All posts by Lauren Silverman

Pura Sleep Memory Foam Mattress Pad Review

I purchased this mattress pad discounted from Groupon and I wanted to give it a review. The online reviews of it said it helped people reduce their pain. My pain in pretty persistent so I wasn’t expecting anything, and I didn’t notice a difference in my pain level. However, it was very comfortable and since my mattress is really old and my old mattress pad needed a replacement, I’m happy with my purchase. Every little change that makes you healthier is important, and I feel better about my sleeping arrangements, at least until I can afford an expensive Tempur-Pedic Mattress.

Vegan Carrot Ginger Soup

 

So by now, you all know I am obsessed with blended vegetable soups. They are perhaps my favorite way to eat vegetables, get comfort food, and eat something delicious and filling. It’s summer in LA and I still love my soup. Plus, it’s easy to mix up the flavors by blending in different spices. I made this recipe with water instead of bone broth, so it is vegan. I didn’t trust my leftover broth in my fridge after vacation for a week. I personally like the added health benefits of using bone broth so this recipe can also be made paleo.

Vegan Carrot Ginger Soup
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Author:
Ingredients
  • 1 bunch of carrots
  • 2 slices of fresh ginger
  • 4 cups of water
  • salt and pepper
  • (optional) garnish with fresh chives
Instructions
  1. Bring ingredients to boil/steam in a large covered pot for 20 minutes or until carrots are soft. My ginger was fresh from the farmers market with the stalk attached so it was extremely potent and fresh. You may be need more ginger depending on the quality of your ginger.
  2. Blend with immersion blender or Vitamix
  3. Salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Garnish with fresh chives (optional)

Healthy Living with Groupon

It can be hard to splurge on health items. (Although now, with chronic pain I wish I had) Discount websites, particularly Groupon, can be really great for helping you buy healthy products or do healthy activities without the big price tag. So far, I’ve gotten a colon hydrotherapy session, although not that great of an experience, it was a great price. I’ve also recently purchased a memory foam mattress pad around 70% off. They also have tons of yoga classes discounted and spa deals. I highly recommend a little planning with your friends, so you can share in healthy activities together … on the cheap : ) Living Social is similar to Groupon, if you want to explore more deals. While Gilt Group is known for fashion, their site has a nice kitchen and dining section. For me, more time in kitchen means healthier meals with less chemicals and higher quality ingredients.

Reebok Spartan Race

For all of the fitness lovers out there check the Reebok Spartan Races. These races involve obstacles that will test your strength, speed, and agility. I personally love the idea of getting outside, getting dirty, and most importantly, participating in an activity that will support your healthy lifestyle with other like-minded individuals.

Spartan Race and NBC Sports Network are collaborating on a television special which will feature the World Championship and focus on the sport of obstacle racing. This event, the culmination of the 2013 Reebok Spartan Race Series, will take place on September 21-22, 2013, in scenic central Vermont, near Spartan Race HQ in Pittsfield.

Tens of thousands of obstacle racing competitors and enthusiasts from around the world will converge on New England, where $250,000 in cash and prizes will be on the line. At the World Championship, top-ranked Reebok Spartan Race athletes, Olympians, and amateur athletes alike will compete side-by-side, assuming they have the brawn, guts and intestinal fortitude.

Spartan Race has partnered with NBC Sports Group to chronicle the amazing people and stories behind the race series and the World Championship, culminating in a 90-minute TV special that will air on the NBC Sports Network on October 19, 2013.” – From their website.

I personally love learning about fitness and health from real stories. For me, these stories give me  inspiration for my own health journey. Plus, they tend to stay in my long-term memory better than a book full of facts. Not that I don’t love those too. In fact, I am currently reading The Hormone Diet and Vitamin  K2 and the Calcium Paradox and I just downloaded an audio book on Vitamin D3 so I should have some awesome posts soon.

Coupon code: c6h75sf2
For 15% off any qualifying race

Disclaimer: They are not paying me to advertise these events. This is me wanting to share another alternative to the gym.

Roasted Grass-fed Chicken and Broccoli

Roasted Grass-fed Chicken
Ingredients:
a half a chicken
coconut oil
salt and pepper
1. Cover cookie sheet with foil, then grease foil with coconut oil.
2. Pat chicken completely dry, then rub with salt and pepper.
A dry skin will help make a crispy skin.
3. Place on foil and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to an hour.
Roasted Broccoli
Ingredients:
broccoli florets
coconut oil
salt and pepper
1. Cover cookie sheet with foil, then grease foil with coconut oil.
2. Mix coconut oil, broccoli florets, and salt and pepper. If coconut oil is
heated slightly it will become liquid and easier to drizzle over broccoli.
3. Bake for 30-40 minutes at 350 degrees.
Watch carefully so tips of broccoli
don’t burn.