Spring Allergy Tips, GRock it Out Playlist and Expo West

Howdy Nibblers!  We're crazy busy over here at NibMor preparing for Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, CA next week.  If you haven't been on our FB page to guess the flavor of the latest edition to the NibMor family- get over there!  You could win some pretty cool stuff.  

Spring time can be nuts.  Everyone comes out of hibernation and it seems like it gets busy out of no where.  One of our co-founders Jennifer Love has struggled with allergies for years and got serious in the past year about beating them, read all her amazing tips below.  Jenny's playlist is all about the insanity and embracing it!  GRock It OUT with your bad self!  

If you're going to be in Cali next week, come visit us at the Anaheim convention center at booth 1919 and be among the first to try our new stuff!  Nibble ON!

JLove’s Natural Allergy Prevention Tips

Do you start stocking up on boxes of tissue and dread the approaching spring allergies that leave you sneezing, teary eyed and nose blowing for weeks on end the moment spring arrives? I refused for years to take medication to alleviate or eliminate my spring allergies and went on a long and rather grueling journey to find natural relief for what always showed up at my door come spring. But no more!

Here’s what causes all these reactions. It’s a rather simple physiological explanation: The allergy trigger (i.e. pollen) enters our allergic noses and our immune systems go into overdrive. Our immune system sees the pollen as a foreign invader and releases antibodies to protect our bodies. This is the same reaction our body takes when a bacterial infection or virus enters the body. This protective attack results in the release of histamines into our blood and WALLA…we have runny noses, itchy eyes and sneezing attacks.

So, what can be done to naturally prevent and alleviate spring allergies? A lot actually!

It’s important to note that the body needs time to build up the immune system and get it prepped to stave off the allergy invaders. You will need to start your regime 6 – 8 weeks in advance of spring. That means start NOW!! Below I’ve outlined suggestions on things you can do to help your body stave off spring allergies and truly enjoy the season.

Try one, try all and experiment with what works for your body. Some herbal remedies can cause side effects or can react with medications you’re taking. So, if you are taking med’s talk to your doctor before you start taking any herb or supplement.

Natural Allergy Prevention Solutions:

Vitamin C: Supports the immune system with its antioxidant power

Raw Local Honey: The theory about local honey and allergies is this: your local bees are more likely to collect pollen from the local flowers in your area. That pollen will end up in small amounts in the honey produced. By ingesting that honey on a regular basis, the person eating the honey will build up immunity to the pollens from the flowers in their local region. It’s similar to a vaccine taken little by little.

Quercetin: Quercetin is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antihistamine phytonutrient and has been shown in research to block histamines. Quercetin has an excellent ability to reduce allergy symptoms and to improve lung function. Apples and onions are excellent sources of quercetin.

Stinging Nettle: Native Americans used stinging nettle for thousands of years to treat many health conditions, including allergies. Now, science has proven what these wise people knew from experience: that nettles are an effective allergy treatment. Unlike pharmaceuticals, which cause heart problems or drowsiness, stinging nettle does neither. Nettles are conveniently available in the dried form for making tea, liquid tinctures to take as drops, or in capsule form.

Nasal Irrigation: Nasal irrigation with a combination of warm water, about a quarter-teaspoon of salt, and a quarter-teaspoon of baking soda may help clear out mucus and open sinus passages. You can administer the solution through a squeeze bottle or a neti pot -- a device that looks like a small teapot. Use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled water to make up the irrigation solution. It’s also important to rinse the irrigation device after each use and leave open to air dry. Simply lean over a sink and tilt your head to the side to pour the water into one nostril and allow it to run out the other nostril. It may take some practice, but it is an excellent way to cleanse and eliminate mucous and microbes.

Drink Green Tea: Green tea is packed with a powerful antioxidant phytonutrient called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that blocks histamine and immunoglobulin E (IgE). Both of these naturally produced chemicals are linked with uncomfortable allergy-symptoms. Because EGCG blocks their production, allergy symptoms are reduced. Don’t like the taste of green tea, add matcha powder to your dairy-free fruit smoothies. (Dairy products are mucus-forming and can aggravate allergies.) Matcha is simply powdered green tea. Drink two to three cups of green tea daily for the best results.

Butterbur: The herb butterbur shows potential for relieving seasonal allergy symptoms. In one Swiss study, butterbur was just as effective as the antihistamine Allegra for reducing allergy symptoms.

Pineapple Enzyme: Extracted from pineapple, when taken on an empty stomach, the enzyme bromelain treats sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia and other respiratory disorders; acts as an anti-inflammatory; and reduces lung swelling.

