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By Amy Zhang March 11, 2019 in Recipes, Wellness 2 Comments

The Best Refreshing, Low-Cal, Vegan Afternoon Snack: Watermelon with Tajin

Every year as the weather gets warmer, I automatically crave lighter and healthier foods. It’s almost as if hibernation is over and my body is naturally telling me to start moving again, get some Vitamin D, and put down the box of Girl Scout Cookies (fun fact; Thin Mints are vegan). Now that I’m looking for healthier and more natural snacks, I’ve started to look for ways to make fruits and vegetables a little more exciting. That’s where watermelon with Tajin comes in. If you’ve never had watermelon with Tajin, you’re honestly missing out.

It’s one of my favorite guilt free snacks for so many reasons. Watermelon is high in fiber and filled with water, which makes it the perfect hydrating summertime snack. Add some Tajin and lime and you have a little salty, a little sweet, and a little eat. The IDEAL healthy and easy snack that you’ll want to eat all the time. I buy this from the fruit carts around LA and make it at home myself. It’s literally the easiest thing to make (my kind of cooking is “non cooking”). And although I crave it even more in the summer, I’ll eat it all year long. I love fruit and vegetables with Tajin so much. Honestly, I travel with a little bottle of Tajin in my bag. No shame there.

What is Tajin?

It’s a popular Mexican seasoning used to give foods a chili lime flavor. Tajin ingredients are simple – chili peppers, salt, dehydrated lime juice, and silicon dioxide. If you’re worried about silicon dioxide, you’ll be relieved to know that it is commonly used in foods without any side effects. According to the EPA, it falls on the second to lowest degree of toxicity rating scale. Tajin has no artificial flavors, no sugar, and no weird ingredients. If you’re worried about the ingredients in Tajin, you can replicate yourself with chili powder, salt, and fresh lime juice. Personally, I can’t get enough of the tangy flavor of Tajin. I want to put it on everything! Which brings me to my next point…

More Tajin Seasoning Uses

Truthfully, you can put Tajin on anything you would put seasoning on. The best part is, it can be used with sweet AND savory foods. It’s slightly salty and spicy, but not so much that it’s overpowering. Also, if you love the chili lime flavor, you will like it on pretty much anything. The most popular use is on fresh fruits and vegetables. I love it with watermelon the most, but it also is amazing with mango, oranges, other melons, jicama, coconut, and cucumber. For my favorite spicy fruit salad with Tajin, check out this post.

Anytime you use chili powder, salt, or lime in a recipe, you can add or substitute Tajin. The spicy seasoning also works as a marinade for seafood or meats. It also works well with Bloody Marys and Micheladas. As far as seasonings go, Tajin is SO versatile. It adds spice and flavor to so many dishes. You can get it at pretty much any grocery store – try it for yourself, and let me know what you think!

By Amy Zhang March 6, 2019 in Wellness 4 Comments

The Best Plant Based Substitutes For Whatever You’re Craving

Working on transitioning to a primarily plant-based diet has meant finding substitutes for things that were once staples in my diet. While I initially thought the switch would be difficult, it’s actually been surprisingly easier than I anticipated. Fortunately for me, plant-based food has come a LONG way and there are so many easy, healthy plant-based swaps for pretty much anything you are craving. Gone are the days of relying on french fries and Oreos as a vegan option in the grocery store or at restaurants. If you’re looking to incorporate more plant-based foods in your diet and don’t know where to begin, read on for easy plant-based swaps for common foods and cravings.

The Best Plant Based Substitutes for Common Foods & Cravings

+ Eggs

This one is hard for me and I’ll admit I haven’t cut out eggs entirely. I have always loved the convenience of eggs for a protein packed meal or snack. They are on pretty much every menu and usually a safe bet for a healthy breakfast. If you’re used to having scrambled eggs for breakfast, try scrambled tofu as an easy swap. I’m still working on perfecting my own recipe, but this one has been an easy one to follow on the weekends.

+ Chocolate

I am obsessed with Hu Chocolate, which is vegan and paleo but doesn’t taste like any of those things. In fact, everyone that has tried it becomes instantly obsessed and has remarked how it “doesn’t even taste vegan.” The cashew butter + vanilla bean dark chocolate is my favorite, and I always keep some on hand, especially for *that* time of month. To be honest, I like it better than normal chocolate. Hershey’s tastes gross in comparison.

