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With a delicate nutty flavor and tons of nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and healthy fats, having a regular helping of coconut is an excellent way to satisfy hunger, fuel up, and detoxify your body. Here are 6 delicious ways to enjoy the incredible health benefits of coconut!

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Klean LA is a food delivery program that promises to deliver fresh, clean, non-processed meals to your door step. This seemed like a dream to keep my goals in check and stay balanced and focused during the insane moving time. I booked 1 week of Klean LA, starting the day we moved in to the new house.

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It's summertime, and in my lifestyle, I'm always on the road + taking adventures. When I think of travel essentials, I think of items that are going to keep my mind, soul + body on track, including food + other equipment I don’t leave the house without. Today I’m including my favorite items you’ll always see in my travel bag + purse...without fail!

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People often ask me how I find the time to workout as a mother, a wife, an active part of my community, and as the founder and owner of Philosophie Superfoods. The truth is that taking care of my body by eating fresh, whole foods, including lots of nutrient-dense superfoods, and prioritizing regular workouts provides me with the strength and energy to keep up with a schedule that is packed with activities about which I am deeply passionate.

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As the coming months approach, I will again, be a new momma. My second baby boy will be born into the world. This brings much joy, excitement, love, appreciation and gratitude into my body. It also, unfortunately, brings a tinge of anxiety for many moms.

This post is all about exposing my secrets on "how I do it all" and still (attempt) to stay happy, healthy and kind. I hope this helps any of you weary about mommyhood and starting a family. I also hope this helps those of you that are struggling as moms and not quite sure how to find the time to be your best self. Philosophie Sophie is here to help!

Balancing Mommy Secret #1

You can't do it all. Take help when it's offered. Oh, AND, you need sleep.

For some reason mamas and papas just accept the fact that they won't sleep for the first two years or so (I've heard 5 from some parents! eek!). That's NOT an option in my world! In the first few months of a new baby being in your life, they need you ALL the time. They must nurse every few hours, they need a diaper change constantly and they need to bond with you. They have higher piles of dirty clothes than you do and you've already run out of diapers before you can blink twice. So where does sleep fit in?

For the first 6 months, my husband did at LEAST one night time feeding. It was calculated with the intention of me getting more sleep. So, let's say I did one last feeding at 9p, baby would be up again in 2-3 hours crying and hungry- that would be dads turn (or grandmas, best friends, etc). He would do the whole routine, feed him a bottle (of pumped breast milk), change him and tuck him into bed. I would sleep this entire time-until the following feeding-peacefully and soundly with earplugs shoved into both ears. By the time the next feeding came, I'd practically jump into my baby's moses basket to snatch him up because I had so much energy. Then we'd go back to sleep for a few hours and I'd be nearing 8 hours with barely any effort, and a bonus nap a few hours into the day if I wanted it! ALLOW people to help you. INSIST your husband/significant other participates in a REAL way.

When people want to bring you food, let them. When they ask if they can help at all, say yes. Have people help with laundry, cleaning the house, watching the baby for 1 hour while you get a nap/walk/shower/anything. Take care of your needs, you'll be taking care of that baby's for the next lifetime!

Secret #2, Breath: Yoga.

 Take time to go inward. To meditate, to breath, to journal.

It's so important to reflect on what's going on in your heart, mind and body. You just had a CHILD! You brought a LIVING, BREATHING HUMAN into this planet. It's time to open up and see what's going on inside.

If you don't practice yoga, purchase a yoga DVD online and get moving! Find a patch of carpet in your home when the baby is napping or in the swing and take some time for yourself. Even 25 minutes of yoga can shift your entire day energetically. It will bring bonus happiness that the physical body slims down while you're taking care of your spiritual self.

I went to a yoga class at my gym at least 2-3 times a week because they have a kids club/babysitting in the gym. I HIGHLY recommended looking into this amenity when selecting a gym to join. Often when Kai was still super little they would come get me halfway through class because he needed me, but I didn't care, I appreciated every minute I had to myself.

Secret #3: Pamper Mama.

