The Marni Wasserman Vega Team Challenge!

As explained in my previous blog, I tested out the new Vega One protein powder and sports hydrator drink. I also had my team give it a try to see how it affected their lifestyle. The fun part about this is that they all used Vega for different reasons. Read on to see how it turned out!

Stephanie – The Fitness Buff
When it comes to training and nutrition a rule that I live by is to train smart and fuel properly. Many people can get to the gym, follow through with their workout but not have the right combination of nutrients to provide their body with the fuel they need to repair, re-energize, and make gains towards their fitness goal.

The focus of my training is to build lean muscle and increase my strength. I’d mix 1 scoop with 350ml of water or rice milk and consume it within 30 minutes after my session. Not only did I notice a difference in my energy levels but my delayed onset muscle soreness was greatly decreased, I experienced less fatigue throughout the day and my workouts the following day always felt better and stronger.

Most recently I have started using the Electrolyte Hydrator. I mix the Hydrator in some water and drink it during my work out on the days that include more anaerobic work, such as sprints, intervals and plyometric training. I also pack it with me for long days at school or work and when I need a little more energy to keep me feeling refreshed.

I have seen huge gains since starting to supplement with Vega’s Sport Performance line and these three items have become a part of my daily training routine! Keep training and re-fuel the right way!

Sophia – Vegetarian Taking it to the Next Level
My non-vegetarian friends always ask me, “Where do you get your protein from if you don’t eat meat?”, and I’m sure vegetarians (and vegans alike) always sigh when they have to give a listed answer. Protein does not exist only in meat – it’s in many foods like grains, beans, nuts, soy or tofu, and yes, protein supplements like powders. And although this isn’t breaking news, you’d be surprised at how many people ask me this question!

I’m picky about what goes into my food and body – I like knowing that my protein shake (among other foods) is full of natural, plant based ingredients, vitamins, and nutrients. Which is why I was so happy to test out the new Vega One Vanilla protein powder. Because I am a petite girl and I tend to lose weight very easily, I like to incorporate high-protein based foods into every one of my meals in the day. I used Vega One Vanilla protein powder as a nutritious liquid meal rather than after the gym like Stephanie and Jordana. I combined 1 cup of hemp milk, ½ cup of sliced strawberries, and 1 tbsp of goji berries, flax seeds, chai seeds, cacao nibs, and coconut nectar (thanks Marni for this simply divine recipe!). I sipped that down with my glass straw and I was full and chock full of nutrients for the next 2 hours. I didn’t feel bloated, stuffed, or heavy like some other protein drinks with questionable ingredients had made me feel previously. It was a great tasting meal that left me full and satisfied knowing that I got both a healthy and generous serving of protein, all in one cup.

Jordana – Before and during a Workout
Chocolate Protein Powder
For breakfast I made myself a chocolate shake using the protein powder. My smoothie consisted of ½ a banana, blueberries, chia seeds, water, almond milk and protein powder. Not only was it delicious, but I was satisfied for hours and it lowered my cravings throughout the day. I’m very much the type who snacks out of boredom, however; I was so full from the shake that I didn’t have these cravings!

Electrolyte Hydrator
For the first time I did back to back fitness classes (2 hours in total) so I knew I needed something to refuel after the first workout. I’m pretty skeptical adding anything to my water, but I figured I would try for the sake of testing it out. After my first workout, I filled up another bottle of water and added the lemon lime hydrator. I’m surprised to say it tasted delicious and quenched my thirst, although on a daily basis I prefer the pure taste of plain water.

After assessing the day, the combination of a balanced breakfast and the electrolyte hydrator definitely contributed to a successful workout!

________________________________________________________________

So there you have it. All my girls found the Vega drinks to accommodate their days pretty well based on their needs and uses. If this post has inspired you to incorporate more protein or fitness foods in your routine, then my Fit and Fabulous class is something you don’t want to miss out on!

CONTEST ALERT
Tell us why you want to use Vega and what you’d use it for and we’ll enter you in the contest for a chance to win free samples! At the end of the week, I’ll choose the best answer to be rewarded with the prize. Good luck Torontonians! Contest closes May 11th, 2012.
Note: (Winner must be in Canada)

You can get more delicious knowledge by checking out Marni’s Purely Fit e-book, available here: http://www.marniwasserman.com/ebooks/

Snap It, Seal It, Save It!

