Magical Mineral Spotlight: Salt

One of my favorite trips of all time was visiting the Dead Sea in Israel. With water 8.6 times saltier than the ocean, fish and aquatic plants can’t survive in its harsh, high-salinity environment (hence it’s name!). However, the unique mineral content of the water, low levels of pollens and allergens, and high atmospheric pressure have transformed the Dead Sea into a space of healing and wellness, particularly thanks to its therapeutic salt.

Salt is, and has always been, an essence of life. It has fed us on long voyages, cured our bacon and our wounds, balanced sweetness, and helped us cook. While it has received a bad rap for its overuse in processed foods, it is still essential to our diet.

Let's break salt down a bit:

Kosher salt and table salt are both mined salts that are harvested by forcing water into salt mines and evaporating this brine into salt crystals (diamond-shaped crystals become table salt and Kosher salt is raked during evaporation to create long, flat crystals). These salt deposits are older and have lost most, if not all, of their mineral content and taste. Processing Kosher salt affects its shape and transforms it into flat, thin flakes, which are needed for koshering meats.

Sea salts, by contrast, derive from newly-evaporated sea or ocean water. These salts vary in color and flavor as well as mineral content. When purchasing a good grey salt, you'll find a mild moisture content when rubbing the coarse pieces between your fingers. This opens the door to infusing the salts with a variety of herbs and spices (try splitting a vanilla bean, rubbing it into a 1/4 cup of salt and sprinkling that over ice cream). You'll find a wide variety of salts from equally diverse bodies of water, from pink Himalayan salts to grey salts from France.

Tips for working with salt:

  • Great sea salts are best used as finishing salts. If you're salting your pasta water, stick with the mined salts and reserve the sea salt for plating or at the end of your sauce-making adventures.
  • When preparing a salad, you'll want to add the salt to your dressing and not on the lettuce, as it will encourage wilting and not dissolve evenly.
  • Read the recipe carefully— if it calls for 1 tsp of Kosher salt and you replace it with 1 tsp of fine table salt, you'll end up with too much.
  • Most often, you'll ignore what I said in #3 when baking, because salt is most important for balancing sweetness and often under-used in pastries. Don't be shy about it!
  • If you have some beautiful apples and pears and want to prevent them from browning, place them into lightly salted water.
  • Add salt to your workout water bottle to prevent cramps and replenish electrolytes. For 32 oz. of water, use about  ¼ to ½ tsp. of salt.

    Fennel Salt Recipe

    This blend adds a sweet earthiness to your food! Combine it with a bit of olive oil and use it as a rub for fish, sweet potatoes, or toasted hazelnuts.

    Gather This: 
    • 1/2 cup coarse sea salt
    • 1 tbsp ground fennel seeds
    • 1 tbsp coarsely ground pepper

    Do This: 

    Rub the salt, fennel seeds, and pepper together. Store in a jar, ready for magic sprinkling.

     

    What tips and tricks do you have for using salt? Share them with us on Twitter and tag #myphilosophie and #magicalmineral!


     

     



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    Sophie’s 2023 Holiday Gift Guide

    The holidays are a beautiful way to celebrate the people in your life. One way to spread a little more love, intention and compassion this holiday season is to share what has been transformational and meaningful to your own life.


    This gift guide was created to help you slow down, evaluate and look at the people in your life for what they mean to you and who they are instead of just another name of your list to check out. Here are my top picks for gifts for your loved ones.


    If you have friends and family that are ready to step into their life, transform their whole health, and elevate their well-being, then we want to help you find the PERFECT Philosophie goodie to gift them.

    Give the gifts that help spread love, wellness and ABUNDANCE this holiday season. 

     

    Philosophie Lover’s Bundle (on subscription)
    Pranamat (code: SOPHIE)


     



     



     

    Alive Water (delivery service)


     



     

    Harry Potter™ Faux Book Lockbox from Pottery Barn (or any of the Pottery Barn teen or kid collection)


    Adapto – what? The Philosophie Behind the Adaptogens in our Products

    Philosophie Superfood + Adaptogen Blends

    Adaptogens are Mother’s Nature natural medicine. Adaptogens are powerful little plants and herbs that have literally withstood natural disasters and bring their same ADAPTIVE qualities into our bodies. Philosophie babe, Marissa Cohen, shares the beauty and power of adaptogens and how they show up in our superfoods!

