LULI LIFE

Make every day just a little bit Amazing.

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Magic Matcha Ice Cream by Anna Speaks of Windy City Organics

Matcha lovers hold onto your pants - you are about to flip over how incredibly easy it is to make a dreamy matcha ice cream that's dairy-free, raw, free of refined sugar, loaded to the max with superfood goodness and just downright magical. This recipe will not only satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthy way, it will also give you an insane antioxidant AND energy boost!

Magic Matcha Ice Cream

[Makes 3 cups]

1 container Chia X or Chia Life

1 cup chopped frozen bananas (make sure they are ripe and spotty before freezing)

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 Tbs organic matcha green tea powder

Pinch Himalayan salt

Optional : 1 handful baby spinach for color and extra nutrition

1 Rawmio raw chocolate bark of choice (we used the Active Superfood here with medicinal mushrooms, maca, and chia) crumbled for topping.

Prep: Pour Chia X into freezer bag or ice cube tray- freeze overnight. Also make sure you have 2-3 ripe bananas frozen.

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to food processor and process until smooth and creamy. 2. Top with Rawmio bark crumbles

Bam!

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RECIPE: Coconut Flour Fudge Brownies

We turned this #FoodCrushFriday over to our friend Jenny Travens of the AMAZE superfoodliving.com. We hope you enjoy her glorious coconut flour fudge brownies!

Are you looking for a rich, fudge-like brownie but with a healthy, superfood twist? Then you've found the recipe for you. Coconut flour gives these brownies a light and fluffy texture, but these brownies aren't lacking in the fudge department either. But what makes these brownies the better option over store-bought boxed ones? Read on to find out!

Coconut Flour

Coconut flour has grown in popularity recently, mostly due to its gluten free tag. This means that none of the gluten protein molecules that are found in wheat, rye and barley exist, making coconut flour edible for those who battle Celiac disease. But coconut flour's benefits go far beyond its gluten free label.

Coconut flour is also rich in dietary fiber, with a 100 gram serving containing a whopping 39 grams of dietary fiber, double the amount found in wheat bran. Because it is high in dietary fiber but low in digestible carbohydrates compared to processed flours, coconut flour won't adversely affect blood sugar levels, making it an excellent choice for diabetics.

Although coconut flour contains no gluten proteins, it is still high in protein content. In a 100 gram serving coconut flour contains roughly 19 grams of protein, or 38 percent of our daily recommended intake. This makes coconut flour a favorite amongst vegan and vegetarian eaters as a meatless way to consume protein.

Try out these Coconut Fudge Truffles for another way to use coconut flour. They are rich and incredibly delicious, but packed with superfood power!

Cacao Powder

Raw cacao powder gives these brownies a rich, chocolate taste, but with far more health benefits than traditionally processed cocoa powders. Cacao powder is rich in antioxidants known as flavonoids, which helps to fight free radicals in the body that can accelerate signs of aging, contribute to changes that can adversely affect your heart as well as lead to some cancers. Cacao powder also contains a variety of essential nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, sulfur, zinc, iron, copper, potassium, and manganese.

Raw Honey

Instead of being sweetened with processed white sugars, these coconut flour brownies are sweetened with raw, local honey. Honey contains a small amount of a wide variety of vitamins and minerals including niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. Honey is also known for its antibacterial, anti-fungal and antioxidant properties. If you are interested in another honey sweetened recipe, check out this delicious Superfood Goji Berry Granola!

So with all those superfoods involved, these brownies are sure to be healthier than anything you can find in the store. The question is, how do they taste? While 100 percent coconut flour baked goods can be a bit dry and dense, these brownies are made with a bit of oat flour, which helps to keep them light and fluffy. A secret trick also gives them that fudge-like consistency that is absolutely to die for!

Coconut Flour Fudge Brownies

Makes 12 brownies

Ingredients:

1 cup coconut flour

1/4 cup oat flour

1/2 cup cacao powder

1/2 cup raw honey (or alternative sweetener: maple syrup, coconut nectar etc)

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water)

1 1/2 cups almond milk

1/4 cup dark chocolate chips

2 tablespoons coconut oil

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Mix together all of the dry ingredients.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and flax egg.

Slowly incorporate the wet mixture into the dry – mixture will be pretty thick!

