Author Archives: diamondsonyourinside

Bring The GEM Goodness Home – Part Four: Spirulina

Posted on June 27, 2017 by diamondsonyourinside and currently has 1 Comment on Bring The GEM Goodness Home – Part Four: Spirulina

Spirulina — the health benefits of spirulina are undeniable. Spirulina is hailed as a superfood that promotes body and brain health.

We continue our blog series with the goal of sharing the many benefits and virtues of superfoods. The GEM at HOME collection of superfood supplements makes it easy to incorporate nature’s most nutrient dense foods into your daily routine.

Now, more about spirulina … One of the oldest life forms on Earth, this blue-green algae has reached powerhouse status. This nutrient-rich substance boasts its fair share of health promoting properties. It is rich in chlorophyll, and powered by the sun.

Consumers of spirulina notice an increase in energy and overall health. It balances pH to reduce inflammation, the root cause of illness and disease. It may be one of the best sources of protein and you aren’t eating it.

More about this beauty:

CLEAN & HEALTHY: removes toxins from the blood, curbs effects from radiation, and boosts the immune system
YOUNG: fights the aging process, high antioxidant properties
SMART: protects the brain and detoxifies the liver and kidneys
SKINNY: curbs appetite and promotes weight loss

At HOME Application: Add it to your regimen slowly or you may experience detoxing ill effects. Add a ½ teaspoon to a smoothie or even your juice.

GEM Life App: Daily Bright Like a Diamond Shots pack a seriously energizing punch.

Inside The GEM at Forest or on Luther, we would LOVE to wax lyrical some more with you about this superfood. Bring some home today!

BTW, There will be no blog next week due to the holiday week.

But fear not, our blog series will continue the week of July 10th.

Until then, Peace. Happy. Freedom. GEMs!

Bring The GEM Goodness Home This Summer – Part 3: Hemp

Posted on June 20, 2017 by diamondsonyourinside and currently has 1 Comment on Bring The GEM Goodness Home This Summer – Part 3: Hemp

We launched the current blog series with the goal of extolling the virtues and benefits of superfoods, like hemp, and how you can easily incorporate them into your daily routine whether you are picking something up at The GEM or cooking something up at home.

Our GEM at HOME collection of superfood supplements is a great way to reap the benefits of nature’s most nutrient dense foods in your own home.

Last week, we enlightened you on the benefits of Chia.

THIS WEEK, WE ARE GOING TO TALK ABOUT HEMP. WE HEART IT!

Not to be confused with the stuff Cheech and Chong made so famous, this miracle seed is actually a distant cousin. So, get those thoughts out of your head. For better or worse, the “high” you can get with hemp is only from your body singing from all the goodness.

Why is it so good? It’s packed with protein for one thing. It has more protein than meat, fish or tofu. Say wha?? Forks over Knives, for sure!

Hemp makes you …

THIN AND FULL: This superfood keeps your weight in check because its protein and fiber aid in satiety, and keeps you from the munchies. HA! A diet rich in hemp also promotes digestive regularity. Giddy up cowboy!

SMARTER and LIVE LONGER: It’s one of the few Omega-3 sources found in plants. The Omega-3 fatty acids enhance brain function, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, lower blood pressure, and may even ward off Alzheimer’s disease.

EVEN KEEL: It regulates hormone fluctuations and promotes alleviation of menstrual cramps and menopause symptoms. That sounds like happiness in a bag to me!

PRETTIER!: It stimulates skin and hair growth, maintains bone health, regulates metabolism and helps with brain function. Hemp also helps keep your blood sugar level, which is an important way to defy age and prevent disease.

AT HOME Application: Use hemp milk in your smoothies as a dairy substitute. Just 3 tablespoons give you a whopping 15 grams of protein. Sprinkle the seeds on your oatmeal or add them to your salads.

GEM Life Application: We make our hemp milk from scratch every day and use it as a dairy alternative in our Super Sapphire, Sparkle Berry and PCD smoothies. Add hemp seeds as a protein, fiber and healthy fat boost in our STEEL CUT OATMEAL, FOYO PARFAIT or any smoothie! DELISH.

Bring home some hemp today! Next week, we sing the praises of Spirulina!

Bring The GEM Goodness Home This Summer – Part Two: Chia

Posted on June 12, 2017 by diamondsonyourinside and currently has 1 Comment on Bring The GEM Goodness Home This Summer – Part Two: Chia

Superfoods, like chia, help us in so many ways – increased energy levels, protection against disease, slow the aging process – and finding a way to incorporate them into your daily routine is easier than you think.

