The Official Blog of The GEM.

SHINE BRIGHTER. Our goal is to live better and be better.

Category Archives: Food Secrets


5 Ways to Stay Shiny This Flu Season

Posted on January 16, 2019 by The GEM and currently has 5 Comments on 5 Ways to Stay Shiny This Flu Season

Happy cold and flu season! It’s that time of year during which we’re surrounded by a turbulent sea of germ-y sickness, just waiting to swallow you up.

START YOUR COLD-PREVENTION REGIME! ORDER DELIVERY OR PICK UP ON OUR APP! 

Want to stay above the virus-infested waters? Get your life raft in order. That means boosting your immune system and flooding your body with health and wellness. Then, you’ll be better equipped to combat illnesses and quickly dispense with any bug that you do catch. And we’ve got some super powered tips to get you there.

5 Ways To Stay Strong, Shiny, Bright and Well

Cold and flu season tips at the GEM Juice Bar Dallas

1. EAT GOOD STUFF. But don’t just focus on one nutrient. Sure, vitamin C helps keep your immune system strong, so include foods like orange, blueberries, peppers, and broccoli. But those should be just one part of a whole-food, plant-based diet featuring lots of in-season vegetables. Our made-from-scratch MVP Soup, with four to five servings of 13 different veggies, packs rich nutrients into a warm cup of ridiculous yumminess. Keep extra servings on hand for on-the-go nourishment.

2. DRINK YOUR JUICE. If you struggle to get the recommended eight servings of veggies each day, try juicing! Consume juices that consist of three parts vegetables to one part fruit. Our Ruby Slipper, a blend of carrot, beet, lemon, ginger, and cucumber packs a stress-busting combination that fortifies your immune system. A Green Glow has been known to cure all that ails you! Add turmeric and E3 boosts for a little immune-supporting punch.

3. FEED YOUR GUT. Good bacteria — key to healthy gut flora — diminish inflammation, supporting our immune system and preventing illness. Antibiotics, stress, and poor diet compromise this balance. So, during this season, make sure you’re consuming probiotic-packed foods, like sauerkraut or organic miso. Daily shots of raw ACV also help. But it’s imperative to add a probiotic supplement like Bio Kult — a great one that doesn’t require refrigeration.

4. DO SOME SHOTS. That includes Fresh Turmeric and Ginger. Make sure you get your dose of these two —the most anti-inflammatory, immunity boosting spices you can consume. Try daily Immunity Shots at The GEM. Or you can buy the Immunity Mix (turmeric, ginger, lemon) in 8-ounce bottles and make your own super-powered ImmuniTEA with raw honey at home. It’s SO good, too. And don’t forget Elderberry Syrup. This is an age-old remedy that not only works to keep you healthy, but it also tastes good! Buy it by the bottle, or in our Allergy Mix, which includes tart cherry and Bragg’s ACV to quell inflammation.

5. TAKE YOUR SUPPLEMENTS. While we do believe your diet must be clean and pristine to stay strong, immune boosting supplements and tinctures can provide the final gloss on ensuring your health for the season. If you do find yourself feeling a little under the weather, immediately down our Cold’s Cocktail, a tonic that helps push that cold on through. Our latest miracle, Counter Attack clears congested sinuses and pushes your cold on through with a badass blend of Vitamin C, Zinc, elderberry, probiotics, echinacea, amino acids. You gotta get some of this stuff!

To Recap: Your Cold and Flu Season Arsenal

Cold and flu season prevention The GEM Juice Bar Dallas

1. Good, clean food. MVP Soup and Bone Broth

2. Juice. Green Juice. Any of it

3. Probiotics

4. Shots like our Immunity and Allergy (Turmeric, Elderberry in bulk)

5. Supplements like Cold’s Cocktail and Counter Attack boosters

Stay healthy, my friends! And see you inside The GEM.


Get Lit. Let’s Do Shots!

Posted on November 19, 2018 by The GEM and currently has Comments Off on Get Lit. Let’s Do Shots!

