Hair Care

Look to your kitchen for the BEST conditioners to moisturize and revitalize your hair!
Four different masks for each type of hair that you can easily make in minutes using all-natural ingredients you probably have sitting in your refrigerator or cupboard right now!

DRY hair –Olive Oil and Egg
In need of some major TLC?? Combine three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with two eggs and apply the mixture to your hair and let the mixture sit for 20 minutes before rinsing in the shower.
The olive oil will help hydrate brittle locks, while the protein in the eggs will promote healthy hair growth.

ALL HAIR TYPES — Avocado and Honey
Mask a ripened avocado and mix in a tablespoon of organic honey and allow it to sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it off in the shower.
Avocados are rich in a variety of vitamins and nutrients, including vitamin E and protein, both of which your hair needs to remain soft and healthy. Meanwhile, honey is a natural antibacterial agent.

OILY hair — Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon
Combine 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar with the grated peel of an entire lemon and allow it to set for 15 minutes to absorb the excess oil from your scalp, and then rinse in the shower.
Apple cider vinegar will remove build up from styling products and conditioners and strengthen the hair shaft, leaving you with soft, shiny strands. It will also balance hair’s pH level, kill bacteria, and is a cure for dandruff.

DRY, flaky scalp hair — Banana, Honey and Almond
Mash together 1/2 a ripe banana and add two tablespoons of honey and a few drops of almond oil and allow it to set with a shower cap on for 20 minutes before rinsing.
Bananas can increase the moisture of your hair, smooth frizz and soothe your itchy scalp.

My article in Men's Health October 2012 Edition

Tropical Sun Smoothie

1 c almond milk
1 c. coconut milk
1 ripe banana
1 ripe kiwi, peeled
2 tablespoons shredded coconut
1⁄2 c. frozen pineapple
1⁄2 c. frozen strawberries
1 tablespoon maple syrup
2 teaspoons flax oil

Quinoa Protein Brekkie Bowl

Thanks to Karma Chow for this recipe

1 cup rinsed quinoa
¼ cup toasted unsweetened coconut flakes
¼ cup toasted slivered almonds
¼ cup golden raisins
2 tablespoons hemp seeds
Pinch cardamom
1 teaspoon cinnamon  
1 tablespoon agave or maple syrup
Dash sea salt
Unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk
 
Cook quinoa (1 cup quinoa in a rice cooker with 2 cups water). When quinoa is cooked, add coconut, almonds, raisins, hemp seeds, cardamom, cinnamon, maple syrup or agave, and sea salt and mix together. Top with almond milk to your liking.

Ultimate Reset Review

Ultimate Reset is a beachbody cleanse product. Program is divided in 3 parts and comes with 6 supplements.

What is so different about this cleanse from other market cleanse?

Beachbody provides exact recipes with variety of supplements. Moreover, most cleanse leave your system at detox state and your health is low when you come out of it. Eating anything posts cleanse would make you gain weight very fast. You aren’t aware of your eating habits and cravings don’t go away but rather increase. I remember doing cleanses where I dreamt when this is over I will have this and that. I don’t have those cravings anymore.

Most cleanse diets cause you to lose muscles. I actually gained muscles during this cleanse.

Why do I need detox?

I was doing P90x2 and still craving all sort of food. I was high on dark chocolates. My cravings were very high. I wasn’t getting results I wanted for long time. My weight wouldn’t budge.

My old slow carb diet – I still consider it a perfect diet. However now I have way better tools to tackle it. I don’t want sugary cheat days. Rather my cheat days would be very different now with me trying lot of different stuff. For 6 days I will find a way to mash all the nutrients. Side effect of Slow carb diet was cravings which you could satisfy once a week. But your life revolved around that Sunday.

Workouts:

20 minutes brisk walk and 5  sun salutations. Nothing else needed other than drinking lot of water with mineralize.

Help:

My father and I decided to do it together so we can mutually support each other and remind each other to take supplements on time. Keep each other accountable and make other family members jealous.

