Eating healthy snacks while on the go can be a challenge, especially in our fast-paced world where convenience often trumps nutrition. But with a little planning, it's possible to enjoy delicious, nutritious snacks that will help keep you fueled and satisfied throughout the day.
Here are some tips for eating healthy snacks on the go:
1. Plan ahead: Plan your snacks for the day and pack them with you in a cooler or insulated lunch bag. This will ensure that you always have a healthy option available, no matter where you are or what you're doing.
2. Keep it simple: Stick to simple, whole foods that are easy to transport and eat. Think fruit, nuts, seeds, and veggies with dip.
​3. Keep it portable: Choose snacks that are easy to take with you and don't require any preparation or utensils. 

My favorite fresh snacks:
Sumo citrus tangerines 
Coconut yogurt 
​​Hummus and crackers 

My favorite packaged snacks: 
(click the image to shop for the product) 

     While many of you have seen my matcha posts on instagram, some of you may not know the story behind it. Matcha has been a powerful tool in my healing journey. While I truly enjoy the rich flavor of matcha, I have been including it in my daily routine to also support my health. ​Matcha is a type of green tea that is highly valued for its unique taste and numerous health benefits. 
     Matcha is a powder made from the leaves of the same plant used to make other types of green tea. The difference lies in the way the leaves are grown, harvested, and processed. Matcha leaves are shade-grown, which causes them to produce more chlorophyll and amino acids, giving the tea a distinct flavor and bright green color. This is also how you can tell if it is a good quality matcha, it should be a rich green. The leaves are then picked and ground into a fine powder. This results in a product that is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Here are some of the main health benefits of matcha: 

1. Antioxidants: Matcha is loaded with antioxidants, including the powerful catechin known as EGCG, which can help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
2. Energy Boost: Matcha contains caffeine, which provides a natural energy boost. Unlike other sources of caffeine, however, the caffeine in matcha is balanced by L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation.
3. Heart Health: Matcha has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve overall heart health.
4. Brain Function: Matcha has been shown to improve focus and concentration, as well as protect brain cells from damage and aging.
5. Immunity: Matcha is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B-complex, C, and E, as well as potassium, calcium, and iron. These nutrients help to strengthen the immune system and protect against illness and disease.

Now that you know some of the benefits of matcha and why I include it in my daily routine. Let's talk my matcha latte preparation. I typically drink this beverage after breakfast in the later morning or afternoon. I love to prepare the latte warm as it supports digestion more than an iced cold drink. While I typically like to include some add-ins, this beverage can also be made very simple. 

Think Green Matcha Latte
Ingredients:
Matcha powder- I recommend using a brand that is organic, tested for pesticides, heavy metals, and mold. The brand I use is Pique Tea. 
Milk- I personally use a more simple ingredient almond milk (Three Trees or Malk) if I am having the drink in the morning. If I drink it in the afternoon, I use an organic soy milk to have some added protein for satiety. 
Add-ins-

• ​Liquid probiotic to support gut health
• Amla powder to support blood sugar 
• Liquid lions mane tincture for focus

Steps:
1. Mix 2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup warm water (not boiling as this will affect the matcha) with 1 teaspoon or 1 packet of matcha powder 
2. Put desired add-ins in the matcha/water mix and stir again 
3. Steam milk of choice and pour over the top of the matcha 
Enjoy! 


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    Although summer has faded away, many of us are still traveling for the holidays, conferences, and cooler getaways. Travel can be very fun from trying new food, to seeing friends and family, but it can also be stressful, whether we feel its effects or not. We tend to steer away from our usual routine of eating and exercise, and are exposed to new things in our changing environment. It is important to keep your health a priority while you travel. I encourage rest and nourishment yet adventure with each choice. Set yourself up for success by having some health supporting items with you. Below, I share my top three items I travel with that help my body stay well. These items are small to fit in any carry on, and easy enough to use each day. 