+ Burgers

Veggie burgers don’t have to taste like cardboard. If you’re feeling up for it, you can make a pretty tasty and easy version at home – we’ve made black bean and quinoa burgers at home and really liked them. I tend to buy frozen patties to keep in the freezer and cook when I’m in a bind – I love stocking up on ones from Trader Joe’s or a Beyond Meat burger if I want something heartier. If you’re trying to avoid carbs, you can throw a patty over a bed of lettuce and add sliced avocado and you have a healthy meal with a balance of good fats and protein. If veggie burgers freak you out, I can tell you a portobello mushroom cap makes a killer substitute as well.

+ Store Bought Dressings & Sauces

Homemade is best, but for the convenience factor we keep some pre made ones on hand. Follow Your Heart makes some of my favorites – they have a killer ranch dressing that I put on everything. I’m also obsessed with B*tchin’ Sauce – it’s a hummus like sauce made out of almonds and it tastes so good with everything. The spicy version is my favorite with raw veggies or as a marinade for tofu (perfect for stir fry!). YUM.

+ Milk

I’m not the biggest dairy fan, so I was happy to find out that pretty much all grocery stores carry decent dairy replacements. There are so many non dairy milk alternatives available – almond, cashew, oat, soy milk, etc. Oat milk is super trendy right now and it’s for good reason – if you like the thickness of dairy milk in your coffee you will love oat milk. For smoothies and protein shakes at home, I usually use almond milk.

+ Cheese

Vegan cheeses have come a long way but they still aren’t as close to the real thing. That said, I’ve had some amazing vegan mac & cheese over the past year so I am convinced they will get there! There are some nut based cheese substitutes that are creamy and delicious, but keep in mind these are very calorically dense from all of the ground nuts. Not a reason to avoid them, but just keep that in mind – remember, eating plant based foods does not give you a free pass to eat whatever you want!! Nutritional yeast is also a vegan pantry essential for giving a rich umami flavor to plant-based dishes.

+ Ice cream

if you like coconut you are in luck. Coconut ice cream is delicious – the texture is as creamy as dairy based ice cream. Of course, even vegan ice cream is still ice cream, so this is better consumed in moderation.

+ Ground Meat

If you like to cook at home, you will want some convincing meat substitutes. A lot of recipes call for ground meat, and we have been experimenting with lentils, chopped mushrooms, and crumbled tempeh and other meat substitutes. Trader Joe’s has a surprisingly delicious soyrizo (meatless chorizo) that is amazing in breakfast wraps and vegan chili.

+ Seafood

Coconut makes a very convincing seafood substitute. I’ve made coconut ceviche at home before – perfect for the summer – but I recently also had coconut calamari at Cafe Gratitude in Los Angeles, and it was honestly some of the best calamari I’ve ever had.

+ Butter

Coconut oil is your best friend for cooking or baking. If you want more a butter taste and texture, Earth Balance also comes in handy when you want to bake.

For the times when we don’t feel like cooking at home, we also have some go-to spots for a plant based meal. Here are some of my favorite plant-based restaurants in Los Angeles.

Favorite Restaurants in Los Angeles for Plant-Based Options

+ The Butcher’s Daughter

My go-to pick for breakfast or lunch in Venice. Not only is the restaurant super Instagram worthy, the coffee is strong and the food is healthy and delicious. Also great for people watching on Abbot Kinney.

+ Cafe Gratitude

With locations all around LA, Cafe Gratitude is a vegan staple. Some of my favorite dishes – the salads, pad thai, coconut ceviche, and smoothies. The location in Beverly Hills has a “chicken” and waffles that is to DIE for.

+ Gracias Madre

From the same owners as Cafe Gratitude but with a Mexican menu. I’ve always found the food to be slightly overpriced and mediocre (sorry!!), but their spicy margaritas are some of my favorite and the patio is a great spot to catch up with friends over a drink and some chips and guacamole.

+ Monty’s Good Burger

Basically vegan In-n-Out. This burger is legit vegan fast food at its finest. It’s almost freaky how much this burger tastes like the real thing, but everything on the menu is 100% vegan. If you’re looking for a vegan cheat meal, this is it.

