The War On Soy: Why the Miracle Food May Be a Health Risk and Environmental Nightmare

Vegetarians aren't the only ones who should be concerned; there's soy in just about everything you eat these days -- including hamburgers, mac 'n cheese and salad dressing.

These days, you can get soy versions of just about any meat -- from hot dogs to buffalo wings. If you're lactose-intolerant you can still enjoy soy ice-cream and soy milk on your cereal. If you're out for a hike and need a quick boost of energy, you can nibble on soy candy bars.

Soy is a lucrative industry. According to Soyfoods Association of North America, from 1992 to 2008, sales of soy foods have increased from $300 million to $4 billion. From sales numbers to medical endorsements, it would seem that soy has reached a kind of miracle food status.

In 2000 the American Heart Association gave soy the thumbs up and the FDA proclaimed: "Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 25 grams of soy protein a day may reduce the risk of heart disease." Over the course of the last decade medical professionals have touted its benefits in fighting not just cardiovascular disease, but cancers, osteoporosis and diabetes.

But soy's glory days may be coming to an end. New research is questioning its health benefits and even pointing out some potential risks. Although definitive evidence may be many years down the road, the American Heart Association has quietly withdrawn its support. And some groups are waging an all-out war, warning that soy can lead to certain kinds of cancers, lowered testosterone levels, and early-onset puberty in girls.

Most of the soy eaten today is also genetically modified, which may pose another set of health risks. The environmental implications of soy production, including massive deforestation, increased use of pesticides and threats to water and soil, are providing more fodder for soy's detractors.

All of this has many people wondering if they should even be eating it at all. And you are most likely eating it. Even if you're not a vegetarian or an avid tofu fan, there is a good chance you're still eating soy. Raj Patel, author of Stuffed and Starved, explains that soy is now an ingredient in three-quarters of processed food on the market and just about everything you'd find in a fast food restaurant. It's used as filler in hamburgers, as vegetable oil and an emulsifier. It's in salad dressing, macaroni and cheese, and chicken nuggets.

"Even if you read every label and avoid cardboard boxes, you are likely to find soy in your supplements and vitamins (look out for vitamin E derived from soy oil), in foods such as canned tuna, soups, sauces, breads, meats (injected under poultry skin), and chocolate, and in pet food and body-care products," wrote Mary Vance for Terrain Magazine. "It hides in tofu dogs under aliases such as textured vegetable protein, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, and lecithin--which is troubling, since the processing required to hydrolyze soy protein into vegetable protein produces excitotoxins such as glutamate (think MSG) and aspartate (a component of aspartame), which cause brain-cell death."

Health Risks or Rewards?

"I grew up in Houston on po' boys and the Wall Street Journal," said Robyn O'Brien. "I trusted our food system." But all that changed when one of her kids developed a food allergy and O'Brien began doing research to find out what's actually in our food and the companies behind it.

Her work led to the book,The Unhealthy Truth: How Our Food Is Making Us Sick and What We Can Do About It, and she's become an incredible crusader on multiple fronts when it comes to food. She's also been educating consumers about soy's double-edged sword.

To understand why, it helps to know a little history about soy. It's been cultivated, starting in China, for 3,000 years. While Asian diets have generally included soy it has been in small amounts eaten fermented -- primarily via miso, natto and tempeh. "Fermenting soy creates health-promoting probiotics, the good bacteria our bodies need to maintain digestive and overall wellness," wrote Vance. "By contrast, in the United States, processed soy food snacks or shakes can contain over 20 grams of nonfermented soy protein in one serving."

It's not that all soy is bad; in fact, eating it in small doses can be quite healthy, if it's fermented. But when it's not, that's where the problems begin. Soy is a legume, which contains high amounts of phytic acid. Phytic acid binds to minerals (like calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc), interfering with the body's ability to absorb them (which is usually a bad thing). Soy is also known to contain "antinutrients," among them enzyme inhibitors that interfere with protein digestion. The Chinese figured out about 2,000 years ago that antinutrients and phytic acid could be deactivated during fermentation, but in the processed-food laden land of the West, we've chosen cultural ignorance in favor of quick and cheap. Most of the soy we eat is unfermented.Another issue with soy is its high amounts of isoflavones, which can be good and bad (hence the double-edged sword). Isoflavones are a powerful antioxidant, writes Robyn O'Brien in her book, that can help boost immunity. They also impact estrogen levels and have been shown to have positive effects on easing symptoms of menopause. "But that plus can also be a minus," writes O'Brien, "because isoflavones' very ability to boost estrogen production can also pose hazards to our health. For example, the FDA scientists point out, during pregnancy, isoflavones could boost estrogen levels even higher, 'which could be a risk factor for abnormal brain and reproductive tract development.'" There is also a risk of breast and other reproductive cancers for women and the potential for testicular cancer and infertility in men.

