Part of living a Holistic lifestyle is taking the best care you can of your mind, body and spirit. Today our world is host to innumerable chemicals and potential toxins that we breathe into our lungs, absorb into our skin, and digest with our food. Some of the environmental assault is unavoidable, but we all can make healthier choices to feel good so we have the energy to do good.
I feel my best when I eat foods that are gluten-free, sugar-free and organic. Everyone’s body and nutritional needs are slightly different, so it may take some trial and error before you find the foods that make you feel terrific and energized, instead of drowsy and fuzzy-headed.
For those of us in Connecticut, there are organic cafes nearby that offer healthy, green drinks and organic, raw foods to add energy and zest to your life. Here are two of my favorites:
The Stand Juice Company
The Stand Juice Company, located in both Norwalk and Fairfield, Connecticut, serves vegan muffins, cupcakes and cookies, as well as salads, vegetarian sandwiches and of course, a large array of juices. The “Greenie” has kale, collards, cucumber and celery; the “Freshie” is a blend of cucumber, apple and lemon. You can find a smoothie with raw cacao, dried cherries, banana, flax seeds and almond milk (the “Choco-Cherry) or apple, banana, cinnamon, hemp protein and almond milk (the “Hempster.)
The guiding principle behind their foods and juices is that our bodies need fresh, organic, alkaline foods for optimal health. You can find them in Norwalk at 31 Wall Street, and in Fairfield at 87 Mill Plain Road. Or check out their website here.
Catch a Healthy Habit Cafe
Healthy Habit founders Glen Colello and Lisa Storch created the raw food and juice cafe to offer their customers a wide array of foods that cover the healthy-eating spectrum. They offer raw juices, smoothies, and meals that sound familiar (burgers, spaghetti and meatballs, pad thai) but that are made from healthy ingredients. The pad thai has zucchini and kelp noodles, for instance. And the “meatballs” are meatless.
Mr. Colello trained at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) in Manhattan and is certified as a health counselor. Although he changed his eating habits in one day ten years ago, giving up meat, dairy and sugar, he understands that most people transition to healthy eating more slowly. The shop is designed to help customers on their healthy eating journey, and appeals to all different palates. Visit them online here.
Connecticut Green Drinks
Every month, people who are focused on green, sustainable living and who are working toward a healthier planet can meet to discuss their plans and goals at events across the state called “Green Drinks.” Green Drinks offers a social networking venue for the eco-conscious, and most groups meet monthly. Groups meet in Stamford (Wednesdays), Norwalk (Saturdays), Fairfield (Tuesdays), Bridgeport (Wednesdays) and New Haven (Wednesdays). For more information, go to ctgreendrinks.com.
I hope 2013 is the year you take better care of yourself. Start small if you need to, by adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet. And try out some of the delicious juices offered at The Stand and Catch a Healthy Habit! You’ll love how you feel.