Pique Matcha- Undeniably the best quality matcha on the market.  This organic matcha is quadruple screened for toxins, and is grown without pesticides. While I love trying local coffee shops when traveling, it is nice to have this matcha on hand to ensure I receive quality ingredients and stable energy throughout the day. They make single serve packets that make it easy to take on the go.

​Dr. Tung's Stainless Steel Tongue Cleaner- Research is starting to show the links between the oral microbiome and overall health. Brushing your teeth is not enough. You need overall oral care, which should include tongue cleaning. I do this everyday at home, but especially while I travel. It can remove bad bacteria in the mouth which then enhances your breath. It delays the growth of plaque, keeping your teeth healthy. It also helps to improve your taste, which is important when trying new foods! 

Leefy Nidra- This organic herbal formulation includes tart cherry, blue vervain flower, chamomile flower, and passion flower. These support relaxation, which in turn supports better sleep. I love using this when I travel to ensure I get a good nights rest no matter where I am. These tincture bottles are 2 fl. ounces, so you can bring it right in your carry on! 
(use code Thinkgreen15 for 15% off your order) 
​
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Waking up feeling groggy after a long weekend of fun? I am going to dive into sleep support tips to get you back on track with sleep! First, why talk about sleep?
Sleep is praised as one of the main pillars of health. A restful night's sleep not only feels good the next day, but has many benefits in your body too. 
Most adults need about 7-9 hours of sleep. This is what supports a healthy body and mind. While some people feel like they can "function" on less sleep, this may still be impacting your overall health. Inadequate sleep has been shown to impair cognition and mood, as well as contribute to chronic health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and mental health disorders. In order to get adequate sleep, we have to support our circadian rhythm. 
You may have heard about the circadian rhythm, but what is is actually? Your circadian rhythm is a 24 hour cycle that is part of your body's internal clock. One of the main functions is the sleep/wake cycle. It helps you feel tired in the evening and more alert in the morning. A misaligned circadian rhythm will have a negative impact on your sleep. Here are a few tips to support a healthy circadian rhythm: 

1. Limit artificial light before bedtime
2. Get sun exposure early in the day 
3. Keep a regular sleep schedule (avoid varying your sleep and wake hours)

In addition to the tips above, here are a few nutrition-specific tips to support adequate sleep:

• Limit caffeine intake after 2pm
• Try warm non-caffeinated teas in the evening to help you relax (I love Numi Organics Rooibos Chai, caffeine free!) 
• Have some magnesium rich nuts as a bedtime snack. Magnesium regulates melatonin which helps you feel tired, supporting restful sleep. 

Overall, without adequate sleep, you will have a difficult time reaching your health goals. Try some of my tips above to improve the quality and duration of your sleep. As always, consult your doctor before trying anything new. 

To healing, 
Alison 

Think Green Nutrition is turning 2! Thank you to those who have supported my business from the very beginning back in April 2020. Over these past two years, my business has evolved from a vegan nutrition service to plant-focused nutrition counseling for adults preventing or managing chronic diseases. I have personally evolved as well. I have expanded my knowledge and training in environmental health and integrative care. As a nutrition professional, I have always known and seen the power of dietary changes. However, In the past year I have supported clients in making dietary changes, but have seen how unmanaged stress and toxic exposures have held them back from achieving the health they desire. With integrative care, I have been able to further support my clients. 
I use conventional health modalities such a nutrition therapy for disease management, while also using  complementary health approaches such as breath work and herbal therapies to treat the root causes of illness. 
With my new health approach, I still stay true to the original values my practice was founded on. I live and teach the "think green" principles that help my clients care for their body, care for the planet, and make realistic changes that better both themselves and the Earth in the long-run. 
Think Green Well-Being principles: 
1. Live more mindfully and sustainably
2. Heal and nourish the mind and body
3. Curate better environments for personal and planetary health

I look forward to supporting more of you in your health journeys. 

-Alison