Back in the day, if you wanted a partner to do bar shots with, I was your girl! I’m older now, more responsible, and (slightly) smarter. But who doesn’t like a good shot  — especially one that gets you going — and keeps you going? Superfood healthy shots have become the new party trick.

CHEERS TO YOUR HEALTH! ORDER JUICE SHOTS FOR DELIVERY OR PICK UP, ON OUR APP! 

All of the fun; none of the hangover. Belly up to the bar and serve yourself some seriously potent GEM shots of immune boosting, energy inducing, detox supporting ingredients from nature’s saloon. Turmeric, ginger, elderberry, E3 live are just a few concoctions to help you get lit with health.

Organic Juice Shots

Below is a bartender’s guide to all that’s shot worthy inside the GEM. Standard pours include:

GINGER

For healthy digestion and immunity. This nutritional gem warms the body and boasts antinausea, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant compounds. Ginger helps support healthy metabolism and digestion. You can even add a shot to your tea!

TURMERIC

For Inflammation. Nature’s Advil. This orange root is a powerhouse of protection—even against heart disease. It is the “ANTI” food: Anti-cancer, anti-inflammation, anti-Alzheimer’s, anti-aging. Add turmeric to everything!

IMMUNITY SHOT: Ginger + Lemon + Turmeric + Adaptogenic Mushrooms

To cleanse, detoxify, and lessen inflammation. Feeling icky? This is our best-selling shot thought to lessen the symptoms of a cold. In addition to turmeric and ginger, Lemon is alkalizing and has a kick of vitamin C. The boost of mushroom tincture adds cancer-fighting compounds that can help reduce inflammation, pain and support metabolism.   

BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND/ E3 / Blue Magic

For detox, brain health, metabolism, energy. Bright Like a Diamond shot contains spirulina, ginger, cayenne. Blue-green algae (sold as E3 Live or Spirulina) boasts vitamins A, C, E, B12, and B6, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Some of this goodness comes from cyacyanobacteria — and that blue color signifies loads of antioxidants.

ALLERGY SHOT: Elderberry + Tart Cherry + Ginger + ACV

For allergy relief, joint pain. This combo works! It’s loaded with potent anti-inflammatory compounds. Elderberry has been used for centuries to quell allergies and fight off colds and flu. You can take Elderberry straight — it tastes amazing, and your kids will love it. ACV promotes healthy gut bacteria, balances blood sugar, reduces acid reflux, and helps lower cholesterol.

PERFORM: Beet Juice + Lemon

For recovery, stamina, liver detox, and athletic performance. Rich in natural chemicals called nitrates, beets are a miraculous addition to your daily routine. Your body changes nitrates into nitric oxide, which helps with blood flow and blood pressure.

Scared to shoot it straight? Add these shots to your Green Glow or even your Cameo. This time it’s ok to be overserved. Get a good mix of

shots, and round out your cocktail hour with a bang. Couple the Immunity Shot with the Perform. Or add one to your juice. Float a ginger shot into your hot tea. Just do it. Your only hangover will be shining bright. Cheers to your health!

Order now! Delivery or pick up!


More Confessions: No Coffee, No Crime

Posted on June 12, 2018 by diamondsonyourinside and currently has 4 Comments on More Confessions: No Coffee, No Crime

Another confession … I love coffee. I used to be disturbingly obsessed with it. Picture me standing in the office kitchen throwing back five cups a day, in carcinogenic styrofoam office cups no less. Anything that you consume in copious amounts is NOT GOOD FOR YOU. It is acidic, and usually filled with dairy and more crap than is worth mentioning. When I dove deep into my health journey (read: cancer diagnosis), I eliminated it altogether. That was a good thing, and for eight years, it was off my regimen. However, recently, I’ve added it back, except I’ve transformed the coffee into something that is magical! We call it “Elevated Coffee.” And you are going to want it!

This Elevated Coffee is special. It not only satisfies your ‘need’ for coffee, it provides incredible benefits that your typical, boring latte will never do.

Here’s what it looks like:

We take GEM French Press Coffee, add collagen peptides, coconut manna, and top it off with frothed, house-made cashew milk. This rock solid coffee is about to rock your world. My Elevated Coffee contains 10g of collagen peptides, 12g of protein, and 18g of brain boosting fats. It is enough to keep me going most of the morning!!

