Balanced Living: What I Eat as a High Carb Low Fat Vegan

I'm going to start of by stating that I do not follow trends, I'm highly educated (formally), I'm a researcher so I'm used to finding out information in the work or science and research, and educate myself daily.

Why the disclaimer? That's just to detract from anyone assuming that I made an ill informed decision. I made this choice much as I do every other important decision in my life, and obsessively researched the topic before I started.

Now onto the actual post.....

Even a year ago I would have laughed if you told me that I'd be vegan one day, my response would have been "Cheese and eggs though..." yet here we are.

I'm writing this post because I seem to have the same conversation over and over. People always ask if I'm 'still doing the vegan thing' and when I tell them yes, they look at me with pity in their eyes and respond with some variation of 'it must be so hard!' Then they go on to tell me how they are somehow 'proud' of me for doing this, but they can't do it themselves because they love food too much... 

I'm here to tell you that it really isn't hard at all and no, you probably don't love food more than I do.  

I LOVE food and I'm constantly stuffing my face with foods that I absolutely love. I eat a high-carb, high-protein, planet based diet, and I've never felt better. No I do not miss animal products in my diet, in fact I hardly ever think about them at all. I do not have cravings, I'm also never hungry because I eat an abundance of delicious fruit and veggies all day long.

What does a typical food day look like to me? See below: Breakfast banana smoothie, fruit all day, and dinner of rice, roasted veggies, and beans.

Benefits of my current diet:

1. I'm always full and satisfied because I don't have to 'watch what I eat'. 
2. I have lots of energy. I keep my blood sugar levels up and constant, so I don't crash at any point during the day.
3. The more you eat healthy things, the more you crave those same things. So cheese cravings... nonexistent. 
4. When eating high-fat and calorie dense animal products, you normally experience lethargy following your meal. Now, I don't feel like I need to take an hour nap after every meal, because my food leaves me feeling energized. 
5. I eat as much as I want (about 2500 cal) and I don'[t worry about weight gain. 

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I hope this information helped you to at least consider a vegan diet. If you're interested in how I transitioned to a vegan diet (I did transition gradually) see my video below! 

Enjoy. Be Healthy. Be Happy

Minimalism: Questions To Ask Yourself When Decluttering

Realizing that you've crowded your life with clutter and deciding to do something about it is only the first step...

It's hard enough visualizing ridding yourself of 70% of your belongings, but do you know what's even harder? Looking at each item that you own, and deciding if you're going to keep it or not. When you look at an item that you own; whether your bought it or were gifted with it, it can be hard to figure out if this is something you should hold on to or find a new home for. As humans we get attached easily to our possessions and most times our 'reasons' for keeping certain things are nothing more than excuses. 

You need to visualize the end goal and dedicate yourself to it.

Here are some questions that I think will help you cut through the excuses and make your declutter more effective. I literally have this inner dialogue when I look at every single item, and it hasn't failed me yet!

1. Do I currently use this regularly?

This is especially important for items that you consider staples because you've had them for a long time and you've worn them a ton in the past. While that may make you feel some sort of sentimental attachment to the items, it really is important to think about your current relationship with the items. If you no longer use them, then it's time to let them go. 

2. How long have you had it and how much have you used it in that time?

This is somewhat related to the first point. If you've had an item for a long time and gotten lots of use out of it, it should not feel like a betrayal to get rid of it if it no longer is part of your daily life. In fact, if it is something that you've used a ton in the past, then you should be happy that you got your 'money's worth' out of the item and you can move on. 

3. Would you buy this exact item again if you saw it in stores now?

 This is a great way to determine the value of an item. Many of us tend to hold on to things because we already own them and don't want to waste money. After all, what if you need it a week after you give it away? Let's be honest here, the chances of that happening with an item you haven't touched in months or years is slim to none. Think about the item as something on a shelf in a store, and think about you current lifestyle. Would you go to the store and buy this item today? If not, then it's probably not something that you're likely to miss. 

4. What things do you truly value in your possessions?

maybe you love your status designer pieces, maybe sentimental value is of utmost importance, or maybe you value practicality above all else. Regardless of how you chose to identify value in your possessions, hone in on that and get rid of things that have little or no value. 

