What is that smell?

I workout almost every day - so my favorite workout clothes see A LOT of sweat. Have you ever noticed that after awhile your old workout clothes can smell bad even when they're clean? That's because bacteria living on the skin feeds off our sweat, which is then absorbed by our clothes and traps odors. I have had to throw away clothes in the past because they still smelled like the gym after being washed several times. Thankfully, I figured out a way to prevent this, here are some tips for keeping your workout clothes smelling fresh and new…

• Let your clothes out of the bag. Wash your workout clothes as soon as possible to reduce the amount of time bacteria has to grow. If you can't wash your clothes right away find a way to let your workout clothes dry out so you can stop the bacteria love-fest happening in your gym bag or laundry hamper. I personally use a metal mesh laundry hamper that has a little more air flow.
• Use white vinegar to disinfect. Simply add 1 cup of white vinegar right into the washing machine at the start of the cycle along with your detergent. If your clothes come out of the wash with a slight vinegar smell don't worry, it will go away by the time the clothes are dry.
• Don't overdo it on the detergent. Using too much detergent will do the exact opposite of what you think it will. Instead of getting your clothes extra clean it will leave detergent residue in the fibers of your clothes. Plus, some bacteria love to feed off soap.

Did you know the brand "All" laundry detergent was originally developed by Monsanto?

I don't know about you, but I don't want to trust Monsanto who's credited with poisoning our environment with Roundup with the safety of my laundry detergent! I only use Molly's Suds Laundry Soap because it's made with safe ingredients. Detergents like All and Tide leave residues of toxic petrochemicals, phosphates, formaldehyde, chlorine, synthetic dyes and fragrances on my clothes. The chemicals in detergents haven't been thoroughly tested for safety, especially when these chemicals are combined together in one product. Even worse, laundry detergents aren't required to list their ingredients, so it can be almost impossible to figure out which ones are safe. Yet, millions of people trust these detergents to wash the things that we put closest to our skin - and that's crazy! Years ago I made a conscious choice to stop buying detergents that could make me sick, irritate my skin or impact the environment around me - and never looked back.

Molly's Suds has been a long time partner of Food Babe and is generously offering all of you a discount. This is the perfect time to stock up!

If you'd like to try Molly's Suds click here and use the code FOODBABE at checkout for 15% off your entire purchase.

Their laundry soap smells like peppermint! They have an unscented version too. They're both great for my sensitive skin and one bag lasts for 120 loads. I especially love their non-chlorine bleach whitener and dryer balls that cut down on drying time. (Those traditional dryer sheets are full of petrochemicals and synthetic fragrances – so please stop buying them too!)

Don't forget to use your special code FOODBABE to get your discount. If you know someone who may want to clean up their laundry routine, feel free to forward them this email. Have an amazing weekend!

Xo,

Vani

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Major Scandal!

I have 2 scandalous stories to share… and 3 new deeelicious recipes.

There was some HUGE news in the NY Times yesterday about Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream. The Organic Consumers Association found traces of Monsanto's glyphosate (i.e. Roundup weedkiller - a probable carcinogen) in 10 samples of their ice cream. This is the same weedkiller that's been found in Cheerios, Stacy's Pita Chips, Ritz Crackers and all these other popular products. It's about time this hit the mainstream media - it takes some brave reporting to get the truth out about these chemical companies and what they are doing to our food supply.

In other news… The Co-CEO of Whole Foods once asked me what I thought the new trends in food packaging would be considering the food revolution we are in. I told him we'd start seeing ingredient labels on the front of packaging because consumers care about ingredients. Well, one company - RX Bars - started doing that and when I saw their protein bars in stores I thought my prediction had come true. However, when I examined the bars closer and read the ingredient list on the back of the package, I saw natural flavors listed - and even in their bars made for kids. This is what angers me about new food companies trying to give us more real food. If you want to gain consumers trust - be transparent and don't use shady tactics like this. As you hopefully know already, "natural flavors" may contain up to 100 ingredients, including synthetic chemicals such as the solvent propylene glycol or the preservative BHA, as well as GMO-derived ingredients (unless organic or Non-GMO Project verified). Flavors can also include excitotoxins like MSG that cause your taste buds to experience irresistibility when it comes to food. 