Here’s why:

  • The collagen contains proteins that aid in digestion, helps your skin and hair, quells inflammation and supports healthy joints.
  • The healthy fats from the coconut manna and cashew milk boost brain function, stabilize blood sugars, satisfy cravings, and fuel your brain.
  • Coffee is not SO bad. It is high in anti-oxidants. Studies show it may protect against type 2 diabetes and liver disease, including liver cancer, and appears to improve cognitive function.  Cold brew is much less acidic too, in case you have digestive issues with it.

 

Be buzzed, brilliant, and a beautiful GEM. A Triple Crown Winner all on its own! Come grab your new morning habit this week!

P.S.  If you just want a plain AMAZING coffee, we’ve got that too.  Our French Press Coffee is one of the best kept secrets in Dallas.  For real!!


Confessions of a Wayward Juice Bar Owner. You Will Want to Hear This.

Posted on June 5, 2018 by diamondsonyourinside and currently has 4 Comments on Confessions of a Wayward Juice Bar Owner. You Will Want to Hear This.

Well folks, I have some confessions to make. I’ve been living a double life for the last two weeks, and it ain’t pretty. Let’s just say I’ve been doing all the things (maybe not ALL, but still) that we preach inside The GEM to be bad for your health and happiness. OFF. THE. RAILS.  And you know what? I feel like crap, act like crap, AND I’m starting to really look like crap, too. What’s important here is a) not to judge, and b) to pay attention to the results of this real-life human experiment revealing what healthy living does (or in my current situation, what UN-healthy living does) to your body and mind.

This whirlwind of Slug-dom looks like this: Poorly planned meals, fat bastard cheese on everything, sexy-sugared goodies, gluten-glittered everything, liver-killing tequila too often, badass carcinogenic bacon, the absence of centering yoga, no muscle sculpting weights, and no calming meditation. “Cool,” you might say! “Sounds like the summer of champions!” WRONG. Stress has taken over inside and out, and the buzzards are circling.

Here’s what these choices have brought me:

  • Sloth-like afternoons. All I want to do at 4 p.m. is take a nap. THAT IS NOT NORMAL.
  • Dun-lap. Yep, my puffy belly has dun lapped over my belt. Subtle, but will be a problem if I don’t stop the insanity.
  • Slow-to-NO bathroom visits. You can figure out that one.
  • Old folk joint pain. I might be 50, but before this dark period, I felt like a million bucks. Now? A buck fifty at best. Inflammation at its finest.
  • Terrible sleep patterns.
  • Old lady eye bags and ugly skin. Poor eating AGES you. Almost immediately.
  • Piss-poor mood. I was definitely more pleasant before this tragic health trip. Food and exercise do miraculous things to your brain.
  • More self-sabotage. The worse I do, the worse I feel, then the more bad things I do. It’s a vicious cycle.

If you think these choices make you feel better, trust me, it is very short lived. The effects of this lifestyle manifest fairly quickly. I can vouch for that. Maybe you have a similar story? The struggle is real, people. And the struggle is HARD!

Listen up slugs, NO ONE is coming to save you. YOU are the 911 Rescue. Here are four ways to pull your slimy self up off the floor and start shining bright like the diamond you are. Let’s get our groove back starting with the following action items. I promise you will feel better almost immediately.

  • Drink a green juice each morning. Crowding out the bad stuff with the good makes all the difference. Plus all the veggies bring tons of energy and vibrance – boosts the liver to filter out the toxins!
  • Keep MVP soup on hand and drink a cup everyday this week. It’s 5 servings of veggies, filling, tasty and boosts your energy and metabolism and is chock-full of cleansing greens.
  • Meditate, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. Focus on your breathing, focus on the present. It helps manage stress, and keeps your discipline in check.
  • Eat a dark, leafy green salad for at least one of your meals. Keep a GEM Chopped Veggie or Celery salad on-hand for a quick grab and go fiber-filled option. Have it before you go to that poolside bbq so you don’t gorge on the bad stuff.

