recipes from the book is the celery soup. It's really easy to make, it's easy on your tummy, it's delicious, and really great for those days when you just want to take it easy with your meals - whether you are doing a cleanse or just want to eat light.

I like to take his recipe and add a few things to it to make it creamier, like half an avocado. Sometimes when I don't feel like making almond milk, I just use soy milk. I also go easy on the garlic and put in extra lemon for that special kick.

Here's the recipe, try it out and see if you like it! It's super easy.

NEED: juicer, blender

INGREDIENTS:
1 lemon
half an avocado
juice of 1 celery
juice of 1 cucumber
Little bit of garlic or ginger
Salt to taste
Soy milk (try the least sweetest option available).

Blend all of these items together and garnish with some oregano. You'll love the creamy texture.

Kind Bars: The Kindest Bars

2011-10-19T14:16:00.000-07:00

You guys know how much I love protein and veg bars, because they are easy to carry and snack on between meals. But I'm really picky about how they taste, because once in a while you get a bar that tastes more like bark than actual food.

Kind Bars might just be one of the yummiest bars I have had recently. These are amazing, delicious gluten-free bars with minimal ingredients and no preservatives - A real treat. I just ordered the variety pack of the mini bars- around 100 calories per bar. They turned out to be the perfect before I go for a run or mid day snack. They actually curb my sweet tooth as well (and I have super strong sweet tooth). My favorite flavor? Almond Cashew + Flax is the best so far.

Spirulina Crunchies For Your Munchies

2011-10-05T15:25:00.000-07:00

Algae. It sounds like a really boring herb or something that you would find growing on your plants in your back yard. But would you believe me if I told you that algae is also superfood? And you can get them in cereal form? It's true! Spirulina Crunchies are micro-algae that are crunchy and can be mixed into your cereal, soups and salads and smoothies - and they taste great, unlike the other types of Spirulina out there, which is generally in powder form.

This brand is also organic and 100 percent pure. Here's how the folks from Spirulina Crunchies have to say about this healthy superfood:

Very simply, spirulina is one of nature's healthiest, most nutritious superfoods-
a pure, 100% natural, nutrient-dense, blue-green algae packed with among the highest concentrations
[found in ANY single food source] of iron, complete absorbable protein, chlorophyll,
antioxidants, amino acids (all 8 essential + 10 of 12 non essential), & scores of vitamins & minerals.
Spirulina is a perfectly balanced power packed green whole food
containing over 100 synergistic nutrients easily assimilated by our bodies.
Positioned at the bottom of the food chain it is a hearty "nutrient soup" able to nourish & sustain life.
Spirulina a "gift from the heavens" served as a significant food source of the African, Mayan, & Aztec peoples.

You can buy them at various health food shops throughout the web. The full list is HERE.

My New Favorite Snack: Mary's Gone Crackers

2011-09-29T18:15:00.000-07:00

I have found the perfect snack. Mary's Gone Crackers are a gluten free, light and simple snack to keep you satisfied until your next meal. Sometimes you just want a quick and simple snack to munch on when you're in between meals, but you aren't quite so hungry for bigger snacks like protein bars.

They come in flavors like onion, black pepper and herb. Their consistency is just perfect - they are light yet crunchy and they even taste a little nutty. Check out the many pluses of these crackers:

Organic
non-GMO
Vegan
Dairy-Free
Wheat-Free
Gluten-Free
Whole Grain
Kosher
No hydrogenated oils
No trans-fats
Made With Love

You can buy them online or at Whole Foods.

Blake Brody's In-Studio Footwear

2011-09-26T12:34:00.000-07:00

Pilates Platinum will soon be working with Blake Brody in-studio footwear, which are the latest style of studio shoes to hit the market - and boy do we love them!

These are shoes that you can use during yoga class or at a Pilates Platinum session. They hug your feet tightly for support yet are super comfy and stable, anti-microbial and breathable.

What's even better is that they are eco-friendly and they come in the cutest colors and styles so that you can mix and match with your workout gear.

And surprise! Pilates Platinum clients get a special discount on these fabulous shoes; just use PPHBV at check-out for a special 10% off your order.

And let us know how they worked out!

Get Your Hair 'DO at A Braid Bar

2011-09-22T21:40:00.000-07:00

If I told you I had gone to a braid bar, what would you think?

