Healing Foods: How Your Immunity + The Heat Wave Are Connected

We love the cool, crisp fall months... once they actually decide to roll around. Until then, we're looking for cooling recipes like this incredible concoction from edible landscape and food therapy expert Christine Dionese of Garden Eats. Based on traditional Chinese medicine, this strange, but delicious soup is served cold and as easy as making a smoothie. Here's why you should try it... While most parts of the country are cooling off to make way for fall weather, in true Southern California fashion, we’re experiencing yet another heat wave, typical of late summer and early autumn. Our need for hydration not only doubles, but the heat also compromises immunity, resulting in those all-too-familiar pesky coughs and dry, sore throats. Traditional Chinese medical food therapy has long supplied the remedies for regional, seasonal health concerns such as the “summer heat” or “dry heat” virus. Taking a cue from this wisdom, we’ve been able to adapt traditional recipes for our modern needs with the inclusion of readily available superfoods. Consuming yin (or cool) and cold foods during heat waves, according to traditional Chinese medicine, induces sweating to promote circulation, improving the flow of energy. From an integrative, functional medical perspective, consuming cool foods such as watermelons, cantaloupes, watercress, asparagus and bok choy reduces metabolic waste by acting as gentle diuretics. Applying the principle of mutual accentuation, we add herbs and superfoods that amplify the diuretic effects of these foods to help promote the bioavailability of nutrients without causing loss of vital fluids. This means that while the carefully selected medicinal foods in this recipe help potential metabolic waste such as viruses and bacterias to be excreted from the body, they also provide easy-to-absorb nutrients that simultaneously strengthen immunity. The essential recipe for balancing immunity this time of year not only improves your ability to eradicate and eliminate a potential virus or bacteria, but also to stabilize immunity by protecting adrenal and endocrine health. This aspect of the food therapy recipe improves our response to stress. Ginseng and bitter melon work together to help achieve this. This recipe may help reduce blood pressure, stabilize the glycemic index, promote absorption of nutrients such as vitamins A and C and the minerals calcium, potassium, iron and magnesium. And, what it does best? Soothes that sore throat and rids you of cough. As a bonus? Kids love the earthy, yet slightly sweet flavor of cold soups on a hot summer day. You can even get them to drink it down with a straw!

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Simplest Health Tip Ever: Why You Should Try Alternate Nostril Breathing

Throughout the fall, we’re sharing a series of sage insights from the pages of Pratima founder, Pratima Raichur's new book Absolute Beauty: Radiant Skin and Inner Harmony Through the Ancient Secrets of Ayurveda. We've featured Pratima's ayurvedic massage technique that makes sit-ups a thing of the past. Now, we're delving into another obscure healing method - alternate nostril breathing! Strange as it may sound, this technique is excellent for relieving dry skin conditions and soothing anxiety and fear! TIPS FOR ALTERNATE NOSTRIL BREATHING: Do not hold the breath. Simply have the intention to breathe normally at all times. Do not force the breath, but gently push the air in and out so that a dry leaf held directly in front of the nose would not move whether you are inhaling or exhaling. Do not breathe to any particular count, but let each breath be as long as it needs to be without forcing. The torso will pulsate slowly and gently with your breath. Otherwise, the body should be still, as the breath finds its own easy, natural rhythm.

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Happily Eva After: Mornings with New Mama Eva Amurri Martino

Eva Amurri Martino got it from her mama - and has just become one herself. Living out that sweet transition in life - from being someone's child (her mother just happens to be Susan Sarandon) to having one of her own, Eva has her hands full with all that new mamahood requires. Add meeting and marrying the love of her life to the equation (it all came rolling in in just under three years!) and Eva has a full plate. Under the circumstances, many women might choose to take on less in life for the time being, but, for Eva, the natural impulse was to begin a new passion project, Happily Eva After, a blog detailing her take on life as a new wife and mother, including turns on the topics of home, style, and food, all with the one theme of "balance" in mind -- a theme we really love around here, if you haven't noticed. Read through our morning with Eva and get her adorable recipe for pink toast and eggs (we're making this immediately!) [olists num=1] [olists num=2]

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Stack ‘Em Up: Food52′s Go-To Pancake Recipe (Bonus: They’re Vegan)

We're obsessed with this recipe for vegan pancakes from gorgeous online food mag Food52's brand new cookbook, Food52 Vegan: 60 Vegetable-Driven Recipes for Any Kitchen. We'll be sharing several of our fave plant-based recipes from this seriously drool-worthy cookbook - namely, comfort foods we love with a nutritious twist to them. Blogger, author and Food52's vegan columnist Gena Hamshaw gives us the details on this delicious breakfast staple... This is my go-to pancake recipe, which also happens to turn into excellent waffles. It’s sweet but not sugary and has just the slightest hint of buttery flavor from the coconut oil. The pancakes are delicious as is, and when served with maple syrup or fruit compote, but if you’re looking to switch things up, try the variations that follow the recipe. To make waffles instead of pancakes, prepare the batter as instructed, then use about 1⁄3 cup of batter for each waffle.

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Because Why Not: 14 Ways To Celebrate National Coffee Day

Happy National Coffee Day! Truthfully, we're suppressing an eye roll over yet another day of celebration over something so small. And yet, we don't need to be asked twice when it comes to the actual festivities. Recently, we've participated in holidays for donuts, yoga, ice cream, pancakes and, today, coffee. Because why not?  We've found a dozen great ideas from our own pages to help you celebrate National Coffee Day. Most of them are healthy hacks to upgrade that caffeinated cuppa. A few of them aren't edible at all...

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Green Goddess Guide: Korean Beauty With Alicia Yoon of Peach + Lily

From fermented toners to the ever-irresistible sheet mask, there is a lot to love about Korean beauty products - as we're just beginning to discover. So many of the Korean brands bring a mix of child-like charm and high-tech minimalism to their products that the design-freak in us just can't resist. We recently stumbled upon Peach and Lily, a beauty site devoted to bringing the best in Korean skin care and makeup to American skincare fanatics. Though not everything on the site is green or all-natural, we've been finding our way with a few brands we love and feel good about (like Aromatica.) Remember, when in doubt, refer to Beautycounter's Never List for ingredients to avoid! Peach and Lily founder Alicia Yoon is obsessed with transformative skincare. We asked her to share her version of our Green Goddess Guide (see all of our Guides with top beauty pros here) and we're loving some of her tips!

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Have You Tried Kale Almond Milk? We’ve Got The Recipe

One more time now. We're wrapping up the month with our girl, Kris Carr (can you believe September has flown by so fast?) and sharing a giveaway of five signed copies of her new book, Crazy Sexy Juice. Enter below! We've been juicing through our copy of the book and - trust - you need these recipes! We're loving this recipe for our new fall obsession, a kale almond milk you're going to love... As I wrap up my last piece as September guest editor (so much fun and such an honor!), I want to bring our discussion back full circle to the importance of self-care. We talked about how fall can be such a busy time and I know my world is nutty right now - my team and I are preparing for the launch of my new book, and it’s Crazy (Sexy) Town, U.S.A. over here. Whether you’re busy with kiddos, a demanding career or a personal project (or all three!), ya gotta take care of yourself, honey. We just can’t push ourselves to achieve our goals without tending our body and soul gardens first. With that in mind, I have a couple of things I want to leave you with… First, a recipe. This is from Crazy Sexy Juice, and I love it so much because it incorporates and represents so many things I stand for and support: relaxation, enjoyment, nourishment and getting in your greens! Curl up and wind down with this yummy beverage (warm it on the stove!) for a blissful post-dinner treat. Bonus: It’s a wonderful addition to smoothies, too. I know what you’re thinking: green milk?! It may seem like a nutty idea, but why not infuse your go-to almond milk with a little green goodness? This milk is perfect for sipping, and if you use it in green smoothies, you’ll be doubling up on plant power. Pro Tip: To make the milk, follow my basic almond milk formula in Crazy Sexy Juice, adding kale and spinach in the blending step. Then you strain and serve as you normally would. The resulting mixture is sweet and creamy, and even though you’ll barely taste the veggies, your body will thank you for them! Second, I’m offering a signed copy of Crazy Sexy Juice to five readers! It’s loaded with over a hundred juice, smoothie and nut-milk recipes ready to boost your health and tickle your taste buds. Talk about self-care! I also wanted to let you know I'm throwing in some amazing bonuses for all who pre-order the book - my new digital meditation album, Self-Care for Busy People, and access to the Livestream lecture and Q&A at my book launch party! Some very special guests will be there… you don’t wanna miss it! You’ll get a video recording of the event, too. Find out more here. I’m grateful for the opportunity to jam with the Chalkboard community - it’s been a blast! Take good care of yourselves, dear ones. I’m cheering you on… Love you!