Get manicures, pedicures, massages, facials. Have your best friend come give you a foot rub. Have your hubby give you a full body rub down. You DESERVE to take care of yourself, to love yourself, to indulge. I think I've gotten more treatments in the past 20 months then I ever did before. A 45 minute trip to the nail salon can turn out to be the best decision you've made all month. When they ask if you want 10 more minutes for a foot/shoulder/whatever rub, say "YES"! You are nurturing another human 24/7, responsible for that person, giving giving and giving some more.... the least you can do is nurture the source of all that energy. My sister is an amazing massage therapist if anyone that lives in LA wants to take advantage of her healing powers. Let me know and I'll hook it up :)

Secret #4: Get a good wrap/carrier

A big help in mommyland is having a good carrier to tote bebe around with you wherever you go.

I worked from home the first 6 months in the kitchen with Kai on me. I used the moby a LOT in the beginning and switched over to the Butterfly 2 later on when he got heavier. I STILL use the Butterfly 2 and he's almost 2 years old! It can be used on the front facing you (which is supposed to be better for baby then facing out) and it can also be used as a backpack with baby on your back. This allowed me the freedom to go for hikes and run errands without dealing with a hefty stroller. Plus, you have the added bonus of bonding with your baby while they are on you, listening to you talk, feeling your body heat, etc. I highly recommend purchasing a sling/pak/carrier from the wonderful mommy I bought mine from at paxbaby.com. She's extremely knowledgeable and has 5 children herself (wow!) so knows a thing or two about it! She will also custom make your sling for you with special patterns you get to chose!

Secret #5: Balance mommyhood and livelihood

 Your life now contains a baby, your life is NOT a baby.

Sometimes you may feel like your entire BEING is being a momma. That life is all things baby and that's the way it's going to be for years to come.

With a few really easy steps, you too can feel like there's more to life than diaper changes and playdates.

1) Find a babysitter you love and GET OUT! You need time to yourself. You need to meet up with friends for lunch/coffee/juice/yoga and NOT have your tot with you. Especially later when the baby has set naps, you don't want to selfishly screw up their day so that you can see your friends... so having a sitter take care of babes helps. Run errands, do some work, go for a long walk in nature, whatever you need to feel like YOU again. I promise, you won't regret leaving them for a few hours once you just GO!

2) Schedule Date-nights: my hubby and I schedule once a week date nights. It's imperative we schedule this in because if we don't, weeks will pass and we won't take that special time for us. Sometimes it's something bomb like a concert and other times it's just dinner at our favorite sushi place or a movie. Regardless, we see each other, outside of the house, and have time to bond as two lovers and friends, not just as mommy and daddy. (although I must admit we probably talk about Kai the majority of the time and share pics and videos!) We also schedule time with couple friends, groups of friends and our family as often as we can so we can feel connected to our loved ones.

Secret # 6: SLEEP TRAIN YOUR CHILD!

I can't say enough about this! At 6 months, we sleep trained Kai. After two days of letting him "cry it out" (there are several techniques, we chose this one) he was trained. For over 15 months now, he has slept through every single night (unless he was sick/teething) for 11 HOURS STRAIGHT. He is a happy, joyful, rested child and I owe this to his sleep. Get books, do research and figure out what's best for you and your baby.

Secret #7: Be Present

When you're with baby, try and be as present as possible. At the dinner table, keep phones away. When you're spending one on one time or time as a family, try to stay in the moment. Kids can feel when you're not connected and really love it when you are. Obviously you'll have to take a phone call here and there and connect to the outside world, but just be sure when you're giving time to your little one that you're doing the best you can to give them all of you. If you're balancing your time by pampering yourself, journaling, getting enough sleep and exercising, you should be more than happy to give a few hours to your sweet love!

Being a mama is no doubt a balancing act. But part of being a wonderful mother is being a wonderful person. You can't be a person in the universe if you never take time for YOU and the things you love. So we adapt! Love to hike? Strap that baby onto your body! Love to practice yoga? find a gym that watches babies. Want to be a working mommy? Find a sitter you absolutely love and trust and get your hubby on board to help when he can. It can ALL be done, being a happy mommy, wife, friend and careerwoman...  you just need to take the time to dream it into reality (and get creative!). Journal, reflect and connect to your truest and best self as often as you can to stay centered and true to you. Everyone around you will notice the difference, I promise!