Would you picture me sitting at a bar, drinking a Guinness, and getting my hair braided?

Maybe!

No seriously, a braid bar is a cute little boutique where you can go get your hair braided in a super professional way. Perfect for a night on the town or a date, and the best part is that you don't need your roomie or your sis to help you with your new 'do.

When I have a special event, I go to Braid Bar at Nine Zero One Salon and get a $25 braid. Super simple, and actually really relaxing! The price is right and the service is fabulous.

Rawvolution's The Box

2011-09-17T21:02:00.000-07:00

Ever wanted to do a quickie detox without having to nearly starve to death? I have done so many juice fasts and detoxes, liked some, hated others. But one thing that I have never really found was a detox that was fun to do, light on your tummy, and still filling.

Enter Euphoria Loves Rawvolution's The Box.

The Box is a weekly menu-in-a-box that Santa Monica's famed raw foods restaurant cooks up (or "uncooks up" if you want to get technical) each week. Each dish is especially "uncooked" so that you get all of the benefits of raw foods without having to make them yourself or head over the hill every day to buy new food. And most importantly, the food is so filling and rich, that never go hungry.

It's a great way to do a fun detox that's also healthy and delicious.

The cost is about $120 total, and you can pick it up or get it shipped to your house if you are out of state.

They are also offering an amazing "Raw Food Month" with super duper special prices.

Check out their menu options for this week:

The Harlot Salon

2011-09-12T06:48:00.000-07:00

I recently got my hair done at The Harlot Salon on Abott Kinney in Venice Beach, as it is so close to my studio. It is such a cute place and Shannon did an amazing job. I loved it so much that I asked her if I could write about it on my Pilates Platinum blog, and she offered a special deal for clients - 20% off any service.

I got a trim and the Balyage highlights, and it looks awesome!

Here's a little bit about Shannon and her studio, and check her out on Yelp, where the fantastic reviews speak for themselves.

The Harlot Salon:

1641 Abbot Kinney, Venice, CA 90291 • 310.399.6525

Shannon Tackett
Shannon Tackett cultivated a talent for the classic to the most striking, fulfilling each client's potential. Shannon Tackett is a uniquely gifted stylist with extensive experience in balyage/ ombre hand painted hi-lights, her artistic eye easily recognizes exactly where each hi-light should be painted, creating the perfect sun kissed hair.She now performs her service in Venice, California.

Shannon Tackett has been a professional hair stylist for the past 12 years. Her early training in San Francisco, California, where she apprenticed and subsequently worked for one of the top studios in the industry for the following two years. She then went to New York City and worked as a freelance hair stylist for high profile photo shoots. Shannon's most recent projects include doing hair for stars on American Idol shows, The View, hair for Photo shoot work includes Old Navy, Bath & Body Works, Nordstrom's & Genlux magazine .

Raw Crunch Bars Hit The Sweet Spot

2011-09-06T16:55:00.000-07:00

There are so many different kinds of raw bars out in the market right now, but only a handful of them are even remotely edible. So many of them taste funky, or just not right in their consistency.

Thankfully, Raw Crunch Bar got it completely right. Their delicious bars, which come in four flavors (chocolate, cranberries, blueberries, and gojis), have just the right amount of flavor and nutrition packed in a tiny packet.

The bars are dehydrated, not cooked, so they retain their original enzymes and antioxidants. They have a five month shelf life without the preservatives that you might see in a typical fruit or veggie bar and they use raw honey and sea salt instead of the loads of fake sweeteners that others use.

I put a couple in my purse when I go out during the day to run errands in case I get hungry before or after lunch/dinner. It keeps me satisfied until it's time to eat! Sometimes I may even substitute a bar for breakfast if I am on the run.

Find them at your local health food shop like Whole Foods, or buy them online.

A New Vail Discovery: Dressing!

2011-08-24T10:25:00.003-07:00

I recently spent five gorgeous days in Vail Colorado with my family, and absolutely loved every minute I spent there.

On this visit I discovered the most amazing salad dressing at the Sunday's Farmers market - Alpine Avocado. My parents had told me about the dressing but I really never thought twice about it.

They were not messing around! This stuff is beyond delicious and so healthy for you. At 90 calories for two tablespoons and minimal ingredients, your taste buds will be satisfied and your tummy will be saying thank you. It also is gluten free, vegan, cholesterol free, and very low in sugar.

