The Skin-Hair-Nutrition Connection

Our skin and hair reflect our overall health, and the nutrients we provide our bodies play a pivotal role in maintaining their vitality. Essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants obtained through a well-balanced diet contribute to the health and appearance of our skin and hair.

1. Vitamins for Vibrant Skin

Vitamin C: Known for its antioxidant properties, vitamin C supports collagen production, promoting skin elasticity and preventing signs of aging.

Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant, vitamin E protects the skin from environmental damage and helps maintain a healthy complexion.

Vitamin A: Essential for skin cell turnover, vitamin A supports the renewal of skin cells, contributing to a smoother and more youthful appearance.

2. Minerals for Hair Strength

Iron: Anemia, often caused by iron deficiency, can lead to hair loss. Incorporate iron-rich foods like spinach, lentils, and lean meats to support hair health.

Zinc: Essential for hair growth, zinc helps maintain the health of hair follicles and prevents hair loss. Include sources such as nuts, seeds, and whole grains in your diet.

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Skin and Scalp

Omega-3s: Found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, omega-3 fatty acids contribute to skin hydration, reduce inflammation, and support a healthy scalp.

4. Hydration for Skin Elasticity

Water: Staying adequately hydrated is crucial for skin elasticity and overall skin health. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day to maintain hydration from the inside out.

5. Antioxidants for Overall Skin Health

Green Tea: Rich in antioxidants, green tea helps protect the skin from UV damage and supports overall skin health.

Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, and other berries are packed with antioxidants that combat free radicals, promoting youthful-looking skin.

Incorporating Beauty-Boosting Foods

1. Colorful Fruits and Vegetables

Include a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables in your diet to ensure a diverse range of vitamins and antioxidants that contribute to radiant skin.

2. Lean Proteins

Opt for lean protein sources such as fish, poultry, tofu, and legumes to support collagen production and maintain hair strength.

3. Whole Grains

Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats provide essential nutrients, including B vitamins, that contribute to healthy skin and hair.

4. Healthy Fats

Incorporate sources of healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, and olive oil, to support skin hydration and overall skin health.

5. Probiotics

Probiotics found in yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods contribute to a healthy gut, which is linked to clearer skin and a balanced complexion.

Beauty truly does come from within, and the impact of nutrition on your skin and hair health cannot be overstated. By nourishing our bodies with a balanced and nutrient-rich diet, we not only support our overall well-being but also cultivate a natural radiance that shines through in our skin and hair. So, the next time you think about your beauty routine, don’t forget to consider the plate on your table as an essential component of your skincare and haircare regimen. After all, beauty truly begins from the inside out.

As the years pass, our skincare needs evolve, requiring a thoughtful and adaptable approach to maintain healthy and radiant skin. Check out our skincare tips for aging gracefully:  Aging Gracefully: Skincare and Beauty Tips for Every Age

The post Beauty from Within: The Impact of Nutrition on Your Skin and Hair appeared first on Got Glam?.

As we age, our bodies undergo changes that make it more difficult to shed excess weight, particularly around the belly area. This has become a growing concern for many, as weight gain can increase the risk of developing diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Fortunately, there may be a way to combat this issue. Let’s take a closer look at this diet and how it can help.

What is the Mediterranean Diet?

Brief history and origin

The Mediterranean diet has its roots in the coastal regions of Greece, Italy, and Spain. It is inspired by the dietary patterns and lifestyle habits of people living in those areas. The diet has been prevalent for hundreds of years and was first introduced in the 1960s by American nutritionist, Ancel Keys.

Components of the diet

The Mediterranean diet includes a plentiful intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. It also recommends a moderate consumption of fish, poultry, dairy, and eggs. Red meat and sweets are, however, limited in the diet. The diet also emphasizes on consuming healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocados, and nuts, in moderation. Wine is also allowed in moderation, but it is not compulsory. The diet recommends consuming water as the primary beverage.

This diet is not just about what you eat but also how you eat. People who follow the diet have a preference for home-cooked meals, eating together with friends and family, and taking time to enjoy the meal in a relaxed environment. The Mediterranean lifestyle consists of physical activity, a balanced diet, and social engagement, which studies have shown can reduce the risk of chronic disease.

The Study

The Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea-Plus (PREDIMED-Plus) study, published in JAMA Network Open, evaluated whether the Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. A subset of the investigation concentrated on assessing the Mediterranean diet’s impact on body composition changes after three years.