As the coming months approach, I will again, be a new momma. My second baby boy will be born into the world. This brings much joy, excitement, love, appreciation and gratitude into my body. It also, unfortunately, brings a tinge of anxiety for many moms.

This post is all about exposing my secrets on "how I do it all" and still (attempt) to stay happy, healthy and kind. I hope this helps any of you weary about mommyhood and starting a family. I also hope this helps those of you that are struggling as moms and not quite sure how to find the time to be your best self. Philosophie Sophie is here to help!

Balancing Mommy Secret #1

You can't do it all. Take help when it's offered. Oh, AND, you need sleep.

For some reason mamas and papas just accept the fact that they won't sleep for the first two years or so (I've heard 5 from some parents! eek!). That's NOT an option in my world! In the first few months of a new baby being in your life, they need you ALL the time. They must nurse every few hours, they need a diaper change constantly and they need to bond with you. They have higher piles of dirty clothes than you do and you've already run out of diapers before you can blink twice. So where does sleep fit in?

For the first 6 months, my husband did at LEAST one night time feeding. It was calculated with the intention of me getting more sleep. So, let's say I did one last feeding at 9p, baby would be up again in 2-3 hours crying and hungry- that would be dads turn (or grandmas, best friends, etc). He would do the whole routine, feed him a bottle (of pumped breast milk), change him and tuck him into bed. I would sleep this entire time-until the following feeding-peacefully and soundly with earplugs shoved into both ears. By the time the next feeding came, I'd practically jump into my baby's moses basket to snatch him up because I had so much energy. Then we'd go back to sleep for a few hours and I'd be nearing 8 hours with barely any effort, and a bonus nap a few hours into the day if I wanted it! ALLOW people to help you. INSIST your husband/significant other participates in a REAL way.

When people want to bring you food, let them. When they ask if they can help at all, say yes. Have people help with laundry, cleaning the house, watching the baby for 1 hour while you get a nap/walk/shower/anything. Take care of your needs, you'll be taking care of that baby's for the next lifetime!

Secret #2, Breath: Yoga.

 Take time to go inward. To meditate, to breath, to journal.

It's so important to reflect on what's going on in your heart, mind and body. You just had a CHILD! You brought a LIVING, BREATHING HUMAN into this planet. It's time to open up and see what's going on inside.

If you don't practice yoga, purchase a yoga DVD online and get moving! Find a patch of carpet in your home when the baby is napping or in the swing and take some time for yourself. Even 25 minutes of yoga can shift your entire day energetically. It will bring bonus happiness that the physical body slims down while you're taking care of your spiritual self.

I went to a yoga class at my gym at least 2-3 times a week because they have a kids club/babysitting in the gym. I HIGHLY recommended looking into this amenity when selecting a gym to join. Often when Kai was still super little they would come get me halfway through class because he needed me, but I didn't care, I appreciated every minute I had to myself.

Secret #3: Pamper Mama.

Get manicures, pedicures, massages, facials. Have your best friend come give you a foot rub. Have your hubby give you a full body rub down. You DESERVE to take care of yourself, to love yourself, to indulge. I think I've gotten more treatments in the past 20 months then I ever did before. A 45 minute trip to the nail salon can turn out to be the best decision you've made all month. When they ask if you want 10 more minutes for a foot/shoulder/whatever rub, say "YES"! You are nurturing another human 24/7, responsible for that person, giving giving and giving some more.... the least you can do is nurture the source of all that energy. My sister is an amazing massage therapist if anyone that lives in LA wants to take advantage of her healing powers. Let me know and I'll hook it up :)

Secret #4: Get a good wrap/carrier

A big help in mommyland is having a good carrier to tote bebe around with you wherever you go.