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Long Live The Toast: Salt Air’s Snap Pea Ricotta Toast Recipe

Remember the days when avocado toast reigned? Like, last weekend? Okay - so it's not as though our beloved avocado toast has gone anywhere, but we're pretty stoked on all the crazy variations popping up around town since our fave fruit took over every chick's plate by storm. Proof that this food trend is here to stay? This ricotta toast from breezy, yet foodie-serious Venice Beach restaurant Salt Air. Executive Chef Greg Daniels takes peas, jalapeño, and sourdough, and combines them into what we can only describe as a little slice of coastal heaven. We're immediately throwing this recipe into our crostini and avo-based snack rotation. Long live the toasts. All the toasts.

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A Roasted Sweet Potato Granola Bowl For Fall

What better way to start the beginning of a new week (and, soon, a new month!) than with a big bowl of Autumn-inspired breakfast goodness? Monique Otero of Brunchpants whipped up this granola bowl for us, filled with roasted sweet potatoes, raw honey, and creamy Greek yogurt. We're loving this unique spin on the breakfast bowl - and you know how much we love bowls.You can bet we'll be feasting on this all Fall and beyond... Granola bowls are always a good idea, but once September hits, finding good local produce to add to it can be challenging. I am always looking for new ways to eat seasonally without sacrificing on taste. This roasted sweet potato and granola breakfast bowl recipe checks every box. Packed with nutrition, sweet potatoes have over 400% of your daily vitamin A needs, as well as loads of fiber and potassium. One of my favorite farm stands for fall goodies is Bodhitree Farms, a New Jersey-based farm stand using only chemical-free and organic methods to treat their crops. In line with their name, they believe in infusing their vegetables with positive energy in the hopes that it also spreads to the people who enjoy them. They specialize in beans, asian cucumbers, sweet potatoes, squash, melons and a variety of other vegetables. You can find Bodhitree Farm at multiple farm stands around NYC, including Union Square greenmarket. Recipe notes: You will have leftovers! For the sweet potatoes, I like to use a mix of sweet potatoes, including Japanese, purple, white and orange.

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Mindful Mom-To-Be: The Top 9 Superfoods To Eat When You’re Expecting

As wellness-savvy as you might be, once you've got a bun in the oven, all bets are off. The cravings struggle is real, even though your better judgement knows you should be filling up on healthy fare before your little one comes into the world. Lori Bregman is a doula, healer, and life/pregnancy coach whose philosophy is that giving birth is more than a life event - it's a major mental and emotional transition. And it's one you can, and should, approach holistically. She's worked with Jessica Biel, Molly Sims, former TCM Guest Editor Kristen Bell - as well as women around the globe to make the transition into motherhood a mindful one. In her new book The Mindful Mom-To-Be: A Modern Doula's Guide to Building a Healthy Foundation from Pregnancy Through Birth, Lori gives concrete, prescriptive health information and indispensable advice to help guide mamas-to-be into their new role with super strength, vibrant health, and more joy than ever. One way to achieve all this? Make sure you're feeding yourself - and your kiddo - with the right nourishment. Here's Lori on what to eat during pregnancy - plus a superfood-packed bowl that you'll want to whip up whether you're expecting or not! Those cravings never stood a chance... [olists num=1] [olists num=2]

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Calm Down All Around: Destressifying Through ‘The 5 Realms of Existence’

We're focused on acquiring all the best advice on calming down and zen-ing out. Our new favorite resource is meditation expert davidji and his new book, destressifying. davidji has worked with people under some of the most extreme, high-pressure stressors possible - think world-class athletes, Special Forces, people facing loss. His practical, proactive tips to transcend life's stressful situations are some of the best we've ever come across. davidji's method: looking at the five main areas of your life and calming down, all around... Whether you are dealing with a stressful period in your life or have just come through a difficult time, wherever you are in your life, you need a pattern interrupt to see clearly and could greatly benefit from the non-stop onslaught of your fight-flight conditioning. Maybe you’re in the midst of an argument with a friend, relative, or co-worker, or maybe you’ve just bitten off more than you can handle right now. The Five Realms of Existence is a personal self-transformation tool to help bring clarity to the often overwhelming process of looking at our life and its millions of moving parts by taking a holistic and systematic approach to meeting your needs, healing your emotional wounds, and bringing balance back into your life. The Five Realms are the basic categories of your life – the physical, emotional, material, relationship, and spiritual. When we look at our life through the lens of the Five Realms, it allows us to move back and forth from the big picture to the more granular aspects, irritants, and blockages of our existence. It brings us single-pointed intention so we can look at our life under the microscope and make tiny, incremental shifts that have huge impact. And by limiting it to only five lenses, clarity naturally flows to all of our answers. Our life in its totality consists of some overlapping parts, and others that are distinct. We’ve all heard of the concept of work-life balance. But in truth, that separation between work and life is artificial, since for many, work is our life. For all of us, however, the behaviors and actions we perform in daily life, spill over into work, home, commute, relaxation, meals or the bedroom. A more accurate breakdown is to separate our life into the five truest aspects of our existence: the physical realm, the emotional realm, the material realm, the relationship realm and the spiritual realm. During times when it seems like you can barely catch your breath, if you can look at your life through the lens of The Five Realms, you will keep you moving forward while keeping everything in perspective, and bringing greater clarity into the moment. Here’s an example: Your to-do list is bursting at the seams; you’ve got expectations of what needs to get done, several obligations that you have committed yourself to, when a brand new set of circumstances arises and the basic day-to-day tasks and chores still need to get done. So, let’s slow it all down. Simply walk yourself through The Five Realms and spend about five minutes on each realm. Reflecting on each realm and the intention or commitment you made to yourself will reinforce the destressifying process. If you really want to ground your intentions, write them down and place them someplace where you will regularly see them. But the key is to live them – live your intentions… lean into them. As Krishna says to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita, “Yogastha kuru karmani,” or “Establish yourself in the present moment, and then perform action.” The swirl will slow. Clarity will unfold. Your choices will become more evident. Your decisions will start to truly nourish you and those in your world. With gentle repetition, this can become a daily practice. And it only takes a few minutes each day.

