Inside Out Beauty Foods - Day One {LEMONS}

April 10, 2018 by Pink Greens in morning, Inside Out Beauty Foods

In the realm of detoxing and beauty foods, lemons hold the number one place in my heart. I picked lemons as the first food because their effects can literally be life-changing. I know that's a big claim, but I believe this happy, sour little citrus stands up to the challenge.

This beauty food aligns perfectly with the first Beautycounter regimen I chose - No. 1 Brightening + Vitamin C, not only because it is notoriously rich in Vitamin C, but also because it's effects are literally brightening for the skin!

Inside Out Beauty Foods - Twelve Day Challenge

April 09, 2018 by Pink Greens in Inside Out Beauty Foods

For the next twelve days, I'll be sharing one food per day that helps with beauty from the inside out.

As women, we spend hundreds of dollars a year on beauty products. And while I love me some quality skincare and makeup goods, my best ever skin, hair, and nails, has come with changes to what I put in my mouth (and has less to do with what I put on my skin/hair/nails). I have also been someone who bought my favorite beauty products without looking so much at the ingredients. That is, until recently.

Antioxidant Trail Mix

February 28, 2018 by Pink Greens in snacks

I think we have all found ourselves buying trail mix when we're in a pinch for a "healthy" bite. It is high-density nutrition, packed with protein and all the things our bodies crave when we're running low on energy - salt, sugar, and fat.

The trouble is - while packaged trail mix is a great option when compared with other processed on-the-go options - there can be a lot of sneaky beauty-busting ingredients hiding inside that innocent little snack pack. Think added sodium, hydrogenated oils, artificial colors and flavorings, and ingredients from genetically modified organism (GMO) crops, like high fructose corn syrup and soy lecithin.

Thyme, Garlic & Ghee Winter Veggies

February 22, 2018 by Pink Greens in dinner

These chilly winter days have me wanting to curl up in front of the Winter Olympics in the evenings with a hearty and nourishing dinner.

As someone who craves veggie-heavy, warm dishes, I usually find myself in a bit of a winter soup rut - it's my lazy go-to when I'm tired and can't seem to think of any other options. But when a recent winter veggie promo caught my eye, my mind instantly dreamed up this dish. What I love about it is that it's packed full of all the seasonal goodness our bodies are craving during the winter months - cancer-fighting cruciferous cauliflower, sulphur-rich mushrooms, garlic, and eggs to support our mitochondria, and colorful, phytonutrient-packed squash.

5 Easy Digestion-Boosting Tips

January 26, 2018 by Pink Greens

Yesterday morning I was on the local radio station here in Sonoma - KSVY 91.3. It was my first time ever on air and it was so much fun! We talked all about ways to improve digestion. I know, I know, "digestion" sounds like a total snooze fest...but hear me out - when you improve the way your body processes the nutrients you are putting in, you free up energy to access all the goodness from the healthy food you are eating. This means that not only will you shed excess lbs., but you'll also, in time, have more radiant and clear skin, shinier hair, stronger nails, and more energy...not boring at all, right?! In addition to the aesthetic benefits, freeing up your body's energy by optimizing digestion lets it focus on the important things like fighting the common cold and, over time, even fighting disease.

"Cheesy" Kale Chips

December 06, 2017 by Pink Greens

If you're anything like me, your experience with cheesy kale chips has gone something like this...

1) see irresistible kale chips in the healthy, snacky section of the grocery store...promptly add to basket/cart.

2) use every ounce of self control not rip open the bag and eat said kale chips while still shopping.

3) curious as to how they taste, remove from grocery bag so that you can try just one on your drive home.

Trying Something New

December 01, 2017 by Pink Greens

Today I tried something for the first time that I've been wanting to try for a very long time - pottery on a wheel!