I worked from home the first 6 months in the kitchen with Kai on me. I used the moby a LOT in the beginning and switched over to the Butterfly 2 later on when he got heavier. I STILL use the Butterfly 2 and he's almost 2 years old! It can be used on the front facing you (which is supposed to be better for baby then facing out) and it can also be used as a backpack with baby on your back. This allowed me the freedom to go for hikes and run errands without dealing with a hefty stroller. Plus, you have the added bonus of bonding with your baby while they are on you, listening to you talk, feeling your body heat, etc. I highly recommend purchasing a sling/pak/carrier from the wonderful mommy I bought mine from at paxbaby.com. She's extremely knowledgeable and has 5 children herself (wow!) so knows a thing or two about it! She will also custom make your sling for you with special patterns you get to chose!

Secret #5: Balance mommyhood and livelihood

 Your life now contains a baby, your life is NOT a baby.

Sometimes you may feel like your entire BEING is being a momma. That life is all things baby and that's the way it's going to be for years to come.

With a few really easy steps, you too can feel like there's more to life than diaper changes and playdates.

1) Find a babysitter you love and GET OUT! You need time to yourself. You need to meet up with friends for lunch/coffee/juice/yoga and NOT have your tot with you. Especially later when the baby has set naps, you don't want to selfishly screw up their day so that you can see your friends... so having a sitter take care of babes helps. Run errands, do some work, go for a long walk in nature, whatever you need to feel like YOU again. I promise, you won't regret leaving them for a few hours once you just GO!

2) Schedule Date-nights: my hubby and I schedule once a week date nights. It's imperative we schedule this in because if we don't, weeks will pass and we won't take that special time for us. Sometimes it's something bomb like a concert and other times it's just dinner at our favorite sushi place or a movie. Regardless, we see each other, outside of the house, and have time to bond as two lovers and friends, not just as mommy and daddy. (although I must admit we probably talk about Kai the majority of the time and share pics and videos!) We also schedule time with couple friends, groups of friends and our family as often as we can so we can feel connected to our loved ones.

Secret # 6: SLEEP TRAIN YOUR CHILD!

I can't say enough about this! At 6 months, we sleep trained Kai. After two days of letting him "cry it out" (there are several techniques, we chose this one) he was trained. For over 15 months now, he has slept through every single night (unless he was sick/teething) for 11 HOURS STRAIGHT. He is a happy, joyful, rested child and I owe this to his sleep. Get books, do research and figure out what's best for you and your baby.

Secret #7: Be Present

When you're with baby, try and be as present as possible. At the dinner table, keep phones away. When you're spending one on one time or time as a family, try to stay in the moment. Kids can feel when you're not connected and really love it when you are. Obviously you'll have to take a phone call here and there and connect to the outside world, but just be sure when you're giving time to your little one that you're doing the best you can to give them all of you. If you're balancing your time by pampering yourself, journaling, getting enough sleep and exercising, you should be more than happy to give a few hours to your sweet love!

Being a mama is no doubt a balancing act. But part of being a wonderful mother is being a wonderful person. You can't be a person in the universe if you never take time for YOU and the things you love. So we adapt! Love to hike? Strap that baby onto your body! Love to practice yoga? find a gym that watches babies. Want to be a working mommy? Find a sitter you absolutely love and trust and get your hubby on board to help when he can. It can ALL be done, being a happy mommy, wife, friend and careerwoman...  you just need to take the time to dream it into reality (and get creative!). Journal, reflect and connect to your truest and best self as often as you can to stay centered and true to you. Everyone around you will notice the difference, I promise!  

Now that I'm a mommy and wifey, I don't just have to think of my own nutrition and health. I have to consider my children and husbands well-being as well. 

My son, Kai, is a little over 2 years old. His first solid food was butternut squash pureed, followed by a puree of green vegetables. He didn't have any sugar until a few months ago when he went to a birthday party, and to be honest, he didn't even care for it much. I was terrified once he had the processed kind of sugar he'd never want to go back to his clean ways of eating. Au Contraire.

His palate is so sophisticated now. He can eat anything no matter where we go. He loves spicy foods- he's happy and at home in any Indian restaurant and equally safe at sushi or any other ethnic cuisine. We've traveled to Paris, Costa Rica, Tel Aviv & South America and he's happy no matter where we go and what we feed him. This takes a little more effort on my part, to pave the way to healthy foods being part of his normal routine.