Homeopathic Allium Cepa: If you have allergy symptoms that are worse indoors, at night or in warm rooms, along with red and burning eyes, and a clear, burning nasal discharge, the homeopathic remedy Allium Cepa may be best for you. Start with a 6X or 30X remedy if you can find it. Let three pellets dissolve under the tongue every 15 minutes for the first hour or two.

Other tips to aid your allergy relief:

·        Minimize your outdoor exposure when the pollen count is very high (pollen counts usually peak in the mornings).

·        Keep your doors and windows closed whenever possible during the spring months to keep allergens out.

·        Use an air purifier.

·        Change or clean the air filters in your home and wipe down vents, baseboards and other places that pollen may collect.

·        Wash your hair after going outside. Your hair is a place that pollen can stick to.

·        Vacuum twice a week and wear a mask because vacuuming can kick up pollen, mold, and dust that are trapped in your carpet.

Enjoy this upcoming spring and drop me a note to let me know how you faired with your natural allergy regime.

Thanks for info via:
WebMD.com
Wikipedia.com

Jenny's Jammin' Playlist :Theme for the Week- GRocK it oUT!

This week I have mixed Grunge with Rock. This playlist is best for me to get out aggression! Had a tough day at work, had a bad day, week, month, bad break-up, someone cut you off… These songs put a smile on my face and I can’t help but sing –a- long to them!

Jammin’ Playlist
1.       Smells like teen spirit by Nirvana

2.       Shine by Collective Soul

3.       Bullet with Butterfly wings by The Smashing Pumpkins

4.       Everlong by Foo Fitghters

5.       Ten by Pearl Jam


http://www.NibMor.com

 

Healthy Office Eating and some homage to the great Whitney Houston

Nibblers!  Hope you are having a great week.  Here's some Healthy Office Eating Tips and a little homage to our girl Whitney Houston- may she rest in peace.  

JLove’s Healthy Eating: Office Tip #2

While on a business trip in Anaheim, CA, a technology conference was in full swing at the Disneyland Hotel. I hooked up with a team of tech executives and talked to them about their struggle with eating healthy at the office. Their names are Brenda, John and Mike and here’s the conversation…

JLove: How would you describe your eating habits around the office?

Mike: Terrible! I don’t typically find enough time to eat well so I usually eat get food from the Roach Coach or go out for Fast Food.

Brenda: If I’m eating in the office I will do a Chipotle Salad, but if Mike convinces me to go out I eat a lot of cheeseburgers. When I’m working from home I always eat healthy.

John: I work from home most of the time and I now eat healthy. BUT, that is a recent phenomenon. I just recently kicked cancer and that close call turned my eating habits around.

JLove: Does your company do anything to help you eat healthy at the office?

Brenda: No! There is no facility except vending machines and the healthiest option is Ramen Noodles. Those have a lot of sodium and who knows what else, so if I’m in a pinch I will just eat the noodles and not the broth.

Mike: We do have a wellness program but there’s only junk in the vending machines.

JLove: Is there anything you do personally to help yourself eat healthy at the office?

Mike: Not really. I have to go out of the office to do this.

Brenda: I choose to work from home a lot to eat healthy.

John: My wonderful wife helps me eat healthy when I’m at home. I work primarily from home now.

JLove: What could your company do to help you create healthy eating habits at the office?

Brenda: Help remote workers with discounts, coupons, etc. NibMor snacks should be in our office and vending machines? I’d love to see a juicing counter, or a mobile truck with healthy options and inexpensive water.

John: Prior to cancer I was not aware nor did I make good food choices. Being aware of the foods that are healthy and actively incorporating them into my diet makes a world of difference.

This interview was very insightful and left me thinking about other ways to support healthy eating habits while at the office. Here are my thoughts…

 

HEALTHY OFFICE EATING TIPS:

·        Hydrate: Drink plenty of water. Strive for 6 – 8 8oz cups of water daily.

·        Pay Attention: Rather than just putting anything in your mouth to quell your hunger, plan what you will eat.

·        Bring Lunch & Healthy Snacks: like nuts, dried fruit, carrots, etc.

·        Walk, Stretch, Breath: take a minute to de-stress and rejuvenate.

·        Brush Your Teeth: this minimizes unnecessary snacking.

·         Eat Away From Your Desk: this promotes awareness of what you are eating and gives you a moment to relax.

·        Find A Food Buddy: this is a great way to keep yourself accountable to your goals while at work.

