Imagine you have all the free time you wish to think about food and get groceries and plan out your meals. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, real life can often look very different and sometimes we are just happy we can rest and eat anything we have after a busy day at work or with kids. But how about when we travel? When you know you will sleep in a new unknown city or a village and you are unfamiliar with your surroundings and life can throw various circumstances at you which can make it challenging to stick to your optimal eating plans. Whether you decided to have a short getaway, longer holiday or just visiting a new place for a conference in a different city and staying in a hotel, don’t worry, I have a few practical tips for you how to stick to what you know makes you feel your best and have your favorite whole foods at your disposal even in tough circumstances where it would be easy to eat whatever comes your way.

When we think of wellness we think of food, movement and sleep, which are definitely very important pillars of health and well-being. But how about water? Clean water is actually an unacknowledged luxury, even a privilege I’d dare to say. Access to clean water is still a huge problem in many areas of the world, however, in the west we are lucky to have access to relatively clean water. Yet, when one thinks of the water composition, the regular tap water often contains medicine waste, as well as traces of heavy metals such as mercury, lead and other. The Dutch water management authorities communicate this clearly to the public, yet they still argue that despite these impurities Dutch water is one of the best quality water compared to other countries in Europe, due to their advanced natural purification methods without the need to add chlorine. Hence, the taste is also more pure and it is generally safe to drink the tap water, which is not possible in many other EU countries. 

When you look into most of the current dietary advice when it comes to fitness and health, it is all about micro-nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, or protein. In an attempt to improve our energy and general well-being we tend to over-focus on how to get more vitamin B6 or B12, or the mineral zinc as that is very important for our immune system and many are concerned that whole food plant-based diet does not provide enough of these micro-nutrients. When it comes to protein, the important macro-nutrient, its is a never ending discussion full of fear and scarcity mindset. Plants such as lentils, beans, quinoa but in fact all plants even fruits and vegetables contain amino acids (elements which create protein) which are bio-available for us to absorb and utilize these well. Of course, we need protein, but plants have sufficient amount of it. The main mistake people make is that they do not eat sufficient amount of food, which can cause a lower protein intake too. However, this is not a case when you eat a balanced diet in which you meet your energy needs. Also, there is no such a thing as eating too much when it comes to whole food plant-based diet. This is true food freedom.

It is a fact that real health and vitality requires a holistic approach. Food we eat, water we drink, the air we breathe, the stress we experience and our relationships are all factors that determine our wellness. Yet, food we ingest creates and re-creates our cells and that is why this pillar is so important for the overall well-being.

Greens. Hmm. When you hear this word you might think of a few boring green leaves and ask yourself what kind of meal you could make from it. From my own personal experience and from what I hear around me, many struggle with incorporating green vegetables into their diets. It was not until I have started experimenting with eating big salads containing 200-300g leafy greens that I have discovered the true healing power of leafy greens. Let’s look at possible reasons why greens are so essential for our overall well-being - mental & physical.

Many of us experience difficulties with the current way of life influenced by the pandemic. A lot of focus is put on the external factors to help us deal with the virus – such as isolation, staying home and wearing masks. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to live a life full of vitality even in these kind of times. The power is in your hands and the choices you make determine your level of vitality. I believe (and science says so too) that your sleep routine is one of the greatest factors which can weaken or strengthen your immune system and can determine how you feel & function during the day. 

Smoothies zijn niet alleen ontzettend lekker maar als je de juiste ingrediënten kiest dan kunnen ze een echte nutrientenbomb zijn. Maar wat zijn smoothies eigenlijk? Smoothie is een mengsel van fruit met een mogelijke toevoeging van noten, zaden en/ of groenten. Afgelopen tijd zijn smoothies heel populair geworden. Waarom is dat zo? Laten we gaan kijken waarom smoothies op je dagelijkse menu zal kunnen staan.

Een grote deel van onze toetjes in onze Raw Vegan Treats Shop bevat dadels. Dat geeft een toetje een lekkere smaak en op deze manier is er geen suiker nodig! Dadels zijn lekker zoet, dat weten we allemaal, maar het wordt niet veel gepraat over de nutriënt-profiel van deze bijzondere fruit. Lees hieronder waarom dadels zo goed zijn voor onze lichaam.

10 jaar geleden had ik niet gedacht dat ik elke week een bleekselderijsap zou drinken. Wie doet dat?! Wat is zoo bijzonder aan deze groene groente? Toen ik me verdiept heb in de kracht van rauwe voeding zoals groenten en fruit, kwam ik tegen een Americanse medische gezondheidsspecialist, Anthony William. Deze man heeft tienduizenden mensen genezen van, wat door onze westerse wereld bregrepen wordt als “chronische ziektes.” Denk hier aan diabetes, huid aandoeningen, hartproblemen, etc. Hij heeft honderdduizenden volgers op sociale media waarop mensen hun magische ervaringen delen. Mijn droom is dat onze huisartsen zich in de toekomst gaan verdiepen in de magische werking van voeding op ons lichaam want natuurlijke voeding is onze goud en zo moeten we met natuur omgaan. Met respect. Want natuur houdt ons gezond! Laten we nu gaan kijken wat de wetenschap zegt over de mogelijke effecten van bleekselderij.

Zal het niet zo fijn zijn als je elke ochtend gewoon wakker wordt, zonder moeite en met veel energie? We leven in een moderne maatschappijn met bepaalde gewoontes. We zijn verteld dat het normaal is om even bij te slapen in het weekend, dat het normaal is om kopje koffie te drinken, en dat het helemaal ok is met een wekker wakker te worden...hmmm. Ik denk iets anders!