Hi Everyone! I hope that you are having a wonderful summer so far! I made an effort this year to get out and enjoy the warm weather more even if that is just in the… More
my Top 4 Favourite Cortisol Lowering Foods
Hi Everyone!
We are officially almost nine weeks into 2024 and already this year is surprising me in many different ways. I am officially free of a toxic situation that I have been miserably tolerating for the past couple of years, and I was reminded in the most dramatic way that health is wealth and must be prioritized. I studied health coaching and holistic nutrition for a reason, given recent events I am now going back to my roots and I am taking my readers with me!
In life, stress is somewhat inevitable. What is important is how we manage it and support ourselves during both good and trying times. Nutrition is a great way to help support yourself as certain foods can help you to decrease cortisol within your body. Getting your fill of vitamins and minerals such as magnesium (aka the stress lowering mineral) and zinc is important to maintain good health especially during life’s more challenging moments. Here are my top 4 cortisol lowering foods:
Avocados
Filled with heart healthy fats and helpful in balancing blood sugar, avocados are at the top of my list for a reason. Avocados are also source of b vitamins, magnesium and potassium. Including a quarter or half of an avocado into your meals is tasty way to reap the benefits of this delicious food.
Bananas
Admittedly, I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with bananas. I love a good banana bread but when it comes to eating a banana on its own, unless it is slightly unripe (aka a little bit green on the edges), I find them a bit too sweet. Bananas are also a source of magnesium and potassium along with soluble fibre which helps to lower inflammation within the body.
Dark Chocolate
My favourite food on this list! Dark chocolate is a source of antioxidants and minerals including magnesium, copper and zinc. Just be sure to watch the sugar content, look for at least 70% dark chocolate to reap the benefits while avoiding spiking your blood sugar.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are often recommended to help heal adrenal fatigue. Rich in magnesium and containing healthy fats and fibre, pumpkin seeds are a great way to support your body nutritionally during challenging times.
As with everything, moderation is key. When including any of the above listed foods in your diet, it is important to exercise portion control in order to maximize the benefits without any potential side effects.
Happy eating and I hope that you have a beautiful day! XXS
Disclaimer: Please note that the above is not intended as medical advice and are to be used at your discretion. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only and it not meant to substitute professional dietary advice or treatment.
Photo credit:
All images used in this post are from http://www.bbcgoodfood.com and http://www.healthifyme.com
Dreamy Design – the Liminal House
Hi Everyone!
Located in West Vancouver, the Liminal House is a three storey residence that boasts a roof garden, inner courtyards and a swimming pool. Made of materials such as glass, concrete, aluminum plate and Accoya wood blends beautifully into its surroundings.
Taking four years to complete, this gorgeous home was designed by McLeod Bovell for a couple that was soon to become empty nesters. The name Liminal reflected the changes in both the owners lives and the area to where to home is located.
The home inspires a sense of tranquility and grounding. The affect of the sharp angles, combination of materials and breathtaking views is almost meditative.
I hope that you have a beautiful day! XXS
All images via http://www.coolhunter.net
Stylishly Solo – The Cefalu Travel Guide
Hi Everyone!
Planning my trip thru Sicily took a bit of research as I wasn’t familiar with many of its towns and cities. Taormina was the one destination that had been previously recommended but I was persuaded by a colleague to visit Cefalu instead, as Taormina may be beautiful but it was also quite overrun with tourists (aka my travel nightmare). It was great advice and my stay in Cefalu was one of the many highlights of my trip to Sicily.
A coastal city in Northern Sicily, in my opinion Cefalu should be at the top of every Sicily travel list. The buildings are beautiful, the beaches breathtaking and the foods is incredible. I spent three nights in this memorable city and enjoyed every moment of it.