As we discussed in last week’s post, superfood supplements are a great way to add a healthy punch to your diet. Whether you are adding them to something you are cooking up at home with our GEM at HOME collection or picking something up at The GEM, the benefits of these mighty GEMS will put a little zip in your step and do your body some good.

Last week’s post covered all things good about Maca.

This week, we are going to talk about chia, as in Ch-ch-ch-chia!

It is that same little seed as those weird little ceramic animal planters on the infomercials! Chia seeds are loaded with the most essential fatty acids of any known plant.

STRONG: Chia means “strength” in the Mayan culture, creating sustainable energy for those who consume it.
SATISFIED and REGULAR: super rich in colon cleansing, tummy-filling fiber

One ounce of these miracle seeds contain:

Fiber: 11 grams
Protein: 4 grams
Fat: 9 grams (5 of which are Omega-3s)
Calcium: 18% of the RDA
Manganese: 30% of the RDA
Magnesium: 30% of the RDA
Phosphorus: 27% of the RDA

AT HOME Application: Chia seeds are tasteless. Blend them into smoothies without anyone even noticing! Add the seeds to oatmeal, smoothies or make chia pudding if you are so inclined!

GEM Life Application: Super Sapphire Smoothie already contains it. Or add into any smoothie for a creamier drink or into your juice for a little extra panache.

Next week, we wax poetic on the virtues of Hemp. But until then, remember to bring The GEM goodness home!

Bring The GEM Goodness Home This Summer!

Posted on June 5, 2017 by diamondsonyourinside and currently has 5 Comments on Bring The GEM Goodness Home This Summer!

Inside The GEM, we constantly talk about specific nutrient dense foods classified as SUPERFOODS which is inspiration behind GEM at Home.

Superfoods may exist as actual foods such as dandelion, quinoa or kale, or in more of a supplemental form like hemp seed, maca or matcha. This group supplements pack an exceptionally healthy and healing punch to your nutrition.

Our GEM at HOME collection offers you a way to bring The GEM Goodness into your own kitchen. Maybe you aren’t sure why you need these amazing additions to your daily routine. Have no fear, dear GEMs! The next few posts promise to enlighten and encourage: letting you know what these things are, how to use them at home OR inside The GEM, and why you will look and feel better using them.

Superfoods help us feel more energetic, provide protection against disease such as cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease, and promote a longer, happier and healthier life and slow the ageing process.

We’ve narrowed seemingly hundreds of superfood supplements down to just a few so you can think straight about it! We use them inside The GEM everyday. YOU CAN TOO! The series will include benefits along with a daily application you can do at home or just swing by and let us do it for you! Dive in to health. You’re worth it!

Let’s get started with Maca.

This superfood made from a South American root, dates back at least 3,000 years ago. Maca nourishes and enhances the endocrine system, which controls functions that are:

SEXY: fertility and sexual function, libido
COOL: balances hormones, improves PMS and menopause symptoms
HAPPY: brain and nervous system including mood moderation
SHINY & CHILL: helps increase energy, stamina AND calms the stress response (supports the adrenal glands)

Maca is considered to be adaptogenic, meaning works in the body according to the needs of the person taking it – allowing folks of all ages to benefit from taking it regularly. Magic Maca is more like it!

AT HOME Application: Add this nutty, caramel-ish powdered gem to your daily smoothies, lattes or sprinkle it on your oatmeal!

GEM Life Application: Crown Jewel, Tahitian Pearl smoothies. It is amazing added into our French Pressed coffee with frothed cashew milk.

Simple, GEMMY Ways to Practice Earth Day, Every Day

Posted on April 19, 2017 by diamondsonyourinside and currently has 1 Comment on Simple, GEMMY Ways to Practice Earth Day, Every Day

Earth Day is a worldwide event celebrated every April 22nd. Its sole purpose is to demonstrate support for the protection of our magnificent, incredibly complex planet. For almost 40 years, Earth Day continues to raise the awareness and consciousness of every individual, household, business and organization about our vibrant planet.

Inside The GEM, our commitment to our environment has been a part of our creed. Since. Day. One.

In fact, after five years of serving up a plethora of organic juice, smoothies and green bites, we have composted more than 81 TONS of organic matter—diverting it out of the landfills and back into enriching our Earth. We donate this organic treasure to the Texas Worm Ranch in Garland, Texas, whose worms build healthier soil, which in turn is a vital resource for growing all of the organic veggies that our customers rely on at The GEM.

Just like we’ve watched our customers fall in love with Superfoods and healthy food, we’ve seen them adopt a newfound love of healthy habits such as reusing and recycling.

This same kind of energy can happen at your home or business as well.