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Relationship Goals: Meet Bryce Yoga, The Brangelina Of the Yoga World

We always find something wonderful when we get on the mat: a renewed sense of self, a brilliant idea, a fresh perspective with which we can look at the world. Now-famous yogis Briohny Smyth and Dice Iida-Klein found each other. Two viral videos and countless classes, workshops, and retreats later, they're now one of the most well-known dynamic duos in the yoga world - not just for their acro-yoga skills that almost broke the internet, but for their uplifting attitudes and positive outlooks on "the practice." It's only natural that they've now joined forces to form Bryce Yoga. Rooted in Vinyasa flow with a focus on movement, breathing meditations, and inversions, Bryce Yoga's mission is to help yogis find a deeper, richer practice moment by moment. And the fact that they're doing it side by side? So sweet. We've loved this couple for years - even more now that they've officially teamed up to take their reach even farther. Their most recent project? Partnering with some of the yoga world's top teachers to create IG Getaway, a week-long experience devoted to yoga, healthy living, and the power of community (all amidst a gorgeous, peaceful, and - you guessed it - Instagram-worthy setting. Catch their classes - both in Los Angeles and worldwide - sign up for a retreat or training, and get to know yoga's most captivating power couple:

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Let’s Talk About It: Why You Should Be Doing Yoga For Your Pelvic Floor

We know it's important to get our heart rate up, strength train, and stretch on the regular - but exercising our pelvic floor muscles? Honestly, it's not something we've ever really thought about. Yoga instructor Karly Treacy of Exhale Venice has us taking a second look at a set of muscles we all need to pay more attention to to strengthen from the inside out.  There are muscles you might not even know you have that are responsible for your flattest belly, your most satisfying orgasm and a healthy lower back: your pelvic-floor muscles. Most women discover the pelvic floor muscles after childbirth or in later years when urine leakage or vaginal noise becomes an issue. Yes, vaginal noise. Especially as a practitioner of yoga or Pilates, when women with weak or too-tight pelvic-floor muscles invert, the vagina will suck up air and ultimately gravity will audibly pull it out, resulting in... noise. But if you get to know your pelvic floor now, you could have stronger and flatter abs, more intense orgasms and prevent future issues, such as the aforementioned. Recently there have been publications talking about internal releasing of tight pelvic-floor muscles by qualified clinicians. With breath, your own hands and a tennis ball, you can achieve nearly the same results at home. Here are five key reasons you want to get to know your pelvic floor... [olists num = 1] [olists num=2]

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Wellness Coach Q+A: 7 Ways To Eat More Greens Daily

For us, greens are an obsession. Whether it's a bottle of juice or a salad the size of a small European car, we just can't get enough. We know it's not that way for everyone. For some, eating more veggies - specifically, the green ones - is a challenge. Whether you are leafy greens-challenged, have picky family members, or just can't seem to fit in enough of the power-packed stuff by the end of the day, we've got a few cool and clever ideas from one of our favorite wellness coaches McKel Hill of Nutrition Stripped to share her six favorite ways to sneak more greens into your day...

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Sage Living: At Home With Bloggers From L.A. To Copenhagen

Design blogger Anne Sage is taking us inside the pages of her new book - and inside the home of one of our fave Scandinavian bloggers...

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Juicing 101: 8 Nourishing Ways To Use Juice Pulp

Waste not, want not - right? We're obviously married to our juicers, but that also means we're constantly left with a lot of juice pulp each time we whip up a glass of greens, roots, citrus, and fruits. We're constantly trying to cut down on our waste and find new or inventive ways to use all that leftover pulp, so we asked nutrition and wellness specialist Melissa Rousseau of M.Parke Studio to see if she had some pointers. And what she came up with were eight genius ways to use every last fruit-and-veggie drop... I juice at home daily and I’m always left with vibrant mounds of pulp that, until fairly recently, I wasn’t sure what to do with. I felt terribly wasteful just tossing it. So I would either compost it or feed it to the chickens that lived next door. They actually adored it. And it was interesting to see the change in egg color when I was using turmeric more often. I had always gone with the notion that the act of juicing takes out all the vitamins and minerals, leaving nothing left in the pulp. However, unless you are using a Norwalk juicer, the pulp can still be quite fortified with nutrients and is also super high in fiber. The most ideal time to utilize it is immediately after juicing so that it remains in its freshest state - or freeze it in glass containers for later use. Aside from composting and feeding hungry chickens, here are my simple tips on how to use all the pulp that adds up day after day. [olists num=1] [olists num=2]

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Crazy Sexy Juice: A Blueberry Smoothie To Crave

For many of us, juicing is life-changing - but in the case of our lovely September Guest Editor Kris Carr, it literally helped save her life. Now, just ten years after that scary diagnosis got her to shift her lifestyle for the better, Kris is living well in all ways possible. And we can't think of any wellness warrior better suited to show us all how to do the same.  Kris's list of NYT bestselling books is kind of like a "Best Of Wellness Advice" library all on its own. Next month, she's adding one more title to that list: Crazy Sexy Juice: 100+ Simple Juice, Smoothie & Nut Milk Recipes to Supercharge Your Health. Because we just couldn't wait a whole month longer, Kris is sharing with us two of her fave refreshing juice blends and healthy smoothie recipes from its crazy sexy pages...  Juicing and blending are near and dear to my heart. When I was diagnosed with an incurable stage IV cancer a decade ago, I quickly learned that meant I’d need to live with cancer - and I wanted to live well. (Still do.) So I did a lifestyle overhaul, including a major revamp to my diet. I went plant-based and started drinking in the good stuff: produce-packed juices and smoothies bursting with antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals… Never looked back; never felt better. Healthy, supercharged drinks have been such a staple - and beloved ritual - for me over the years that I decided I needed to create a recipe book to spread the juicing and blending word even further. For Crazy Sexy Juice, I developed over a hundred juice, smoothie and nut milk recipes that are as delicious as they are nutritious (which is to say, they’re super good and super-good for you). Whether you’re a hardcore veggie lover or picky about produce, there are health-boosting creations in this book you’re going to love. Today I want to share two of my faves from the book. Give ‘em a try! [olists num=2] [olists num=1]  

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3 Looks We’re Loving From Tory Burch’s New Tory Sport

This week, beloved lady boss and American designer Tory Burch is launching her first athleisure collection, Tory Sport. To celebrate the new collection filled with track jackets, leggings, and t's, all in Tory's signature all-American style, the brand has launched a pop-up on Elizabeth Street in NYC, where they once launched their very first boutique over a decade ago. Inside the pop-up, the athleisure-obsessed can arrange custom monogramming for most things in the shop (monogrammed tennis wristbands, anyone?) or hit up the vintage-esque vending machine stocked with grip tape, tennis balls, and fitness magazines. Adorable. Here are three looks from the new, high-fashion collection we're loving for fall, including a few pieces from the 'Coming & Going' collection that can be worn before and after workouts: [olists num=1]

Check out the full line of Tory Sport items at ToryBurch.com - the new collection launches just this week! 

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8 Healthy Living Podcasts You Should Be Listening To Now

Whether we're browsing through blogs (here are a few faves) or binge-watching documentaries, we always love learning about what's happening in the wellness world. New kinds of superfoods, inspiring health challenges, crazy ways to bio-hack our own bodies...we're down with it all. And one of our favorite ways to soak up new information on the go is by listening to podcasts. Part talk show and part virtual classroom, these shows always end up teaching us something new - and help pass the time during a workout or long commute in the meantime (a major plus!). Plug your headphones in, turn the volume up, and check out eight of our go-to healthy living podcasts... [olists num=1]

Did we miss any? Leave a comment below to fill us in on your fave shows having to do with food, exercise, and healthy living - then keep your eyes peeled for our round-up of the best mind-body podcasts later next month!

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In The Chair: 5 Gorgeous Beauty Destinations in Los Angeles

Is the change in seasons giving you that itch for a new look? Whether it's the bold new hair and nail trends coming from the NYFW runways, your bff's new bangs, or the million new versions of the sombre popping up this season, we know just where to send you to acquire a new Fall '15 look...

