Unexpected

It's been quite the week. I work for Invisible Children and last Monday we released a video called Kony 2012. Our hope was for it to go viral, as in 500,000 views this year, but somehow it got 90+ million views in a week.

Which means my life has been nothing but living and breathing Kony 2012, consuming extraordinary amounts of caffeine, and comfort eating to the max. Its been a struggle to eat well, but this week I'm trying to make better choices and stop putting nutella and cheese on everything. Be on the lookout for a future blog post with healthy and easy snack options, learned the hard way (still debating if a nutella-covered banana will make the cut).

So friends, I'm sorry I've been absent from blogging. And while I didn't ever intend to make this blog about anything but natural living, feel free to check out what has taken over my world and (happily) thrown most of my food rules out the window:

Lastly, to my amazing friends and family who continue to offer encouragement, come in to volunteer, texted me from Whole Foods, or stopped by with veggies and hummus - thank you, thank you, thank you. I can't believe what an incredible support group I have.

Tuesday Tips: Avoid Getting Sick

It's definitely cold season, at least at my office. Since its that time of year, I thought I'd share some tips on how to boost your immune system so you can fight off that pesky cold.

To avoid getting sick, or to get better faster:

1. Wash your hands frequently. And don't touch your face if you haven't washed your hands. 
2. It's okay to be a bit of a germaphobe. Avoid touching surfaces that everyone is getting their germy hands on.
3. Drink lots of fluids. As in: water and tea. Not as in: coffee, soda, juices or alcohol. Coffee suppresses your immune system and the rest are filled with sugar or break down into sugar.
4. Get lots of rest. Sleep does wonders for your immune system.
5. Take probiotics and vitamins. (especially vitamin C for your immune system, and a B-complex for energy) Be careful about the brand that you use, as there are lots of cheap versions that are poorly made. I personally only buy Shaklee.
6. Avoid sugar. A UCLA study proved that just 1 tsp of refined sugar lowers your immune system for 4-6 hours. Eliminate sugar from your diet and you will be more resistant to picking up everything that’s going around.
7. Get in 20 - 30 minutes of sun a day. Sunlight provides essential vitamin D.

Here's to hoping that everyone has a healthy & happy week! xo.

Sweet Potato Curry Quinoa

Image Source

Happy Monday! I wanted to start this week out with a new recipe. Over the weekend, I made this curried sweet potato quinoa for the first time. My husband was a bit apprehensive since I never cook with curry, but this dish has been on my to-make list because I love sweet potatoes and quinoa. I've already written about my love for quinoa, and I eat sweet potatoes like candy. So I figured that when you put them together, it could be magic.

It was. Maybe magic is a strong word, but it was delicious, filling and packed with nutrients. Quinoa is a complete protein and the sweet potatoes provide complex carbs and fiber, as well as beta carotene, vitamin C & vitamin B6.  Plus, onions and garlic are superfoods, ginger is great for digestion, and - according to wikipedia - curry releases endorphins. So you are getting a ton of amazing health benefits from this dish.

I got the recipe from one of my favorite recipe blogs, Happyolks, and modified it a bit based on what I had available. I left out the currants to avoid added sugar, but you can use those, dried cranberries or golden raisins if you want a hint of sweetness. Here's my version, but check out hers because the pictures are divine. Enjoy!

Sweet Potato, Curry, and Quinoa (in a bowl) 

Serves 2-4

• 1 cup quinoa
•  4 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 large red onion
• 1/4 cup evoo
•  large handful of spinach
• 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/4 cup currants (optional)
• 1 clove garlic
• fresh ginger
• 1/8 cup curry powder of choice
• 1 tsp sea salt

Scrub potatoes. With skins on, cut into 1″ cubes and lay out on a baking sheet. Toss with a bit of oil and salt. Bake at 475′ for 20 minutes. Combine two cups of water to one cup of quinoa (remember to soak and rinse first!) in a medium pot and bring to a boil. Cook for 12-15 minutes until water is fully absorbed. Remove from heat.

Roughly chop red onion and saute in a large saucepan with the evoo until softened. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the onions and saute for a bit longer. Remove from heat. Add sweet potatoes when they are just beginning to brown and crisp on the edges. Add a cup of stock and the curry powder, stirring to coat. Let simmer for 5-10 minutes, adding stock and some salt to develop flavor. Add some well chopped spinach and toss to barely wilt.

Serve over a bed of quinoa with a sprinkling (or more) of currants.

Who Knew?

Who knew that a Chipotle commercial could make you tear up? I've always loved how Chipotle has made it a priority to support farmers who are doing it right and make it possible for us to choose hormone free, sustainably raised meat for a meal on the run. Its one of the only faster food options that's on the approved list in the Keesey house.

Quick sidenote to this Chipotle love-fest: you still want to be careful about how much sodium, fat and calories you're getting. My advice is to skip the tortilla (its fried & has 360 calories), the chips (600 calories), the sour cream and cheese. Another option from my intern, Pamela, is to get the small taco, then load it up with veggies and pico de gallo. Affordable and healthy. Brilliant.

So go forth & enjoy Chipotle. Thank you Jedidiah Jenkins for sharing this video with me. xo.