Perfect Addiction

Who does not love a healthy addiction?  I can't say I am really addicted to anything. My husband may say my iPhone, and goji berries but not many things are out of my control. Well, darnit, I ordered this chocolate and now its almost gone! 

I am addicted to the amazing raw chocolate from Addictive Wellness!!! I met the owners in April at the Longevity Conference put on by David Wolfe.   Sage was working with us at the Tonic bar and his beautiful better half Anna Blanca, was hustling her little tail off getting this chocolate into everyones hands that would take it, and why would't you take it?  I only tried one piece and said I would take some home, and never did!  

As I follow Sage and Anna on Facebook and instagram I realize what amazing people they are. They not only have an wonderful product but they are full of love.  Let's take note, their logo has a unicorn in it, how much more magic do you need after a unicorn?  :)  What I find in people who are full of love and create edibles, is you feel the love when you eat it.  So I had to order!!!

Click to enlarge so you can see nutrition facts and ingredients. :) 

I bought the multi pack so I could try each kind, Tranquility, Energy, and Beauty. I am very familiar with superfoods, but I am working on my super herbs and medicinal mushroom knowledge.   These three are packed with the above, but free of all things, that typically ruin chocolate: Gluten, nuts, sugar, dairy, soy, gmo, and trans fat..  

I can not pick one as my favorite and  only one remains of each,because I am passing them on to a friend.  Full of nutrition, herbs, amazing fat, non gas forming birch Xylitol, and love, it is a chocolate you could eat a lot of and not feel guilty.  

I am always a fan of  great nutrition and pleasurable eating going hand in hand.  Addictive Wellness is just that and I am grateful and eager to share it with you!  

So hop on Amazon, or their website and buy, you will not be disappointed.

#TBT, Authenticity Doesn't Work for Everyone

In honor of Throwback Thursday, here is a blog post I did 2 years ago. It was a very popular one, Enjoy.   It was nice for me to have this look back also and see how much further I have come even since this :) 

I am the 3rd child and the baby. I had a brother ( when I was younger) who prevented boys from asking me out, my sister, still I am sure, gets embarrassed by my big mouth, that sometimes doesn’t think before I speak. Numerous times I would let Becky know I already had a mom.  I would tell smokers as a child how bad it was, tell my uncle how Mountain Dew was bad for him. ( he did end up with type 2 diabetes and switched to Diet Mt Dew… new message) :)I think you get my point.  So when I started my business as a colon hydrotherapist and then a nutritionist I was always concerned that my newsletters would offend someone or they wouldn’t agree. I wanted my language and type to appeal to everyone.  HA HA HAREALITY SARAH that never works even if you are saying all the “right” things.

I of course have worked on being more authentic in my life and my business, I can say no to events, people, product requests that just don’t fit my vibe and that does not feel right. I also do my best to dedicate my energy to my family and my clients. Both are a passion, and staying with a passion is so rewarding.

I recently featured in the Nashville Ledger ( shameless plug) . An awesome reporter I didn’t know ask to meet and record me answering her questions. I was not asked to pay and I was not asked to follow a “policy” or a “politically correct”  way of talking.  Since I do like to talk and I am passionate about health and nutrition, who knew what was going to come out of my mouth. What did and what was printed, made me cry for two reasons.

 Reason 1: Close to the end of last year I was up for a free lance job with Fresh Express ( the bag salads)  It would have been a great opportunity for me and wonderful, national brand exposure for Sarah Moore Health.  I really wanted this. Up to that point I didn’t know how someone would get that sort of gig and how it worked. I found out.  They chose someone that supposedly had more publicity than me, someone with a book deal, and as I now know someone I have never heard of.  I wasn’t going to look or see who was chosen, but I did. The campaign was launched in Jan, I went to the website and I, you could say cyber stalked her, haha. I found a interview that was done that was possibly authentic, to her but against everything I believed.  Preaching moderation, a coke every once in a while was ok, dairy, and ended with saying high fructose corn syrup, sugar and honey were all nutritionally the same, HAHAHHA seriously, honey the same as HFCS. She said all the right things that conventional nutrition believes and wants you to believe. Not what I believe or think leads to good health.  I was glad someone completely different than me was chosen. I believe I didn’t loose the job, I gained a perspective.