+ Green Table Cafe

Just discovered this cute cafe on Pico and it might be one of my new favorite spots to work and hang out for the day. Their smoothie bowls (pictured above) are filling and the salads are vibrant and fresh. Everything you would want in a neighborhood cafe.

+ Vegan Glory

When my boyfriend and I are craving Asian food, this is our go-to. The food comes out quickly and you leave without the greasy feeling of Chinese food. The menu is massive and slightly overwhelming, but you can’t go wrong with one of the rice or noodle dishes.

+ Araya’s

Comforting vegan Thai food. This cozy neighborhood spot makes the best Tom Yum soup, curries, and stir fried noodles,

+ Erewhon

Not technically a restaurant but I frequent this place more than I care to admit. The hot food bar is my go-to, you can pick from a variety of salads and entrees, but the most notable vegan options are the buffalo cauliflower (I could eat this every damn day) and the vegan lasagna. Wander the store for every vegan snack and ingredient imaginable – it is a wellness junkie’s heaven.

+ Van Leeuwen

Can’t forget about dessert!! Most ice cream shops in Los Angeles will have a vegan option, these are usually coconut cream based. Van Leeuwen has my favorite flavors that don’t all seem to have the same coconut base but you should not have too hard of a time finding a sweet vegan treat in this city.

A vegetarian or plant-based diet does not have to be difficult! You can still eat a balanced, satisfying diet without having any cravings. Whether you are looking for store bought options or want to enjoy a nice meal out of the home, eating a plant-based diet has never been easier or tastier. What are some of your go-to restaurants or cooking tips for a plant-based meal?

By Amy Zhang March 2, 2019 in Wellness 31 Comments

Switching Up Your AM Caffeine Boost: Yerba Mate vs. Coffee

Yerba Mate vs. Coffee | by The Luxi Look

Guys. Caffeine addictions are real. Some days I wake up and feel refreshed and ready to tackle the new day, other times I just want to lay in bed all day. While it’s true that most of us get use a little more sleep and self-care in our lives, the reality is a lot of us are overworked and overcommitted. Most days, the first thing I usually reach for Monday morning is a giant cup of coffee.

I was never a huge coffee drinker for the majority of my life, I’ve developed quite the coffee addiction over the past few years. I guess that happens when you’re trying to juggle all these different projects and tasks. Needless to say, I’ve found caffeine to be my BFF. Lately though, I’ve been going for yerba mate in the morning. Same boost of caffeine but different source. Let’s talk yerba mate vs. coffee.

What is yerba mate?

Yerba mate is a popular South American tea that is described as having “the strength of coffee, the health benefits of tea, and the euphoria of chocolate.” In fact, it is significantly more popular than coffee in several South American countries. The reason for this? Yerba mate not only gives an energy boost from caffeine, it also has tons of other health benefits. In addition, Yerba mate is claimed to give a better energy boost, enhance mental clarity and alertness, and overall improve your health.

Yerba mate vs. coffee

Yerba mate is not only claimed to be better for you than coffee, it’s also been proven to be healthier than green tea. Also, Yerba mate is filled with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Turns out this little beverage is a nutritional powerhouse! A couple reasons why yerba mate is better for you than coffee:

+ A smoother, calmer caffeine boost. Ever feel jittery from drinking coffee? Yerba mate doesn’t cause this. You’ll get the energy boost without the negative side effects that can come from drinking coffee.

+ Easier on the digestive system than coffee.

+ Yerba mate can boost your immune system.

+ Can help with weight loss.

My experience with yerba mate

I’ve been drinking yerba mate (but still having coffee occasionally) for the past few months. My verdict? Yerba mate is an easy drinking tea that provides a gentle boost of energy (and somehow doesn’t keep me up at night) and helps me focus at work. I love sipping on the tea throughout the day – it’s become a bit of a workday ritual. I don’t have a caffeine crash and because each cup of mate has less caffeine than a cup of coffee (80 mg in mate vs. 100+ in a cup of coffee) I don’t get caffeine jitters.

Not only is the tea cheap, it’s super easy to brew. I use a loose leaf tea infuser and steep the leaves in hot water for 3 minutes before drinking. Much easier than the process of hand grinding coffee beans and making coffee in the morning on those days when I just need some caffeine as soon as I wake up. In fact, going to brew a cup right now ; ).

xx, Amy

You might also like … How to Stay Grounded, Long Weekend Detox: What to Drink and The Ingredients You Should Look For, and Boosting Your Immunity.