Special note: Never say never. If you want a heavy, gluten and dairy-filled food carnival, pick a special one – make it worth your while. But please, DON’T MAKE IT YOUR DAILY M.O.  Make The GEM visit your next habit. Your body will sing. See you inside The GEM soon!

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A Probiotic Cult Classic

Posted on May 14, 2018 by diamondsonyourinside and currently has 4 Comments on A Probiotic Cult Classic

Get ready for the good health ride of your life. I want you to join The Coconut Cult with me. This one is actually good for you. The Coconut Cult is my new obsession, and it is soon to be yours too. I am talking about yogurt – dairy-free coconut yogurt, that is.

It’s important. Given all the research linking poor gut health to everything from immunity to depression to acne to insomnia, it’s no surprise that this probiotic powerhouse is catapulting into stardom. Your gut flora is responsible for your overall health and well-being. Take care of it.

It’s potent. This coconut yogurt is different and probably the most powerfully probiotic food you’ve ever tasted. They ferment 800 billion highly active probiotics into every quart, “creating an insanely probiotic coconut yogurt.” Other benefits: improved digestion, boosted immunity, and a cold-fighter.

It’s tasty. I love to mix mine with Qi’a superfood cereal and frozen blueberries. The texture is lighter, airier, and creamier than you’d think. It’s slightly sweet, almost fizzy, and super tangy – teaming with vibrant life forces! I love it and so will your gut.

Start slow. Think of it as a daily superfood supplement to start, like a replacement – or better, an enhancement – of your daily probiotic supplement or as your new favorite yogurt.

It’s expensive. But you’re worth it. It takes two or three whole coconuts and a day to make 16 ounces. There’s almost a trillion probiotics in each jar (25 billion in each serving), created from 13 vegan strains.

It’s its own religious experience. I just had to say that because it sounds good and quippy. But it’s true.

Order yours now at The Gem!

P.S. Tips on consuming:

  1. Start with a small dose and work your way up. As I said, this is a probiotic powerhouse!
  2. The jar lasts 8 weeks unopened, 3 weeks after opening – if you keep it closed tightly and don’t double dip.
  3. Variations are normal. Sometimes it is thick, other times lighter. Don’t panic. It’s all good!

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Pico de Mayo!

Posted on May 2, 2018 by diamondsonyourinside and currently has 2 Comments on Pico de Mayo!

Pico de gallo. It’s one of my favorite foods – nutrient dense, low in calories, and high in antioxidants. A fiesta in my mouth. Tex-Mex wouldn’t be the same without it. Most often, it’s a simple salsa of red tomato, green chile (jalapeño) and white onion. (Those 3 colors are those of the Mexican flag, by the way.) Add a squeeze of lemon or lime and a sprinkle of cilantro and salt, and you are ready to go!

One of our best-kept secrets is our pico de gallo, served up fresh daily inside The GEM. It is distinct from other picos because we use super flavorful grape tomatoes which makes it thicker and chunkier than most ‘diced’ garnishes. AND, the smaller, tastier grape tomatoes have more beta-carotene that the bigger ones. While I’m on it, pico de gallo is really good for you in other ways too. The ingredients boast protection against heart disease, diabetes, and my personal favorite, cancer. And to top it off, cilantro cleanses the body of toxic metals. BAM. Order me up some pico!

Although a perfect companion, pico’s not just for tacos and tortilla chips. Some of our GEMs like to use the ever-sturdy Sami’s chips as a dipper. I prefer to douse it over my GEM quinoa and scramble an egg. One of my besties prefers to think of our pico a chopped tomato salad, forgoing the garnish idea altogether, and simply uses a fork. However you dice it, pico de gallo makes me smile.

The good news is that for the month of May, pico is the loyalty program reward. Load up for yourself, your family or that Cinco de Mayo party coming up … with or without a sombrero.

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Start Your Day With a Bright, Shiny Breakfast Bang!

Posted on April 16, 2018 by diamondsonyourinside and currently has 1 Comment on Start Your Day With a Bright, Shiny Breakfast Bang!

