by Tara Mackey | Blogroll, Food, Health, Recipes
- 1/4 small can of coconut milk
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- 1 Tbsp Sugar 2.0
- Healthy pinch sea salt
- 1/2 Tsp ground cinnamon
- Soaked raw cashews (soak in water for 3 mins)
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a blender, combine raw soaked cashews, coconut milk, cayenne pepper, Sugar 2.0, sea salt, ground cinnamon + blend on high.
- To the gluten free brownie mix add the coconut oil, Sugar 2.0, cayenne, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, chocolate chips and toss to combine.
- Add gluten free mix to cupcake trays so they are each 1/4 full.
- Add a scoop of raw almond or peanut butter to each cake.
- Add a tablespoon of cashew filling to the top of each of your cakes.
- Optional: Add fruit such as raspberries or strawberries to the middle. This can also be done after.
- Bake for 45 mins or until moist when poked with a fork or toothpick.
- Remove and let cool.
- Enjoy immediately. Best eaten when fresh but also amaaaazing the next day! Store in fridge.
*This post was created in partnership with Sugar 2.0.
by Tara Mackey | Blogroll, Food, Health, Recipes
- 3 cups peeled, cubed butternut squash
- 1 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- 1 Tbsp Sugar 2.0
- Healthy pinch sea salt
- 1/2 Tsp ground cinnamon
- Pomegranate seeds
- Organic kale or mixed greens
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- To the butternut squash add the coconut oil, Sugar 2.0, cayenne, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon and toss to combine.
- Bake the squash for 15-20 minutes or until it is tender, sweet, and golden brown. Toss occasionally to ensure even baking.
- Add the pecans to a separate baking sheet and bake on a separate rack in the oven for 8 minutes. Then remove from oven and add coconut oil, nutmeg, Sugar 2.0, cayenne, salt, and cinnamon. Use a spoon to carefully toss until well coated. Then return to the oven and bake for 5 minutes more, or until golden brown and fragrant. Set aside.
- To serve, either place the squash and pecans on the kale or mixed greens on a serving dish and top with pomegranates.
- Enjoy immediately. Best eaten when fresh.
*This post was created in partnership with Sugar 2.0.
by Tara Mackey | Blogroll, Happiness, Health
Fuck.
That’s the #1 word that’s been going through my mind this week.
I know I’m not alone.
We were so, so close. So close to molding the backbone of a legendary, progressive society. So close to gaining immense validation as women. So close to progressing towards a cleaner, healthier nation. So close to setting an incredible example for every young girl in the world. So close to fulfilling our destiny as Americans: Liberty and Justice for all. Not Liberty and Justice for some. Not Liberty and Justice for billionaires. Not Liberty and Justice for old white men. Liberty and Justice for all.
That’s what’s so upsetting to me this week. That’s what gives me pause in the morning. That’s what stops me in my tracks where I finally feel like I’ve moved past the disappointment. I catch my breath and it won’t come all the way in. And there’s that thought again. FUCK.
I don’t feel the need to repeat each and every thing he’s done or said. I don’t feel that it adds to the discussion to point out who has endorsed his campaign – and why. And I don’t particularly like pointing out how frightening and life changing (for ALL of us) that this Presidency could be once he starts assigning people with a similar agenda onto the The Supreme Court. I will call it hate rhetoric, because that’s all it has been for 18 months. And you know what the scariest part to me is?
The racism, the misogyny, the old boy’s club, the careless speech, the hateful rhetoric. We’ve rewarded all of it. We’ve empowered them.
When our President-elect (I can still barely type it and I can’t say his name) was asked this week if he felt that his campaign had gone too far at any point, he simply replied, “No. We won.”
FUCK.
If you’ve ever been denied an opportunity for any reason when you truly deserved it, you’ve felt deep emotional pangs this week.
If you feel threatened by the idea of going backwards as a nation, you’re familiar with this sweeping, sinking feeling of national grief.
If you are empathetic in any way – no matter what side of politics you’re on – you’ve probably felt somewhere between angry and nauseous for at least 5 days.