Where to Stay
I stayed at the Hotel Kalura which is located just outside of Cefalu. Full disclosure – the service at this hotel leaves a lot to be desired especially when you are a solo traveller, but the location is perfect so I was willing to overlook it. It’s about a 20 minute walk into town from the hotel but I would only recommend walking during the day. At night I would suggest taking a taxi (10- 15 Euro) as part of the walk is along the highway and it’s quite dark. The reason that I loved this hotel as it has it’s own private beach. The views are stunning, the water is heavenly and the beach is not too crowded. If you are looking for a fabulous beach the Hotel Kalura is not to be missed.
What to do
Aside from enjoying the beach, the city of Cefalu is gorgeous! Walk along the cobblestones, visit the duomo and people watch while enjoying a spritz in the town centre. There are so many gorgeous options for ceramics so spend some time walking into different shops admiring the talented artists, and wander down to the beach and take in the gorgeous sights. It looks straight out of the pages of Conde Naste Traveller!
Where to Eat
Qualia – I had a reservation booked here a month before I landed in Sicily. It is typical Sicilian fare with an artistic twist. The restaurant is gorgeous, designed to look like a wine cave and you can see all of the magic happening in the kitchen from your table. The food was delicious and the service was friendly. If you are looking to treat yourself to a high end meal during your stay in Sicily, Qualia is the place to go.
Al Faro – this restaurant was recommend by my hotel and it did not disappoint. With an intimate outdoor terrace overlooking the sea, this is the perfect restaurant to enjoy the beauty of Cefalu. The vongle pasta was the best that I had in Sicily (and I tried a lot of them). They don’t take reservations and get quite busy so getting a table can be challenging. I recommend stopping by during the day and asking to book a table for that evening. They are really friendly and happy to accommodate as best they can.
In my opinion Cefalu is magic. I left feeling lighter and more relaxed then I arrived. It has earned its place at the top of my Sicily travel list.
I hope that you have a beautiful day! XXS
Welcome to 2024!
Hi Everyone and Happy New Year!
I am just going to say it – 2023 was not my best year. I had so many goals and dreams and yet I frequently found myself exhausted, frustrated and not living my best life. That is not to say that I didn’t achieve some of my goals but overall I am feeling like I let myself down both professionally and personally. Thankfully though, I have been consistent in working towards some of my goals over the past few months and I plan to be even more disciplined in 2024. One goal that I haven’t been giving any energy to in 2023 was blogging – despite loving to write, I only blogged twice last year! I have no excuses, you will be hearing from me a lot more in 2024! I already have a few posts lined up and I can’t wait to share them with you.
I hope that your 2024 is off to a wonderful start and I can’t wait to reconnect! XXS
Commercial Crush: Blueness Restaurant by Space Copenhagen
Hi Everyone!
There are many architecture and design firms around the world whose work I greatly admire. Within the many there are a few whose work continues to stop me in my tracks as I attempt to absorb every aspect of their gorgeous projects – Space Copenhagen is firmly within that group. Co-founders Singe Bindslev Heriksen and Peter Bundgaard Ruitzou admirably infuse each project that they complete with their oh so cool Scandinavian flare and I am hooked. Last year Space Copenhagen completed the design of a new upscale restaurant in Antwerp and it is gorgeous! Located in the heart of the city, Blueness restaurant occupies the ground floor of a 17th century Renaissance building in Antwerp’s fashion district. The result is an incredible fusion of classic interior architecture and modern Scandinavian design.
A Japanese French eatery, Blueness is a mosaic of identities. Minimalist touches beautifully contrast with the classic architecture of the space including the solid aluminum waiters station that stands in sharp contrast to the marble and sandstone columns. Space Copenhagen set out to create a “tension between past and future”, the result is unexpected, elegant and timeless. Candles suspended overhead on brass chandelier disks give the space a warm, welcoming glow. The result is just the right amount of wow factor in a stunning space.
What do you think of the Blueness Restaurant design? Let me know in the comments below.
I hope that you have a beautiful day! XXS
All images from http://www.azuremagazine.com
Stylishly Zen 