Results:

Me:

Ultimate Reset doesn't make you lose muscle? 21 days no exercise and you still don't lose muscles? Well in my case I gained some definition

my dimensions

Weight 85.9 KG 79.9 KGWaist 34.9 34.2 >>was expecting more here Neck 16 16 >> Remains same - sign of maintaining muscles Right bicep 13.2 13.5 >> Gained biceps Left biceps 12.5 12.6 >> Gained biceps Chest 40.2 37.8 >> Good loss here Right thigh 24 22.2 >> Good loss Left thigh 23.5 21.8 >> Good loss
(All figures in inches)

My father doesn’t require his diabetes tablets anymore. He is still maintaining blood pressure tablets but he has never been happier. His blood pressure is very stable. For first time in years his weight has changed. He is more committed to living on this diet. He wants to lose 4 Kg more and maintain that. He doesn’t crave his daily tea anymore and has learnt to switch TV off when he is bored and go to sleep instead of passively emotionally consume unhealthy snacks. When you gain self-control and have a person to keep you accountable with you – you move to next level. You learn to say NO at the right time. My father is extremely thankful that I did reset with him. Now he doesn’t crave anything unhealthy and asks right questions while buying anything in grocery. He has lost more weight than me but he was heavier than me with less muscle definition.

My journey:

Summary and Notes:

1.       Difficult to believe for people who haven’t done it – cravings do go away or at least change with the time.

2.       I have started enjoying the veggies. You don’t hate salad and veggies – you hate the recipes and professional chefs know exactly how to make it taste good and still make it nutritious.

3.       Find someone around you who know how to experiment with tastes.

4.       As soon as you increase your water intake you start feeling lighter. You have to keep water bottle in front of you. Just one thing that would make it worthwhile.

5.       Just following recipe guide won’t help you that much in long term. You need the supplements to help you long term. Remove the cravings etc. You develop a new taste for all the stuff.

6.       I will have to find a way to get more protein in the system by consuming more protein. I will have to figure out if I want to stay Vegan or be a vegetarian. I will experiment with various cuisines such as Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Mexican etc for vegetables.

7.       I feel I have gained class by knowing about veggies and how to mix them. I go to five star hotels and have to explain to the chef how exactly I want my vegetables.

8.       I have to learn to cook.

Day by day break down for who want detailed information.

Phase 1 – Reclaim

Day 1 – I made extremely big mistake of habitually eating chocolates first thing in morning. Then I realized I have already started reset and didn’t use it as setback. I haven’t cheated once since day 1 reset. I literally puked out all the Alkaline as taste was horrible. When I posted it on support group, I got the idea that I should consume it as a shot.  Day 1 evening I really didn’t want to have any dinner. I had such a massive headache that I just wanted to go to sleep. But I took some dinner. I slept around 7 pm and woke up straight next morning 4 am.

Day 2 – I still didn’t stick to plan prescribed. I ate tomato soup and took assorted cottage cheese plate. But at least it was healthier choice for lunch. Anything not prescribed in diet ends here.  It was Independence Day and I maintained my calorie count. In evening I was extremely tired and still was carrying headache.

Day 3 and Day 4 – I started having random pains all over body. It would hurt and then stop hurting in a while. It didn’t make any sense. I also increased my water intake. I thought reset would be easy as I could add honey everywhere. Honey was my easy out on any recipe I didn’t like. I thought this won’t put me off sugar long term and I would still crave it post reset. When I read that fellow patrons were losing all the cravings. I couldn’t fathom it in my head.  

Day 5, 6, and 7 – I was feeling more sleepy than usual. I find it very good sign for someone who could barely sleep through night. Now I am getting deeper sleep. I didn’t want to do much but lie down and read books or watch TV series or chat with friends.

Phase 2 - Release

Day 8, 9, 10 – It was very conspicuous difference I felt consuming Detox. I was expecting very clear bowel but instead I was struck by heavy constipation and was bloated.

Day 11, 12 – I realized I wasn’t craving any products that weren’t prescribed in the diet. It was proving extremely expensive and hence was just consuming only one thing mentioned in booklet.

Day 13, 14 – I realized I have broken my bladder. I would have to instant go for break as soon as I consumed water. It was like take a sip and queue in for toilet.

