Tuesday, August 25, 2015

The REAL reason why I went to school for Holistic Nutrition ***SOME IMAGES MAY BE DISTURBING

Lately I've been asked how I found my way into Nutrition.


I have two versions of MY story - Both of which are completely TRUE: I've always been obsessed & around food, travel & wellness thanks to my parents.  In & out of the food industry for 10+ years as a server, bartender, GM, events, food writer, caterer etc etc..  Left FASHION (model/stylist) and then went back to school....

The TRUEST version includes a part that I don't share with many & have kept it pretty secret until today.  Why am I sharing this now - Well after filling in a few people over the last year - the response seemed that its a story of MY healing, makes my path more open & vulnerable which could help others down the road OR inspire more people to turn to natural healing!

So here is the mini missing link..

A few years ago in the summer of 2010 I was unfortunately in a chemical explosion of sorts - for this purpose I'm not going to mention names or location for privacy & really has no purpose to the story. 

The explosion found its way into my path - burning my face, neck & arms from 1st degree to 3rd.  I was rushed to the hospital (in shock so I'm told) and had to have a chemical wash & infection prevention.  I remember none of this.  I woke up the next day not actually aware of what had happened the night before.  It was oh so painful and sore.  The doctors had me on a "cocktail" of prescription drugs for pain, infection, immune & more.  I was taking up to 10 pills per meal (which was soup because of my mouth being burned) & was covered in gauze - quit my job & was on house arrest for weeks... which ended up being months.

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This is roughly a week or two after it happened.  Not impressed as you can tell.



It sound weird but I was worried about my eyebrows growing back weird LOL.




Anyway...after weeks of healing and my skin finally feeling better - I had a reaction to what I believe to be one of the pills I was on.  My eyes we're swollen shut, skin covered in red/white bumps and mouth was swollen.  I went to the doctors and they simply said to take a anti-histamine (which I already had and had made things worse - I was allergic again!).  I explained that I had & they refused to offer any more advice and simply said "we don't what it is but will most likely clear up in 2-4 weeks, until then stay on all medications".  WTF!  Are you kidding me?  Deciding this was no longer working for me - I STORMED out (For those of you who know me - I have perfected my storming out!) of the doctors ranting that this was BS and completely unacceptable treatment/lazy ...


The next morning I bought a giant ALOE plant from my local market (at night because I wasn't allowed in daylight/sun for 1 year because of the new skin) & stopped taking ALL of the pills!

Starting to HEAL!


SAD face.





 
The beginning of the infection/rash. 

If you can believe it - within 4 days the rash was starting to clear up, my eyes we're open-ish, and was starting to feel hopeful again! 

THE POINT of this story: Natural & alternative healing (the aloe) opened my eyes about a new way of approaching health & wellness.  I had always believed in whole foods, wellness, natural skincare BUT now herbal medicine & healing was my new obsession.  I needed and wanted to learn MORE!  The next year - after properly healing - I enrolled at IHN - The Institute of Holistic Nutrition - wanting to LEARN and SHARE - and the rest as they say is history!

I hope this helps you in any way or at least opens your mind to alternatives to Modern Medicine...



Email me if you have any questions!  #askme 
Like my RachelBies Nutrition page on FB OR follow us on Instagram for Recipes, Wellness & Health Tips and more!

xoxo
rbn.

*This is not meant to take away from people living with disease, auto-immune etc - that we're in my class & field, merely my small story to inspire & help people choose more natural options rather then pharmaceuticals, processed foods, etc. 



Tuesday, August 18, 2015

The MOST perfect chocolate muffin EVER. Damn.

These RBN cacao muffins are the bomb & make a great breakfast or snack.  Why #cacao and not #cocoa the difference you ask? 

______________________________________

Cacao: One of the purest form of chocolate we can consume.  Raw and less processed than cocao powder.  Excellent source of vitamins, fiber, carbs and protein.  Choose 75% or higher to reap the benefits of this superfood!

Cocoa: Prepared in a similar way, yet heated so we lose some of the vitamin/mineral potency and content.  If you choose to buy, make sure it is pure and not mixed with oils or sugars. 

 

  RBN Loco-Choco Muffins 

(Yields 6 large or 8/10 small) *Gluten-Free & Vegetarian

 


Dreamy and delicious cacao nibs!
What you'll need:
1 egg (organic, free-range, local if able)
1 banana* (1/2 cup apple sauce)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (1/4 bean)
1/4 c coconut/flax/hemp oil (raw, cold-pressed, organic)
1-2 tbsp honey (raw) or maple syrup
_______
Blend.