5. Do I actually love this thing, or do I use it just because I have it?

This is a distinction I know that changed my life on this journey. I would buy an item of clothing because I thought it looked great, and it would hang in my closet for a while. I still think it looks great, but it doesn't really go with anything and I really don't have anywhere to wear it to. It's mine, I own it, and so I'm going to find a way! So I wear it... I don't love the outfit and I don't think it's necessarily appropriate for the venue, but since the piece is beautiful (and MINE) I will wear it. When I'm going through my closet, I now see it as a great piece that I wear. Don't fall into this trap. Get rid of those items that you force yourself to use, your belongings should not be in charge of you.

Enjoy. Be Healthy. Be Happy

Minimalism: Why I'm Decluttering My Life

I think I just liked owning things....

I'm not the kind of person who goes out and buys 500 things at once, but that doesn't mean that my possessions do no eventually overwhelm me. 

I grew up in St. Lucia, which is one of the MOST beautiful places on the planet, but is also an expensive place to live. Fashion, beauty, and home-wares are extremely pricey there, so we were all taught to take care of our things growing up. Now I live in the US and everything is much more affordable so I generally shop more, but I still take care of my things and they last forever...

 The clutter crept up on me gradually. I gained some weight in college which I have since lost most of so my body is completely different. This means that I have been gradually shopping for a whole new wardrobe, but since my old clothes were in such great shape, I never got rid of them. I also moved from the east Coast to Indianapolis where the style is more casual ( if you can even call it style...) and so the types of things I wear on a regular basis have also changed. This resulted in a walk-in closet, and four draws that were bursting at the seams with clothing. That's not including the other drawers that held workout clothing, socks, leggings, lounge wear, and lets not forget shoes..... 

Some of you might not see what's wrong with having this much stuff... options are good right?...

Well here's how this affected me. Whenever I had to get dressed or ready for something it would take FOREVER to figure out an outfit. I hated looking through my stuff, and the majority of my things went unworn and I forgot some of them existed. It was also hard to keep neat and I always experienced anxiety when I had to get dressed, and guilt for the stuff that I wasn't wearing. 

So I went ahead and downsized in a major way. I probably got rid of 75% of all of my clothing and shoes!!!

This is now all of my clothing besides underwear, workout clothes, and basics. All of my basics fit in one drawer of my dresser, and I got rid of the drawers that previously held loungewear, workout clothes, swimsuits etc.

This shoe shelf used to hold three pairs per section, but I got rid of all the shoes that I simply didn't love anymore and didn't need to hold on to.

I even went ahead and applied this to the other parts of my life like my office space (aka desk) you see here. 

Check out my video below for more reasons to simplify your life and stop being held down by your possessions.

Enjoy. Be Healthy. Be Happy

Fitness/Workout Reviews: PIYO

I must say that PIYO was not one that I'd heard of before....

This is a workout system developed by Beachbody, that incorporates aspects of Pilates and Yoga in a fast paced, hour long format. Though the movements and combinations are reminiscent of the other two well established and well known formats, it is a completely different animal.

When I took my first PIYO class I was expecting to stretch a little and do some crunches... boy was I in for it! The speed alone is enough to let you know that the class is no joke. Now I'm not talking HIIT speed, but you move between positions that require balance and flexibility, while incorporating strength movements, all to a 3 count! There's no time to stop and adjust, its go go GO!

And some of these positions... well they look nice on the posters....

What To Expect: 

Expect to test the limits of you flexibility, balance, and coordination. The class is not easy, but the more you go, the more comfortable it becomes, and the better you get. It is a calorie burner! Don't think that you've escaped all the typical workout moves because the class is called PIYO, there's cardio in that program. Burpees and pushups will show up more times than you're probably expecting, so go to class ready to work.

What You Will Need:

A yoga mat or two. This class is best done with bare feet or yoga socks, and you will need comfortable workout clothes. Make sure whatever you are wearing does not restrict your movements, and as with a yoga class, there are quite a few inversions, so ensure that you don't wear loose fitting pieces that may show your classmates a little more than they were expecting....