    Maybe adaptogens are a staple in your diet, or maybe you’re not sure how to pronounce most of them. Adaptogenic herbs and medicinal mushrooms have gained significant attention in recent years, and for good reason. Despite what your social media feed may lead you to believe, these powders are far from a recent trend. Adaptogens have been used for thousands of years in eastern medicine practices such as Traditional Chinese Medicine to help restore the body to balance. 

    Each one of the Philosophie Superfood Blends contains potent, responsibly-sourced adaptogens. From maca in Berry Bliss to mesquite in Green Dream and reishi mushroom powder in Cacao Magic, these blends are designed to nourish you on a cellular level, beyond helping you meet your daily macronutrient requirements. 

    Philosophie Superfood Blends

    What are Adaptogens?

    The term “adaptogen” was first defined by a Russian pharmacologist to mean “agents which help an organism counteract any adverse effects of a physical, chemical or biological stressor by generating nonspecific resistance.”* For example, the cacao and reishi mushroom in Cacao Magic help the body achieve homeostasis and fight fatigue. If you are feeling depleted, they can deliver energy, but if you are overstimulated they can have a calming effect. Cacao and reishi specifically have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are specifically beneficial for helping the body cope with physical and mental stress.

    Chocolate Cacao Strawberries

    Adaptogens for Stress Relief

    The psychological benefits of adaptogens make them especially useful in today’s world. An estimated 31.1% of Americans experience anxiety at some point in their lives.* Anxiety disorders range in their intensity, but, when left unaddressed, they can become crippling or lead to more severe mental and physical illnesses.

    Using adaptogens is a great way to manage stress from the outside world and minimize the effects of the cortisol stress response in the body. One study found that consistently taking adaptogens for 60 days decreased stress in participants by 28%.* Furthermore, other trials have shown the herbs ability to combat depression, lower blood pressure, promote sleep and cure sleep disorders like insomnia, and treat adrenal fatigue.


    Adaptogens for Brain Health and Depression

    Adaptogens can boost cognitive functioning in several ways, which explains why it is often used in patients with depression and Alzheimer's disease. Adaptogens boosts serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in emotional and mood regulation. Low serotonin levels are linked to depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.* By helping achieve adequate serotonin levels, adaptogens can bring relief to those suffering from mood disorders. Furthermore, they help regenerate brain cells and reconstruct synapses, the never endings where cells communicate with one another. As a result, the ability to learn, memorize, and recall information is enhanced.

    Superfood Blends

    Adaptogens for Hormone Balance and Fertility

    All three blends contain organic maca powder. Maca is a root that is dried and ground into a fine powder. It has a rich, malty taste that helps make the Superfood Blends so delicious. But it’s not just your taste buds that have you craving your daily dose of Philosophie products – your hormones want their hit from maca, as well. Maca helps balance hormones by supporting the endocrine system, making it a natural aphrodisiac that increases sex drive and supports fertility. And while most energy enhancers like caffeine deplete the adrenal glands, maca supports the adrenals and stabilizes your blood sugar to give long-lasting stamina. Not to mention that it contains a host of vitamins and minerals that are necessary for reproduction, including calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, and iron.* 



    The beauty of the Philosophie products is that they are curated to give your unique body exactly what it needs through the use of the adaptogens. They work their magic on their own or in synchrony with each other when combined. Check out our recipe page for hundreds of ideas to begin nourishing your beautiful body, mind, and spirit.

    Philosophie Smoothies

    Recources(*):

    http://www.womenlivingnaturally.com/articlepage.php?id=69

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23439798

    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/kc/serotonin-facts-232248

    https://nootropicsexpert.com/nootropics-glossary/#dopamine

    https://www.floliving.com/how-to-use-maca-to-treat-infertility/

     

    What are your favorite benefits of adaptogens and how do you like to incorporate them into your diet? Share with us on the comments below and connect with us on Instagram!

    Superfood Chocolate Bark

    Superfood Chocolate Bark

    We’re in LOVE with this dark chocolate superfood bark recipe made with Cacao Magic, Coconut Magic and Rich Nuts Sprouted Cashews making this a mood-boosting, tasty, sweet & savory treat!


    You can turn any recipe into a nutrient-dense, balancing meal by adding superfoods and high-quality organic foods. All foods are not created equal, so even when it comes to choosing nuts make sure to source a brand that is raw, organic and activated like Pine Nuts. 


