Raw Food Diet Conversion Chart

I found a great resource courtesy of "The Best of Raw Foods" on transitioning from cooked to raw food. The best thing about this chart is that it can be used as a general chart for healthy eating. Whether you decide to do a 180 with your diet or not, this is a great resource to replacing some of the processed foods you eat with healthier and more natural options.

Majority of todays illnesses can be directly linked to the foods we CHOOSE to put in our bodies. This chart is a great aid in helping to choose better products. Remember, eating healthier, does not mean sacrificing taste. In fact, from my personal experience in eating organic and high quality natural products, my pallet has become more satisfied after every meal I eat.

Enjoy the chart and explore the rest of the site for more resources and grwat recipes. 

Raw Food Diet Conversion Chart

Nigel Alexander "Stay Young Forever" Series

Nigel, is a skateboarder and filmer that has produced some amazing videos and pictures for the skate and sports industry as a whole. I've always looked up to him as an athlete an artist, as he has a keen eye for getring the angles the viewer wants to see. I was browsing his YouTube channel for fun, and ram across his Stay Young Forever videos.  This is Nigels way of giving back to the world by sharing his journey in achieving a healthier lifestyle. I think it is amazing and important that people like Nigel continue to realize the influence they have with the youth and action sports fans everywhere.

No matter if you are an athlete or spectator, you can stay young forever by watching what you put in your body. You do not have to use the specific products Nigel is using, but the awareness that there is knowledge available to everyone is the point I would like to make by supporting his videos.

Great Videos Nigel! Stay Young!

Watch "STAY YOUNG FOREVER ???? -" on YouTube

*I will post the other videos in the series as seperate posts. -ENJOY!

Rick Simpson and The "secret" Benefits of Hemp Oil

Hello Outliers!


After the success of our February challenge I have been doing a lot of research on the direction I want to take with this blog. As we are all about the elements of wellness, it is important to me that I share the philosophies behind my posts.

I have recently learned about the "Rick Simpson" story and have been incredibly inspired to continue to encourage my readers to adapt a plant based diet. There is so much that the government chooses to hide from us, in order to continue the billion dollar cancer industry that contributes to 16% of our GDP. Being an Outlier is about stepping outside of the norm, and finding ways not to become a statistic that contributes to our economy by unhealthiness and ignorance.


The Rick Simpson Story:

After a serious head injury, Rick Simpson sought relief from his medical condition through the usage of medicinal hemp oil. He discovered that the high concentration of THC cured cancer and other illnesses, in which he tried to spread this knowledge with as many people possible, free of charge. He cured and controlled hundreds of people's illnesses, but when the story went public, the government snatched the medicine, leaving thousands of people without treatment, and Rick with the unconstitutional charges of possessing and trafficking marijuana. Hemp till this day, is still known as the most medicinal and versatile plant in the world.

To watch the documentary of Rick's story, free of charge, search " Run From The Cure The Rick Simpson Story" on YouTube.

Consulting Now Available....Personal Training available in Southern California

Review: Earthbar, West Hollywood, CA

Earthbar, in West Hollywood, CA is my new favorite spot for reasonably priced healthy items. With a variety of locations, the West Hollywood location where I visited was convenient, had great customer service, and was overall a great experience! For my first time there, I tried the popular WeHo Breakfast smoothie, which included "banana, almond butter, almond milk, vegan protein, blended with vanilla almond granola". At 253 calories, this shake not only filled me up until a late lunch hour, but also provided me with an immense amount of energy for the morning.  For everyone looking for new healthy breakfast ideas, meal replacement shakes, or just something tasty and healthy, I would highly recommend visiting Earthbar.

For more information, please visit the company web page: http://www.earthbar.com/ 



The earthbar menu and staff serving drinks



Part of the Earthbar store



WeHo Breakfast Shake



Recipe of the Day

In honor of our favorite summer holiday, Independence Day, I want to start the blog off with a tasty BBQ inspired meal to serve to your friends & family on the 4th. Although it does not sound like your average healthy meal removing the skin before eating, as well as using as many fresh vegetables as possible for seasoning purposes. This recipe serves six, and its total prep time is only an hour 45 min. See below for ingredients and and preparation.

Source: Recipe inspired by http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/beer_barbecued_chicken.html

Ingredients

1. 1 tablespoon smoked paprika , (to be found in the grocery spice section)
2. 2 teaspoons dried oregano
3. 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
4. 1 teaspoon packed dark brown sugar
5. 1 teaspoon ground cumin
6. 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (substitute with real onions for a healthier option)
7. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (substitute with real chopped garlic for a healthier option)
8. 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chile , ( to be found in the grocery spice section)
9. 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper (substitute with real chopped bell peppers for a healthier option)
10. 1 4-pound chicken
11. 1 12-ounce bottle beer, preferably pale ale or American lager, divided

Preparation

1. Preheat a gas grill (with all burners lit) to 400°F or build a fire in a charcoal grill and let it burn down to medium heat (about 400°F).
2. Combine paprika, oregano, salt, brown sugar, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, chipotle chile and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Remove giblets from chicken (if included) and trim any excess skin. Loosen the skin over the breast and thigh meat. Rub the spice mixture under the skin onto the breast meat and leg meat, a little on the skin and inside the cavity. Tuck wings under the body and tie the legs together with kitchen string.
4. If using a gas grill, turn off one burner (leaving 1 to 2 burners lit, depending on your grill). If using a charcoal grill, move the coals to one side. Wearing an oven mitt, carefully place a drip pan under the grill rack on the unheated side. Place the chicken breast -side down on the rack over the pan. Pour half the beer into the cavity (it’s OK if some drips out into the drip pan).
5. Close the lid and roast undisturbed for 45 minutes.
6. Turn the chicken breast-side up. Pour the remaining beer into the cavity. Cover and continue roasting until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone registers 165°F, 30 to 45 minutes more. Transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board; let rest for 10 minutes before removing the string and carving.

 Nutritional Facts

-Per serving (without skin): 173 calories; 7 g fat ( 2 g sat , 1 g mono ); 76 mg cholesterol; 2 g carbohydrates; 25 g protein; 1 g fiber; 656 mg sodium; 250 mg potassium.

-Nutrition Bonus: Iron (15% daily value).
-Exchanges: 3 1/2 lean meat