Phases and Bumps along the way

Sometimes he's not in the mood for a certain type of food. He'll push things he's loved for months away or throw it on the floor for our dog to eat. My trick is to lay out ONLY fruits and vegetables to start with-- a huge variety-- some cooked, some raw. Some warm, some cold. All different colors and flavors to entice his little appetite. He LOVES organic frozen veggies, which makes it super easy for me. He especially likes peas & lima beans, eating them one by one. I don't usually add any butter or salt to the veggies because he eats them without. So what's the point? He takes "butter" (Smart Balance) on his gluten-free waffles in the morning as a treat and loves it, but doesn't expect it yet. He's never touched syrup and there's really no reason to introduce it.

The best time to give him the foods he's not in the mood for is when he's super hungry after playing outside. Sometimes I just need to give him a "gateway" food to get him started. When he was super little just a few little Organic Puffs would do the trick. Now I'll give him half a piece of an organic cookie or the green flavored Pirate's Booty (our version of junk food) and after a few of these snack items he moves right into veggie land. Works pretty much every time.

Other days he just doesn't feel like sitting in his high chair and eating. On those days I let him run around and snack as he pleases. He'll graze on the veggies and fruit I put on a plate on the coffee table and run around and grab what he wants when he chooses to.  Many parents are really militant about kids sitting in their chairs and eating, and I understand their feelings. I get that sentiment, that it's more "proper" to eat meals sitting in their high chair. With my lifestyle (always on the go) and my manner (I'm not a very "proper" person myself) I allow him to guide the way, as the most important thing to me is Kai getting the nutrients he needs to GROW "properly", while being a formal "correct" child falls a bit lower on the priority list. Every child is different. Some kids really need that type of structure to stay well behaved. Kai is (luckily) really flexible and adaptable with my crazy on the go lifestyle.

Green Dream and Philosophie superfood blends save the day

When all else fails, I can make a Green Dream smoothie and at least feel good about Kai getting all the nutrients and greens he needs for the day. In one smoothie I can be sure he's getting good fats, vegan sources of protein, no weird fillers and nothing processed. This makes things a lot easier and makes me feel secure in what he eats for the rest of the day. Lately one of the only ways I can consistently get green veggies into his body is through smoothies. And that's fine with me! Sometimes in the morning I'll add Cacao Magic powder to his oatmeal or even a dash of Green Dream. Other times I'll sneak it into an "ice cream" where I blend frozen bananas, spinach and green dream or cacao blend. These tricks ensure the love of my life is getting everything he needs nutritionally. Not to mention the hubby benefits from these tricks as well! If you're interested in buying Green Dream, Cacao Magic or Berry Bliss blends, email me: sophie@thephilosophie.com and mention this post for a mommy discount!

I'm not sure where the "green" phobia in kids begin, but I can't help but think it's from parents trying to drive the foods down their kids throats. Kai loves Green foods and actually gravitates towards these foods vs running away from them. I think this practice starts early, but that you can retrain your kids brains by sneaking greens into a smoothie or into an ice cream... so they don't feel they are missing anything. I mean let's revisit Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Suess! In the end, he lovessss the Green Eggs... it just took TRYING them!

In Gratitude and Elmo obsessions,

Sophie

PS. SPEAKING of Green Eggs... an easy way to make your own Green Eggs is to blend the eggs and fresh spinach in the blender until smooth. Then cook as you normally would! Kai loves them, your kids will too!

Now that I'm a mommy and wifey, I don't just have to think of my own nutrition and health. I have to consider my children and husbands well-being as well.

My son, Kai, is a little over 2 years old. His first solid food was butternut squash pureed, followed by a puree of green vegetables. He didn't have any sugar until a few months ago when he went to a birthday party, and to be honest, he didn't even care for it much. I was terrified once he had the processed kind of sugar he'd never want to go back to his clean ways of eating. Au Contraire.

