Our biggest takeaway from 2018 was a deeper understanding of the quote "change isn’t linear", and ALL food is medicine when it is made with intention and attention to healing. We firmly believe in the power of plant medicine to provide healing and transformational benefits. However, personal experiences have led us to reap benefits from non-plant-based forms of medicine, specifically the vitality elixir, bone broth. In this new year, we want to empower you to eat and drink in a way that makes you feel GOOD, sustained and nourished. We want to help you find ways to add value to your plate .. maybe by consuming more fiber rich vegetables to promote healthy digestion or adding a mid-morning cold-pressed juice to give you a healthy dose of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The focus is on enriching your diet, not taking away.
With the understanding that all food is medicine, we find the term “opportunivore” to accurately describe our perspective on the relationship between food and health. It’s a lifestyle that requires continuous self-evaluation. How am I feeling throughout the day? Am I fully present during my meals? Am I properly nourishing my body to sustain a busy day? Am I making decisions to promote better health outcomes for myself? Opportunivores are conscious consumers using these self-reflective questions to guide food choices. Better health outcomes come from diets rich in whole, unprocessed plant-based foods. That’s not an opinion, it’s evidence-based information. While researchers emphasize plant-based foods, there’s something to be said about nourishing the soul. Even the research shows that just because a food contains nutrient density and promotes better health outcomes, it doesn’t equate to ultimate health. We now know 90% of our serotonin is produced in the gut. If we are constantly worrying about our food choices or not eating something out of fear for how it will make us feel, we are not only damaging our digestive health but compromising our mental health. Stress is a systemic response, raising cortisol which engages a response from our adrenals, kidneys, brain, you name it. Within our complex, resilient, amazing bodies, every system is connected and thus impacted by what we eat, say, do and think.
An opportunivore views each meal as an opportunity, making their decisions with the best information and intention they have at that time. The decision could be choosing to eat a lunch full of protein, healthy fats & fiber to be mentally sharp for an afternoon of meetings and business presentations. It could also be the decision to enjoy a night out with friends, eat that slice of birthday cake, imbibe on a few cocktails or whatever floats your boat because remember, we are all different. It’s about balance, moderation and intention. Not just going through the motions. The work lies in listening to what your own body needs ... that’s the hard part and if you remember Gia’s vulnerable post, you can see how sometimes we need to reevaluate and even change our beliefs in order to find some healing grace.
Beauty food is about enjoying food that makes you feel good from the inside out and encourages a healthy response in your mind, body and spirit. It is so important to us to provide deeply nourishing and revitalizing foods and beverages that are true to their source, minimally processed and flavorful in every bite or sip. Our recipes are formulated to provide therapeutic benefits ranging from anti-inflammatory effects to digestive aid to mood enhancement and increased metabolic health. Turns out these benefits are abundantly found in plant-based foods. They can also be found in quality animal-based products, like bone broth.
At the Nectary, it is our mission to make nutritious foods accessible to more people and help them realize the possibility of food to become healers in our lives. This year, we want to help you build your medicine cabinet, full of nourishing foods and drinks that allow you to THRIVE. Beyond food, human connection and self care are essential components of that medicine cabinet. Through our store locations, social media, classes, and special events, we hope to inspire, empower and enlighten you as you discover your best self. Your medicine cabinet is individualized, and it will change over time.
After the holidays, many of us are working to get back into balance, reset our norm and rejuvenate our health. We have some amazing tools to help you do that ..
Nourishing Juice & Whole Food Cleanses– Our cleanses are divided into three customizable packages, ranging from all plant-based meals to juice cleanses and an option that meets you in the middle.
Grab & Go Cooler– Stocked daily with housemade kale salad, hummus, cashew cheeze, plant-based protein bars and your sweet tooth satisfier. This is fast food.
Cold-pressed Juices– Made fresh daily brimming with nutrients necessary for your body to function!
Superfood Smoothies– healthy fats, fiber, plant-based protein & superfoods that are perfect post-workout, for breakfast or bridging the gap between lunch and dinner.
Probiotic Rich Drinks– Happy belly, happy mind! We’ve got one of the largest selections of housemade probiotics, from jun to kefir and kombucha.
Wellness Shots – Whether it’s energy, anti-inflammation or immune support, you’ll be sure to find a daily dose in our wellness shots.
Let’s take on 2019 by tuning in .. mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
In Good Health,
The Nectary
Disclaimer: The information presented in this blog is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The Nectary does not provide medical advice or treatment nor it is a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before consuming anything mentioned within these posts.