Win a Full Year Membership to FNL!

Have you ever found yourself looking in the mirror in the morning thinking “I just want a fresh start”!?

More than that you are just aching to transform your health and your lifestyle, but you just don’t know how?

Well the good news is that I have the perfect program to help you get there! It is called the Fully Nourished Lifestyle Program

What is it?

This is a program that was designed to help you reach your nutrition and lifestyle goals. It can be difficult and overwhelming to do it alone. You are probably tired of trying diet plans that don’t work and eating foods that deplete your energy and more importantly take away from your vital well-being. You are likely to reach your personal goals when you have someone keeping you accountable and that would be me and my team! Even with support, I believe that you need to be an integral part of your journey. To achieve a fully nourished lifestyle– you actually have to be directly involved! Whether you are overcoming an illness, looking to achieve a healthy weight, want more energy or just want to plan weekly meals with wholesome alternatives  – the only person in control of reaching these goals is you!

That means making your own meals and recipes (after learning them in my cooking classes), reading valuable insights, tips and information (from my guidebooks), and getting your personal questions answered (in a private consultation). Along with so many other goodies that are part of this all in one program. Whether you choose to join us for 3 months or a full year, I want you to get the most out of your life and it all starts in the kitchen and what goes into your mouth! When you have the tools to make nourishment a priority, you are going to be more likely to let this extend into other areas of your life.

This is your chance to make the changes you have been looking for and to become “the face” of the Fully Nourished Lifestyle Program.

This is the first time EVER I am giving away this full year membership!

As the face of the Fully Nourished Lifestyle, you will have the chance to follow our 1-year program for free, while documenting your transformation, and inspiring others to join you, and change their connection to food and healthy living.

You will be given the tips, tools, ingredients, recipes, and hands on experience, so that you can pave the path of health for the rest of your life. You will learn how to master your meals and become empowered in the kitchen with me!

This opportunity includes:

6 Cooking Classes

Life Changing Consultations

All of Marni’s Ebooks

2 Fully Loaded Packages of Products

10% off all Marni’s Products and Services

+ More Incredible Bonuses here

This program will change your connection to food and healthy living. You will be empowered to master your meals everyday in the kitchen!

 YEARLY MEMBERSHIP to the Fully Nourished Life is a value of more than $3000!

Here’s what we need from you to WIN and become the FACE of FNL:

Share the real you and your real, inspirational story with us!

To enter the contest you can answer the questions below by either:

1. Submitting a 1 page letter and email it to gethealthy@marniwasserman.com.

2. Leaving a detailed comment below

3. Liking our facebook page and leaving a comment there

4. Or if you are savvy enough create a video!

Please let us know about yourself including:

• Where are you at with your health and nutrition goals
• What is your biggest challenge
• What does being part of a Fully Nourished Life Mean to you?
• What will you create in your health, your life and in the world when you reach your goals.

If you are creating a video upload it to YouTube.com and tell us why you or someone you know is the perfect fit for this program. Your Video Title: Fully Nourished Lifestyle Program with Marni Wasserman video by (your name). Description: http://www.marniwasserman.com – Live the Fully Nourished Life with Marni.

You also MUST submit a comment below either to let us know you have entered!

Social Media & Blog Bonus Points!

Boost your chance of winning! Spread the word about this FREE MEMBERSHIP giveaway contest with comments on my blog below,  Twitter and Facebook.

Here’s what we need from you to WIN and become the Face of FNL:

I want to win a membership to @marniwasserman ‘s Fully Nourished Lifestyle Program http://ow.ly/dVtwZ #winFNL

I am ready to change my life with @marniwasserman ‘s Fully Nourished Lifestyle Program http://ow.ly/dVtwZ #winFNL

I want to be FULLY NOURISHED with @marniwasserman ‘s Lifestyle Program http://ow.ly/dVtwZ #winFNL

And mention that your are entering and tell us why on our Facebook Page!