Pros:

1. Nice alternative to strength training, and uses only body weight.
2. Suitable for all ages and levels of fitness.
3. Group classes are best, but the DVDs for at home workouts are available.
4. Really nice stretches at the end. 

Cons: 

1. The moves do take a while to get used to and to execute accurately. 

Summary

I actually loved this class more than I initially thought I would. This is a great addition to a workout program, because it is a strength training class that keeps your heart rate up, and it also includes flexibility training that you won't find in other strength classes. 

Enjoy. Be Healthy. Be Happy

July Beauty & Lifestyle favorites

I've fallen in love with many things the past few weeks. Some of these were old favorites rediscovered, and some are new loves.

Enjoy!

YouTube | Review: Becca Ultimate Coverage Complexion Creme

Review: NYX Anant POP 10 Color Shadow Palette

What a find!!!

Nyx has done it again. I have loved this brand for years, and i think they're only getting better with time. 

I was recently at an Ulta in Chicago while they were having a huge NYX sale. 40% off everything made me check out their new products even though I was not technically supposed to be makeup shopping. There were so many new things that I had to hold myself back from over doing it (my fellow makeup junkies will understand). I did pick up one on their new Avant POP eyeshadow palettes, and I LOVE it!

I chose the Nouveau Chic palette because I knew I would be able to use it every day. There were neutral palettes like this one and bright colored ones. There were also options which were a combination of eyeshadows, blushes, and bronzers. 

My palette comes with 10 rich and neutral shadows. They are a combination or dark and light colors, and there are shimmery and matte colors as well. The quality of these shadows is heavenly. They are smooth and highly pigmented. the color pay-off is intense, and they blend nicely even without an eyeshadow base. The darker colors also work well as eye liners, and the lighter colors make great highlighters.

The packaging is also simple and attractive. It is sleek, black, and professional looking, and I enjoy being able to see the shadows through the lid. The palette is also quite compact, the shadows are huge, and the quality definitely holds up to that of high end brands. 

Great bang for your buck!

Isn't it beautiful?...

This product retails at Ulta for a grand total of $16.99 full price! This is at Ulta though, so between the constant sales and $3.50 off coupon that is always available for drugstore brands (NYX is one of those), you will almost never pay that price. 

So, next time you see a NYX counter, definitely check out these shadows.

Lazy Recipes: VEGAN Chickpea Coconut Curry

This is a simple, easy, recipe that is delicious and filling. 

I do not use a ton of ingredients, but the herbs and veggies that I use are fresh; this aided by the fact that I grow quite a few things in pots on my balcony. It's like my very own farm-to-table. 

                               

Ingredients: (serves 5)

2 tbsp Curry

1 pinch Cayenne Pepper

1 can Coconut Milk

2 cans Chick Peas (Garbanzo Beans)

1/2 cup Vegetable Stock
1/2 cup Water

2 cloves Garlic

1 Onion

1 tbsp Coconut Oil

1 tbsp Maple Syrup 

Green Beans

Chives, Parsley, Thyme, Basil, Salt, and Pepper to taste. 

Heat Coconut oil in a large pot and add chopped up herbs, red pepper flakes, and garlic. Sauté seasonings and add curry powder. Stir ingredients in pot and do not allow the garlic to burn. When the curry becomes fragrant, add the coconut milk, water, veggie stock, and chopped onion, lower the heat and stir. 

Allow the curry to cook covered on low heat for  15 mins, then add chickpeas and other vegetables ( I used green beans), add maple syrup and salt to taste. Cook covered for an additional 20 mins on low heat. 

That's it! 

This curry is perfect to serve on rice (my personal preference) but feel free to serve in with potatoes. This meal is delicious and healthy. Not to mention, you can impress your dinner guests without it getting too complicated.

I hope you try this out! Let me know what yo think.

Enjoy. Be Healthy. Be Happy

Products I've Used up!

Here's another video of mine from my YouTube channel. 

I love doing this type of video, because it's a collection of mini-reviews of products that I've used all the way to the end.