Methodology and design

The study included 1,521 middle-aged and older participants who were overweight or had obesity and metabolic syndrome. The subjects were divided into two groups. The first followed the Mediterranean diet while reducing calorie intake and increasing physical activity. The second followed the Mediterranean diet without calorie restrictions or changes in physical activity. The two groups were assessed for changes in body composition over a three-year duration.

After one year, the participants in the first group experienced significant changes in their body composition, including a 5% or greater improvement in fat mass, visceral (belly) fat mass, and loss of lean muscle mass. This study highlights the effectiveness of this diet in addressing the issues of belly fat and muscle loss in older individuals.

The study’s results demonstrated that an energy-reduced Mediterranean diet and increased physical activity reduced age-related weight gain and muscle loss. Apart from reducing belly fat and preventing muscle loss, the diet exhibited unique health advantages compared to other diets.

Other Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet

Apart from weight loss and muscle preservation, the Mediterranean Diet has a range of other benefits that include reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. This diet is also associated with increased cognitive function and longevity.

It’s time to switch to a healthy lifestyle with the Mediterranean Diet. The best part? The diet is easy to follow and doesn’t require you to give up your favorite foods. So, why not give it a try and reap the benefits yourself!

How to Switch to the Mediterranean Lifestyle

If you’re thinking about switching to a Mediterranean diet, it’s essential to make the transition gradually. You can’t expect to cut out all processed foods and start eating a Mediterranean diet overnight. Consider making small changes like switching to whole grain bread, using olive oil, and incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and nuts into your meals.

Another crucial step is to look for substitutes for processed foods. For instance, try using spices like oregano, parsley, and basil to flavor your meals instead of relying on packaged seasoning mixes. Drink plenty of water, and limit your consumption of sugary drinks and alcohol, which can lead to weight gain.

Lastly, it’s essential to combine the diet with exercise. Walking, swimming, and yoga are excellent activities to complement your diet and keep yourself healthy.

Mediterranean Diet Misconceptions

It’s quite common to misjudge diets based on insufficient knowledge, and Mediterranean diet is no exception. People often think that all cuisines in Mediterranean countries have the same diet, which is far from the truth. They also think the diet is expensive and difficult to follow, which is not true either. While the diet does involve certain food groups and recommended serving sizes, it doesn’t have to be pocket-draining or challenging to prepare.

Lastly, people assume that there is a lack of variety in the meals consumed in the diet, but it’s quite the opposite. With an emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats, the  diet offers a plethora of options that can please even the pickiest of eaters.

We hope to bust some common myths surrounding the Mediterranean diet and encourage readers to give it a try without hesitation!

Final Thoughts

The Mediterranean diet is a healthy and delicious way of life that offers numerous benefits. Not only does it combat belly fat and muscle loss caused by aging, but it also reduces the risk of chronic diseases and improves overall well-being.

However, it is essential to remember that healthy eating is just one part of a healthy lifestyle. Along with a balanced diet, regular physical activity, stress management, and quality sleep are essential for optimal health.

So, whether you’re looking to improve your health or simply want to try new and exciting foods, the Mediterranean diet is undoubtedly worth considering. And let’s not forget that healthy eating can also be enjoyable! Life is too short not to indulge in delicious food that does you good. So, give the Mediterranean lifestyle a try and see how it positively impacts your life!

The post Good News! Mediterranean Diet Can Combat Belly Fat and Muscle Loss Caused by Aging appeared first on Got Glam?.

Video Overview

Occupy Your Mind:

1. Learn a New Skill: Being out of work is hard! However, maybe this will offer you the perfect chance to change the course of your life, if you so desire. There are thousands of classes on line that teach skills. If you are currently unable to work, make time to develop a skill that has always been of interest to you. Take up woodworking, painting, drawing, photography or writing. Learn to play an instrument or improve your skill in an instrument you already have. Take notice of the things that are beautiful to you and find a way to make it into something more. For instance, if you love a specific photograph that hangs in your home try to put it on canvas. It may not be perfect, but it will take up some of your time and may bring you unexpected joy.
2. Tease your Brain: Try out a puzzle, learn a new board or card game. Do things away from the screen.  For instance, if you enjoy figuring things out, learn how to change the oil in your car, or repair a mechanical issue. Start a blog or a YouTube channel on something you are passionate about.  There are so many resources you can use to exercise your brain while away from work or spending time at home.
3. Many people find joy in music: Music makes people happy. Throw on some headphones or blast the radio while you are sitting around, running, dancing or even doing a chores. Music will instantly lift your mood. There are many opportunities to have a “private” concert with a favorite artist as people are taking to Instagram and Twitter to share their talents. Take advantage of this. Try a different genre of music that takes you on a journey, Spanish or French music,for instance, can transport you to another place.  There are even orchestral performances that have free concerts throughout the next few months. There is no better time to be able to see these beautiful works of art than from your home office.
4. Podcasts: There are thousands of podcasts out there. You could probably get through a few of them from start to finish with this quarantine. Pick a few favorites to listen to when nothing else seems to be working. One of my favorites is My Favorite Murder. A comedy murder podcast.  It takes a little getting used to, but if its your cup of tea, it will entertain for hours. You could also take up audio books. They are a great way to listen to your favorite books while working around the house, in the care or even as you are falling asleep. Your local library has an app that you can download and get audio books for free, or you can use one of the many services available with a subscription.
5. Get Your Virtual Tour On: There have been posts popping up all over the place with museums, farms, and even the Sistine Chapel offering free virtual tours.  This a perfect way to exercise your mind and keep your spirits up by focusing on the beauty that exists in this world.
6. Be Grateful: I know its hard to do when we are all worried about our health, our jobs, the economy and the world in general. But take a minute to start a gratitude journal. Try to write down one thing a day. You may be surprised at everything you have to be grateful for.

Occupy Your Body:

1. Organize/Clean: Its about the time for spring cleaning. Take this extra “mandated” time at home to get rid of things that don’t bring you joy as Marie Kondo would suggest. Old paperwork, photos, books, etc. Create something with them or remove them from your life. When you take time to de-clutter your home, your mind will often take the journey as well and you are better able to focus on work, friends, family or whatever else matters most to you.
2. Make-up Tutorials: Again, there are thousands of make-up tutorials to occupy your time. You can go from frumpy work from home (like me) to glam in a matter of minutes. Give it a shot. You may just impress someone. Plus, despite how it feels, this won’t last forever, you will eventually get back to real life, and work.
3. Lose that weight you have been stressing about using exercise. No joke. You don’t get to see your crush for a month. Make that month matter. Exercise at home with these at home exercise videos for beginners or get more intense with videos for a more intermediate level. You can even try dancing. Get outside for a hike or run. There are so many options outside of the gym.
4. Make food at home and learn what you can about what is most nutritious for your body. While everyone has the same general guidelines, make decisions that work for you and your body. Use this month to eat healthier. There is not a pressing reason to go out to eat, so try to avoid it. Make food at home and learn what you can about what is most nutritious for your body. While everyone has the same general guidelines, make decisions that work for you and your body.
5. Find New Recipes: There are a million and one bloggers out there offering copy-cat recipes for your favorite menu items, healthier versions of your favorite foods, and brand new recipes you may have never even considered.  This is an awesome time to up your cooking/baking game. Impress a significant other or spouse by creating a beautiful version of their favorite food, or find a new favorite. The possibilities are literally endless.
6. Learn to Garden: There is no better time to learn about gardening. This can prove beneficial to your health, and your food storage. Having healthy, home grown fruits and vegetables to eat will make a world of difference in your both your mental state and overall well-being. Even if you don’t think you have a green thumb, do some research and you may find a method that works for you. Create an indoor garden if you are renting or don’t have the space for a real outdoor garden.

The post 12 Self-Quarantine To-Dos to Occupy Yourself appeared first on Got Glam?.

Although avocados are available at grocery stores pretty much year round now, their true season is from April to September with a very large amount of the country’s source being San Diego, in fact over 85% of the entire country’s avocados are hand grown in California! So as a true Californian, one should have a large repertoire of recipes at their disposal, especially for hosting your summer parties!

This particular avocado recipe is great as an appetizer to a vegan meal, in my opinion because avocados are so filling and vegan meals aren’t always so satisfying for some, so this creates a nice balance. But this alluring fruit is so aesthetically fabulous that it will be the center of attention at any gathering.