Mission critical is that everyone knows the 3 R’s: REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE! Every act implementing the 3 R’s for our mother earth is worthy.

GEMMY things our customers are doing this Earth Day and every day:

REUSE paper products such as brown paper bags, six pack containers and drink holders. It’s infectious: when other customers see someone bring in a stack of bags or containers, they are quick to get on that reuse and reduce soul train!! Also, shots are a great way to get a quick dose of those much loved Superfoods, and they are super popular at The GEM. Most of our customers hand back our those glass shot bottles with pride because they know they are making a positive impact on their environment by reusing.
REDUCE the need to accept a brown bag for GEM goodies. Hand carry, bring your own bag, drop it in your purse. Now that is GEMMY!!
RECYCLE glass, plastic and paper. At the front door of The GEM, there are recycling receptacles. We see many GEMs using it daily for recycling on the go!

We wish you continued vitality and healthy habits this Earth Day, Earth Week, Earth Month and every day. Keep up the good work Earth warriors!

Spring Cleaning: Six Things for a Cleaner, Healthier You!

Posted on March 31, 2017 by diamondsonyourinside and currently has 1 Comment on Spring Cleaning: Six Things for a Cleaner, Healthier You!

Are you ready to drop the winter coat (literally and figuratively) and feel lighter and free? Time to spring clean it up, people! And really, spring cleaning is a detox in disguise.

A detox is simply making lifestyle changes that clear the body and mind of toxins, by eliminating certain harmful things and optimizing the power of more positive additions. Our mission inside The GEM is to guide you into a healthier and cleaner future.

Getting there doesn’t have to incorporate radical, sweeping changes all at once.

Toxins are definitely a buzzword these days, so what is considered a toxin? Toxins are anything that can be poisonous or cause negative health effects. Heavy metals, chemicals, pollutants, artificial food ingredients, pesticides all cause the body harm. And don’t think it is just limited to the tangible. Toxic thoughts and people TREMENDOUSLY contribute to your health and wellness.

Let’s cut to the chase. Time for spring cleaning.

If you mindfully incorporate these simple things, you start the process of detoxification. Get on it. Get your brain and your body humming!

Add detoxifying foods DAILY. Think spring greens, like the Dandelion and Kale salad—super supportive of your liver—the major organ responsible for filtering toxins from your body. The MVP soup is something you should drink everyday. Seriously. It adds five servings of sparkle inducing veggies into your day. And, do not underestimate the power of Daily Green Juice. On an empty stomach, it is a straight shot of goodness into your bloodstream. Come to The GEM. We can help with your green dilemma! We put GREEN in the spotlight
Daily breath. Breathing is the strongest detoxifier we have. Use it to your advantage. Take Five Breathing exercise each morning and anytime you need to calm, focus or energize yourself. Breath in for 5 secs, hold it for 5 secs, exhale for 5 secs. Repeat AT LEAST five times. Great for de-stress, energy, composure.
Exfoliate your skin, and sweat it out. Try a Sauna, or Hot Yoga, to sweat. Incorporate Dry Brushing. Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and dry brushing boosts circulation, gets rid of dead skin cells, stimulates the lymph nodes, actually improves the appearance of cellulite, and helps the body remove waste. This is a very potent detoxifier.
Eat organic. It is SO important. Our food supply is riddled with pesticides that are not only ON our food, but actually scientifically engineered inside the DNA. Not willing to go all in? Familiarize yourself with the “Dirty Dozen”. And always buy organic meats and pastured eggs!! Life inside The GEM is HONESTLY ORGANIC, so feel secure about your choices here.
NO CREEPY ARTIFICIAL FOODS. That means NO sweeteners, colors, preservatives. They contain dangerous chemicals that remain in your liver and fat cells—and obstructs the natural cleansing processes within your body. If you can’t pronounce it, don’t eat it either.
Last, but not least, and this can be a difficult, yet critical one:
Stop the negative talk and the behavior that follows. Do not put energy into negative chatter. Have you seen our GEM Journal?? It helps you set your intention for your day, and reminds of habits that will help change your direction. You attract what you put out into the Universe. Remind yourself daily: You are love. You are light.

For spring cleaning, you can always dig deeper, choosing temporary changes that can really kick start the process. Start a three day juice cleanse. Follow our “DAY IN THE LIFE OF A GEM” regimen.

Strive for more permanent changes. Remove toxic thoughts. Eliminate artificial sweeteners. I mean it. It can really change the way you feel, look and live!

Living a vibrant life takes commitment, time, focus. Start the journey with these 6 things to exorcise the demons of a toxic world. Walk into the bright light of health. See you inside The GEM soon!

