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Whole Foods Venice

Lisa's Likes For Warmer Weather

With spring break and summer just around the corner, I thought you could use some help getting beach ready so this edition of Lisa's Likes will be a "two-parter." There are just so many warm weather products out there that I love.

First up, my must haves to protect my skin:

(1) La Roche Posay Anthelios Sunscreen:  I run around like a mad woman in the morning, so a fast absorbing sunscreen is key to my schedule. I love La Roche Posay Anthelios, not only because it's fast absorbing, but also because it has a matte finish which doesn't make me look shiny. It's also water resistant so I can even wear it during a workout. It's fragrance-free, too, which is great for sensitive skin like mine.

(2) Supergoop! SPF 30 sunscreen Swipes for your beach bag: I am a big fan of sunscreen but it can get really messy to apply in the car. I love Supergoop tan towels because they involve no mess and allow me to keep one hand on the wheel.

(3) Nia 24: Perhaps there is such a thing as youth in a bottle!  Nia 24's concentrated, lightweight formula fades my brown spots and has significantly improved my skin's brightness, clarity and tone.

Lisa's Likes For Body

(4) Staying hydrated: I cannot live without fresh coconut water from whole foods. The water replenishes the electrolytes I lose during my work outs and drinking right out of the coconuts makes me feel like I am on vacation.

(5) Rodial Brazilian Tan Light: Infused with avocado, coconut & caramel, the Rodial Brazilian Tan Light is a light weight gel like tanning formula with a long lasting glow.

So there you have it, my Lisa's Likes for this week. Check back next week for more of my warm weather faves!

Superfood Saturday--Say Hi to Açaí

It's time for Superfood Saturday's on The Studio (MDR) blog. And today, we want you to say hi to Açaí. Also known as nature’s energy fruit, the Açaí berry is one of the most nutritious foods in the world.

Açaí, harvested in the rainforests of Brazil, is chock full of antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids, making the tiny berry a weight loss and anti-aging superfood1!

While it may be difficult to find Açaí berries in your local supermarket, Açaí juice is widely available.  There is also, a new product featuring the unsweetened pulp of Açaí which provides many benefits including2:

  • A remarkable concentration of antioxidants that help combat premature aging, with 10 times more antioxidants than red grapes and 10 to 30 times the anthocyanins of red wine.
  • A synergy of monounsaturated (healthy) fats, dietary fiber and phytosterols to help promote cardiovascular and digestive health.
  • An almost perfect essential amino acid complex in conjunction with valuable trace minerals, vital to proper muscle contraction and regeneration.

So, if you’re feeling a little sluggish, or if you just need an extra boost of energy, this recipe for an Açaí smoothie is a fantastic choice to consume before or after your workout at The Studio (MDR).

Açaí Berry Smoothie 

1 Unsweetened Pure Açaí Berry Smoothie Pack 8 oz Almond Milk 1 Banana 1 Scoop Whey Protein Powder 1 Tablespoon Flax Seed Oil

Blend all ingredients until smooth and enjoy!

Is there a superfood you'd love to read more about? Let us know, we are looking for future "Superfood Saturday" ideas.

  1. http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/Açaí -berries-and-Açaí -berry-juice-what-are-the-health-benefits
  2. http://www.oprah.com/health/Açaí -Dr-Perricones-No-1-Superfood

Kale Chips Courtesy of Whole Foods Venice

Like most of you, we are Whole Foods enthusiasts! Our local Venice market reciprocated the love by exclusively providing The Studio (MDR) with a delicious recipe for Roasted Kale Chips.

Makes 4 cups (about 4 servings) Ingredients 1 bunch kale 
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 
1/2 teaspoon chili powder 
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 
2 tablespoons finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Method Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Trim tough stems from kale and discard; cut large leaves into 2-inch pieces (leave any small leaves whole). Place in a large bowl, drizzle with oil and toss. Add chili power and salt and toss again. Arrange kale on baking sheets in single layer; bake until crispy and the edges just begin to brown, about 12 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheets. Transfer to a bowl and toss with Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Nutrition Per serving: 80 calories (40 from fat), 4.5g total fat, 1g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 200mg sodium, 9g total carbohydrate (2g dietary fiber, 0g sugar), 4g protein

Thanks for sharing this Whole Foods Venice.

Superfood Saturday From The Studio (MDR): This Week, It's All About Chia Seeds

It’s time for Superfood Saturday at The Studio MDR and this week it’s all about the Chia seed!  Yes, this----> chia seed.  While most of us know the word "chi" from the famous ch-ch-ch-chia jingle, chia seeds are becoming a widely popular superfood that you can add to almost anything you eat or drink!

Superfood Saturday Facts About Chia Seeds:

  • Chia seeds have more Omega-3 fatty acids than any other plant food, including flax seeds, and they are about 20% protein.
  • When soaked in liquid, Chia seeds form a thick gel. When consumed, researchers believe they slow down the rate at which digestive enzymes turn carbs into sugar, making it especially beneficial for diabetics and others with blood sugar issues.
  • Chia is hydrophilic and will absorb more than 12 times its weight in water. This makes it helpful in maintaining body hydration, something that is especially beneficial for athletes who need to remain hydrated.

Chia seeds are so high in antioxidants that they do not spoil easily and can be stored for long periods. PLUS, they have also been known to improve the following:

  • Anti-aging
  • Weight loss
  • Gastro-intestinal health
  • Bone health
  • Prenatal health
  • Heart health
  • Stabilized blood sugar
  • Prostate health
  • Menopausal symptoms

Not many side effects have been reported as a result of ingesting Chia seeds but if you have high blood pressure or allergies, you should consult with your doctor before consuming them.

You can order Chia seeds online or pick them up at your local health foods store like Sprouts or from our neighbors at Whole Foods Venice.  If you are not sure what to add Chia to in your diet here are some tips and recipes! And if you've tried chia seeds, we want to hear from you. Tell us how they have helped you look it+feel it+live it in the comments section below.