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Reader Poll: What Healthy Dish Could Convert Any Junk Food Lover?

Lately, we've been getting chatty on Instagram and asking our readers to weigh in on conversations we've been having in the office. The latest? Must eat treats for junk food-loving friends. You know the moment: you're chowing down mindlessly on a truly weird salad when suddenly you realize just how foreign what you're eating seems to your more conventional, fast-food-oriented pal. No judgement from either side of the table! We just want our favorite people feeling good - and love the inspiring ideas below from our readers in answer to our question: What healthy dish could convert any junk food lover?

@ellexbree Chia seed pudding with water, dates, cacao, and avocado! Blend and eat! @mysuperfoods Butternut squash Mac and cheese. Sub 1/2 cheese for butternut squash and watch them come back for creamy, delicious seconds. @barebeautyblog @sproutedkitchen's Hippie Bowl! Perfection. @myunitedstatesofbeing Omelettes! Filled with mushrooms, green peppers, onions, zucchini, ANYTHING. @onehungrymami Raw tacos with chipotle cashew sauce! Or stuffed sweet potatoes topped with guacamole @aesthetelifestyle A Couscous Salad with Tomato, Feta and Grilled Chicken <3 @growhappygrowhealthy Spicy oven-baked sweet potato fries with avocado dip! @meliss878 Pumpkin Chilli topped with avocado, sour cream and jalapeño @karlytreacy Heirloom tomato salad, Sweet pea risotto and vegan chocolate pudding. Even my kids 6,5 and 2 don't argue with that! @stacious Knowledge. @naturaleclectic Sweet potato goats cheese & basil lasagna! Or grilled avocado with mushroom quinoa salad. @angelablythe Mine is garlic, shallots, cremini mushrooms and kale sautéed in evoo over whole wheat angel hair. Little bit of Himalayan sea salt and that's it. Easy, fast, satisfying and really healthy. @mrslindseywright The @ohsheglows nacho dip!!  it converted me!! @go2girldesigns Carrot ginger soup with avocado and cilantro! @helenadworak Whole wheat penne with spinach and a cashew "cream" sauce. Perfect for the first time vegan.

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The Autumn Equinox: 9 Must-Haves For A Change In Season

Fall begins this week, September 23rd with the autumn equinox. We love to focus on all things seasonal to help ground our diet - and just about everything else! This week, we're focusing inward and preparing to transition into the cooler, calmer, and most importantly, more reflective months of the year. Holistic lifestyle pro Lacy Phillips of Free + Native Journal is sharing a few of her sweet and highly recommended essentials to enjoy during the Autumnal months... As we drift from the relaxed casual energy of summer into the deeply introspective season of Autumn, it is a time where we honor this season that governs organization, setting limits, protecting boundaries and swapping out cooler clothes with slightly warmer ones. Fall equinox signals the days becoming shorter and brighter colored harvest treasures such as pumpkins, pomegranates and persimmons for us to enjoy into the winter. Energetically, in Chinese medicine, Autumn is associated with the lungs, which deeper signifies “letting go.” So this is a very mindful time to let go of anything we might be holding onto that isn’t serving us anymore. Thus making room for new experience, jobs, relationships - with self and others - or plans that will stretch us and help us to grow. Here are a few of the essential items I will be eating, wearing and otherwise enjoying throughout this introspective and wonderful threshold:

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TCM Editor Obsessions: What Sustainable Fashion Looks Like Now

We've been talking a lot about fast fashion (watch the doc) and responsible consumerism (closet detox, anyone?) lately. We're thinking more and more about where and how everything we buy is being made. The shift from shopping purely for convenience to shopping responsibly can be a tough one, but, lately, it's becoming a much more stylish experience thanks to women like Brooke Taylor Corcia, founder of The Dreslyn here in L.A. The Dreslyn stocks a mix of well-curated ready-to-wear brands from Rachel Comey to Ryan Roche,  Band of Outsiders to Elizabeth and James. Based in downtown Los Angeles, we love shopping the Dreslyn to find brands that are equal parts of-the-moment and authentic, stylish and transparent. Here's Brooke with a few thoughts on sustainable fashion now... The Chalkboard Mag: The Dreslyn is the kind of shop we love. You're curating brands that are not only responsible, but that have incredible, timeless style as well. Tell us about finding that sweet spot between brands that do good and brands with style. Brooke Taylor Corcia: Thank you! My philosophy is to offer well-crafted, beautiful, accessible products as imagined through our unique point of view. We are lucky to attract and work with conscientious designers who practice sustainable manufacturing processes using quality materials. TCM: The Dreslyn is about quality pieces that last season after season. Can you list the staples you think all women should have in their closets? BTC:  A classic leather jacket. The perfect washed black jeans. A statement dress. A cozy, oversized sweater. The basic white tee, of course - and a smile. TCM: What three brands are exciting you right now and why? BTC: Base Range: This sustainable collection from Denmark and France is my go-to for wardrobe essentials in organic fabrics and soft silhouettes. Building Block: I love their minimalist aesthetic of beautifully crafted bags. Raquel Allegra: She has such a strong sense of identity, but always pushes the boundaries to create new and exciting iterations, which is extremely challenging to accomplish, yet she always does so flawlessly. TCM: Well-made goods have always been in style, of course, but, lately there has been such a surge of interest in artisan-made, hand-crafted, or even locally made goods. We see it in the home, in the kitchen, even in the pantry and refrigerator. Where are you seeing that trend and general interest in fashion? BTC: I think the recession and rise of social media are root causes of this trend. Consumers are more educated and selective in their buying behavior, seeking luxury products that are unique and one of a kind. Likewise, more entrepreneurs and small businesses have emerged, offering locally made, handcrafted goods of great quality. I’ve noticed this across all divisions of The Dreslyn - in the home, in ready-to-wear, new emerging designers and in social media. TCM: Our readers take great care about what they put in their bodies, but what we put on our bodies matters as well. Let's talk about the relationship there. BTC: The two go hand-in-hand. Healthy lifestyle choices and responsible consumer decisions are both made from a place of informed confidence. Just like your readers, our customers are selective - in the foods they eat, company they keep and things they purchase. Conscious living has an economic and social impact that more and more people are becoming aware of, which is exciting. TCM: Do you have any good advice for women who want to shop more 'responsibly?’  BTC: I personally live by the adage ‘less is more.’ Invest in high-quality, essential items/statement pieces you will love and appreciate - they will inevitably fit flawlessly, last longer and serve you best, while reducing the environmental impact of wasteful fast fashion. TCM: What trends are you seeing for fall that you love? BTC: Rich shades of camel and tan, luxe sweaters, ponchos and beautiful outerwear!