It's also great that you can order this stuff from the web. I am so excited to get my shipment in the mail.

Get it while you still can!

Bananas For Shakeology Shakes!

2011-08-22T16:02:00.000-07:00

Today I drank a milkshake for lunch, and I have to be honest, I never thought those words would come out of my mouth.

But there you have it. I am now bananas for milkshakes and actually drink them every day, thanks to Shakeology shakes. Unsweetened almond milk, half a banana, handful of ice and one serving of Shakeology chocolate flavor is what I put in my Vitamix. Delicious!

Shakeology is an extremely healthy shake that is packed with all-natural, wholesome ingredients that lower cholesterol, improve digestion, promote better regularity, and contribute to increased weight loss and energy levels. Unlike many other meal replacement shakes, Shakeology contains absolutely no artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose. Each packet is 150 calories and my above recipe has 250 calories.

The shakes come in two flavors: Chocolate and Greenberry. I have not had the Greenberry yet but look forward to trying it.

Try them out for yourself and tell me what you think!

How To Hydrate In The Summer

2011-08-16T06:43:00.000-07:00

We often overlook staying hydrated over being fit and getting our workout done, but it's a really important part of protecting your body in the summer.

Huffington Post reports that 6,000 people will land in the emergency room this summer for heat-related illness. They suggest things like infused water, caffeine drinks (surprisingly!), fruits and chocolate milk to keep healthy and hydrated this summer.

My favorite go-to remedies for hydration are coconut water because the taste just can't be beat, and also "spa water" which comes in many different flavors, like lemon/lime, strawberries and mint.

What's your favorite hydrating tip?

Grand Canyon Rim To Rim Hike

2011-08-10T07:24:00.000-07:00

On October 14-16 there will be a really exciting opportunity to do a special hike in the Grand Canyon. The RIM 2 Trim hike will consist of 2 days and 52 miles going from rim to rim. And if you're not into roughing it, don't fret, there are no cookouts, no camping, and no stuffy boring cargo pants that you'll have to wear. You'll be dining in 4-star restaurants.

This inclusive program costs about $1200, and includes travel, lodging, food, training, tshirts and awards, which is a fantastic price if you think about everything that the package includes. So what are you waiting for? Sign up! Maybe I will see you there!

Visit www.livitadventures.com for more details

Moonshadows: The Perfect Malibu Hangout

2011-08-01T06:23:00.000-07:00

I'm a bit of a beach girl, so any restaurant near the ocean is my type of place.

Since two of our studios are out by the beach - one in Santa Monica and one Venice beach, I have pretty much exhausted scouting for any new restaurants out there - because I have probably tried every single one! So I have moved on to trying out new places in Malibu and that part of town.

Lately my favorite is Moonshadows on PCH. It's a beautiful places on the beach, with a spectacular beach front view - and seriously you cannot beat this view.

Moonshadows is great for a fun date or just going out with your best girlfriends for some appetizers and fantastic drinks at the Blue Lounge (the bar portion of this place).

My favorite dish has been the Uni Risotto - sea urchin with Carlani rice that is to die for. Top that off with your favorite Merlot from Santa Barbara, and you have a kick ass Saturday evening agenda.

But take my word for it, and make reservations early on. It's an intimate place with limited seating, and it's super popular with the locals, so make sure you plan ahead. Oh, and eat in the patio! You'll love hearing the waves breaking below while you eat your delicious meal.

Moonshadows

20356 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265

(310) 456-3010

Vitamix: The Wonder Machine

2011-08-01T06:08:00.000-07:00

After pilates class the other day I overheard someone talking about something called Vitamix. I immediately googled it thinking it was some kind of green supplement, or the latest hot gluten-free cereal mix.

Boy was I was wrong! Turns out it is an amazing blender that can pretty much do it all. Soups, sauces, smoothies, this is truly a wonder machine.

The latest recipe that I found is a delicious dish made up of nonfat plain greek yogurt, strawberries and a banana. It's smooth, creamy and takes care of my sweet tooth. If you need it to be a little sweeter add a few drops of liquid stevia. It's to die for, especially if you're into dessert-type meals.

Check it out here or on Amazon. It runs a few hundred dollars plus shipping.

