S-TEAM SKIN AND BODY
  • HOME
    • ABOUT >
      • Perks
      • Fitness Classes
      • Just for Fun
    • CLIENTS >
      • Body Raves
      • Skin Raves
  • BOOK NOW
    • Service Details >
      • Botox Boutique/Injectables
      • Face Treatments >
        • Curated Facial Collection
        • DMK Enzyme Treatments
        • Hair Removal
        • IPL & Photofacials
        • LED Light Therapy
        • Microcurrent Face
        • Micro Nano Needling
        • Peels
        • Plump & Tight - Viora ST
        • Sculplla - H2 Filler Facial
        • Thermoclear - Spot Remover
      • Plasma Lift
      • Body And Scalp Treatments >
        • Smooth & Sculpt
        • Body Micro Needling
        • Scalp Microchanneling
      • Color Analysis
      • Fitness Plans
      • Nutrition Plans
  • Shop
  • Blog
  • WHAT'S NEW
  • MEMBERSHIPS
    • Fitness Membership

Blog

Clients' Favorite Recipe - Olive Oil Apricot Yogurt Cake

7/1/2020

Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Give it a try and as always let us know how you liked it and if you made any changes to it .
Comments

A Few Of My Favorite Things... April Product Picks

4/25/2019

Comments

 
Picture
This flavor is forwardly floral in the best way, tasting sweeter and more indulgent than its Nutrition Panel would suggest. Not to be confused with grandma’s perfume, our lavender adds a richness to the blueberry that has to be tasted to be believed. This flavor is for the adventurous. Ingredients: coconut cream (coconuts, water), organic blueberries, pure maple syrup, lavender oil, agar, probiotic cultures
Picture
The Bro-Fav, Bourbon Vanilla is right down the middle, appealing to the everyday yogurt eater as well as those with refined palates - we use the most delicious variety of vanilla, straight from Madagascar. This flavor is for the hard-to-please. Ingredients: coconut cream (coconuts, water), pure maple syrup, agar, Madagascar bourbon vanilla, probiotic cultures.
Picture
A smooth blend of juicy strawberries and delicate rose, perfectly aromatic and balanced with a touch of pure maple syrup. This flavor is for the fanciful. Ingredients: coconut cream (coconuts, water), organic strawberries, pure maple syrup, rose water, agar, probiotic cultures.
, 

​I am super excited to share my  most recent food score. I have been on the hunt for a non-dairy, delicious, flavorful yogurt for a few years. So, you can imagine how excited I was to finally find  one. I not only like it but look forward to eating. The timing couldn't have been better as the flavors in these yogurts feel like spring. Blueberry lavender, strawberry rose, and vanilla bourbon are not only delicious they also have a thick dessert like consistency. While standing at the refrigerator  I ate a container of vanilla bourbon on top of raspberries, No time to sit down when it tastes this good.  

They range from 230-240 calories per container. They are high in fat due to the coconut milk but all natural ingredients and so satisfying. One is all you need.
Continuing with the spring theme I came across Trader Joe’s Blueberry Lavender Flavored Almond Beverage. It is smooth, creamy, and expertly flavored—it tastes as if you’re frolicking through a blooming lavender field while eating blueberries.
Picture
It has a a touch of cane sugar, which creates a light, slightly sweet dream of a drink. And they accomplish that while also being also gluten free, dairy free, soy free, vegan, and kosher!
​

It's a perfect morning pick-me-up: serve chilled with  your  fruit, yogurt or healthy granola. Pour it into a mug & after a quick stint in the microwave, you’ve got a delicious before-bed beverage. Or use it to make the ultimate smoothie bowl—complete with fresh berries, Want the flavor and even less calories? I mix it with plain unsweetened almond milk. 
Picture
Blueberry Lavender Flavored Almond Beverage
​Nutrition Facts:
4 servings per container.
Serving size 1 cup
Amount per serving: Calories 60
Total Fat 2.5g Saturated Fat 0g  Trans Fat 0g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 100mg Total Carbohydrate 9g  Dietary Fiber less than 1g Total Sugars 7g— Protein 1g.

