This season, we’re doing our best to be present, slow down, and take care of ourselves mindfully. It’s neither as easy or as painful as it sounds!
We recently chatted with health coach Alexa Gray and nutritionist Kristin Dahl about balance as it applies to this highly transitional season. The result? A really amazing smoothie bowl recipe and these notes on the wheel of life. Here are Alexa and Kristin…
Alexa Gray: Recently, in my health coaching practice I have been working with holistic nutritionist Kristin Dahl to help inspire balance, especially in this transitional fall season. Together, we created this chai-spiced smoothie bowl to visually symbolize the wheel of life.
Just like life, the bowl is not perfectly balanced, but all the elements are in harmony with each other. Check out Kristin’s essential tips for finding balance as we make our way into this holiday season!
Kristin Dahl: Optimum health is a balanced state of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It’s about learning to nourish our unique physical makeup with a variety of foods and healing modalities, so we can lead vibrant and fulfilling lives. Achieving health is not a quick fix; it’s about creating sustainable daily habits and nurturing all areas of life to create balance and harmony.
When we think of “nourishment” we usually think of food, but nourishment actually comes in many forms. Let’s dive deeper into all the other layers of life that can leave you feeling either invigorated or depleted. Browse through all six aspects then take a peek at our recipe and all the benefits included in this incredible smoothie bowl.
6 aspects of the Wheel of Life
Social
Social wellness involves having a support system of friends and loved ones who are there for you through thick and thin. Creating relationships with those who lift you up and share your vision is incredibly important. Sticking to your health goals and lifestyle becomes easier when you connect with people who share similar values. Create routines and rituals with your friends: Take a cooking class, join an adventure club or start exercising together. We are social beings and connection is a crucial part of our health and well-being.
Environmental
Our home and work environments play a key role in our health. Create a space that supports wellness, calm, and positive energy. Keep your spaces clutter-free and zen, and surround yourself with clean, healing plants, imagery, colors or scents that uplift the spirit.
Emotional/ Spiritual
It’s important to nurture and nourish all aspects of our emotional and spiritual life and look at how the two greatly support a life of wellness. Taking care of yourself and your emotional needs is key to feeling your best. Know that it’s ok to seek support, create boundaries with your space and time, and eliminate toxic people from your life. Stay open, try new things and continue creating and leading an expansive life.
Physical
Physical movement and touch are incredibly important to our health. Leading a life of vitality means moving energy through your body daily. Exercise, whether it be strengthening or restorative, is imperative to cellular regeneration. The same goes for physical touch, which fulfills our primal need for closeness and intimacy – it’s a must.
Occupational
It’s crucial that our work fulfills us. Each one of us has a beautiful gift to offer to the world. Sometimes it takes a while to connect with what truly makes us happy and often we have to make sacrifices to get to where we want to be. If your work is draining you or bringing you down, either create a new way of approaching it or search for something that fully nourishes your soul.
R&R
Rest and relaxation are needed regularly to restore vitality. Allow your body to rest when you need it, cleanse seasonally to create space for optimal digestion and take regular tech breaks to ease the feeling of being constantly “on.” Meditation and breath work are also key for grounding, stress relief and optimum brainpower.
The Chai-Spiced Coconut Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients:
Meat from 2 young coconuts
1 frozen banana
2 Tbsp tocotrienols
1 Tbsp almond butter
1/4 cup strong brewed chai tea
1/2 tsp vanilla
few dashes of cinnamon
optional -1 Tbsp raw honey, 1 fresh date or 8 drops omica organics stevia
optional- splash of coconut water
For the toppings:
1 fresh banana
1 persimmon
1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes
2 fresh figs
1/4 cup fresh pomegranate
1 Tbsp bee pollen
Directions:
Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth
Transfer to the freezer while you prepare your toppings (about 10 minutes).
Remove from the freezer, place in your favorite bowl and add toppings.
Enjoy!
The benefits: the Chai-spiced Coconut smoothie bowl
Pomegranate
High in antioxidants, vitamin C and folate. Fights free radicals. Immune boosting, supports cellular repair and circulation.
Persimmons
Loaded with fiber, vitamin C, iron and calcium. Immune boosting and blood building.
Bee pollen
A complete protein, full of B vitamins, helps boost the immune system, and helps reduce seasonal allergy symptoms.
Banana
Loaded with vitamins and minerals. High in potassium, vitamin B6, and fiber. Supports athletic performance and regeneration. Relieves symptoms of PMS and supports cardiovascular health.
Figs
Full of fiber, vitamin B6, and potassium. Lowers blood pressure, supports the female system and may help prevent macular degeneration.
Young Coconut
Full of healthy fats, fiber, and calcium. Anti-inflammatory, energy production, and cellular regeneration.
