Scripture Stories and Healthy Food. Wait what? Yup!

Alright guys, 

so one of my most favorite stories from the scriptures is in Daniel 1. 

If you haven't read it, it's a must.

You know why? Well, I'll tell you why! Because it talks about the importance of a healthy diet and what vegetables, fruits and water can do to the body.

Most of you know, but if you don't, I love my Faith and my Food. 

So when you can combine the two, then holy mind blown. 

I love how the scriptures explain the importance of a healthy mind, body and spirit. And y'all, thats what Im trying to accomplish.

It isn't always easy, but I know it is so worth it. 

Heres the main point in the story, in case you don't read it. 

But seriously, go read it. It's that good... 

"Daniel and the other three boys ate only healthy vegetables and drank only water for ten days. At the end of ten days the official noticed that these four boys were healthier than all of the rest of the young men at the palace. From then on he allowed them to eat the food that God allowed. They did not have to eat the king’s food.

At the end of the study time all of the young men were brought before the king so he could test them with questions. The king decided that Daniel and his friends were the best of all the young men in the palace. They were wise and intelligent. They were ten times better than all the magicians and wise men in the entire kingdom."

Good, right? I know. 

For the love of baby puppies, let's all eat more fruits and veggies the next 10 days plus forever!

Deal? Deal! 

 If this scripture/story doesn't tell you how fantastic fruits, veggies and water is for you then I don't know what will!!! I've been slacking on eating healthy , still ate vegan but not necessarily "healthy" and I can feel and see such a difference! It's not worth it. Back on my fruits, veggies and water grind today!!!

-The Wellness Enthusiast 

3 Ingredient Smoothie (vegan, gluten free & soy free)

Yes it's true, you read that right! 3 ingredient smoothie

that has so many of your needed vitamins and vegetables for the day!

Crazy right?

Look, who has time to sit and make a meal now a days? I have to plan to set aside an hour to cook for my dog for the week, and after, i'll cook for myself if I feel like it.

There's work, cleaning,errands, shopping, studying, reading, writing, and even sleep! 

Nutrition is so important, but most of us just don't have the time.

What if I told you, that with 3 ingredients and maybe 5 minutes of your time you could

have not just a DELICIOUS, creamy, chocolate smoothie BUT

a smoothie with so many of your DAILY VITAMINS?

Would you believe me? Well believe it babe! Literally, all you need is 

Water (Ice), a banana, and dun dun dun

………….

………..

……..

…..

..

.

 A SCOOP OF 

……………..

………….

……….

……..

……

….

.

Okay maybe some of you are thinking, "Ugh Ashley, protein powder?"

Look, I get it, you can find all sorts of these everywhere! Just let me tell you, Ive tried SO many different kind of brands. Name it and if it's vegan, gluten free, dairy free, and soy free I've tried it!

But this ONE, this one, is heaven in my mouth.

It's delicious with JUST water and a banana.

Imagine making it with Almond milk, Banana, and Almond butter?!

What's the saying everyone is saying now-a-days?

I   C A N 'T 

No actually,

I CAN AND I WILL! GIMME GIMME! 

I'm guessing they mean, I can't handle it or I can't do it?

 Either way I CAN! (ha-ha)

It's that good, and its not just a "protein powder" it's a "Nutritional Shake"

which means you don't have to work out to take it, this is a vitamin daily shake. Or something.

Whether we work out or not, we all need protein in our day. 

It mixes so well in water with just a spoon.

 Ive drank it with just a scoop and ice water. YUM

Seriously guys, they have small trial packs. Pick one up , try it out and tell me what you think!

XO

-The Wellness Enthusiast 

keeping it Vegan at Disneyland

W A R N I N G:

This my be an extremely long post. Lots to write and lots of pics to post. I'll keep

it short as possible.

So last week my family and I went on a Disneyland vacation. We went for 4 days and 5 nights. You can imagine how exhausted I am. Each day we were at the park, we were there from the minute they opened until the minute they closed. 

We rotated parks each day 

Disneyland and California Adventure. 

Literally was the best time I've had in a while. I love that you can be a grown adult and still have so much fun at these parks. Good thing I had little cousins with my so I didn't look like a complete loony running through the park with my Mickey ears, snacks in hand, and a huge smile that could probably be seen from the other side of the park. 

Okay, lets get to the point. Maintaining a vegan diet at Disney. Easy or not so Easy? EASY!

Keeping a Vegan diet was simple, but keeping a healthy vegan diet was not so much.