Marin Kombucha is uniquely brewed in small batches with locally sourced, organic ingredients. During the fermentation process, they oak age the Kombucha to enhance its unique flavor profile and healing properties: probiotics, antioxidants, and detoxifying organic acids.
There are four signature flavors of oak-aged craft brewed Kombucha tea to reflect the bounty of our local harvest: Original Oak, Apple Juniper, Pinot Sage, and Ginger Lemongrass are each available in 16-ounce bottles and 5-gallon kegs. 

I had the Pinot Sage and since I try to keep cocktails to a bare minimum this is my replacement. Pour into a beautiful glass and I don't feel like I'm missing anything other than  a hangover :) I found them in SafeWay, Whole Foods and Sprouts. Not available at all of the stores though so you may have to ask. 

Picture
Comments

Colette's  Banana Almond Birthday Cake Shake

3/29/2019

Comments

 
Picture
The same protein shake day after day can get old - and diet boredom can lead to moments of weakness and cheating. I found a few easy  additions to dress up my usual vanilla protein shake to create a filling treat that gets me through the occasional monotony of maintaining a clean diet.
Picture

Hold The Candles...

 Two bananas  - sliced into chunks that will mix easy
Two scoops Vanilla Flavored Whey ( or favorite protein) Powder
One teaspoon Vanilla
Almond Extract - to taste - don't over do it - it's pretty strong and a couple drops will do
One cup unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
Picture
1 - Take All Ingredients

2 - Put Them In The Bullet

3 - You Know What Comes Next...


The Macros...

Calories-460                                         

Protein -     53

Fat         -      6

Carbs    -     52

​What's with the high carb count? It's from the bananas, not a refined sugar.  Still, I would recommend enjoying this treat earlier in the day while your metabolism is going full force or have ½ today the other ½ tomorrow. 
Picture
 Gluten Free, Guilt Free and Filling. What could be better than that?
Comments

Double Chocolate Muscle Muffins

4/9/2018

Comments

 
Makes 24 Mini Muffins
Ingredients:
1 scoop Quest All Purpose Protein mix
1 pouch of METRX chocolate protein blend
¼ cup Unsweetened Applesauce
Unsweetened Almond milk
⅛ tsp baking powder
3 tsp stevia bakeable blend - Pyure
1 egg
Nutrition Entire Recipe
​
Calories      589 
Protein       70.4  
Fat               16.4  
Carbs          43    
Nutrition Per Muffin
Calories   25 cal
Protein    2.9
Fat            1
​Carbs        1.8

Delicious!

Comments

Colette's Gluten Free Protein Donut Delights

1/9/2018

Comments

 
Flashback to my high school days, wearing my yellow polyester uniform, standing behind the counter at Ken's Donuts, serving up the hottest, freshest, and quite possibly least healthy things you could ever eat.  I don't miss those early morning shifts, but I still love a good donut.  So I made my own...
Picture
Without ChocolateChips...
I got the idea to try to make these little gems while walking through Marshall's (because I love a good deal), and I saw the donut pan.  I went home to the "test kitchen", and after a couple of flat attempts, I found a combination that is tasty and good for you too.

Time To Make The Donuts...

Three Eggs
One packet of Vanilla Met-Rx Protein Powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
Optional - Dark Chocolate Chips (8 per donut) - but seriously - we all know this is totally a must add
Preheat your oven to 375, and coat your pan with non stick canola oil spray
Put two egg whites and one whole egg in your Magic Bullet
​
Add in the Met-Rx Vanilla Protein Powder, along with the vanilla and baking powder
(I put a splash of almond milk in the empty Met-Rx envelope to get all the powder that sticks to the sides - You know - the old Kool-Aid trick)
Picture
Picture
Now Whip It..Whip It Good
Picture

PictureLook Ma, No Lumps!!!
I use the Magic Bullet, (which I got at my beloved Costco), because it mixes with no lumps and clean up is a breeze - it's a perfect  time saver in an early morning rush. If you don't have a Magic Bullet, just be sure to get the mixture smooth and lump-free.  You may need to add a little water to get the right cake batter consistency...