We’ve all had this moment. You decide to make a stir fry with the fresh greens you bought a few days ago. You open your veggie draw, and to your horror, the veggies have blackened and began going bad. It can put a damper on your dinner plans, but you can save your veggies and extend their freshness for days if you invest in one good solution: Wean Green glass containers.

All you need to do is snap, seal, and save. It really is that simple. You don’t need to do anything fancy.

The benefits of these glass containers varies: they’re eco, fun, and come in different shapes and sizes. They’re complimentary for taking on the go and sealing in taste and freshness, or storing in your fridge to use in that stir-fry you plan to make on Friday.

Although some of these containers appear to be on the small side, fear not! There are larger ones available that fit sandwiches and any other dish you bring to work for lunch. But for the smaller containers, there’s so much you can do (including portion control!). They’re perfect for making sauces, dips, and spreads, storing salad dressings, trail mix or dry snacks, or yummy desserts like pudding and yogurt.

A little background on Wean Grean (because it’s important to know where your products come from): they’re a company whose philosophy is well rooted around creating small enough containers that Moms could use to store baby food and kids snacks. Of course, you don’t have to be a mom to use these containers. The only prerequisites are getting sick of your produce going bad early and needing a good quality storage solution. Whether it’s a homemade puree of vegetables or for other dried snacks, you can bet that Wean Green can be used for it.

They’re so cute – how can you not want one? Lucky for you, I’m giving away a Wean Green kit to the lucky winner of this week’s contest. To enter, all you have to do is:

1) Tell me why you’d like a Wean Green container
2) What’d you store in it

Simply comment below. At the end of the week, I’ll choose the best answer to be rewarded with the kit. Good luck Torontonians!
Note: (Winner must be able to pick it up in Toronto)

Want to hear what Marni’s up to, or grab some #DeliciousTips?

Boost your workouts with Chia!

Want to boost your workout or know someone else in your life who is on a path to get fit? Would you or someone you know love the gift of  Chia Seeds or Ruth’s Hemp Protein? Tell us what they are doing to nourish themselves!

Fueling up on super nutrients is a great way to get your body in shape and take your fitness to the next level! It is also important to incorporate superfoods into your diet that energize and nourish your body all year round. Chia seeds are some of those amazing little powerhouses that do just that! I love putting them in my Chocolate Super Smoothie! They thicken it up, add fiber and give it the dose of essential fats required for the day!

I know in this video you don’t see me add the chia seeds, but they are there! Just add 1 tbsp with the goji berries. Also you can substitute the Sun Warrior protein for Ruth’s Hemp Protein.

 

To get a kickstart and learn how to make this and other superfood recipes, join me for Fit and Fabulous on April 2nd !

Also, if you want to get a head-start on your workouts get yourself a copy of my ebook Purely Fit!

 

Please share with us how Chia can boost your workouts and you can WIN an incredible gift basket filled with Ruth’s Chia Goodies.

Share this on Twitter : “This is how I boost my workouts with #chia …. join the fun on @marniwasserman (and link to this post)”

Share on Facebook : How do you boost your workouts with Chia!

You can get more delicious knowledge by checking out Marni’s Purely Fit e-book, available here: http://www.marniwasserman.com/ebooks/

 

Join me in the Smoothment!

I just love blending up delicious smoothies in my blender!

Start 2012 off with your Blender!

After being asked by Navitas Naturals, as one of their newest team members I am excited to share with you about there new program The Smoothment!

This program is designed to get you drinking more smoothies daily and to help you along every step of the way. This couldn’t be a better idea! From tips, recipes discounts on amazing superfood products, along with videos on how to make the tastiest smoothies, they’ve got it all. There’s nothing like having your hand held all the way from your blender to your glass! P.S. Don’t forget to sip your smoothie with a glass STRAWESOME straw!

If you are not already making smoothies or haven’t figured out just why they are so good for you let me help you out first:

Top reasons to start the new year off with a smoothie!

Not only are smoothies refreshing and give you energy first thing in the morning – but they are also so much fun to create. Everyday you can create a new theme in your blender using different, flavours, tastes and textures  pack it full of raw organic, fruits, vegetables and superfoods!

