Antioxidant 'Mocktail' for Metabolic Health

Three things I love I most... my metabolism, my cells and drinking out of ~fancy~ glasses.

I spend a lot of time trying to find ways that I can combine things I love and still be healthy in order to live a long, high quality life. And while I enjoy fun and silly treats on occasion, 90% of the time I am giving my body the fuel and nutrients it needs to function at my best. My best weight, my best mood, my best cellular health, my best hormonal signaling, my best energy levels, etc.

When we are doing things that are good for us, we feel good. Oftentimes, we have this perception that what is "good" for us, isn't fun. You may have that mindset now, that you think being healthy can't equal fun. You may think having fun is snacking while watching TV or drinking alcohol with friends. To be clear, I am not saying we have to "never" do these things, of course not, but we have to shift our relationship with them and view them as they really are.

But when you think about it, it's really the experience that is bringing us "fun" rather than the entities themselves. When you are watching TV and snacking, you are able to give your body the rest is really is craving - it's not actually the food that is making you *feel* good (although it *tastes* good), it's the experience of sitting down & relaxing. When you are drinking with friends, you are engaging in social behavior & connection. So, yes in this case, chemically the alcohol makes you *feel* a certain way short term, but in the long term, like the next day, you probably feel like shit. It's more so the experience of being around good company and not worrying about responsibilities and obligations.

Again these things aren't "absolutely bad" and we don't have to give them up completely, but it's helpful to see them for what they really are. This allows us to make better decisions about the relationship we have with them in our lives.

Sometimes on a Friday night, I don't want to have an alcoholic drink, but I still want to have fun. And I've learned that the experience I love most about drinking alcohol is the fancy glasses, so I find ways to give myself that experience while prioritizing my weight and health goals. Try this recipe out (or any non-alcoholic drink) in a fancy glass if you feel the same way!

Antioxidant 'Mocktail' for Metabolic Health

A healthy metabolism is how we are able to lose weight and actually keep it off for life. My nutrition philosophy is focused on eating for metabolic health and weight management. This includes high protein, lots of fiber and low blood glucose spikes. The next thing that's important for our overall health and ability to lose weight is our cells! Lipolysis, which is the physiological process of burning fat, occurs at the cellular level. Antioxidants and hydration are pivotal in maintaining healthy cells.

Antioxidants are substances that prevent or delay cell damage. Cranberries are high in polyphenols (type of antioxidant), and clinical studies have shown their effects on lowering LDL cholesterol as well as glycemic responses. Carrots also have antioxidants, such as carotenoids, lycopene, and lutein. This is what makes this recipe delish & healthy!

For this recipe you'll need cranberries, carrots, kale and I used Nut pods creamer (but feel free to substitute with any milk or milk alternative of preference) and vanilla protein powder.

First you will need to make the whole berry cranberry sauce. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil and add in 3 cups of cranberries and bring back to a boil, then let simmer until frothy on medium heat.

Be sure to stir occasionally and start to mash up the berries on the sides with the spoon.

After 10 minutes, transfer the sauce to a bowl and mash up any excess whole berries and let it cool until room temperature.

After it's cooled add all ingredients in your blender and enjoy!

Recipe:

Ingredients

• 3 cups cranberries

• 1 cup water (for sauce)

• 2 cups Kale

• 2/3 cups baby carrots

• 1 cup nut pods creamer (or milk/milk alternative)

• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder

• ice

Directions

• To make whole berry cranberry sauce:

• Boil 1 cup of water

• Add in 3 cups cranberries and bring back to a boil

• Let simmer on medium heat until frothy ~10 minutes. Occasionally stirring the mix and mashing the whole berries with a back side of your spoon.

• Transfer to a bowl and let cool to room temperature. Mash any excess whole berries with spoon.

• Add in carrots, kale, protein powder, nut pod creamer, cranberry sauce in blender.

• Add ice, blend & enjoy!