You can see my tweets to RX Bar here and here stating my disappointment with their misleading labeling.

Just in time for all these hot summer days we've been having I just published three new recipes for Superfood Summer Pops to try this season that will not only cool you off, but will supercharge your body with some of the best nutrients on the planet!!!

Unlike those popsicles and frozen fruit pops at the store filled with tons of added sugar, high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, thickeners and fake flavors, these homemade pops will supercharge your health with superfoods! These are foods that pack the most nutritional punch per bite - full of various compounds that are excellent for your body… 

They are soooo delicious, kid-friendly, and super healthy.

Xo,

Vani

P.S. Want to share this news with people you love? Feel free to forward them this email. 

 

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Dessert for Breakfast???

Variety is the spice of life, right? If you're anything like me, you love to eat… but sometimes get stuck in a rut eating the same old oatmeal, smoothies, or eggs for breakfast. Once I find something I like to eat, I tend to make it over and over again, which can get boring, ya know?

If you can relate, let me help you step out of your food "comfort zone" with this cool and simple summer breakfast recipe for Key Lime Pie Parfaits. They're creamy, tart, and full of fiber and nutrients that will keep you satisfied all morning long. Just look at how refreshing these parfaits look… they make a yummy summer treat!

Get the brand new Key Lime Pie Parfaits breakfast recipe here. 

Shake up your breakfast routine with these other cool summertime recipes:

• Blackberry Buckwheat Porridge
• Papaya Pineapple Protein Smoothie
• Apple Pie Chia Pudding
• Parfait Porridge
• Peach Chia Smoothie

Want to make sure you never get stuck in a food rut? Check out the Food Babe Eating Guide. When you sign up, you'll get new healthy recipes every month along with meal plans and an exclusive Starter Guide that includes the "Terrible 20" ingredients that keep you from losing weight, where to spot them and what to eat instead, along with my tried-and-true tips and techniques for life's many eating situations. This is an all-in-one roadmap to organic, healthy living! I go through everything that comes with the program in this short video here.

If you know anyone who'd like healthy recipes like this, feel free to send them this email. I hope you enjoy the new Key Lime Pie Parfaits recipe and tell me what you think in the comments!

Until next time…

Xo,

Vani

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Is coconut oil healthy? The controversy explained.

You probably read the recent headline… 

• "Coconut oil isn't healthy. It's never been healthy" ~ USA Today

And wondering to yourself "What the heck is going on?"… "I thought coconut oil was healthy"…

Well you are not alone, it seems the entire Internet freaked out at this "news" and for good reason. 

Read my brand new investigation "Is Coconut Oil Healthy?" here. 

I know it's frustrating when there is so much conflicting health information being fired at us from all directions. I want to empower you to make the best decisions about your food and that's why this new investigation is a MUST READ. 

If you know anyone who is wondering if coconut oil is dangerous, forward this email to them. I am counting on you to spread the truth!

Xo,

Vani

 

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Do you eat this white food?

While many white foods (like bleached flour, sugar, and refined pasta) are heavily processed and leached of nutrients, don't let the fact that cauliflower is white fool you into thinking it's not good for you… Here's why you should add it to your diet ASAP if you haven't already:

• Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable, which helps to prevent cancer. 
• It contains an incredible compound called sulforaphane that has been shown to slow cancer cell growth.
• It's packed with vitamin C, which fights chronic inflammation and strengthens your immune defenses. It's excellent for your skin because vitamin C helps the body create collagen and rejuvenates aged skin, helping you look younger!
• It's also an excellent source choline. Choline is mainly found in organ meats and eggs, but cauliflower is a good vegan source of this nutrient, which is essential to good brain health. It's especially important for pregnant women to get their choline, as it helps with brain and nervous system development in the womb.