It’s not breaking news to read that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But WHY? A good breakfast leads to better choices, more energy, boosted metabolism, better focus, reduced cravings throughout the day and even weight loss. It’s an effective way to be your best version of you.

If you are prepared, breakfast can be quick and easy. If you aren’t, you can sail off the rails really quickly by making choices that clearly don’t serve your health. In one of my favorite posts, I offer several great options for making breakfast happen at home. Many of you still weren’t convinced you could (or wanted to) do it on your own. We get it. That’s why we are here! Did you know The GEM offers amazing breakfast options? We make it simple to start your day off with a bright, shiny bang! Don’t have time? We do!

Smoothies. This is an obvious one. But if you’ve never tried our Cameo or Tahitian Pearl, you don’t know what you’re missing. Adding greens allows you 2 veggie servings out of the 8 you should consume daily. The fat from the coconut butter/manna keeps you satiated for hours. Want to really pimp your smoothie ride? Add extra protein – chia or hemp seeds – to shine like a rock star.

Lattes. Often these can be loaded with sugar and dairy and chemicals. NOT AT THE GEM. Ever had a real Matcha Latte? Not one made from syrupy concentrate? Incredible. Our Turmeric Latte, made with fresh pressed turmeric, ginger, garam masala and frothed cashew milk is a game changer—morning or afternoon—for happiness, inflammation, energy.

Steel Cut Oatmeal. Top it with raw walnuts, currants, cinnamon, maple syrup. This stuff is GOOD. Some folks like to add warm cashew milk and blueberries. I LOVE to add coconut manna for extra creaminess and brain boosting fats. It’s filled with blood sugar leveling fiber and energizing complex carbohydrates. Anyway you spoon it, it’s a clear morning winner.

French Press Coffee. Our coffee is the best kept secret in Dallas!! Combined with our warm cashew milk, this morning treat is sure to be your new addiction.

FOYO Parfait. This is technically a Smoothie Bowl in a cup. We top it with really yummy, not too sweet, granola. It’s got berries, tart cherry juice for inflammation, hemp seeds for protein and bananas. Add spinach or extra protein for a kick-ass start.

GREEN JUICE. And of course, a perfect day wouldn’t be complete without GEM JUICE. Fresh pressed juice helps balance blood sugar levels, energizes, makes your skin glow, and loves on your liver and kidneys. It is best to drink juice on an empty stomach for best results, so make it a priority and feel the difference.

Still think you don’t have time for The GEM? Order on our APP and we will have it waiting for you—even run it to your car if you need us to. (Download our app here) Or FAVOR offers $3 GEM delivery (sometimes even $1). You won’t even have to leave your home or office!! Call us at either location. Can’t wait to see you at daybreak!!

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6 Things You Can Do Next Week BEFORE Spring Break Vacay!

Posted on March 1, 2018 by diamondsonyourinside and currently has Comments Off on 6 Things You Can Do Next Week BEFORE Spring Break Vacay!

Planning to hit the beach and sunshine for spring break next week? Got a little regret about how that hot tub bod is looking? Want to kick off your break with a little more sparkle in your eye, more glow on your face, and a little less bloat in your belly? Try these 6 things for the next week to feel and look better for your poolside debut.

For the next 7 days …

  1. Eliminate gluten. No bread, pasta, flour tortillas. Gluten makes you bloated. It can also make you constipated … oh, yeah, which makes you bloated. Yeah, it’s hard, but if you don’t want to do it—YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH.
  2. Cut dessert sugars. Sugar makes you bloated, sugar makes your skin breakout, and sugar makes you want more sugar.
  3. Drink Daily Juice. The phytonutrients in green juice boost metabolism, help clear skin, reduce bloating, and balance blood sugars. This will help with the cravings. If you are really in the mood, start the week with a 3-day Juice ‘Til Dinner Cleanse from The GEM. You end your day with a nutrient dense meal after a day of vibrant, energy boosting juice.
  4. NO alcohol this week. There will be plenty of time for that while you are on vacay. And definitely no sugary wines, margaritas and bloating beer.
  5. Eat MVP soup for dinner at least 3 nights. This nutrient packed veggie soup puree is satisfying, gives 4 servings of veggies, adds fiber/reduces cravings, boosts metabolism. AND IT TASTES AMAZING.
  6. Drink 32 ounces of water every morning before you do anything else. This helps move the toxins out, accelerates digestion, and reduces bloating. Try CALM magnesium in your warm water at night to help you relax and to help get the bowels moving like they should.