Picture
Load your Pan...
Picture
8 Chips Per Donut
Picture
Push Them Down Just A Little So They Bake In...
Bake for 20 minutes...
Picture
Fresh
out
of
the
oven...

Picture


​Enjoy!!!

The Macros...

Per Donut:
Without Chips  
                                         With Chips
Calories = 60                                                Calories = 77
Fat          = 1.2                                                 Fat         = 2.4
Protein   = 8.7                                               Protein  = 9
Carbs      = 6.6                                               Carbs     = 8.5
I love these because they are delicious, healthy, and very portable.   When I'm on the run, I take them with me to eat  throughout the morning.  It keeps my diet in check - and hey - Who doesn't love a donut?
Picture
Ahh Memories...
Comments

Colette’s Costco Gluten Free Cauliflower Bread Bites

1/7/2018

Comments

 
I’m always trying new things in the kitchen, and let me tell you, they are not always winners. Recently, I created a gluten free “bread” from riced cauliflower, and it has become a staple of my diet. Easy to make, delicious, and every ingredient comes from Costco.
Picture
​I have two pans that I make the “bread” in - a standard muffin pan, and a whoopie pie pan.  I end up with two different thicknesses, but they taste almost identical.

​My Now Not So Secret Recipe

Picture
​2 eggs
4 Teaspoons Almond Flour
3 cups riced Cauliflower
1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
½ cup Shredded Parmesean Cheese
Organic No Salt Seasoning (I don’t know the measurement here – I just put it what looks right)
 
​Preheat the oven to 375 and spray your pans with non-stick canola oil spray
​​
Combine all ingredients in a bowl until well mixed, and place equal amounts in the cups of the pan.  Put a little pressure on it as you put the mixture in to sort of pack it down. Bake for 20-25 minutes (My oven is good at 23 minutes, so somewhere in that range should work)
 
When I take them out , I give them a few minutes to cool just a little before removing them from the pan to finish on the rack.

Picture
Filling The Pans
Picture
Out Of The Oven
​That’s all there is to it.  They are good in the fridge for about a week, or you can freeze them for later.  I like to heat them up in a toaster oven to keep the edges crispy.
​I use these “bread bites” under poached eggs for breakfast, to make grilled cheese for lunch, (only in the toaster oven – a pan or panini press destroys them), or even under a nice piece of grilled salmon at dinner.

Picture
​The Macros
Makes 12 Bread Bites
Each Bread Bite contains:
Calories = 60
Protein = 7.6
Fat = 5.3
Carbs = .6


​Super easy to make, super delicious, super good for you and everything comes from Costco too.  What could be better than that?
Comments

A Holiday Treat With The Added Benefits of Black Strap Molasses 

12/8/2016

Comments

 
Picture
I love everything about holiday food, especially the smell and the fun of making holiday cookies. That being said, like most people I rarely have a lot of time and I don't want to feel guilty about what I eat. That is why gingerbread people are one of my favorite holiday treats. Not only are they delicious, but because of the spices and molasses used, they have all kinds of health benefits!! So read up then eat up.  
Note: For a GF version just swap out the flour with GF all purpose flour.
Recipe
Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups all pupose flour (about 10 oz)
1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
3/4 cup coconut sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup blackstrap molasses, unsulphured
1 large egg

Decorations
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
2 tbs 2% milk or unsweetened almond milk
1/4 cup colored  sugar sprinkles

Instructions:
1. To prepare the cookies, lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and next 6 ingredients (through cloves) in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk.
2. Place granulated sugar and butter in a large bowl, beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth and well blended. Add molasses and egg; beat until well blended. Stir flour mixture into sugar mixture until well blended. Divide dough in half, shape each portion into a flat disk. Wrap dough portions separately in plastic wrap; chill 1 hour or until firm.
3. Preheat oven to 350°
4. Remove dough portion from refrigerator, remove plastic wrap. Roll dough to a 1/8-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut with a 3-inch boy or girl cookie cutter. Place cookies 1/2 inch apart on parchment paper- lined baking sheet. Repeat procedure with remaining dough. Bake at 350
° for 11 min or until edges of cookies are lightly browned. Remove from pan, cool completely on wire racks.
5. To prepare decorations, combine powdered sugar and milk, stirring until smooth. Spoon mixture into a heavy duty zip top plastic bag. Snip a tiny corner of bag (may also use your own piping devices) Pipe onto cookies. Decorate as desired with sugar sprinkles. 