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Oh, Baby: 25 Incredible Postpartum Tips For New Moms (+ A 3-Week Plan)

Oh baby. We know that the postpartum stage in a mother's life can be a very sensitive topic. That said, we can't wait to here your notes on all this incredible advice from a wellness maven we love. It's intriguing to hear what's worked and what hasn't from moms who've been there. It seems that not just every mother, but every single birth is a unique experience unto itself. There are no hard and fast rules here.  The first few weeks after giving birth are all about adapting to a new routine, bonding with baby, and transitioning into motherhood. The more each mama can enjoy this precious season in vibrant health the better. Wellness and natural beauty pro, Shannon Vaughn of Pursoma, is sharing three weeks' worth of incredible ideas she's used to take care of herself along with her newest little one... Eight days after delivering a healthy baby girl weighing over 8 pounds, I spoke at a wellness event. I dressed up, put on heels and spent the evening as though I was as fresh as the day I found out I was pregnant. No one could tell I had had a baby; my skin glowed, my belly was nearly flat and I was alert and clear thinking. I attribute all of this to going into the pregnancy healthy and maintaining a healthy lifestyle throughout my pregnancy - this enabled me to be healthy postpartum. Once I was home from the hospital, I immediately started a regimen to heal. This is not to say that I was not exhausted; I had had no rest, was recovering with stitches, and was totally new to the world of babies and breastfeeding. I had no prior experience with babies and coming home after a very exhausting delivery was no picnic, but I knew that I had to rest and recover so that I would have energy to take care of my daughter. I attribute my postpartum reboot plan to my quick rebound and I’m excited to share it here. Now, I know all moms are different and I can say that my labor was not easy and my body was taxed, but the added effort to get better was well worth it. Two of the most common postpartum symptoms are the digestive system being stopped up and fluid retention in your lower limbs. To help with this, you need fluid and fiber to get things moving. You need rest, and then as things progress, you need nourishment and things to supplement what is lost as your body returns to pre-pregnancy hormone levels. I ate very light and healthy. Your body is recovering and you’re also laying around a lot so there is no need to eat heavy meals. I was breastfeeding, which in the early days are very light feedings, so eating a lot of watery foods and smoothies can help give you energy and hydrate you. NOTE: I did all the shopping for the below items the week before my due date and had a grocery list ready at the house for when I came home for anyone who was helping so they could easily pick up the fresh produce I needed. [olists num=1][olists num=2][olists num=3][olists num=4]

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Emotional Detox: 15 Minutes Of Yoga For Major Stress Relief

Got a case of the Mondays even though it's TGI-Friday? We get it. The stress of the week builds up for us, too, which is why we always try to take time to emotionally detox at the end of each week. NYC photographers, best friends, and yogis Tutti & Kat put together this simple stress relief yoga flow for Darling Magazine, and we're already feeling lighter, brighter, and a whole lot more zen... With the steady rhythm of honking taxi cabs, chasing subways, weaving in and out of tourists, walking up and down that third floor walkup, running to and from meetings, stress seems inevitable. During the storm of the day, trying to fight for even 30 minutes to work out can seem daunting. In New York City (or any urban environment) there’s a constant pull that beckons us to run rampant every hour of the day. Is it possible to stay grounded living here, through it all? We’ve discovered a way to not only stay grounded in the chaos, but to thrive in the midst of it: Friendship and yoga. Thankfully, a year ago we met and instantly became best friends. How we, Tutti and Kat, managed in life without each other is beyond us, but nonetheless we found each other. Isn’t that the truth of any good friendship? Both lifelong athletes through different paths, we each also found yoga. Yoga calls for a rejection of comparison, competition and charges us to be present, listening to and honoring our body where it’s at today. It can be hard to go on social media and see yogis who can bend and do crazy poses; we can feel overwhelmed and throw in the towel before even showing up. The beautiful thing about yoga is that you can do it anywhere. All you need is your mat, in our case a friend too, and your breath. In yoga, the entire practice is built from a place of conscious breathing. But as poses get more difficult and as our lives feel more hectic, the choice to focus on sitting down and breathing can feel near impossible. This is why moving through poses tremendously aids in finding a quiet place within where it’s easier to reground, let go, and once again, breath. Below is a quick 15 minute stress relief flow that’s designed to strip away stresses of the day and bring us to a more blissful place...

SUN SALUTATION (Repeat complete cycle three times.) From rag doll, slowly roll all the way up, stacking one vertebrae over the next until you arrive and EXHALE in mountain pose. INHALE, lift arms up, and gaze to your hands. EXHALE, fold forward, release your neck. INHALE, lift your torso halfway, gaze forward and widen your collarbone. EXHALE, plant hands, step / hop back to chaturanga dandasana (if you can do a push up, you can do this!) Bend elbows to 90 degrees and shift forward to upward facing dog as you INHALE. EXHALE, downward facing dog. Stay for five breaths. Look forward, walk or jump to the top of your mat, INHALE, halfway lift. EXHALE, fold forward. INHALE, come to stand, raise your arms and look up. EXHALE, mountain pose, arms by your side. Sun Salutation B (Repeat complete cycle three times.) INHALE, chair pose, sit hips back and raise arms alongside your ears. EXHALE, drop hands to the mat and straighten legs. INHALE, halfway lift. EXHALE, plant hands and step/jump back chaturanga dandasana. INHALE, upward facing dog. EXHALE, tuck toes, downward facing dog. INHALE, raise right leg. Keep toes pointed toward the mat. EXHALE, plant right foot in between hands, spin back heel down to 45 degrees (toes facing the top left corner of your mat). INHALE, come to stand with arms alongside ears for warrior I (you’re doing it!). EXHALE, plant hands to frame foot. Step back to plank, then lower halfway. INHALE, upward facing dog EXHALE, downward facing dog. Repeat on left side. Once you’ve completed the left side, breathe in downward facing dog. Look forward, walk or jump to the top of your mat, INHALE, halfway lift. EXHALE, fold forward. INHALE, chair pose. EXHALE, mountain pose. Options for Sun Salutation B: First Cycle: Add a lunge twist after warrior I, left hand down, pick up back heel, and twist toward raised right arm. Second Cycle: Humble warrior I after warrior I, interlace hands behind back, bring torso inside bent leg and stretch shoulders. THEN release left hand down for lunge twist. Third Cycle: Repeat above steps and add a side plank after lunge twist. Finally, rest in child’s pose for five breaths.

For the rest of the flow, visit Darling by clicking through here!

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Lemon + Coconut: The Deeply Nourishing Smoothie Recipe For New Moms

We're sharing an incredible list of advice for postpartum moms today from holistic pro, Shannon Vaughn of Pursoma. Here is her recipe for a hydrating, high-fiber green smoothie perfect for new moms!

Two of the most common postpartum symptoms are the digestive system being stopped up and fluid retention in your lower limbs. To help with this, you need fluid and fiber to get things moving. You need rest, and then as things progress, you need nourishment and things to supplement what is lost as your body returns to pre-pregnancy hormone levels. I ate very light and healthy. Your body is recovering and you’re also laying around a lot so there is no need to eat heavy meals. I was breastfeeding, which in the early days are very light feedings, so eating a lot of watery foods and smoothies can help give you energy and hydrate you.

[olists num=1]

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Superfood Spotlight: 7 Reasons We’re Carrying CellFood Drops Everywhere

Our fave new superfood isn't really a food at all: it's a power-packed drop of liquid known as CELLFOOD. Small enough to stash in our purses, but powerful enough to make a big impact on our overall sense of well-being, we're adding this tasteless miracle elixir into just about everything, from water to juice and even coffee. CAP Beauty co-founder Kerrilynn Pamer is breaking down what all the buzz is about in this powerful little supplement... Morning rituals everywhere are going to the next level with a few drops of our latest ingestible obsession. CELLFOOD is quickly moving its way to the very front of our superfood arsenal. And for good reason. It's our tried and true way to turn any glass of water into a revitalizing elixir that naturally energizes and hydrates our body from the inside out. Packed with 78 minerals, 34 enzymes and 17 amino acids, we like to think of it as a potent antioxidant powerhouse. It's the perfect tool for gentle detoxification that we turn to on a daily (sometimes twice daily) basis. A few sips of this every morning has us looking and feeling like our most radiant and glowing selves. Feed your cells. Your body will thank you.  