Video Overview

I love cooking with avocados because of their versatile taste making eating healthy so enjoyable. Topped with juicy veggies like cherry tomatoes and cucumbers mixed with the tanginess tart of lemons create a mix of sensations for the senses.

Organic Ingredients for the Grilled Avocado Appetizer Recipe:

DIRECTIONS:

Turn on your grill and preheat on medium.

In medium saucepan boil water. Add quinoa and cook for ten minutes or until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water in a fine colander. Let it sit and dry.

In a small glass bowl, mix lemon juice, vinegar, smashed garlic and salt together and let it sit for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the garlic and add in olive oil and whisk to make oil.

Brush oil onto avocados and put avocados on the preheated grill, open side down cook until charred and take off grill.

Combine everything (except the avocado) in a medium bowl and toss to make avocado filling. Add salt and pepper to preference. Place avocado filling in halved avocado and arrange nicely and serve!

Enjoy!

Makes 6 servings.

Takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to prepare/cook.

The post Glam Grilled Avocado Appetizer Recipe- Gluten Free & Vegan appeared first on Got Glam?.

Losing weight is never easy. Making healthy food choices and getting regular exercise can seem like a daunting task. The good news is that just making a few small changes in your eating habits can help cut calories without leaving you feeling deprived. Here are some of the easiest ways to reduce your caloric intake without actually having to go on a diet.

Video Overview

Drink lots of water

Often times we think we are hungry when are body is actually in need of water. Keeping yourself hydrated is essential to any effective weight-loss plan. Drink eight ounces of water first thing in the morning to start your day off right and when hunger pangs pop up between meal times try drinking a glass of water and waiting a few minutes to make sure you are actually hungry before seeking out a snack.

Opt for portion-controlled snacks

It can be hard to keep track of how much you are consuming when you sit down to a whole bag of chips or box of crackers. Before snacking, portion out a single serving of your food to prevent mindless overeating.

Put down your fork between bites

Eating too fast is one of the major culprits behind over-indulging. Putting down your fork between bites allows you to slow down and really enjoy your food. It also gives your stomach a chance to send you the message that you are full and ready to stop eating.

Never go out hungry

If you are headed to the office party or out to dinner be sure to grab a healthy snack like almonds or an apple before you go. Arriving at an event loaded with temptation when you are starving will lower your self-control and make you more likely to overeat.

Keep unhealthy food out of sight

Studies have found that keeping snack foods in visible spots like on the counter make you much more likely to indulge than if they are hidden away in a cabinet. In their place, try leaving out healthy options like apples and bananas.

Pack half your meal to go

Eating out can be a diet disaster as entrees are usually very large and high in fat and calories. To avoid the temptation to clear your plate, ask your server to bring a to-go box with your meal so that you can pick out a reasonable portion and pack the rest away for later.

Use smaller dishes

The larger your plate or bowl the more likely you are to pile on the food. Opt for small salad plates instead of dinner sized options to automatically cut down on your portions while still feeling satisfied.

Listen to your body

Oftentimes we eat out of habit rather than hunger. If you tend to eat on a regular schedule every day you may be eating more than you really need. Try to stop watching the clock and determine if you are really hungry before eating.

Eat at home

The healthiest food will be the meals that you prepare yourself. Try to pack a lunch for the office and make yourself a healthy breakfast before you head out in the morning. You wallet and your waistline will thank you.

The post Easy ways to cut calories every day appeared first on Got Glam?.

To reduce your risk of breast cancer, the American Institute for Cancer Research recommends that you reduce your intake of red meats and processed foods and up your intake of plant based foods, making a vegan or even a vegetarian diet a powerful weapon in the fight to reduce the chances of breast cancer for our children and ourselves.

Video Overview

Vegetarian and vegan diets are filled with a variety of plant foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans, which strong evidence has shown help lower the risk for breast cancer and many other cancers as well. Even the American Institute for Cancer Research suggests filling 2/3 of your plate with vegetables, fruit, whole grains and beans.While adding certain foods to your diet can help keep cancer away, to entirely benefit from the food’s cancer fighting properties, one should also watch their entire diet.

Here are a few of the AICR’s list of foods that will increase your chances of staying breast cancer free!

Dark Green Leafy Vegetables:

Spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, leaf lettuce, mustard greens, collard greens, chicory and Swiss chard are excellent sources of fiber, folate and a wide range of carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin, along with saponins and flavonoids.