In a small bowl, microwave the chocolate chips and coconut oil until melted. Mix well until all the chocolate chips are completely melted, then stir into the brownie batter.

Smooth batter in a well-oiled 8×8 baking dish.

Bake 28-30 minutes.

Let cool before slicing. The brownies will set up more as they cool!

Notes:

These brownies pair perfectly with this Goji Cranberry Lemon Tea. Talk about a relaxing way to end your day!

These brownies are made to be vegan, thus the use of the “flax egg.” A regular egg can be substituted, the brownies will just no longer be vegan.

Oat flour can be bought at most health food stores or can be made at home by simply grinding whole oats in a food processor.

Almost any add in can be incorporated into these brownies: try walnuts for a nice crunch!

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RECIPE: Matcha Morning Bliss

We're pretty matcha obsessed. Chock-full of antioxidants, rich in fiber, chlorophyll and vitamins, matcha is also believed to enhance energy, boost metabolism, mood and concentration, and calm your body & mind (among many other amazing healing benefits). Oh, and not to mention matcha's insane caffeine buzz - without the jitters or crash!

[Pssst! You can even spike your chia with it: add 1 tsp matcha to a bottle of Chia Life or Chia X and shake it up. YUM]

In honor of Earth Week and our continuing superfood obsession we asked our favorite Breakfast Criminal, Ksenia Advulova, to give us something super green (hiii matcha!), delicious and nourishing to share. Of course, we were also hopeful she would come & make it for us too... Alas, next time, right?  

Enjoy, XO

Matcha Earth Bowl

(Paleo, Vegan, Gluten Free)

Ingredients to blend:

1 cup coconut milk

1 frozen banana

1 pear

1 cup spinach or 1 packet of Aloha daily greens or 1/2 bottle Kick

1 tbs matcha

1 tbs Dastony pumpkin seed butter

Toppings:

Handful granola (I love Paleonola)

1 tbs Pumpkin seeds

1 tbs Dastony almond butter drizzle

3 figs 

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DO THIS: Advice for Life from Elisa Bluming

At Bluming Studio - the original Williamsburg pilates studio - the focus is on individual instruction in a fun community environment. We sat down with namesake and director Elisa Bluming to solicit some advice for a fit + fab life.

Enjoy, XO.

Find your inner starfish and take it with you

The idea of mind/body focus should not be limited to pilates or yoga class. Make sure to think about your posture and body connection during all of your activities, from skiing to working at your computer. Imagine your body as a starfish where the center point is at the solarplexis with the head and limbs representing all 5 points radiating from the center. You will instantly feel your posture change and become more supported!

Be a ready explorer

The main reason injuries occur when trying new fitness crazes is due to lack of preparedness. Fitness trends will come and go but maintaining a core strengthening body balancing practice such as Pilates and Gyrotonic will help ready you for new challenges and keep you injury free.

Spirals and squares

Physics and Geometry - mix it up to balance out. Make sure to mix up the types of activities you do to avoid putting repeated stress on the body. For instance, if you sit at a desk all day, heavy cycling/spinning workouts may reinforce the tightness sitting causes in the hips. Mix in a different cardio activity like swimming to work the body in an elongated position. Good body mechanics depends on working opposing forces. Balance balance balance.

Savor - it's all in the details

Taking the time to nourish the body with proper food, hydration, meditation, post workout stretching/rollout (while your muscles are still warm) are just as important in seeing results as your workouts. Fitness is as much about how your body functions at rest as it does in action.

Back to school

Be your own fitness and wellness advocate - do your homework! Pay attention to what you put in and on your body. Whether it's exercise, food or personal care, educate yourself as to what will benefit your body and what may harm it.  

Spread the love

Take all of your feeling fit and fab goodness and give back to your community on a local or global level. Adding acts of gratitude to your everyday practices will be the calorie free whipped cream on the top of your wellness sundae! Treat a friend to class, adopt a pet, donate to charity, promote your neighbors businesses, volunteer - the possibilities are endless.