This way you get to see what I think of the long term performance of the products, my recommendations when using them, and whether or not I will be re-purchasing any of them. 

Enjoy!

Lazy Recipes: Raw Garlic Tomato Basil Pasta

For lack of a better name.... 

This is a super easy recipe that is definitely one of my go-tos for the summer. I love it because it requires minimum prep, almost no cooking, and only a handful of ingredients all of which I grow in my garden. Feel free to add whatever else you want to this recipe, but trust me, it is already delicious in its simplicity. The best part is that it keeps well! Just make a big batch and store in the fridge, which makes it perfect for meal prep.

Just prepare in advance and enjoy over pasta!

For this recipe (again, if you can really call it that) you will need: 

Cherry tomatoes

Fresh Basil

Olive oil

Fresh Garlic (the more the merrier) 

Thyme

Salt and Pepper to taste

Cut the tomatoes in half, dice the basil leaves and thyme, an crush the garlic together in a bowl.

Add olive oil, salt, and pepper, then mix everything together. 

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and leave it overnight at room temperature. This will allow all the flavors to marry together. 

Then all you do is pour it over pasta whenever you're ready to enjoy it, and any extra can be stored in the fridge for days! 

This recipe is delicious, and I hope you try and enjoy it. 

Enjoy. Be Healthy. Be Happy

Beauty Review: Terre Mere Organic Vegan Skincare!

I love when I get these types of opportunities!

I recently was in contact with the skincare and cosmetics brand Terre Mere, who make high quality natural, organic, and vegan products. I was not sure of what products they would be sending me or even how many, so when I got their package in the mail I was overwhelmed!

From the packaging to the actual quality of the products, everything about this brand was luxurious.

I tried these products for 2 months before doing this review, and I am going to continue using them. For my full review see the video below!

I hope you try these products and love them as much as I do!

www.terremerecosmetics.com

Balanced Living: Why I love Juicing!

I love Juicing!!!

As if that wasn't obvious from the title....

I know that juices are really trendy right now, and everywhere is offering a juice option. Or you can always stop at one of the many pressed juice spots if you really want to get fancy. 

Despite the trendiness of it all, there are so many benefits to juicing, and I think that they are a great supplement to any diet. 

Juicing can be really tasty!

I decided to start with this because I feel like it might be the most attractive feature of the juice world.... well it would be to me. 

Juices can have the scariest sounding ingredients lists. The most nutrient rich ones boast of combinations of green leafy veggies, herbs, and 'super foods' that sound truly disgusting. I won't lie, some of them are as nasty as they sound, but they don't have to be that way. I have found that most of these ingredients do not have very strong flavors, and so the added fruit easily masks them.

Ingredients to look out for: 

Juices with citrus and cucumber tend to be refreshing, apples and beets are often used to add sweetness, and spices like ginger add to the complexity of the flavor. 

Juices do not have to be expensive! 

Those juice places are a rip off. There.... I said it. 

Juicing really isn't hat expensive. You don't need a fancy machine to get the job done (mine cost $40 and I've been using it for years), and the actual ingredients aren't that expensive. How do the juice companies stay in business? I believe it's because people think there's more to juicing than there actually is. 

My advice is to head to the store, pick up a juicer, hit the produce department, then go home and start juicing!

Is juicing even necessary? 

Nope. As with most things, juicing is not necessary. So why even bother?

1. They increase the nutrient density of your diet. 
2. Provide a way to eat those veggies that would otherwise not be a part of your diet.
3. Quick and easy, perfect for someone who's on the go. 
4. you get fed and hydrated at the same time, and get tons of fiber in the process. 
5. They just taste good! 

Are all the claims true?

If I see one more ad for 'Juice Detox' or 'Juice Cleanse' I'll scream!

Apart from the obvious nutritional benefits of juice, companies make several claims designed to lure you in and boost sales. As a scientist, I'm tired of companies claiming that juices do so many things without any science to back them up. 

Do you need to spend a bunch of money and drink only juice for a week to 'detox'? You have a liver, it's busy detoxing as you read this so..... no. 