Celebrating a GEM Milestone: Five Year Anniversary

Posted on February 3, 2017 by diamondsonyourinside and currently has 4 Comments on Celebrating a GEM Milestone: Five Year Anniversary

Hi GEMs, it’s Leslie here, excited to celebrate another GEM milestone: It’s our five year anniversary!

What started as a small passion and love for a healthy lifestyle, evolved into beautiful community and an incredible friendship between two soul sisters. Five years ago today, The GEM made its debut. With a menu of just a few items (all of which are still going strong), we introduced the concept and power of organic juice to Dallas. Little did Mary Kathryn and I know our new-found passion would ignite a community of GEM lovers to not only embrace us, but whole-heartedly dive into GEM-inspired, disco filled healthy habits.

We are different, and we work hard to be that way. We are authentic—this is how we live. Our commitment is to the finest organic ingredients—nothing is ever short changed.

If we won’t eat it, we won’t sell it, true on day one and still true on our five year anniversary.

AND, we want to share our knowledge with anyone who wants it—through classes, blogs, counseling, or just by sitting at the bar and listening. So while we have evolved into something bigger, we’ve never changed our mission: to share ways to incorporate healthy foods and habits into daily life. We FIRMLY believe in the power of a whole food, plant-based diet, but also that health also comes from positive thoughts laced with a little disco sparkle.

We’ve loved every minute of it, meeting so many incredible people who have transformed their health and their lives in so many ways. Moms have changed how they feed their children. Our GEM Guys come in every day for their Green Glow. Toxic love affairs with diet sodas have turned into an obsession with Forever Young Green Iced Tea. The Crown Jewel is the new addiction of choice around these parts. Our Lentil Soup has become a crowd favorite. And we’ve had the honor to guide many through health challenges that ended with a healthier, happier way of living.

We can’t think of a better way to be and we wanted to let you know it on our five year anniversary.

There is so much yet to come. We have so much more we want to share with you … new recipes, new happiness, new ways to bring vibrant health into your day. So, thank you for welcoming us each day with open arms and open minds. WE LOVE YOU, GEMS!

We are offering free Forever Young Iced Tea or Immunity Shot this week. Come get you some.

And we all shine on …

New Year’s Resolutions Abridged Version: Choose Health

Posted on December 22, 2016 by diamondsonyourinside and currently has 1 Comment on New Year’s Resolutions Abridged Version: Choose Health

New Year’s Resolutions (sometimes) suck. I don’t know about you, but each year I spend valuable time carefully considering lots of lofty goals and aspirations for the promise of a shiny New Year.

I vow to be healthier, lose some weight around my middle, quit the sugar, be kinder in this world, save money, read a book a month, the list goes on. By February, I am back to eating marshmallows before bed instead of reading that second book, and by March, I don’t even remember where I left the resolutions list!

Here’s the problem. There were too many things to get done and no realistic plan to get there.

So this year, I propose something a little different. To be clear: reflecting on your life and setting goals of self-improvement is critical to an evolved and enriched life. For SURE!

BUT, those things should be ongoing, added in at any time. Let’s have an abridged version of New Year’s Resolutions … because resolutions don’t all have to be implemented at once at the start of a new year. SO MUCH PRESSURE!

Let’s be grateful first. Always be grateful. Grateful for the abundance in your life. Grateful that you do have your health (it can always be better). Then get started on making it better. Focus on one thing, not several New Year’s resolutions.

For this post, I choose health. What if you just picked one thing to add that could actually make that beautiful body of yours healthier and stronger? Should you go to the gym everyday? Eat more veggies? Go on a diet? (NO) Start your day with a healthy option? I’ve got it …

DRINK ORGANIC GREEN JUICE DAILY. Sounds simple, maybe even overreaching in terms of results. BUT, don’t discount this one addition. Daily juicing provides your body with a high dose of naturally-derived nutrients that boosts your health, promotes immunity and keeps you well-protected against toxins and disease. You will automatically experience more energy, less sugar cravings and see digestion improvements. The added bonus? Bright shiny eyes and clearer, more vibrant skin. Here at The GEM, we call that GLOW. It is powerful stuff!

WHY JUICE?

Best way to get daily recommended fruits & vegetables up to 4 per juice!
Aids in the removal of toxins stored in your fat cells, liver and kidneys. See ya toxic weight!
WEIGHT LOSS, with reduced cravings
Promotes an alkaline system (diseases thrive in an acidic system)
Clears the mind and balances mood  (read: makes you happy!)
Promotes immunity
Improves complexion and makes your eyes bright (GIVES YOU THAT GLOW)
Increased ENERGY! It’s the real energy drink!