In a separate bowl: Sift.

1 c gluten-free, AP flour**
1/4 c cacao powder/cocao if need be.
1/2 tsp baking soda (aluminum free)
1/2 c cacao nibs

 





What to do:  Preheat oven to 350.  Mix wet ingredients into dry.  Pour into muffin pan/liners - 3/4 full.  Cook for 20 or until cooked through.  Variations: Add nuts, melt chocolate and dip tops OR stuff a piece of dark salted choc on top/middle! MMM


Another version - With dark choc chunks on top for more of a "cupcake" feel!


RBN Tips: * Ripe bananas are the best for baking.  Don't throw them out, store in freezer for baking.  Let defrost in a bowl of hot water - voila!

**Can use sprouted flour if gluten isn't a concern!


I added some VitaGrains from Innotech Nutrition


The perfect bfast, snack or dessert!




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Giveaway FEVER next blog .... ooooh stay tuned!

 

xox rbn




Saturday, August 1, 2015

Sexy FOODS! Get your best skin & groove on with these foods!!!





Happy TUESDAY everyone!

  For our loyal followers - you saw how fun our last trip was!  Home safe and sound and next weeks blog will feature another RBN Travels highlighting local produce, restaurants, snacks and more from BC - Calgary!  Plus RBN Mobile KItchen will be cooking with all the fine local seafood and produce...Mmm.  

 

Anyway... Today's post is all about sexy hair, skin and life!  Delicious and approachable ingredients that will make you radiant from the inside out!

** Follow me on my instagram account for adventure snippets!

 

10 Super Foods for Sexy Skin, Hair & Life



Blueberries: 
Tons of antioxidants, and can prevent premature aging.  Try incorporating ½ daily when in season or ½ frozen into your smoothies and oatmeal. Promote collagen production.
Eat pretty with this delicious & versatile fish!


Wild Salmon (not farmed): 
 Is a great way to increase your intake of Omega 3 fatty acids, which keeps your skin supple and moisturized.  Salmon also has selenium, which protects your skin from sun exposure and vitamin D, which helps keep your teeth and bones nice and strong!
*RBN Tip: Bake in foil with roasted lemon & herbs, bbq with miso & lime or pan sear with dry rub!


 Spinach (dark leafy’s):   
Greens are loaded with nutrients, antioxidants and lutein, which makes and keeps your eyes bright and healthy.  Greens are a great source of vitamin B, C, E (great for skin) and potassium.  
*RBN Tip: Throw into salads, soups, stirfry's and smoothies to pump up nutrition and benefits! 

All delicious - the more bitter, the better for digestion. Better for digestion, better for SKIN!


Walnuts:   
Powerfood, throw into your salads, oatmeal or just a handful daily will promote brain health, bright eyes and vibrant skin! 
*RBN Note: Ever notice that walnuts look like our brains - crazy right!


Be still my HEART.
High quality dark chocolate:   
Mmm.  Keeps skin hydrated, a source of antioxidants and protects from sun damage.  Not milk chocolate though, should be 70% cacao to reap all these benefits.  Great to share with a special someone.



Yogurt:   
Full of protein, calcium and healthy bacteria, which will help your teeth, bones and nails look ravishing! Throw into your smoothies for a no hassle dose.




Sweet Potatoes:  
 Dense source of beta-carotene (signature orange colour), which is a powerful antioxidant that fights against premature aging!  
Feed each other some sexy baked fries!
 *RBN Tip: Yay, roast them up with olive oil, sea salt and herbs or make a spicy mash instead of potatoes.



Tomatoes:   
Great source of anti-aging antioxidant, Lycopene which is best absorbed by our bodies if its cooked or heated.  Try making sauces, soups or jars of strained tomatoes from your favorite grocery store.

Oysters:   
Super sexy food!  Major source of zinc, which is crucial for skin repair, and keeping your eyes, nails and hair healthy.  ***Maybe feed them to your loved one :)

POP open some champs & have a sexy night in...see what happens!


Kiwis:  
 High in fiber and vitamin C, helps keep your skin bright and shiny! 
*RBN Tip: Eat as is, throw into smoothies or with yogurt (double sexy food) or make a great salsa for shrimp and salmon!

Hope this inspires you to incorporate more of these ingredients for bright and glowing skin!
For more recipes or inquiries visit rachelbiesnutrition.com
OR
Email me for your consult at rachelbiesnutrition@gmail.com


Happy week y'all!
xoxo
rbn