Benefits of Unsulphured Blackstrap Molasses:

Rich in iron - Two tablespoons of blackstrap molasses contain 13.2 percent of our RDI of iron, which our bodies need to carry oxygen to our blood cells. People who are anemic (including pregnant women) will greatly benefit from consuming 1-2 tablespoons of blackstrap molasses per day.

Good for your hair - One serving (two tablespoons) of blackstrap molasses contains approximately 14 percent of our RDI of copper, an important trace mineral whose peptides help rebuild the skin structure that supports healthy hair. Consequently, long-term consumption of blackstrap molasses has been linked to improved hair quality, hair regrowth in men and even a restoration of your hair's original color! 

Safe sweetener for diabetics - Unlike refined sugar, blackstrap molasses has a moderate glycemic load of 55. This makes it a good sugar substitute for diabetics and individuals who are seeking to avoid blood sugar spikes. Moreover, one serving of blackstrap contains no fat and only 32 calories, making it suitable in moderation for a weight loss diet.

High in calcium and magnesium - Blackstrap molasses contains a mineral profile that has been optimized by nature for superior absorption. For example, two tablespoons of blackstrap molasses contain 11.7 percent of our RDI of calcium and 7.3 percent of our RDI of magnesium. Both of these minerals aid the growth and development of bones, making blackstrap a good safeguard against osteoporosis and other bone diseases.

Additional mineral content - Two tablespoons of blackstrap molasses also contain 18 percent of our RDI of manganese (which helps produce energy from proteins and carbohydrates), 9.7 percent of our RDI of potassium (which plays an important role in nerve transmission and muscle contraction), 5 percent of our RDI of vitamin B6 (which aids brain and skin development) and 3.4 percent of our RDI of selenium, an important antioxidant.

Laxative qualities - Blackstrap is a natural stool softener that can improve the regularity and quality of your bowel movements.

Nutrition : Yields about 5 dozen cookies (serving size is one cookie) 
Calories per cookie:  56 , Fat 0.9g, Protein 0.6g, Carbs 11.5g,  Fiber 0.2g
Picture
Comments

Fit Pumpkin

10/10/2016

Comments

 
It's Fall which means pumpkin must work it's way into my diet. Here are two yummy treats that I can enjoy completely guilt free! Muscle Egg Pumpkin Spice Protein Drink and ONE Pumpkin Pie protein bar. Hits the spot and satisfies my Fall cravings :)
Picture
Comments

Back-to-School Perk from FlapJacked

8/10/2016

Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Picture
I blogged about Flapjacked in a recent post and just received an offer I thought I'd share.
20% off your next order. See about page under Perks

Happy August Everybody! Believe it or not, we’re now just days away from the start of school. And the number one adjustment families will have to make over the next few weeks? Getting up earlier and out the door faster.

Breakfast time especially feels the squeeze of a rushed house trying to be on time for the bus or opening bell. At FlapJacked, we’re always keeping an eye out for the innovative ways our customers are saving time in the mornings, because let’s face it…when school starts back up, every minute counts.

So we've put together our four favorite "hacks" or unique ways to save time in the morning without compromising on healthy meals and snacks for you and your family.
1.  Meal Prep for the Week Ahead 
While the griddle is hot on the weekend, make an extra batch of pancakes and store them in a re-sealable baggie to heat up in the microwave or toaster.

2.  Pancake Sandwiches for Lunch
Use your left-over pancakes or waffles for a nutritious deli sandwich or PB&J.

3. Healthy Frozen Cookies for an Afternoon Snack 
Make and freeze a batch of healthy cookies to throw in the lunch boxes for a healthy treat after lunch.
Check out our recipes

4.  Muffins for the Morning Commute 
Keep a variety of Mighty Muffinsstocked in your pantry for a hot, fresh muffin with your coffee or when you’re running out the door on the way to work.
To further help you make the Back-to-School transition, we’re offering a 20% discount off your next order at FlapJacked.com.