You see, there are so many snacks that us vegans can munch on 

and I wasn't going to stop just because it wasn't "healthy."

I mean it's Disney for crying out loud. Indulge!

Alright lets get to the good stuff… THE F O O D.

First thing is First, if you can take your own snacks to Disneyland, DO IT.

Disney is pretty expensive and I would definitely recommend stopping by your local grocery store 

and then heading to Disney. 

I have this really cute Mickey Backpack that I got from Disney Downtown

 maybe 5 years ago 

and it works perfect. Its like a 

mini Cooler inside so you can keep everything 

cool.

1- BARS! BARS! BARS! these are perfect for

waiting in line and when you are so hungry. They'll

help you stay fulfilled until you can/want

to go and sit down to eat

2. DRINKS! I brought three bottles of water

each day for each person. That isn't

even enough, BUT it saves you at least

$12 each day. I also took rice milk

in case I wanted to mix it with something

or drink alone.

Suja Juice also came to Disney to get some 

greens in my belly. 

3. CANDY AND NUT SNACKS! you wouldn't believe

the price of candy at Disney. 

My cousin wanted to buy 

a bag of chocolate covered peanuts 

and a small bag

cost $10. 

Bring your own candy, it'll make life easier. 

4. Energy drinks! I brought a few "pick me up" drinks. I

knew Disney Days were going to be long and little

sleep. I refuse to buy, your more well known,

energy drinks so I bought some organic ones

from the store. I also brought a chocolate drink

in case I craved chocolate in the day. 

5. Vitamins!! Lets face it, unless you bring all your own food

and/or you're a fruitarian, you won't be eating the

healthiest. So I brought with me travel packs

of liquid vitamins. So

I had my vitamins for the day. 

6. OATMEAL! This one is my favorite.

I picked up some Gluten Free/Organic/ Vegan

oatmeal packets and took them along. You simply

ask for hot water (FREE), dump out half,

add your oatmeal and you've got breakfast, a snack or heck

even a meal in a cup! Bring a banana and your set. 

7. Bring random snacks!! I also brought Applesauce and

squeeze it packs with juice and chia seed. I shared

these with my little cousins and they loved

them. They were easy to open, eat and toss. 

Made waiting in lines so much easier. 

8. A cooler/backpack! I'm telling you, carrying this

around the park was cake. I didn't take EVERYTHING. I

stored most in the fridge at the hotel and just took

what I needed for that day. It wasn't heavy,

fit on every ride and at times forgot I had it on my 

back. I even took a sweater and stuffed

it in there. Invest in one of these. They're so great. 

Good thing mine was FREE =) 

NOW ONTO THE FOOD AT DISNEY:

(I'm simply going to post the food I ate 

and heard of, 

I'm sure there is much more) 

First and for most, I have a gluten sensitivity. When I eat

Gluten my stomach swells up and can take

up to a week to calm back down.

It's been this way my entire life

and when I was diagnosed everything just made sense.

I knew when I went to Disney I would

have to choose one or the other sensitivity.

So I picked Gluten and packed these

guys with me to make my life easier =) 

I must have had like 10 of these

VEGAN mickey mouse pretzels. 

They're seriously so good and so filling.

You can find these carts all over Disney

VEGAN POPCORN!!!! Isn't made with butter

so this became a great snack. Make sure

you triple ask and tell them you don't

want and can't have butter =) 

YOU CAN FIND THESE ALL OVER THE PARKS

THEY HAVE FRUIT, PICKLES,  JUICES

AND VEGAN HUMMUS:

ONE OF MY FAVORITE BURGERS OF ALL TIME:

Stop by CARNATION CAFE and get

a delicious veggie burger. It's not made VEGAN, but

have your waiter tell the chef and he will make

sure there isn't any cheese or anything that isn't vegan.

They hand make these patties and they are YUM!

Also, the fries aren't vegan but if you let them know

they will make sure to get their fries from somewhere else

that are for sure vegan. 

The chipotle sauce isn't vegan either, just ask them to remove it.

So worth the $11.99 

THE BEST VEGAN GUMBO YOU WILL EVER HAVE

STOP BY DISNEYLAND'S ORLEANS SQAURE

AND PICK THIS BOWL OF DELICIOUSNESS

UP. IF ONLY I COULD I'D EAT THIS EVERY DAY.

THEY ALSO 

HAVE A VEGAN CHILI BOWL ( just ask them

to remove the cheese), BUT I

WAS SO FULL I COULDN'T DO IT.

