Kefir. Don't stay away from this one because you don't know what it is. It's a lot like yogurt- it is a tangy cultured milk that is high in protein, calcium, vitamin D, as well as many other added benefits. Meaning it's actually good for you! This probiotic drink is a great substitute to your standard non-dairy milks or yogurt based ingredients. If you are vegan, Lifeway also has plant based probiotic drinks that are perfect dairy free options. My husband actually decided to try all of them and voted his favorite is the Plantiful Probiotic drink in the tropical fruit flavor. This one can be enjoyed on its own or added to any of your favorite smoothie recipes. Lifeway Kefir products available for purchase at Sprouts Farmers Market, Walmart Supercenter, and Safeway. RUN don't walk!

1. Preheat oven to 400
2. Take garlic head and peel off outer layer. Cut the top part in half. Coat garlic in olive oil and top with salt and pepper. Cover with aluminum and heat in the oven for 45 minutes. 
3. Take carrots and coat with oil and salt and pepper. Cook until desired softness. Usually about 30-45 minutes. 
4. Take garlic once its cooled off and push out garlic cloves. Mix and mash garlic to where it becomes a paste.
5. Mix Lifeway Organic Kefir, lime juice, shallots, seasoning, and garlic paste. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Once carrots are done, take the kefir mixture and pour on top of carrots. 
7. Top with pepitas and parsley.
8. Enjoy!

One thing I didn't realize during my first round of pregnancy and postpartum was just how much work it took to be successful in the infamous forth trimester. There are so many things that I had wished I had done differently and now this time around I am determined to set myself up for success for breastfeeding and the forth trimester. I think when I find an area that interests me I get sort of obsessed with knowing all I can about that particular subject. 

• Prepare freezer smoothies (or meals). It is essential to adequately feed yourself as you are the primary source for your baby. Prepping meals now will come in handy when all the family has left town and its just you and baby. I made smoothies that just need Majka's Lacatation Booster and a non-dairy milk and bam! it's done. 

• Make or buy lactation snacks (or cookies). As a new mom, I never realized how hard breastfeeding was going to be. I now know that having snacks on hand is extremely useful to help keep me from getting too hungry and keep my milk supply up. A few days ago I made energy oat bites that I have previously blogged about HERE and added Majka's Lactation Booster and chocolate chips (because yum) to the recipe. 

• Take supplements to help with supply. This stepped could be skipped especially if you are an over-producer, but for those mamas who need an extra little help with their milk supply, supplements like this can help boost for your brand new babe! 

• Drink lots of water. Most hospitals give you a enormous cup with a straw so you can stay hydrated while you stay at the hospital. Keep it! It is so useful and if its always by your bed its a great reminder to drink up, mama!

• Create nursing/pumping station. This time around, I prepped an area that has everything I'll need on hand while I breastfeed. It contains items like nipple cream, lotion, leaking pads, pump, and tissues. 

1. Sauté onions, ginger, garlic with tbs coconut oil or vegetable oil on a medium heat.
2. Start rice instructions. I use a rice cooker and it's so easy! I recommend a smaller rice cooker because there is really no need to have that much rice. A little goes a long way!
3. Meanwhile, cut broccoli florets, drizzle with vegetable oil, and top with salt and pepper. Bake at 375 for the remainder of the time (about 15 min).
4. Add chopped red bell pepper, chicken, curry powder. Cook chicken through.
5. Add Thai curry paste and mix ingredients. Add more if desired.  
6. Combine can of coconut milk and let boil for a few min before bringing down to a simmer. Add salt if needed.
7. While the food is simmering, start cutting garnishes: cilantro, green onion, limes, red cabbage
8. Finally, check on your broccoli to make sure it is cooked. Then add salt and pepper to curry mixture. 
9. Assemble your dish how you like it and enjoy! Personally, I like plenty of lime. 

In the past people have used coconut oil for this, but coconut oil is actually comedogenic. This just means that it clogs your pores and causes more breakouts. Hemp oil is non-comedogenic, it rates a zero out of 5 on the scale. In fact, it helps skin by unclogging pores and prevents break outs by balancing sebum production, which is commonly found in hormonal acne.

Tahini Dressing:

• 1/4 cup of Tahini
• 1/4 cup water
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Soy sauce, as desired
• Siracha, as desired
• 1 tsp ginger

Turmeric

I have been adding tuner to my daily vitamin routine. Turmeric is a natural decongestant, anti-inflammatory, and is great to help treat clear skin. The reason that I started adding it to my routine, was because I wanted to detox my liver and try to reduce bloat. So far, I am happy with the results.

How to use it? Use it in an exfoliator, food, or simply take turmeric capsules.

Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV is one of those multi-use items. I could try to list them all, but I think we would be here for a long time. I'm currently taking ACV shots with lemon each morning to get my metabolism going and detox the body. It also helps against candida- those little bumps that appear on your skin caused by over production of yeast. There are skin benefits, digestion, weight loss, and much more! Just look it up!

How to use it? As a facial toner, to clean your produce, for stubborn smells, for your hair, or even sunburns. 

Maca
Maca is a great antioxidant superfood that helps increase energy. I put a little in my coffee each morning and I immediately noticed a difference when I started adding it to my routine.  It has a nutty taste and can be added to different food recipes. Maca improves your immune system, helps build muscle strength, and supports healthy hormone production as well as a variety of other benefits. 

How to use it? Add to smoothies, coffee, dietary supplements or food recipes.

Coconut Oil
As well as added Maca to my coffee, I also add coconut oil. Coconut oil is one of those good fats that is extremely beneficial for you. It burns quickly in the body and provides energy and boots metabolism. Coconut oil also boots the absorption of other nutrients, so try it with smoothies!But a little goes a long way, so don't go crazy with this one. 

How to use it? To cook with, coffee,  or smoothies. 

Cacao powder
Not to be confused wit Cocoa powder. Very different. Cacao powder is a superfood and I am down for any super food that helps with beauty. This superfood has a high concentration of antioxidants that help prevent aging by blocking the formation of wrinkles and also protects against UV damage. When you eat cacao, your brain releases serotonin and endorphins which are the  the "feel-good" chemicals that help elevate stress or anxiety. These are the same chemicals that are released when you work out

How to use it? Make smoothies, energy snacks, or add it in your oatmeal.

xx

Luna