All tweets must have the hashtag #winFNL

The submission deadline is October 31st, 2012 and the winner will be announced November 5th, 2012

 

We can’t wait to see your entry video’s and write up! Have fun and good luck!

 

Are You Preserved?

I recently posted about my approved list of packaged food, so now you know what to buy when it comes to healthy snacking! These are packaged foods that are safe by my standards and are not heavily processed or loaded with sugar, salt, and preservatives. The confusing part here is knowing what to look for on packages. How can you decipher on your own whether or not something is safe and good to eat? Most people (I would like to think) know there are things added to our foods, but don’t really know what they are or the impact they have on our bodies and long-term health. In fact, most people believe that food additives serve a beneficial purpose and are good for our products and our health.

Well, let me assure you that this is not the case. Additives do way more harm over the long term and often even in the short term. More than 300 food additives, preservatives, flavourings, colourants, and other ingredients are added to foods in Canada. As a result, most Canadians spend 90% of their money on processed foods that are loaded with these additives. Even though they are legal to use, they are not necessarily safe. Here is a breakdown of some additives and their effect on your  long-term health!

• Sodium nitrate
• BHA and BHT
• Propyl gallate
• Trans fats
• Asparatame
• Acesulfame-K
• Food colourings ( Blue 1 & 2, Red 3, Green 3, Yellow 6)
• Potassium bromate
• MSG

Does that list sound appetizing? I didn’t think so! Most of these are found in anything from baked goods and chewing gum to chicken soup, cereal, lunch meats, vegetable oils and potato chips. If you eat a highly-processed diet, you are exposing yourself to cancer-causing toxins at every meal!

Also be mindful that some additives may mimic your hormones. According to the Chemical Journal of Toxicology, there are 31 potential estrogen-mimicking food additives, known as xenoestrogens. These chemicals are linked to all kinds of human health effects, including reduced sperm counts in men and increased risk of breast cancer in women. The food you eat can also directly affect your behaviour and mood. Don’t we have enough natural stresses in our life that affect our emotions? Do we need our food to contribute to that too? I think not!

Processed food is also high in sugar and starchy carbohydrates, which can lead to excess insulin release, followed by falling blood sugar levels, or hypoglycemia. This can lead to agitation, depression, anger, anxiety, panic, and even an increase in risk of suicide. Once again, it is baffling that we have complete control over this and yet people still eat processed foods. You can choose the potato chips, soda pop, or fruit juice or you can simple choose to live more naturally and additive-free. You will feel better, look better, and may just preserve yourself naturally and live to a ripe old age!

Confessions of a True Foodie

Some may call me a picky eater– but they don’t really know what’s going on. Yes it is true, have my likes dislikes which may come across in a rather food snobbish manner, but the truth is I have formed my valued and educated opinion over many years about what and why I like to eat what I eat! I have been doing this for so many years now that it is second nature to me. I always get asked, How do I do it? How do I stay so committed ALL the time?  Don’t I ever cheat or crave something? Well the truth is no. I don’t. I have no need to. I am not only am I so aware of all the healthy alternative that exist, but I also know how to make them. Anything that I may be craving or wanting, I know how to make the healthy veggie – even vegan or raw version of it. So I am not left feeling deprived. I think that is why I am a teacher, as I am passionate about sharing this knowledge so that others too can make or find the “healthy version” of the things that they crave or desire.

Also when I travel, my morals, values and dedication to being a foodie is the same.  Just because you are traveling doesn’t mean that you have to give in and eat crap because it’s too hard to stay on track. I don’t look at the way I eat as staying on track or following a diet plan. It is my way of life and I am proud of it. Those who know me well, know that I am that girl who will bring her own food to a dinner party,  always have spelt or sprouted bread on me just in case it needs to be dipped or create my very own menu item at any given restaurant. That way I can still dine out at restaurants and enjoy my meal. I can also be found in the airport munching on kale chips, flat bread or scooping the flesh out of an avocado. As I said, I don’t settle and I don’t give in. There are no excuses. When food is as important to you as it is to me – there is no other way! It may sound extreme – but this is me, and how I live my life everyday.