LifeTime's Life's Plant Protein Shake!

2011-07-06T10:52:00.000-07:00

I'm really big on vitamins. They're an easy way to keep up on many of the things that your body needs to stay healthy - in addition to keeping your body fit with pilates and your mind healthy with Yoga and meditation.

One of my favorite ways to keep up on my vitamins and minerals is using Lifes Basics Plant Protein by Life Times Vitamins. It's a powder that is made up of Pea, Hemp, Rice and Chia Seed, which give you the very important Omegas 3, 6 and 9 and amino acids.

This superfood type powder can be used by pouring one scoop in water, and having it as a delicious shake.

From the website:

LifeTime Life's Basics Plant Protein:

Provides complete protein from yellow pea protein isolates, hemp, rice and chia.
Is rich in EFA's, amino acids and fiber.
Can be utilized as a high performance vegetarian superfood protein powder.
Is a low glycemic index product and is suitable for diabetics.

Get The Beachie Blonde Look!

2011-07-02T08:10:00.000-07:00

Summer is here, which means beautiful beachy hair highlights, especially if you live in LA, where the sun is always out.

My hair is light blonde, but don't think I don't require a little bit of help to keep my hair shining bright. Enter John Frieda's Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Controlled Lightening Spray, the spray that it gives your hair and makes your blonde highlights last just a tad bit longer.

This is a product that uses a chamomile and citrus formula to "lighten and brighten" naturally blonde hair. You'll see results in - no kidding - 3 to 5 days.

The reviews say it all - this little beauty has scored 5 out of 5 stars from happy customers like me.

Guilt-and-Gluten-Free Crackers

2011-06-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

I know I often wax poetic about gluten-free food, but that's only because of how great and healthy these types of snacks are. With so many folks out there now getting tested and realizing they are sensitive to gluten in food, it's more important than ever before to find foods that treat your tummy well.

The crackers over at gluten-free-crackers.com are nutritious and delicious. These guys use sprouted sunflower seeds (which are gluten-free naturally), their ingredients are all organic, raw, vegan and they dehydrate as opposed to baking.

Crackers come in all flavors, including sunny garden herb, pesto pumpkin seed, and even one ready made for making gluten-free pizza.

You can order these over on their website, but keep in mind they only ship to the U.S.

The Green Tornado!

2011-06-28T08:19:00.000-07:00

Summer is finally here! Of course, summertime brings bbq's, summer outings and fun picnics...and pool side cocktails!

One cool trick I have learned lately is to add lots of greens to your cocktails so that you are at least still getting some benefit from your drinks. How do you pull this off? Introducing the Green Tornado!

Try this next time you're out and about under the summer sun.
SERVES 1

1/2 stem tarragon

5 oz. green juice (2 leaves parsley, 2 leaves boston lettuce, 6 leaves spinach, 1 spring mint, 4 leaves basil, 3 oz water)

2 tbsp. agave nectar

Spike it with 1oz or 2oz of vodka.

And pick a vegetable to garnish - I usually use celery

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle tarragon.

2. Add green juice, lemon juice, agave and shake with ice.

3. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.

Pilates Platinum Loves Rawvolution

2011-06-26T11:20:00.000-07:00

Our newest studio is now located in Santa Monica, on Arizona and 2nd street, but we have been in Venice (on Abbot Kinney) for a while now. We get to sample and taste the restaurants in the Venice/Santa Monica area often, and one of our long time favorite places to eat a good lunch is Euphoria Loves Rawvolution on Main Street.

This very popular cafe serves up the best raw dishes, food that is so delicious and filling that you may forget you are eating food that's totally raw (nothing cooked to over 40 C).

Our favorite Rawvolution meals have to be the zucchini pasta with alfredo (made with zucchini and cashew nut sauce) and their Big Matt with Cheese.
The sides are always popular too, especially their mock tuna, which has to be the best vegan raw dish we have ever tasted.

They have a very popular food service (they call it "The Box"), which we do occasionally, where you can purchase a week's worth of raw food for about $120. It's a great deal, and amazing for those weeks where you just want to detox your tummy and your mind from gunky foods.

Check them out and tell them Pilates Platinum sent you!