Until next time,
The FlapJacked Family
Comments

Tropical Green Smoothie Bowl

7/31/2016

Comments

 
Picture
Tropical Green Smoothie Bowl
I got to sample this recipe recently at the IDEA convention and it was really quick and easy to make, nutritious and delicious. Enjoy!









(GF) Prep Time: 15 min | Servings:  1 | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients: 
1 small banana
1/2 avocado pitted, peeled
1/2 cup fresh kale
1/4 cup chopped fresh pineapple
1 container (5.3 oz) Yoplait Greek 100 honey yogurt 
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
2 tsp unsweetened coconut flakes
1/2 tsp chia seeds


Instructions :
1.  In blender, place half of the banana, the avocado half, kale, pineapple, yogurt and almond milk. Cover, blend on high speed for 30 sec to 1 min or until smooth . Pour into bowl.

2.  Slice remaining banana half. Top bowl with sliced banana, coconut flakes and chia seed just before serving.

Nutritional Information
Calories - 380,   Protein - 15g,    Fat - 13g,   Carbs 49g,    Fiber -9g

Comments

Rip it Up on a Hot Day with Protein Watermelon Cake

6/28/2016

Comments

 
My sister introduced me to this watermelon "cake". She and her friends make it whenever someone  in their workout group has a birthday.  I was a bit skeptical at first, but curious. So, when I was in Austin last week we made it and the kids and I loved it! So now it's a regular at our house. No need to wait for birthdays. It's great on a hot day, perfect for the 4th of July !! It's also gluten free. After you've made it once you can get creative and play with what it looks like. If you try it, post pictures here so I can see how clever you are :)
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Protein Watermelon Cake
(GF) Prep Time: 20 min | Refrigerator: 30 min | Servings: 8 slices per cake | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients 
1 watermelon ( if you use a large you will only need half or you can you use one whole small seedless one.
​1.5 cups Greek yogurt ( higher protein than carb ratio) 

Approx. 1/4 cup Protein Powder or Caesin.  I use casein because it gets a bit thicker which helps achieve a frosting like consistency. Using either product just add a little bit at a time until you get a spreadable thickness.
1 cup blueberries or raspberries
1 cup strawberry halves
1/2 cup slivered almonds
​1 packet Stevia or to taste ( you may also choose your favorite sweeter just add in the calories)


Instructions
 Make sure watermelon is well chilled when you start. If using the whole watermelon, stand the fruit up like an egg and cut parallel to the ground. Cut the topped bottom of each piece to create a flat surface. If using a large watermelon you can make two cakes just double up the rest of the ingredients. Shave the remaining  rind off to create a watermelon loaf. In a large bowl combine the yogurt, casein (or protein powder)  and sweeter . Thoroughly mix. Frost the cake and press slivered almonds in to the sides. Top with berries of choice. Store in a tupperware in the refrigerator.  You will want to keep it cool, it tastes and holds together better.

Nutritional Info for one slice of watermelon cake ( assuming you used a small watermelon or 1/2 of a large one: 112 Calories, 2g Fat, 10.5g Protein, 12g Carb,  Fiber 2g
(Nutritional information may vary based on recipe modifications.)
Picture
Picture
Picture
Leftovers that won't make it till tomorrow!
Picture
Picture
Comments

Finally, A Guilt Free Ice Cream Alternative That Tastes Good!