Reason 2:  After having the Fresh Express experience and then gaining the article out of no where, I read it first on my phone out loud to my husband. As I read the quotes I thought wow this sounds good, this is tell it like I think. Then I realized she had recorded me, those were my EXACT words.  I liked what I heard. I didn’t shrivel at the thought of offending someone, or worry what my mom or sister would think, I was full of joy!  Finally I was given the opportunity to represent my business and myself and it was fully me. My message was clear. I knew this article would attract the right people and the clients I would love to work with.  This is such a beautiful feeling, and I may or may not have read the article a few times.

My point: if you have a positive message, get it out there. Do not be silenced by others if it is preventing you from being your authentic self. In the end you only grow stronger and greater by being YOU

Keep Your Butt Down & Ask for Help

Trying to do and be all you want to be is hard.   I say that having my kids created a stronger work ethic in me, but I also think it taught me how to slow down.  It is hard to imagine where I would be if I didn't have them, or how far my business may be. I have been growing it right along with them growing.  What it has forced me to do it slow down, choose the best options, and cultivate and grow those options. If I tried to make everything happen right when I wanted I would have sacrificed my time with the kids to do it all. 

I started working out regularly again for about two years. It had been such a part of me in college and after, then I stopped.  I had my kids and getting enough sleep was the priority.  Once charlie was around 3 I started back in the gym, going when I could and began my routine.  I then chose to do a competition and face my fears in a bikini on stage with a lot of inspiring girls.  

I knew the competition lifestyle was not for me but I wanted to up my training.   I had been inspired by a trainer online, Amber Dodzweit, from before the competition. I chose to reach out to her for help and hire her to train me.  She was out of LA and I felt honored she had the time to work with me.  

The greatest thing about it, it was one thing I didn't have to think about. My try to do it all mentality isn't always self serving and it was nice I didn't have to do this.   

I think, as a mother, you are always in DO mode. Doing for you, doing for your kids, doing for your spouse,  doing for my clients. You forget it is ok to ask for help. More often than not there is someone waiting to help.  

  I started watching one of my favorite childhood movies, Hoosiers.  It has reminded me to get back to the fundamentals , just start putting in quality good work. No excuses, hard work pays off. 

 I just need to keep my butt down. Remember the fundamentals.  I need to ask for help.

We all do.  So now, my workouts are from Amber, but my husband trains me, pushes me and puts up with me cussing back at him.   I get a quality workout in, we get time together and I am less stressed.

Motherhood is never "easy" but more than likely if you ask for help someone is there to lend a hand.  This will make life easier, and the quality of time with your babies more. 

Earth's Water

What do I mean by earth's water?   I believe the best water we can be drinking for our body comes from the earth.  Unpolluted, natural spring water from our local eco system.

Natural spring water provides us with much needed naturally occurring minerals like, sodium, potassium and magnesium.  This water will also help revitalize our adrenals and combat stress.  To find a spring near you, visit Find A Spring 

Up to 60% of a human body is made up of water, yet it is sometimes the hardest thing for us to drink enough of on a daily basis. Dehydration is the cause of so many ailments.  Weight gain, constipation, headaches, skin problems, the list goes on and on. They could all be improved or eliminated by simply drinking water.  

I remember in my early 20's when I met my husband I would have a headache or be hungry when I had just eaten and he would say, "just drink water"  I thought how simple and how is that going to help?  Well guess what, he had a book about it, your bodies many cries for water. In his book he goes through what he calls UCD Unintentional Chronic Dehydration and the many issues that arise with us waiting until we are dry mouthed or dehydrated to take drinks. It is very worth the read and I imagine after, light bulbs will go off with the simplicity of reversing issues by drinking water.  

Here are my tips on getting more water in: 

    1.  Start drinking when you first wake up. Make a deal with yourself that will not get any coffee, tea or other drinks until you have a certain amount of water. I do a liter.

   2.  An Ayurvedic technique for resetting hydration is to sip on hot water for a day or more. This will allow your body to begin to absorb water better, and will also have the cells cleansed at a deeper level. 

  3.  Plan in extra water if you are a coffee, wine or pop drinker. These liquids are dehydrating and will have our body asking for more water.  Answer the call :) 

Last tip I will leave you with is stop drinking from plastic water bottles. Water bottles are polluting the earth and your body.  The plastic in the water bottle will leach pollutants into your water along with the bpa providing you with photo-estrogens that will be stored by your liver.  I prefer glass and stainless steel.  Amazon has some great options ( see below) that are actually quite stylish or you can reuse a voss glass bottle if you choose.