2301 Main Street
Santa Monica CA 90405
(at the corner of Strand Street)

*photo from welikeitraw.com

Oral-B Glide Pro

2011-06-21T20:27:00.000-07:00

This might seem like a random post, but I love these Oral-B Glide Pro-health Scope Floss Picks! You know why? They're easy to carry and easy to use. They don't break easily and they have special flavoring that makes your mouth minty fresh.

Haven't you ever in a moment's notice needed a quick mouth refreshment, but you didn't have your toothbrush around? These are perfect to carry around in your purse and use when you are in a mouth-wash emergency!

Just pick up a bag and throw it in your car or your favorite purse and you're good to go!

Pilates Platinum Running Meetup

2011-06-17T07:49:00.000-07:00

Join Heather Dorak for our first Pilates Platinum run/jog meetup in the very awesome and new Santa Monica studio!

Runners don't have to be signed up for the studio - in fact we encourage new faces to attend and snag one free pilates class at any Pilates Platinum location of your choice.

Beginners, intermediates, and advanced runners welcome - we will be all running/jogging/walking at different paces.

Please meet at 9am tomorrow (Saturday) morning at the Pilates Platinum Santa Monica studio, at the address below.

Tofu: My New Best Friend

2011-06-15T17:36:00.000-07:00

I am not usually a fan of tofu - it's squishy, white an weird and it tastes funny.

Or at least I thought I couldn't stomach it. Thanks to my gluten-free friend Alex, I now have a favorite tofu recipe that's quick, healthy and super easy.

The gluten-free dish introduced me to a new food: Kañiwa, which is a type of grain not unlike yummy quinoa in that it's loaded with protein.

Here's part of the recipe - get the rest of this yummy meal over at Alex's blog!

ROASTED VEG:

1 cup butternut squash; diced

1 cup carrots; diced

1 cup parsnips; diced

1 green apple; diced.

2 TBSP Olive Oil

2 TBSP balsamic vinegar

salt and pepper

3 sprigs of fresh thyme

Pre heat oven to 400 degrees Farenheit.

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and spread on to a sheet pan. Place in oven and roast until veggies are tender and golden.

*photo taken from http://www.dishn-out.com/

SkinCeuticals: Simple Skin Care

2011-06-12T17:17:00.000-07:00

Everyone has their own private skin care routine, all at different levels of complexity. I have always been someone who likes simplicity in routines, so lucky for me I found the perfect skin care line.

Skinceuticals has a line that provides all levels of cleansing your skin, in addition to providing protection from UV rays.

My favorite products are their Simply Clean, Equilizing Toner, Phloretin CF, and their Hydrating B5 gel.

This hydrating b5 is especially yummy because it's actually a mask that you apply at night before you go to sleep - just once a week. This gel is supposed to replenish and rejuvenate your skin by hydrating it with minerals.

All of these products come in bottles with droppers, so you never overuse or underuse the products - just 3 drops and you're good good to go.

Simple! no fuss no muss.

Long Nails - The Easy Way

2011-06-06T10:16:00.000-07:00

My sister has never had long nails and neither have I - only because we have always found it so difficult to keep a manicure tidy for longer than a few days.

Then, lo and behold when I was at her place the other day, I noticed she had long, beautiful perfectly polished nails, and the color lasted for weeks.

What's her secret? Say Hello to Shellac, by CND! This is an amazing hybrid nail polish product that keeps your nails perfect for around 14 days. No chips, no breaks - nothing. Her nails were perfect for the entire time I was visiting her. She also noticed that dry time was next to nothing.

The CND folks are so confident in their product that they even include a guarantee that your polish will remain for 14 days straight.

I might just try having long nails for 14 days myself!

Peter Thomas Roth's SPF Stick!

2011-06-01T08:32:00.000-07:00

I've gotten so sunburned lately, jogging along the beach or just doing my errands near the Santa Monica or Venice studios. Sometimes my nose turns a bright pink hue by the end of my day - and this is probably because it's so annoying having to carry around a gooey bottle of sunblock everywhere I go. So I just forget to do it or I mentally block it out.

Thank god for Peter Thomas Roth's Instant Mineral SPF 30. It comes in tube form, so it's easy, clean and great to carry around in your purse.

It's such a great product, that Cosmo magazine placed it in their "Top Beauty 100" list.

Better yet it's animal cruelty free!

Get these and other awesome Peter Thomas Roth products, right here.

