Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Tips for Cooking with Young Living Essential Oils



As your essential oil collection increases, so does your know-how. You learn which oils are best to use in the morning. You curate a mental list of diffusion blends that change the mood in your home. And you know which essential oils help you find your Zen when added to bathwater. But did you know that many of our oils can be used in the kitchen? 
We’ve compiled some of our favorite tips for using essential oils in the kitchen. Add these delicious tips to your repertoire!

Breakfast
  1. Waffles: Add 1–4 drops of Orange essential oil to wet waffle mix.
  2. Oatmeal: Add 1 drop of Cinnamon Bark and 2 drops of Orange essential oil to a bowl of oatmeal or oat bran, and then sweeten with Blue Agave.
  3. Lemon with Berries: Add Lemon essential oil to berry protein shakes or to plain yogurt and top with berries.

Snacks
  1. Vegan Cream Cheese Spread: Put vegan cream cheese into a bowl and mix in Cinnamon Bark OR your choice of citrus essential oil to taste.
  2. Olive Oil: Add various culinary herb essential oils to your olive oil, such as Rosemary. Pour over a plate of balsamic vinegar and use focaccia bread for dipping.

Dinner
  1. Tomato Pasta Sauce: Add 2 drops of Basil essential oil and 1 drop each of Rosemary and Thyme essential oil to tomato sauce base.
  2. Olive Oil Dipping Sauce with Young Living Rosemary Essential OilPotato Salad: Add 1–2 drops of Dill essential oil to potato salad.
  3. Rice Pilaf: Add 4 drops of Lemon essential oil to water before adding rice.
  4. Salad and Fruit Rinse: Use 3 drops of Lemon essential oil in a bowl of water when rinsing lettuce, grapes, berries, and greens.
  5. Chick Pea Salad Sandwiches: Add 2 drops of Lemon essential oil per can of chick peas and mix with vegan mayonnaise, celery, sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Spoon onto whole grain bread and serve topped with alfalfa sprouts.

Beverages

  1. Hot Lemon Tea: In 1 cup of hot water, mix in 3 drops of Lemon essential oil and Blue Agave to taste.
  2. Horchata with a Twist: Add 1 drop of Cinnamon Bark essential oil to a tall glass filled with ice and vanilla rice milk.
  3. Vanilla Protein Shake: Add 2 drops of Lemon or Peppermint essential oil to any vanilla protein shake.
  4. Flavored Water: Add 1 drop of Peppermint essential oil to your gym water bottle.

Get started on your amazing essential oils journey by enrolling as a wholesale member:


Monday, April 13, 2015

Spring is in the Air with April Promos from Young Living!





Get These Spring Promos Through the End of April!



Thieves Spray, Lavender, Wintergreen - Young LivingCelebrate the end of winter and bring freshness back to your home with extra rewards on top of all the great Young Living products arriving in your April order!

Earn a free 5-ml Lavender essential oil, plus a Thieves®Spray 3-pack and 10 percent back in Essential Rewards points with your qualifying standard April order. With a qualifying Essential Rewards order of 190 PV or above, you’ll also earn a bonus 5-ml Wintergreen essential oil!
Click here for more information!

Make the most of these valuable rewards with these easy and fun DIYs:

Lavender Field - Young Living
Lavender Essential Oil
Beloved for its calming floral aroma, Lavender is one of the gentlest and most popular essential oils available.
  • Make a relaxing Lavender linen spray by adding 10 drops of Lavender per 1 cup water in a glass spray bottle. Spritz over sheets, blankets, and towels.
  • Freshen your laundry with a homemade dryer sheet. Place a few drops of Lavender on a damp washcloth and include it with laundry in your dryer.

Thieves Spray
A portable cleaning spray great for small surfaces, Thieves Spray can be put to work all over the house!
  • Keep your shoes smelling fresh with a quick spritz.
  • Quickly spray the sink, one of the dirtiest places in the house, after you finish doing dishes. No need to rinse!
  • Use Thieves Spray to easily clean frequently used areas such as doorknobs and light switches.

Wintergreen Berries - Young LivingWintergreen Essential Oil
The minty aroma of Wintergreen enlivens the senses and encourages feelings of creativity.
  • Add a minty aroma to a deodorizing hand scrub. Mix together 2 tablespoons coconut oil, 2 tablespoons fine sea salt, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and 1 drop Wintergreen essential oil in a small glass bowl. To use, rub over hands, and then rinse clean under warm water.
  • Invite spring into your home! Open your shutters, let in the light, and diffuse Wintergreen essential oil. The fresh aroma will bring a feeling of renewal and beginnings, a reflection of the outdoors as nature renews herself after winter.

Get started on your amazing essential oils journey by becoming a Wholesale Member or Retail Customer today!  


Saturday, April 11, 2015

Top 10 Plant-Based Protein Sources



Where to Find Plant-Based Protein


If you’re considering or already follow a raw or plant-based diet, you’ve likely been asked “So, where do you get your protein?” at least a dozen or so times. Unfortunately, it’s one of the most commonly asked questions when someone mentions that they follow a plant-based diet. While protein IS important to our health, too many people are misinformed about how much protein we actually need, as well as the best kind of protein for our bodies.  Hint:  It's not animal protein.