Making a smoothie is the easiest way to absorb a whole bunch of nutrients all at once. They are full of fiber and vitamins and depending on what you put into it you can also get your daily dose of protein, antioxidants and healthy fats.

Why not indulge… and drink your next meal? What can be more delicious than a creamy smoothie that fills you up and gives your body the nutrition and vitality that it requires to thrive? There really is no better answer…so let me tell you five simple reasons why you should be making smoothies and blending your way to health!

Time Saver – Smoothies take all of  5-10 minutes to make (depending on how prepared you are) and can be taken on the go, and will last all day in a stainless steel bottle.

Easy to Absorb – liquids are easier to digest and allow nutrients to absorb into your cells for immediate uptake.

All -in -One – you can get a “whole” lot of goodness into one blender – nutrients, protein, carbohydrates and fat!

Super Fun– enjoy the “process” get creative with colourful ingredients and textures (add granola and eat it with a spoon!)

Liquid Energy – use superfoods to give you a boost (no booster juice!!!) Make your own blend and enjoy in the morning, afternoon or pre/post work out!

You are in luck because I am going to give simple steps on how you can to make the perfect smoothie everyday.

 

How to blend your way to health:

These can be made in any blender (but a Vitamix or BlendTec are highly recommended!)

1. Start with 2 cups of liquid – rice milk, almond milk, hemp milk, coconut water
2. Choose your protein (2 tbsp or more)– raw brown rice protein (Sun Warrior - (Use coupon code MW007 to save on your order)), hemp protein, hemp hearts or almonds
3. Choose your fruit (1/2 – 1 cup of either)– blueberries, raspberries, banana, mango, avocado, dates
4. Choose your green (one handful)– spinach, kale, chard, sprouts, cucumber or (1 tsp) greens powder, spirulina, chlorella
5. Choose your superfoods – (1 tablespoon of one or more) goji berries, acai, pomegranate powder, cacao nibs, maca, mesquite, hemp seeds, raw honey, chia seeds, matcha green tea

Want to win some Superfoods?

Sign up and join the Smoothment and WIN some superfoods!

1. Leave a comment below

2. Join our pages Delicious Knowledge and Navitas Naturals

3. Share The Smoothment on Twitter

A Sweet Giveaway

I am in a great mood this week and I feel like giving away goodies…gluten free ones, I might add. Not only is Gluten Free the theme of my week – as it will be featured in my article this week in Chatelaine on Friday but my class on Thursday night is also Gluten Free (2 spots left might I mention).

I also want to take this opportunity to feature a product line that I so truly value and appreciate, Sweets from the Earth. They are everywhere, I bet you have even tried or at least seen there cookies or cakes somewhere in the city of Toronto (or Canada?). They a family run business that focuses on quality desserts that are made with love and no dairy, eggs some with no wheat and more recently no nuts in some of their goodies and no gluten in others. In fact, they have two separate facilities to adhere to these strict and common allergens to gluten and nuts. This is truly where the market is going. More and more people are gluten intolerant, with true sensitives to the protein found in wheat called gluten. This can be a difficult and devastating occurrence when diagnosed. Some people go through life with it, and some people have just figured it out!

It may seem daunting like there is nothing to eat. I think that even before people get worried about what breads and pastas they can’t eat – they think that they will never see a cookie, cake or square ever again? Well that is not true. Not only are there thousands of recipes to be found in my cooking classes, books and online – especially right here on my blog - that are gluten-free friendly, but there are incredible products such as those from Sweets From the Earth that take pride in making delicious desserts that are free of gluten but not of flavour. P.S. you don’t have to have have an intolerance to gluten or be vegan to enjoy these desserts – they can be enjoyed by all. Also note that their gluten free items are not necessarily nut free!

You will not only be less bloated after eating one of their decadent sweets but you will feel good knowing that you can enjoy a perfectly healthy dessert that resembles and if not takes over the “traditional” version.

All that being said, Sweets from the Earth has been kind enough to put together an incredible Gift Basket for ONE lucky winner that MUST live in TORONTO. This basket will feature some of Sweets from the Earth most delicious gluten free goodies.

The Details:

In order to win and to be valid – you must live in Canada.