Do you get in enough water?  I would love to hear your water tips and what works for you!

Review: Tru Vibe Goji Berries

I often have clients ask me what my favorite brands are and where I buy them.  I buy most of my superfoods online. It can make it more cost effective when you eat them as much as we do, and I can get multiple brands/types in one order.  I won't lie my superfood mostly budget is close to someones car payment. With my husband and I both using them daily it goes fast. BUT its our bodies, something we only have one of and we choose to treat it epically.

With all that being said here is the first of many Goji review :)

Tru Vibe Organic Goji Berries 

I have ordered about 4 bags so far at various time from Amazon. Like I said in the video their "vibe" is one I relate to. Gratitude, Courage, Creativity, Happiness, Confidence. You get what Im saying. A bag you read that not only gives you a good product but a great message.

I found my first and second bag I received to be so soft. Goji's are sold sun dried and can come sometimes hard and tough to chew. I was impressed with this first pound.  They typically have a similar texture to raisins.  

My third bag was very hard. I am not sure if this is because they cross hot and cold temps or are over dried?  I have found that if I leave the bag in the car they will get softer. Of course, if you add them to hot water they will almost go back to their original state. 

My 4th bag, the one in this video was perfection. Soft, chewy and it did not take me long to clean up the bag.   I would recommend checking them out. They have not yet surpassed my all time favorite ( which i will review with a give away) but they are in the top 3 for sure. IF you try them or have, let me know what you think.  

Homestead Manor, Tastemaker Event

our beautiful spread

I was given a wonderful opportunity to be a part of a blogger event at a local farm to fork restaurant that just opened right down the street from me, Homestead Manor. 

Now admitted, I am not a "blogger" I am a nutritionist that likes to share information and always loves to know when my standards of food, connects with pleasure and comfort eating. At times, I am judged by my eating style as being to healthy or boring. Really, I just like to make sure I put the best quality food in my body. That means it falls under the guidelines or organic, non gmo, and local.  Homestead allows me to fall under these guidelines and it is also pleasurable and oh so tasty. 

We got an amazing tour of the historic home and grounds. We were then taken to my favorite spot, the organic garden. The entire garden is hand watered and is also surrounded by bee hives that help to pollinate the area. When then were wined and dined with an amazing tasting of appetizers, entrees and a refreshing sangria.

HARVEST AT HOMESTEAD

• Summer Harvest cocktail Hendrick's gin, St. Germain, muddled cucumber, lime, rosemary
• Summer Sangria this changes daily - but see one of our sangria recipes on the blog here
• Hominy Hummus Dip roasted red peppers, house-made bread and Homestead crackers 
• Brick-oven Bread Basket made inhouse, with whipped herb butter
• Harvest Garden Salad variety of seasonal vegetables and superfoods picked fresh from the farm
• Spaghetti & Meatballs homemade noodles, tre carne, marinara, mozzarella, focaccia (Harvest’s tre carne is a blend of regional farm-raised, hormone-free veal /pork /lamb)
• Primavera homemade pasta, pappardelle, ratatouille, garlic, fennel, zucchini, squash, mushrooms, sage
• Peach and Pecan pizza goat cheese, blackberries, balsamic drizzle, homemade sourdough 
• Sausage and Pepper pizza local ground sausage, spicy peppers, mozzarella, homemade sourdough 
• Gelato Jack Daniel's + pecan, tiramisu, chocolate

*special notes: Our menu evolves weekly to reflect the Farm's bounty. All fruits, vegetables and herbs are picked from the garden, unless noted. The bread in each dish is made each day by Grace McCarty, the daughter of Joni & Casey McCarty (Homestead agricultural curators). The pasta and spaghetti noodles are made from scratch in the kitchen, daily. The gelato is made by Carlos each day, and the flavors rotate. Executive Chef Charlos is assisted by Kitchen Manager & Chef Donald Counts. 

As you can see by the menu we did not leave disappointed. I can't wait to go back and also send my clients here for a wonderful date night.

Do you have a local farm to fork restaurant you like going to? Do you keep date nights healthy or is it anything goes? Let me know below :) 

Juice Cleanse, Myths and Benefits

How many of you have thought about going on a juice cleanse? You google till you can't google anymore, only to be confused.   I get it, I get confused and I know this stuff.

Let me simplify it for you, since I do not have an agenda other than for you to get major healthy and feel like a rockstar.