Omega-3's Per Day Keeps The Doctor Away

2011-05-30T21:26:00.000-07:00

You have probably been hearing a lot about fish oil, fish oil capsules and Omega-3's. These are vitamins and minerals that are primarily found in Mediterranean diets, which are thought to be responsible for healthy hearts and a great functioning digestive system.

Most importantly, those who eat primarily "Americanized" diets tend to take in too much omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids but not enough omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (found in fish and fatty mammals). Which is a recipe for heart disaster.

But how do you get just the right amount of Omega-3's? It's easy if you take it in pill form. I buy mine from Life Extension Vitamins website, where for around $27 you can buy a bottle of 60 capsules, which should last you about a month (taking two each day).

Make sure you're getting the OMEGA-3 EPA/DHA - Super Omega 3 EPA/DHA with Sesame Lignans & Olive Fruit Extract (Molecularly Distilled)

Check out the Life Extension website here

Winter Squash, In the Summer!

2011-05-28T08:55:00.001-07:00

Ever find a veggie or a fruit that you just can't live without?

I am totally digging winter squash right now. I know, I know - doesn't sound too "summer fun in the California sun" right? Well what's so great about it is that it can substitute any delicious plate of pasta that you might be craving. All you do is cut one in half and stick it in the oven. It tastes like a big heaping bowl of yummy spaghetti. But without all the carbs.

Seeds from this amazing veggie also make a great snack! Just put these in the oven on aluminum foil, and voila!

Check out all of the great health benefits of winter squash here.

Try Moo Moo's!

2011-05-26T12:58:00.000-07:00

I have many friends who are vegetarians, but they always tell me that they sometimes have a hard time finding vegetarian AND healthy things to eat.

Just because something is vegetarian that does not mean it's automatically super healthy - it could be loaded with fat and carbs and still be just as greasy or full of weird preservatives as anything from McDonalds (I have even encountered greasy vegan restaurants...who knew!?).

Some of my favorite meat-free products comes from Moo Moo's Vegetarian Cuisine, sold at any Whole Foods, Gelsons or Nugget Markets here in California.

These are dishes that are fresh, balanced, organic and unprocessed, and they also include vegan and gluten-free options. They use ingredients like organic tofu, natural grains, and legumes.

So although these meals might be frozen, they're heavenly, healthy and delicious. My favorite? The noodle-less lasagna! It's to die for, and really stands on its own amongst a sea of other frozen food and even restaurant lasagnas.

Greens Up on Montana

2011-05-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

I love fresh, healthy salads, and a great place to eat, but I particularly love it when restaurants allow you to create your own dishes. Greens Up! on Montana provides just that, great, healthy salads that you can completely personalize according to your food preferences.

Greens Up! let's you create your own salad for the amazing price of $6.95 for four ingredients and your own choice of dressing, with 50 cents for any extra ingredients. They also offer their own private creations, like the 'Sawtelle' with goat cheese or the 'Somewhat Caesar' with spring mix and blue cheese.

Try their catering for those fun outdoor parties you might be having this summer at your house!

Download their menu here.

Montana Ave. & 7th
703 Montana Ave.
Santa Monica 90403
Phone:310-394-1111
Fax: 310-394-0437

Store hours: 10 am to 9 pm

Alex Dishes It Out, Gluten-Free!

2011-05-02T17:36:00.000-07:00

You've no doubt heard about gluten free eating and gluten free meals. It's basically a type of diet that excludes foods that contain high amounts of gluten, which is a wheat protein.

Sounds boring, right? I mean, what can you eat?

Turns out lots of amazing stuff.

Take Dishin' it Out with Alex, for example, which is an all you can eat site dedicated to the gluten-free lifestyle. And what a lifestyle! Alex features amazing dishes like turkey sliders, banana coconut chip cookies, and even healthy chinese gluten-free take out food! Did you think you were gonna be able to have so much fun eating gluten-free? Well you thought wrong.

And if you love Alex's recipes so much that you want to give them more than just a taste, try out her catering for your next event. She'll be sure to leave you wanting more gluten-free treats.

Lexington Social + Pilates Platinum Partner Up For A Yummy Discount

2011-04-27T17:33:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite restaurants is Lexington Social House in Hollywood, mainly because it is such an incredible place!