Why do we need protein? All living cells use proteins (amino acids) for tissue growth and repair, and an array of other vital functions. Proteins are often referred to as “the building blocks” of life.


Why not animal protein? 

Cooked animal protein seems to be quite unreliable for a few reasons:

~ It’s hard to digest

~ It’s clotted

~ It creates inflammation in the tissues

~ It’s super hard on the kidneys

~ It's packed with hormones, antibiotics and potentially other harmful diseases that are foreign to the human body, unless it is certified organic, however, that's a whole 'nother story.

Ground beef is around 24% protein, chicken breast is roughly 35% protein and pork is somewhere around 27% (depending on the cut and diet of the animal). The rest of the percentages in these foods is by and large saturated fat, which has been well established to be hazardous to your health when it comes from animal sources.


Plant based protein is different.  

Broccoli is 45% protein, Spirulina is 68% protein, and Spinach is 30% protein. The rest of the percentages in these foods is vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that fight disease and promote longevity.

Here’s the thing . . . . humans need about 10 percent of calories from protein. Virtually all whole plant foods contain at least this amount, so if you consume enough volume and variety of whole plant foods, your protein requirement will easily be met.  Sadly, there is a gross misconception that those of us who consume a plant-based diet need to "combine foods" in order to get “complete protein”.

The good news is that our body naturally pools amino acids together throughout the week from all of the foods we eat and naturally creates proteins for us. Simply put, we can eat fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds all throughout the week without worrying about combining things properly to create complete proteins, and our body will do the work of pooling the amino acids together to create the protein for you.



Some of the best plant-based protein sources on the planet are:


1. Lentils  


Lentils are an amazing source of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber, and are, in some circles, considered to be a starchy protein. Split green peas can be added to this category of having a good source of protein

Nutrition: 1 cup cooked lentils = 18g protein, 1 cup of green peas = 8g protein

Uses:

~ Cooked with your favorite spices and seasonings and eaten plain
~ Add to salads
~ Combine with rice or quinoa for a hearty meal
~ Use to make vegetarian meatballs, loaves, or burgers
~ Use as taco filling or meat sauce for spaghetti


2. Hemp Seeds   




Hemp seeds not only contain protein, but also contain heart-healthy fats mainly omega-3 fatty acids. They have a delicious subtly sweet and nutty flavor and are so small in size, they can easily be used and added to any recipe to boost the protein content.

Nutrition: 3 tablespoons hemp = about 10g protein








Uses:

~ Sprinkle on top of salads 
~ Stir into soups or stews to slightly thicken
~ Add to smoothies
~ Make hemp seed milk
~ Make hemp seed crumble  
~ Add to hummus, dips, or dressings by blending the hemp seeds in
~ Sprinkle on top of porridge, oatmeals, or other cereals
~ Add into baked goods and desserts for added protein


3. Chia Seeds   



Chia seeds are an ancient seed used for centuries for their amazing properties to absorb water and turn into a gel-like substance because of the soluble fiber content contained in the seeds. Due to this unique characteristic, chia seeds are great to add to meals and foods to thicken naturally while also boosting the fiber, protein, and healthy fats . . . . mainly 
omega-3s.

Nutrition: 2 tablespoons = 4g protein

Uses:

~ Sprinkle on top of porridges, oatmeal, and cold cereals for a crunch
~ Soak for at least 30 minutes in almond milk for a basic chia seed pudding
~ Add to smoothies


4. Quinoa  



Quinoa is a gluten-free grain, technically a seed, but used as a carbohydrate. It’s considered a starchy protein because it contains carbohydrates as well as protein and fiber.

Nutrition: 1/2 cup cooked quinoa = 7-9g protein





Uses:

~ Cook and top on raw or cooked greens
~ Use as a hot or cold cereal by adding homemade nut milk and fresh fruit
~ Use a bed of quinoa instead of a bed of rice for stir-fry dishes or a side dish
~ Quinoa can also be used as a pilaf


5. Spirulina   



Spirulina is incredibly protein rich, it’s one of the few sources of plant-based proteins that are mostly protein by dry weight, about 70%. It’s deep blue-green in color and changes everything you mix with it that color green. It tastes subtly sweet and nutty (hints of vanilla and chocolate), but with a background seaweed flavor.


Nutrition: 2 tablespoons spirulina = 8g protein

Uses:

~ Blend into smoothies
~ Use in snack or dessert recipes


6. Nutritional Yeast  
  

Nutritional yeast is a staple food item in plant-based diets due to its cheesy flavor, versatility, high amounts of B vitamins, and protein. Nutritional yeast contains no dairy or active yeast, it’s found in a powder / flake form and creates a paste when mixed with liquid . . . . i.e. it’s great for making sauces, dressings, and more with.