It’s hard to deny the fact that The Presidency was a job Hillary Clinton was made for. A job she prepared for. A job she applied for emphatically. A job she deserved to have. It’s crushing to many of us that a man with such a hateful, thoughtless agenda would get that job over her – especially when she had the statistical support of the American people. It feels like a patriarchy. It’s difficult to wake up in the morning as a woman and actually face the implications of this nightmare. Every time I open my eyes I have to remind myself that it’s real. It’s so difficult to get up morning after morning and continue to feel worth it, when so many men (and women – 42% or more in this country who voted for this hate!) now feel empowered to look down on you. It’s disappointing to think that I could work 30 years for ANY job – never mind the most important job in the country – and not get it when I really deserved it. It’s straight up frightening.
So, if you’ve been searching to understand why so many people – especially women – feel disenfranchised, angry, and internally tortured – maybe that can shed some light. I speak for myself when I say that as an eternal optimist, this is one of the hardest weeks of my life. I have felt worse (WORSE) than when my Dad died. So please don’t marginalize us or tell us to get over it. This country was founded on fighting for what you believe to be right. And I plan to exercise that right, because so very many people died for it.
So, I have to say it. If you sympathize with any of these feelings, you’re not whining, you’re not a doomsday, bleeding heart dumb liberal. You are NOT crying “because you lost”. You are crying because you care. You’re a human being who had high hopes for the future. And this is crushing you.
Do not (I repeat – DO NOT) apologize for that. America would not be the country it was today unless people spoke their minds even when doing so was not popular. Speaking your heart is THE most American thing you can do.
“What else can we do?”
That’s been the #1 question in my inbox this week. It took me a few days to finally get some sleep, recycle all the empty wine bottles and type this without bursting into tears, but here are 5 simple things you can do today that will actually make a difference. Additionally, they’ll help you process this week in a constructive way:
Sign this petition to influence the Elector’s choice on Dec 19th to reflect the POPULAR VOTE:
The Electoral College can actually give the White House to either candidate. So why not use this most undemocratic of our institutions to ensure a democratic result? It takes literally 2 seconds and could change your entire life.
Use this time as an exercise in Connection:
Turn off the news, do not go to any media or political websites and stay off social media as much as you can. The media lied to you. You do not owe them anything. They totally fucked you by telling you that your party “had this win”, potentially discouraging millions of people from voting because they did not feel that their voice would add anything to the outcome of the election. Literally, a pink unicorn would be more believable at this moment than the news media. They don’t deserve you or your precious time.
Don’t Lose Your Conviction
Say this sentence to everyone who questions your vote: “Hillary won the POPULAR VOTE. The MAJORITY of our fellow Americans preferred Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump. Our democracy should reflect that.” Period.
Healthy Disconnection:
Go outside. Connect with nature. Take a run. Pay attention to your children, your family, your puppies and kitties. Call your mom – and DON’T talk to her about politics. This is a time to connect, to feel a little small in the universe (in a good way!) and to gain some perspective. Read a new book, immerse yourself in a hot bath, get your nails done. Do something self loving that has absolutely nothing to do with TV, the media or politics. After 18 months of this bullshit, you deserve it.
Get involved:
You do not have to march in the streets to make a difference. You can make art. You can make music. You can donate (I’ve left some of the most important organizations who really need your help below). If you don’t have the money, use your creative voice. Some of the most influential people in the World are only recognized today because they stood up during a time of war or political distrust. Gandhi actually encouraged Indians to go to war for the English, despite the fact that the Indians were slaves to the English at the time. Gandhi cited that sometimes, war is the ONLY way to secure peace. Fight in whatever way you are capable of – but keep fighting and don’t give up. There are millions of us in this country and hundreds of millions throughout the world who are just as shocked and appalled as you are. This is the time to connect with them and champion human rights for all!
ORGANIZATIONS IN NEED RIGHT NOW:
Please, above all, be kind to one another. Smile at strangers. Gift someone your time or a friendly ear. Create peace within and bring that peace everywhere you go. We voted for hope and change 8 years ago and we got it. This fresh unrest is proof that we got it. Keep up the momentum. Share the movement. What the world needs now is love.