4/25/2016

Comments

 
I have been on the hunt for a good frozen dessert (ice cream alternative) for months. The goal was to find one that tastes delicious and doesn't make me feel guilty when I need a pint of ice cream. Yes I said a pint, really who eats just 1/2 a cup ;) I also needed it to be lactose and gluten free and without a lot of fillers that don't agree with me. Ok so the landscape looked bleak. I tried every frozen dessert in every grocery store in my area. I even shelled out $8 a pint for some online only brands.  At that price I figured they had to be good. But sadly no. Then I came across Arctic Zero. It met my gluten and lactose concerns. It has no artificial sweeteners​, flavors or colors. And most importantly, it is delicious.
Picture
It also comes in two versions. One set of flavors (creamy pints) are 35 calories per serving (1/2 cup) or as I like to think of it 150 calories a pint. Yes you read that correctly. The other set (chunky pints) are 75 calories  (1/2 cup), 300 calories for a whole pint, still very manageable. The ice cream connoisseurs will probably prefer the chunky pints. So it tasted  good and was low in calories there had to be a catch. I read all the information on it. It is sweetened with monk fruit which is great and has no weird after taste. See below for additional information regarding monk fruit. It also has a reasonable amount of fiber and protein. And most importantly, the texture was creamy. Ok maybe not Haagen Dazs creamy but  far superior to the icy and bland frozen desserts I had been eating. Now I am not suggesting a diet full of Arctic Zero but in moderation it's a great tasty option!! Check out all the flavors and nutrition, then get to your grocery and get some. Let me know what you like best. I suggest buying a few flavors to find your favorite. Right now I am hooked on Banana Pudding and Cake Batter. Still have a couple more flavors to try… I think I am up to the challenge.
Picture
Creamy Pints Flavors: 
Hint of Mint,   Salted Carmel,   Orange Dream,   Chocolate Peanut Butter,   Purely Chocolate, Cookie Shake,   Cappuccino,   Simply Strawberry,   Toasted Coconut,   Vanilla Maple,   Poppin Pomegranate,   Cake Batter

Chunky Pints Flavors:
Key Lime Pie,   A Little Bit Chippy,   Buttery Pecan,   Cool Mint Chip ,   Cookie Dough Chip, Brownie Blast, Snicker DoodleDandy,   Banana Pudding
Picture
Here is an example of the nutrition and ingredients in one of the creamy flavors. You can read about all of them on the website ArcticZero.com
​Chocolate Peanut Butter
​Some flavors are just meant to be together. Our Chocolate Peanut Butter combines everything you love – without all the fat and calories. It's the perfect guiltless pleasure whenever your sweet tooth strikes.
INGREDIENTS: PURIFIED WATER, WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE (MILK), ORGANIC CANE SUGAR, CHICORY ROOT, SUGARCANE FIBER, DUTCH PROCESSED COCOA POWDER WITH ALKALI, GUAR GUM, XANTHAN GUM, NATURAL PEANUT FLAVOR, SEA SALT, MONK FRUIT CONCENTRATE.

Picture
Monk Fruit
What is it? Alternately marketed as “lo han sweetener”, monk fruit has an extract 300 times sweeter than sugar. Besides its medicinal purposes, China has long used monk fruit as a sweetener.
What are its health benefits? In China, monk fruit sweetener has been used for nearly a thousand years to treat obesity and diabetes. Rich in antioxidants with anti-inflammatory benefits, one study indicated that monk fruit may offer anti-cancer and anti-diabetic benefits.
Is it safe? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies monk fruit as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and there have been no reports of negative side effects.
How to buy monk fruit: Splenda has marketed their version of monk fruit sweetener as Nectresse. Although they claim it has “zero calories,” they have added erythritol (good) but also sugar and molasses (not so good) to this monk fruit powder. Look instead for pure lo han sweetener with no additives.
Comments

The Very Bright Side of Dark Chocolate  - Just in Time for Valentine's Day.

2/5/2016

Comments

 
Picture
It will soon be Valentine's Day. It is the perfect reason to review one of my favorite topics: chocolate, dark chocolate to be exact. Though I have been aware of it it for quite awhile, recent studies have further confirmed and expanded on the multiple health benefits of chocolate. In fact, cocoa and chocolate products have been used as medicine in many cultures for centuries. Here is a brief overview of what numerous scientific studies have shown:

  • Chocolate for Fat Loss: We already have human studies that confirm that dark chocolate will make you gain less weight and possibly increase the release of appetite-regulating gastro-intestinal hormones. Furthermore, researchers have discovered that there are compounds in cocoa that act in the same way that some of the most powerful body-recomposition and fat loss drugs work.
Altogether, this means that by regularly eating cocoa, you will cut your appetite, increase your body’s potential to burn fat, and directly push fat out of your fat cells!
  • Chocolate for Cardiovascular and Longevity Benefits:  Just six grams a day of dark chocolate for 18 weeks can elevate nitric oxide, dilate your blood vessels, and decrease your blood pressure. There are also studies supporting the notion that regularly consuming cocoa will protect your prostate against testosterone and thus protect prostate growth.