Nutrition: 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast = about 12g protein

Uses:

~ Add flaked nutritional yeast to almond milk, or water to create a cheesy dressing or sauce
~ Sprinkle on top of salads, quinoa, lentils, beans, and more for a cheesy flavor
~ Incorporate into dips such as hummus, baba ghanoush, or cashew cheese


7. Seeds   


Seeds such as sunflower, sesame, chia, hemp, flax, and pumpkin seeds are all not only mineral rich but also protein rich. Seeds vary from type, some are more nutty in flavor whereas others are more sweet and neutral tasting. Pumpkin seeds have an earthy flavor, sesame seeds are very nutty tasting, sunflower are slightly sweet and nutty, and flax and chia seeds taste mildly nutty.

Nutrition: 1/4 cup seeds = around 7-9g protein

Uses:

~ Sprinkle seeds on top of salads or any meal to increase the healthy fat and protein
~ Use in granola, muesli, or baked goods
~ Grind and use as a “flour” in gluten free baking
~ Grind or pulse coarsely and use in desserts
~ Make your own seed butters by blending
~ Sprinkle on top of oatmeal, porridges, or cold cereals for crunch and protein 


8. Nuts   





Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, cashews, pecans and more are not only rich in minerals, Vitamin E, and healthy fats, but also protein rich. Nuts vary from type, some are more nutty in flavor whereas others are more sweet and neutral tasting. Cashews are one of my favorite nuts as they’re incredibly versatile to use in sweet and savory dishes. 

Nutrition: 1/4 cup nuts = around 7-9g protein










Uses:

~ Sprinkle nuts on top of salads or any meal to increase the healthy fat and protein
~ Use in granola, muesli, or baked goods
~ Grind and use as a “flour” in gluten free baking
~ Grind or pulse coarsely and use in desserts
~ Make your own nut butters by blending (great on toast!)
~ Sprinkle on top of oatmeal, porridges, or cold cereals for crunch and protein


9. Beans  



Beans are an amazing source of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber.  Beans are considered to be a starchy protein and can be used like lentils.

Nutrition: 1 cup cooked beans = around 15g protein

Uses:

~ Cooked with your favorite spices and seasonings and eaten plain
~ Add to salads or one-bowl meals
~ Combine with rice or quinoa for a hearty meal
~ Use to make vegetarian meatballs, loafs, or burgers
~ Use as taco filling or meat sauce for spaghetti


10. Tempeh / Organic Tofu / Edamame


Soy foods such as tempeh, tofu, and edamame all offer a complete protein, containing all amino acids. Often these sources also carry fiber and healthy fats as well as the protein. Tempeh is the most nutritious out of this bunch, and an exception to soy foods, as it contains natural occurring healthy bacteria from the fermentation process.

Nutrition: 1 serving of tempeh / tofu / edamame = around 20g protein




Uses:

~ Use as you would beans or lentils. Tofu and tempeh both can be marinated
~ Use tempeh and tofu as toppings to salads
~ Add to stir-fry meals
~ Add to sauces such as creating a “meat” spaghetti sauce
~ Use as filling for tacos, burgers, or even shaped into “hot dogs”

Shopping tip: always purchase organic and sprouted tofu if available, non-GMO if available.


Monday, April 6, 2015

Shutran ~ A Young Living Essential Oil For Men







Shutran is an empowering essential oil blend that is specially designed for men to boost feelings of masculinity and confidence. It's inspiring aroma appeals to both men and women, and although used like a cologne, Shutran does not contain any synthetic ingredients. Instead, it is formulated with pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils, including the exclusive-to-Young-Living Idaho Blue Spruce, a refreshing, invigorating essential oil to both body and mind.







Primary Benefits of Shutran Essential Oil

• Promotes feelings of vitality and energy
• Enhances feelings of vigor and masculinity
• Boosts confidence
• Proprietary essential oil blend
• Formulated especially for men


Who Should Use Shutran?

• Men looking to boost feelings of masculinity and confidence


Suggested Use

• Topical: Apply 2–4 drops twice daily or as needed. It is recommended to use 4 drops daily on each forearm.


Cautions

• Keep out of reach of children.

• If you are taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a health professional prior to use.

• Avoid direct sunlight or UV rays for up to 12 hours after applying product.


• Keep in a cool, dark place.


Did You Know?

• Men now spend a larger portion of their income on personal-care products, including colognes. 2013 ended with approximately $1.1 billion in manufacturers’ sales. (GCI)

• In 2013, for the first time, men spent more cash (approximately $17.5 billion) on male-specific toiletries than on shaving products. (GCI)

• Over the past five years, the share of new personal care merchandise geared toward men rose to 5.6 percent from 4.6 percent. (Euromonitor)


Ingredients

Picea pungens† (Idaho blue spruce) branch/leaf/wood oil, Ocotea quixos†(Ocotea) leaf oil, Chamaecyparis obtusa† (Hinoki) oil, Cananga odorata† (Ylang ylang) flower oil, Coriandrum sativum† (Coriander) seed oil, Artemisia pallens† (Davana) flower oil, Cedrus atlantica† (Cedarwood) wood oil, Citrus limon† (Lemon) peel oil, Lavandula angustifolia†(Lavender) oil †100% pure, therapeutic-grade essential oil


Order Shutran Essential Oil at www.NaturalLivingEssentialOils.com