According to AICR’s second expert report, Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: A Global Perspective, foods containing carotenoids probably protect against cancers of the mouth, pharynx and larynx.

Researchers believe that carotenoids seem to prevent cancer by acting as antioxidants – that is, scouring potentially dangerous “free radicals” from the body before they can do harm. Some laboratory research has found that the carotenoids in dark green leafy vegetables can inhibit the growth of certain types of breast cancer cells, skin cancer cells, lung cancer and stomach cancer.

The Second Expert Report also noted probable evidence that foods containing folate decrease risk of pancreatic cancer and that foods containing dietary fiber probably reduce one’s chances of developing colorectal cancer.

Apples:

One apple provides at least 10 percent of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C and fiber. Dietary fiber can act in several ways to lower cancer risk, including helping with weight control. (Excess body fat increases the risk of seven different cancers, and dietary fiber can increase the feeling of fullness.) Gut bacteria can use pectin, a major portion of apples’ dietary fiber, to produce compounds that protect colon cells.

Apples also contain a variety of phytochemicals that scientists are studying for their anti-cancer effects.  The peel of the apple contains a third or more of its phytochemical compounds. About 80 percent of quercetin, for example, is located in the peel.

Whole Grains:

The term “whole grain” means that all three parts of the grain kernel (germ, bran and endosperm) are included. Refined grains usually have the bran and germ removed, leaving only the starchy endosperm. Brown rice is a whole grain, white rice is not. Other whole-grain foods include wheat breads, rolls, pasta and cereals; whole grain oat cereals such as oatmeal, popcorn, wild rice, tortilla and tortilla chips, corn, kasha (roasted buckwheat) and tabouleh (bulghur wheat).

Whole grains are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and hundreds of natural plant compounds, called phytochemicals, which protect cells from the types of damage that may lead to cancer. In addition research points to specific substances in whole grains that have been linked to lower cancer risk, including antioxidants, phenols, lignans (which is a kind of phytoestrogen) and saponins.

AICR’s second expert report, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: A Global Perspective, found probable evidence that foods containing dietary fiber, like whole grains, can decrease one’s risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Moreover, limiting energy dense foods and eating a predominantly plant-based diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans can help with weight maintenance and, in turn, may decrease your risk of developing cancer.

Dry Beans and Peas (Legumes):

There are several ways in which legumes may act to prevent cancer.

A serving of legumes provide at least 20 percent of the recommended daily amount of folate and fiber. Dietary fiber can act in several ways to lower cancer risk, including helping with weight control. (Excess body fat increases the risk of seven cancers.) Gut bacteria feed on fiber, which produces compounds that may protect colon cells. And folate is essential for healthy DNA and maintaining control of cell growth.

Dry beans, split peas and other legumes also contain a variety of phytochemicals that scientists are studying for their anti-cancer effects.

Happy Preventing!

The post Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer with a Vegan Diet! appeared first on Got Glam?.

I don’t know about everybody else out there but the ingredients of the nonstick sprays on the market do not sound very healthy or natural. See an example at the end of this page.

Ingredients:

• 3 fl oz of Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 5 fl oz filtered water
• Clear spray bottle.

DIRECTIONS:

*3 to 5 parts Extra Virgin Olive Oil to filtered water.

Mix ingredients in an 8 fl oz spray bottle which you can buy cheap at your local drug store. Shake well before each use.
Store in the refrigerator and use within one week.

Enjoy!

Number of Servings: 16.

Takes about 5 minutes total for this Recipe.

• Calories: 45.0
• Protein: 0.0 g.
• Fat: 5.3 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 mg.
• Cholesterol: 0.0 mg.
• Carbs: 0.0 g.
• Sodium: 0.1 mg.
• Fiber 0.0 g.

*Of course with any recipe, nutrition facts may be a bit different based on what food brands you use.

*Here is a breakdown of what your using when you buy the average store bought cooking spray.

I am going to use PAM Non-Stick Cooking Spray’s ingredients as an example.