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It’s All On The Table: In The Studio with Amanda Shine Of The Setting NYC

Amanda Shine isn't just in the business of ceramics - she's in the business of creating community. As the founder of The Setting NYC, Amanda's gorgeously simple bowls, dishes, vases, and more are a homage to the memories she's collected of entertaining friends and family at home. She's even turned her SoHo studio into a place where she hosts intimate gatherings, during which 5% of every sale is donated to City Harvest and their work to fight hunger in New York City. We're firm believers of making your workspace work for your lifestyle - and we love how Amanda's transformed hers into a place for people to congregate, connect, and feel a sense of budding community that lasts way after they've walked out the door. In this age of text messages and tweets, in-person connection is everything. Take a peek inside this creative's studio and learn what keeps her inspiration flowing - then use her Autumn recipe to break bread with your own crew... [olists num = 1] Anadama bread is a traditional New England dark-yeast bread that is extremely simple to make and beautifully paired with any autumn soup or salad. The dough is very sticky and is not kneadable; just spoon it into the loaf pans. It will take awhile to rise properly – sometimes three to four hours. Just cover with Saran wrap and be patient. It’ll rise. Serve it hot, and then later with soup or as toast. [olists num = 2]

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Spiralized Soup: Lemony Chicken Soup with Zucchini Noodles

Chicken noodle soup will never, ever go out of style. More so, bone broths and stocks are actually in fashion right not - at least, according to us. We're digging old-school bone broths for their myriad health benefits and because we can feel that soothing effect right down to our, well, bones. We're head over heels for this genius chicken soup dupe by nutrition consultant, Molly Molofsky over at Cameron Diaz's Our Body Book. Swapping egg noodles for spiralized zucchini noodles (we're hooked.) has to be the best thing to happen to chicken soup since the dumpling... [olists num=1]

For notes on this recipe, visit Our Body Book by clicking through here!

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Boxing 101: A Beginner’s Guide To The No-Nonsense Workout Models Love

The runway's top models are obsessed with boxing - and so are we. Why you should grab some gloves of your own + a 6-step workout for beginners...

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Living Well With Tia Mowry: At Home With The Actress + Our Ultimate Healthy Mama Giveaway

We grew up watching Tia Mowry and her sister Tamera live it up on Sister, Sister - and we'd be lying if we said we didn't take some '90s style cues from this dynamic duo. Tia might be all grown up now, but we're still taking pointers from this star's lifestyle skills. As host of Tia Mowry at Home on the Cooking Channel and star of TV Land's Instant Mom (which comes back for a third season this Saturday!), Tia is still capturing our attention on screen and proving an incredible example of how to stay happy and balanced at home. We love Tia's attitude toward wellness. Read through a few of her personal favorites and top tips below, including our very own favorite green juice (Pressed Juicery's Greens 5) and a piece of mom-in-the-know gear we're giving away to one lucky mama! Enter our Ultimate Wellness Mama Giveaway for a chance to win a stroller with major street cred from Orbit Baby filled to the brim with Pressed Juicery juices! [olists num=1] [olists num=2]

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Leather + Lace: 6 Runway-Inspired Fitnesswear Picks For Fall

High fashion isn't just about the runway any more. In the last few years, fitnesswear has been having a major revolution in the style department. From the introduction of "athleisure" (athletic-inspired leisure clothes) to the printed legging movement that just won't quit, fitnesswear and streetwear have become almost discernible. And as design aficionados and style lovers, we're not complaining! This year's Fall trends at NYFW ran the gamut, from bright and shiny to flirty and feminine to dark and brooding (hello, black lace!). Here are the six pieces of fashion-inspired fitnesswear picks we're coveting this Fall...

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The New Everlane Backpack + 6 Essentials We’re Toting Now

We have a thing for sustainable fashion (see our round-up of a few favorite picks with Kristin Bell here.) Thanks to a slew of incredible brands and designers popping up in the industry, we're finding it easier and easier to dress well in every sense of the word. One of our favorite brands in the radical transparency and responsibility game is Everlane. Their killer new Petra backpack is the perfect example of what Everlane does best - make top-quality modern classics with that inexplicable norm-core effect: so functionally simple and chic, that somehow they're edgy. This week in New York, the brand launches Everlane Now, a one-hour delivery service that, while supplies last, includes a bottle of our favorite pick-me-up, Pressed Juicery Greens 3. Deliveries can be made starting tomorrow morning in NYC. Be one of the first to carry the recently released Petra backpack (we love it in white!) and snag our round-up of equally chic essential to stuff it with...

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Crazy Sexy September: 30 Ways Wellness Guru Kris Carr Is Living It Up

Bust out your notepad and get ready to jot down a few notes as you read through our feature on Living Well with wellness guru Kris Carr. We're picking up a bit of Kris Carr's infectious attitude toward wellness and life in general as we read through her favorite resources, healthy staples, and this classic, power-packed recipe for green juice. Make a big batch and enjoy along with Kris' recent reading list.  Green lemonade is the Cadillac of juicing recipes. If you scroll all the way down to the bottom of this story, you'll find my take on the beloved classic. The juice is a little sweet (thanks to the apple) and a little spicy (gracias to the ginger). The natural bitterness of leafy greens is cut by a bright squeeze of lemon. You can use almost any type of leafy green in place of chard or kale. Romaine, baby spinach, collard, bok choy, broccoli—you name it! In fact, I love adding broccoli stems to this recipe. Get creative. This juice is a perfect vehicle for all of your greenest fridge scraps. [olists num=1] [olists num=2]

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Here’s The Skinny: 7 Daily Habits To Boost Your Metabolism

Chances are, when you think of the word "metabolism" you automatically think of weight loss. But your metabolism isn't just about dropping a dress size - it's about giving your bod the energy to do everything it need to do, both on the inside and out. Our friends at Food Matters give us the skinny on that elusive idea of what your metabolism is, isn't, and how to kick it into high gear...  There’s a lot of different theories surrounding metabolism. From what it is, ways to boost it, and what lifestyle choices actually make a difference to how it works. So we’ve found out all the essentials you need to know to help make sense of your metabolism! What is Metabolism? Your metabolism is not a ‘thing’ as such, like your heart, lungs or other organs. It’s the collection of natural processes that occur in your body to keep you alive. Just like breathing isn’t a physical thing, but more of a process. Your metabolism is the sum of the physical and chemical processes that produce energy to allow your body to do all it needs to do. How Does Metabolism Work Exactly? As your metabolism is a whole range of processes producing energy in your body, it needs to be told how fast or slow to do them. This is where your thyroid plays an important role. It is the ‘moderator’ of your metabolism, overseen by the pituitary gland ‘the Manager’, and the ‘boss’ - your hypothalamus! Your hypothalamus sends signals to your pituitary, which sends out signals to your thyroid to release hormones to either slow or speed up your metabolism. The pituitary affects the thyroid gland by producing a hormone called thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which prompts the thyroid to release more T4 and T3. If there is too much T4 circulating in the blood, the pituitary reduces the amount of TSH produced, which then causes thyroid activity to slow. If there is too little T4, the pituitary increases the amount of TSH. In this way, T4 and T3 levels in the blood are kept relatively constant. What Affects Your Metabolism? Your metabolism can be affected by a range of things including:

• age
• gender
• body composition i.e. muscle-to-fat ratio
• diet
• physical activity
• overall lifestyle

However, how much your metabolism is affected by each varies greatly, and typically, the things you can’t change, tend to affect your metabolism the most e.g. age and gender. To keep your metabolism and therefore, all the processes in your body running smoothly, you need to make sure that you’re giving your body the fuel it needs - energy. Each metabolic process in the body requires energy to occur. In fact 60-70% of your total daily energy expenditure (TDEE), calculated according to your age, gender, weight, height, and physical activity levels, is used up by vital metabolic functions. That’s your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). Can You Speed Up Your Metabolism? Your metabolic rate is the rate at which your body burns energy to function. There are a few ways you can increase your metabolic rate. But first, let’s break down how the energy, or calories, from what you eat typically gets used:

• 60-70% vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and body temperature (this is your BMR - the amount of energy you need just to survive if you did nothing but sleep very still)
• 15-30% usually goes towards daily activities such as physical activity, housework, gardening, gym workouts etc
• 10-15% to your digestion - the functions associated with the breakdown of the food and drink you eat into compounds the body can use to repair, rejuvenate and function optimally

As you can see, the majority of the energy we consume is burned up just by existing! Therefore you can increase your metabolism by exercising and moving more and eating regularly, but they won’t make as big of an impact as you may have originally thought! What Foods support a healthy metabolism? There are some foods that do help to fire up your metabolism, but the effect is minimal and only for a short period of time. These include spicy foods such as chili because of its heat, caffeinated beverages due to their stimulatory effects, and high protein foods as they take longer to digest. However, it’s much more important to focus on a healthy diet and lifestyle in general. [olists num=1]

To learn more foods and practices that speed up your metabolism, visit Food Matters by clicking through here!