I prepare all of my meals pretty much all of the time. I rarely eat out or pick up on the go. So that is why it is nice to get away once in a while and be spoiled by healthy and delicious options when I am traveling. It also gives me some inspiration to go back home and create with some new ideas!

I was just in Los Angeles, visiting my brother, Dan Wasserman (a chiropractor in Santa Monica) and together we explored all the yummy places to eat out there. Luckily he is on board with me, and I don’t ever have to feel judged around him as he likes to eat the way I do. So together we dined at several tasty places. I am going to share my experiences and pictures here – the foods I encountered, the desserts I indulged in – all while being happy, healthy and active.

Real Food Daily – a definite must when coming to LA.  It has everything that a vegan wants to eat. Whether you want to be adventurous with a cashew cheese pizza or go simple clean with brown rice, kale, tempeh and miso soup along with a slice of their rustic corn bread with miso tahini spread. This is one of my all time fav’s!

The Best Corn Bread in Town!

Sweet and Savoury Miso Soup

Cashew Kale Corn Meal Pizza – Scrumptious!

Kind Kreme – A new discovery and truly heaven on earth as far as frozen desserts go. The absolute BEST vegan, raw ice cream I have ever had. They had everything from soft serve to several varieties of hard scoops. A cute quaint little spot near Universal Studios. I wish more places like this existed. If there is one thing I loved for dessert while grown up it was frozen yogurt – so this satisfied all my needs as far as dessert goes. I can’t even compare it to anything else I have ever had.

Coconut Cashew Choc-Vanilla Swirl with Dark Chips

Planet Earth - in Hermosa Beach. A cute little raw lunch cafe. All of 10 items on the menu – so there was definitely a lot of love put into each item. We had a yummy pesto cracker appetizer  and a raw burger on sprouted bread. It was somewhat hearty, the bread and burger were rather tasty with a unique flavour and lots of texture.  I was pleasantly satisfied and would definitely come back.

Rahel’s Ethiopian - My brother and I discovered this amazing little place on Fairfax in little Ethiopia a few years back. It is the only vegan restaurant on the block. I can be easily turned off of ethnic foods, simply because they are meat-centered, loaded with dairy and often spicy. Well not here! They are more than accommodating (especially for me and my lack of palette for spicy foods), they have so many items to choose from and they also now feature a tasty gluten free injera bread. I can truly eat here without any worries. Oh and don’t forget to order the mango juice or a thai young coconut to sip on between those spicy bites! (see picture at top)

Cru – Loved it here. A small raw, vegan cafe that features very specific items that are all crafted beautifully. It was hard to decide what to have. But I settled with a mezze platter with a fig dip, beet and apple salad, kale slaw, cashew cheeze and cucumber salad – served with flax crackers it was totally scrumptious! Of course this was a green juice paired with my meal as well.

M Cafe - This is one of my favourite spots to stop for a simple, clean macro meal. They always have fresh salads, veggie nori rolls and lots of other items. This is a great place to stop if you are on the go as the food comes out rather quick and it always tastes fresh!

So as you can see – LA makes it very easy for me to eat well. There are so many amazing places to choose from. I know not all destinations are not as well equipped as LA, but you have to do your research. The next stop for me on this trip was to Scottsdale and Sedona Arizona. This happens to be a frequent destination for my family and I am always on the lookout for new places to eat. I gave a little intro to Scottsdale restaurants last year with some of my usual destinations like TRUE FOOD KITCHEN – but this year I have discovered a few more!