  • Chocolate for Muscle Growth:  Researchers found that a flavanol in cocoa has an anabolic “building” effect on muscle cells.

  • Chocolate to Look Good:  Chocolate contains many of the same health benefits of vegetables and should be part of your anti-aging diet. These benefits are from flavonoids which act as antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from aging caused by free radicals. Dark chocolate contains a large number of antioxidants, more than blueberries, acai berries and nearly eight times the number found in strawberries.

What is the best way to consume it?​
Remember, only dark chocolate with at least 70 percent cacao (or cocoa, which is cacao in its roasted ground form) will have significant amounts of cocoa in it. Cocoa powder is 100% cocoa, and thus you will get the most amount of cocoa per calorie by using it. Cocoa nibs are another option, see below for details. Because cocoa is not sweet and considered not as tasty, you can add it to foods to make it more palatable. Cocoa powder can be added to coffee. You can also add it to skim milk or milk alternatives in a blender or shaker. Personally I like to sprinkle some in with my oatmeal.

​Ok back to the Valentine’s Day part. 
Eating chocolate leads to higher levels of desire, arousal, and sexual satisfaction according to a study from an Italian university reported in The Journal of Sexual Medicine. Female participants who consumed at least one square of chocolate a day experienced more active libidos and better overall sexual function than those who didn't indulge. It contains a compound called phenylethylamine (PEA), which releases the same mood-altering endorphins that flood our bodies during sex and intensify feelings of attraction between two people. Although the amount of PEA absorbed from a few squares  is most likely mild and fleeting, one thing is for sure—eating chocolate makes us happy.

Chocolate Trending

Picture
Innocent Chocolate
I am intrigued by a new chocolate I recently came across; Innocent Chocolate. I had read a few articles about them and was interested. So I emailed them with my questions  about how they were different than other “healthier” chocolates on the market. I have now ordered some to taste test. I will post my  feedback soon. It is definitely promising. Here is what they have to say about Innocent Chocolate

​Innocent Chocolate™ is even better for you than other dark chocolates because we add extracts and fat-binding plant fiber, plus enzyme inhibitors from sea vegetables. The extract slows enzyme activity of sugar and starch carbs, helping block their absorption, and preventing spikes in blood glucose levels. And our plant fiber binds the tails of fatty acids so your enzymes can’t grip or digest them. You get the smooth and creamy taste of the fat, but you don’t absorb it. You digest ZERO NET CALORIES. ( They had me at zero :)


Picture
Cocoa Nibs
When I first heard of Cocoa nibs I had no idea what a nib was. Cacao nibs are basically raw chocolate, pieces of cacao beans that have been roasted, hulled, prepped  and processed into bars. 

​Nibs, on their own, taste vaguely similar to roasted coffee beans. Nibs are a bit crunchier than coffee beans, since some coffee beans can become quite delicate after roasting, but give primarily the same textural effect when covered in chocolate. Cacao nibs are always found in small pieces, rather than coffee bean-sized pieces. The flavor is slightly nutty and, while there are definitely some chocolate notes in there, they are primarily going to contribute texture and a hint of bitterness (think raw cocoa powder). Cacao nibs draw out darker notes in chocolate, which is why they are such a popular addition to products.

The cacao nibs are also sugar-free and contain 11 grams of fiber per ounce.
​

Picture
Chocolate Varietials
Citrus and Chocolate - elaborate versions with lemon yogurt and pepper or lemon oil 

​Vegetables in Chocolate - although still niche, there has been a launch of vegetable chocolates especially in Asia, purple sweet potato chocolate,  edamame covered with chocolate and wasabi chocolate among others.

Floral Chocolate - such as hibiscus peach and rose chili, delicious! 

