Raw Bagel Recipe - Rich in Probiotics

If you follow me on instagram you know that I was experimenting with raw bagel recipes this past week (raw meaning none of the ingredients are cooked) and OH MY GOODNESS do I have a treat for you. I created pretty much the greatest thing known to mankind. Ok, perhaps that sounds extreme, but seriously, I'm pretty sure I can say it because it's true.

I started with fermented oatmeal in sauerkraut juice. Although this may turn you off right away, HALT YEE and stay on the page! I'll explain. Sauerkraut juice is FULL of probiotics, and fermenting the oatmeal in it creates a ton of living organisms that are imperative for a healthy + beautiful body.

Probiotics are key for healthy digestion, glowing skin, and the ability to actually absorb the nutrients that are in our food. Most of us are deficient in probiotics because of antibiotic use - either directly - or those that are found in industrial dairy and meat products. 

Raw Bagel with Peanut Butter

I also added a ton of fun superfoods because I had them handy, like Maca, Camu Camu, and Holy Basil, but these can be left out, or swapped with anything you have on hand. The point of trying out a recipe like this is to have fun with it, and do your own thang. And to shake it.

Without further ado, here is the most delicious recipe in the history of mankind:

Raw Bagels

3 cups of Oatmeal ( I used gluten free oats)
6 cups filtered water
1/3 cup Ground Flax
1/3 cup Sesame Seeds
1 tsp Sunflower Oil
1/2 cup Unpasteurized, Local Honey
1/3 cup Chia Seeds
2 tbsp Maca
1 tsp Camu Camu
1 tsp Holy Basil
Cinnamon, Nutmeg + Allspice to Taste

Please note - The quantities are approximate.

Directions

1. In a large bowl, pour in the oats + water. (I used a mixture of water and sauerkraut juice for extra probiotics, but it's not necessary) Allow the mixture to sit, room temperature, for 1 -3 days.

2. Pour out any excess water, and use it in smoothies or on cooked oatmeal. (It's full of friendly probiotics at this point)

3. Add in the rest of the ingredients, until a runny batter like consistency is reached.

4. Mould the batter into bagel shapes in your dehydrator. Turn on a med-high setting, and leave for 6-12 hours. Flip. Wait 3-4 hours.


The bagels take on a slightly gooey, fully delicious consistency, and go well with pretty much anything.  I toasted the bagels for a minute or two and topped them with peanut butter. My roommate + bestie had his with coconut butter and alfalfa sprouts. I also tried mine with avocado, salt, and barbecue sauce. The possibilities are endless.

Happy experimenting!

xo Beth

Why I Cried in Yoga Class

Recently I've been on a yoga kick. I've been going to classes almost every day, and for the first time in my life, am completely STOKED on exercising daily.

I'm not surprised that yoga was the activity to do it for me. Yoga is a practice that is much more spiritual + energetic in nature than it first lets on - anybody who's been to a few classes knows this well.

In yoga, we are asked to focus all our attention + breath in the present moment, intending our inhales and exhales to be deep, and permeate our whole being, not just our lungs. We're routinely instructed to "breathe into it" and "follow our breath" while in class.

But what's really happening is we are breathing in life force, and focusing it throughout our physical and energetic bodies; bringing much needed prana to move stagnant, old, energy up and out of our bodies.

This gently, yet firmly, encourages our energetic pathways (nadis) and chakras to open. At first, we may feel resistance, as before we get to the space of openness, we must go through the walls we've built up around that openness. Limiting thoughts, beliefs, even our hopes and dreams, are stored within the place just before our freedom. And, like I said, in order to reach that space of freedom, we must traverse the so called darkness that we've stored around it.

And that's why I cried in yoga. 

The other night, about 15 minutes before the end of practice, emotion overwhelmed me, and all of a sudden, tears were pouring down my face. It felt amazing. Highly emotional, yes, but a complete release. I was in that wall of limitations, releasing it, breath by breath, tear by tear. On the outside, it had to do with my boyfriend, and letting go of attachment - but that was just the trigger. It went so much deeper. I was on my way to a place of freedom and creative expression, and I had yoga to thank.

So next time you go to a class, remember, that whenever you experience a moment of resistance or pain, be it physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual, you are really tapping onto something so much greater and deeper. The resistance means you are touching a wall, a wall of suppression that if you can get through, will lead you to freedom.

Ask yourself -

Can I breathe through it, and allow it to be healed? 
Can I just relax my heart, and let it go?

Freedom is on the other side.

And believe me, you want freedom more than you want attention, cute clothes, or that guy. 

You want it with every cell of your being. So get breathing!


Namaste lovers!
xo Beth

Getting What You Want Requires THIS

Recently my inner guidance spoke loudly + clearly that I needed to take more action in my life. It became to clear to me that I was being too passive when it came to what I wanted, and the Universe needed me to act in order to help a sista out. When I followed through with this guidance I got an epic gift for free, delivered to my door. Heck yes. Watch the full vlog here:

In the vlog I mention a blog post by my internet crush Nisha Moodley. You can go here to check it out.