WHILE ON VACATION? Be prepared.

  • Drink daily water. For all of the reasons mentioned above, plus the skin and body hydration, or in some cases rehydration, from the night before. Just Do It.
  • Take clean snacks to grab instead of airport junk. Tosi Bars, GEM Remix Nuts, Shanti Protein Bars. REALLY KEY. Stay away from the CinnaBon in the food court. Those things don’t wear well on the beach.
  • Bring Bio-Kult probiotics to stay well and regular. Often we over do it, or at the very least, we get travel constipation. A healthy gut is critical to an overall healthy body.

Your GEM List:
MVP Soup
Daily Pre-Break Juice and/or Juice ‘Til Dinner Cleanse
Calm Packets for Travel
Tosi Bars/Shanti Bars/Gem Remix
Bio-Kult Probiotics

SO, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Hurry into The GEM and grab some of these anti-bloat, pro-energy, beach/hot tub friendly goodies to get spring break ready. Or, order from our app — YOU’RE WELCOME!

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Collagen, A Forever Young Secret

Posted on January 29, 2018 by diamondsonyourinside and currently has 3 Comments on Collagen, A Forever Young Secret

Hold on to your boots. I’m about to let you in on a secret that will quite possibly make you feel like you just took a skinny dip in the Fountain of Youth. It’s called collagen. Here’s why you need this badass:

A PHYSIOLOGY LESSON:
Collagen is the most abundant protein throughout the body, especially in the skin, bones and connective tissues. A whopping 1/3 of our body is made of it. And if you are over the age of 30, every year you make less and less of it.

There are 3 main types of collagen. In simple to remember terms …

  • 1 & 3 collagen: muscles, skin, blood vessels, digestive system and tendons. It gives our skin strength and elasticity, along with replacing dead skin cells.
  • 2 collagen: cartilage is what holds our joints together.

WHAT AGES US QUICKLY:
Naturally, our own collagen production begins to slow as we age causing wrinkles, sagging skin, poor digestion and joint pain. Other factors:

  • Sugar ~ diet high in it
  • Vegetables ~ diet low in it
  • Smoking or being around it
  • High amounts of sun exposure

Listen, we are all aging, but why not try to fight it all the way? What if you can slow it down and feel better all at once? I’m game.

GOOD NEWS:
Adding collagen can make a real difference. How?

  • Anti-aging: hair, nails, glowing skin!!
  • Relieves arthritic joint pain
  • Contributes to tendon & bone strength
  • Improves gut health & digestion: “Heals and Seals” a leaky gut
  • Boosts immunity. Chicken soup, anyone?
  • Enhances athletic performance
  • Aids in deeper sleep
  • Bone healing, regeneration

NO SNAKE OIL HERE:
What goes IN your body is FAR more effective and important than what goes ON it. You need collagen, and we are going to tell you how to get more of it.

COLLAGEN: HOW TO GET IT

  • DRINK IT. Consuming foods like organic bone broth (like we carry from Stocks & Bondy) provides plenty of this vital protein. Sip it, cook your soup or rice with it. Don’t like to drink it? No worries …
  • SPRINKLE IT. This is kind of like drinking it too. Add collagen powder to your coffee, juice or smoothies. It is tasteless and odorless, so it’s a great way to pump up your morning java. Just ask for it! We are super excited to carry Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. AAAmazing!
  • POP IT. We have it in capsules that also contain vital nutrients to activate absorption. There are 2 different types: one for hair, skin, digestive tract, the other for bones and joints. You might need both.
  • SUPPORT IT: In order for your body to best utilize collagen, you want to make sure that you include vitamin C, or make sure that your supplement already includes these nutrients. Blueberries, broccoli are good supporting stars for collagen. Add our Beauty Boost to your regimen. This contains Biotin, vitamin C and other gems that help you shine.