It was around the time that I started cooking more healthy meals for myself that I noticed a beauty in natural foods that just blew me away - the colors, the textures, the realization that eating real, quality food is appealing to us as human beings with eyes that can see colors, noses that can breathe in aromas, hands to feel hot and cold, to peel and dice and sautée, brains to think up delicious concoctions, and of course, mouths to savor the flavors....all because healthy, whole, natural, foods are what we are meant to eat. So simple, and yet, pretty miraculous.

Pumpkin Spice Chia Seed Pudding

November 22, 2017 by Pink Greens

Every year, sometime in October, I bust out my Pumpkin Spice Cookie recipe. The recipe was given to me by my sister years ago and I still use the tattered, butter-stained original copy she hand-wrote and sent to me. It's the only recipe I would call a "family secret" and the only one I don't give out (plus, it's a surefire way to secure my invitation to fun fall get-togethers!). I usually let Pumpkin Spice Cookie season taper off sometime after thanksgiving and before the twelve days of Christmas begin.

#WTFriday?! Maca

November 10, 2017 by Pink Greens

Maca is both a starchy root vegetable and a tonic herb. About the size of a radish or turnip, maca is, surprisingly, a member of the cruciferous family (like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale) and native to the high Andes of Peru and Bolivia. The maca root is usually sun-dried and then powdered. The flavor of maca is nutty, earthy, and comforting, with a slightly bitter aftertaste. Its aroma reminds me of cozy fall and winter flavors and pairs well with berries, coconut, chocolate, oats, and cinnamon.

Maca has long been used as a natural medicinal herb with some pretty awesome properties. Most notably as an adrenal and hormone balancer. Maca is in a special class of plants known as adaptogens (1).

Berry Oatmeal Smoothie Bowl

November 10, 2017 by Pink Greens in morning

Smoothie bowls seem relatively straightforward, and they are, in theory. But I've had my fair share of smoothie bowl blunders. For me, the problem always seems to be getting them thick enough, while not feeling like I'm running the motor out of my beloved Vitamix. A fine balance and one that requires a little practice and patience.

Coconut Cacao Bites

November 08, 2017 by Pink Greens in snacks, desserts

Okay, I'll admit it, I have a sweet tooth. And I love chocolate. Who's with me?! But my ever-increasing pickiness for...no-sugar-added, no fake/corn/soy ingredients, no dairy, gluten, or binders....and the rest of the long laundry list that has me spending more time than I care to admit at the grocery store staring at the rear side of every package, recently gave me an epiphany.

#WTFriday?! Activated Charcoal

November 03, 2017 by Pink Greens

Have you ever heard of a new superfood or natural beauty, trendy ingredient and thought to yourself WTF is that?! Well, this happens to me all the time. And my naturally curious nature loves to delve in and learn all about it, experiment with ingredients, and then share what I've learned. So I thought I'd start a little blog series I call #WTFriday, where we explore anything that's had us scratching our heads and thinking WTF is that...why is it good for me...and how am I supposed to use it?!

Fall Pumpkin Salad

October 31, 2017 by Pink Greens

Ahhh fall...quite possibly my favorite season! I get giddy with excitement thinking about fall flavors, recipe combinations, and pumpkin patches sprinkled across the country roads. This recipe allowed me to channel my excitement for the season.

Pomegranates have always been a marker of fall bounty, but more recently became my own, more meaningful symbol of strength, hope, and life. The fires that ravaged our picturesque wine country just a few short weeks ago turned autumn-hued hillsides into canvases of black-and-white.

Pink Greens Daily Detox

September 14, 2017 by Pink Greens

Today I want to talk about a little something I call the Pink Greens Daily Detox.

This is the morning routine I've been using and have been sharing with my clients over the past few months. The reason it works is because you are signaling to your body that you are awake and that it can start it's natural daily detoxing, but you're not putting anything in that makes it switch gears and go to work processing that ingredient (think dairy, meat, or gluten).

I spent years frustrated by my mornings with food. I felt like no matter what I ate, I would be hungry and tired by 11 am.