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9 Powerful Juice Remedies For Every Organ In Your Body

You know that juicing does a body good. But we're dialing deep and calling out juice ingredients for each organ in your body. Holistic nutritionist Melissa Rosseau of M.Parke Studio is breaking down fruits and veggies that will help your body to function optimally, whatever your concern... Drinking greens daily in juice or smoothie form can have profound affects on our overall health and well-being. Green juices and smoothies have been my fundamental medicine for years. Regular consumption has radiant effects on everything from mood to energy levels, brain function, maintaining ideal weight, skin tone, hormone balance, better sleep and warding off disease... The list goes on and on. If you’ve got your everyday concoction firmly established in your invigorating routine, it might be time to take it one step further and think about specific nourishment for each of your organs. Here is my guide to the fruits and vegetables that are most beneficial in supporting and detoxing some of our main organs.

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Vegan. Taco. Dreams. Spelt Tortillas + Chickpea Salad From Heirloom LA

Spelt tortillas all day long. Our friends at Heirloom LA kill it whenever we eat with them (see their teepee-centric dinner party here!), but we find these vegan tacos especially appealing.   Spelt and chickpeas make for the most nutrient-dense vegan tacos we've ever taken a bite of. Fill them up with  your fave fiesta-worthy fillings, or take them up a notch by whipping up this OMG-inducing chickpea salad at home. Here's our gal Tara Maxey, owner of all the Heirloom LA amazingness... Spelt is my favorite flour to work with because it has grit to it and a sweet nutty flavor, as well as a high nutritional profile. Making these wholesome tortillas with friends or kiddos is easy and fun because the process is fast and the procedure is much less finicky than most doughs. Once cooked off, these spelt tortillas are pretty versatile. My favorite way to eat them is hot off the grill and drizzled with olive oil and some flavored sea salt.  Serve with chopped avocado and some fresh salsa. Done. Go the extra distance and make the simple chickpea salad too. It has its own virtues of deliciousness and can be added to green salads or served as a side dish. If you get out to the Wednesday Santa Monica Farmer’s Market, Jimenez Family Farm carries green garbanzo beans, fresh, in their pod, until early-mid September. It’s sold by the bush so you can keep it out as a decorative centerpiece and then shell the beans right around the table. It’s a conversation piece for sure! Does all this sound too healthy for your kids or your friends even? Get them involved in the cooking process and watch how their tastebuds change. How can they not like what they helped make? These recipes are fun ways to engage those you care about in the kitchen and then to feel confident that you are nourishing them well.

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NYC Bite of the Month: Kopi Kopi’s Avocado Espresso Smoothie

These days, it's rare to find our coffee cups filled with black coffee alone. And we're not talking about a splash of milk or a dash of sugar here. Lately, we're all about pouring in as many nutritive elements as we can - from collagen powder, MCT oil, grass-fed butter, and plant-based protein powder to some of the coolest superfood supplements we've ever come across. This month, Eater Drinks editor Kat Odell is introducing us to two brand-new finds straight from Kopi Kopi in Greenwich Village, NYC that are right in line with our latest obsession - find all her NYC picks here. You can bet we'll be experimenting with DIY versions of these tomorrow morning...

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Find Your Signature Scent: 8 Non-Toxic, But Intoxicating Perfumes For Fall

Do you have a signature scent? If not, fall is the perfect time to find one! If so, we hate to the be bearer of annoying news, but it's possible your fave fragrance is filled with hormone disruptors, allergy-inducers and other questionable chemicals. We know. As if any of us need another "fun" thing in life to be complicated with a laundry list of dangerous concerns. But, in this case, ignorance is not bliss. The more we've learned about potential dangers hidden in some of our favorite fragrances, the more we've begun relying on safe, natural perfumes like the below - and saving our less-than-natural perfumes for rare occasions. All hope is not lost. Our eight picks for non-toxic perfume range from sexy and smoky to girly and glam. Find a few your love and wear them with peace of mind!

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Refocus, Refresh, Renew: Why September Is The New January

Unlike most kids I knew, I don't remember ever dreading the first day of school. I might have had a mini panic attack before starting my senior year of high school, but even those years when I switched schools and had to find all new friends, all that ever came to mind was excitement and enthusiasm. Maybe it was my naiveté, maybe it was my upbringing, maybe it was just my personality. But there was something about backpack shopping, picking out my outfit for the very first day, and pouring over the introductory paperwork all the students at my schools were sent pre- Day One that made my heart so very happy. The thought of the impending challenges of a new grade - or in some cases, a new environment altogether - never really entered my head. No matter what our lives looked like in those formative years of kindergarten through 12th grade, once September hits the ground running, we're thrown back into that mentality of "back to school season." Preparing for a new start, hoping for a positive change, and crossing our fingers we'll be able to handle what life hands us for the year ahead. Without summer vacations and required reading, it can be hard as an adult to draw the line between where summer ends and fall begins. Because although we'd love to just have an endless summer, and although the first day of Autumn isn't technically until the 23rd, we can all feel a shift from the moment Labor Day weekend comes to a close. It's "back to the grind," even though most of us have been grinding all year long. And so it can just seem like more of the same - like we lost track of time, and the time of year so associated with taking a breather completely passed us by. Couple this with a built-in programming from childhood to register this time of year as transitional, and it's easy to feel a little bummed out by the seasonal shift. While January usually gets the attention when it comes to resolutions, I'd like to argue that September deserves just as much attention as the 01/01 mark. It's the perfect time to evaluate where you've been, where you're at, and where you're going. It's a time for us to bring back that childlike enthusiasm, relentless joy, and even those first-day jitters we had as kids. Because all worthwhile and exciting changes in life bring up first-day jitters, really. This month, I encourage you to look at what's worked, what hasn't, and what your heart truly desires in this moment. Maybe you've been skimping on self care and getting a 15 minute sweat in before work is just what you need. Maybe you've been so wrapped up in work that your social life isn't what you'd like it to be. Call a friend you haven't checked in on in a while. Evaluate what you've accomplished this year so far, and how you want to feel by the time the clock strikes midnight on January 1st of next year. There will be challenges in the coming months, of course, and the newness of fall and winter will bring all kinds of highs and lows we could never have predicted. But if we shift our perspective to refocus our minds, refresh our hearts, and renew our commitments, there's no telling what kind of miracles the rest of this year has in store. Pick out your outfit, grab your backpack, and let's get on this bus together.