This brand new salad recipe is quickly becoming a favorite around here because it's packed with flavor and only takes a few minutes of prep work in the kitchen to throw it all together. It's hearty enough to eat for dinner too.

Get my new recipe here and give it a try soon!

Another great way to use cauliflower is to pulse it in a food processor to make a healthier substitute for rice – so it's easy to add to your everyday diet. I use cauliflower "rice" to make a light and filling Lemon Asparagus Quinoa Risotto (recipe here) and a delicious taco salad (recipe here). I also love to make these AMAZING Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (recipe here) that taste like buffalo wings without the chicken!

I hope this encourages you to add a bit more cauliflower to your life! Share this new salad recipe with anyone you know who likes healthy and flavorful meals like this.

Xo,

Vani

P.S. This is an example of the types of recipes that I include in my monthly meal plans. Here's where you can sign up and download your meal plans and recipes.

 

 

 

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I didn't expect to lose the baby weight so fast...

I am pretty amazed to share, I've dropped over 35 pounds in 5 months and I never thought I would be able to get back into my pre-pregnancy clothes so quickly and so easily. I'll be sharing the exact routine I've been following soon, but until then I've got a brand new recipe that helped me get to where I am today. It's hydrating and really fills me up, so it's become one of my go-to foods over the last few months. Get the new recipe here and give it a try! I hope you love it as much as I do.

Since I am breast-feeding, I've been focusing on one thing: Get as many nutrients into my body as possible, staying away from processed food chemicals and pesticides - and not only is that helping my baby grow the healthiest way possible, but it's obviously helped my body snap back too! I feel great (except a little case of Mommy wrist, which acupuncture is working to get better).

If you're looking for more recipes like this that are packed with nutrients and aid in weight loss, here are some more favorites of mine:

• Broccoli Quinoa Tabbouleh - Packed with ingredients like broccoli and parsley that help to detox the body.
• Coconut Split Pea Soup - This incorporates all 6 tastes (sweet, bitter, salty, pungent, sour, and astringent) making you feel fully satisfied after your meal.
• Lentil Detox Salad - I always feel light and energetic after eating this! The cilantro helps to reduce water weight and bloating.
• Apple Pie Chia Pudding -  I love eating chia seeds for breakfast because they grow 10 times their weight in size when combined with liquid, helping the body stay hydrated and full.
• Asparagus Hazelnut Salad - Asparagus is amazing at helping you shed the extra water weight and de-puffing your body from the inside out.
• Kimchi - Fermented foods like this help to populate the gut with good bacteria, which can help you lose stubborn pounds and reduce inflammation.
• Wedding Weight Loss Soup - This really helps curb my appetite and satisfies the urge for something warm and comforting at night.

These are the types of recipes you'll find in my membership meal planning program. Imagine taking the work out of thinking about what to eat each day while eating healthy food that helps you lose weight? This is what I do for you! You can download recipes, monthly meal plans, and my weight loss tips immediately when you join us here.

Xo,

Vani

 

 

 

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Sugar Detox Challenge Closes Tonight - You in?

Just a quick heads up that I'm starting a 7-Day Sugar Detox Challenge starting on Monday - June 19th - and I'd absolutely love for you to join me.

You may know that I recently become a mom. And, if you're a mom, you know those pregnancy sugar cravings can be a beast! So to get back on track and kickstart my diet, I've decided to do the 7-Day Sugar Detox again - and this time, I'll be doing it along with large group of new participants, side-by-side - starting on Monday. We'll be encouraging each other in a new members-only Facebook group - It's going to be SUPER FUN!