Chocolate Banana 'Milk' Shake

September 12, 2017 by Pink Greens

If you have a hankering for a decadent, chocolatey milkshake, sans the sugar rush and upset stomach, look no further. This afternoon I was craving something indulgent, so I whipped up this little number and it did not disappoint.

So without further ado, I give you my most favorite concoction for a vegan, dairy-free, no-fake-sugar shake.

Hearty Vegan Curry

August 28, 2017 by Pink Greens

The other day I was craving the flavors I enjoyed so much when I was in India several months ago.

I was at work and so I asked my Nepalese co-worker and friend, Priti, for some tips on getting the curry just right. By the time I got off work, I was so excited to get cooking (and eating) and, sure enough, the aromas brought me back to my time spent in India.

What I loved about the Indian cuisine the most was that, while most of the food they cooked was vegan or vegetarian, it never felt lacking in any way. On the contrary, they seemed to have endless combinations of amazing vegetables (some I'd never heard of, let alone tasted), seasonings, and textures. The food was rich and varied, flavorful and satisfying.

Kimchi & Kelp Noodle Salad

August 16, 2017 by Pink Greens

I have been seeing "kelp noodles" on the shelf at the grocery store for some time now and have been so curious to try them. Well, the other day I finally bought them, not really knowing what I'd do with them, and yesterday I had the hankering for an asian-inspired lunch. So I whipped out my kelp noodles along with my new fave brand of kimchi and had myself a delicious, healthy little lunch. I then proceeded to eat about half of the remaining bag of kelp noodles plain with just a dash of tamari sauce and sprinkles of seaweed flakes. So...it's safe to say I loved me some kelp noodles!

Get your green smoothie on!

August 14, 2017 by Pink Greens in morning

You guys. Green smoothies totally changed my life. And that's why I'm totally obsessed with them and want to share them with everyone and their mom.

Let me tell you what happened in my life when I started drinking a green smoothie every morning...

In the first few days, I noticed I wasn't starving and ravenous by 11 a.m. In fact, I craved lighter, more veggie-filled lunches. I felt more clear-headed and less tired throughout the day. I started having fun with different flavor combos, and seeing how many greens I could pack into my smoothies. I found myself looking forward to getting out of bed in the morning, excited to get blending.

Let's get this party started.

August 09, 2017 by Pink Greens

Hi guys! Rachel Pinkstaff here, founder of Pink Greens.

I started Pink Greens in 2015 after spending several years before that falling in love with real, whole, plant-based foods. The beauty in the plants themselves, the endless combinations of ingredients and flavors, the way they made me look and feel, and the impact that eating this way would have on the planet if a whole lot more of us did it.

I wanted to spread the green love! I get worked into a tizzy of excitement thinking about how much good we could all do in this world if we were feeling our absolute best - clear minds, healthy bodies, and a healthier earth. We could each take our own unique talents and desires and really get out there and accomplish some pretty amazing stuff.

My road to feeling this good wasn't always so simple...I spent years trying to be healthy, but stuck in confusion amidst contradictory information. It wasn't until I started listening to my own intuition and common sense when it came to food, that I began feeling so good that I felt unstoppable. There was a balance and ease to it. The stress and confusion melted away (along with those stubborn extra few pounds that I didn't even realize where there). It takes a little longer to get addicted to the truly good stuff, but once I did, I realized the benefits are ample and endless.

I am not a doctor or a nutritionist. I am a real woman with a background in journalism and a passion for healthy foods. I don't consider myself an expert in this field. I just love learning, growing, and sharing. My hope is that by sharing in my journey, I can help you in yours. Know that you are not alone. Know that you wanting to be your best, most beautiful self inside and out is not vain or petty. It allows you to get out into the world and share all of your unique smarts, talents, gifts, loves, and creativity. It inspires those around you. You being the best version of yourself is what life is all about.

Thank you for reading! I'll be back soon. And until then, please follow along on Instagram @pinkgreens

Bon appétit, friends.

Rachel