Love, Health & Revolution,
Tara
by Tara Mackey | Blogroll, Health
According to the USDA, the average american consumes 150 to 170 pounds of sugar every year. In fact, just one can of soda contains 140 calories from sugar alone! Sugar is definitely one of the hardest craving to kick – it’s in just about everything, even many healthy foods, supplements and juices. Here are 5 herbs that will help you kick sugar cravings right at the source – so that you’ll want less sugar, you’ll need less sugar and you can get rid of your dreaded sweet tooth for good!
BERBERINE is an alkaloid which seems to slightly reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Also, some early research suggests that taking 500 mg of berberine 2-3 times daily for up to 3 months might control blood sugar as effectively as common drugs metformin or rosiglitazone. It naturally regulates an array of biological activities that normalize lipid, glucose, and energy imbalances. Berberine may also increase the number and activity of the insulin receptors on your cells, promoting insulin sensitivity. On top of that, it facilitates the burning of fatty acids in your cells, which is why it’s a powerful tool for helping keep blood lipid levels in check.
FENUGREEK is one of my favorite herbs – it has so many uses! Sugar craving kicking is one of the most surprising – it truly works! According to a report by NYU, fenugreek regulates blood sugar and improve insulin levels in people with diabetes. Additionally, there may be an indirect relationship between fenugreek supplementation and decreased sugar cravings due to improved glucose control from the supplement.
GARCINIA addresses stressors that can trigger sugar cravings, such as low mood or energy. Scientists attribute low serotonin levels to bad mood. Now, the fact that Garcinia Cambogia can increase serotonin levels means you are at an advantage when trying to overcome this type of craving and fighting sugar cravings. As an added bonus, Garcinia stops the enzymes in your body from turning carbohydrates into fat cells, aiding in weight loss!
CINNAMON is a sweet spice that can stop sugar cravings when nothing else can. Cinnamon cures your sweet tooth and “tricks” your body into thinking you’ve had sugar! Really! Cinnamon has been proven in research to help to reduce sugar cravings by controlling blood glucose levels. This minimizes insulin spikes after meals that lead to more hunger and consuming even more sugar. Add some in your tea or coffee or take it in supplement form for an extra boost!
GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE may not roll off the tongue, but it could save your life! This fascinating herb contains gymnemic acids which, when placed directly on your tongue, actually fill the sugar receptors in your taste buds, effectively blocking your ability to taste sweetness. Additionally, it may also reduce the intestine’s ability to absorb sugar molecules, reducing blood sugar levels overall. The herb may also play a beneficial role in weight control. Several studies suggest that it is a promising anti-obesity aid.
LIKED THIS? FIND MORE HERBS THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!
by Tara Mackey | Blogroll, Health, Travel
If you follow me on Instagram or Snapchat, you know I just wrapped up a (very busy, very crazy!) trip to my hometown of New York.
It was one.wild.trip. Full of family fun, desksides, meetings, scooting from NYC (work/events) to Long Island (family) each and every day. I also squeezed in a feature on the news, a trip to Martha Stewart Weddings to plan my wedding, and introducing T to my family (FINALLY!! And yes, my man asked me to marry him before he met my family. Talk about special.)
I almost forgot how much each of us NEEDS to have certain “stuff” with us whenever we leave home. Not long ago, I was packing and unpacking my suitcase every 3 weeks. The (sometimes brutal) flight across the country from Cali to NY has forced me to create a routine that works so I’m not stranded, starving or in pain – places I’ve found myself without preparation before. Over the years, I’ve learned to pack really smart and really, really healthy. No settling for Doritos or peanuts on the plane for me! I’ve got a book in my lap, my kale salad with flax seeds tucked under the seat in front of me, noise canceling headphones strapped to my dome, meditation tracks rocking on full blast and I’ll be sipping my alkaline water with a satisfied grin. Give me any cranky baby to sit next to and I’ll manage to figure it out. For real.
After all my trials and errors, there are definitely a few “MUSTS” that I know everyone could benefit from when they travel!