About Elisa

As a result of a dance injury, Elisa started doing Pilates in 1996. After a successful 10 year career in the furniture design industry and unsure if she wanted to continue, she chose to become a pilates teacher as something to fall back on. She completed her teacher training at Power Pilates under the direction of Susan Moran-Perich, Peter Roel and Pheobe Higgins, and received her certification from Physical Mind Institute in 1998. Once teaching, the job she chose as a part time back up quickly became a passion and Elisa left the furniture design industry to teach full-time and eventually open her own studio. Her industry experience includes: Senior Instructor at Power Pilates NYC, Associate Director of Body Tonic, Inc. and Director of Pilates at Clay. Her workouts and client results have been featured on several occasions in Pilates Style magazine and she has received "best of " status from Citysearch.com and Time Out NY magazine. Elisa's contributing background also includes Gyrotonic ®, anatomy training with Irene Dowde, Prenatal and Postpartum fitness, African, Brazilian and Modern dance; all of which greatly influence her teaching and understanding of movement. Her many years of design and building have given her what many clients refer to as her "x-ray vision".

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RECIPE: Chia OM

Deep in new product development mode (!!), team LuliTonix’s baseline superfood obsession levels are currently soaring – and we’re enjoying the view from the top :) Come fly with us! This #FoodCrushFriday is dedicated to the amazing healing benefits of Ashwagandha (Ash-wa-ghan-da.)

Ashwagandha – aka Indian ginseng or winter cherry – is one of the most important herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. A powerful adaptogen, Ashwagandha helps modulate the body’s response to both internal and external stressors. Its’ restorative, rejuvenative, and calming properties enhance immunity, combat fatigue, alleviate anxiety and depression, and support an overall sense of well-being. And if that weren’t enough, this Indian herb also has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, analgesic, and neuroprotective powers.

In the spirit of spring and new beginnings, we decided to give our old friend Chia Life a little makeover. Say hello to...

Chia Om

1 Chia Life

½ cup frozen raspberries

1 heaped tsp Maca

1 heaped tsp Ashwagandha

5 thumbs fresh Turmeric root (or powder if you can’t find it fresh)

Pinch black pepper to activate the Turmeric

Blend until beautiful!

Namaste xo.

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RECIPE: Pretty in Pink Cashew Milk

Springtime springing up (we hope! we hope!) in NYC has us channeling our inner flower child – so we thought it was only appropriate to dedicate this #FoodCrushFriday to one very special edible bloom: hibiscus.

As beautiful as it is beneficial, hibiscus has myriad antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties; supports a healthy heart by helping to keep blood pressure and cholesterol in check; settles the stomach; and helps eliminate wastes and toxins from the body.

So you all probably know hibiscus as a tea – but did you know you can sneak hibiscus powder into many a recipe to amp up the nutritional profile with a pink so pretty it could moonlight as an 80’s movie? :)

We – of course – added some sprinkles of hibiscus into our classic cashew milk recipe to create a..

Pretty in Pink Cashew Milk

In your Vitamix or other blender combine:

1 cup raw cashews, soaked and rinsed

4 cups H2O

4-5 Medjool dates

1 teaspoon raw coconut oil

½ vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon hibiscus powder

Blend, Blend, Smile, Enjoy – Happy spring!

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RECIPE: Chaga Mushroom Raw Chocolate

All the recipe testing (stay tuned!!) going on at LuliTonix HQ has brought our superfood obsession levels to an all time high. So for this #FoodCrushFriday we’re taking things up a notch with some chaga mushrooms.

These wild mushrooms grow on birch trees in tough northern climates (something we know a thing or two about..). To survive these challenging weather conditions, birch trees – much like people – need serious nutrition support, which the chaga draws from and concentrates. This makes chaga incredibly nutrient dense – and unbelievably powerful.

This truly medicinal mushroom has adaptogenic, antioxidant, anti-aging, detoxifying, immune enhancing, and cancer fighting properties and is a super-concentrated source of phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals and enzymes – so a little bit goes a long way. We decided to sprinkle some into one of our all-time favorite things – raw chocolate.

Chaga Mushroom Raw Chocolate

1/2 cup coconut nectar or date paste

3/4 cup cacao powder or carob powder

1/3 cup coconut oil or cacao butter, melted

1 Tbsp vanilla extract (or bean)

1 tsp chaga

1/2 tsp Himalayan salt

Garnish with cacao nibs - or anything else you like!

Mix all the ingredients together and set in mold (an ice tray works) or in a baking paper lined pan or container in freezer. Chill for 15 minutes. Store in fridge.  