WANTED TO, BUT COULDN'T. 

Okay guys, THE BEST VEGAN DESSERT HANDS DOWN.

I PROBABLY HAD 5 OF THESE THROUGHOUT MY TRIP

AND I WANTED MORE! I FELT LIKE ARIEL FROM

THE LITTLE MERMAID SINGING

"I WANT MOOORREEE!" 

ANYONE KNOW WHERE

I CAN GET THIS IN THE REAL WORLD? YUM!

they also have Floats, yum!!!

California Adventure:

Cali Adventure had this fun little place

to get vegan smoothies.

They can make almost anything vegan,

and they're delicious! super sweet, but made with

mostly fruit. 

Stop by the Pilots grill for another

amazing Veggie burger. The bread is Vegan, ask 

for no cheese and you can add your own toppings. 

The fries are vegan also.

I'm not kidding when I say YUUMMM!!!!!!

Again, VEGAN POP CORN stations everywhere!!!!!!

SO INSIDE CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE

THERE IS A STARBUCKS!!! 

Amazing right? They have anything you could

want, that you would get at any other

Starbucks. Plus they come in cute

Disney Cups. 

My Aunt is Lactose Intolerant, so my Rice milks came in handy

when she ordered her double shot of Espresso. I added

my rice milk and you have a coffee drink, for any

coffee drinkers. Even though I don't support 

Coffee, I'll support you!! 

Oh, P.S Bring your own Sugar!!!

Okay guys, I didn't eat here, but I walked passed 

and trust me If I could fit more food in my belly, I would have.

They have tofu skewers that come with rice and

a little cucumber salad. It looked so good, I may have drooled

a little. Try it out and tell me if they are

as good as they look!

Downtown Disney:

Right when you get off the tram you run right into a Starbucks and a Jamba juice.

I made a few stops at this Jamba Juice for some

green smoothies. They are delicious and

did I mention Vegan? Oh yeah! 

OK before I end, here are some places that I've heard and read that carry vegan food.

if you've tried them or in the future try them please let me know what you think.

I'm sure I'll be back at Disney in 6 months or so… May need some more tips!

oh and before I forget... Disneyland wants to cater to their vegan friends, seriously anywhere you go the chef will accommodate you and make you something off the menu if they have to.

they truly want everyone to be happy and fulfilled. 

Thanks everyone!

1. Village Hause in Fantasyland (Disneyland) : Veggie Burger

2. French Market restaurant at California Adventure: Corn Chowder 

in a bread bowl

3. Hungry Bear restaurant at Disneyland: Fried green tomato Sandwich

4. Bengal Barbecue (Disneyland): Vegetable Skewers 

5. Maurice treats (Disneyland): Boysen Apple Freeze ( a drink, that I wanted

to try so bad, but really couldn't fit much more in the belly) 

6. Rancho del Zocalo: (another place I wanted to try, but limited time

and limited room in the belly) Soft tacos "fajita style."

Burrito Sonora "fajita style" ask for no cheese or Guajillo Sauce 

Chips Con Limon, The Mexican rice, flour tortilla, refried beans

and Guacamole are all vegan.  

7. Carnation Cafe in Disneyland: Apple- Granola Pancakes 

8. Jolly Holiday bakery Cafe: Soy Lattes, Tomato basil soup, and Salads. 

9. COTTON CANDY!! Sold: everywhere!

10. Cozy Cone Motel (California adventure): Vegetarian Chili con Queso 

( just ask for no cheese)

11. Tomorrowland terrace: Portobello and vegetable sandwich. 

Baby Brother/Cousin #1:

Baby Brother/ Cousin #2: 

- The Wellness Enthusiast 

Best Cleaning product ever! White Distilled Vinegar .

okay guys, Im literally obsessed with White Distilled Vinegar. 

It seems like everything in todays day has chemicals. Cleaning products, foods, pens, dog food, seriously everything. Except for this holy grail product! 

Keeping bleach or any household cleaning product that has chemicals can be extremely dangerous especially if you have children and animals.

Here's a story about a time that a cleaning

product became very dangerous 

in my home:

When I was around 6 years old I dared my 5 year old cousin to drink a cup of a very popular cleaning product. I know, dumb right? I was 6 and didn't know better.

I remember my cousin started puking uncontrollably and they had to call poison control.

Long story short, my cousin lived and was ok but how scary of a situation that was. 

Thank heavens everything turned out ok, but what if it didn't?