-Before you do anything, pop some Vitamin C to ward off all the germie mcgermensteins you’re about to encounter. Supplements are a no-brainer for me, but I know that they’re sooo easy to forget! Trust me. I’ve been there. They sit in your pantry and completely slip your mind when you’re buried in bras, socks and beauty products to sort through. I have DEFINITELY forgotten to bring them with me in the past with MAJOR regrets. Just a few days of forgetting some of my supplements (like DIM, GABA, St. Johns Wort, Probiotics + Activated Charcoal) and I am totally screwed and back to square one with my health! Not necessary! Supplements are easy to pack – keep your favorites for the day in a zip lock bag and stash it in your purse if your flight is early. Then pack your supplement bottles in your suitcase or carry on! Voila! Life saved!
-Water and lip balm are a MUST. Airplanes & airports are SO dehydrating! Flying may be a quick and convenient method of getting around, but it does have some drawbacks. Some of the common health problems that affect airplane passengers are often the result of a lack of humidity in the cabin air, which can lead to dehydration if you’re not careful. Lip balm is a great way to protect your lips from chapping and your skin from suffering. I use Waxelene on my face, lips and I even put some inside my nose to protect from germs. It works wonders. I normally bring the 2 oz jar with me since it’s under the TSA 3 oz limit!
PRO TIP: It’s easy to stay hydrated, too. TSA will take your plastic water bottle. Pack a durable water bottle with you and keep it empty. When you get through security, find the nearest restaurant and ask them to fill you up with water. You can even ask them to add lemon, cucumbers or herbs! BAM – you’re alkalized!
-A good book and a new notebook are essential to a stress-free experience. There is nothing like getting lost in a good story if you’re stressed, anxious, waiting or bored (which happens a LOT during travel.) I love starting new books and to begin writing in new notebooks during my trips. 10,000 feet in the air is a great time to have a fresh start. On this particular adventure to NY, I brought my copy of The Pocket Thich Nhat Hanh and I got this adorable Thoughtfully Magazine collab notebook in my gift bag from The Well Summit, which was awesome to have on the flight home. I am working on Book #2 so I’m writing down ideas cooonstantly. Writing and reading is so therapeutic during travel, which can be a very inspiring time.
-You know what I wish I’d figured out sooner? That you need to use SPF on an airplane more than you need it at the beach. Or basically any other time in your life. Why? Well, in an airplane, you’re ABOVE the cloud. SPF is an absolute must to wear when you fly because of the UV radiation caused by elevation. Airplane windows don’t filter out the sun’s rays! Don’t compromise your window seat view – just protect yourself. I add Josh Rosebrook’s Tinted Nutrient Day Cream (with SPF 30) to my face, neck and décolleté about every 1-3 hours, depending on the trip. On top of protecting your skin, you’ll barely need any other makeup to look dewey and awake!
-If you want to keep yourself fresh on your trip, pack yourself some healthy deodorant! Even if you’re not prone to wearing deodorant, this is the ONE time you’re going to want to give in. Between the time you get to the airport and the time you get to your destination (or your hotel room) the temperature will have changed roughly 3963069030 times. ESPECIALLY if you’re going on a vacation, this is practically a given. Agent Nateur is the healthiest choice in this arena – it was also my pick when I judged The Glamour Beauty Awards last month. And it really, really works!
-One of my huge must-have’s is a travel size body oil and an organic, 100% natural face oil. I knew that NY was going to be windy and I knew the airplane ride was going to be dehydrating. So I packed my powerhouses! Vered’s AMAZING, award winning anti-aging face oil was one of the first oils I ever purchased when I switched to green beauty, and it’s been a staple in my beauty cabinet ever since! Full of omega fatty acids that keep skin super hydrated during travel. It is highly nourishing for normal, dehydrated, mature or dull skin. Laurel’s intoxicating California Body Oil is calming, de-stressing, and features organic Avocado, Rosehip Seed, and Tamanu for their rich texture, rich vitamin and mineral content, and healing nature. I use this delectable oil as a mood booster and relaxation therapy every hour or so along my way.