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RECIPE: Cooling Spring Blend

Kick-start spring, and your body with a healthy, mood-boosting and energizing blend. Loaded in feel-good superfoods, set to restore, cleanse and energize your entire body (and mind!).

Mint-obsession...

We’ve always found that we feel totally focused after enjoying a green blend. One of the many reasons why is mint! This cooling herb not only naturally increases concentration, but is also believed to combat nausea, promote healthy digestion, improve memory, boost mood, decrease inflammation, eliminate bloating, and (of course) freshen your breath! #FoodCrushFriday

Cooling Spring Blend

1 Avocado 3 Cups Kale Ginger (we suggest 3-4 thumb-sized pieces) ½ Cup Lemon Juice 3 Cups Frozen Mango ½ Cup Mint 1 tsp Turmeric 2 Tbsp Chia seeds

Fill blender with 4 cups of filtered water. Add ingredients. Blend to perfection.

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DO THIS: Feel Fab Tips from Erika Bloom

Erika Bloom Pilates Plus is all about whole body nourishment, incorporating acupuncture, bodywork, holistic health counseling, yoga and (of course!) pilates. We checked in with founder Erika Bloom – fellow blend/fiber groupie and total pilates GODDESS – to get some insight on how she stays fit and fab!

Go-to Exercises

When I am pressed for time or the winter weather keeps me from my usual routine, I like to have a few quick, effective exercises on reserve that target my core, address posture, and can be done anywhere (here’s a favorite I’d shared with Prevention Magazine).

Find Balance

It’s important to be consistent and find time to workout through every season, but I think it’s especially necessary to maintain a healthy mind-body balance during the dreary winter months. I incorporate acupuncture and meditation into my schedule to help me find that much needed balance holistically.

Active Rest

On the weekends when I'm not teaching, I spend all of my free time with my family. What’s so special about our time together - besides enjoying each other’s company - is that our activities are always active. In the winter whether we’re ice skating, taking walks, or preparing a meal together, we’re constantly in action. It's fun for everyone and I’m still able to stay active on my "rest" day.

An Afternoon Stretch

Instead of reaching for a snack, I love to do some restorative stretching. Anything with a twisting motion aids digestion. Legs up the wall and inversion will help increase energy and get you through the rest of your day.

Feel Empowered by Exercise

As we all know, exercise is good for both your physical well-being and mental health. I believe the same attitudes can be applied to a demanding workout or a challenge in life. Getting through your last set of an exercise can be difficult, but just as in life we’re able to find the strength to move through and move on. There are surprising life lessons that can be learned in your time exercising!

Exercise of Choice

Whatever workout method you choose to stay active, choose one that is good and healthy for your body. I’ve always chosen modalities that I truly love and make me feel good, and that I know I’ll want to continue for the rest of my life.

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About Erika Bloom

A former professional dancer, Erika Bloom has been studying Pilates for close to 20 years and teaching in New York City for 10 years. She was certified through Physical Mind Institute and has studied with master teachers Doris Hall, Lesley Powell, Shelley Studenberg and Kuan Hui Chew as well as anatomy with Irene Dowd. In addition to Pilates, Erika has studied many holistic body methods including Klein, Alexander, Feldenkrais and yoga and is a certified yoga therapist. Erika has a bachelor’s degree magna cum laude in both dance theory and performance and in mathematics from Hunter College and also completed post-baccalaureate studies in pre-medicine there. Her studio, Erika Bloom Pilates Plus, is located on Madison Avenue in New York City, where she runs a teacher-training program.

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DO THIS: Feeling Fab with Mio's Sian Sutherland

Sian is an absolute rockstar and complete badass. As one of the founders of MIO skincare, she's all about fit skin. Quite honestly, Sian could kick anyone's butt in a workout class - she lives and breathes "fit". For example, more often than not we'll catch up with Sian straight off her red eye from London into a Lyon's Den Yoga class, COC or SoulCycle, to an event, back to another pre red eye sweat session -- no joke! And so we had to ask this fierce lady what her 5 tips for feeling fab were (and obviously SWEAT is a must!).

Enjoy xo

Pssst! Sian's fave blends are Lifetonic & Chia Life (#ChiaGroupie)

1. Get Outside

Doesn’t matter if the sky is blue or grey, there is nothing like proper fresh air for lifting your spirits.  Too much stuffy air and shallow breathing just isn’t good for anyone.

