I have been a huge promoter of mushroom supplements ever since I went on a two week, fast paced, multiple flights, 30 kids packed into a charter bus for half the time, international FUN FILLED trip and I was the only one who didn’t get sick.
Its been 4 years since that trip and I still talk about it regularly. I believe in order to promote a product you have to try it, test it, understand it and believe in it.
I was my own test subject and I believe in the powers of this super food.
We share more DNA with mushrooms then we do plants! Crazy sauce.
We are so closely connected to mushrooms that we have the ability to absorb, digest and utilize their nutrients for an array of reasons.
Of course I believe in eating my mushrooms (mmm mmm good), but as with most super foods (turmeric, ginger, etc) if you want a more potent dose, finding a high-quality supplement can be a great addition to your regimen ESPECIALLY when you need that extra immunity boost. You can’t knock a supplement where cancer patients have been given it during treatment!
On my last recent vacation, I was heading out of for the holidays (Traveling Vegan Write-Up Coming Soon!) and I knew necessary measures needed to be procured. I was NOT going to succumb to what everyone around me had–I wanted to enjoy my holidays sans sickness. I needed an easy travel option that could ignite my energy (caffeine substitute) and boost my immunity.
Enter Four Sigma Foods with their plethora of options.
I was heading back East so warm tea sounded divine. My first go at a mushroom tea option for traveling and I chose Chaga–a mild, earthy subtle flavor. It was right on the money. I had it every morning for my entire trip and I haven’t stopped since I’ve been home.
Did I get sick? No I did not.
Was it all due to the tea? Who knows. But I will say I’m sure it didn’t hurt. It provided me nutrients I wasn’t receiving while traveling as well as energy that was greatly needed.
I also have in my possession the Princess Blend for hormonal balance, Digestion for improved digestion/bloating and Detox–an excellent blend of mushrooms and herbs needed for the holiday aftermath.
They are available at Sprouts and Whole Foods as well as online and on Thrive where, luckily, I have an account! I can’t stress enough how valuable Thrive has been in helping me save money throughout this year. If you would like to sign up us my code here and you will get a 15% discount.
As well, if you’d like a discount on Four Sigma Foods here is a discounted link.
MUSHROOM READING
I highly recommend reading books by Paul Stamets or taking a look at his articles and his Ted Talk. He is an mycologist, author and advocate of bioremediation and medicinal mushrooms.
Host Defense Paul Stamets
The Mushroom Renaissance
TED Talk
Mushroom Supplements I also use:
Host Defense
Mushroom Science
Extra research will be needed on my end, but it has come to my attention that a few local, known to be fresh juice shops, are using a heating method to preserve and elongate shelf life with their juices. We know this is the case when it comes to store bought options, but for fresh juice shops charging a premium, well, that’s a no-no.
This helps the companies with their overhead, but it diminishes the benefits of the juice.
What’s the biggest problem?
The price of the juices stay the same, but you are not getting the benefits promised, which I find this extremely disappointing.
By being Klean-Slate, I try my hardest to seek, showcase and support the best products from sustainable businesses because I believe that's the direction our health should take in order for us to evolve, thrive and live healthy lives without destroying the beautiful world we live in.
This may seem a little dramatic and I'm not naive to believe all sustainable companies are honest, hard working, wanting to change the world for more than just profit companies BUT if you know me, you know the love for what I do runs deep.
I want to steer my followers correctly and true, I don't always get it right and yes, I like French fries, but I will always bring it back to the hours of personal time I devote to researching, sourcing and trying (the best part) products.
One company that IS NOT going that that route is Paleta.
They work hard to make each juice daily, by hand, without the use of secret heating methods.
"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food"
This is just one aspect if we want to kreate the shift, but it's a great place to start.
All veggie burgers are not created equal! There are some fantastic brands out there (like Hilary's Eat Well) that take the time to research and create higher-quality frozen veggie patties then some of the most popular brands out there, like MorningStar and Boca. I remember years ago when I first tested the veggie patty waters and I became a big MorningStar fan. It's almost a right of vegetarian/vegan passage. As my journey has progressed, my knowledge has too. Reading ingredients and understanding them are two different things. I know how it is to scan the list and feel, "It seems OK, it tastes pretty good and it's not a dead animal, why not?"
I agree that half the battle is won, but don't forget that while on your crusade YOUR health is important too.
I personally like the underdogs in this story. Giant corporations are shipping tons and tons of product a day. Most of the larger companies are cutting corners and using lower quality ingredients that can be harmful to your health! Through my research, I have noticed a universal understanding in smaller businesses. They are working towards creating a better quality product with less toxic and more natural ingredients. As well, they are working towards sustainability and mindfulness when it comes to production and the exploitation of our valuable resources.
Take a look at this write up on OneGreenPlanet that lists some of the most common harmful ingredients to watch out for and why. This write up also provides some very yummy looking alternatives. Why aren't computers interactive yet?? I swear I can taste that delicious eggplant burger with caramelized onions mmm...
Happy Earth Day!
Why not celebrate Earth Day by engaging in some small changes. I have come across a few I think you should check out:
- M Cafe is celebrating Earth Day with a special raw dessert menu item, a photo contest, discounts and engaging in "Eating in the Dark" to conserve energy.
- Vegancuts has added an easy-to-use sprouting kit that I personally have always wanted to try. Being able to sprout your own seeds and nuts will help save a ton of cost and it's great for digestion and absorption.
- 6 Tips to for at Home Composting
- 8 Ways to Minimize Your Exposure to Plastics
Be mindful of the world around you and try to incorporate Earth Day each day.