Top Detox Tips for a Rejuvinating New Year

The holidays were awesome this year. No doubt about that. Family gatherings, snowy walks, flights to the ocean, dinners out with the fam, and lots of wonderful presents made for a rather enjoyable two weeks.

But if your holidays were anything like mine, you may feel a teensy bit depleted after all that activity and heavy food.

Chlorella is a powerful detoxifier. 

I'm used to eating all organic, meditating daily, and getting at least 15 minutes of exercise in every day. This routine keeps me healthy and feeling centred. When you’re visiting family, however, it’s not exactly possible to have full control over the menu and the day's activities. Inevitably I had to relinquish control and just go with the flow - I ended up eating processed sugar, missing my daily meditations, and having a fair dose of non-organic food. The result? Many pimples, low energy, lower moods than usual, and a not so subtle message from the body that sounds something like this: “OMG.. detox.. now.. DETOX!”

So now that it's January 2nd, and the last of the holiday feasts are over, it's time to detox. And I’m STOKED! I am such a huge fan of taking care of myself. It is the best feeling ever to feel clear, grounded, centred, inspired, and full of energy.

For those who are joining me on this health fiesta, I'm sharing my top detox tips.

My Top Detox Tips:

Oil Pulling

Oil puling is the act of swishing high quality oil (sunflower and sesame are recommended) in your mouth, first thing in the morning, for 20 minutes. The process draws out toxins from your body, through your mouth, and can help with a variety of health conditions. I started oil pulling before the holidays, and noticed my skin cleared up after just a few days. To read a full article on the how-tos and benefits, please click here.

Yoga & Exercise

There is no doubt about it - exercise is an absolutely necessary component of any detox regime. It serves to move and unblock any stagnant energy in your system, while releasing any excess energy. Yoga is especially great for this, as it was designed to unblock and stimulate the energy meridians in your body, leaving you with a clear head, and a detoxed physique.

Lemon Water

Hydration is incredibly important for the detox process. Adding in some lemon to the mix will boost it's effectiveness. Lemon is a natural detoxifier (remember your mom making hot honey and lemon water when you were sick?) and it also is extremely alkalizing when it enters the body. Having a slightly alkaline pH of the blood is key to maintaing health, and preventing a host of diseases, like cancer. To read up on Kris Carr's version of the alkaline/acid balance, click here.

Chlorella

Chlorella is a green algae that can be taken in powder or pill form. It's a powerful blood purifier, detoxifier, energy booster, and is extremely high in chlorophyll, which among other things, has a profound anti-aging effect. If you buy the pill form, just eat it straight. If you go for the powder, you can add it to your smoothies, or simply in a glass of water. Chlorella is available at most heath food stores - When you're buying, look for an organic brand with a cracked cell wall (which heightens your bodies ability to absorb the nutrients). To read more about chlorella, click here.

Salt Water Baths 

Salt Water baths are extremely detoxing, not to mention relaxing, and completely all about self-love. Pour in a cup of epsom or himalayan salts into your bath, and get soaking! You can also add a large piece of quartz at the end of the bathtub, to help draw away any toxins from your energetic body. I suggest having one at least 2x a week while you're detoxing.

Clean Sources of Protein

In all likelihood, you had your fair share of meat over the holidays. If you're a meat-eater, try switching up your sources of protein over the next few weeks. Most nutritionists are in agreement that meat isn't the healthiest form of protein  -  it's highly acidic, and animal protein is not easily accessible for your body to break down. For your detox, try unconventional protein sources like hemp hearts, organic almonds, bee pollen, goji berries, maca, or sprouts. 

Additional Advice:

I only included the ‘add-ins’ as the traditional detox usually includes getting rid of processed sugar, dairy, meat, alcohol, and caffeine. I also recommend getting rid of pesticides and any unnecessary pharmaceuticals.

If you’re going to engage in a detox, avoid the mentality of “I can’t, I can’t, I can’t” every time a piece of food or drink comes your way. It’s not about feeling restricted, it’s about feeling liberated. What you’re really doing is adding in so much good stuff, that there isn’t any room for the bad stuff. It also helps to have organic, sugar free treats around for when you want a sweet but can’t have the leftover holiday baking.

As Young and Raw says: "Instead of focusing on all the things to eliminate from your diet, focus on what you're adding in." 

Happy detoxing, and let me know how you’re doing through my facebook page, or through the comments below.

Christmas Time in the Woods

Snow falling outside of the house.

I've been at my boyfriend's parents house for the past week, enjoying fireside lounges, family feasts, and snowy walks in the woods. It's felt like the quintessential Christmas, complete with a wood cabin and heavy snowfall. Although I'm kind of sad to be leaving tomorrow, I'm looking forward to Christmas round 2 at my parents' place by the ocean in Victoria, BC. 

Happy holidays everyone!  

May you have many a magical moment this season.

xo Beth

My love and I :)

Fireside lounges are the best.

The view from the fire.

DIY Face & Body Scrubs: Rose & Peppermint, and More!