THAT’S NOT ALL:
Other things directly contribute to aging, how you look and feel. Being forever young is a complex recipe to cook up.

  1. Eat right. Duh. Whole food, plant-based diet.
  2. Hydrate. Water is the easiest beauty & wellness trick to incorporate.
  3. Manage stress (makes us old, sick, and affects how our body works).

STRENGTH & BEAUTY
You’re gonna love the way you look (and feel). I guarantee it. Grab some of this strength & beauty supplement inside The GEM today, or order from our app!

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Back to School Part Three – Cleaner Junk Food and Quick Snack Food Ideas

Posted on August 14, 2017 by diamondsonyourinside and currently has Comments Off on Back to School Part Three – Cleaner Junk Food and Quick Snack Food Ideas

If we look at your pantry right now, would it be laden with the traditional snack items like Doritos, OREOS and General Mills Cereals that we all grew up with?

A toxic storm of chemicals and science lab ingredients. But let’s be realistic. You have to have some junk food in your house. We can’t be perfect all the time. And, quite frankly, do you really want to be??

You don’t, however, have to eat those processed, chemical-laden, GMO riddled snacks! There are so many new alternative brands and organic versions out there.

Fruit Loops, Lunchables, and Cheetos ARE NOT OPTIONS.

I don’t recommend packaged junk food all the time, but we live in the real world. It’s gonna happen. PLUS, if you want your teens to gather at your house, you gotta have some ready to grab snacks!

Give these organic and non-GMO snacks a try.

 

These snack brands do not contain MSG, an ingredient that keeps you going back for more and more. MSG is why many of the GMO snack brands like Doritos are so addictive!!

The key is to BE PREPARED. Make regular trips to the grocery store, with a list of things that will sustain your teens (and their friends) for the week. Or check out these AMAZING delivery apps:

INSTACART – Get deliveries within an hour from Whole Foods, Costco and Central Market.  Awesome!

THRIVE MARKET – Get organic pantry products at great prices!

Don’t wait for them to start rummaging through the kitchen. They will snack on what is in front of them. So have it out on the counter.

Other awesome snack ideas:

  1. Organic popcorn made on the stove top with coconut oil and sea salt. So easy. Tiny But Mighty brand non-GMO popcorn kernels are fantastic.
  2. Sliced cucumbers/carrot rounds marinated in lime juice and sea salt. Don’t underestimate this one!
  3. Tex-Mex rules! Keep grass-fed taco meat ready to go. Always have these in your fridge:
    • Fresh pico, salsa, guac or bean dip. Nachos with pinto beans and organic cheese knock Cheetos out of the park! Make sure your tortillas are without chemical ingredients (say goodbye to Mission brand).
  4. Amy’s Nacho Snacks, Pizza Rolls or Burritos
  5. The GEM hummus with jalapeno pesto. Grab one of our snack packs for on the go!
  6. Keep sunflower seed and pistachios in a bowl on the counter.
  7. Make watermelon slushes in the afternoon. They will love you! How? Tons of watermelon on the bottom of the blender, frozen strawberries, a cup of ice, a peeled lemon or lime. Shazam!!
  8. Mini pizzas made with whole grain English muffins, fresh marinara and organic mozzarella. Whole Foods has great pre-made ones.
  9. Sami’s Cinnamon Chips will disappear at carpool time. Everyone LOVES these high fiber, low sugar (but don’t tell them that) chips. Available at The GEM.
  10. Keep whole wheat pasta ready in the fridge with marinara.
  11. Steam frozen ORGANIC edamame and add sea salt. Costco sells this!!
  12. Popsicles? Try these Austin-based GoodPop® All-Natural Frozen Pops. I love the Watermelon Agave and Coconut Lime Bars!!

 

These are not all super-food healthy snacks – because we don’t always obey the rules. They are, however, CLEAN, free of harmful chemicals and dyes. This is really important to remember when feeding your families. Good luck and … Happy End of Summer!

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