His palate is so sophisticated now. He can eat anything no matter where we go. He loves spicy foods- he's happy and at home in any Indian restaurant and equally safe at sushi or any other ethnic cuisine. We've traveled to Paris, Costa Rica, Tel Aviv & South America and he's happy no matter where we go and what we feed him. This takes a little more effort on my part, to pave the way to healthy foods being part of his normal routine.

Phases and Bumps along the way

Sometimes he's not in the mood for a certain type of food. He'll push things he's loved for months away or throw it on the floor for our dog to eat. My trick is to lay out ONLY fruits and vegetables to start with-- a huge variety-- some cooked, some raw. Some warm, some cold. All different colors and flavors to entice his little appetite. He LOVES organic frozen veggies, which makes it super easy for me. He especially likes peas & lima beans, eating them one by one. I don't usually add any butter or salt to the veggies because he eats them without. So what's the point? He takes "butter" (Smart Balance) on his gluten-free waffles in the morning as a treat and loves it, but doesn't expect it yet. He's never touched syrup and there's really no reason to introduce it.

The best time to give him the foods he's not in the mood for is when he's super hungry after playing outside. Sometimes I just need to give him a "gateway" food to get him started. When he was super little just a few little Organic Puffs would do the trick. Now I'll give him half a piece of an organic cookie or the green flavored Pirate's Booty (our version of junk food) and after a few of these snack items he moves right into veggie land. Works pretty much every time.

Other days he just doesn't feel like sitting in his high chair and eating. On those days I let him run around and snack as he pleases. He'll graze on the veggies and fruit I put on a plate on the coffee table and run around and grab what he wants when he chooses to.  Many parents are really militant about kids sitting in their chairs and eating, and I understand their feelings. I get that sentiment, that it's more "proper" to eat meals sitting in their high chair. With my lifestyle (always on the go) and my manner (I'm not a very "proper" person myself) I allow him to guide the way, as the most important thing to me is Kai getting the nutrients he needs to GROW "properly", while being a formal "correct" child falls a bit lower on the priority list. Every child is different. Some kids really need that type of structure to stay well behaved. Kai is (luckily) really flexible and adaptable with my crazy on the go lifestyle.

Green Dream and Philosophie superfood blends save the day

When all else fails, I can make a Green Dream smoothie and at least feel good about Kai getting all the nutrients and greens he needs for the day. In one smoothie I can be sure he's getting good fats, vegan sources of protein, no weird fillers and nothing processed. This makes things a lot easier and makes me feel secure in what he eats for the rest of the day. Lately one of the only ways I can consistently get green veggies into his body is through smoothies. And that's fine with me! Sometimes in the morning I'll add Cacao Magic powder to his oatmeal or even a dash of Green Dream. Other times I'll sneak it into an "ice cream" where I blend frozen bananas, spinach and green dream or cacao blend. These tricks ensure the love of my life is getting everything he needs nutritionally. Not to mention the hubby benefits from these tricks as well! If you're interested in buying Green Dream, Cacao Magic or Berry Bliss blends, email me: sophie@thephilosophie.com and mention this post for a mommy discount!

I'm not sure where the "green" phobia in kids begin, but I can't help but think it's from parents trying to drive the foods down their kids throats. Kai loves Green foods and actually gravitates towards these foods vs running away from them. I think this practice starts early, but that you can retrain your kids brains by sneaking greens into a smoothie or into an ice cream... so they don't feel they are missing anything. I mean let's revisit Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Suess! In the end, he lovessss the Green Eggs... it just took TRYING them!

In Gratitude and Elmo obsessions,

Sophie

PS. SPEAKING of Green Eggs... an easy way to make your own Green Eggs is to blend the eggs and fresh spinach in the blender until smooth. Then cook as you normally would! Kai loves them, your kids will too!

Respect yourself

Self respect is one of the great secrets to health and longevity. If you respect yourself, you won’t pollute your body-mind with drugs, junk food, and smoke, and you won’t abuse it with a poor lifestyle.

If you respect yourself, you will treat your body like a superior being and you would treat your mind like a sage. Treat yourself with respect-you may be a potential Buddha, or the person with the potential to save or positively change the world.

This single practice of truly respecting yourself should be enough to propel you on the path of radiant health!