    This superfood bark is super easy to make and can last for a whole week. Clean ingredients, energizing and mood-balancing superfoods and no added sugar makes this dreamy treat good for your body too!

    Philosophie & Rich Nuts

    Gather This:

    8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped

    2 tbsp Cacao Magic

    2 tbsp Coconut Magic

    2 tbsp melted coconut oil

    Pinch of pink sea salt

    ⅓ cup Rich Nuts Savory Sage Sprouted Cashews, roughly chopped


    Do This:

    Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set it aside.

    In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.

    Once the chocolate is melted, add Cacao Magic, Coconut Magic, melted coconut oil, and a pinch of pink sea salt. Stir well until all the ingredients are fully combined.

    Pour the chocolate mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, creating a thin layer.

    Sprinkle the sprouted cashews evenly over the chocolate bark, gently pressing them down to make sure they stick.

    Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the chocolate bark to set. Once the chocolate is firm, remove it from the refrigerator and break it into smaller pieces or irregular chunks. ENJOY!

    Chocolate Bark

     

    What treats are you making with your superfoods? Share below!

    Simple Steps to Let Go of Stress

    Stress Less with Philosophie

    Stress is pretty much unavoidable. Between traffic, busy schedules, and the many responsibilities that come along with the various roles each of us play from parent, spouse, business-owner or employee, it’s no wonder that we often find ourselves dealing with high levels of tension, either mentally, emotionally, or physically.

    As natural as it is to feel this stress, if we allow it to become a constant in our lives, it can lead to a variety of negative effects including headaches, digestive trouble, elevated blood pressure, pain in muscles and joints, problems with sleep, fatigue, and mood disturbances. That doesn’t mean, however, that you’re doomed to suffer if you experience stress in your day-to-day life. Investing time in soothing and balancing practices can help you release the build-up of stress from your body and your mind.

    There are tons of way to let stress go, and different people will find that some methods are more effective for them than others. If you find yourself struggling with stress on the regular, try out some of these simple stress-relieving practices to feel a greater sense of ease and peace in your daily life!

     

    Sophie + Son

    De-stress in the Kitchen

    Cooking can be a wonderful way to relieve stress because it can help you focus your attention on something positive and nourishing. Many of the things that you do to prep a meal, snack, or treat involves some sort of repetitive process like chopping, stirring, or washing produce. These actions have a simple rhythm to them that can be soothing and almost meditative. Baking, in particular, is a great kitchen activity for releasing tension because the unique sensations of working with dough and batters with your hands can get you out of your head and back into your body very quickly. Not sure what to make? Try your hand at some delicious baked goods, like our Superfood Collagen + Cacao Date Nut Loaf Cake

    Superfood Collagen + Cacao Date Nut Loaf Cake

    Just Say "Om"

    Developing a steady meditation practice is one of the very best things you can do to let go of stress in your life. It cultivates a deep inner peace and the ability to let distressing thoughts go instead of circling them obsessively. There are tons of different types of meditation practices, but even taking just a few minutes a day to sit quietly and focus on your breath can have dramatically positive impacts.

     

    Spend Time with Friends

    There are some people that always just leave you feeling refreshed and more positive and those are the people you want to spend time with when you start to feel the pressures of life building. Whether you choose to talk about what is troubling you, or you prefer to focus on what’s going on in their life, spending time with a grounded friend can help you get perspective on the issues that you’re struggling with.

     

    Time with Friends Philosophie Image

     

     Have a Dance Party

    This may sound like a silly suggestion, but I dare you to try it. Next time you’re feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, step away from the source of the stress for a few minutes, turn on your favorite beats, and rock out. It may not feel entirely natural at first, but if you allow yourself to connect with the music and really let your body express any pent up feelings through your movements, you just might find that you can completely turn your mood around in just a matter of minutes!

     

    Get Out in Nature

    Another thing that can help you get perspective is getting out of the hustle and in to nature. There’s something about the simplicity and beauty of the natural world that reminds us that our ultimate purpose in life is to simply be the best us we can be. All of the added stresses and strains of modern life feel far away when you’re out on a long hike or floating in the ocean’s waves, and that little bit of space can help make stressful situations seem much more manageable.

    Sophie Jaffe at the beach

     

    Drink Water

    Drink your water! Our lives can be so full, chaotic, and beautiful that sometimes stress, fear, worry or anxiety arises because we aren’t caring for our physical needs. A big glass of cold water can be SO healing. We love ours with a little bit of sunshine. What about you?