EASY FOOD CHOICES…

·        EASY PROTIEN: Nuts, Eggs

·        EASY CARBS: Whole Grain Crackers

·        EASY VEGGIES: Baby Carrots, Sliced Tomatoes, Sliced Cucumber, Snow Peas

·         EASY FRUITS: Apples, Grapes, Bananas, Dried Fruit

·        EASY SWEETS: NibMor chocolate of course! J

When eating healthier, you’ll notice more energy, improved mood, and improved stamina. That sounds good to me! 

Jenny's Jam List:

Theme for the Week- Whitney-licious!

Being that NibMor is a “Women” run business, we find that we always look up to women we aspire to be and look to them for inspiration. Well… Whitney Houston has been more than  that for us NibMor Gals. Here at the office we’ve all agreed on 5 of our favorite songs by the amazing Whitney, Enjoy!

Jammin Whitney-licious!

1.       I will always love you- chosen by JLove

2.       I wanna dance with somebody- chosen by Lauren

3.       My love is your love- chosen by Jenny

4.       I’m every woman- chosen by Heather

5.       Greatest love of all- chosen by Almeria

http://www.NibMor.com

 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Nibblers!  Do something for yourself today and your loved one's.  Here's our list of things you can do for some self love this Valentine's Day.  After the list Jenny has put together a Valentine's Day playlist you HAVE to download.  It is equally seductive and hysterical.  Have an AMAZING DAY! 

1. Exercise – get your juices flowing with exercise induced endorphins

2. Sleep – there is nothing like a great night of sleep to make you feel alive and vibrant

3. Find a Hobby – indulge in the activities you enjoy the most

4. Pamper Yourself – that’s right, give yourself the amazing gift of self-care like a manicure, a massage, or a bath

5. Get Spiritual – connect with life, yourself and all that makes the world go round

6. Morning Words of Kindness or an Affirmation – be your own best friend and say something nice to yourself

7. Nutrition – fill yourself up with macro and micro nutrients that charge you for the day

8. Avoid Over-committing – resist the urge to say yes when you really want to say no

9. Take some time alone – it’s not being by yourself, its being with yourself

10. Smile - it makes you feel good and makes others around you feel good too.

Jenny's Playlist:
Theme of the Week- Pure Seduc-LAUGH-tion

No explanation is needed for this playlist… Happy Valentine’s Day Nibblers!

1.       Let’s get it on by Marvin Gaye

2.       I wanna Sex you up by Color me Bad

3.       Heterosexual Man by Odds

4.       Bad Touch by The Blood Hound Gang

5.       Don’t you want me Baby by Human Leak

6.       Total eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler

7.       I just had Sex by The Lonely Island featuring Akon

8.       Let’s go all the way by Sly Foxx

9.       I want your Sex by Geaorge Michaels

10.   I’m too Sexy by Right Said Fred

Easy Green's and Do It Yourself Skincare

Happy end of the week Nibblers!  As usual, we're following you into the weekend with some recipes and something Lauren learned this week.  If you haven't entered our 'Love Letter's for NibMor' Contest, time is running out!  Click the link below to enter and win loads of NibMor goodies this Valentine's Day.  

Love Letter's For NibMor 

HKT's Green's and Bean's:  If you know me, then you know how much I love a meal I can put together quickly.  Life is hectic!  I am constantly searching for variety in time savers.  The other night I plucked this recipe from Delicious Living Magazine (where we are featured this month- click HERE).  I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it, and my husband did too. 

Green's and Beans:

1 cup white beans(cooked)

2 eggs**

1 bunch collard greens, stemmed and chopped

2 cups water

1tsp apple cider vinegar

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp olive oil

Bring 2 cups of water to near boil simmer with the apple cider vinegar.  Poach the eggs in the water bath- they will set in about 5mins.  Heat oil and garlic in a pan and add greens.  Cook greens down, about 3-4 mins and add beans.  Heat another minute or 2.  Scoop bean and chard mixture evenly into 2 bowls, top with poached egg.  **If you are vegan, you can easily use a marinated tofu as a substitute for the egg.  We topped this dish with salsa and it was delicious!  

Lauren learned how to make some of her own skincare: Are you looking for an affordable and natural way to exfoliate your skin?  Well I just found one!  I am big on exfoliating my skin and it can be hard to find a good and inexpensive way to do so.  I searched the web for a more natural approach.  All you need is Sugar and Oil!  These are staple items that you may already have in your cabinets which is great!  Simply combine equal amounts of oil and sugar.  A great oil to use would be coconut oil if you have it laying around.  Now just scrub, scrub, scrub!  This is an easy and affordable way to keep your skin healthy without using products with ingredients that you aren’t familiar with!  You can even add a little bit of honey or lemons for extra nourishment!  Enjoy Nibblers!
  http://www.NibMor.com

 

Office Tips and Urban Jams

Hey there Nibblers!  This week co-founder Jennifer Love interviews Jennifer Fugo of Gluten Free School on eating healthy while at work and Jenny S. gives us another awesome playlist.  Have a great week!  And if you haven't entered this months contest, do it!  We've received some great submission.  Enter today for your chance to win NibMor products and gear!  