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The Best Thing You Never Ate: Tomato Vanilla Bean Marmalade

Oh yes. You read that right. Tomato. Vanilla bean. Marmalade. There's nothing better than a recipe like this one that combines delectable elements we never imagined throwing together. Tomatomania! is the (dramatic!) name of a new cookbook inspired by the online community of the same name. Self-proclaimed "tomatomaniacs" Scott Daigre and Jenn Garbee give us an inside peek at Scott's Ojai, California tomato garden and walk us through everything we'd ever need to know about our favorite nightshade, including 20 recipes to get the most out of the season's harvest. Here's Scott on why this crazy-unique recipe needs to be a part of your end-of-summer culinary lineup ASAP... At our annual end-of-season Tomatomania tasting in L.A., Southern California 'maniacs bring their gems of the season to share. After we taste every homegrown tomato (a hard job, I know), chef and fellow 'maniac Jimmy Shaw prepares an incredible tomato-inspired brunch. At some point, the tomato-doused conversation always seems to circle back to tomato relishes, ketch­ups and jams, like this marmalade-style tomato preserve with vanilla beans. The two ingredients may seem like unlikely kitchen friends, but go with me for a second; this recipe is well worth the vanilla bean splurge. The marmalade is fantastic on breakfast toast, piled on goat cheese-topped crusty bread, or crackers for a quick lunch or appetizer, or swirled into tangy frozen yogurt as a nightcap - just my kind of all-day tomato tasting.

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The Body-Loving Green Juice You’ll See On The Runway This Year

Green juice? On the runway? Oh yes. Look closely, you'll see it. Most of our favorite girls are drinking it green lately. And we're doing everything we can to celebrate it! It's about time eating healthfully became a major trend in the fashion world (read more about the trend here and here.) We've been getting our sweat on with the trainer who's whipping half the bodies you'll see on the runway this fall into top shape. Justin Gelband along with bonberi's Vanessa Packer has been showing us the ropes from their NYC fitness hotspot, modelFIT. As NYFW hits full swing this week, we're more inspired than ever to hit Justin's killer routines and Vanessa's body-loving recipes. Drink up this fresh blend of Lacinto kale, ginger, and a slew of go-to detoxifying greens - the kind of recipe top models swear by to keep their energy up, skin glowing, and waistlines trim through one of the biggest weeks of the fashion season. Try Vanessa's recipe out at home, then pair it with this easy move from modelFIT (which targets the inner/outer thighs, glutes, and abs) for a runway-ready bod all your own... [olists num=1] [olists num=2]  

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The Hanging Shelf: A Boho Lover’s Favorite New Home Accessory

Last spring, we showed you a glimpse inside Whitney Leigh Morris' charming and tiny cottage on the Venice canals. Our readers went ga-ga for her stylish and innovative solutions to living in 362 square feet. One of the stand-out features in Whitney's home are the inventive hanging shelves she uses in small spaces. They're whimsical, bohemian, and completely space-efficient. When we saw this hanging pallet DIY from our partners at Hello Natural we knew many of you would appreciate it. Since it hangs from the ceiling, this minimalistic statement piece requires little square footage - and because it's made with recycled wood pallets, it's an eco-friendly way to spruce up your space. Try using wood from your local lumberyard - or if you want to make things even easier, visit your local craft store for just the size you need. Set aside some time this weekend for a mini home makeover...

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Best Of The Season: Fashion Illustrations That Will Have You Eating Local

We love eating for the seasons, and almost moreso, dressing for the seasons - bring on the boots! We're obsessed with these clever fashion illustrations using the bounty of spring, summer, fall, and winter in a way that's both runway and farmer's market ready. In honor of New York Fashion Week, one of our fave new spots to hit L.A., sweetgreen has teamed up with fashion illustrator Gretchen Roehrs to celebrate living with the seasons. Each "look" is meant to tease sweetgreen's seasonal menu for the year ahead, from cauliflower skirts for fall to berry bustiers for resort. All sourced from farms local to sweetgreen locations. We're fawning over fashion spreads and foodie trends - the best of which is eating the according to what Mother Nature's showing each season. Check out the full set of illustrations here, pop over to our sweetgreen post to take some ordering cues from our menu favorites!

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10 Design Inspirations With Caroline Weller of Banjanan

When a brand's HQ is in the literal birthplace of the "Gypsy," you know the designer behind it has major boho game. Designer Caroline Weller is not joking around when it comes to the life-filled textiles and bold prints that have come roaring back into fashion over the past decade. After a prestigious career designing for some of the most successful brands of our time, from Calvin Klein to J.Crew, and inspired by her own robust world travels, Weller launched her own line, Banjanan, in 2015. Banjanan means gypsy in Hindi, and each collections' vibrant expression of prints, colors, and singular craftsmanship has our imaginations running wild. The latest sustainable fashion brand on our radar this season, Banjanan's designs are made by the ancient textile community of Jaipur, the capital of Rajathan, India. Watch the video above for the inspiring story (on loan from Barney's New York!) Caroline believes that the energy of fabric made by human hands is tangible in the finished product, and uses the local talents of Jaipur's community to create the flowing dresses, breezy tops, and other statement pieces that are so unquestionably "Banjanan." From the expected (fellow artists) to the extraordinary (magical Ottoman gardens), here are 10 design inspirations that get Caroline's creative juices flowing:

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Vacation Skin Like Whoa: The Best Travel Beauty Tip Ever

We're obsessed with this genius vacation ritual from natural beauty maven Annie Atkinson of She's In The Glow. Skin can go haywire while on the plane or in a new climate, so we're always on the hunt for an effective travel beauty tip like this one. Check out Annie's four top picks to use daily while on holiday... Vacation is the ultimate escape. Whether it’s a weekend jaunt to the beach with friends, wine tasting in Napa4 Fa or an African safari, vacation is the time to rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit. It gives you the chance to leave the stress and worries of your real life and focus on the present. When these good vibes are flowing, it feels like nothing can bring you down - except bad skin. The triggers can be anything: changes in climate, dehydrating airplanes, altitude or even the foods you eat while away from home. Luckily there’s a solution: the face mask. The key to enhancing that vacation glow is to bring along masks that are gentle enough to use daily. Consistent use will help keep your skin in check as you experience new places. So, on your next trip, make room in your suitcase for a solid face-mask regimen. If you are looking for your new mask go-to, check out the list below to get inspired by the best of the best.

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Near & Far: Inside Heidi Swanson’s Pantry + A Modern Salad from Her Book

We're calling it now: Heidi Swanson's Near & Far: Recipes Inspired by Home and Travel will be one of the best foodie gifts to give (or receive!) this holiday season.  But who can wait til winter? We're giving away a copy of this new coffee table-slash-kitchen counter must-have today!  Near & Far takes us on a gorgeous journey through Japan, Morocco, Italy, France, and, finally, Heidi's hometown of San Francisco. Each chapter is filled with charming details about the given locale, most of them recipes. In the tradition of her blog, 101 Cookbooks, Heidi's food and photographs are simple and stunning.  One of our favorite elements in the book, Heidi starts each chapter with a list of pantry staples for the city or country she stays in. Below you'll find a list of what's always tucked in her San Francisco pantry - a drool-worthy inspiration all on it's own! Stock up, then make this modern-version of a sprouted salad with yogurt sauce. Lastly, enter our giveaway and read the whole book cover to cover for yourself... I’ve included just a handful of recipes from my website, 101 Cookbooks, here, and this is one that made the cut. A powerhouse of a lunch salad, it comes together fast - fresh-sprouted mung beans, creamy avocado, and golden, toasted almonds sit alongside a generous dollop of salted, arugula-spiked yogurt. It is beautiful, and you feel great eating it. If sprouts aren’t your thing, know that you can easily swap in cooked mung beans, cannellini beans or any lentils that hold their shape when cooked - black belugas or lentilles du Puy are both good options. [olists num=1] [olists num=2] [olists num=3]  

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