Now is the perfect time for you to detox from sugar and start your summer off right. I'll also send you a free copy of my Real Food Slow Cooker Guide (over 50 recipes!) when you sign up by midnight tonight. As soon as you sign up for the 7-Day Sugar Detox for a one-time fee, you'll get instant access to this entire program FOR LIFE so you can start with me on Monday, or anytime you'd like:

• Quick Start Guide with 22 pages covering all the facts about what sugar does to the body and why this detox is so life-changing.
• 7-Day Sugar Detox Plan with 29 detailed pages that explain exactly what you will be eating during the detox, where to find strategies to reduce your sugar cravings, and how to spot all the hidden sugars that might be lurking in your pantry!
• Two 7-Day Sugar Detox Recipe Guides with easy to prepare, delicious real-food breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack recipes that are free of grains and refined sugar, along with a meal schedule and shopping lists. Whether you are a vegan, gluten-free, paleo, vegetarian or a meat eater, I've got you covered.
• If you don't like to cook or can't prepare all of the recipes, we give you suggested Dining Out Options at popular chain restaurants that you can incorporate into your detox.
• Exclusive Instructional Videos where I personally walk you through the program, give you advice for when nighttime sugar cravings hit, and provide info on healthier sugar swaps to make your detox a piece of cake!
• Members-Only Facebook Group that's open only to everyone on the challenge. I will be checking in with everyone in the group on Facebook Live each day during the 7-Day challenge. You'll hear my best tips, tricks, and strategies for cutting cravings. I'll also answer your most commonly-asked questions.
• Success Journal for tracking your progress that is proven to deliver results.
• Maintaining Your Success After Detox Guide with 21 pages of information and recipes to carefully adjust your body back to a regular diet and still enjoy sweets without sabotaging your health. This guide includes healthy snack recipes and dessert recipes to enjoy that are free of refined sugar.
• All guides are downloadable, printable, and ready to view on your smartphone, computer or tablet instantly.

Unlike other sugar detox programs, you'll eat only healthy, whole foods on this program. You won't be eating fake food or take shortcuts with dangerous artificial sweeteners. This program is the REAL DEAL and will train your body to stop craving sweets so you'll develop a healthier relationship with your food.

Registration for Monday's challenge closes tonight! Sign up today and take the weekend to familiarize yourself with the materials, watch the videos and get prepared for Monday - maybe you ask a friend or get your whole family on board too. If you have any doubts about what this 7-Day Sugar Detox can do for you, read the testimonials here.

I'm excited for Monday and can't wait to see you in the Facebook group!

Xo,
Vani

P.S. You can start anytime you like - on Monday along with me, or next month, or later this summer - the choice is yours. I know the members of this program will cheer you on no matter when you start! Start whenever it's convenient for you. However you need to sign up tonight to get access to this special group and receive a free copy of my Real Food Slow Cooker Guide which has over 50 delicious, healthy, and easy recipes.

P.P.S. Here are just a few of the many success stories from the 7-Day Sugar Detox:

"I am feeling lean, energetic and so great! I am going to continue eating this way as it has spurred a weight loss that I've been struggling to ignite. I'm down almost 5 pounds, and paired with seeing a personal trainer I'm experiencing big changes already...I have been a follower of Vani / Food Babe for years now and have purchased meal plans and books in the past, as I love to know as much as possible about food & nutrition. This sugar detox has been the BEST plan yet for having an immediate and wonderful impact on my health!" - Diana

"I completed the 7 day detox with my husband, lost 2 pounds and started taking morning walks. I feel much more energized and focused. I recommend that everyone try this detox!" - Sheila

"From a physical aspect not only have I lost a few pounds but my clothes are looser and my rings come off a lot easier. I have also noticed that my complexion seems smoother and clearer. I have actually tamed the "sugar craving beast" in me!" - Julia

"My husband and I are absolutely loving it! We never feel hungry and the sugar cravings have virtually vanished! The recipes are amazing and the plan is so easy to follow! We are going to continue eating this way forever!" - Lori

Read more testimonials here!

 

 

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