Love Letter's For NibMor 

JLove’s Healthy Eating: Office Tip #1
  Do you want to pack a home-made meal for lunch but you just can’t seem to find enough time to do it every day? No worries! The key is in getting organized. I asked Jennifer Fugo, founder of the Gluten Free School, and a favorite gal-pal of mine to share 5 tips on “How to make it Easy to Pack Your Lunch on the Go”. Here are her suggestions…

As a person with food sensitivities, I always need to be prepared.  That's been my mantra for the last four years and I can tell you that when I get lazy and 'wing it', things never go well for me.  That's why an ounce of planning adds up to less stress, taking care of myself and having my day go smoothly.  Plus, I feel best when I have food with me that I prepared at home because I know FOR SURE that it's not contaminated with something I personally shouldn't be eating (like gluten, dairy and eggs).
To help you get in the habit, here are my tips to 'being prepared' to bring your lunch with you!

1) Cook in bulk.
I personally cook twice a week since I don't have time to cook for every meal, nor every day.  Therefore, the meals I cook are often picked for how well they'll last (3 to 4 days in the fridge is ideal).  Even though I'm cooking for two people, I cook extra so that I can make 3 lunches out of my meals as well as have some left over for dinners.  And if I'm lucky, I'll even have some to freeze for those moments when I'm in a pinch and just need to have something ready to eat.  Start using your oven and even a slow-cooker for even more help!

2) Before serving yourself, make your lunch!
I do not sit down to eat before setting out my lunch bowls and filling them with my meals which go into the fridge once they've cooled.  I've found that if I eat before taking this important step, I'm less likely to make my lunch bowls after I'm done.  So give yourself an extra 5 minutes and put yours together.

3) Add veggies.
Frozen vegetables are excellent to have on hand and can be added to something like pasta or chili if and when you need to expand a meal in a matter of seconds.  I keep my freezer stocked with my favorites and add them directly to the lunch bowls frozen.  The veggies will defrost and cook once you heat up your meal.

4) Grains can be a big help!
Whole grains like quinoa or brown rice are excellent options to 'add some nutritious bulk' to your meals.  A 1/2-cup serving of these grains adds lots of minerals and fiber.  Plus, you can easily cook them in a rice cooker and then keep them refrigerated for 4 days.  I even freeze extra brown rice in freezer bags for the 'in a pinch' moments.

5) Beans, beans...good for your heart...
And they're great for increasing bulk to a meal as well as fiber.  Keep cans of beans on hand, but make sure that they aren't loaded with lots of ingredients.  Beans, water, and sea salt are the best ingredients to look for.  Just make sure to rinse them well before adding them to your hot meal or salad.

If you follow my five tips, you'll never get stuck without a home-cooked meal for lunch!  And the best part is that those bulk meals I make end up going a long way because I can mix and match them up with the veggies, grains and beans.  I wish you happy and healthy eating!

You can join Jennifer for some great classes and info about living a gluten free life at http://www.glutenfreeschool.com.
  
Jenny's Jam List: Theme of the Week- URbaN-liCouS

When I was little, one of my dreams was to become a singer/ rapper. I thought I would be the next “Female version of Eminem”. I just love what these few artists on this playlist have done for Music. I find that I listen to this playlist when I am dragging and pooped out from what life has thrown at me. So Nibblers “Dust your shoulders off” and “Bust a move”!

Jam Playlist
1.       No Money, No Problems by The Notorious B.I.G.

2.       Gossip Folks by Missy Elliott

3.       Changes by 2Pac (Tupac)

4.       So Fresh, So Clean by Outkast

5.       Young Forever by Jay-Z

  http://www.NibMor.com

 

A few extras for your weekend.

A few things for your weekend.  Co-founder Heather K. Terry's super fast dessert and some more fun facts from Lauren.  Have a great weekend Nibblers!  And if you haven't submitted your 'Love Letter' for our contest, get to it!  

Love Letter's For NibMor Contest! 

 HKT's Simple Go- To Dessert: This is one of my favorite things to do, cause baking or blending can be such a hassle sometimes.  Take a half cup of greek yogurt(or a non-dairy yogurt option), top with1/4 cup of Purely Elizabeth's Original Granola and grate one piece of NibMor's Daily Dose of Dark.  Instant Bliss!