Phase 3 - Restore

Day 15, 16, and 17 – I was struck with realization that I am getting hungrier. I have started enjoying different type of salads. I can make any salad taste better by adding Garlic sauce and extra nuts. Weight loss had really stalled and constipation did go away little bit when I increased my fruits intake.

Day 18, 19, and 20 – I craved for a decent breakfast instead of just fruits. Now I know fruits won’t cut it for me. I want something solid like roasted chickpeas, lentils or oatmeal for breakfast. Cravings change so quickly. I felt very dizzy moving around and stopped my sun salutation. Whenever I moved suddenly it would take a while before I gained focus. My vision would go blank. I decided to take it slow. Weight gain increased quickly. I was sick and tired of chewing veggies and I craved for something crunchy as choconut or butterscotch or something that sort. Something that popped in mouth and not made me feel like a cow.

Day 21 – Made few mental notes what I would continue to do. I took the day off the walking. I wanted to sleep for a while. My desire for extra sleep is a welcome change. I did go out for paintball play. I was very relaxed. I am getting deeper sleep and it feels better. I feel more relaxed and chilled out.   

Choco-Chocolate Chip Avo Pudding

Thanks to Karma Chow for this recipe

1 cup cashews, soaked for 2 hours
2 ripe avocados
⅓ cup full-fat coconut milk
⅓ cup raw cacao powder
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
⅓ cup raw blue agave nectar or maple syrup
1 tablespoon arrowroot powder
¼ cup date paste (see recipe below) 
1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
1 cup grain-sweetened or vegan chocolate chips

Drain the water from the cashews. Combine all of the ingredients except the chocolate chips in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Stir in the chocolate chips. Scoop into separate bowls and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.

To make date paste: Pour two-thirds cup of hot water over one cup pitted dates and soak for about an hour. Put all of the ingredients into a blender and process until a smooth, thick paste is formed. 

White Chocolate Raspberry Mousse

1 bag frozen organic raspberries, defrosted and room temp
1/3 c. melted raw cacao butter
¼ c. agave nectar
1 c. dates, soaked for at least 4 hours
¼ tsp sea salt
1 TB lemon Juice
1-1/2 cups cashews, soaked for at least 4 hours
1 tsp vanilla extract
Coconut water as needed
 
Melt cacao butter over a very low flame in a saucepan on the stove. Place all ingredients in a blender including melted cacao butter and blend until smooth. If mixture is too thick and your blender has a hard time blending, add coconut water little by little to loosen up the mixture. Refrigerate for a couple hours before eating

Vegan Chocolate Truffles

Thanks to Karma chow for this recipe

½ c. Raw Cacao Butter, melted (found at Health Food Stores andWhole Foods stores in the raw section)

½ c. Raw Cashews

½ c. Raw Agave Nectar (or ¼ c Agave & ¼ c Maple Syrup)

1 c. Raw Cacao Powder (or ½ cup Carob & ½ cup Cacao powder)

2 tsp. Vanilla Extract (alcohol-free) or ½ Vanilla Bean seeds

Pinch sea salt (preferably Himalayan Pink or Real Salt Sea Salt)

In a food processor fitted with the S-blade, process cashews, melted cacao butter & Agave until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and process until well mixed and smooth. Chill in freezer for 10-20 minutes. The more chilled the mixture is, the easier it will be to roll into truffles. Once chilled, roll with your hands into balls and then roll into your choice of shredded coconut, raw cacao nibs or raw cacao powder. Store in refrigerator! Enjoy as you wish, these truffles are GUILT FREE and GOOD FOR YOU!!!

Be Creative! Add Goji berries, dried mulberries, mint extract, nuts, whatever you like with chocolate!!!! Experiment!!!

Creamy Coconut Rice Pudding

1 cup brown rice, cooked (long or short grain is fine for this dish)
1⁄2 can full-fat coconut milk
1 tsp cinnamon
1⁄4 tsp. nutmeg (freshly ground is best)
Pinch cloves
1⁄4 c. raisins
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1⁄4 c. maple syrup or to taste
Optional toppings: shredded coconut, chopped walnuts, sliced almonds, cinnamon

In a saucepan, over medium-low heat, combine cooked rice, coconut milk, raisins, maple syrup and spices. Heat through while constantly stirring. If you like your pudding more creamy, add more coconut milk. Serve immediately and top with optional toppings.

