Benefits of Pumpkin: Alpha-carotene (helps the body produce Vitamin A, which helps our vision and immune function), Beta-carotene (reverses skin damage from the sun), Fiber, Vitamins C and E, Potassium (energy production and controls blood pressure), Magnesium (helps the body with so much – bone strength, normalizing heart function, etc.), Pantothenic Acid (helps body manage stress).

Raw Vegan Pumpkin Soup [serves 4]

• 3 cups raw pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen (and thawed) yellow corn
• 3/4 cups diced red bell pepper
• 2 1/2 cups fresh apple juice
• 2 1/2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
• 2 1/2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 cup mashed avocado
• 2 teaspoons raw pumpkin seeds for garnish
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped, for garnish
• In a high speed blender, combine pumpkin, corn, red bell pepper, apple juice, ginger, garlic, salt and avocado. Process for several minutes, until smooth. (If too thick, add more apple juice). Divide into 4 soup bowls and garnish with raw pumpkin seeds and fresh thyme.

I believe in the law of attraction, and therefore often create vision boards. There is actually not one thing I have not received that I have asked for in the past. Decided to make a new one the other day, a few snap shots of it above. I placed it right by my bed so I see it at least twice a day. I recommend asking for things that you want in your life right now, since the universe acts pretty quickly. Soooo if you want babies or marriage in 5 years, make a new one at that time.

Start by writing down about 5-10 things that you want in your life (new job, love of your life, balance, health, more exercise, new apartment, raise, etc.), then cut out images from magazines that resemble this vision. Easy as that! Look at it on a daily basis, and ask with your heart.

Even Oprah Winrey makes these. Read more in this article ”What the heck is a vision board – and how can it change my life?”

Picked up a green juice from Equinox before jumping in a cab to work…

Want to make a real change in your life? Then watch Food Matters… It’s so crazy how we keep living the way we do, when we have all the answers in front of us! Come on guys, let’s wake up together and truly start living healthy, long, beautiful lives.

”Let thy food be thy medicine, and thy medicine be thy food.”

That famous quote by Hippocrates, who is often referred to as ”the father of medicine,” is somewhere around 2,500 years old, and for a long time this sentiment was treated as fact. Today, many scoff at this notion, thinking nutrition and medicine have very little in common; using food to quench hunger and little else, while turning to pharmaceutical drugs to treat illness… Food Matters, produced by James Colquhoun, Laurentine ten Bosch, and Enzo Tedeschi is an 80-minute long fast-paced re-education for the layman on the basics of good health, which incidentally is the only way to prevent disease from occurring in the first place.

The movie will teach you the following:

• How you can use food as medicine
• Who needs vitamins?
• Is organic really better?
• How safe is your food?
• Foods that fight anxiety and depression
• Natural therapies for cancer
• Which drugs might do more harm than good?
• The best ways to detox, lose weight and keep it off! 

I admit, the 30/60/90 class almost took me out, but jumping in the shower now and should be back in business shortly. Now it’s time to run errands and check off a long due to do list.

Sweater from Victoria Secret Pink and pants from Nike.

I often get asked if I only eat lettuce and tomato. Hello I’m not at a diet (torture) camp! I actually enjoy eating this way. Not only does it satisfy my taste buds, it also provides nutrients for my body. Above are a few images for inspiration. Yes, raw food takes time to prepare, BUT it’s totally worth it… For more of the actual recipes go to TheRawChef.com.

Was looking for new classes at my gym last night and saw this one…. 30/60/90 Fitness with Krisit Monlinaro. It looks out of control… so please wish me good luck. Joking aside it is a combination of cardio, strength training, plyometrics, and static holds designed to get you in the best shape of your life. 

It was developed by fitness expert Kristi Molinaro, and was named the “Best Fat-Burning Class″ by New York Magazine setting the standard for modern group fitness. “Pilates, kickboxing, and pole dancing can tone, but the interval training Kristi Molinaro’s signature class will do it faster.”

30/60/90 has no confusing choreography and no girly moves. It is a scientifically combined series of cardio drills in a high-intensity interval training format designed to get you (and keep you) in the best shape of your life. Unlike basic cardio workouts, 30/60/90 requires you to move in spurts in conjunction with a cardio strength workout that will rev up your metabolism even after you’re done working out.

Starts in an hour so got to get ready. Hope you are getting in a good workout this weekend too… xx

Good Morning… Stopped by Juice Generation this AM for a bright green juice. Why drink green juice? Well… one of the main reasons is that your body can easily absorb the nutrients and without the fiber it goes deeper into your cells. The second reason is that it serves as a natural vitamin and mineral kick, containing a long list of the essential ones such as vitamin A, C, B(s), Folate, Iron, Potassium, etc.

My new obsession is John Masters Organics!! Purchased a conditioner and lotion from the brand in Denmark this weekend and immediately googled them when I landed in New York. Turns out they have a salon here (yep, already booked my appointment). They have an organic (hence the name) line of haircare and skincare products that are absolutely divine. The philosophy behind the brand is based on respect for the earth and body. It has no chemicals and synthetics! (hallelujah). I strongly suggest investing in a product or two…

Watch this video for more info – Click here

Want healthy, full, glossy hair? And not just that, do you want it to grow faster? Here are principles that drive hair growth according to Tonya Zavasta:

“A sound raw food diet will give you the best possible nutritional advantage for growing healthy hair fast. Be sure to include… true hair helpers such as seaweed, greens and raw nuts. These deliver minerals, essential fatty acids and amino acids, providing the rich protein hair needs. Stock up on leafy greens and get in a serving of soaked raw nuts or seeds each day. A mineral-rich raw food diet is your best bet for building strong healthy hair from the inside.”

“And why does hair need stimulation? In fact, it’s the scalp that needs it, and the reason is blood circulation. You want to bring increased blood flow to the hair roots, delivering nutrients and encouraging new cell development. Healthy blood is very important, but delivering it is vital—especially for those hard-to-reach places where it’s needed most. How can you achieve this effect? The most obvious way is brushing your hair diligently with a brush or a comb. You can also massage the scalp with your fingers.”