-Not only do I carry my own food and water with me when I travel, I also take my own tea bags. Just ask for hot water and honey or lemon on the plane and you have yourself the exact remedy you want – whether you’re trying to relax, to ward off a cold, to stay awake or get work done, there’s a tea for you! Easy, simple and so good for you!
-I keep a crystal with me at all times to balance my energy. You encounter SO many people, so many energies when you travel that it’s difficult for us to stay grounded without picking up on those energies and carrying them with us. Crystals are a great way to stay grounded. This trip I brought a small citrine gemstone and shungite stone with me, which brings light and happiness and protects against negative energy. This practice might seem a little woo-woo, but I swear by it.
-Last but not least, I dab a bit of organic highlighter on the corner of my eyes and on my cheekbones before I head out of the house. This can last you all day and make you look wide awake. You’ll instantly look rested, young and ready to take on your day, even if you’re struggling to keep your eyes open.
by Tara Mackey | Blogroll, Happiness, Health
This smoothie could save your life! A new study reveals that this super herb is good for more than just inflammation and beauty..
You may of heard of this incredible spice – maybe it’s been lurking in the back of your pantry, maybe you give it a go every once and awhile, maybe you read about it in my book, even! ;-),but you aren’t sure exactly what it’s for!
Turmeric. You’ve got questions… I’ve got answers!
Turmeric is a medicinal superfood – a root, like ginger – known worldwide for its anti-inflammatory and intense healing properties. It’s amazing for joint pain, arthritis, skin issues, it’s a great immunity booster, a super fat burner and so much more! I use it to fight rheumatoid arthritis and it works wonders! I mean, doesn’t it even LOOK like it’s super healthy for you? How vibrant is that?! It’s also practically tasteless – which I love because I can add it to anything! 🙂
But there’s a lesser known amazing fact about turmeric that might just save your life – this vibrant herb is actually a powerful anti-depressant! In fact, it even works better than Prozac! That’s right – recent research has proven that this extremely potent spice works better than Prozac for treating depression – and it’s side-effect free!
Researchers with the Department of Pharmacology of Government Medical College compared the effects of turmeric and Prozac (fluoxetine) in 60 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD).
The participants were divided into three groups, one group received just Prozac (20mg), the other group received just turmeric (1000mg of curcumin) and the third group received both prozac and turmeric for a course of six weeks.
During the study, researchers found that those taking the combination improved 77.8%, those taking just Prozac improved 64.7% and those taking just turmeric improved 62.5%.
One of the most concerning side effects of Prozac and other anti-depressants on the market is the side effect of suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, anxiety, panic and more!
Turmeric, however, does not have any side effects. Unlike Prozac, turmeric is effective and safe when it comes to the treatment of depression. Frightening side effects present in patients who take Prozac are clearly absent in turmeric use.
Researchers noted: “This study provides first clinical evidence that curcumin may be used as an effective and safe modality for treatment in patients with MDD without concurrent suicidal ideation or other psychotic disorders.”
So, how can we get some more of this awesome, natural anti-depressant in our lives??
5 Ways To Use Turmeric:
- Sprinkle it on your meals – fish, meat, salads, cereal or granola – every day.
- Stir it into your tea, coffee, hot chocolate or water.
- Sprinkle some onto your eggs in the morning.
- Ask your barista for a turmeric latte (like the one above shared by my friend Greta Eagan!) Turmeric is also caffeine free!
- If you have a sore throat simply mix some turmeric powder, or steep turmeric root in a cup of hot water along with fresh ginger, honey and lemon. This will instantly soothe a sore throat and relieve coughing.
- For the treatment of pain, take turmeric capsules daily with water. These are my favorite organic brand!
- Add turmeric to your smoothie.
- Make golden milk: this drink involves milk and turmeric to make a golden colored drink. Simply combine your favorite warm milk (I love coconut milk!) with turmeric paste (water and turmeric powder mixed together to form paste), honey, coconut oil and cinnamon. Blend it all up and you have a delicious and healthy drink.
PICK UP MY #1 BESTSELLING BOOK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW TURMERIC CAN HELP YOU.