    Sunshine Drops

     

    Strawberry Banana Green Smoothie

    Strawberry Banana Green Smoothie

    When your kiddos (or you!) are craving something sweet, but still want to sneak in some nutrients THIS is the smoothie you need. 


    It’s loaded with a blend of coconut water giving it a touch of sweetness from the coconut, banana to make it thick promotes healthy digestion, greens, strawberries, and both Philosophie Berry Bliss (vitamin C + plant protein) and Green Dream (iron support, energy + plant protein)! Another plus about this drink is that it really alkaline's the system and it is incredibly cleansing for the system.


    You can take away the banana for less sugar or add more to make it sweeter. You'll still get the beautiful benefits of all the superfoods and greens.

    Green Superfood Smoothie

    Gather This:

    Heaping spoonfuls of Berry Bliss + Green Dream

    Spoonful of Cosmic Elixir (collagen + adaptogens!)

    1-2 tbsp Coconut Magic or coconut butter

    8 oz coconut water 

    Handful of strawberries (tip: keep the stems on for extra greens!)

    Banana

    Handful of greens (we used spinach)


    Do This:

    Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender then pour into your favorite glass and top with bee pollen and a scoop of Culina yogurt alternative. ENJOY!

    Strawberry Banana Green Superfood Smoothie

    7 Health Goals to Set for Yourself This Year

    Philosophie Superfoods

    People often think an intention or resolution has to be a giant life change, but we believe in keeping things simple and setting attainable goals. Let’s start to think of this time as another opportunity to check in with ourselves and manifest our dream lives–one small, loving step at a time.


    What did we accomplish last year? How did we feel defeated? What did we LEARN about ourselves? What do we want to take into the next chapter, and what do we want to leave behind?


    Let this year be all about you and your authentic self. The very best YOU can be.

    Cosmic Elixir + Tarot Cards

    If you need a little inspiration for your health and wellbeing this year, we have you covered. We’re sharing 7 health goal examples to motivate you but your health is all about YOU. Find what works for you. Take the habits you’re doing already and ADD to them to more align with how you want to feel in life. Do the things that feel GOOD to you.


    DRINK MORE WATER

    Swapping out sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic drinks for water is a great first step to better health. Elevate your water with Liquid Chlorophyll Sunshine Drops for better digestion, more energy and detoxification.


    Philosophie Sunshine Drops

    GET ENOUGH SLEEP

    Sleep is SO important to our mind, body and soul and deep, restorative sleep should be an absolute non-negotiable but often gets pushed to the back of your mind. Sleep is connected to so much in our body including our eating habits. Studies have shown that those who are well-rested have better portion control and will select healthier food options than those who are sleep-deprived! READ THIS POST for our tips to better sleep!


    CLEANSE & RESET YOUR SPACE

    Clutter in your physical space can create clutter in your mind, making you unable to concentrate on the things that actually matter in the present moment instead you’re focusing on the chores that need to be done, the work piling up or that box downstairs that was yet to be put away. Magic happens as you clear out the clutter that has been weighing you down mentally, physically and emotionally.


    TAKE TIME FOR SELF CARE

    Make sure to put yourself first by practicing self-care. Doing so allows you to take intentional time away from stress so you can be more resilient when you’re facing challenges. Know what your boundaries are and set functional limits in order to operate at capacity in all of the areas of your life.


    Tarot Cards & Self Care

    GET TO KNOW WHAT WORKS FOR YOUR BODY - INTUITIVE EATING!

    Listen to your body instead of all the nutrition noise because you can. Why let your power go to the diet industry when you are lucky enough to be able to give your body what it is truly craving on a spiritual and cellular level? READ THIS POST for our tips on clean eating and attaining more nourishment.


    UNPLUG MORE

    Putting away your phone or laptop isn’t just good for your mental health, it’s good for your physical health as well. Download our Digital Detox Guide with tips for your own digital detox including a letter from Sophie Jaffe, a meditation ritual, and 5-minute check-in practice.


    EMBRACE AGING

    Being able to embrace yourself will help you become stronger. Our #1 secret to aging gracefully? SUPERFOODS, of course! Beauty starts within and when you load your body up with nutrient-dense, high-vibrational SUPER foods, your body just loves them. Our superfood blends contain highly potent ingredients like reishi, spirulina, goji berry and collagen to support longevity, skin elasticity, and vitality.

    Sophie Jaffe

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