You need to tell me why you would benefit from this amazing gift basket.

Are you gluten free? Do you have Celiac disease? Have you been missing out on sweets?

Please share your story here and which ever one touches me and Sweets from the Earth the most will get a special package in the mail!

Please also…

Share on Twitter and link back to this blog

Share on Facebook and link back to this blog

Join Delicious Knowledge and Sweets from the Earth Pages

From Sha Sha….with Love!

Last Monday, family day – Ryan and I went to the Sha Sha Co. factory. If you aren’t familiar with this incredible product line, it is about time you are! Sha Sha Bread Co is a Canadian bakery company that is responsible for making some of the most incredibly nutritious and tastiest products on the market. From a variety of sprouted breads, to delicious heart shaped cookies, and more recently launched is their new bio buds and a sprouted buckwheat snack.

I have been in love with thier products (breads, pizza crusts, flatbreads) for years now, as they embrace spelt as a staple grain, they take pride in the baking process by soaking and sprouting their grains and everything they make just tastes so good and is made with love.

I will be featuring some of thier products at our wedding and Ryan will be fueled on ShaSha goodness for his treck to the north pole – see more here!

It is one thing to love a product and buy it and use it. But it is another thing to actually meet the creator himself, Sha Sha, and go to visit the factory. Everthing just seemd happen coincidentally. Ryan and I were planning to go and visit the factory on Family Day, and just the weekend before, I attended the annual Organic Groweres Conference and listened to Sha Sha speak at two seperate lectures over the weekend.

Sha Sha is purely passionate about what he does. He is a baker at heart and wanted nothing more than to make the most nutritoius breads and baked goods. He set out on this mission and now has a full thriving business because of it. I can totally relate to this, as a good business just doesn’t come with hard work and money – it comes with passion and love. Something I take pride in everyday with my own business. So after hearing the voice behind the breads and goodies I have been indulging in for years, this made me even more excited to visit his home…the ShaSha Co. factory.

I call it a home, because that is truly what the factory felt like. Being a family run business – it is has the warmth and feel as if we were invited into Sha Sha’s home. With kids and families part taking in the free event on family day you could just see how excited kids actually get about their products. Using bright colours and friendly packaging also thier facility is nut free – which opens it’s doors to even more avenues. The factory also implements green practices that have the environment in mind like re-using water, being efficient with energy and power usage, managing waste and paper trails and sourcing local and organic products as much as possible to keep the costs and travel emissions low! Sha Sha is truly innovative in everything that he does and we all get to benefit from it as a result!

The array of products that Sha Sha offers

Sha Sha educating his visitors

Lots of Love!

Ready to be enjoyed!

 

Happy with our goodie bags of treats!

 

Can’t all factories be like this? Filled with love, making delicious happy and healthy products that everyone can enjoy?

Thanks Sha Sha for being a frontier!

 

Have you tried Sha Sha breads or products? if not…..

Tell me why you love them and I might just send you some delicious spelt ginger heart cookies!

Pure Pleasure

SEE DETAILS BELOW for my PLEASURE YOURSELF CONTEST!

I am going to stray away from food in this post. Part of living a Fully Nourished lifestyle includes taking active steps to do things that contribute to your wellness on every level. Just as important as eating, so is relaxation and rejuvenation. You need to nourish you soul and your mind, just as much as your body – and taking some time to for just you is what this post is all about!

One of my goals of 2011 is to take some time for myself. Some true time to work on my own healing and relaxation. While taking part in weekly yoga, getting 8 hours of sleep each night, and focusing on deep breathing – I also plan to round this all out with a plump pillow filled with healing essences.

I have had the pure pleasure of testing out an incredible product by Mette Vangso San Francisco. It is a pillow filled with herbal, pure fragrant natural lavender and organic buckwheat. The combination of the both creates a blissful experience that is purely relaxing.

So for those of you who need just a little extra help to make your eyes sleepy or to ease the tension from your day, this will help. I will also help with muscle tightness, cramps and just feels nice especially when warmed or cooled. The eye mask is delightful when pulled out of the freezer and rested on your eyes and forehead – want to get rid of morning puffiness? This is it!