Luckily I was here with my foodie buddie and good friend Marti Wolfson from Culinary school in New York. So there was no doubt that we weren’t going to eat well and make sure that our “bellies” were totally satisfied. We had the chance to discover some new places along the way…from a juicy tempeh burger to a raw falafel platter and gluten free pizza we had our fair share of delicious meals. Unfortunately, I don’t have any pictures to prove this but you’ll just have to take my word. Then the other night I was lucky enough to discover a new restaurant in Scottsdale called Nourish – which I literally stumbled upon after doing a search for “vegetarian Scottsdale”. So excited to have found this place! They have a wide menu with lots to choose from and a one-of-a-kind coconut ice cream for dessert!

Okay, that pretty much wraps up my trip. I don’t really like to eat out this much, but when I am traveling or on the go, this is what takes place and the choices that I make. Food comes first (sometimes)…. as I love to eat and I love to discover new things all the time. It may have seemed  like I was indulging – but it was all healthy, clean and delicious! I have also been continuously active – swimming, hiking, biking and yoga! Of course there has to be a balance…and on that note I am actually looking forward (after being so inspired) to making some home-made meals and post some new recipes when I return back to Toronto!

Are you a foodie? If so…please share!

On the Fly!

There is nothing worse than being stranded without food in an airport (well maybe a few things!).

Even though I consider myself someone who is well prepared when travelling and always planning ahead – it doesn’t always work out that way. Sometimes you have to be creative and make do with limited resources. Whenever I am flying, I always bring food and never rely on what is at the airport or on the plane. I will do  my very best to avoid processed foods and empty calories at all costs. As these foods will actually put your body through more stress than the flight itself.

No matter where I am going, I always bring with me something to munch on. It can be as simple as some rice cakes with almond butter to a blender bottle with a packet of vega or sun warrior protein (which I shake up with water once I get through security) and of course some all-natural bars (lara, organic food bar or  trail mix). I try to keep it simple. However, as I said you can’t always plan ahead or bring enough food to cover more than one meal. Like last week when I was  sitting in airport lounge in Chicago because my flight was delayed and we missed our connection. So I had an extra eight unplanned hours on my side – yeah you heard me eight. I certainly didn’t plan on that one. I was hoping to be in sunny Arizona by noon.

After thinking I was doomed and going to have to starve for the remainder of the day, I took a walk through the terminal only to discover that the airport was surprisingly filled with goodies that I could indulge in.

First I came across a random salad spot  where I was lucky enough to build my own salad. Happy to not be tied to a plastic box of iceberg with cheese, croutons and creamy sauce – instead I got a spinach salad with chickpeas, onions, cucumber, carrots and cabbage. Then I found a little stand with all kinds of stuff from toasted organic soybeans, to coconut water (who knew?), to dark organic chocolate with acai and cacao nibs (always good to keep up those antioxidants when flying), to Mrs May’s organic toasted cashews. I have to say for a make shift meal – I did pretty well considering I thought that there was no hope.

Even if your airport may accommodate you – it is not worth going through the stress that you may not be eating for the next few hours. Yes I am that stubborn, I will not resort to anything with white sugar, white flour or anything that is fried. It’s not worth it.

What I learned from this lesson, is that it is still important to travel with more snacks and food than you had planned on. Even though I got very lucky and found enough food to satisfy my palette, you may also just need to be a bit creative when you are on the fly!

Holiday Helpings!

This may sound like a challenge, but you can enjoy delicious food this holiday without restricting  yourself (or indulging for that matter!). It is not about dieting and sitting across the table wishing you can eat something that you told yourself you couldn’t. It is about taking control. Make the right choices this year, because you can treat your holiday however you want!

Maybe this year, you offer to make some of the side dishes, desserts or goodies. Or at least have something small with you to nibble on that is healthy and tasty. You never want to be left without options that don’t suit your goals or your taste buds! You don’t have to give in to the 4-5 course rich and heavy meals and all the holiday candies, sweets, desserts that may be delivered to our door or are laying on your table. If you have to go for that “once-a-year” something, then treat yourself to a small piece and enjoy every bite. You never want to approach the holidays dreading the amount of food you are going to eat…just approach it with peace and let yourself know that you can still enjoy the holidays without guilt.