By Amy Zhang January 23, 2019 in Lifestyle, Travel, Wellness 3 Comments

Staying Healthy When Traveling for Work

At this point I am no stranger to work travel (2 years in consulting, and a new job that also consists of some travel). O – I can sleep on flights and find other ways to occupy my time (lately I have been making good progress on my reading list) and I’m able to get into a decent routine when I’m away from home. However, one thing that has always been a bit of a challenge for me when traveling is sticking to my usual healthy routine. I’m still working on this. But over the years I’ve picked up a few guidelines I like to follow when I travel for work to stay healthy and not fall of the wagon.

Tips & tricks for staying healthy when traveling for work

+ Drink water

The most obvious one but also the most important. Flying is rough on your skin, body, immune system, digestion, and more. I always bring a reusable water bottle or buy one at the airport (yes, it’s overpriced but also worth it) and aim for at least a glass of water for every hour on the plane. Proper hydration is so, so important when you’re putting your body through the stress of traveling. And it’s easy to forget to drink water. Staying hydrated will help with the gross recirculated plane air, dry skin, and help you regulate digestion. It’ll also keep you full, which brings me to my next key point –

+ Avoid plane food as much as you can.

It’s filled with tons of SALT (your taste buds change at high elevations, so the food requires way more salt to give it any discernible flavor) and preservatives. No thank you. I’ll admit I’ve caved on recent flights and left feeling bloated and gross. No Bueno. Ideally bring your own snacks/meal or prepare to fast for the duration of your trip. You’ll feel a lot better for it. On a similar note, I try to avoid alcohol when I’m flying as well.

+ Try to get enough sleep

If you’re crossing time zones this can be tricky, I find a little melatonin or magnesium usually does the trick, but you may have to experiment with other methods.

+ Find the nearest Whole Foods

When I was traveling a lot to more obscure cities, the first thing I always did was try to locate a Whole Foods or health food store because I knew I would be able to pick up healthy prepared foods and snacks there. Some of my staples are the hot bar and salad bar, kombucha, and fruit. Work travel often consists of some more indulgent dinners out, so balancing with lighter, healthier meals helps you stay healthy when you’re on the road.

+ Eat plant based when possible

This is something I started incorporating this year.

My boyfriend and I set a goal to be “weekday vegan” which essentially is around eating plant based when possible (80% of the time) and treating meat as a luxury. I’m not claiming to be a vegan nor do I want to offend actual vegans. But I am actively working on cutting down my consumption of meat and dairy. Fish is another story, but that is also mostly reserved for weekends now. I’ll go into this more in another post. However, this has been easier than I anticipated and has helped me eat healthier during the week in general since the vegetarian/vegan option tends to be the healthiest on most menus.

+ Find ways to squeeze in hotel gym workouts

I am lucky to be traveling between LA and NYC at the moment and have an abundance of gyms and boutique fitness options to choose from. However, when I was traveling as a consultant I was not always so lucky. If you’re not highly motivated in the gym or following a pre set program it can be hard to work out effectively in the gym. More often than not, I found myself working out aimlessly on cardio machines and half-assing weights. My recommendation would be to find a program you like. (There are so many apps and e-books out there these days). And try to stick to those. I’m not a fitness expert by any means, so I would rather listen to one and let them guide me.

As I said, this has been a challenge for me in the past and is something I am very focused on this year. I find that I feel my best and do my best work when I feel healthy and active! My eating and exercise habits have changed so much over the past 5 years. Wellness has become a huge part of my life. What are some ways you stay healthy when you’re on the road?

By Amy Zhang December 1, 2018 in Wellness 1 Comment

WTF is SUNFLOWER LECITHIN & What are the Benefits?

Today I want to dive into the topic of sunflower lecithin. Have you heard of it? Maybe you’ve heard the word lecithin at the least? I promise it’s more fun than it sounds! It’s a fairly well-known term used to describe naturally occurring tissues, both in the body and in plants, made of fatty acids. Although the body produces it, it needs additional amounts for optimal health. This is why it’s made into a supplement from various foods, most commonly soybeans. Today, though, I want to focus on sunflower lecithin specifically.