Whatever form you choose to fulfill your chocolate quota, as with all things, moderation is key . Dark chocolate should be incorporated as part of a balanced and healthy overall diet. See you on the dark side.
Comments

Pumpkin Bowl - at Home

1/13/2016

Comments

 
Picture
Acai Me Pumpkin Bowl
Picture
Homemade Pumpkin Bowl
I have been eating the Pumpkin Bowl from Acai Me pretty much every week since I discovered it in December, only to find out it is a seasonal item. Which means when they run out, that is it. What? No more Pumpkin bowl? That can't be. I needed to figure out how I could make it myself at home and make sure it is as healthy as possible while being gluten and dairy free. It took me a few weeks of trying and a few fails but I think I got it.
(GF, DF) Prep Time: 5 min | Blend Time: 2 min | Servings: 2 servings | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients
2 large frozen bananas
​3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree ( not pumpkin pie mix)
4-5 T almond  unsweetened vanilla milk or pumpkin almond milk (seasonal)
4 T crushed graham crackers regular or gluten free
4 T Coco Whip (non-dairy coconut milk frozen dessert) You can also make your own
2 t + dash  pumpkin spice
2 t + dash cinnamon

Instructions
Using a Vita Mix or similar type mixer, blend frozen bananas with pumpkin puree, almond milk (add 2T of the almond milk and check that it blends together. You  only need to add the full amount if you can't get it to blend without some liquid), 2 tsp pumpkin spice and 2 tsp cinnamon, until is fully mixed but doesn't soften, You want an ice-cream consistency. The amount of time will vary depending on the blender. For each serving sprinkle 1T of the graham crackers in the bottom of a bowl and 1/2 of the blended pumpkin mixture. Add another tablespoon of the graham crackers on top with 2T of the Coco Whip and a dash of pumpkin spice and a a dash of cinnamon. Ready to eat! Delicious!!

Nutritional Info Per Serving:  Recipe makes 2 servings  
222 Calories, 3.7g Fat, 4.3g Protein, 48.1Carbs 
Picture
Picture
I found So Delicious Dairy Free Coconut Whip at Whole  Foods but I am sure it's available at many other places. I had made various coconut whips that were good but the consistency on this I found to be even better than what I could produce.  
Comments
    Picture

    Colette Kuhnsman

    This blog was created to provide information as it relates to skin, body and food health.

    Categories

    All
    Beauty Tips
    Beverages
    Breakfast
    Client Transformations
    Diet Tips
    Exercises
    Favorite Things... Product Picks
    Getting Started
    Gift Ideas
    Greens Recipes
    Healthy Treats
    Holidays
    How To: Instructions/Videos
    Inspiration/Motivaton
    In The News
    Peanut Butter
    Protein
    SAFETY MEASURES
    Skin Health
    Sugar Options
    Supplements
    Technology Latest Advances

    RSS Feed

Certified  Paramedical DMK Skin Revision Clinic
Picture
Picture
Picture

ADDRESS
​822 Hartz Way, Suite 225
​Danville, CA 94526

Hours

Monday  10am - 1pm
Tuesday  12pm - 5pm
Wednesday 10am- 4pm
Thursday 12pm - 6pm 
Friday  10am -4pm
Sat by Appointment

Telephone

925 406.4789

Email

info@S-TeamSB.com
  • HOME
    • ABOUT >
      • Perks
      • Fitness Classes
      • Just for Fun
    • CLIENTS >
      • Body Raves
      • Skin Raves
  • BOOK NOW
    • Service Details >
      • Botox Boutique/Injectables
      • Face Treatments >
        • Curated Facial Collection
        • DMK Enzyme Treatments
        • Hair Removal
        • IPL & Photofacials
        • LED Light Therapy
        • Microcurrent Face
        • Micro Nano Needling
        • Peels
        • Plump & Tight - Viora ST
        • Sculplla - H2 Filler Facial
        • Thermoclear - Spot Remover
      • Plasma Lift
      • Body And Scalp Treatments >
        • Smooth & Sculpt
        • Body Micro Needling
        • Scalp Microchanneling
      • Color Analysis
      • Fitness Plans
      • Nutrition Plans
  • Shop
  • Blog
  • WHAT'S NEW
  • MEMBERSHIPS
    • Fitness Membership