Dreamy Raspberry Mousse w/ Nut Topping

2 containers organic raspberries
1 c. raw cashews, soaked for at least 2 hours
¼ c. raw blue agave nectar or Grade B maple syrup
meat of 1 young thai coconut (if you cannot find this where you live, leave out and use less liquid)
1/4 c. dates, soaked for 2 hours and pitted
water from 1 young thai coconut or coconut water from a tetra pak (about 1 to 1-1/2 c. depending on pref. thickness)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbs lemon juice
Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth! Pour into small cups and top with pistachio topping and refrigerate for about an hour so mixture gels a bit more
1 c. pistachios, raw or dry roasted without salt
½ cup dates, pitted
¼ c. raw shredded coconut
dash sea salt
2 tbs agave nectar
 
Place all ingredients except agave in a food processor with s-blade. Process until all combined and with motor running pour in agave. Topping should still be chunky and not smooth, but held together.

Rugelach

This recipe makes at least 48 cookie-sized pastries

• 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/2 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar plus 9 tablespoons
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3/4 cup raisins
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/2 cup apricot preserves, heated in microwave for a few seconds to make it spreadable
• 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon milk

1. Cream the cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until it is light and fluffy. The fluffier the lighter and flakier the final pastry will be.
2. Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar, the salt, and vanilla.
3. On low speed, add the flour and mix just until ingredients come together into a dough.
4. Put the dough on a floured board (or your counter) and roll it into a ball. Cut the ball in quarters, flatten slightly, wrap each piece in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes. I can never wait 60 minutes so I give you the option!
5. Combine 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar, the brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, the raisins, and walnuts.
6. Again, on a board or your counter, roll each ball of dough into a 9-inch circle. This is not an exact shape or measurement.
7. With a pastry brush, brush the dough with 2 tablespoons apricot preserves almost to the edges, and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the filling. With a rolling pin, press the filling lightly into the dough. Cut the circle into 12 equal wedges. I must admit, if I want smaller pastries, I will cut he circle into smaller wedges, maintaining a triangular shape.
8. Starting with the wide edge, roll up each wedge, place the cookies, point side down, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill for 30 minutes. This time I do wait the 30 minutes because they will not hold their shape if they are at room temperature. (The rugelach can also be frozen at this point for up to 2 months and left in refrigerator to defrost before baking.)
9. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
10. Brush each cookie with egg wash. Mix 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle on the cookies. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove to a wire rack and let cool.

Black Bean Dip

2 c. black beans
½ jalapeno, deseeded and minced
1 red bell pepper, deseeded and diced
½ red onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
¼ tsp chipotle chili powder
1 tsp cumin
3 tbs olive oil
1 tbs apple cider vinegar
2 tsp honey/maple syrup
½ tsp sea salt
 
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté jalapeno, red bell pepper, onion and garlic in 1 tbs olive oil until soft. Add cumin & chili powder and stir while cooking to incorporate.  Remove from heat when all ingredients are soft and somewhat caramelized.
 
In a food processor cup, place black beans, onion mixture, apple cider vinegar & maple syrup or honey. Puree ingredients together while pouring the remaining 2 tbs of olive oil in top of processor while running. Make sure you remove lid and scrape sides and puree again.  Serve warm or chilled.

Sunflower Seed Herbed Pate

2c. sunflower seeds, soaked for 4 hours
1 yellow bell pepper, deseeded and chopped
1 handful fresh parsley
1 handful fresh basil
1 tbs. Apple cider vinegar
2 tbs lemon juice
1 clove garlic
1 tbs braggs
2-4 tbs olive oil, depending on creaminess
 
Place all ingredients in a food processor and puree until creamy smooth. If you want a creamier consistency, add a small amount of water while processor is running.