Why:  Juicing allows you to get optimal nutrition in an easy to digest way. It is already broke down for you, so your body just absorbs it.  It also does not require our already overburdened digestive system to do anything. We become nourished, hydrated and energized. If you are choosing low sugar juices then your body will work to balance your blood sugar and reduce cravings while you are cleansing. 

Tip: Add a drop of fat to your juice, it carries your nutrients so your body effectively absorbs them 

Benefits:  

Why and benefits can be one in the same. A sick body needs to rest and juicing allows that. No work is being done to digest the drink. Our body exerts a lot of energy to break down food. If you are eating the Standard American Crap Diet then your digestion is probably crazy.  When you juice you fill up your vitamin reserves and allow your internal body to rest.   More nutrition = more health, its that simple. Why does it have to be complicated. Drink it, its good for you! 

Myths:

The body heals itself.  Yes yes that is true, our bodies were created as a bad ass rockstar. So when you took an antibiotic, ate crap food, didn't sleep, got stressed, don't poop, you believe it still continues to perform like the rockstar you were born as.  All of that considering your mother was in rockstar health when she carried you, breast fed you and you did eat the best food ever.  Right, barely any of us began that way. My mom even, ( who is a rockstar) didn't breast feed me, I also had spinal menegitus at 3 months and constant ear infections as a child. So I know my well intended rockstar body had to work hard to heal itself in my infancy.  You get my point. I see only a daily basis people who aren't pooping weeks at a time ( 5 weeks is the longest)  That body is not healing itself.  We should be pooping 3x a day in a normal state, and even more if in a cleansing state. 

Juicing has to much sugar: If I am juicing real fruits and veggies would I not have those same sugars if I were to just eat the fruits and veggies? So why does it matter?  If you are worried about sugar and your glycemic load then juice only veggies and lemon with ginger.  You steer the ship, go without apples are sugary fruits. 

Juicing takes out the fiber and smoothies are better: why is it a competition? Yes it is true that there is minimal to no fiber in juicing, but if you scroll back up under the benefits you will see why would juice over blend. I love a good smoothie as the next but how many people are drinking low sugar smoothies that aren't full of bananas and fruits. I like to mix it up. Either way get the best food ever in your body. 

Lastly nothing extreme lasts. Have a plan if you are going to cleanse so you will be successful. If you are coming to a cleanse eating crap food, do some prep before you jump in or just start with a one day juice cleanse. If you know you tend to be extreme or maybe you are not doing the cleanse for the right reason, then consult your doctor. 

Just focus on eating the best food ever and it will work out,  Please discuss below in the comments. 

Perfect Superfood, Chorella

I love superfoods. Now I am not talking about blueberries and kale, they are great, but I am talking about those not found in your backyard.  I want your mind to be blown by their amazingness and to also know how to use them. These superfoods are real food supplements that can be used everyday to have you feeling like a Rockstar.

Chorella 
I chose Chorella because it is one of those superfoods that is not very mainstream like cacao or coconuts and I have recommended it a few times in the recent month.  Chorella is a single celled algea and full of amazing chlorophyll and B vitamins. It is also full of protein much like its green cousin Spirulina. Spirulina and Chorella can be a wonderful multi vitamin.
It is amazing for your digestive system as it helps to repair the colon and allow gut flora to flourish.  Chorella is also amazing at binding to heavy metals and moving it out of the body. Daily use of Chorella in tablet or powder form will help get rid of radiation from cell phones and scanners. It will help move out any mercury and toxins that come  from vaccines. It is great conjunction with cilantro for this reason.  If you are suffering from memory loss, dementia or early onset alzheimers it is a great addition to your prevention and recovery.  Chorella will also help with boosting the immune system to prevent cold and flus, help with Fibromyalgia, colon disorders like crohns and colitis and is great for constipation issues.
Chorella does contain large amounts of Vitamin K and can cause contradictions if you are taking medicines that deal directly with your blood.

The best way I enjoy Chorella is in a power smoothie with all my other favorite superfoods. I like to do this early in the day to utilize the benefits all day for great energy . You can sprinkle it on a salad, or make a green salad dressing. I also will mix it in my raw chocolate recipe because the dark chorella mixed with the dark color of cacao allows me to hid chorella and spirulina from my kids.

Do you use chorella? I want to know about your thoughts and success here in the comments.

Keep that Rockstar feeling and I am here when you need me,