Reduce Stress with Lauren:   I think it’s safe to say a lot of people are feeling stressed whether it is in your personal life or work life.  SELF.com has some ways to help reduce the stress levels.  When you wake up in the morning stretch out your body. Something as simple as flexing and pointing your feet or stretching your hamstrings will help you go throughout your day less stressed.  When you feel stressed it can lead to feeling anxious so it is important to calm yourself as you wake up so you are prepared for the day ahead of you.  You can also do Yoga to help relieve stress.  I have heard from a lot of people that Yoga is a great way to calm your body and reduce stress & anxiety.
 
Aside from the de-stressing tools I listed above it is also importance to do something you enjoy every day that brings you happiness.  Go out for a walk, a run, or whatever you’d like!  Stay healthy and active and enjoy what you do. 
  

  http://www.NibMor.com

 

Healthy Travel Tips with Jared Koch of Clean Plates and another Rockin' Playlist

What's up Nibblers?  What a week!  It's like spring here on the east coast, we almost forgot Valentine's day is around the corner.  Valentine's Day!  Have you entered our contest yet?  Win cool NibMor products and gear by writing to us about your favorites.  For more deets, click the link below:

Love Letter's For NibMor

 

Today's blog is awesome (when isn't it?!).  Co-founder Jennifer Love interviews Jared Koch of Clean Plates.  Clean Plates is the Zagat Guide to healthy and tasty eating around your favorite cities.  Jenny S. has provided us with another stellar playlist.  Have a great week!

 

JLove’s Healthy Eating Travel Tip #2

Do you struggle in finding delicious and healthy restaurants while traveling? You are not alone.

To add to my ‘eating healthy while traveling’ woes….I’m mostly vegan. But, it’s not as hard as you might think. One way I combat the nutritious and delicious traveling paradox is using sites like www.CleanPlates.com <http://www.CleanPlates.com>  to quickly and easily locate vegetarian friendly restaurants. I went straight to the source to discuss this topic with my dear friend Jared Koch, founder of Clean Plates.

JLove: As an owner of Clean Plates, you are a person that travels a lot, especially with Clean Plates’ huge presence here in NY and the company’s expansion into LA and other cities. BUT, what do you personally do to find healthy and delicious food while on the go?

Jared: When I know that I will be traveling to another city, I will usually contact any friends that live in that city and ask them for recommendations, or I will do a quick search online to find restaurants that use sustainable, local and organic ingredients. The key is that I’m prepared before I travel.

JLove: That’s a great point Jared. Being organized and knowing in advance where to go certainly will keep you on track. Do you find that most cities have healthy restaurants?

Jared: Eating healthy is a growing trend and more and more restaurants are either solely focused on serving sustainable, local and/or organic foods or offering healthy options. I’ve never had an issue where I couldn’t find a restaurant in a city I’m traveling in that had at least some healthy options. I allow myself the 80-20 Rule. 80% of the time I make sure I’m eating healthy and 20% of the time I allow myself to indulge. BUT, I always order vegetables and I keep a stash of NibMor in my pocket too.

JLove: I like the sound of that! This is a really balanced approach. What are the two things you do to eat healthy while travelling?

Jared: I bring a meal or snacks, like nuts and dried fruits, with me. I also bring packets of oatmeal for my breakfasts, because breakfast is the hardest meal to get in/find healthy while travelling.

JLove: Excellent! I’m sure that a lot of people that struggle to find healthy and delicious food while travelling will find these tips helpful. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your personal tips. Keep up the amazing work you are doing over at Clean Plates.

You can download Clean Plates new free iPhone app at http://app.cleanplates.com/ which allows you to quickly and easily find healthy, sustainable and delicious restaurants by browsing a database of dining options for organic meats, vegan and vegetarian top picks, gluten-free options, and naturally sweetened desserts.      

 Jenny's Playlist: Electro-FUNK (theme of the Week)

This week I have been in somewhat of a Funk… In order for me to get out of that I have just recently joined a gym and started making healthier choices in not only food but men! I think the greatest tunes to listen to when you need a “Shock” back into your life is “Electro-Funk” jams. Funk it out Nibblers!

Jam List
1.       Cry for you by September

2.       Derezzed by Draft Punk

3.       Midnight City by M83

4.       Young Folks by Peter Bjorn and John

5.       Lights (Bassnectar Remix) by Ellie Goulding (My ultimate favorite song right now)
http://www.NibMor.com