PAM Non-Stick Cooking Spray’s ingredients from the bottle and what the ingredients actually are:

• Soybean Oil (Adds a Trivial Amount of Fat) = Processed soybean oil (high in omega 6 fats, do your own research).
• Lecithin from Soybeans = a substance that is extracted from soybeans using a solvent such as hexane, and it’s a by-product of soybean oil. Traces of hexane have been found in foods processed this way, do your own research.
• Wheat Flour = A “wheat flour” or “enriched wheat flour” ingredient is technically no different than white flour. Manufacturers take whole-grain wheat, strip out 11 vitamins and minerals, then add synthetic chemicals that represent only four vitamins and one mineral. Look up health consequences of eating wheat flour.
• Silicon Dioxide = Silicon Dioxide is a popular additive in many food handling processes. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “human health risk from exposure to silicon dioxide and silica gel is low. These pesticides are of moderate to low acute toxicity. Dietary exposure is believed to be insignificant from a toxicological standpoint. Research.
  
• Natural and Artificial Flavor = Processed! Processed foods are almost entirely stripped of their flavors during processing which leaves the food in need of additives/ chemically man-made flavors. Natural flavors and artificial flavors sometimes contain the exact same chemicals, just produced through different methods. A natural flavor is not necessarily more healthy or purer than an artificial one.
  The US Food and Drug Administration says this; The term natural flavor or natural flavoring means the essential oil, oleoresin,

essence or extractive, protein hydrolysate, distillate, or any product of roasting, heating or enzymolysis, which contains the flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof, whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional.
So as long as you start with a natural ingredient, you can do whatever the heck you want with it, and the end result, regardless of how many solvents you used or how you processed it, will be labeled as a “natural flavor.”
All these flavors are proprietary. Meaning the manufacturers have no legal obligation to disclose what’s in them, as long as the chemicals are Generally Recognized As Safe…that’s it!

• TBHQ (Preservative)Propellant = A Consumer’s Dictionary of Food Additives states that TBHQ is a form of butane (i.e. lighter fluid) the FDA allows processors to use sparingly in our food.

Um, no thanks!

If that isn’t a reason to use olive oil, I don’t know what is!

The post DIY Organic Vegan Nonstick Cooking Spray appeared first on Got Glam?.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of organic veggie broth
• 2 tsp. of organic curry powder, divided
• 1 cup of organic dry lentils, rinsed and drained
• 2 garlic cloves, minced or 1/2 tsp. of garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp. organic smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp. organic olive oil, divided
• (8 oz.) organic eggplants, trimmed, cut into slices 1/2 inch thick
• 1 cup organic diced cucumber
• 1/2 cup organic diced red bell pepper
• 2 tbsp. organic red wine vinegar
• 5-oz. organic arugula leaves

DIRECTIONS:

Rinse the lentils under running water and remove any dirt. Soak in filtered water for 30 minutes prior to using them.

In a non-stick saucepan bring broth, lentils, 1 teaspoon of the curry powder and garlic to boiling; reduce heat to low. Cook, covered, but leave the lid ajar a bit so that they don’t boil over. Check on them occasionally to make sure the water has not boiled down below the level of the lentils and add more as needed for 15 to 20 minutes or until lentils are tender. Remove from heat; let stand 10 minuets. Drain excess liquid.

Tips for cooking lentils:

The lentils are done when they are tender and can be mashed easily. It usually takes about 30-40 minutes for them to cook, older lentils take longer to cook, so it’s best to just test them to decide when they are ready.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine paprika and remaining 1 tsp. of curry powder. Brush 2 teaspoons of the oil on eggplant slices. Sprinkle evenly with paprika mixture.

Coat grill rack with my vegan homemade non-stick  cooking spray.  Preheat eggplant slices on grill. Grill 2 to 4 minutes per side or just until tender. Remove from grill; place on a cutting board. Let stand 8 to 10 minutes; dice eggplant.

In a large bowl combine lentils, eggplant, cucumber, and bell pepper; season with pepper to taste. Drizzle with vinegar and remaining 4 teaspoons oil; toss to coat. Place arugula on individual plates, top each with 1 cup of the eggplant mixture, and serve.

Enjoy!

Serves 8 people.

Takes about 40 minutes total for this Recipe.

• Calories: 200
• Protein: 11 g.
• Fat: 6 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 mg.
• Cholesterol: 0 mg.
• Carbs: 28 g.
• Sodium: 210 mg.
• Fiber 8 g.

*Of course with any recipe, nutrition facts may be a bit different based on what food brands you use.

The post Organic Vegan Salad Recipe: Curried Eggplant and Lentils appeared first on Got Glam?.