2.  Ride a Bike

This follows on from ‘Get Outside’. Trust me, nothing makes you feel young and crazy like free-wheeling, hoping the brakes won’t fail. I cycle round London every day - nippy in traffic, no parking dramas, only slightly dodgy post-beanie hair.

3.  Dance

I just love dancing - crazy silly dancing to my own beat. Sometimes my mate Rhonda and I sneak out late for a quick couple of hours to just have a ball dancing big-time in cheesy clubs.

And now I have my Top Shop Glow trainers (with little blue lights coming out of the soles), I am a serious dancing queen.

4.  Stop Staring...

at YOURSELF - and finding fault.  Doesn’t make you feel good. We have very poor lighting in our bathroom and I am never going to change it - why do I want to pour over every pore and wrinkle when there is so much more to life?   I am quite often surprised at how I actually look, because in my own head it is totally different (like 15 years different!). Who really cares?

5. Eat for your body not your mouth

I say this but quite often don’t actually follow this little tip (as I reach for the second Chili Margherita, with large scoop of guac), but if only we really listened to our body’s instead of just gratifying our taste-buds. It is that simple.  What does your body really want? You always know the right answer.

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Follow Sian & MIO

Sian Sutherland is Chief Founder of Mio Skincare and Mama Mio Skincare, created in London and made in New York. The Mio goal is to give women fit skin for life - strong, firm, toned skin that glows with health and energy; skin that can cope with all the challenges of life. Sian, 53, lives in London with her husband Christian and their 6’5” sons, Tom and Charlie (her proudest achievements). She is a keen basketball player with her team, The Badabings; is never afraid of neon or sparkle; and has a growing collection of high-tops. Her vices are chili margaritas and regular mini-breaks to the Greek Islands.

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EVENT: Spring Cleansing With Fern

Join Fern Langham, founder of Bliss Out Wellness and Yoga with Fern for a very special spring cleanse workshop on Sunday March 15 from 2-4pm at Yoga People in Brooklyn Heights.

Learn tapping and pranayama techniques and yoga poses that you can do on your own to boost your lymphatic function, flush your thyroid, cleanse your liver, and tonify your kidneys. Plus, our nourishing (and cleansing) blends will be provided for your post-yoga rehydration! 

Cheers to a magical spring! XO

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RECIPE: White Bean & Garlic Hummus

One thing this NYC winter could really use is some HEAT – so we’re spicing things up with some garlic for this #FOODCRUSHFRIDAY.

Garlic is a good source of manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C, copper, selenium, phosphorous, thiamin, and calcium. But what really make it special are the sulfur-containing compounds you’ll find among the cloves. These compounds provide garlic with its’ signature sharpness AND many of its health promoting powers, which include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action; antibacterial and antiviral properties; cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood pressure lowering effects; and cancer prevention.

Since we have a borderline obsession with blending round these parts, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that our little food crush found its’ way into a blender – where it added the perfect amount of zing to a super simple homemade hummus.

White Bean & Garlic Hummus

1 15 oz. can of cannellini beans, drained

2-3 large cloves of garlic – depending on how much spice you like!

Fat drizzle of olive oil

Sprinkle of Himalayan salt and black pepper (to taste)

Blend. Dip. Done :)

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Bandier Together! [NYC EXCLUSIVE]

Please join us Monday March 9 for an exclusive blend happy hour, Q&A and shopping event at Bandier in Flatiron. We're also currently offering a VERY special 25% off for all 3 day cleanse purchases, for pick up at Bandier - group cleanse HQ - on the night!**

WHO + WHAT + WHEN + WHERE

915 Broadway (at 21st Street), New York, NY 10010 @ 5 -7 PM

FREE Happy Hour Blend Shots Q&A on blend benefits with Dr. Robin Berzin of Parsley Health

15% off in-store at Bandier

Group Cleanse Pick Up

BANDIER X LULITONIX SPECIAL 25% OFF 3 DAY CLEANSE PROGRAMS

Use code: BANDIERTOGETHER to join the group cleanse!*

*Offer expires Saturday March 7! Delivery Monday 5-7pm at Bandier in Flatiron only. No exceptions

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LuliTonix Unwrapped

Ever wondered why we use Figs? Chia? Or Avocado? They're not just "bells & whistles" - they all play a valuable part in creating perfectly balanced & delicious blends. Here's a  little behind-the-scenes look at why we do – well, what we do – with some of our favorite ingredients. (more to come-- stay tuned!)

