Elevate Fat Burning
Transitioning into the hustle and bustle of Spring, it can be easy to get out of our nutritional and physical routines. While the sun begins to peak out more and more, we are going to have more fun social events just to get together and have a little more fun! Happy hours, birthdays, dinner parties… There are plenty of delicious options at events, but not all are conducive to our wellbeing goals. I have found a few tricks that work really well for social events that allow for indulgence without hindering goals. Just remember, you can do both and implement strategies that contribute to your happiness as well as your health!
Pack Snacks: By having healthy options on hand, you will satisfy cravings without having to resort to the packaged foods available on the plane or at a lengthy conference. A few of my go-to’s include: dark chocolate, macadamia nuts, pumpkin seeds, roasted chickpeas, and vanilla collagen protein to add to hot water.
Smart Pairs for Cocktail Hour: Mixed cocktails and wine can raise blood sugar, causing the body to hold onto fat. One way to keep metabolism high and avoid this sugar spike during cocktails is by consuming healthy fats. Enjoy olives, nuts, hard cheeses and hummus when happy hour hits.
While there are a number of elements that can interrupt concentration or have a negative effect on mood, there’s one factor that can be detrimental… lack of sleep. We have all been there. The poor night’s sleep that leads to a rough day. I find that my sleep is the most impacted when on the road. The evening events typically run late, and I have a hard time resting when it concludes.
The lack of deep sleep can lead to an imbalance of hunger hormones, and stimulate poor cravings and low satisfaction. Additionally, deep sleep creates the ultimate repair. The brain expands and cerebral spinal fluid flushes through the brain, clearing toxins and imprinting new information from the day.
Below are a few ways to stimulate deep sleep while on the road:
Take a hot shower: The core temperature needs to drop by two degrees in order to get into a deep stage of sleep. By taking a hot shower, the blood moves to the surface of the skin and away from the court. This has an immediate relaxing effect on the nervous system.
Lie with legs up the wall: This is my number one technique when traveling. Whether before bed, in between events or just off the plane; lying with the legs up the wall resets the circulation to the heart, improves the relaxation response and can negate the effects of sitting. It has the benefits of an inversion posture from a yoga practice without having to do a handstand.
Workout in the morning: Movement early in the day has a direct effect on the circadian rhythm. The body releases endorphins in the morning after a workout to elevate mood and increase energy. The workout sets the body up to release melatonin in the evening, naturally made by the body, to increase deep stages of sleep.
Nora’s Naturals
After traveling or attending an event, it can be very beneficial to reset the system with home cooked food. The processed oils that are prevalent in take-out/restaurant foods as well as packaged snacks increase inflammation in the system. Try a few of these recipes that are high in quality fats and polyphenols, powerful compounds to lower inflammation.
We are thrilled to launch the offerings below at the St. Regis Punta Mita!
The Beauty Booster: Turmeric Coconut Bites
Benefit: Increases elasticity in skin by blocking the damaging enzyme elastase, and prevents UV damage by fighting free radicals.
I N G R E D I E N T S :
1 tsp ground turmeric
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa
1/2 cup walnuts
1 cup 8 pitted medjool dates, roughly chopped
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
I N S T R U C T I O N S :
Blend, form into balls, chill & serve!
The Energy Enhancer: Matcha Granola Bars
Star Ingredient: Matcha green tea
Benefit: High in polyphenols, which act as the cleanup crew for the body-balances blood sugar, fights free radicals, slows down aging process and cleanses the liver.
I N G R E D I E N T S :
2 cups rolled oats
1 1/2 cups unsweetened puffed rice cereal (rice, millet, quinoa etc.)
1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, dates, figs, prunes), roughly chopped
1 to 1 1/2 Tbsp matcha green tea powder
1/4 tsp flaky sea salt
1 cup pumpkin seeds
1/3 cup honey
3 Tbsp maple syrup
1/2 cup tahini
2 Tbsp coconut oil
I N S T R U C T I O N S :
Bake at 350 for 15 minutes