Although the benefits are virtually the same, the main difference between consuming sunflower lecithin and soybean lecithin is the extraction process. Those that are avoiding genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, which are very common with soybeans, tend to prefer sunflower lecithin. Chemicals can also be used during the harvest of lecithin from soybeans because it is more difficult to extract the lecithin from a soybean versus a sunflower seed. Definitely sounds like sunflower lecithin is the way to go (and I haven’t even gotten into the benefits yet)!

To dive a little deeper into what sunflower lecithin actually is before explaining its alleged benefits, I did some research. It’s slightly dense but super interesting! Basically, lecithin is a substance found within tissues that acts as an emulsifier. It is beneficial from a health perspective because it’s a grouping of phospholipids containing choline (a “vitamin-like essential nutrient”), which processes fat, cholesterol and helps maintain cell function.

OK! Now that we have some background info, let’s get to the benefits, because that’s what we’re all here for right?

Benefits of sunflower lecithin

Lowers cholesterol

This is definitely one of the most talked about health benefits of lecithin. How I understand it is, in the bloodstream, there is good cholesterol and bad. The properties of lecithin allow it to work to balance these out, which can ultimately improve your heart health according to some studies. This means your chance of heart attack and stroke is reduced, along with the need for long-term prescriptions for cholesterol management.

Brain function

According to this study, there is a positive link between cognitive function and lecithin intake. The phospholipids presented in lecithin, specifically choline, can increase or even repair neurological damage. It’s also used to treat and help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. So this means taking a lecithin supplement daily could really improve your brain health. Yes please!

Breastfeeding

If you’re a breastfeeding mama that has struggled with clogged ducts, The Canadian Breastfeeding Foundation conducted a study that showed lecithin could potentially prevent the clogging of ducts while breastfeeding. It recommends taking a lecithin supplement, which essentially thins the milk slightly, along with practicing other remedies like massaging and using warm compresses to reduce clogs. I’m obviously not here yet, but keeping this in mind for the future.

Digestion

Because lecithin has “emulsifying qualities,” according to this study, it can help in easing ulcerative colitis. It essentially helps build the mucus layer in your intestine, which in turn protects the delicate lining of the digestive system. This can also be beneficial for those that suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. You may want to consult a doctor on this, though, because if taken too frequently lecithin could actually have adverse effects on the gastrointestinal system.

Liver and gallbladder health

The choline in lecithin helps to dissolve excess fats, which is very helpful for good liver health. When the liver becomes overloaded with fats and tries to process too many at a time, you may be at risk for liver disease. Taking lecithin can help regulate this and keep your liver and gallbladder in good shape.

Moisturizes skin

Some people actually apply lecithin directly onto their skin and use it as a moisturizer (more on use and application below). Why? Lecithin is actually used as an ingredient in a lot of skincare products because it can add a creamy texture. It’s also been noted that if you use lecithin alone and apply it directly to the skin it can help with acne and eczema. Perfect for summer skin!

Immune system

Thanks to two of the other phospholipids found in lecithin (outside of choline), phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylethanolamine, it’s loaded with antioxidants. This means lecithin can help speed up your recovery and prevent illnesses and infections from the beginning. It also adds some anti-aging benefits, which is never a bad thing.

Types of sunflower lecithin and where to buy it

Sunflower lecithin comes in a couple different forms, namely liquid and powder. The liquid version is most commonly put into a capsule that you can swallow as part of a regular supplement routine. Although who’s to say you can’t use the liquid directly on your skin like mentioned above.

The powder form is most commonly mixed into coffees, smoothies, shakes, etc.. Really anything that would benefit from lecithin’s creamy texture. If you want to give a lecithin smoothie a try, this recipe sounds delicious!

Superfood Chocolate Smoothie

Adapted from Holistic Wellness

1 cups coconut milk

1 tbsp sunflower lecithin

1/2 banana

1 tbsp collagen

1 tbsp cacao powder / cocoa powder

Ice as needed

Add all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Add additional milk or ice until you reach your desired consistency. Enjoy!

Sunflower lecithin is a very interesting supplement and there’s no doubt there’s tons of information out there on the topic. Have you ever tried it out and experienced its benefits?

I’d love to hear any thoughts on the topic!

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