FIGS

Disclaimer: some of us here at LuliTonix HQ may have a small addiction to figs. Aside from being sweet, chewy perfection, the nutrient dense, alkalizing fig also happens to be one of the most fiber-rich fruits around – and you know how we feel about fiber around here. You may have noticed that figs make an appearance in ALL of our green blends. In our signature, go-to green blend KICK, the parsley packed FLY, and our light and bright cilantro blend CHILL we even leave some little nibbles of fig for you to chew on – you’re welcome :)

AVOCADO

We could not be MORE avocado obsessed, seriously... Avocados contain a plethora of healthy fats, one being oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that may help to lower cholesterol. Avocados are also a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure, and are crazy rich in other essential nutrients like fiber, B vitamins, vitamin E, C, K, folate, riboflavin, niacin, and magnesium. They are also touted as a true beauty food, beneficial both in weight loss, detoxifying, and in getting that "glow" back -- ever hear of people using them for homemade face masks? Plus - and this one is particularly important - avocado actually helps the absorption of many nutrients in GREENS when consumed together. Yet another reason why we love our satisfying, rich and creamy avocado-based blends, GLOW! AND FRESH! 

CHIA

We love chia SO much, we developed an entire line around it. These little seeds are a perfect package of plant-based protein, fiber, and omega-3 fats that help fill you up, keep you energized and hydrated, modulate blood sugar levels, and lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Our original Power Potion CHIA LIFE features whole chia seeds, which make for a super bubbly blend. Its younger siblings – CHIA GOLD, CHIA X, and CHIA JOE  – have their chia pummeled into smooth, creamy submission. You may not be able to see them, but we promise they’re there! More on our chia-obsession here.

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DO THIS: 5 Feel Fab tips with Karen Lord

Yes. Yes. Yes and Yes. Body loving tips from one of our favorite pilates goddesses (and true beauty) Karen Lord of KLPM.

1. Get a good night’s rest! I dab lavender oil and German chamomile on my temples, wrists, and belly to ensure a sound sleep. 

2. Invest in a good hydrating mist. I like ones from Caudalie and Glossier. Use it in the morning and then throughout the day whenever you need a little refresher.

3. Always warm up before you start a workout. It can be something as simple as roll-up, but just waking up those muscles before doing any rigorous exercise helps prevent injury.   

4. Pay attention to the ingredients in the products you use. Educate yourself on the potentially harmful ingredients in everyday products like toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, nail polish etc. and switch to safer alternatives when possible.

5. Drink LuliTonix! My personal fav is the Lifetonic and it’s the perfect thing to drink during/after a workout.

ABOUT KAREN [Ahem! Other than being a total-badass pilates rockstar!]

A true lover of life in NYC, Karen has been brought up in the fashion and music worlds and lived many a NYC dream.  Already being a photographer, model, artist, fashion stylist, and musician, with a growing list of creative passions, she has always found the one grounding element that connects it all to be movement.

Constantly seeking whole health and betterment, Karen was prompted by a feel-good moment in a private Pilates session with her friend and mentor, and was struck with the desire "to always feel this way"- strong, connected, rooted, and very much open and alive.  Acting on that intuitive feeling she chose to pursue Pilates- her favorite pastime,  and turn it into a full time passion. She became a certified instructor through Core Pilates NYC's classical Pilates comprehensive program and opened her first studio in Manhattan's Meatpacking district soon after. Her small private space tucked away in a residential building across from the Highline was a no signage, word of mouth practice catering to her rock and roll friends, other like-minded enthusiasts, and New York's fashion Elite. Word spread fast, as did a demand for her special brand of "tough love and Pilates"- intense workouts which sculpt, define, and fine tune the physical body while creating a happier heart and mind - a full mind/body connection for the client, producing quick and serious results. A need to expand, a desire to connect with more people, and a wish to create "the space I want to work out in - my dream space" caused her to close her small and mighty studio in the Meatpacking District and head downtown to TriBeCa where Karen Lord Pilates Movement is born.

