Auburn IS Ready for Real Food!

Auburn needs real food now!

I received an e-mail today with the subject line, "Is Auburn Ready for a Food Co-Op?" and my response was YES YES YES! Auburn's campus dining is in dire need of fresh, organic produce and it's about time we push the iniative! I have provided a survey below and please take two minutes to take it!  

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YZVD66M

(Copy and paste the link into your browser if it does not work by clicking it).

A Simple Citric Solution

Mornin' Sunshine ;)

Here's a simple way to kickstart your day: drink a glass of water with fresh squeezed lemon! As I mentioned in my Condensed Detox drinking water with fresh squeezed lemon revs up your metabolism and begins the cleansing process, but also benefits everything from your skin to your teeth! Here are some motivating benefits of this lemony remedy:


Gorgeous and Glowing Skin
Drinking water with lemon has vitamin C-related antioxidant properties that can benefit the health and appearance of your skin. It is an anti-aging remedy that reduces blackheads and wrinkles. Applied topically, lemon juice may promote the healing of scar tissue caused by skin burns.

Skinny Mini
One of the reasons this drink works well is because lemons are diuretic, meaning you'll make a few extra trips to the bathroom and rid yourself of water weight. The November 2008 issue of the "Journal of Biochemical Nutrition" states that lemon polyphenols --- molecules found in plants with antioxidant qualities --- "significantly suppressed" weight gain, accumulation of fat pads, excessive fat in your bloodstream, high blood sugar and insulin resistance. As a citrus fruit, lemons contain flavonoids that have many other weight-related benefits, including decreasing your liver's production of cholesterol and triglycerides.

Dynamic Digestion 
Because lemon juice is a purifier, it helps our bodies release toxins. Drinking lemon water reduces symptoms of indigestion including bloating and heartburn. For the ladies out there, the juice of 3-4 lemons can also help ease the pain decrease the flow of menstration. Lemons promote your body's production of digestive enzymes by the liver.

Starting your day with warm lemon water can prepare your body for digesting food throughout the day.

Mighty Mouth 

Water with lemon can relieve toothaches, promote gum health and reduce bad breath (perfect before a hot date!) Rubbing lemon juice directly onto your gums can stop bleeding. Drinking lemon water is also soothing for sore throats. Because of the antibacterial properties of lemon, drinking lemon with water fights throat infections and tonsillitis.

Source: Lemon Water and Health

Sippin' on my drank

Here are my quick tips on integrating this easy, effective and inexpensive means of detoxifying your body every day:

• Every time you go out to eat make sure to order a water with lemon. 
• Add lemons to your grocery list and remember--the heavier the lemon the better! (Also, you cannot cheat and use packaged and pasteurized lemon juice, only fresh squeezed lemon juice will work). 
• Attempt to keep your water luke warm by either leaving your glass out of the refridgerator for an hour or slightly warming the water on the stove (never microwave it!)

  

Creekside Cocktails: Healthful Drink Recipes for the Poolside!

Creekside Pool

Auburn's smoldering summer weather causes students to flock to the pool. Along with bronzing beauties and frisbee throwers, I myself have become a regular at the pool. I cannot help but notice the mass quantities of "Fratty Light" or alcoholic beverages surrounding the pool edges that seem almost as essential as sunblock. Although I do not recommend a consistent routine of "day drinking," I am still a college student and I am not naïve to certain collegiate indulgences!   


So here are some healthier options that I have deemed the "Creekside Cocktails" (inspired by Creekside--my favorite pool in Auburn) that will quench your summer thirst:
*Feel free to adjust ingredients to your liking :)


The Pink Bikini Martini 
What You'll Need (Single serving):
-3 tbsp grapefruit Juice (Preferably freshly squeezed)
-1/3 cup muddled strawberries (You can use organic strawberry puree too, but I prefer the real deal!)
-1 tbsp peach schnapps
-3 tbsp vodka
-Ice
-Cocktail shaker 
Directions:
1) Add all ingredients except ice into cocktail shaker

2) Shake it up baby

3) Add in ice and shake vigorously

4) Strain into martini glass (I don’t have martini glasses, so I just strained into wine glasses with ice)

5) To be extra fancy, garnish with toothpicked rasberries or strawberries and a dab of mint :)

The Sassy Swim Trunks Spritzer
What You'll Need (Serves a group): 
-1 bottle red or white wine
-1 bottle champagne
-1 pint strawberries
-3-4 sprigs of mint
-6 lemons
-Stevia sweetener 
-Large pitcher
-Large wooden spoon
Directions:
1) Slice strawberries into halves 
2) De-stem and tear mint leaves
3) Add strawberries and mint leaves into a large pitcher and muddle (mash) with a large wooden spoon
4) Add ice and then pour equal parts champagne and wine
5) Stir and enjoy in your sassy swim trunks :)


*Source:http://lindawagner.net/blog/2011/02/healthy-cocktails/


Banana Bliss Daqueri 
What You'll Need (Makes 4 Servings):
-6 oz light rum
-4 tbsp triple sec
-1 cup coconut milk
-3-4 organic bananas
-6 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
-4 tsp Stevia sweetener 
-Ice
Directions:
1) Add all of the ingredients into a blender
2) Blend until desired consistency
3) Pour and enjoy some banana bliss!