Here are a few more helpful tips:

If dinner is not at your house – have a small meal before you go (vegetable juice, smoothie, bowl of soup, veggies and hummus with crackers)

Bring a  flavourful and colourful holiday dish with you ( Citrus Wild Rice, Apricot Muffins, Quinoa with Porcini, Green Veggie Soup, Yam Pecan Tart)

Load up on veggies - if there is a salad or steamed veggies available – double your dose of them and leave only a small space on the plate for other things.

Wait before you have dessert - sip on herbal tea, let your tummy digest dinner before you indulge in dessert. Or better yet bring your own healthy and guilt free dessert – Ginger Date Cookies!

Get to the gym or go for a long walk - you will feel better  knowing that you can burn off some of those (extra) calories (even if you did cheat a little!)

Sip on wine if you must – watch the eggnog, beer and other rich holiday drinks. These all have calories that can add up!

Make time for bonding – have after dinner activities that are fun and keep you away from all-night nibbling!

Approaching the holiday dreading the amount of food you’re going to eat is no fun. So take control this year and give yourself the gift of eating good food, in moderation. If you must give in, to that second helping – do it with gratitude and pleasure not with guilt and disappointment. The only one who will be left upset in the end is you!

Date Ginger Coconut Cookies

 

 

Ingredients:

2 ½ cups spelt, kamut or oat flour

2 cups rolled oats

2 tsp cinnamon, nutmeg or allspice

1/2 tsp sea salt

1 ½ tsp baking soda

1 cup chopped pitted dates (I like Medjool)

1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1 cup maple syrup or coconut nectar

¾ cup coconut oil

1-2 tsp grated ginger

zest of organic lemon or orange

1 tsp pure vanilla

 

Procedure:

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Prepare baking sheet with parchment paper
3. Whisk together flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in large bowl.
4. In a separate bowl add in dates and coconut and stir to combine. Add the syrup, oil, ginger and zest and vanilla and mix just until all flour is absorbed.
5. Drop heaping tablespoons or large scoops of the dough onto the baking sheets, spacing them out evenly.
6. Bake for about 12 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Allow to cool on a baking rack for a few minutes and enjoy!

Marni’s Movie Night Series

Starting tonight, and for the next few weeks I am going to be showing a series of amazing and inspiring films about whole foods and our planet. These are select films that really demonstrate what it means to eat fresh, organic locally grown foods. It is one thing to hear this information from someone, but it is a completely different story when you see it. When you actually see what is going on behind closed doors you realize why this shift towards organic, natural and plant based foods is essential to human health and the sustainability of our planet!

If you truly want to start making small changes in your life and in your families life than come on out to  one of these films and see what what kind of relevance it may have for you.

I promise you that each film will be relevant to you in some way, as you will not only learn what it means to eat healthy organic and local foods, but learn how to increase longevity, boost your energy and help you lose weight. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to nourish yourself and become your own healer.

If you have been lucky enough to view any one of these films, please share your experience, feelings, comments, questions about the films below!

All films will be screened at 6:45 pm on a Tuesday evening in Toronto

To inquire about the evening or to reserve a spot please Contact Marni for more details.

 

The evening will include an interactive and dynamic workshop following the film. You will have a chance to ask questions about the film or anything nutrition-related in general. This way I can help you get on track with your health and wellness goals. There will also be organic snacks, organic popcorn, herbal tea and some goodies to take home!

Here are the films in order of viewing and their descriptions:

January 19th- Food Matters

Take small steps towards a healthier life and a healthier you! Food can be your best friend!  Discover how you can Detox, Lose Weight, Reverse Diabetes, Conquer Cancer, Beat Heart Disease, Ditch Depression and more using a nutritional approach. It’s not as hard as you think!