Besides the obvious benefits, juices are not the answer to all. So while I will sing the praises of juices as a dietary supplement, I will not support any of the other claims. 

Enjoy. Be Healthy. Be Happy

March Favorites in Review!

Another month already??? ...2015 is just flying by! 

Now that we're in April and it's really Spring (FINALLY) I want to share the random things that were my favorites this past month. 

Enjoy!

YouTube | Review: Joy & Karma Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C serums

Fitness/Workout Reviews: Pilates!

Now this is a classic! At least for me. 

I remember first finding out about Pilates when I was a teenager in 6th form (Yay British school system!). My friends were telling my about Windsor Pilates, and we were all making copies of this one friend's VHS (yup, VHS) and doing the at home workouts. At the time, I didn't think much of it. I was young and had been working out for years (as a dancer). I had really great core strength and flexibility, so I found the exercises manageable and followed the program consistently for a short time. However I never stuck with it.

Years later I decided to give Pilates another shot, and boy was it a different experience... 

What to expect: 

Pilates is an intense core workout that is practiced by approximately 11 million people.  It is a full body workout that incorporates strength and flexibility, with most of the focus on the core. I personally feel like many group fitness classes only pay minimal attention to the core, so this workout    would be very different from most others. This is not a cardio class. The class uses body weight and a combination or large and small movements to strengthen and tone the muscles in your core, while improving flexibility and balance. There are different levels of difficulty in Pilates classes, and as you continue to go consistently you can begin to attend more advanced classes. 

Pilates classes come in different formats. Some classes do not use any equipment, while others use a Pilates reformer, or more common equipment like fitness balls and resistance bands. The routines are slow and simple, and though some of the moves seem complex, the classes are generally easy to follow.

What you will need:

Nothing! 

These classes will provide you with everything you need. You simply need to show up with your workout clothes (similar to what you would wear to yoga) and sneakers. Some people opt to do the classes in socks or on bare feet, it's a personal preference. 

Pros: 

1. Does not require any special gear.
2. Basic Pilates classes are offered at many gyms, and is not an expensive series of classes (relatively). 
3. A workout that focuses on and tones the abs, which could be a great addition to any fitness routine. 
4. Offered at different levels of difficulty for the enthusiast. 

Cons: 

1. More specialized Pilates studios that offer reformer classes can be pricey. 
2. More of a maintenance and toning workout than one I would suggest for weight loss. 

Summary

This class would make a great addition to any workout routine. If you're looking to challenge your abs a little more, and get a nice flat and tones stomach, I would say that these classes are definitely ones you want to look into. 

Enjoy. Be Healthy. Be Happy

Balanced Living: Meal Prepping Is My LIFE!!!

So... if you don't follow my Instagram (@yaniquesgt) you should, because I regularly post pictures like these! 

I have been meal prepping consistently for over a year now and I honestly can't remember what I did before! I simply do not have the time or the desire to cook every day and do a bunch of dishes every day either. Just having that task waiting for me when I get home is enough to move me to stop somewhere to pick up food on my way home... I know you know what I mean. 

I started meal prepping because I wanted to eat out less often so I could eat healthier and spend less money on food. Now, my reasons are endless and I've listed a few of them below. 

Reason 1: It saves money! 

I can buy groceries for an entire week with the money I would spend on one day of eating out. 

Reason 2: It's just healthier. 

It's always up to you what ingredients end up in your food that you prep yourself, so if you want to be healthy, then make healthy dishes.

Reason 3: Who likes washing dishes? 

I love the fact that I only cook once a week. This means that I break out the pots, pans, and pyrex once a week and only have to wash them once. This is great for me because dishes have got to be the worst chore ever.

Reason 4: I'm a busy person.

I simply do not have the time or the energy to cook every single day, and I know I'm not the only one.

Reason 5: It's so convenient. 

Some may argue that cooking doesn't take that much time, but it's so convenient to just reach into the fridge and grab a meal, than to decide what to make and then prepare it. This is especially helpful for meals that you take to work or elsewhere, you grab and go!

Reason 6: Why not try something fancy? 

