Baobab Wellness

You can do it!

It is May 1, and hopefully you’ve all been walking, taking the stairs, sprinting and enjoying new, tasty veggies all throughout April’s portion of our paleo challenge. How has it been going for you? Do you have more energy? A new favorite food? Perhaps you discovered, like me, that no matter how you cook or blend it, kale is the most disgusting thing ever put on this earth? Either way, it’s that time in the challenge where we up the ante a bit. You’re to keep up with all the previous activities we’ve suggested, but now we’re also going to ask something truly difficult of you: give up your most unhealthy vice.

Before you log off and go jump off a bridge clutching an entire bag of cookies, just hear me out. (more…)

*Throws Confetti* You’ve made it through the first month of the challenge. Your refrigerators are a caveman’s dream, you’re walking every day and despite mother nature’s grudge you’re getting as much sunlight as possible. Lastly you’ve begrudgingly tried a new vegetable at least once this past month. Now you’re ready to kick it into high gear with strength training! (more…)

Never Forget!

An image from my MRI; apparently I'm hosting something otherworldly!

Last night I had my very first session with a physical therapist to help repair “several herniated discs” that are plaguing me. During the session, I had to hold back tears at least three times: When he first put me on the stationary bike and I saw how slow I was going; when he tried to get me to stretch on an exercise ball and a searing pain shot across my back; and when he was stretching out my right hamstring and another searing pain shot up past my glutes to my lower back. I wanted to cry because I knew that I’d done this to myself and now my body is in complete disarray. (more…)

Got my walking shoes, how about you?

We are entering the second week of our paleo challenge and are curious to hear about everyone’s experiences so far. Have you been walking, sprinting and taking the stairs? Are you completely in love with artichokes now? Have you noticed a change in how you look and feel since becoming a “caveman”?

Part of the reason we’re encouraging this switch in lifestyle and diet is because we’ve done it and have noticed positive changes. Here are a few things to look for and keep in mind while continuing to participate in the challenge. Are you:

• Sleeping better?
• Snacking less?
• More focused?
• More energized?
• More “regular”?

Also, now that you’ve been walking outside for at least 20 minutes everyday (or sprinting and taking the stairs), here’s a way to step it up some if your body responds well to added activities:

• Bump up your walking time to 25 minutes
• Walk uphill at least two days during the week
• NYC folks–walk across one of the bridges at least once during the week (it can be one way or round trip)
• Skip rope down a path instead of walking

Please remember to check in with your physician before doing any physical activities to avoid injuries. It is also essential to stretch your entire body after every workout, no matter the intensity.

So tell us- how are you progressing with the challenge?

These Dr. Pepper commercials are nothing short of fantastic. This weekend get inspired, be an inspiration, get moving and get fit. Be one in a million!

In a fantasy world I would be spend my days tasting beautiful foods, prepping the ingredients and then of cooking all day, but this is not a fantasy world. Sadly, I’ve chosen the hustle and bustle of Wall Street not the glamor of being a Top Chef, but a girl can dream right? With very little time on my hands, I’ve had to come up with ways to serve meals that are quick prep, paleo and down right tasty, and I needed the proper tools to do just that. Here are a few of my essentials for a successful paleo cooking experience:

Cast Iron Fryer
These are the perfect for searing, frying and, on occasion, baking. Unlike their less expensive counterparts, cast iron improve with age. Once properly seasoned your cast iron pans develops a natural non-stick finish that won’t absorb the flavors of the food cooked. The key to a perfectly seasoned pan is to NEVER wash with soap, just use warm water and a stiff brush.

Peeler
A few years ago, my sister bought me a Zena Star peeler and after reading of its lifetime guarantee, I thought maybe she had got scammed. Fast forward 10 years and it’s still like new! Going paleo means eating root vegetables which usually have tougher skins. Dealing with knives can be dangerous, so invest in a good peeler (and save your hands).

Baking Sheets
I know this might come as a surprise but baking sheets are not just for cookies anymore. You can use them to roast meats, crisp vegetables and if your sweet tooth rears its ugly head, go ahead and bake paleo-friendly cookies. When roasting meats, just line with aluminum foil or parchment paper and you’re ready to go!

Mandoline
A mandoline is a great way to slice time (see what I did there!) in half when you’re working with vegetables. There are great versions on the low price end at places like Target and pricier ones at my dream store, William Sonoma. I use the mandoline often, and my absolute favorite use is making shoe string fries for the boys.

Slow Cooker
I can not stress enough how important it is for everyone to have a slow cooker/crockpot! Slow cookers allow you to load in all of your protein, vegetables and spices at once, set the timer and go. There is no hovering over pots and pans, giving you time to get other things done. Twice a month I put an entire chicken in my slow cooker and leave for work. By the time I return not only is dinner ready to serve but the house smells amazing. There are so many awesome recipes available on the internet so you won’t get bored, like this one for lemongrass and coconut drumsticks, YUM!

What are some of your favorite kitchen tools?

By now hopefully you’ve taken the first step and cleaned out all the junkie foods in your refrigerator, and successfully logged at least 140 minutes walking for the first part of the challenge. I know those of us in the North have had to deal with cold weather (stupid winter) but we shouldn’t use that as an excuse. If you weren’t able to get out last week don’t fret; the temps are on the rise and you can make up for it this week. Remember going Paleo isn’t about all or nothing, it’s a steady race with wins and loses. Now let’s move on to this week’s mission.

Along with walking we are challenging you to eat more vegetables. Sounds simple right? Well it is. Below are three in-season vegetables for you to try each week this month. You won’t need to eat them everyday, unless you choose to but you are required to eat the chosen veggie at least once.  (more…)

Mount Everest (c) Luca Galuzzi - www.galuzzi.it

Perfection is impossible. However striving for perfection is not. Do the best you can under the conditions that exist. That is what counts. ~John Wooden