While there was much news about the American Heart Association endorsing soy in 2000, there was little attention given when the AHA changed its mind and quietly withdrew its pro-soy claims in 2006, O'Brien points out. She also learned that they were not the only ones who expressed concerned about soy. A study in the British medical journal Lancet in 1996 warned of the effects of soy in infant formula. The study found babies had levels of isoflavones that were five to 10 times higher than women taking soy supplements for menopause. The effects in girls could be early-onset puberty, obesity, breast and reproductive cancers. Boys could face testicular cancer, undescended testicles and infertility. Additionally, O'Brien says, a 2003 British study conducted by Gideon Lack of St. Mary's Hospital at Imperial College London followed 14,000 children from the womb through age 6 and found that kids who had been given soy formula as infants seemed almost three times as likely to develop a peanut allergy later on.

As if all this weren't disturbing enough, there's also another reason to be alarmed -- most of the soy we eat is genetically modified to withstand increasing doses of weed-killing herbicides, and really, we have no idea what the long-term affects of that might be. So, what's a person to do? Stay away from soy as much as possible, which also means avoiding processed foods. And, even if we choose not to eat those things, some of us may end up getting them anyway. "There are different sales channels that these companies are using to sell soy with little regard for the cost to people down the road," said O'Brien. "Soy that is not used in grocery stores, in restaurants, or consumed by livestock, is disposed of in school lunch programs, hospitals, and prisons."

One organization, the Weston A. Price Foundation, is actually engaged in a lawsuit on behalf of Illinois state prisoners who say they're eating a diet made of largely soy protein. "In their letters, the prisoners have described deliberate indifference to a myriad of serious health problems caused by the large amounts of soy in the diet," the WAP Foundation writes. "Complaints include chronic and painful constipation alternating with debilitating diarrhea, vomiting after eating, sharp pains in the digestive tract after consuming soy, passing out after soy-based meals, heart palpitations, rashes, acne, insomnia, panic attacks, depression and symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as low body temperature (feeling cold all the time), brain fog, fatigue, weight gain, frequent infections and an enlarged thyroid gland."

While the soy industry has profited from the widespread adoption of its products here in the United States, other developed countries have taken a more precautionary approach and not allowed soy to become as pervasive in their food supplies in an effort to protect the health of their citizens, says O'Brien. But it's not just people who are at risk. The deleterious effects of soy can start with the seed.

Goodbye Rainforests, Hello Roundup

Glenn Beck recently chastised Al Gore about his meat eating, telling him that if he really cared about the planet he should put down his burger and pick up some Tofurkey. But unfortunately, it's not that simple. Increasing evidence is showing that soy production is also catastrophic for the environment. Just like a beef burger, a soy-based veggie patty may also be leading to deforestation, water depletion, and pesticide pollution. But it's also important to note that the vast majority of soy produced globally isn't used for tofu and veggie sausage -- it's actually used to fatten livestock and create biofuels (so, yeah, you may still want to put down the burger).

"Soy is a really sexy crop; it's fantastic. It's nitrogen fixing, it's full of protein; it's very rich and flexible," Raj Patel said in an interview with New America Media. "The tragedy is that the way we grow it today has turned a blessing into a curse because the way that soy agriculture works is monocultural, which means it takes over large parts of land. In Brazil, that means the Cerrado and the rainforest in the Amazon, and they are draining the water that is beneath that land. There are even some soy and biofuel plantations in Brazil where the International Labor Organization says there are 40,000 slaves working today. Slaves! In Brazil, producing biofuels and soy."

Brazil is one of the leading soy producers in the world, second only to the U.S. and poised to quickly move to the top spot. And overall, the growth of the world market is huge, with global production doubling over the past 20 years and 210 million tons produced a year.

But it has also led to problems. Countries across Latin America, including Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia, are experiencing environmental problems similar to Brazil's. Rainforests are cleared, carbon emissions increase, indigenous and small farmers are displaced, aquifers are sucked dry, roads are built through sensitive ecosystems, and heavy pesticide use threatens waterways, soils and the health of locals. And as with all industrial monocultural farming, the rich (Monsanto, Cargill, and Bunge) get richer and the poor get poorer.

"The soy 'gold rush' has attracted fierce competition for land, leading to violence and murder," Marianne Betterly summarized in Mariri Magazine. "Hundreds of acres of rainforest are being cleared everyday, often by slave 'debt' laborers, to make room for more soy plantations."