I'm a big fan of making my own body products. a) It's just so fun and b) You can quality control and make sure only the best of the best gets into your potions! This Christmas, I decided to transform my love of homemade goodies into presents for my friends and fam.

In this post, I'm showing you how to put together your own face & body scrubs for your beloveds.

I like this gift because not only is it beautiful, but practical as well. I exfoliate my face every week or two, usually just with raw sugar. But I decided to spice it up for my gifts, and throw in a juicy medley of oatmeal, raw sugar, herbs, and essential oils.

From the ingredients above, with the addition of essential oils, I crafted the following mixes for my friends and family:

• White Pine & Thistle
• Rose & Peppermint
• Oatmeal & Rose

I didn't end up using the lavender, as I saved that for my bath salts. (Watch for the upcoming DIY post on those)

Here are the ingredients I used, feel free to substitute different herbs and essential oils:

Raw Organic Cane Sugar

Wild White Pine Essential Oil, Organic Peppermint Essential Oil

Organic Thistle

Organic Rose Petals

Organic, Gluten-Free Oats

And for the method:

1) Grind up the oats in a blender or food processor (I used the flat blades in a magic bullet) to create a soft, powdery consistency.

2) Grind up the rose petals, thistle, or any of the other herbs you are using if you'd like it to be a face AND body scrub. You don't want any harsh edges if you are going to be using this on your face. If you decide not to grind the herbs, make sure to label the concoction as just a body scrub.

3) In a mason jar, or other glass jar, combine any herbs or essential oils of your choosing with the raw sugar and ground up oats. It really doesn't matter how much of each herb or essential oil you use, as long as the bulk of the product is sugar & oats. You can layer them neatly, or mix them all up. This is where you get to be totally creative.

And that's it! I labelled my final product with some shipping tags and coloured hemp string.

The One Key to Speeding Your Manifestations That No One Is Talking About

You meditate regularily. You're keeping your thoughts positive. You go to yoga, are a devotee of Gabrielle Bernstein, and drink the odd green juice.

You're doing everything "right", but you seem to be blocked in some way. Things aren't happening as fast as you'd like them to. You feel a bit scattered, as if all of your energy isn't in one place.

And that's because it isn't.

There's something that most speakers, authors, and motivational peeps aren't talking about. (With the exception of a few, namely Doreen Virtue and Kris Carr)

Our daily choices dictate whether our energy is aligned or scattered.

This something is key to aligning your energy, so you have more power, more authenticity behind every move. It is the secret to actual real and tangible change on this planet. It is where positive intention meets guided action.

And it all has to do with the daily choices we make. The places we choose to spend our dollars. I'm going to get right to the point:

Most if not all big box, brand name cleaning supplies, body products, clothing, and food products are ravaging the planet, as well as it's people, and animals. 

Many toxins are found in shampoos, all purpose cleaners, etc that cannot be filtered out by our city's water system. They inevitably leach into our waterways - streams, rivers, and oceans, killing ecosystems, and affecting the quality of our air, our food, and our planet.

Companies like Johnson & Johnson, who own Band-Aid and Aveeno, and Procter & Gamble test on animals. They try out cleaning supplies and pesticides in alarming ways (like feeding dogs pesticides), corroding their bodies, and more.

Most clothing made in China (and beyond) comes from sweatshops, where workers are beyond inhumanely treated, forced to work insane hours to make yet another low quality sweater which may be thrown out in months.

From toothpaste to all purpose cleaner, the more natural & plant based, the better.

I could go on and on, but I'll stop here. I'm already feeling a little bit sick. I spent the better part of a year researching the systems which provide us most of the products on the market today, and in a word - they're disgusting. They're not only toxic for the planet, but for our bodies and minds as well. They're making us sick.

On a manifestation level, when we say one thing and do differently, it's out of alignment with our truths. 

When we feel love for the ocean, for animals, and for fair trade practices, yet we consistently put our money towards systems that are killing them, we aren't walking our talk. And as such, we don't take advantage of what happens when our actions reflect our beliefs - groundedness, authenticity, honesty. The very vibrations that help us to manifest quickly, and live joyously.

Please keep in mind, this is not about guilt. Previously, when you've purchased brands like Herbal Essences, Tide, and American Eagle, you didn't know what systems were behind them. You didn't know the backstory to each of those products.

This isn't about perfection either. It's about progress. One step at a time we can live more authentically. And while most of us aren't able to 100% get off these systems just yet (I'm still reliant on the oil & gas industry myself) it's important that we take the first step. That is the most important one.

So now you know the real story, it's time to empower yourself by changing these actions. Making over your entire product list may seem daunting, so start small. Change out one shiesty product for one ethical one every week, and watch your life change.

I promise. Your life will change.  

Here's what I'd recommend:

Cleaning Supplies
Substitute with a brand like Seventh Generation, or make your own.

Body Products
Check out Sea Wench Naturals, Aubrey Organics, Jason, or support a local business.

Clothes
Try Ethical Ocean, Riva's Eco Store, or shop at trendy thrift stores!

Food 
Shop Organic & Local whenever possible and always avoid GMOs (think non-organic corn, soy, and canola to start with)