The ambiance is so gorgeous that you'll feel as though you were in Paris or Milan for the day. And the food is something you will never forget.

It has an amazing outdoor patio for that perfect summer LA night. I dare you to stare up at the stars, take a sip of your drink and not fall in love with this amazing place.

And for a limited time, Pilates Platinum members now get 20 percent off.

Check out a preview of their mouth-watering delicacies:

LOUP DE MER
baby artichokes, pee wee potatoes, charred ramp vinaigrette

DIVER SCALLOPS
caramelized cauliflower, preserved lemon, golden raisins

SCOTTISH SALMON
bloomsdale spinach, warm crab vinaigrette, spring onions

AHI TUNA
charred eggplant, artichokes, peppers, salsa verde

FRIED CHICKEN
smashed potatoes, braised kale, mustard sauce

LAMB BOLOGNESE
fettuccine, marjoram, aged goat cheese

ROASTED PORK RACK
braised baby fennel, apple compote

NY STRIP
sautéed spring greens, crispy onions, bordelaise

Lexington Social House: 1718 Vine Street • Hollywood • CA 90028

Healing Cooler: A Healing Gift

2011-04-19T14:41:00.000-07:00

How often do you think of juice cleanses as "healing" gift - a gift more powerful and beneficial than merely something that makes your friends and family think "aww, how sweet". Think of it like more than "just flowers".

"It" is the Healing Cooler, an incredibly cute alternative to traditional gift giving. These are pressed, healthy and natural juices that you can send to a friend or a relative. On his website, owner Eric Helms talks about how he uses these gifts.

“I brought fruit juice to my sister in the hospital, after she gave birth to her son,” he says. “When my mom was battling cancer, I sent her nutrient-loaded green juices. It really is the most nurturing gift I can think of.”
He sent fresh citrus juices to friends fighting colds or the flu. “I also sent juices to friends just to let them know I was thinking of them,” he says.

Check out Eric's Cooler Cleanse - what about sending one to your mom on this upcoming Mother's Day?

*image taken from healingcooler.com

More Raw Bar Goodness!

2011-04-17T18:34:00.000-07:00

You already know how much I love raw bars. They're low in fat, delicious, and better yet, they contain no preservatives or funky ingredients that you can't even pronounce.

I have recently discovered another raw snack that's quickly becoming my favorite: African Red Tea bars by Organic African Tea have everything you could ever love - made by hand, completely raw, and made up entirely of almonds, coconut, pumpkin seeds, figs, raw agave nectar, rooibos extract, sea salt and vanilla extract. Each bar has 140 calories.

You can buy them at your local health food store, like Whole Foods, or just order them online from Organicafricantea.com.

If you have tried them, let me know how you liked them!

Long Airplane Rides And Your Tummy

2011-04-02T10:27:00.000-07:00

One of my buddies just came back from a vacation where she had to take a 15 hour flight, and was complaining that the airplane ride really messed with her tummy. I can totally relate, as I know that airplane food, the pressure, and the lack of water and sleep tends to make a mess of your digestive system and make for a not so great vacation or homecoming once you land.

So what's a girl to do? There's actually some great tips and tricks you can use to make your next trip easy on your sensitive belly.

Firstly, bring your own snacks and reduce consumption of caffeine and carbonated beverages that can dehydrate you, as well as caffeine and alcohol (I know, I know, it's tempting to drink those glasses of wine to relax). Instead, opt for tea or other warm drinks to promote better digestion.

Just say no to cold foods or a raw salad and stick to warm foods.

Try to ingest lots of ground flaxseed and a probiotic like kefir on the days before your flight, to promote for a better environment inside your stomach.

Drink lots and lots of water! Often the stewardesses are stingy with water, but it's your right to ask for as much water as you want. Also, make sure you purchase a big bottle of water right before your flight, at the stores by your gate (otherwise they wont allow you to bring it inside the airport).

When that food cart comes through, avoid snacks like those salty peanuts and pretzels. These will wreck your tummy. Instead, reach in your purse and grab that Lara Bars/raw bar, apples, oranges or grapes, and unsalted nuts that you bought at the gate.

Also, many airlines have a big list of alternative foods that you can order when you purchase your ticket, such as vegan, vegetarian, non dairy and gluten-free. Make sure to use these to your advantage.