Starting your day with a healthy juice will hydrate you, get you in a better frame of mind to make better choices throughout your day AND you won’t let yourself down with a tattered list of resolutions you never got around to by March!

By adding this one small thing into your daily routine, you can better your health and hopefully start a “change reaction.” More good brings more good!!

You can’t change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction. So JUST DO IT. Your first daily juice of the New Year awaits inside The GEM! And if you are really feeling ambitious about the jump into the New Year, reserve a 3 Day Juice Then Dinner Cleanse to help kick start a healthier 2017.

This Fall Food will Give Your Insides a Warm, GEM~my Hug

Posted on November 7, 2016 by diamondsonyourinside and currently has 1 Comment on This Fall Food will Give Your Insides a Warm, GEM~my Hug

Our desire for warmer, more grounding, fall food starts to increase now that cooler weather is upon us. Your body craves the comfort of roasted veggies, rich stews and robust soups.

Inside The GEM, folks start to line up for our famous Lentil Soup, Sauteed Arugula and Mushroom Salad and Turmeric Lattes. SHAZAM! Those things are good and they give your insides a warm hug.

While you are ALWAYS welcome at our door for your daily dose of fall food goodness, we think you should branch out and try some new things at home. This Black Bean Chili was inspired by Pamela Salzman’s Turkey Chili recipe (also amazing). Look for her new cookbook coming next year!

In the meantime, try this on a lazy Sunday afternoon or at your next tailgate party. You won’t even miss the meat!

BLACK BEAN CHILI – A Fall Food Fav

INGREDIENTS

4 tablespoons olive oil

2 cups chopped red onion

2 cups chopped celery

2 cups chopped carrots

1 poblano pepper chopped

1 jalapeno, seeded and finely diced (optional)

2 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup organic masa harina

2 tablespoon ground cumin

2 tablespoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon dried oregano

¼ teaspoon cayenne (optional)

2 teaspoons sea salt (or more to taste)

freshly ground black pepper to taste

6 cups veggie stock, divided — OR WATER, just adjust salt content!!

3 cups frozen organic sweet corn

3 15-ounce ounce cans cooked black beans (drained and rinsed)

DIRECTIONS

Heat oil to a large pot. Add the onion, pepper, celery, carrots, peppers and garlic to the pot and sauté until tender, about 10 minutes.
Add the masa harina, spices, salt and pepper to the pot and cook, stirring frequently for 5 minutes.
Add 5 cups stock, 1 1/2 cup corn and the beans to the pot. Take the remaining 1½ cups of corn and puree with the remaining ½ cup stock/water in a Vitamix.
Add the pureed corn to the pot. Mix well and bring to boil over medium-high heat. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook, partially covered for 30 minutes.
Top with condiments like chopped onion, cilantro, avocado and Bearitos corn chips.

Enjoy! And, remember, you are welcome at our door for your daily dose of happy and healthy.

GEM Gratitude. Want to Make a Difference? Join us November 19th

Posted on November 7, 2016 by diamondsonyourinside and currently has Comments Off on GEM Gratitude. Want to Make a Difference? Join us November 19th

We are driven to make a healthy difference at The GEM. One of our missions is to provide clean and healthy nourishment in a happy environment. We are driven to make people happier and healthier by offering healthy options AND hopefully enlightening you along the way to understand what and how healthy food makes a difference to your physical and mental well-being. We are GRATEFUL that we get to experience this every day!!

That is why we love Feeding Children Everywhere. These folks, who just came to Dallas this year, empower and mobilize people to assemble healthy meals for hungry children and families all around the world. We LOVE that! And, we also LOVE that they are committed to provide the healthiest meal possible, made with real, nutritious and sustainable ingredients. That is an awesome commitment!

Their lentil casserole (yes! Lentils!) is easy to make and can serve as a full meal or as an addition to other foods. It is all-natural with no artificial flavorings and no creepy synthetic or GMO ingredients. And you know how important that is–and lentils for that matter!

They believe one person can make a difference but only with action—action that brings people together. SO, we invite YOU to come with us to help make a difference and assemble these food kits for distribution all over the world.

On Saturday, November 19th, Feeding Children Everywhere hosts the local, DFW Community Hunger Project. Held at St. Philips School, the organization plans to mobilize more than 350 volunteers to assemble thousands of kits in just one day.

These will be distributed right here in the Dallas area, making a difference to families that need nutritious food made with love.

Our GEM team will be there from 9 – 10 a.m. and would LOVE for you to show your GRATITUDE for your own abundance by bringing your smiling self, your friends or your family. For just a short one hour contribution of your time, you can make a healthy difference in the lives of others.

Sign now up by clicking HERE!

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