So, we may get our cheap burgers and a deluge of soy-infused foods, but at great cost.

Adding to all these environmental problems with soy is the fact that much of the world's soy (and 85 percent of the U.S crop) is genetically engineered. Since the early '90s farmers in the United States (and now across the world) have been using Monsanto's Roundup Ready soy that is genetically engineered to be resistant to the herbicide Roundup, which is liberally sprayed on the crop to kill weeds.

Much of the promise of GE crops was that they'd lead to the use of less pesticides and herbicides, which threaten both human and environmental health. But that hasn't actually panned out. "Because herbicide-tolerant crops are designed to withstand application of weed killers, farmers can apply large amounts of pesticides without fear of harming their crops. The U.S. has seen more than a 15-fold increase in the use of glyphosate, or Monsanto's Roundup herbicide, on major crops from 1994 to 2005," Co-Op America reported.

And more damning evidence has just been released. A new study that just came out this week funded by a coalition of non-governmental organizations including the Union of Concerned Scientists, the Center for Food Safety, the Cornerstone Campaign, Californians for GE-Free Agriculture, Greenpeace International and Rural Advancement Fund International USA, found that GE corn, soybean and cotton crops have increased the use of weed-killing herbicides in the U.S. by 383 million pounds from 1996 to 2008.

The study will surely be accompanied by more alarms bells set off by small farmers, environmentalists and organic supporters. And it will be one more battle in the war against soy that's being fought on both health and environmental fronts. Perhaps it will make people think twice before eating soy products, processed food and even most meat.

written by Tara Lohen
http://www.alternet.org/water/144074/the_war_on_soy%3A_why_the_%27miracle_food%27_may_be_a_health_risk_and_environmental_nightmare?page=3
more info:  http://www.thephilosophie.com/philosophie/soy-foods-and-soy-protein-myths-explained/

Comments (3):

Sophie on

Thank you, George, for your comment. This article was written by Tara Lohen from Alternet, the post I wrote was less thorough and a few posts back.
I wanted to include more information on soy, so I posted this information she so meticulously put together.
Before posting this I actually had the same qualm about phytic acid. I did further research and discovered its true, phytic acid is a toxin in soy. Small amounts of Phytic acid can also be found in barley, oats, wheat and rye, but in higher quantities like in in soy, it can block the uptake of certain vital minerals.
And yes, there are many things that shouldn’t be given to infants, but your example of honey is specifically about allergies, in a similar fashion as peanuts. I’ve heard about many studies and true life cases where children (particularly boys) have grown up after having unfermented soy from infancy and their hormones, neurobehavioral development and reproductive growth affected. Soy formula has been on the market for over 100 years but only recently has evidence against it been evolving. In 1980 iron and other vital minerals were added to soy formula because of the high amount of phytic acid which binds iron.
There’s no question that breast milk is the best source of nutrition for human babies. If breast milk can’t be used, it seems soy is the last resource one would want to use.
this is a great article (double blind study) on this topic: PEDIATRICS Vol. 121 No. 5 May 2008, pp. 1062-1068 (doi:10.1542/peds.2008-0564)
Again, thank you for your comment, and I look forward to hearing from you in the future.

Starbucks offering vegan options?! | The Philosophie on

[…] don’t love that it’s made with soy milk (I’d prefer almond or oat milk) but it’s definitely a step in the right direction […]

George Popham on

OK, I share reservations about gmo foods (though, to be fair, the jury is still out on how bad they might be and they do have significant benefits in terms of feeding lots of people.) I also share your reservations about utterly criminal ways of industrial agriculture, but those issues are separate from the problems with soy itself as a dangerous food. I’m more than a little skeptical of the claim that legumes are in some way unhealthy in general owing to phytic acid. I’d need a lot more info on that to trust these claims. I’m willing to be convinced, but bad agriculture practices are one thing and soy as a food source is another and this article had very little on the negative effects of soy as such. Maybe it is bad for infants, but then so is honey, that is not a definitive criteria. And reports of "chronic and painful constipation alternating with debilitating diarrhea, vomiting after eating, sharp pains in the digestive tract after consuming soy, passing out after soy-based meals, heart palpitations, rashes, acne, insomnia, panic attacks, depression and symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as low body temperature (feeling cold all the time), brain fog, fatigue, weight gain, frequent infections and an enlarged thyroid gland.” Will have to be born out by real, controlled, double blind, studies as all of those symptoms can be caused by any number of factors aside from soy. I think you have a good article on the evils of corporate agriculture here, but you are a bit premature on your condemnation of unfermented soy in general.

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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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