You only cook once a week anyway, why not try that super fancy 200 ingredient dish you saw in that magazine? Go out with you planned shopping list, get your ingredients in bulk, make food for the entire week, the feast like a King... EVERY DAY!

Reason 7: It doesn't mean you have to eat the same thing every day...

Meal prepping for the week means preparing all your food at once, it doesn't mean you have to make one thing. If you are the type of person who likes variety throughout the week, then prepare two or three options! It can be from changing the vegetable or the grain, to making completely different dishes. Either way, reasons 1 - 6 still apply.

Reason 8: Didn't these pictures look delicious?

I know it's not a real reason but come on! You have to be hungry for some meal prep right now!

Enjoy. Be Healthy. Be Happy

My Recent Favorite Beauty Products!

I made a little video about my most favoritest of all favorite beauty products for the past few months.

Makeup, haircare, and skincare! 

Enjoy!

Fitness/Workout Reviews: Crossfit!

Let the Craziness begin!

I recently read an article where crossfit was called the 'Scientology of workouts' and that is just dripping with honesty. I mean seriously, of all the workout formats that have a large and dedicated following, how many are often compared to a religion or a cult?....

Now I've heard about crossfit for years but never really knew anything about it other than it was intense and expensive. So of course, when a Groupon became available for an 85% discount on 2 months of unlimited crossfit I jumped on that! I bought the deal, contacted the gym, and showed up for my first class with no clue about what was going to happen...

Now I'm not going to go into every detail of my experience or the actual workouts we did, but if you're going to start this type of workout there's a few things you should know. These are all based on my experience of course, and some things may have been specific to the gym I attended, but here goes...

What to Expect: 

Most of the workouts center around strength. There is some cardio involved, we did lots of running every workout and box jumps definitely get the heart rate up, but the majority of the workout focuses on building and toning muscle. The equipment used in cross fit is a mixture of more familiar pieces like barbells and pull-up bars (do they have a name?), and some less conventional equipment such as kettle bells, ropes, and boxes.

I found the workouts to be extremely chaotic! I love order, and I found the idea posting a WOD (workout of the day) on a chalk board, setting a timer, and saying GO, to be the weirdest setup for a group fitness class. Not to mention that I was completely annoyed by their OBSESSION with what is (IMO) the worst exercise move ever invented! The Burpee... even that word is gross.

Now with that said, I didn't completely hate it. I found the atmosphere to be competitive yet welcoming, encouraging, and friendly. The workouts are difficult to get through ( I thought I was going to die!), but when you see your progress and feel yourself getting stronger and faster it is amazing. The classes are never boring because the workouts change all the time and you go at your own pace. 

What will you need? 

I would definitely suggest weight lifting gloves from day one. Apart from gloves, all other necessary equipment will be provided at the gym. Wear regular workout clothes, and definitely wear appropriate workout shoes, and bring water... lots of water. Also, as with every workout, you should carb-up before you go to the gym so that your body has the fuel it needs to get through it. 

Pros: 

1. Fun and exciting, with a great atmosphere. 
2. Effective for weightless, and well and toning and building muscle. 
3. Full body workouts. 
4. Not heavy on technique, so easy for beginners to learn. 

Cons: 

1. Memberships at these gyms are very expensive, some are in the area of $100 a month!
2. There is not enough focus on proper workout technique in these classes. 
3. Due to the format of the workouts, they can be overwhelmingly chaotic.
4. Too many BURPEES!!! ( burpees are from Hades and need to be stopped!)

Summary

Crossfit is trendy, crossfit is expensive, cross fit is addictive. 

If none of these things bother you, then it is format that offers a full body workout that could lead to improvements for persons from any fitness level. 

Enjoy. Be Healthy. Be Happy

Some cool places to eat here and there...

These are a few of the places in Indy ( or nearby) that I think are worth visiting whether you live here or you're just visiting!

Pure Eatery

1043 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203

New Day Craft Mead & Cider

1102 Prospect St, Indianapolis, IN 46203

End of the Line Public House

1105 E Shelby St, Indianapolis, IN 46203

Function Brewing

108 E 6th St, Bloomington, IN 47408

Tow Yard Brewing

501 Madison Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46225