Follow these simple steps, and you'll be sure to have a healthier voyage through the skies next time you go out of town.

Green Is Good At Green Leaf Chop Shop

2011-03-28T08:29:00.000-07:00

Wanna find out about one of LA's best kept secrets? Truly for the best of the best in organic and natural food in this city, head to Green Leaf Chop Shop, an organic restaurant and catering business with two separate locations.

They have two locations: one in Century City and Beverly Hills but they are also sold in all Equinox locations and at Earthbar.

The food comes in good portions (because, really, it's all about serving size!). Plus they have it all figured out for you. For instance, curious about how many calories is in your chicken salad? Just look on their website for the nutrition content.

My all time favorite meal is their chicken box lunch, which is grilled chicken breast with roasted yams. It's amazing!

Josie Maran Cosmetics

2011-03-24T06:36:00.001-07:00

I am always on the go, always traveling to any one of the Pilates Platinum studios.

I also often try to fit in a pilates class during the day, but if I have an important meeting afterwards, I always like to make sure I look clean and refreshed.

But that's not always so easy in LA, when you are more often than not driving from place to place without a good break in between. So what do you do if you have an important appointment right after a good sweat session?

Luckily, I found exactly what you need - Argan Bear Naked Wipes, by Josie Maran Cosmetics. The makeup line is actually an organic, natural line of products by former model Josie Maran. They bill themselves as "luxury with a conscience". What I love best about these is that they get the job done and don't make me break out like other products like these.

Get Sea Misty Hair

2011-03-22T10:50:00.000-07:00

Here in LA, we are so close to the beach that everyone carries around a little bit of beach heaven, even if they live in Hollywood or Downtown. And every day is a beach day when it comes to my hair.

I don't own a blow dryer and honestly can't remember the last time that I blew out my hair. I really am more of a wash and go type of girl.

But one product I can always rely on is John Masters Organic Sea Mist spray with lavender. It smells incredible and it's really easy to use: I spray it on wet hair or wash my hair before I go to sleep and spray it on in the morning on dry hair.

Ask your hair dresser if they carry it or just buy it from the website. You won't regret it.

E3Live Shots For A Better You!

2011-03-15T10:54:00.000-07:00

If you live in LA, you probably go straight to your local juice place to get yourself a shot of wheatgrass when you start to feel sick. But now there's another healthy shot on the market, and I have been tempted to try it for a while. E3Live offers a shot of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae blue-green algae (AFA) that's supposed to work wonders for your body, including giving you a shot of energy, lift your mood, increase concentration and speed up any time in recovery. From the E3Live website:

Physiologically, E3Live® helps restore overall body/mind balance in numerous ways. Its field of action simultaneously includes the immune, endocrine, nervous, gastro-intestinal and cardio-vascular systems.

Nutritionally, E3Live® provides 64 easily absorbed vitamins, minerals and enzymes and has more biologically active chlorophyll than any known food. It is the most nutrient dense food known to mankind.

Healthy Licorice! Who Knew?

2011-03-15T10:46:00.000-07:00

Last week while doing my weekly rounds at Earth Bar in Hollywood, and my friend coaxed me into tasting an interesting 100 calorie licorice bar.

My initial reaction? Gross! I have never liked licorice growing up, much less nowadays. But boy was I surprised!

Panda's all natural Raspberry Licorice bar was unbelievably good! Sweetened with molasses and only 100 calories with the following ingredients: Molasses, wheat flour, raspberry puree, citric acid, natural flavor, black carrot juice concentrate, licorice extract.

My favorite is now the raspberry but there are three other flavors to choose from.

Get them online or find a store near you that carries these delicious treats.

Healthy Salad Dressing

2011-03-15T10:36:00.000-07:00

I love my salads, but it's really hard to find a salad dressing that's just as healthy and clean as your salad probably is.

Thank goodness I just found Zukay salad dressings. These are products that super fresh, organic, locally sourced and that use no chemicals or trans fats that make the other types of dressings to thick and gunky (and probably that make your stomach hurt!).

They are also raw and contain probiotic cultures with no added sugars, canola, or any of the gums that you have to normally watch out for. AND, at only 5 calories per serving these dressings are full of flavor and will make any salad completely fabulous and delicious.

With the following 6 flavors to choose from you will never again get sick of your lunch!