My point is, 

Why in the world would anyone risk something like this happening in their family?

I have children coming in and out of my house a lot and have pets as well. I won't risk that ever. 

This is why I love white distilled vinegar. No chemicals, not dangerous and really great at

cleaning your household products. 

                   I use this little gem to clean everything!                                                                        Strong enough to disinfect, but since Vinegar is all natural and it’s not a processed chemical you can clean just about anything with it. Here are some ways we use this miracle product in my home…

1. When my dog goes outside I spray vinegar on his paws when he enters the house

2. Wash fruits and veggies by letting them soak in a bowl filled with water and vinegar. Let sit for at least 10 minutes, rinse off.

3. Clean countertops, windows and mirrors. ( I put some in a spray bottle)

4. Use to Clean kids and pet toys

5. Use on the carpet

6. add to laundry 

7. I travel with a small spray bottle 

8. I clean my car with it

There really isn’t any other cleaning product you need, It does everything and its healthy for you. 

In my home, we use vinegar and rubbing alcohol to clean. Put it on or in your body without any worry of chemicals, toxins etc.

You can even put a little in your drinking water and it has been said that Vinegar can help one lose weight. Although, Apple Cider Vinegar may be a bit easier to drink. Either way, it’s still good for you!

I really do think Its an all in one cleaning, eating, drinking product! 

It has a very strong smell so be careful not to take a huge whiff of it, if you’re not used to it .

I buy mine from Costco, if you can afford the Organic brand I’d go with organic but if not make sure it is all natural.

- The Wellness Enthusiast 

IT'S OCTOBER, SWEET POTATO FRIES ARE HERE!

Dear Fall in Las Vegas,
   
                   I'm so thankful that you are here. Everyone in my life knows that Fall/winter is my favorite time of year. Horror films are my main squeeze, Halloween is my 2nd all time favorite holiday, I bake like a mad woman, J'adore combat boots with over sized sweaters, and most importantly FALL COLORS. Orange, brown, beige and white are a dream. Wish you could see my house, it's like a new place. Pillows change, Decor changes, candles come out of hiding and I have the coolest oil diffuser that is constantly running with either a cinnamon, Lavender or Orange essential oil. Yes, I think I'm in a dream.

             You know what else is absolutely amazing about you? The food that you bring into my life. One in particular, Sweet potato! Every Fall/Winter I make sweet potato pies, sweet potato muffins, sweet potato dog treats and my MOST FAVORITE sweet potato Fries. I bake them, not fry them so they're a bit soft, but heaven have mercy because they are to live for. I always add either a homemade ketchup or a vegan BBQ sauce. And you know what? I have never had anyone turn away my sweet potato fries. They're that delicious.

Even though it's October 1st and Still 85 degrees out I am hopeful you will change the weather so I can feel the cool breeze on my face and the leaves will start changing and falling so I can run outside like I'm 5 and jump on a mountain of leaves.

Thank you for coming and please, don't ever leave.

Love you forever

Okay enough with the Mushy Love story. I'm not a romantic girl, I don't like love movies or chick flicks and you wont find me caring if a guy writes me a poem or sings me a song (BARF), no offense. So that my friends, was as romantic as I get. So lets soak in this moment. 

Okay I'm done soaking…

10 Health Benefits of sweet potato fries: 

1. Vitamin A - Great for skin and eyes

2. Vitamin C- Hello immunity boost

3. Vitamin B6- Great for a healthy heart

4. Vitamin D- the Sun vitamin. We NEED this vitamin

5. Iron- great for keeping blood flow 

and for anemic people.

6. Magnesium- Anti-stress vitamin 

7. Sweet, but their sugars are slowly released into the 

bloodstream . Not like wheat or processed

sugar 

8. Potassium- great for your heart 

9. Calcium - prevents osteoporosis 

10. Manganese- helps monitor Free radicals in the body 

On with the directions to make Fan-freaking-tastic sweet potato fries. 

Step 1: Wash your sweet potatoes, cut them up and 

mix in some coconut oil, 

sea salt and pepper.

Step 2: Let soak in the mixture for about 5 minutes 

and lay them on a baking tray. 

Step 3: Stick them in the oven at 350 degrees 

for about 20-30 minutes

Depending if you want them

softer or crispier.

 

                    

Once done, take them out and serve them on a plate of your choice

add a condiment and EAT EAT EAT! 

Make sure to give some to your doggy He/She will love them .

Share the wealth people!

- The Wellness Enthusiast