I know that holiday gift giving is over, but there is such a thing as a belated gift or how about a gift to yourself? If you want to bring in the new year with a warm healing embrace order yourself a pillow or eye mask and try it out for yourself. I love that I can put the pillow anywhere on my body for instant relaxation. I know this sounds like an infomercial add – but I am being honest. I was watching a movie last night with my family on the couch, rested the pillow behind my head and not only had a comfy cushion to hold my head up but the soothing fragrance of lavender melted my mind within moments, I was ready for bed almost immediately. It is aromatherapy, deep relaxation and a natural sleep aid all wrapped up in one cushy, luxurious pillow!

I am fortunate enough right now to be in on vacation to give this the true test. I am forced to relax being taken out of my daily routine. But if it works here, I can’t wait for it to “de-stress” me when I am home in the daily grind of life.

—-Since I have posted this post I just want to share how else I have pleasured myself with this product and how Mette Vangso has healed and soothed me. I had a bit of a strained wrist (no not from chopping) but from Yoga – I wrapped the eye mask around my hand for an hour or so, and the inflammation completely went away! Also, I had my little monthly friend come and visit me last week, day one is not so much fun, but with a half hour of the big pillow on my lower abdomen – the cramping subsided and I felt amazing!

I just wanted share my incredible experience with this amazing product!

Do you want to PLEASURE YOURSELF…(who doesn’t?)

If you want the opportunity to get your very own Pillow and Eye Mask (and you Live in Toronto and can come and pick it up) here is how you can WIN!

The person who shares this post and information about this amazing product and contest with the most people will win!

1. Share a comment below – or as many as possible. Tell me why you want to pleasure yourself with this indulgent pillow pack

2. Share on Facebook and Tag + Become a fan of Delicious Knowledge and Mette Vangso in your post!

3. Tweet + Follow  @marniwasserman and @mettevangso in your tweet!

4. Share on your Blog and let me know here that you shared and connect your blog back to Fully Nourished or to Mette Vangso

The effort is worth it, after all your hard work you can reward yourself with the most incredible, luxurious and healing pillows you will ever experience!

Read what Mette Vangso had to say about me and our shared values!

The Right Raw Chocolate

Those of you who read my blog regularly know that I am a “chocoholic” like many others. I am always sourcing and looking for the latest and tastiest ways to create chocolate recipes at home and every once in a while I come across a great product that inspires me (and makes a great addition to my purse or travel bag!)

I discovered righteously raw about a year ago, when  friend of mine told me I had to try this raw chocolate bar that wasn’t like anything else. Not only are the ingredients incredibly pure, but each variety is loaded with a layer of superfoods – which makes the bar extra chewy and extra delicious.

It’s not easy to find a raw chocolate that tastes as good as this one. Plus it is nut free and has the added benefit of all my favourite superfoods from goji berries, acai, lacuma, maca and cacao. This would make anyone very happy and of course very healthy!

You can find them at various different health food stores in Toronto, so if you can, get your hands on a bar and test it out. Or WIN one for free (see below). It’s also the perfect time of year to get one to put into a stocking for a loved one or give it as a gift. Your making the RIGHT decision by supporting this pure, organic, vegan, raw, gluten/nut free and kosher chocolate!

Check out their website to find out more on why they created this incredible chocolate bar. And yes, I can call this a chocolate bar – because it is that and so much more!

TELL me why you are eager to try this chocolate – I will send one to you! The contest ends at the end of this week!

There is only ONE winner, so I am looking for a good answer!

Post it on Twitter

Post it on my Facebook Page

Leave a comment below – either way!

Boost up with a Prana Bar!

If you haven’t tried or heard of Prana Bars before, let me give you an introduction. These super-powered bars first made their way into my life when I was living in New York City going to Culinary School. I lived around the corner from this amazing health food store that was always stocked with unique products. I grabbed a handful of these bars one day, as I was enticed by their bright, colourful packaging and the ingredients were just as exciting. I am so happy I stumbled upon them because now every time I go to the US, I stock up (as they are unfortunately not available in Canada)! There are very few bars on the market that I stand behind and these happen to be one of them!