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RECIPE: Cherry Bomb Blend

Red, plump, juicy, sweet… need we say more about these tasty little morsels of love? We may not have to, but we will anyway :) It is said that some cherries stimulate pheromone production. They also contain potassium (needed for sex hormone production) and antioxidants (which help keep your skin glowing and gorgeous)!

Crazy/Sexy/Love attributes of cherries aside, they also have super anti-inflammatory and cancer fighting powers, balance blood pressure, ease muscle soreness, and can help you drift into dreamland – seriously, what’s not to love? Be they sweet, tart, dark, red – we just can’t get enough.

Now it’s not a huge secret that we are also obviously obsessed with both greens and with blending as well. So we put a whole bunch of our addictions together for this recipe!

The secret weapon to an amped up, scrumptious and perfect thick green blend is the addition of avocado—it never fails! Here is a cherry rich, beautiful green, crazy super thick one—if you like it a bit lighter just use a bit less avocado or a bit more water—but this is a real meal replacement with an easy-to-obsess-over flavor that is a great seducer even of the non-green-lovers among us.

CH-CH-CH-Cherry Bomb

In a 64 ounce blender combine:

4 cups water

1 10 ounce bag frozen cherries

1.5 avocados

2 frozen bananas

4 cups spinach

A handful of mint (optional)

2 Tablespoons lemon juice

A pinch of cinnamon

Blend all to a desired consistency and drink up! Makes 4 servings.

Xx

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DO THIS: Feel Fab Tips with Lauren Imparato of I.AM.YOU.

This amazing, beautiful & badass yogi/writer/designer/tea-maker needs little introduction -- seriously!

Enjoy xoxo

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I don’t know about you, but I love feeling amazing. In fact, I started I.AM.YOU. so that I could offer a 360 degree toolkit of feeling fab tips for real, everyday life, no matter what life brings on.

Feeling great and being great does not have to be complicated. It does have to be realistic and doable. Here are my go-to feel fab tips. Use them as you need, whenever you need them, and I know you will not only feel amazing, but be amazing, too.

1. Sweat

I grew up in Cali, where exercise was a no questions asked daily. Think of sweating it out like you do brushing your teeth or taking a shower. Make it a regular thing and you will almost always feel fab.

2. Smile

My dad used to tell us that whatever position our face was in would dictate our day. Smile, and things will look, feel, and go up. Frown, and be ready for a down day. On really bad days, force yourself to smile, just once, and you will almost immediately feel a shift inside and out.

3. Sleep

I have never been the biggest sleeper, able to survive on under five hours for my entire Wall Street career and the first years of entrepreneurship. But sleep is the single most important ingredient to tangible and intangible wellness. Block out one morning a week when you can sleep in without an alarm clock. I recommend Saturday so you do not have problems falling asleep Sunday night. Think of it as recharging your batteries.

4. Eat

Food is your fuel and your medicine. Feed your body what it needs to be strong and energetic on a cellular level and feeling amazing will come naturally. Make sure you mix raw and cooked foods, nutrient packed protein like eggs or beef, and, of course, 60-80% vegetables daily.

[Side note from LuliTonix: Blended Greens are a great (and quick) way to get an abundance of dark leafy greens, healthy fats and fiber into your diet, without (too much) chewing]

5. Be You

Everything you want to be is already inside you, within the framework that makes up who you already are. You just need to be it. It is tough to feel fab when you are trying to be someone you are not. So, believe in who you are and then go conquer the day, and world, from there.

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ABOUT

Lauren Imparato is the founder and director of I.AM.YOU., a wellness lifestyle brand based on Yoga, Nourishment, Mindset and Music. At the NYC flagship studio and around the globe, Lauren teaches intense, fun, and athletic Vinyasa classes, each set to a unique MusicMix designed by I.AM.YOU.'s Resident Mixologist, as well as speaks, writes and consults on leadership, wellness, mindfulness and life. She also is the creator of DETOX to RETOX. Prior to launching I.AM.YOU., Lauren worked on the Wall Street trading floors of Morgan Stanley for over 7 years. Lauren has been featured in Vogue, the Wall Street Journal, New York Magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, The Financial Times, Bloomberg News, Jezebel, and countless other publications for her straight up, real approach to yoga, health, and wellness. You can practice yoga with her from home with I.AM.YOU. online videos. Her first book is due out with Penguin in 2015.

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[Lauren is just so badass, we love her!]