February 2nd – Fresh

How Fresh is your food? Fresh will take you on a journey by avid individuals, like farmers and business people across North America and show how they are re- inventing the food system. You will be offered healthier, alternative and sustainable solutions to protecting the future of our food and planet.

T.B.A - Crazy Sexy Cancer

Come and learn about what the power of food, more specifically what RAW foods can do for your health. You will learn what foods can help to prevent, treat and mediate the effects of cancer and make you feel great. A discussion on raw foods, smoothies and juicing will be apart of the evening.

February 9th – Future of Food

The Future of Food provides an excellent overview of the key questions raised by consumers as they become
aware of GM foods… This film draws questions to critical attention about food production that need more public debate.

January 26th - Food Inc

Learn about where your food is coming from and what it takes to get dinner onto your plate. After seeing this film you can’ t help to be inspired to make changes in your daily food choices.

My Favourite Vegetarian Meal!

This is a tough one for me, but I assure you – I do have a favourite vegetarian meal and so do you!

But first let me tell you about my favourite meal and then read on to find out why yours is important too.

Okay, so my favourite vegetarian meal is one that I like to create when I want something nourishing, warming and revitalizing. In which case I pretty much go for the foods that connect with this energy and make me feel amazing. My go to grain is usually quinoa, this is the best foundation for a wholesome dish. It is nutty, light, high in protein and digests immediately. Then I like to add in all of my favourites – starting with some baked marinated tempeh for it’s juicy and hearty texture, roasted sweet potatoes for some natural sweetness, steamed kale – a meal isn’t a meal without some greens, avocado – for it’s creamy and smooth consistency and then some chopped almonds for some raw crunch. Then to top this dish off I like to add in some tamari – natural salty flavour and tahini for a rich boost of calcium. This is my absolute favourite meal!

Now why am I telling you this, because I want to make it apparent that everyone has a favourite food or a favourite meal, maybe it’s a snack or a drink. Whatever it may be there is something that you have eaten that has made you feel amazing – and I want to know what that is – especially if it is plant-based!

So if you tell me, this is going to work out for you because I am having a contest in which you will have a chance to win a FREE Fully Nourished Cooking Class!

Yes you heard me, you can attend any one of my cooking classes for free!

Well… there are some conditions that this contest is based on.

The premise: Tell me your favourite plant based/vegetarian meal, snack or drink. It can be raw, cooked, gluten free, sweet, savoury – anything you like! Just nothing that comes from an animal (this means NO fish, chicken, meat, eggs, cheese).

The reason: I want to know WHAT about this plant based or vegetarian food item that made you feel happy, excited, proud, energized, nourished, balanced etc…You don’t have to be vegetarian or vegan to do this or have had this experience!

There is significance and purpose to this contest. Not only will I highlight the winning answer on my blog, but the winner will also get to come to any on of my vegetarian Fully Nourished Cooking Classes absolutely free of charge (value over $100). This contest will also demonstrate to people that plant based foods not only taste amazing but have an incredible impact on your health and I want as many people as possible to exploit and share their experiences!

So there are many factors that this veggie experience can be based on. It can be the taste, texture, smell, colour, flavour of the meal – it doesn’t matter to me. I just want you describe what it was and what it did to you that made you excited about healthy plants based food. This can be anything from a simple salad with pumpkin seeds to a coconut banana smoothie. Please share your story, your experience – the more detail you give me, the better chance you have to win.

I am giving you (my readers) one week to post your foodie delight in my comment section – share it on twitter, share it on facebook. And then after that week, I am going to pick my three favourite ones and post them and then you (my readers) will be the judge and pick your favourite one. Then I will contact the winner personally and invite them to come to any vegetarian cooking class of choice to have more amazing experiences eating delicious plant based foods.

I have one more question…are you ready?

Get posting!

This could be you!