Prana bars have fun combinations like goji- goldenberry, acai-coconut, raspberry-pomegranate. So exciting and unique. Every bite is delicious and they are loaded with enzymes, protein and fiber. They are also raw, organic, unprocessed, non-gmo, soy free, no sugar added, gluten free, dairy free, vegan and all natural! They fill you up and make a great snack! (Delicious Snacks are my theme for the next few weeks – and these bars are included as one of the options for my packaged product guide to snacks – see blog post coming up soon!) Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, before a workout, after a workout, for a midday snack or just to tie you over between meals – they are sure to give you a boost!

So if you haven’t had the pleasure of trying these bars yet, I am offering a little taster teaser contest!!

The first 10 people in CANADA ONLY:  (sorry USA’ers I can’t send food to you – but you can order them directly from Prana Bars!)

1. To comment below and tell me why they would love to try a Prana bar

2. To Tweet about this Contest (+ follow me on twitter) – and comment about it below

3. To Post it on Facebook (+ become a Fan of Delicious Knowledge) – and comment about it below

Will be the lucky recipients of one of these super delicious bars!

If you are one of the first 10 to respond to any of the above you will get first picks of the flavour combination that you would just love to try!

Ready. Set. GO!

Goldenberry Goji

Apricot Goji

Raspberry Pomegranate

Apple Pie

Apricot Pumpkin

Coconut Acai

Mango Maca

Blueberry Coconut

Cashew Almond

Mango Maca

Super Foods for Super Health!

Superfoods are the super-powered heroes of the plant world and they have magical properties. They are healing, rejuvenating and immune boosting. They are loaded with nutrients that truly make you super happy and super healthy. I promise! If you have never tried them you may just have a chance to win one of them free…read on!

I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to add these yummy foods into your diet, whether it is hemp, goji, acai, cacao, coconut – they all taste amazing and make you feel great!

I have written many a blog post on superfoods. There are various recipes and articles on these foods right here on my blog. That way I can provide you with as much information and ideas of how to use and consume these foods. Superfoods is such a buzz word these days, and it is important to understand why, when and how to use these foods. But the bottom line is to just get them in!

In David Wolfe’s Superfoods book he goes into detail on each of these superfoods (and so much more). So I encourage you to pick up a copy! It is a really comprehensive book as it gives you a detailed outline of how to use these foods, which are “the most nutritious foods on the planet!” David Wolfe.

Here is a mini outline of some of the top ones…

Goji Berries: Goji berries are the most nutritionally rich berry fruit on the planet. They taste delicious and are well balanced for nearly all body types. They are a complete protein source and contain nineteen different amino acids, trace minerals and vitamins. (also great for vision, libido, hormones and an incredible source of antioxidants)

Cacao: The best natural source of antioxidants, magnesium, iron, vitamin C, omega 6 – and chocolate just tastes good!

Spirulina: ancient blue-green algae that is power packed with protein and chlorophyll.

Hempseed: contain all the essential amino acids and fatty acids to maintain human life. Enough said!

Coconuts: The health benefits of coconuts is immense, that I can’t even begin to list them all in one line – but in one sentence as quoted by David Wolfe “Coconut water is the breast milk of mother earth”. That should give you an idea!  (Click here for More info!)

Honey: unprocessed honey is natures richest source of live healing enzymes and one of natures sweetest treats!

Superfoods may be new to you, or they  may already be a staple in your diet….either way:

Tell me which Superfoods you use, how you use them and why you love them!

If I like what you write, you may just WIN! The best answer will get a pack of Goji Berries – compliments of me!

1. Please Post A Comment Below

2. Post it in on Twitter and Link To this Blog Post

3. Share it on Facebook and Link this Blog Post

4. Share on Your Blog and Link Back to My Blog

RAW WALDORF SALAD

Ingredients:

1-4 cups of arugula or mixed greens

¼ cup peeled jicama

3 stalks celery diced or cucumber chunks

1 apple, diced – I like granny smiths

1 cup sunflower sprouts

½ cup walnuts, chopped

1 tbsp hemp seeds

1 tbsp goji berries

1/4 avocado, sliced

Waldorf Dressing – makes over 1 cup

¼ cup hemp oil

2 tbsp raw tahini

2 tbsp lemon juice

2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon raw honey

2 tablespoon tamari

2 tbsp – ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice

Filtered water (add slowly only if needed without hemp oil)

1. Combine the dressing ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Pour over salad ingredients and toss until well coated.

Next Page »