After reading one day that there was dairy in a syrup used to make a drink I like and bugs used to color another drink, I decided to do some research to hopefully avoid these surprises in the future! And so, I made this Vegan Starbucks Menu. Still always ask though because ingredients can change at anytime.

Unfortunately, I use the word vegan loosely because many vegans avoid refined sugar because it is filtered through charred animal bones and Splenda because it is tested on animals which would cancel out ALL of the flavored options at Starbucks. Now, so I don’t totally ruin everyone’s day that this applies to, you can check out a yummy vegan friendly recipe (and it’s a soy alternative) at the end of this post. It will save you money, give you the convenience of making it at home and most of all…give you piece of mind!

But for those of you who do go to Starbucks I have created a Dairy Free, Vegan Coffee/Espresso Menu to reference!

*If You Are A Regular, You Should Definitely Consider Getting A Starbucks Card Because All Of Those Added Soy Shots Will Be Free!

If you see ANY mistakes or have any updates, please let me know!

Dairy Free, Vegan, Soy Alternative Frappuccino Recipe

Maple-Cinnamon Frappuccino

Serves 1

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond milk
• sweetener, to taste
• 1 tsp. extract of choice

Directions:

Mix up everything and pour into a two cup plastic container. Place your container in the freezer, scraping a la a granita every half an hour for about 1 hour. You don’t want it to freeze solid at all – after your second “scraping” you should be able to just give it a minute or so on the counter to soften a bit, and then  mix it up into an “icee” consistency by hand. Blend in the blender if you deem it necessary Enjoy! It gets creamer as you let it thaw, FYI.

Variations: 

• Vanilla Frapp: Add 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• Chocolate Frapp: Add 1 tsp. vanilla extract and 1 tsp. cocoa powder
• Chocolate Chip Frapp: Same as the above plus 2 tsp. chocolate chips
• Maple Cinnamon: Add 1/2 tsp. each vanilla and maple extracts, plus 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• Matcha: Add 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract and 1/4 tsp. matcha powder
• Mocha Frapp: Same as chocolate, plus 1 tbsp. instant espresso powder/2 shots of espresso
• Mocha Coconut Frapp: Same as mocha, plus 1/4 tsp. coconut extract
• And so many more!

*Thank you to Danni for this wonderful recipe!

Stay up to date on vegan news at This Dish Is Vegan!

The post Dairy Free, Vegan Starbucks Menu! appeared first on Got Glam?.

Fall fruits and vegetables that can help you look and feel your best! Read on to see how this fall food list is good for you with extra beauty benefits!

BRUSSELS SPROUTS: Just 1 cup of cooked Brussels sprouts contains the entire recommended daily amount of Vitamin C! Vitamin C boosts your immune system, helps to keep your skin looking young and may even improve your mood! It is also a key ingredient to healthy hair!

APPLES: Remember that old saying about eating an apple a day keeps the doctor away? Well, there is science backing that up! Some researchers have linked eating apples to everything from lowering cholesterol to fighting off  type 2 diabetes. Also, eating fresh apples before a meal aids weight loss by filling you up and reducing the absorption of calories and excess cholesterol.

A FALL FAVORITE, SWEET POTATOES: Eat these bright orange veggies to help your skin stay young and healthy looking! Sweet potatoes are packed full of an antioxidant known as beta-carotene, which may help protect your skin from aging. Your body turns beta-carotene into vitamin A, and this vitamin’s derivatives are a popular ingredient in anti-wrinkle creams.

BEETS: Beets contain folic acid which is necessary for the production and maintenance of new cells. This is important for pregnant woman or anyone undergoing physical healing. Many people take folic acid in the form of herbal supplements, but if you eat beets, you won’t need to! It is always better for the body to receive it’s nutrients and vitamins through food over a supplement because it is like mainlining the natural source into your bloodstream.

SWISS CHARD: This leafy green is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin K! Vitamin K is essential for healthy blood, bones and skin, and can help you look and feel younger. Vitamin K deficiency can lead to dark circles under the eyes!

PEARS: A fresh, juicy pear is a great way to eat a little more fiber. A medium pear contains 5.5 grams of fiber, helping you reach your daily goal of 25 grams a day! Eating the recomended amount of fiber is important because it can help lower your chlorestorol, help you loose weight, and even decrease your odds of developing diabetes or heat disease.

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