Cherry Apple Chutney

1 c. dried cherries
3 apples, 1 Granny Smith & 2 Golden Delicious, cored and chopped into small pieces
¼ c. dried apricots, chopped
¼ c. raisins or currants (optional)
2 tbs. apple cider vinegar
1 c. Apple Cider or Fresh OJ
¼ c. water
1/2 c. Agave nectar or maple syrup
1-1/2 tbs. Fresh grated ginger
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 cinnamon stick
Pinch cloves
¼ tsp sea salt
zest of orange (optional)


Place all ingredients into a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and then lower heat and simmer until all ingredients are soft, liquid is evaporated and chutney thickens. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Remove from heat and cool. Serve chilled.

Quinoa & Strawberry Salad w/Citrus Dressing

1 c. quinoa, rinsed, cooked & cooled
1 c. strawberries, quartered
½ c. jicama, peeled & diced
1 avocado, diced
2 scallions diced
2 tbs freshly chopped mint

Combine all ingredients together in a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing and stir to combine

Citrus Dressing
¼ c. olive oil
3 tbs lime juice
juice of one orange
2 tsp Dijon mustard
sea salt
2 tsp agave nectar

Mix dressing ingredients together in a blender or shaker bottle

Godess Dip

1 c. cashews, soaked for 2 hours or more
3 scallions, chopped
1 garlic clove
3 tbs fresh cilantro
3 tbs fresh parsley
1 tbs honey mustard
1 tbs brown rice vinegar
2 tsp white mellow miso
2 tsp agave
½ tsp sea salt
Juice from 1 lemon or lime
3 tbs olive oil
Water

Puree all ingredients in food processor except olive oil. While processor is running, pour olive oil in top of processor. Add water 1 tbs at a time if you want a creamier consistency. Process until smooth

Energy Bliss Nuggets

Thanks to karma chow for this recipe


1 cup raw sunflower seeds
½ cup raw almonds
1/3 cup raw blue agave nectar, maple syrup or brown rice syrup
1/3 cup dates
3 tbs raw cacao powder
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp sea salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
 
Process all ingredients in a food processor until combined and roll into small walnut sized balls! Store in refrigerator in a tightly covered container.

Almond Berry Creme Parfaits

Fresh Berries (assorted)
 
Almond Frangipan Crème
1 cup almonds (you can soak if you’d like and remove skins)
1 c coconut water
½ tsp almond extract
2 tbs maple syrup
 
Raspberry sauce
1 bag raspberries
¼ c. agave
¼ c water
¼ dates soft, pitted
2 tbs lemon juice
 
Place all ingredients in blender and puree until thick and smooth. Add more liquid if too thick.
Layer creme in a cup with berries and raspberry sauce! Top with shredded coconut or nuts!

Veg Nog

2 c. cashew crème (see below)
1 c. coconut milk
½ c. date paste (see below)
2 tbs agave or maple syrup
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
½ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp cinnamon
pinch of cloves

Cashew Crème Base
Soak 1 c. cashews for 4 hours, drain & rinse well
 
Place in blender with 3 cups of water and puree until very smooth

Date Paste
Soak 1 c. pitted dates in water for 1-2 hours

Blend in a blender with a small amount of coconut water or water until blended into a paste.

Raw Zucchini Chocolate Cake

¾ cup walnuts
½ cup pecans
1/3 cup ground sesame seeds
½ cup ground flaxseeds
4 T dried coconut
1/3 cup cocoa
½ tsp cinnamon
2 c. zucchini, sliced into chunks
¾ cup soft dates, pitted & chopped
½ cup raisins
 
In a food processor blend the walnuts and pecans just enough so they are still a bit chunky.  Remove ½ cup of these chunks and place in a small bowl.  Continue blending the remainder until very fine.  Add the coconut, ground sesame, ground flaxseed, cocoa and cinnamon then pulse again until mixed well. Pour into a large bowl and add the ½ cup of walnut and pecan chunks.

In a food processor, pulp the zucchini.  Then add the raisins and dates.  Process again until well mixed. Add the zucchini mix to the other ingredients and knead together.

Line a small cake tin or casserole dish with plastic wrap. Pour in mixture and spread evenly so it has a flat top.  Cover it with more wrap and refrigerate it at least two hours as it well become firmer.  Remove the top layer of wrap and turn the cake onto a plate. Slice into squares! ENJOY!!